Returning Home with Honor: Grandpa and Grandma Hatch!

 During one of the windiest days Utah has known, we drove up to SLC International Airport to welcome home Grandpa and Grandma Hatch from their mission to the Canary Islands in the Spain, Madrid Mission.  Justin, Jeff, and Brantly's families came too.  The cousins were very excited to see their grandparents.

 The kids and I made a HUGE poster for the kids to hold.  They loved it and wanted to hold it.
 

 Brantly, Melanie, and their three children arrived just minutes before mom and dad came off the plane.  We were so excited to see their new baby.

 Mom and Dad were the LAST ones off the plane and down to see us.  The grandkids were ecstatic to see them and went running to them for hugs!

 (Mom meeting Brantly's new baby for the first time)

 Taylor missed her grandma so much.  They hugged and cried happy tears.

 We made and gave mom and dad a missionary map marking all of the mission they went on, their children, and their son and daughter-in-laws.  It is impressive and they just loved it!

 We went to the Pie Hole in downtown SLC.  It wasn't the most family-friendly restaurant, but it was delicious nonetheless.

We are soooo happy to have grandpa and grandma home from their mission.  We are looking forward to hanging out with them this weekend.

2015 Tulip Festival Memories

 Oh, it was well worth the wait!  For several years, I have wanted to attend the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.  Since we have a family membership there and could go for free, we did.  

The flowers were full of fragrance and simply stunning.  Every color, from yellow to mixes of gold and pink, could be found in different locations around the gardens.  We explored for several hours with Grandma Barbie and loved our time there.

My Greatest Gifts

 Oh, they really are my greatest gifts!  I love these faces more than anything.  Dave, after a long, hard bike ride, met up with the girls and I at Austin's baseball tryouts in Alpine.  It was a warm, spring day and we enjoyed being together watching Austin.

 Austin wrapped up his first year in scouts earning his new badge.  Now off to Bears!

"Haircuts Make Us Handsome"

 I posted this picture on Instagram of the boys with their haircuts.  Jen Johnston's response was, "Jody, you are soooo in trouble."  Yes, yes, I am.  What handsome sons.  Thanks, Dave! :)

A Family Celebration for Austin's 9th Birthday

 We couldn't let Austin's actual birthday pass without honoring his special day.  Since it fell on a Monday this year, we had soccer practice and gymnastics until 7:00pm, so we invited the Lindsays and a few neighbors over for cake and ice cream.  Austin shares a birthday with Steve Johnston.  Every year since he was born, Steve has had a lemon custard cake on his birthday.  So I made it again for Austin.  He loves the cake, and apparently so does our family and friends because the entire cake was gobbled up so quickly, there wasn't quite enough for everyone! We are grateful for the love our family and friends.  The support and love from them is needed by our children.  How blessed are we!

Austin has been obsessed with the NFL team, the Seahawks, for some time now.  He has wanted a jersey.  And he got one for his birthday this year!

Austin is precious to our family.  His enthusiasm, love for life, is welcoming and contagious.  He has a sweet heart and loves his family and friends dearly.  I am deeply grateful to my Heavenly Father for the privilege of raising this young son.