4th of July!

I love the fourth of July! It is by far one of my favorite holidays! I just love getting together with friends and family, enjoying the hot summer day, and watching fireworks! The fourth is also a really special day for Ben and I because 4 years ago, he proposed to me on the 4th of July. That afternoon he took me up in the mountains to a spot that overlooks the whole basin and proposed there. Then we came down that night and watched the fireworks at the park with his family. I can't think of any better way to celebrate the day of our engagement than watching fireworks every year! It's great!! This year was just as good. First we had a BBQ at my parents house with all my family, then we headed to the park to meet Ben's family including his mom and dad, uncle Craig and aunt Rhonda, and Dan and Nikki. Kyler decided to come with us too. We always try to get there early so we can play games and enjoy each others company. We were teasing Kyler during the fireworks to enjoy them this year cuz he sure wont be watching them in Canada a year from now.

The next day Ben surprised me with a trip up to Red Canyon Lodge to go horseback riding. We had a blast! I hadn't ever been so I was a little nervous, but I had a really sweet horse and I had such a fun time! My parents and Kyler met us up there afterwards for lunch, then later that night we had a BBQ at Ben's parents house. We were definitely well fed over the weekend!

One last highlight of my week was my good friend BriAnn coming to stay with us on Saturday night. We have been friends since we were tiny and we don't get to see each other very often anymore. It was so good to have her here and to catch up on everything. It's funny how I probably only see her once or twice a year, but we always just pick up right where we left off. She's an amazing friend! Thanks for coming Bri!!

Elder Monsen!

My little brother Kyler received his mission call in the mail today and invited all his friends and family over tonight to open it. They had a house full of people! I had Monica on the phone so she could hear what was going on and we videotaped it for her also. We were all so excited to find out where he was going to go! He was called to the Halifax Canada mission! He was really excited because he wanted to go foreign but didn't want to learn a language too badly, and this one is English speaking, so it's perfect! He leaves on October 29th. I am so happy for him, I know he will be a wonderful missionary and a great example to the people in Canada. So now all the preparation begins... :)

More Pics of Ellie

My trip to Monica's

I had a few days off work so I went down to visit Monica and Ellie. We had so much fun, she is the cutest, happiest little girl and was so fun to play with and hold! My mom had been out there since the day Monica had her and just rode home with me. My dad and Kyler were able to come down on Saturday and hang out with us. Monica, mom and I had a lot of fun hanging out together for the week and we were all three literally bawling when it was time to leave. We didn't want to go and Monica didn't want us to go. It was really sad. I wish she lived a little closer so I could see her every day! :(