Utah Parker's

We had a wonderful Independence Day celebration with my family. Everyone was in town for the weekend. We went to the city parade and races and game in the park. The kids had a lot of fun together.



The cutest kiddos - at least that's what Grandma says! :) Alexa, McKoy, Jack, Callie & Luke - at the 4th of July Parade.



Jack & Daddy



Jack & Mommy



Here is Mr. Jack man thinking he is so old and big. We had to move the matress down on the crib so that he can't pull himself up. He's not quite to that point, but it's not too far away. He's scooting everywhere - backward, and he's up on all fours regularly.

While we were in the Bahamas, there was a lot of action going on at the house. We came home to find water all over the kitchen floor, and warped kitchen cabinets. Mold was growing everywhere, and it was a royal mess! The small line from the sink to the refrigerator was leaking like crazy. Many lessons learned on this one...most importantly - if leaving the house for more than a couple of days, turn off the inside water. We also learned the importance of having home owner's insurance. From this experience, we are getting all new kitchen cabinets and countertops. We thought it would be nice to re-do the kitchen someday, we just didn't expect so soon.



This was the awful site under the kitchen cabinet. The smell was about as bad as it looks.



You can see the warped cabinets from the outside. There was no fixing on this one, so they all get replaced.



This is the state of the kitchen now. No more kitchen sink, dishwasher, pantry, or cabinets on one side. The other side will come out this week. We have a huge industrial de-humidifier and a hepa filter currently blowing full blast. It sounds like we live in an airport with the engines up full blast.



Our little temporary kitchen consists of the refrigerator, a makeshift pantry, a small microwave, and the toaster oven. We're lucky that my parent's don't live too far away so they can feed us most of the time, or at least let us use their kitchen.

We are finally back from a WONDERFUL trip to the Bahamas! I tried to post a variety of our pics in the slide show without being too overwhelming. Trust me, there's more. Jack had such a good time really getting to know his Grandpa and Grandma Parker. They played and bonded and had a great time. We are all very lucky and blessed by their generousity!

We flew to Florida and then crossed to the Bahamas on the boat. We spent the first week or so in the Abacos and then went South to Atlantis. What a drastic difference in the two! The first part was definitely the tropical paradise you expect in the Bahamas with quaint little towns and the most gorgeous beaches you've ever seen. In Atlantis, it's like Las Vegas in the Bahamas. It was a whole different kind of fun with such amazing entertainment. Jack loved the big fish tanks and all the water options. I think we have a water baby on our hands. He loved being in his floaty either in the pools, the lazy river, or the ocean. He was an amazing traveler and was generally so happy. We have learned that Jack is definitely a flirt. He loves "talking" to the girls. We would be walking anywhere and he would yell at girls from his stroller. It is so different taking a vacation with a baby. You end up meeting a lot more people, because everyone wants to talk to the little social butterfly and find out his name, etc. I guess he's the perfect conversation starter. Jack seems to be a natural boater - which comes in handy being a Parker. I only got sick one day - one really long day! Let's just say that I like it best when we are safely docked in the harbor.

Bryan and I celebrated our shared birthday on the 14th while still in Florida. I don't quite know how time is flying so quickly, but somehow we both got another year older. I tell Bryan all the time that he is much older than me because he has 4 kids and I only have one. Somehow it makes me feel younger. :) I wouldn't want to share a birthday with anyone else!

Sweet little Hallie Jayne was baptized and confirmed by her father on her 8th birthday. It was a great honor for Bryan and we're so proud of Hallie! She looked beautiful as always. We had a quick trip to Phoenix and Bryan was able to spend some time with all the kids. He sure does miss his cutie pies!

All the kids together. I don't think you could find brothers and a sister who look less alike. All cute in their own ways!