Splash Pad

We squeezed in a Tucano's Birthday visit before June ended and we missed the free meal coupon. Just outside, there was a splash pad that Lydia and Collin got to try out. We actually managed to keep it contained so Lydia didn't end up drenched when we weren't planning on swimming. She thought it was hilarious that the water shot up from the ground.

Montana Trip

We took a last trip to Montana while it was still reasonable driving distance. Collin and I were pretty proud of ourselves for our contraption we built to help Lydia with the car ride. We used it as a trial run for our drive to California that we knew was coming. We cut up an old tablet case to be able to hook it over the headrest of the car and made our own portable DVD player....minus the DVDs. Lydia can now watch our digital movies on long trips and it helped her pass the long hours in the car.

Justin recently purchased an off-roading vehicle, so we went on lots of rides to see beautiful places. 

Lydia even tried to drive for us!

Every morning, Lydia would look out the window at the chickens and beg Grandpa Justin to take her to see the chickens. More often than not, Lydia came back in eating the food that they took out with the intention of feeding to the chickens. 

Lydia and Maya had lots of quality bonding time and had a blast doing it!

Throwing rocks in the river was a favorite, though more dirt ended up on clothes than in the river.

When all other distraction failed with grumpy kids, nothing worked as well as the rocking horse on the front porch.

Happy Father's Day!

Baby Shower for Baby Boy Dilworth

My wonderful sisters threw me a baby shower before we left our Utah friends to move to California. We had a blast chatting away and spending time outside on a beautiful day. Thank you Lisa and Cari for all your work to make this happen for me! I have the best two sisters a girl could ask for!

It's a...

It's a BOY!! We've had the official word that we get a new baby boy to join our family! He's due October 16 and so far everything looks healthy!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Despite being more concerned than most years about how much I'd be able to enjoy this birthday, I was blown away by the love of my family and friends! Now, I know it seems like a silly thing, but when I first found out Collin's China trip was going to take him away from me for my birthday, I was mad! Once I accepted that it wasn't going to change, plans started forming to salvage what was left of my day.

My Mom's immediate response was that I wouldn't be alone, because I'd be in CA visiting her, Dad, Mike, Cari, Des, Roxi, and Kairo. That much was certainly in effect today. Everyone did little things to make my day wonderful!

When I woke up, I got to video chat with Collin who was just turning in for the night. It was a fantastic start to my day to get to see his face, even if the call got dropped a couple times during our conversation. It is always wonderful to see and talk to him. It makes it feel like he is not so far away and not doing crazy sightseeing in China!

After breakfast (which Cari made to order), Mom and Cari watched Lydia so I could take a shower and do my hair and makeup. I even got to take my time doing it all. I don't think I could have imagined before having kids how much of a luxury that is seen as!

Next, I got to nap when Lydia went down for an early nap of her own! Then, we all got in the car and met Dad for lunch at KFC/A&W. It was fun to have everyone who was in town be there with me!

That afternoon, Cari watched Lydia so Mom and I could go clothes shopping. I even got to try clothes on! It was a lot of fun!

Later on, we ate red velvet cake with burnt butter frosting that Cari made. It was delicious!



Long story short, my birthday was great even though I was a little worried. :) I have the best family ever!