The Blessing Day of Eli Thomas Excell

The 4th of July was the day chosen for Jeff and Sarah to have their baby blessed. Jeff gave Eli Thomas Excell a beautiful blessing and the day couldn't have been more beautiful for the special event.


We had a delicious luncheon after church.















And then there was more fun and hanging out at Jeff and Sarah's place that afternoon.








What a great day and what a cute baby.

Stadium of Fire

Okay, so we decided it was high time we went to Stadium of Fire in Provo to see what all the excitement is that we hear about each year for the 4th of July. We bought our tickets many months ago, so we've been anticipating this event for quite some time. Glen had such a great idea to get a hotel within walking distance of the stadium so we didn't have to deal with the traffic. It was fun to see all the different musical acts and singers with Carrie Underwood being the featured guest singer.



One cool part of the evening was when they recognized 100 years of the Boy Scouts of America and attempted to make the largest Eagle nest ever. They had all the boys and men in the stadium who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout stand up, open up their program to the middle page and hold up the picture of the Eagle Scout badge.


And, of course, the fireworks were awesome at the end of the show.



It was a great way to celebrate Independence Day, but I'm going to admit something--I kind of missed going up to the golf course by our house to watch the fireworks. It's been a great tradition for us to do every year that we've lived here. But, sometimes, I guess we just need to break from tradition to see what else is available out there for us.

Caroline Walking & Brooke Riding

Caroline had her first birthday and she's now walking and talking...well, sort of...


She always says "hi" and waves when she sees me (who cares that she says it to everyone else who says "hi" to her). I still maintain that was her first word and it was spoken to me. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.


She's getting quite brave and taking a few steps. With the help of Brooke and Rebecca cheering her on, she showed off her walking skills.




Brooke is learning a new skill as well. Since she's already mastered walking, she is now attempting to learn to ride a bike. Getting a bike for her recent birthday has helped fuel that desire. She begins by getting the pedals ready. She thinks they are broken if they are not horizontal to the ground.


When the pedals are aligned, next comes the approach and then the mount.



Go, Brooke, go!!!



With all the "baby steps" practiced in the house, she'll soon be ready to don her helmet and tackle a ride outside.

Eli's First Visit To See Us

It was a great thing that Sarah's friend, Melissa Owen, was having a bridal shower because it propelled Sarah to come up to attend the party and that meant Jeff and baby Eli were coming, too. Hurrah!!


Andy, Amanda and Nani decided to go with Dad, Mom, Glen and me to see the play "The Wedding Singer." After the play, Jeff and Sarah met us at Ruby Tuesday for dinner and everyone wanted a chance to hold little Eli.




I enjoyed watching Jeff and Sarah taking care of their baby, and I loved just looking at Eli. The perfectness of a new baby is always amazing to me.





I'd say that judging by the look on his face, Eli enjoyed his first visit at his Grandpa and Grandma Thomas's home. Come again soon, Eli!