4th of July!

This past year's 4th of July was one for the books. Now that I have half of my family living in Utah, Tanner and I split the day in half and had an enjoyable time with both families.
I love the 4th of july. Since living in Utah, I have learned that people LOVE to celebrate our nation. It makes for a very patriotic, fun, and tiring day!

We went up to the farm in Oakley, as usual. We rode the rangers, watched the cute little town parade, had a good BBQ and saw all the cute little piggies, horses and cows. The most fun part was riding in Tanner's Grandpa's plane. He bought a plane a little awhile ago and we spent some time flying in it. It was truly one of the coolest things I've done! I have never been in a little plane like that and it was so fun to see the beautiful scenery and enjoy that time.

We headed back to the valley and hung out with my nieces/nephews and siblings...and of course we had MORE YUMMY FOOD! We had some serious dance parties, played in the water and hung out. My sister's neighborhood does this amazing firework show--truly one of the best firework shows I have ever seen and it was just in their neighborhood. We will be hitting that up again!

I am so grateful for the freedoms that I get to enjoy while living in the USA. I know that there are many issues that need to be resolved, that's for sure, but I am still grateful for the men and women who fight for those freedoms that we get to enjoy. I am grateful of the beauty of this country and many things that encompass it. I am grateful that we get to PARTY on the 4th! Haha.

Hope your holiday was safe and enjoyable!

photos via instagram 

A Very Country Week: Strawberry Days

I love that view of the rodeo and the mountains. It will never get old! 

When I met T-Money's family seven years ago (almost exactly), I knew very quickly that I was getting myself involved with a country family. Yes, we are talking about animals mounted on the walls, fishing, hunting, camping, rodeos...the whole deal. I grew up in Portland, Oregon--pretty much as opposite as you can get. With that being said, I've always known there was a country girl deep down. I have always loved rodeos (I would voluntarily go with my friends in high school), cowboys and country music. Since then, I am constantly learning about this world that I have never really known about! I love that T and I share a little bit of hippie in us and a little bit of country. You can say we are a little bit of both worlds :) 

Note: They still can't get me to hunt. I just can't do it!!! Haha. 

Since that moment seven years ago when I met T and his family, I was quickly introduced to Strawberry Days--a very popular week in my current hometown. It involves carnivals, parades, fireworks, concerts, rodeos, and, most importantly, strawberries and cream. It is a tradition to be involved in the festivities and it has become one of my favorite summer traditions since living in Utah. For me, summer doesn't hit until the rodeo starts! 

This past weekend was all about the country. Three nights of rodeo, hiking in the country and shooting. I am still a terrible shot, but hey, I'm not scared anymore, which is a feat. Honestly, though, my favorite part of the rodeo is just watching all of the horses and cute dog chasing the bulls back into their stalls. What can I say? I like animals more than people. 

Huzzah. 

There is something so empowering and awesome about shooting a gun. 

Saylor wasn't sure about the guns, so she sat in the car and watched us....exactly like this! Ha. 

Those hiking views out in the middle of nowhere! 

My cute sister in law and niece. It was my niece's first rodeo! Can you tell which one has been to a rodeo nine million times ;) 

My cute in-laws. 

Love my city cowboy. Ha. 

Give me all of the animals. 

Utah Summer sunsets are unreal. 

Saylor and Kimmy love the outdoor concerts (and each other!). #spoileddog 

What are some of your favorite summer traditions? 

Have you ever been to a rodeo?