The Wedding

The purpose of our trip to Utah was to attend my sister's wedding. She and Chris were married in the St. George LDS Temple. A Temple and city that has important meaning to our family, on both sides.

It was absolutely beautiful. I felt so blessed to be able to witness their union. You could just feel their love and happiness for one another. I am so happy for my sister. And Chris is such a nice guy. We are happy to have him join our family.

Our parents with Anita

The girls with the Bride.

The Drive Up

We started off the summer with a trip to Utah. My sister, Ana, was getting married and we had a family reunion all in the same weekend. So me, being the adventurous (yeah right)/insane (that's better) person that I am, decided that we should drive and show the girls some sights on the way. My parents had driven us from South Texas to Southern Utah every other year of my life so why couldn't I do the same. Plus, Reagan had learned about the Grand Canyon in school and I thought that it would be great to show it to her. So off we went, 4 girls (somehow, I convinced Heidi to travel up with us--Ian was working) ready for a very long drive.

I'd like to start off by saying, that my girls were absolutely wonderful. They took naps everyday, hardly watched any movies, and just played the whole time.

Now this lady...I believe that her devilish grin reveals a different story on her end.

We were a bit behind schedule and got to the Grand Canyon late because of the fun jewelry on the reservations (my girls discovered the joy of turquoise). But here we are at the park entrance.












And here we are at the Hoover Dam. I think that the girls found this just as exciting at the Grand Canyon.



Then we were off, once again, and on our way to Vegas. Heidi and I were way more excited to finally get there. It was time to begin the shopping.

Later that day, we met up with my parents.

I believe that the highlight of the trip for the girls, up until that point, was the M&M store. That is were they did their shopping.


After enjoying Vegas, we were on our way to Southern Utah, the home of my Dad. We were all excited to meet our soon to be new family member, Chris. And give him a good scare, by allowing him to see what kind of family he was about to join. :)

10 Years

Then:

Now:

Happy Anniversary Hun! I love you!

Burgers, and Shakes, and Fries, Oh My!

As many of you know, in February, the girls and I got food poisoning at a burger place in our area. Since then, I have hardly been able to even look at a burger. But when my hubby sent me this link, my mouth started watering and I felt a tear come to my eye (OK, that last part was an exaggeration, but you get the point). As Ian said, he may never get his wife to California again!

What Are The Odds?

Poison Ivy and Termites (at the same time)....

Seriously, what are the odds?

My Legit Excuse

OK. So it has been a while....a long while, since I have blogged. I admit that I have been avoiding it. That, and I have been back and forth from my place to my parents (3 separate times in 1 1/2 months). My family and I have been sick. And I am just tired.

My mother had back surgery at the end of February. She was to the point that she had to use a walker to walk. So Jenna and I went down to help out during that time.

For Spring break (3 weeks after surgery), the girls and I went back to help out with my mom. She still wasn't able to drive, push a shopping cart, or even bend over/reach for anything. Luckily, my dad was there to help her with everything. Unfortunately, the day after we arrived, my dad suddenly could not walk at all. We found out that week that he needed serious surgery on his vertebrae. So our 5 day trip turned into a 10 day trip. It was such a blessing to be there to help, because basically, my mom couldn't do anything.

A week later, Jenna and I returned in time for his surgery. We spent a week there helping out, once again, greatful that I was able to be there.

I returned home to care for Reagan who had strep, only to get it myself, a few days later.

Like I said, I am tired. But even more so, I am greatful.

I am greatful for:
-all the friends that helped with Reagan
-all the church members that fed my parents when I was not there
-a good surgeon who preformed both of my parents' surgeries
-their extremely speedy recoveries
-my patient and supportive husband
-the fact that I am blessed to be able to travel back and forth
-Jenna being an absolute angel day after day, hour after hour of being in the hospital
-answered prayers
-priesthood blessings
-and the calming peace and love of my Heavenly Father

brrrrr

28 degrees....I don't know how much longer I can stand the cold!

Pinewood Derby Champ

This week, for Adventure Guides (the daddy/daughter activity that Ian and Reg do), Reagan (and Ian) won the Pinewood Derby for their group. Reagan was so excited. Jenna and I went along and were able to cheer them on. It was a lot of fun. And I am pretty sure that Reagan will have a hard time waiting for the Derby next year.

Christmas and New Years

This year, Liz came out for Christmas. The girls had so much fun playing with her. (I had pneumonia.)

On Christmas Eve, the girls decorated a gingerbread house.

And they got to play in some snow. Yes, it actually snowed on Christmas Eve.
It does happen here a few times a year...even in Texas.

Our tree, Christmas morning.

I always love Reagan's reaction to the tree...OK, the presents not the tree.

Jen showing off one of her gifts before ripping off the paper.

Auntie Anita and my parents came for New Years.
I know she looks a little tipsy with her tiara that way but she was seriously just loaded up on Diet Coke.

It was the first year in a while that Ian and I decided to stay home for New Years. It was so nice to just be at home with family.

Shopping With the Stars

This is in front of a parking space at Kohl's! Who would have thunk it??
(Is our Kohl's the only crazy one?)