The National is one of our favorite musical groups! When we found out they were coming to Salt Lake City, we bought two tickets. Then we found out Cali had also purchased tickets! We decided to make it a family affair!


Concerts always seem to be full of unique individuals. This one was no different. A yoga class was at the concert holding a mini-practice in front of everyone. Lots of people were taking photos of them. Great advertising!



We inched our way up towards the stage during the concert. We didn't get very far but close enough to give Ian his first real concert experience. Fun times!

Road Trip With Grandma Joannie

Mom turned 63 this year.  The only gift she wanted for her birthday was a trip to Arizona to hang out with her best friend, Biehly.  The girls and I decided to hop in the car with Grandma Joannie and hit the freeway for a quick getaway.

We stopped off for lunch at The Three Bears.  They had lots of gluten free options for "you know who!"

 3 girls+3 bears=photo opportunity!

 We couldn't resist taking pictures with the colorful hills and beautiful skyline. 

 Navajo Bridge is a great place to stop along the way.  Only 110 degrees, but totally worth it! :)

Some close friends of Biehly allowed us to stay in their amazing home during our vacation.  We thoroughly enjoyed each moment - especially soaking in the pool!  Thanks so much for your kindness and generosity, Ruth and Mark!

 Shopping was a must on this girls' trip!

 My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is called North.  Biehly treated us to an AMAZING meal!

 Nyah is full of "peaceful" feelings while in Arizona.

 Love these girls!

 Mom got her ears pierced for her birthday.  She screamed a little bit, but the Claire's bear comforted her!

 Sunday was Mom's birthday.  We attended church in Phoenix, opened presents, and had ravioli with pesto sauce for dinner.  

I am so grateful for Mom's long-lasting friendship with Biehly.  She is the most generous person I have ever met.  Her sense of humor is amazing.  I thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and am so glad my daughters got to spend time with two women that I love and admire -- my mom and her best friend.

24th of July

The 24th of July is a holiday here in Spanish Fork: a carnival comes to town, people save seats and lawn space the night before for the parade, and there is an annual 10K run called the Speedy Spaniard.    

I decided to run the Speedy Spaniard this year.  I huffed and puffed the whole way to the finish line and won some money for my effort.  I was shocked when the announcer said, " . . . and 2nd place for local women goes to Vanessa Heber."  I am so glad I am a local!  My kids were thrilled that I finally won some cash.

Carson ran up to me, hugged me, and screeched, "Oh, good, Mom!  Now we can buy some treats at the carnival!"  

We watched the parade and then purchased some fried foods with the money.  It was definitely easier to spend than it was to win!

Cousins!

 Aaron's sister, Kaylyn, and her family moved to Utah!  We are so happy to have cousins living so close!  During the move, we ran into a little bit of trouble with the U-Haul, so I decided to help out. :)

While the adults lifted and unpacked, the kids . . . well, the kids had fun hanging out.  Welcome to Utah, Kaylyn and Andy!  We are so glad you are here.

Bryce Canyon Half Marathon

Cali and I traveled to Panguitch with our friends, Jill, Jeff, and Mckay to run the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon.  Panguitch is a beautiful little town.  We enjoyed wandering through the shops and being put into jail.

Running the race with Cali was amazing.  The scenery was gorgeous and having one-on-one time with my eldest . . .  She is leaving for college this weekend and I am getting sentimental.  Cali is one tough cookie.  She won 2nd place in her age group and smiled the whole time . . . well, almost. :)

Another Teenager In the House!

Nyah's dream birthday celebration included a shopping trip in Salt Lake City and dinner at The Pie, her favorite pizza parlor.  Unfortunately for Nyah, IKEA is on the way to Salt Lake. I had to buy some school supplies for my classroom so we pushed Nyah around the IKEA warehouse for a bit so the birthday girl didn't wear her legs out!

Luckily, there is a 7-Eleven right around the corner from IKEA.  We stopped there for free slushies.  Nyah is so lucky that I gave birth to her on 7/11.  No matter how poor we are, Nyah can always get a free slushie from 7-Eleven on her birthday!

It turns out, none of us really like slushies.  Everyone took a few bites and got the "too sweet dry mouth."  Thank goodness they were free!

We had fun shopping, but the boys and Cali started to get really tired of shopping for Nyah.  We took a break and headed to The Pie!

Pizzas, salads, and cazookies were on the menu!  Nyah blew out a birthday candle we found sitting on the table.

When we got home, we sang to Miss Nyah and she blew out a "real" candle on her piece of Magleby's cake.  The rest of us jealously watched her eat it.

Nyah is one of the sweetest, happiest people I have run into during my lifetime.  The other day, I was teaching Nyah how to make Rice Krispie treats when the following conversation took place:

Nyah:  Mom, I am so glad that you teach me how to cook.  There was this one lady I heard a story about that had to call her mom to find out how to make a baked potato!  Can you believe that?!

Me:  Nyah, that "lady" was me!  Don't you remember?  I'm the one that told you that story!

Nyah laughed for about 20 minutes after that.  She really hadn't remembered that the crazy lady that didn't know how to make a baked potato was her own mother!  I love this girl!  Happy Birthday!