Summer fun in Elko

Here's what we've been up to this summer in Elko Nevada.  

playing at the park 

Feeding the geese in spring creek

Angels Lake

Angels Lake

The hart family joined us at Angels Lake :) 

Lots of breakfasts and BBQ's out on the porch

Play dates with friends

Hikes up Lamoille Canyon

Hanging out at the boot barn

Lots of play dates with cousin Beckham

Lots of playing in the water

Lots of swimming in the pool 

Eating homemade popsicles

Playing in the rain

Home renovations (building shelves in the garage)

(finished shelves)

Girls trip to Moab

Michelle and I celebrated our 27th birthday on June 28th, and we decided a girls trip to Moab would be the perfect way to celebrate! It was my first weekend away from Ella, which was really hard on me at first.  The longest I had ever been away from her was overnight... So I did have some separation anxiety.  My wonderful mother and father in law took Ella for the weekend since Brandon was away, and she had an absolute blast.  I'm sure she had 24/7 undivided attention, play time, cuddles and kisses.  My mother in law was sweet enough to send me pictures and videos of Ella throughout the trip to help with the separation.  I had such an amazing time hiking, kayaking, swimming and exploring.  I love everything outdoors, and it was so much fun to get some fresh air and have some uninterrupted me time.... Let's face it, as a mom this doesn't happen very often.  It was a much needed break, and it definitely helped rejuvenate me.  

So lucky to share my birthday with my best friend/sister.  Love you Chell!    

Hike to the fragile arch, Moab Utah

hiking in 108 degree weather... we are hard core! 

we made it! 

our little cabin for the weekend 

kayaking!  Such a blast! 

New home

I'm back from another blogging dry spell.  I have a lot to get caught up on, so bare with me. On May 30, 2013 we finally closed on our house.  We found the house back in April, which was for sale by owner.  I saw a flyer for the house at our local grocery store, Raleys.  It was in our price range (which is rare for Elko), and after doing a walk through I could picture our little family living there.  It is a tiny house...only 1,500 square feet 3 bed and 2 bath, but I love every inch of it.  Since it was our first home, and we had been living out of the country for the past 3 years we had to jump through a lot of hoops, but luckily it all worked out... and now it's all ours!!!!  There is something so special and exciting about buying your first home.  :)  I feel like a real grown up now.   We are still unpacking, organizing and decorating... but as we get more settled I will take pictures and post them.    

Signing the final documents on our home!

Back yard (view from the porch)

Back porch 

I absolutely love our backyard.  I love how much room we have, and that it is so secluded.  I love that Ella can run, play and explore as much as she wants.  

My mom helped me with all the gardening.  I'm hoping her green thumb gets passed down to me. 

More pictures to come :)