july favorites

Well, friends. Another post trying to explain where and what we've been up too. July happens to be the busiest month of the year for us. (puts even frantic December to shame).
So here's a ton of pics for your enjoyment. My niece has started asking everyone after we go out what our favorite thing was we did. Well here's my favorites for July: (p.s. how is it already August?)

#1 Favorite: My little Miss A's birthday. Cannot believe its been 3 whole years. I'll spare you the rantings of a mother lamenting the loss of her children fastly growing.
For Miss A's party I decided I would pick the theme this year since forever after this she'll probably want a princess this or fairy that for a while. So given our last name, Pirate Party it was. And it was SOOO much fun to gear up for. I tell you honestly, I prepared for 2 solid months, and could've kept right on going. We had just the family & cousins again this year. So fun! Here we are, on the deck of the cabin. Thanks to my husband for being my biggest supporter/enabler. Cute Christmas card, don't you think?

Sorry I am lame and too lazy to fix this next one. Its the outside of the cabin AKA the pirate ship. We had pirate music blasting as well.

Here's a pic of the pirate crew. We went on a treasure hunt, played musical islands (aka musical chairs but using carpet squares) had a lovely lunch and of course spoiled Cap'n A with presents.

Here's Mr. B. As you can see, everyone was issued a pirate name. (I think all of my creativity was zapped after this party.)

Commodore Bug Sharkchum was our fearless leader. I can't tell you how many nights we fell asleep watching Pirates of the Caribbean so he could learn to "speak pirate." And I am telling you, it paid off because he was totally a professional. Sometimes it can be a touch frightening with how far he can take such a task.

Cousin birthday party: a tea party that Miss A tried to become like Fancy Nancy. If I wasn't totally exhausted after playing pirates, I'd get giddy and through another one soon because this was incredibly fun.

Then, for Miss A's actual birthday celebration we:

went to Red Balloon for the 1st time so she could pick something out herself (HILARIOUS to see what she picked-even pushed through my coaxing for something more shiny and practical)

For dinner: her pick was Cowboy Grub along with all the other 90 year olds in town. (Bug loves this place too. We know class around here)

After the Grub, it was off to the drive inn, which A adores. Such fun. We also enjoyed a trip to the Aquarium, and Bug with his weird phobia of fish was conquering his fear left & right. He even touched the creepy/slimy stingrays. He was so proud.

Mr. B discovering his tongue.

HAD to see the Nemo fish.

Also this summer, Bug's bro & sis-in-law have been in town, and we enjoyed being able to have playdates with them. We spent one at This Is The Place Park. Tons of fun.

Here's Mr. B: my forever happy camper.

Miss A with Grandma enjoying doing the wash together. How can I get Miss A to be this excited to do chores at home?

Cousins petting creatures. Wish we lived closer...

A highlight of the summer for me was escaping for a night with Bug to catch Katie Herzig in concert (one of my favorite artists right now). And I totally geeked out when I she was gracious enough to pose for a pic. Also we were introduced to Brandi Carlile. Amazing. And L.O.V.E.D. being at the Red Butte Amphitheater.
We are still going strong over here. I feel like I am jamming something into every nook & cranny of our time. We are going to need to hibernate this winter I am afraid...