Where does the time go

After fourteen years, Lourdes and I reunited for Sushi and Christmas lights. We were college chums, neighbors and sorority sisters. We had a great time catching up. I find it so amazing that we are so much alike and it was really great reminiscing and getting to know each other again.

Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.

Just a few pics from Thanksgiving dinner. Our Japanese exchange student, Shiori was able to join us as well as our fun cousins Katie, Brandt and adorable baby Claire. Carter had a lot to ponder that evening, mostly about all of the things that he was thankful for and what he wants from Santa.

My chubby bald headed baby turns 6

OMGosh,I cannot believe that I am writing this and I'm actually tearing up. Sophie is 6 now and growing up so quickly. She is such a joy in our lives and a constant source of laughs and astonishment. She is quite the little inventor and loves all things that her dad loves. She is the son that we'll never have in a lot of ways but she offers her girliness on occasion and amazes us. Happy Birthday, Sophie. We love you so much.

Jono's Birthday...oh and Halloween too!

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. Not only are the kids excited for Halloween but also for their Dad's birthday! We started the morning by going to Sophie's school for the annual Halloween parade. Audrey dressed as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Sophie dressed as Indiana Jones while their father dressed as something resembling a redneck and a rocker. In Sophie's words, "why does dad have to be so ugly?" Later the girls and I were able to trick-or-treat with the McKay's at Foothill Village followed by family and pizza to end a terrific day.

Carving pumpkins at the Clark's

Our AWESOME friends had several of us over for pumkin carving on Monday for Family Home Evening. The weather was impeccable and the kids had a great time designing their pumpkins and "pulling out the guts"! As always, Julianne made something yummy...pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

To Idaho Falls and Jackson Hole with the Larsen's

We were lucky enough to take an end of Summer mini-vacation with Tait, Nikki and Beckham. We stayed in Idaho Falls at this Ultimate Posh RV Park practically on the Snake River. You say that isn't possible, perhaps an oxy-moron but I'm dead serious. We had a great time and were able to venture off to Jackson Hole for some light shopping and some delicious mexican food. Viva Mexico!

A night in the mountains

We recently had a night in the Uinta's. We are so lucky to live so close to the back country...an hour an a half and you could be in the mountains without another soul around for miles. We had a terrific time although a little colder than we would have liked. I'm sad to say that this is the first time I've been camping in Utah and we lived here for nearly 6 years. There's always next summer! On our way home, we stopped by this terrific little family fishing farm. An older couple have created this on their land and the girls love catching trout and helping to gut them. It truly is the only way that we catch fish!!

Sophie's First Day of School

We were all thrilled for Sophie to go to school. She was more than ready and couldn't wait for the big day. Dad and I took her and hung out on the play ground until Miss Judy came out to get them and take them into their classroom. We knew right away that she would be fine. She lined up quietly against the wall with her new pink camo backpack and a huge smile on her face. Last night (Saturday) as I tucked her into bed, she asked me if tomorrow was a school day and when I told her that it wasn't, she was bummed. We are so proud of our big girl!

Red Butte Gardens

Need I say more? If you haven't been, definitely make it a priority. We love this place!

A trip to Snowbird. It's not just for skiing!

We had company all of last week! Granny, Jason (brother) and Sarah (cousin) came to Utah from Texas and California. This is the first trip that Granny has taken since my Grandfather passed away. If it weren't for Sarah escorting her, she would not have been able to make the trip. Thank you Sarah. Anyway, we went up to Snowbird and rode the tram and had some delicious mexican food for dinner (thanks Jono). We had a great time!

Jono's Parents

Jon and Susan Dunn (Peter in the middle) are my wonderful in-laws whom we all adore. The girls refer to them as Oma and Pompa. Anyway we look forward to Sunday dinners at Oma and Pompa's house and with anywhere between 10 and 17 passionate and intelligent people gathered together, you can always look forward to wonderful and sometimes heated debates and discussion. I am so blessed to have all of Jono's family in my life. They are such great examples to us and we love them dearly.

Granny

I'll give you a brief introduction to the wonderful family that we are blessed to have in our lives. This is my Grandmother whom we call "Granny". She and my Grandfather have always been constants in my life and I just love them so much. My grandfather passed away 2 years ago and although she misses him dearly, she has continued growing and blossoming and is always up for trying new things. I honor her on our blog because she is so important to me and my family. You're the best, Granny!

Our Little Family...

This is our little family. We may be small in number but we are LARGE in noise and stature. Our oldest is Sophie Mae (5 1/2) who just started Kindergarten and our youngest is Audrey Mae (3) who is now getting some time alone with mom. Thank you for your interest in us. We are blessed to have you in our lives!