Spring into Summer

It happened again. The world turned green again and things began to grow. The snow on our mountains even melted, eventually!

Hyrum has turned out to be a beautiful place to live in the summer. Ryan likes to bring the beauty indoors. I don't mind one bit.

I supposed if we spent every spare moment we had out in the yard, there would still be more to do.
 

So here is a quick overview of how our summer started out. The eclipse was a great way to kick things off. Can you see the images of the sun in shadow on Ryan?
 

We loved that we could spend our Memorial Day visiting the gravesides of so many ancestors. We visited 4 cemeteries all within 20 minutes of our home. It was a pretty great experience.It was really great to meet up with my Grandparents in Brigham City.
 

We also visited several of Ryan's family plots. Including the graveside of one woman who came across the planes with The Martin Handcart Company. (Jane Fullmer I believe).
 

We also celebrated Joshy's BIRTHDAY! He had a couple of little friends come over for a snack and to play for minute. 

He makes such a cute 3 year old BIG BOY!
 

Such a happy day, how could it not be!?! Thanks for the Pirate Tent Grandma!
 

A few days later Ryan had a little (by little I mean BIG) surprise for me. On our 10th Anniversary he made this amazing breakfast for us out on the porch. We LOVE going to bed and breakfasts, but it didn't look like we were going to make it to one, so Ryan brought the B&B to us. Yum, yum, yum! It was so tasty!
 

Then a few days later he had another BIG surprise for me. I was told to pack a bag. When I asked what kind he blew me away by informing me to pack an overnight bag!!!
We dropped the kiddos off with some amazing friends and headed up to BEAR LAKE.
 

We hiked through the Minnetonka Cave, and Paddle Boarded on Bear Lake.
 

  And would you believe it? Ryan booked us a Bed and Breakfast! The Blue Bird Inn on the North West shore of Bear Lake.

The next day we visited the North Beach. The water was like ICE, but I loved looking at the rocks and shells in the sand.
 

If a picture says a thousand words, then is a picture of words worth a million words? I don't know, but I sure love my Ryan boy.

Spring Update

Time for a TEAM HOCHSTRASSER update! So here are a few snap shots to catch you up on all our Hochstrasser happenings.

While making Mini Salted-Caramel and Chocolate cupcakes Danny came up with a creation of his own. I love this PRETZEL ALLIGATOR.
 

Ryan has been uber busy in the yard. This year he planted 2 PEACH trees. I can't wait to taste the fruits of his labor.

He got the fire pit all cleaned out and we have already put it to good use when family has come to town. Hot dogs and S'MORES- Yum!
 

Boys will be boys... and Josh is no exception. Nice Josh, nice.
 

I taught my Mia-Maids how to make fabulous OREO cupcakes. Yum!

We even packaged them all up fancy for their mom's for MOTHER's Day.
 

Ryan helped Danny design and make his FIRST Pinewood Derby car. It turned out great!
 

Besides winning a few races he won the "MOST LIKELY TO GET A TICKET" Award.
 

On a Saturday we went to the free Rock and Mineral Show in Logan. It was actually a lot of fun. The boys love that kind of stuff and their were plenty of activities perfect for kids.
 

Peach trees in, time for the GARDEN. If everything grows that we planted, then we are in BIG trouble. Somehow, seeing as this is our first time around, I don't think that will be a problem though.
 

Joshy and I spent a quiet Friday night at home while Ryan took Danny and Jared off to freeze at a FATHER'S AND SONS campout. Cold or not, they had a blast. Especially exploring this old mine. Kind of glad I missed that one. ;)

 

Jason and Katie get Married

Yesterday was Jason and Katie's wedding day. Even though they are from St.Louis, MO they came out to Logan, Utah to be married in the temple out here! We were so excited to have everyone come and visit us. We had 20 people at our house one night, and we LOVED IT!
Ryan's family is spread across the country, from Washington to Missouri, from California to Georgia. We do not get to spend enough time together. This week was precious. (And BUSY!)

Ryan is Jason's twin brother, so does that make Katie my TWIN SISTER-IN-LAW? :)

The boys were so excited to see the temple. Joshy was disappointed however, that HE wasn't the one getting married.

Could this be a vision of the future? Boys, boys, boys...

Between the wedding and the reception we decided to "chill" out at Jamba Juice.

Happy boys ready for reception food. Can we say "yum"? There were Italian Sodas and a Crepe Bar!

Boys, being boys...

Boys, being CUTE boys.

Boys being REALLY tired boys.

Ryan lookin' fine in his tuxedo.

There was dancing,
(Danny with Great Grandma Mahoney)

And more dancing!

It was a long day, but the boys were very charming.

... most of the time.

All the boy cousins (except for Weston who stayed home with Daddy in Georgia).

Cousins Daysha and Jayla joinin' the mix.

Jordan, Jason, Keenan and Ryan.

Sisters!

We are so excited to get to know Katie more. She is off celebrating in Hawaii now, so that will have to wait for now.

The original "Team Hochstrasser". Ryan, Jordan, Jason, (Katie), Angela and Mikaela.


That evening we were able to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Tomorrow he will be 67. We are so happy we could be together with him!

It's a lot of work to be a family. It's a lot of work to be together. It's all worth it though!
Thanks for coming to visit us family! ( Even if it was really for Jason's wedding!)
Come back soon!