utah fun

A very timely surprise and exciting change of pace - I got to spend a week in Utah with family! Total last minute, but it worked perfectly. I spent lots of time with my fam, talked for hours with my mom, went shopping with my sis, took lots of walks with L, enjoyed the moutains again, visited Idaho and celebrated 'decoration day,' attended an great friend's sealing in the temple, visited BYU campus, and met a brand new baby and spent time with her amazing parents! It was fabulous - I couldn't ask for more!

This is L helping mommy unpack the suitcase. He was having a blast.

Aunt K loved to follow L around taking pictures - and she definitely caught some cute ones! He loves to stick his tongue out, and his new favorite thing is to squish up his nose and breathe in and out really fast. It totally cracks us up!

We spent a lot of Saturday and Sunday decorating and honoring the graves of loved ones and family members. It was my first time really celebrating Memorial Day for its intended purpose, rather than for the no-school-day aspect. The cemetaries were brilliant with colors of flowers, and my heart experienced every kind of emotion walking through and reading the words engraved on the grave stones. My heart ached for those who are gone and their families, but felt joy as I thought about the legacies left to learn from. I especially loved seeing all the flags marking veterans who served our country in the armed forces. I am grateful to those men and women - especially my dad and brother who honorably serve(d) and dedicated their lives for my freedom. Thank you.

Aunt K was by far L's favorite I think ... "We go together, like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong"

Elizabeth was a beautiful bride, and the sealing was wonderful. Thank you for letting me be apart of your special day!! Congrats!

L walking around BYU campus like he owns the place ...

Watching the fountains in the counrtyard of the JFSB.

I love this kid ...

My home away from home. I spent A LOT of my undergrad in these two buildings (the RB & SFH). Brought back fond memories ...

L playing in the 'wisdom tree'

Apparently L's not ready to go to school ... I'm grateful for that. I'll hold on to him a little bit longer.

Got to see fabulous friend Allison while at BYU. Love this girl!
It's the little things in life ...

Amazing friends and their beautiful brand new daughter!! L looks like a giant compared to her ... since when did my baby grow up?! Thanks Robinaughs for letting me hang out with you - sure miss you guys!!

I love Utah! Thanks for a wonderful time Mom and Dad (and for letting me borrow your car!)!!

a few lessons i learned from my mom

Hug your baby as much as you can.

Take time to sit on the grass and enjoy your life in the moment.

You're never too young to wear make-up (actually ... you are, but when you get a rash on your face the day of pictures ... there's an exception).

It's nice every once in a while to sit back, play, and laugh with your kids while someone else takes the pictures.

Even though it may be easier, sometimes you have to swim against the current.

Be adventurous and try new things.

Matching clothes on kids look cute - especially when it includes tights with designs on them.

School is important. 

That silly rule of not eating before you go swimming doesn't really apply when there's fruit snacks. 

Side pony-tails are always in fashion.

Cooking can actually be fun!

It's okay to follow the clothing trends every once in a while ... so you can laugh about it later.

Be happy and share that happiness with others.

You need to teach your children how to give you shoulder rubs. 

Hand-me-downs are always in fashion. I wore all three of these dresses and loved every minute of it.

Girls' Camp songs are all you need for entertainment.

Making memories together is the best kind of gift.

Marry the man you love.

Marry in the temple.

You can turn any bad situation into a good one by being optimistic, creative, and resourceful.

We can all be like the girl made of bricks.

Music makes life joyful.

Dream big, then work to accomplish it.

Families are Forever. You will never fully understand the impact you make for good on the lives of others. It's all worth it. 

I love you Mom.  Happy Mother's Day.

fun visit

THANK YOU for such a fun weekend! We had a blast and loved celebrating Mother's Day with you. It was very much needed and appreciated - we loved having you here and miss you already!! Counting the days till the next chance to see you ...