Trip to Utah

On our way back to Nebraska we made a detour through Utah to visit some of Dan's relatives. (Thanks Nancy for letting us stay at your house.) While we were in Utah we took the girls to temple square and Paige was able to meet her Great Grandma Broadbent for the first time. Amazingly Paige didn't even cry when Grandma held her. Usually Paige doesn't let anyone she doesn't know hold her. Paige must have know this was her sweet great grandma. We only spent one day in Utah. We were all ready to get back home in our own beds.

Paige's 1st unbirthday!

Before we left for Nebraska we wanted to celebrate Paige's 1st birthday so grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends could be around. I know she is only nine months, but who doesn't love an excuse to have a BBQ swim party and to watch Paige dig into a cupcake. She was so cute. At first she didn't know what to do with it, but once she got a little taste of the sugary goodness, there was no turning back. By the end of it she was covered in frosting and cupcake.
It was fun to spend time with everyone before we left and Hollyn, of course, had a blast swimming with her cousins and friends. Thanks to all of our friends and family who were able to make it and thanks Mom and Dad for hosting the party. We had a great summer!

California

 

California

We decided to take one last trip to California before we headed back for Nebraska. My parents stayed with us in Oceanside for a few nights. We spent most of our time on the beach and walking the board walk. Hollyn loved finding shells and jumping the waves and Paige loved eating the sand. We watched a guy fishing on the pier who caught a huge sand shark and sting ray. Hollyn also had her first shake in the middle of the ocean. Dan bought her a shake at the Ruby's on the end of the pier. She thought it was the greatest thing ever. We then headed to Ocean beach to stay with Dan's brother Josh's fiance Jess. She was a great host. She took us to the beach by their house and jumped waves with Hollyn. We took Jess to our favorite pasta place, Pasta aspresso. They make there own pasta and sauce, it's delicious. Before we left we took the girls to Balboa Park to see the beautiful gardens and take some pictures. We always love to spend time in California.

One year anniversary of Andrew's death

I can't believe it's been one year since my youngest Andrew died. To remember him we went to the cemetery and let go of balloons as we talked about our fondest memories of Andrew. Afterward we went to Andrew's favorite restaurant, C-FU. It's hard to believe it's already been a year since Andrew died. Every time Hollyn gets a balloon at a restaurant she lets it go and says "This is for Andrew." She sure loved her uncle Andrew.