Pioneer Day/Pie and Beer Day

I am trying to post semi-often since we are not using Facebook much for baby pictures. We know there are a lot of wonderful people out there who love our baby and want to see her grow up but living far away makes it difficult.

Eating knuckles is her new thing

This past weekend was a big one for Utah. They go all out on celebrating the Mormon pioneer heritage. I have never lived in a state that is so into celebrating it's past. I mean, this stuff is as big or bigger than the 4th of July in most places. There are events periodically throughout the summer for "Days of '47" culminating with July 24, which is Pioneer Day. It marks the day Mormon Pioneers arrived here, July 24 1847. This year we checked out the local parade. I don't have a lot to compare it with, other than Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It wasn't to that scale by any means (where is the giant floating snoopy?) but some people camped out for TWO nights to get front row seats. That evening there were lots of fireworks. We skipped out on that bit to go to bed. Most native Utahns really love all the celebrations and are so proud of this holiday. There is also the counter-cultural Utah holiday called "Pie and Beer Day" for those who aren't so into the pioneer spirit. We like the enjoy a little bit of both.

This year Davis got off work a little early and we went for a hike up in the Uintas. So our Pioneer/Pie-and-Beer day consisted of the parade (for me and Eden), a hike, and some delicious pies and beverages with friends. Perfect for us!

Fehr Lake

Adventure pup admiring flowers

Adventure babe resting by Shepherd Lake

Sunshine in our eyes!

On Saturday we ran errands and had a date night! A dear friend of ours watched Eden for a couple hours while we went for dinner. It's strange how just two and half months ago, we could go out for dinner whenever we pleased just the two of us. Life is more complicated with the added baby but we definitely would not change it. It has definitely expanded our joy, especially in the little mundane moments that once past unnoticed.