Won't you be my neighbor!

One question, how well do you know your neighbor?? Let me give you a little background before I go into what occurred yesterday. I love the neighborhood in which we live, but our actual street, well, to put it lightly STRUGGLES big time. We live in an area full of young families and kids, but my street is "unique". You NEVER see anyone outside. Every time my Mom comes to visit she always says she doesn't believe people actual live in the houses because she never sees anyone. She is right. Whenever I see a neighbor (which is rare) I wave, say hello, and often get out and talk to them. I try to be friendly. It's not like I'm waiting for someone to throw a big block party. Trust me, that will never happen. That only happens on all the other streets. Well, Dolores and her sister live across the street from me. She is older (maybe late 60s) and every holiday we bring her a treat and I talk to her every time I see her outside. I brought her cookies at Easter time (I was 8 months pregnant) and talked to her for probably 5 minutes.

This was the conversation I had with Dolores yesterday:

Me: Getting out of my car and carrying Bradli in her car seat, like I do 10 times a day. "Hi Dolores!"
Dolores: "Hi. Who's baby is that?
Me: Thinking to my self, "Did she really just ask me that??" "She's mine."
Dolores: "She's your's?? When did you have her?
Me: "3 months ago."
Dolores: "When were your pregnant?"
Me: "Ummm, 9 months before that. I had her on Mother's Day."
Dolores: "I was wondering who's baby you have been carrying around. I thought you were just babysitting."
Me: Thinking to myself, "Babysitting a newborn for the last 3 months that looks exactly like Jaden??" "Yep, she's mine. Don't you remember me bringing you cookies when I was 8 months pregnant."
Dolores: "I feel like a flippin' idiot. I didn't even know you were pregnant. I'm going to have to ask my sister if she knew you were pregnant."
Me: Are you kidding me? Did that really just happen?? I've got to call my Mom and tell her this story. She's going to die!!

Why not??!!

Why not go tubing with the youth and end with very sore arms!!

Why not have a Parent Trap Movie Marathon with nine 12-13 year olds and a 2 year old.

Why not have a lunch date with buddies. . .

and their Mom's!!

Why not go rafting down the Arkansas River. . .

to see the Royal Gorge. . .

and hit some rapids!!

Because it's the middle of August and before you know it, there will be snow!! Enjoy it while you can!!

Soooo overdue, it's not even funny!!

Pretty much I should use the excuse of a second child for the reason I haven't been blogging, but that's not it at all. I haven't felt like being on the computer. Maybe it's the summer weather and all I want to do is be outside, or maybe it's just blogger burn-out once again. Whatever it is, I still have it, but I am forcing myself to post so I have these great memories documented. Poor Bradli is getting the major shaft on the blog, so I need to step it up- ugh!!!

Here's a recap and let me tell you, it's full of pictures, pictures, and even more pictures!!

We blessed Bradli Ruth on June 22nd. My Mom wasn't able to make it because my sister Lisa had just had Brady and needed help. She had to have an emergency c-section and thank goodness everyone is doing great. My Dad came and even flew out "The One and Only" Grandma Ruth for the blessing. It was so special to have Bradli's name sake to share the special day with us. It was even more perfect because it happened to be Grandma's B-day!

Bradli may seem real innocent, but right at the end of the blessing she threw-up all over Doug and the Bishop- oops!

After the blessing we had a wonderful dinner at Doug's parents house.

I even made my first apple pie for my Grandma's B-day. It's her favorite dessert.

The very next week was a hard week for my whole family. My Grandpa Ernie got sick and passed away . It was unexpected and difficult for all of us, but the opportunity to reflect on his INCREDIBLE life was comforting. Just knowing I will get to see him again and make dribble sand castles with him gives me comfort. I just wish he could have held Bradli like he did Jaden.

My sister Cara and I when I was about 4, making dribble sandcastles with my Grandpa.
Last summer with the Great Grandkids, they now have 3 more.
79th B-day at Disneyland

He was an incredible photographer and thanks to him, we all have thousands of pictures full of memories.

I love you and miss you Grandpa!!

We were able to be in CA for the 4th and had a great time. We were all pretty drained from the previous week so we took it easy. We didn't get down to the beach until about 1 and decided to watch fireworks from my parent's house, which turned into quite the party.

The crazy crew

My Mom "works-out" on the Health Rider which has been a long time joke in our family. We took advantage of the situation and decided to pose on the beautiful piece of machinery.

My very single and HOT brother and sister- hint hint :)

We turned the trip into our annual summer visit. I stayed for 3 weeks and Doug was lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time with us, now that his company's headquarters are in Carlsbad- PERFECT!!

All Jaden wanted to do was "surf" with his best buddy, Matthew.

Having some pool fun with Lindsay

The Orange County Fair with Melissa and her family

Irvine Spectrum

Montage Beach

Balboa Island

Bradli's normal position at the beach

Dinner date with Suzanne

Jaden decided to be our photographer

Lunch with Grandma

She is so strong and so beautiful!!

Cousin Emily and Bradli

Golfing with Lindsay

Being a big brother

We were able to meet our friend Robyn at the pool. Jaden and Trent are about 1 month apart.

Bradli and Jenna are also about 1 month apart- too fun!

Dana Point Harbor with the Bergens

Funny faces!!

Mike's a natural!

Now this is the craziest thing ever! We ran into our friends Scott and Kelli at In-N-Out. Scott and Doug were companions on their Mission as well as roommates at BYU. Kelli and I lived in the same apartment complex at BYU. We haven't seen each other in FOREVER and now they are moving right by my parents! Such a treat for us when we visit!!

Now that we're home we have been spending TONS of time at the pool with friends, especially Laura, Alexa, and Dallin- don't move!!!!

Grandma gets to come and play with us too!

Jaden loves the water and took swimming lessons all last week. He's a fish!

Now to brag about my husband!! Doug and his buddy Mike completed the Copper Triangle Bike Race yesterday! They biked 80 miles up the mountains- watch out Lance Armstrong! They went from Copper Mountain, up Vail Pass, over to Leadville, and back to Copper- CRAZY!

Doug did an amazing job and we were there to cheer him on!!

Afterwards we hung around and found this huge chair. Perfect for some pictures.

This is my favorite!!

"Mom, what are you doing to me??!!"

After a long day, they CRASHED and now I am! Until the next post, Good Night!