july already

happy july. we loved the fourth, we went to some friends' house where we had an incredible dinner (including great pit-roasted beef), and a perfect, straight on view of the fireworks. it was a pretty good show too, and there were tons of people there to entertain our kids, i only got the baby for a few minutes the whole night (when she was hungry). afton wasn't too sure what to make of the fireworks at first, she was a little nervous, but before a full minute, she had started saying "wow," "boom," and "yea!" she tried identifying a few colors, but unfortunately, the only color she can really remember is blue, so she was usually wrong when guessing. it was still a fun night, especially since paul had gotten back a day early and was there with us!

on another note, today was rayna's blessing. it was nice to see so many friends and family there, paul's mom, brother, 2 of his sisters, a brother-in-law, and niece were there, as well as the taylors from tucson, my friend (and old roommate) cara, and my aunt hilary and her family. a couple of them had to leave early (right after sacrament meeting), but we were happy to see them just the same, and we really appreciate them coming all this way for such a quick visit. everyone else came by the house afterwards and played games and ate food. also fun and appreciated! the blessing was especially nice, and rayna was, of course, very quiet and good during it. here's how paul recorded her blessing for her baby book:
"Rayna was blessed that she might be a light to her family & a constant reminder of all things spiritual. She was blessed with wisdom to be able to discern with good judgement the character of other people so she can choose carefully the people she will associate herself with. She was blessed with an ability to be a peacemaker & arbiter among her family, friends, peers & other associates throughout her life. She was blessed to have a desire to be a missionary, to share the gospel with those who are close to her and whom she loves. She was blessed with strength to develop a testimony sufficiently strong that she will be able to share it with others so they will feel of the gospel's truth."

i love my family.


ps, i have pictures from the fourth, and of rayna in her blessing dress, but my camera card reader is broken, so it may be a little while before i can post any more pictures.