Memorial Weekend in Idaho

It had been almost a year since I was home in Idaho because of my sickness with pregnancy. We heard that most of my siblings were going home to drive a portion of the cattle herd up to mountain pasture for the summer and it was my Dad's 69th birthday on Sunday so Dave and I made last-minute arrangements to go home for a few days. It was a blast!

Here are some pictures capturing the memories of the weekend! Check out this double, gorgeous rainbow we saw on our way home to Utah! The kids loved it!

Both mom and Alyssa slept on the couch right before we left.

I need to preface these 2 pictures! Growing up, my brothers LOVED to compare strength, muscles and even chest hair (Justin always wins that one). So nobody was surprised when talk turned to who was the strongest. Dave and Brantly went at it here and Dave actually held his own for about 14 seconds before.....

Yes, defeat!

Lots of couples: Jana and Justin, Melanie and Brantly, Jeff and his fianace Nicole.

My grandpa Hatch (turns 100 this year) holding Alyssa and Jaxson to the side

Here is Grandpa Hatch with the grandkids (minus Jenny's 2 in AZ)

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Hatch!

Here is the family, minus Charlotte (Brandon's wife) who took this picture

Some random shots of the family....

Josh and Ginger, the pregnant one now! :)

Melanie and Brantly!

Brandon's daughter, Sydney, LOVED mom's shoes! She walked around in them everywhere! (Since Brandon and his family are at my house sleeping as I'm typing this at work today, I have to tell you that I ran to Wal-Mart late last night to buy his girls some little dress-up shoes!)

Saturday, May 23rd

Austin chasing Cage in mom and dad's backyard

Charlotte and Sadie

Brandon and Sydney

We got to take cows up to a mountain pasture. So fun! I LOVED being on a horse again. My brothers were wonderful to take the kids on the horses!Here I am on a horse for the 1st time in years! It was so awesome!

I want to thank my brothers for taking the kids on horses all morning and afternoon long! The kids LOVED it and I was so grateful they had the opportunity to ride!

Can you believe our daughter is getting baptized in a week?!!! Taylor has been looking forward to this for a few years now and it is finally here! On Saturday, May 30th, her baptism will take place.

Our good family friend, Jen Johnston, took her to the temple in the white dress we bought her to take some pictures. I think they turned out just beautifully!

Aunt Suzie's Mission Farewell Party

Aunt Suzie, Uncle Doug and Mom

Throughout my life, I've had 2 favorite aunts. One is Aunt Anita and the other is Aunt Suzie! Both have been so loving, supportive and simply the best. Last weekend, we met at cousin Doug's home for a farewell party in honor of Aunt Suzie and Dale before they departed for the mission field in South Dakota. It was so wonderful to see them. Aunt Suzie will be the best missionary! I can't believe how lucky the members will be to have her for a friend and role model. She really has a gift to love and accept others. I have never been with her where I haven't left feeling better about myself....all because of gift of love! Anyway, here are some pictures of our evening together.

Sisters! Aunt Suzie and mom

There are always games going on when we get together with the Nielsen Family!

Cousin Melissa with Alyssa!

Dane's wife, Eryn, with her new baby Layla, son Logan and the yellow tiger, Tanner!

My brother, Jeff, arrived in style on his Harley Davidson. The cousins all went out to try a ride. Here is Doug, right before he almost HIT my vehicle! We all panicked as we watched him drive off! AHHHH!

Jeff, Doug and Tanner!

Dave- always HOT on a motorbike!

Austin and Dillon are best friends! They played so cute together!

Ginger's Graduation from Utah State University!

On Saturday, May 2nd, the kids and I traveled to Logan in a horrible rainstorm to attend Ginger's graduation from college. Josh (Gingie's husband) called on my way up and told me his 13 year old sister, Rachel, could watch the boys so they wouldn't have to sit through the commencement exercises. What a blessing! So Taylor and Alyssa and I met mom and dad at the temple and then drove to the graduation. We sat with the Hunsakers and enjoyed our time there. Ginger is finished now with her degree and is soooo happy! Here are some pictures of our memories together!

Ginger's sister-in-law graduated a few hours after her....

Mom and Dad with their youngest kid!

The Hunsakers- the announced on Mother's Day that they are 12 weeks pregnant!Please don't count my chins- I'm working so hard on getting rid of them right now!

Taylor's 8th Birthday

Eight years ago, our lives changed forever with the birth of Taylor. It was an amazing experience to bring a child into the world. Overwhelming fear and joy were experienced in those hours leading up to her arrival.

Taylor has blessed our lives in every way. We adore her sweet spirit, her excitement for living and her beautiful smile! Here are some pictures of her special day!
On Monday, May 4th, Taylor was honored as student of the week in her 2nd grade class. We made a poster and brought rice krispie treats to school that day. In the evening, we had Poppie, Grandma Barbie and Cheri along with the Johnstons over for pizza and birthday cake. It was a great evening.

Jody's Birthday!

I know I already posted that I had a fabulous birthday but here are a few pictures of celebration! The first is me a few days old.

And 39 years later......