Val Dowland

July was super fun! Our first full month in our first home! Yay! We've had a couple BBQ's and spent lots of time getting our home the way we want it. So fun! The fourth of July we had Jared's family over for a BBQ and my sister Krissy. Jared is IN LOVE with his BBQ. Seriously. On more than one occasion my family has just bought meat for Jared so he can marinate it (this is key) and BBQ it up for them. We bought some SWEET sparklers for Emmie for the 24th. They were huge and lasted forever. But best of all, they didn't burn down, they just spouted out so she didn't get burned. She LOVED them. Then of course, there was Draper Days. We went to the parade and then watched fireworks from our front lawn. Our view was great . . . the best part? No post-firework traffic. Just inside and in to bed. Jimmy was mesmerized by the fireworks!
We also had my first niece on my side of the family born . . . little Paige Noelle. Emmie was so excited! She was so little and petite when she was born, Emmie always wanted to hold her. Then there was also Harry Potter midnight showing -- which was just a blast to be doing something so crazy and ridiculous as a Mommy. And last, but certainly not least. Our brand new home. I've made curtains, refinished some pieces of furniture, weeded my brains out, just to turn around and do it again. And with every little project, Jared and I are so happy! I feel like this is so repetitious if you read our blog. But, if you don't then this is all new! Hope everyone's July was as great as ours!

Love,
Val