:independence day:

I had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with the Yates family who came all the way up to Rexburg to visit. Thanks Emily, Tim and Claire for being such wonderful guests, even though there was no air conditioning in our house :) We had the best time laughing and being together, cooking outside, enjoying the outdoors, making treats and playing with Claire. Here are some fun pictures of our weekend.





We hiked to beautiful Mesa Falls in Idaho- Dan and I love going there.



My sister and I at the visitors cabin enjoying a seat on the veranda



Delish- need I say more? I think Emily's eyes say it best.



Claire and her Dad getting settled in her new hiking backpack.



At the Rexburg parade Claire loved to walk/run around the park while we watched the rodeo queens do some fancy tricks on their horses. Whoa- nice baby biceps Claire!



This is Claire eating 2nd or 3rd breakfasts. Hey Mom, what about elevenzies?

We love you guys, come back soon!

:michelle and steve:

This past weekend, my dearest friend got married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Everything was wonderful. She looked amazing and I had the best time being with her and her family. I saw old friends and made new friends- it was a perfect day. My awesome husband Daniel was such a good sport throughout the whole thing. He let me spend the night with Michelle the night before the wedding, he drove back and forth between Provo and Salt Lake to make it to all the festivities, and he let me buy a new shirt and shoes for my bridesmaid outfit. Thanks Dan, you are the best.

:the fire ring:

Its done! And yes- smores have already been made. I think I am going to go buy a dutch oven tomorrow. It is so nice to have a little piece of home in our back yard. Anyone who has been to the Clason house in Ashland has a memory around that fire ring. Thanks mom and dad for giving us such a great yard to make memories in.

:the rexburg house:

Lots of people have been asking me if I would put up some before and after pictures of the yard in Rexburg. The tenants/owners that were living here before didn't do anything with with it, they didn't even mow the lawn! Crazy right?
When we first moved in to the house- the back yard looked like this





And now the back yard looks like this





The hard part is over, now comes the fun stuff. We moved the shed over to make room for a fire ring, so far it looks pretty good eh? No ring yet, just the sitting rocks. We can't wait to makes orange cakes and banana boats!

So I was reading one of my favorite blogs, May Dreams, and came across a really funny posting there. For all my sisters and anyone else trying to stay on top of their yards, this is the post for you. I had some laughs reading it and learned some stuff too. Click here and let me know if you have it too.

:nature:



Nature's first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.



Robert Frost

Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays

So lets count em shall we, the birthdays I mean.

1. April 6th- Jody Zimmer, my sweet brother in law
2. April 9th- ME, the big 24, can anyone believe it? I sure can't.
3. April 11th- Ivy Clason, the cutest Clason girl yet
4. April 12th- Some might not remember, Grandpa Charlie. We all miss him.
5. April 14th- Mom, what would we all do without her?
6. April 20th- Elizabeth Jones, the best little sister in the whole world
7. April 28th- Jaxon Orin Zimmer, the newest addition to Jeff and Aimie. Congrats.
8. May 4th- Daniel Zimmer, my very best friend and amazing husband
9. May 6th- John Clason, my awesome big brother who took care of all of us

We all have such big families now it's hard to keep up with all these dates! But I am so glad everyone is healthy and happy at one year older. Jody, thanks for being so great to Dan and I, I love having a little brother. Ivy- I love you so much, I wish I could have been there to see you eat your ice cream cone cake (tear). Grandpa- I know you are so proud of us. Take care of our future children up there. Mother, I miss you everyday and I can't wait to see you in a few weeks. You are my hero. I hope to be half the woman you are someday. Lizzy, I am so glad you are happy and loving your new life with Heath. You deserve the best of everything. I miss you and love you. Jaxon- you are so handsome! I can't wait to meet you! Be good to your Mom and Dad, I love and miss you guys too. Daniel- my life is better because of you. Even from the day we met you have ALWAYS been there for me. I can't tell you how much I love you. And John, I am so proud to be your sister. You have set the example in every way for me. You have a beautiful little family and have so much more ahead of you, I can't wait to see what you do next!


When Issac (Daniel's nephew of 2 years old) was leaving with his parents on Sunday from Daniel's birthday party, he enthusiastically said, while walking out the door, "happy birthday everybody!" Which at this point is the best way to put it.

Our love to everyone who celebrated. Thank you to everyone who called, sent gifts, baked cakes, sang songs, took pictures and gave hugs. We love and miss you all.


Jaxon

Daniel's party essentials. "Dan's" root beer (I made the N myself), croissants, strawberries and banana cream pie


Dan and I in Logan