Videos from Jen's Visit

Hey Everyone! My goal today is to get caught up on photos from ya'lls trips!! So, check out FB and my blog, and here are the videos from Jen's visit!!















We had a great time with them! The rest of the summer is going to be so boring without all the visitors!! :)

Love you all!

An artist hard at work ...

I shot these pics of Ty working hard so hard and diligently on this picture and I thought that I'd post them for you all to see! Nate & I have been impressed with his skills since he was just a little guy, and this time is no different!!

... the last of the Tran videos ...

As you can see, we had a blast with Jess & fam!!

Happy Bday July Babies!

Just wanted to wish a very Happy Bday to Mr. Scouty, Mrs. Jacie! And of course Jess and Uncle Natey! Hope you all had and are having a great birthday! Love you guys! Aunt Manda

Summer Update!

Hey Fam,

A quick note before I sign off for the night! Lovin the posts and videos-thanks! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer! It's been a great week-busy busy. It was super hot so we got a few swim days in and Leiah learned to swim without her vest-yeehaw! She's doing awesome and can stay underwater for 10 seconds. I know. Because I counted at least 20 times! Indy is so excited because she can now swim in the deep end with her friends! Although she is not happy that she can't yet do front and back flips in the water and Leiah can! We've been playing outside on the swingset, practicing our rollerblading, watching the Robin Hood series on Netflix, working in the garden(I have 3 zucchinis and numerous tomatoes and snap peas yum), lots of Ritas trips(for italian ices), we spent a night in NJ shopping and eating at our favorite PF Changs! We found some great picture frames for the house. I started painting the kitchen this morning-looks like it will be somewhat of a major undertaking and I hope I can finish before I start work again. The color is caramel honey-I'll post some pics when I'm done. The girls have had Bible camp all week in the morning-I caught a free morning to go to Barnes and Noble ON MY OWN for a few hours...unheard of out here! Kaobe and I have a morning of rollerblading and breakfasting tomorrow-will be great to have one on one with him! He's been babysitting more for Obeta and I-we are thrilled that we finally can go out without finding a babysitter!

I am thoroughly(did i spell that right??) enjoying my time off with the kids! Doesn't it feel great to sleep in? I'd forgotten how! It's 12:04 and I've got a crazy day tomorrow-love you all and can't wait to see you Jess and fam!!
Love, me

4th of July Videos

Hey all! Still playing catch up! I posted the 4th of July photos on my blog, but here are a few videos of the fireworks and the exciting sounds of Jacie & Devin!!

Summer vacation

Alright girls, I'll finally take the hint!

We are having a great time visiting with all you guys. We arrived in SLC after traveling for 25 hours and were excited to eat our first meal at Costa Vida with mom, Clar, and Mary. We crashed and had a little jet lag, but still managed to have a lot of fun imbetween. Phuc headed out the next day to Wendover for the night so the kids and I got to sneak in a quick visit with mom and dad. We started off with lots of cards, unfortunately the boys seem to take over my spot more often than not. The kids were so excited to see family and be entertained with constant adult playmates. Hallie and Jacie had their nails painted immediately and the boys plotted a treasure hunt for the cousins. Mom, Clar and I had a relaxing evening getting french tip pedicures and dining at Cafe Sabor. It was fabulous! We also had fun going for a picnic in the canyon and enjoyed some KFC which is always a hit for me. Ty and Devin enjoyed making fun of the ranger who was hounding us to pay and the girls were crazy dancing and singing as you have seen. It was funny to see Dad fed up with the ranger, because he is always so patient. We played more cards, UNO, and had a giant water fight. I was able to sneak out of the cold water early when Jacie got cold and wanted to go in, everyone else was completely soaked. We ate sweet chicken tacos that Clarissa made and had chips and dill pickle dip and pumpkin bread. I also enjoyed hanging out with Blake for a few days, we were able to talk and relax for the first time in so many years. I've never had bread pudding, and was a little skeptical, but it was delicious! I could use a personal chef in Virginia when you need a break Blake!

The 4th of July weekend was very festive with a family reunion BBQ. It was shocking for me to see a lot of my cousins and I really enjoyed visiting with them. The Hyrum parade was a hit with Devin and Jacie who were all over the salt water taffy, and the rest of us enjoyed the cold water bottles and chocolate creamy handouts. We played a few games while waiting for the fireworks and the kids made creations with their light sticks to keep us entertained. They actually concocted a bouncing ball made of light sticks that was pretty cool.

After a good night's sleep we loaded up for the long drive to Colorado, we stopped for the obligatory raspberry shake in Bear Lake and stopped at the mall in Rock Springs for a little break. We all enjoyed our visit with Jen and Cody, the girls had Jenny busy coloring with them immediately and then we monopolized her morning while she gave us all hair updates. I got some fun summer highlights and Hallie was excited for her blue feathers and silver tinsel, surprisingly Phuc even likes it! Surf and Scout kept Tyson and Devin busy in the new secret room and we ate at the Rib House.

Onto Colorado Springs the next day we caught up with our family friends, the Smiths, at the church. Phuc was excited to play basketball with his buddies, he hasn't played since we left Colorado while Carri and I visited and the kids played. We ate at our favorite Thai restaurant, walked through our house, and had lunch the next day with the Narayan's. The kids each picked a special friend to visit and we were sad to leave again. We got in a little shopping at Castle Rock and dined at the Cheesecake Factory. Hallie spotted the American Girl store and she and Jacie were insistent to go. It was a fun stop and Jacie got to pick out her birthday present with Hallie snagging a few things herself.

We then headed back to Jen's house where she made us another great breakfast and we headed on our way back to Utah.

Now I'm totally vegging at the Little America with Phuc while mom, dad, Clar and Nate are playing with the kids. We are having so much fun and will be sad to leave Utah, but can't wait to move out of these suitcases. We are excited to continue our visit with family when we get to hang out with the Osolu's! Love you all, Jess