Long Time No Blog

So I haven't blogged forever. I have been sucked into the Facebook world where posting pics seems to be a bit easier. If you aren't my friend on fb, and would like to be so you can see pics, feel free to friend me.

Our summer was a GREAT one. I am happy to say it's been rather eventful, but full of good, good things.

We started off the summer headed toward Idaho taking the long route to get there. We decided to take some time and make it a mini-vacation on the way. We made several stops along the way. Among them were stops at the Corn Palace,





The Badlands,







Wall Drug (a pointless tourist trap),







Mount Rushmore,









Crazy Horse Monument,



and finally Yellowstone.









We couldn't find a hotel and we wanted to stay longer, so we ended up sleeping in the van. Thad took this cruel picture of me...don't I look oh, so comfy?



















We had a great time!

We finally made it to Burley where we witnessnessed the wedding of a beloved brother. Thad's littlest brother Taylor married the woman of his dreams, Lyndee Searle. We were so happy to be a part of the festivities and we are so, so happy for them.





I was a dork and COMPLETELY left my camera at the house, so I got NO temple wedding pics. The ceremony will be forever with me though. It was really special.

This is the two of them planning their next escape...



While in Burley I also got to reunion with an AWESOME friend of mine of whom I haven't seen in almost a decade (no joke.) He's my hero. Thanks, Kelly for letting us come visit!



While in Burley we all did some major spring cleaning and yard trimming.









Melissa worked herself to death--as usual. When I grow up I want to be like her.



Then we had some major chill time before the wedding, and Taylor and Thad played Ping Pong, and my gorgeous Brock skimmed through some music.





We visited Grandpa and Grandma Stoker.



And we celebrated Emery's 3rd birthday. She was pretty excited to get a Zhu Zhu pet she named Suzie. Along with some fun Dora stuff...and I created a Dora cake for her.













I also spent some time with some great friends in Logan, but I neglected to bring my camera. It was so nice to see my friends Ryan Peterson, Todd Jenkins, Trina, Becky, Shelby, Emeline, and Hilary Wood. It was a vacation of reunions for me. Thanks guys!


Before we left Logan to take Thad to the SLC airport, we got to meet Josh Jones' family. It was great! Josh served as a missionary in Dubuque. We sort of adopted him.



Since Thad couldn't stay in Logan with us we spent a little time in SLC before and after he flew home. We stayed free at the Red Lion Hotel. Our room window was the high one in the middle.




The girls really enjoyed it.

After leaving Thad at the airport we snuck in some time at Temple Square and the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.













Then we went out to eat and took a fast tour of the Sweets factory. Oh what fun it is to see candy being made! I have never seen a chunch of neopolitan taffy so huge!





They couldn't smile because of the sun in their eyes so this is the best I've got.



Then back to Burley for some more fun. Here we are gathering worms for the Neilson family reunion in Mackay, Idaho. I was so glad to see Great Grandpa Neilson, and many other family members we haven't seen in a long time. We even all got to ride down the river. Good times!





































Also, while in Logan I saw my awesome family and we played a lot! We even managed to sneak in a trip to Lagoon. The girls were unsure at first, but then they warmed up to the idea and had a blast! Thanks to all for letting me come and visit or stay!
































The girls and I hit the road, loaded down with a ton of stuff from our vacation. Thankfully the drive was uneventful, though there were a few close calls.








I arrived to a extreme home makeover of sorts. Thad was really busy while we were gone. He tore out and cleaned up the basement because of the flooding while we were away. He traded our room with the girls' room and repainted them both! Not to mention he also made me a headboard and platform for our bed, added crown moulding, curtains, curtain rods and carpet!












Shortly after we arrived home we went to pick up our newest member of the family. Introducing Lucy! She's a Havashu (cross breed of a Shih-tzu/Havanese). We love her so much, and she is growing so fast! She loves to bite our toes and play fetch. We are really enjoying her.











Then just last weekend we decided to go camping. We went up to Yellow River and stayed at the Little Paint campground. Micaela was just itching to go camping because she'd just gotten her bicycle fixed. She'd worn out the tire learning to ride. So she was eager to try it out again.





While camping Audry also figured out how to ride her bike. It was a monumental weekend for the kids. We had three kids learn how to ride their bikes. Audry was one of three kids that learned that weekend.





Everyone had a great time playing two-hand touch football and ultimate frisbee. It was so fun to spend some time with our good friends.










And to end a perfect summer, Emery is officially potty trained! Yay! I am so, so happy to say goodbye to diapers, diaper bags, and diaper creams. Freedom! We are very proud of her!

Next week we hope to get carpet back in the basement, and then we can officially move back into the house.

It's been a wonderful summer!