Family Fill

Before heading out to Utah during Thomas' break from school, we were looking forward to doing as much as we could with two things in particular: 1) the family and 2) our long lost Rocky Mountains! Fortunately for us, we were able to fit both family and a lot of beautiful hikes into those weeks spent in Utah.

Donut Falls

Also, I was also able to add a little ruffle to the beach blanket I told myself I finished a month ago... I feel like it was a good enhancement:) We are now officially ready to beach!

Memorial Day family rocket launch! One of the favorite holiday traditions in the Wright family. Best rocket award goes to Bill---hands down. Nothing beats a 6 feet tall exploding rocket in mid air. A close second is also Bill's...the double loaded jet rocket that nearly killed us all.

Our new sister-in-law Sammie! We love you and are happy you can dish it back to Daniel and keep him in his place:) 

Camping in Panquitch was a blast with the Montague's. We ate tons of good food, went on some beautiful scenic tours given by me-ol' Paps---he should have been a nature adventurer. He showed us spawning fish, nesting mallards, we were given exhibits of squirrel eating habits, and he even caught 20 fish before the sun was up one morning. Go Dad! Hudson thought it was a non-stop party and consequently kept us up all night EVERY night...Memorable. Last time we're invited.

Our friends, the Barton's, little girl Jane. She and Hudson are exactly 3 months apart and we just had to snap a picture of them together given she is the cutest thing ever! Not to mention, they live in Florida... What??? Miss them.

Can you tell our boys, Rockwell and Hudson, couldn't get enough of the ducklings on the lake. They made our 1 mile hike up Bell Canyon worthwhile!

Grandeur Peak shouldn't be hiked with a 25 lbs. baby in a Bjorn. End of story. We had no idea what kind of hike we were up for, but sure loved that we survived! All I gotta say is Jennie Tranter is amazing. Rock solid. Tough. Wanna be you.

Hudson had the time of his life being around all 16 cousins of his. Could not get enough. He definitely took a good beating as well:) He quickly learned that you gotta be tough to survive as the youngest of the boys. (Oh, and he is on a downward slope in this picture... not taking after his Mom's height...)

This is on the Saw Mill hike off of Wasatch. Absolutely beautiful. We wore our little guy out!

Camping was hilarious. Hudson was rummaging through the dirt and was filthy the entire time. I had to learn to relax! I was thinking because he walks that it would be a cleaner experience, but I quickly found he enjoyed rolling in the dirt far more than walking around it.

Grandpa was making Hudson laugh, but I think he made us laugh even harder. Love campfire humor. 

Squaw Peak. Another beautiful mountain experience!

For Memorial weekend, we went to visit many family graves, including Megan. It is always a sweet and tender experience for the family.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Montague!!! So nice to spend time with them! We have missed them greatly. Can we take you home to Chicago??? Pretty please?

Pacho. He REALLY enjoyed dessert after the BBQ at Mike and Melissa's:)

Why Not Have 2 Cakes and Eat Em' TOO?

As of June 3rd, our baby turned 1!!! Wow, what a happy and memorable year it has been since little Hudson joined our family. We love our forever BABY that has recently declared his independence from Mom and Dad and right for "boyhood" :) And what a perfect time to celebrate the occasion---out in Utah with LOTS of cousins and wonderful family! In fact, we celebrated in Saint G with my folks and in Alpine with both sides of the family just for an excuse to throw 2 parties and eat cake twice:) Here are pictures from both happy occasions....

Saint G. Party:
Ever since we made the train our literal next door neighbor, Hudson has had a fascination with trains. His little head perks up when our friendly "choo" hustles down the tracks and blows its oh-so-loud horn. It has got to be one of my favorite looks as he waits for me to note the trains approach---he gets so disappointed if I don't pay my respects! THUS, trains were made the theme.

Hudson enjoyed the icecream cake but let us know he wished it weren't so cold. That meant more for Mama! Love me some DQ icecream cake. Mmmmm Mmmm! Let's be honest, his birthday was much more an event for his Mom than himself. 

The spoon became more amusing than the cake...so easily entertained---or distracted. Hudson also realized being the star and main attraction for every second of the day wasn't half bad:) He quickly learned how to put on a show.

LOVED this balloon...played with it for roughly 5 hours. I was a fan of it myself. Good job Grandma!

Sporting the "1" with Grandma. This is also the precious birthday blanket made especially for Hudson from Grandma with lots of love. Thank you Grandma!

Favorite moment of the day: Grandpa and Hudson, just chillin'... Hudson was more than content to drive the coat rack as a make-shift tractor with Grandpa's awesome sound effects:) Love these two.

This is the Alpine birthday with an official birthday hat and bow-tie:)  Love our supportive family! We had tons of food, a pinata, and cake of course. A huge thank you to the amazing hosts Melissa and Michael Hatch, and for Lisa's expertise in adding to the decorations and overall style of the event! And a thanks to all our wonderful family for coming and supporting!!!

Once again, more fascinated with the tool rather than the object. Way to go cousin Johnny for busting the snot out of this party hat! Oh, if it could only rain candy bars everyday.

Tasty cake #2. We had a creative flare on the decorating of this one didn't we Melissa?:) 

Some of the clan and probably the most adorable cousins in the world and a few of my amazing sisters-in-law. Priceless.