Utah

While we were in Utah for Jessica and Ryan's wedding, we had the chance to see lots of our Utah friends and family. We stayed with my dear friend Merrily and her family. Merrily and I met and became fast friends when I first moved to San Francisco. About eight months after I moved there, she had her twin girls, Sarah and Katie. I LOVED helping Merrily take care of those babies and since I had no kids of my own at the time, or no nieces of nephews, I loved her girls like they were my own. It has been so fun to watch these two girls grow up. Audrey is about a year younger than these girls and they had so much fun together.
Joshua, Audrey, Sarah and Katie.

 

Sleepover in the playroom almost every night. Audrey was in heaven.

 

Merrily is the queen of making things magical. I wish I had her ability to pay attention to detail, to decorate, to make every thing she does fun. Even when she reads a book to the kids she gets so involved, using different voices and really getting the kids involved. Her little girls are so lucky to have her. She was so kind to watch the kids while I went to Jessica's bridal shower, and when Jessica went to the temple.

 

 

We were able to see the place where Dave and I met, at Miracle Bowl on State St, classy I know. Excuse the lame shot. Again, little point and shoot with horrible time delay.

Where we went on our first date. (Take out Chinese food and had a picnic in the canyon, Nickelcade, rented a movie and watched it at his apartment). The original Nickelcade is gone, but this is the new one.

We were also able to spend time with Jenni, Jason, Jason and Kristina. We haven't seen them since our cruise last year and it was so fun to spend time together.

They live so close to the lake so we had to walk down...

...and long board back.

The cute kids.

After a delicious dinner of steak and salmon, we put the kids to bed and had a fun night of funny stories, and lots of laughing. I love these people.

The next morning we had the chance to hear Luke bless baby Rockwell. I love this little family. Rockwell and Savy, please stop growing. I miss you.

We were there for a week and managed to eat at Cafe Rio six times. Twice in one day. Audrey fell in love with it too and she wanted to take this picture so she could remember "her favorite place". Just when I thought I couldn't love her more.

Our time in Utah was busy, busy, busy but so much fun. I forget how beautiful the mountains are and how much I love Utah.

The Wedding

My baby sister is a married woman! Her wedding was absolutely beautiful and we are so happy to welcome Ryan into our family. The days before her wedding were spent beautifying, and also a really neat day at the temple. The night before her wedding we had lots of fun girl talk. Ha!

It rained the day of the wedding, but Jessica didn't care one bit...the sign of a girl in love! I am so sad I didn't bring my nice camera and I all had was my crummy point and shoot that has a serious delay problem.

Flower girl.

One tired boy. He slept like this for an hour at the luncheon.

Welcoming the new couple at the luncheon.

 

Family.

 

We have had six weddings in the last eight years. This was our family eight years ago...

 

and our family today. The more the merrier!

 

The girls.

 

Sisters.

 

Yummy food at the reception that night.

 

Dancing with Dad.

 

The handoff.

 

Made me teary. Still does.

 

I love these women. My Mom, (then me), then Michelle (my moms best friend whom I am named after), my fabulous sister Sara, and my moms other best friend Maria. My Mom, Michelle and Maria have the kind of friendship that only a few are lucky to have.

 

The getaway car.

 

The sendoff.

 

One last picture with Mom and Dad.

 

 

Happy honeymoon!

 

The kids had a great time playing with the sparklers...

 

until Joshua grabbed it and got a horrible burn. He would show people his hand and say, "Hot". Poor guy. Joshua would not take his hand out of the cup of cold water.

 

With all of my sibling being married now, someone at the wedding pointed out that the next wedding in our family would most likely be Audreys. It made my heart hurt. Stop growing this second Audrey. Stay little forever.

 

The wedding was a very special day. My entire family was able to be in the temple together along with my grandparents and many aunts and uncles. It was a neat experience to witness the creation of Jessica and Ryan's eternal family.

Mr. & Mrs.

They did it! My baby sister got married last Friday and it was such a great day. The best part about it was that my entire family was able to be there to help celebrate Jessica and Ryan. I sure do love all of these people, crazy red eyes and all.
Please excuse the horrible quality of this picture.  It was taken with my little point and shoot and it makes me wish so badly I had my Canon. 

 

Backyard Addition

Memor and Fafa were so nice to get the kids a swing set for Christmas. Dave put it up a few weeks ago and we have all been in heaven. The kids love playing outside on it, and I love that I can watch them from my kitchen.

The sidewalk chalk has also been a nice addition. Thank goodness for the heavy rain that washes it all off so they can start all over again.

 

 

 

 

Easter 2010

We spent this Easter season...

hunting,

 

 

socializing,

 

decorating,

 

playing,

 

celebrating,

 

listening,

 

and most importantly, remembering.

Happy Easter.

A Child's Prayer

Audrey's dinner prayer:

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you my life can be so good. Thank you I can love my brother so much. Thank you my scratch on my nose can get healed. Please bless Dad can come home safely. Thank you Jesus (that's the Texan in her). You make this life so good. Mom! I know how to spell Jesus! G-E-S-U-S.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

All the while kneeling on one knee with her hands pressed together, right under her chin. She's right, we are so blessed to have such great lives.