I did not get lost...I promise!

To those of you wondering what the heck happened to me, rest assured I did not get lost in a cow pasture, or get blown away by this wonderful Wyoming wind, or get frozen to death by a snow blizzard or get stampeded by buffalo. Although I am beginning to think all of these things could happen at some point during our adventure here in the fabulous state of Wyoming. Since we have been in Evanston life has just been crazy busy (my husband did predict this) I just thought once we got settled here in Evanston life would be so laid back and relaxing. I mean I am not working at all and right now Joel has a set 9-5, Monday thru Friday schedule. But I have been so busy I have not stopped for the last three weeks. But I am posting this to assure you that I am still alive and well. And this is a warning this post is going to be the longest thing ever, so if you would like to stop reading now you will probably be grateful you did, otherwise continue at your own risk just know I did WARN you!

So the first week here I was busy planning my dad's 50th surprise birthday party! It took a ton of work, because those of you that know me, know that I have to do everything BIG. So we planned the party around western theme. Thanks to my talented Aunt Jenny, she did all of the decorations. She made a life sized cowboy cut out, barn wood signs to hang up over the food and drinks that said "Grub" and "Watering Hole." All the tables had old lanterns with candles or little bales of hay with a cowboy hat and rope. She also made wanted posters from pictures of my dad from baby pictures to pictures of him now. She did an awesome job! (THANKS JENNY) And so all of this hard work and do you think we took any pictures... nope. So that is why I am describing it in such great detail. I know I am bummed! More on that later...

So the Friday before my dad's birthday was my birthday. The tradition is you get to pick what you want for dinner and dessert. So I chose Pizza Hut (reminder I am in Evanston and there are only like two choices, McDonald's or Wendy's) so we had pizza and then went back to my parents house and played games. Here are some picts from that night:

My dad made a candle out of paper and stuck it in a piece of pizza for me.

My brother just being my brother

Lukas just happy to be at the party.

My good friend Mandy and her daughter came by to visit me on my birthday, I think Lukas is in love already. Emma is the cutest baby ever! Thanks again Mandy it has been fun hanging with you.

So that Sunday after my birthday was the big surprise party. It's a long story but we got my dad out of the house for a while so we could go decorate. Then to throw him off, just the immediate family went down to the Bear River State Park for a picnic so he would think that is all we were going to do for the big day. Here are a few pictures from the picnic:

After the picnic we took my dad on a picture scavenger hunt to get him to his party. He was actually surprised and there were a ton of people at the party. I think he had a good time and it was so good to see friends and family that we have not seen in a while!

This is the only picture we got from the party. My dad and I have always had our birthday party's together since our birthdays are only two day apart. So my mom kept up the tradition and got a birthday cake for me as well!

Next it has been a tradition in our family since my mom was a baby to have a six month birthday party. Since we were at the beach when Lukas turned six months my mom had a party when Lukas turned seven months. Yes he got presents and got to eat cake and ice cream. He loved it all!

So that brings us to Labor Day Weekend. One of my favorite weekends of the entire year! In Evanston we call it Cowboy Days. Our good friends Ryan and Crystal and their two little girls came to visit us on Saturday. They were brave and made the drive up here to check out E-town. I think they had fun, we went out to the fairgrounds and Mayli played on the blow up princess castle and slide. We ate so much food. We had curly fries, snow cones, funnel cakes, kettle corn and cotton candy. We also went on a picnic out at the state park and showed them the buffalo's. I know exciting stuff. But it was a lot of fun and we are so glad they came to visit.

Then on Sunday Joel and I went out to the fairgrounds to help my dad at the rodeo. My mom took Lukas in the trailer with her. (she helps out in the money trailer) Anyway right after she took Lukas in the trailer with her it started raining then it turned into hail. Needless to say we were drenched and muddy. We came home and had hot chocolate, toast and eggs. But I was still a little cold. Then Monday is the big day with the parade and rodeo and stuff. Well it was a little chilly but we got Lukas all decked out in his cowboy gear and went to the parade. We made it through the parade without getting wet but as soon as we were headed home it started raining and then that turned into snow. Yes I said snow. I swear I am going to freeze here! So it snowed pretty much until the rodeo started at 2. My mom and I had to go down to help my dad again at the rodeo, and I not kidding when I say this we wore snow boots, gloves and big heavy coats. Luckily my parents have a lot of this winter clothing because Joel and I did not bring any of that with us! Needless to say they did not have a great turn out at the rodeo but there were a few die hard fans that showed up! I was in the trailer with my hot cocoa and a heater and I still froze my butt off. I am not sure I am going to survive a winter here :) Anyway here are some picture of my cute cowboy:

Thanks to Grandma for the cute wranglers and shirt.

Watching the parade with Mommy.

Riding a horse with Grandpa.

So that is what we have been up to in the wild state of Wyoming. Thanks for reading this ginormous post. Love to you all.