Family Home Evening at Uncle Doug's House

 Uncle Doug emailed us several weeks ago to invite us over for a family night and BBQ at his house.  We took a chance because of spring weather in Utah, but it ended up being quite warm and perfect for roasting hotdogs outside on Unc's amazing fireplace!  

Cousin Sandy was visiting from AZ along with Erin and Anne from AZ and CA we were loaded with cousins we don't see very often. 

Just like when we were young, we laughed and joked, but unlike when we were young, there was a dark cloud hanging over us as talked about Aunt Suzie's terminal prognosis.  I think I can speak for all of us there that the phrase, "Families are forever" means more now than it ever did. 

Yes, families are forever.  

A Surprise Visit from Cousin McKay

 This picture pretty much sums up how we feel about our cousin, McKay!
Jeff flew McKay in from Texas for a visit in Utah and we got to spend time with our cousin on a Friday night.  The kids were very excited to play games with him and hang out for an evening.  We are lucky to have him as a cousin and friend.

Dr. Suess Day!

Oh, please quit growing up so fast!

2016 Foreign Language Week at OCJH!

 For the past 7 or 8 years, I have been in charge of the assembly at the end of Foreign Language Week.  Each year, it is a LOT of work.  Really, so much.  But the assembly is both educational and entertaining so I feel the time and emotional investment is worth it.  
Here are some pictures of the awesome performers in 2016.  At the end of the week, my former Spanish teaching colleague, Mike Redford, gave Jenna and me a gift basket from Kneaders.  I appreciated his sweet gesture.  

My Good-Looking Boys

Haircuts make them look oh-so handsome!  Now, if their mother would just learn how to do it and save us some $$$$$.  I love all of my boys.  

 #bestdaddyaward

Provo City Center Temple Open House

Family is everything.  It is.  Dave and I talk often about how we are living our dream being parents and watching our children grow and develop.  We also talk about what we want our children to remember about us and what family means for us.  

We spent an evening at the new Provo City Center Temple open house as a family.  Wow.  We were all captivated by the murals, woodwork, artwork, carpet, stained glass windows, and the final stained glass picture of Christ.  Dave had been at a YM activity where one of the General Contractors on the temple had shared stories about the construction of the temple.  He kept pointing out the smallest details for us to acknowledge and take not of. We had fun taking pictures afterward outside.  The night was warm and a reminder that spring is breaking in.

As we hurried to the Yukon, we decided to go to the BYU Creamery for some ice cream.  Dave shared with us stories about his Uncle Lee's store and memories of working there.  After we ordered our ice cream, we walked around the store where Dave pointed out so many things for us to notice.  I love watching our family connect to their past.  I told Dave that when our children hear stories about how hard their ancestors worked, it pulses in their blood and give them confidence that they can do hard things and be successful.