Fam Reunion

This past weekend we got to make a quick trip up to Utah for Owen's family reunion. It was a great opportunity for all of his family to be together at one place...so we were happy to be there too! Owen's mom worked really hard to make it happen and the reunion was a lot of fun. I was so impressed by all of the family history that was collected for the reunion...I hope one day I will be able to take on a project like that. I left with a great message:
Always keep your ancestors memories/stories/recipes/hobbies/testimonies alive! They are amazing people who have done amazing things and should never be forgotten...

The family at his grandpa's birthday party

Hanging out at the Splash Pad in Highland

All of the girls
love, love, LOVE being in a family of mostly girls...so fun!

Fun Fact from the Reunion:
Owen and I share the same great, great, great (maybe another great?) Grandpa: Jesse N. Smith (cousin of Joseph Smith Jr.). I'm pretty sure there's enough greats in there to make us legal though

Life with a Traveling Husband

Ever since Owen has started his job last month, our life has consisted of the following schedule:

Monday Night: Owen flys to somewhere in the U S of A. Start of a looong week.

Tuesday - Friday: Owen works at a car dealership during the day; Staying in hotels every night. Alyssa works at the insurance office during the day; Sleeping at home alone every night.

Friday Night: Alyssa gets to pick Owen up from the airport (finally); Date night consisting of Owen, Alyssa, dinner and play time.

Saturday: Sleep in together; Go swimming/lay out at any kind of pool or water area we can get our hands on; Nap time at home; Get ready for the night then play time with friends.

Sunday: Sleep in together; Breakfast with the family; Church; Trip to the dog park; Game night with the family

Monday Morning: Owen packs; Alyssa works; Lunch Date

REPEAT

One month of his training down, three more to go. I'm ready to have my husband back full time.

Independence Day

For the 4th of July we headed up to the mountains with my family for the weekend. I grew up going to Pinetop every 4th of July, so I loved being back up there for the holiday. And I loved that Owen got to go up too and see how we celebrate the 4th. Instead of Pinetop, we stayed up in Springerville where most of the fam was staying this year. We started the day (Saturday) out early by going to the town parade:

.:springerville parade:.

.:some of the crew:.

.:owen's favorite part of the parade:.
free otterpops

.:my favorite part of the parade:.
the adorable mini-horses

.:go-carts in Pinetop:.
a 4th of July must

.:waiting to watch the fireworks in Showlow:.

.:the grand finale firework show:.

We headed back to Mesa on Sunday (the real 4th of July) and wanted to see what The Valley had to offer for their firework celebration. We hiked up a little mountain in East Mesa and enjoyed all 8 firework shows, from Apache Junction to North Scottsdale (Apache Junction definitly won best firework show...we now know where to go next year!) It was amazing view to see all of the city lights with fireworks above:

.:sparklers + mountain top firework show:.

.:trying to do our own fireworks:.


"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation and freedom in all just pursuits."
Thomas Jefferson