The Lake House

Thanksgiving at the lake is always relaxing and memorable. Aunt Linda joined us for the third year in a row, and it was really nice to see her. The first time she joined us Sarah wasn't much bigger than Anna.

Family Visit

The girls love their Uncle Dave. 

Dave and Liz's famous chocolate chip cookies. Yum!

Miniature Golfing

Grandma adoring her grandkids.  

Grandpa and Anna and Sophie

 4th of July pre-fireworks show at 6 pm

Double Dutch! Lisa and Liz were the best. Stathis got in on his first try. My Mom is an excellent coach, and my Dad was the best rope "turner" 

Anna's Blessing

Anna's blessing day was just perfect. 

It worked out nicely to have a lot of family attend. Of course, we missed those who couldn't make it, because we just live too far from each other.

David gave a really beautiful blessing. He loves all his girls, and it's so nice to hear that love in the blessing. 

All of us. 

Family of 5! 

Proud parents

David's parents and us 

David's family

My parents and us

My family

Cute girls

Cousins

Surprise! Happy Birthday Mom

For my Mom's 60th birthday, Lisa and I decided to fly in and surprise her.

Emily, David, and Liz helped us coordinate and made sure my parents stayed in town so we could surprise my Dad too. 

The girls stayed with David and his parents. I was able to really enjoy the trip knowing they were having fun.

My best-friend Kaila picked Lisa and I up from the airport on Thursday night, and the next morning we worked out a plan. Kaila had my parents show her the remodeled basement, while Lisa and I took cover in the kitchen with Emily. 

It was perfect.  

Emily filmed the whole thing, and it was so great to see both my parent's surprised faces. 

We spent the weekend, watching conference, getting pedicures, eating out, and going through childhood memory boxes.  

We had family over for a BBQ, and Emily had her famous adult Easter Egg hunt (only the best candy allowed and you better watch out because there is no mercy when competing with the cousins.)

Even though it was a short trip, it was so worth it! 

Williamsburg

Luckily all of us got over the flu before my parents came in January. 

While they were here, we took a week-long getaway to Williamsburg. It was so much fun. 

The weather wasn't great, but it didn't matter. The girls loved being at the resort, doing crafts each day, and going to the swimming pool. It was nice to get away from the daily routine.

David took the Amtrak down to meet us on Wednesday evening to celebrate Leah's birthday and spend the remainder of the week with us. 

Hanging Out at Grandma and Grandpa's

Farewell

We knew it wasn't going to be forever. 

What we didn't know is how quickly the time would go by and how natural the living arrangement would become. 

My parents were really great missionaries, and they are excellent grandparents. 

We loved being able to see them as grandparents every day. 

They would take the girls on walks to hunt for treasures, to the grocery store, and to the park. Or they would just let the girls play nearby as they studied their scriptures in the morning.  

We miss them, of course, and we are also grateful for the time we  were able to spend together. 

We met up at McDonalds after their last transfer meeting. 

G&G Carrier

We always enjoy when Grandma and Grandpa come to visit.

Sarah liked to take walks with Grandma.


There were lots of long morning walks and playing at the park.


This picture makes me laugh. I realized on our way to drop them off, that we hadn't taken many photos. That's why it's so posed.


Did you notice Leah's outfits? She's always been particular with her wardrobe and her accessories. Some of them are interesting...

It's always too quiet in the house after my parents leave. Lucky for us, they will be back at the end of October as full time missionaries, and we are looking forward to seeing them more often. They will do such a wonderful job.

Visitors

My parents are out for a highly anticipated two-week visit. They've settled right in even though its only been a day.





Leah's been showing them all her things. This afternoon when they were downstairs, my Mom commented, "Leah you put a blanket in your tent." She looked and then quickly corrected her by saying, "No. That's an octagon." Well, yes it is an octagon too.

Mother's Day

"Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers’ love is because it typifies the love of our Savior." - Bradley D. Foster, Quorum of the Seventy

1980: My Mom and I


2009: My Mother-in-Law and Leah


2011: Sarah and I

Beavers

I had no idea there was a beaver farm in Kaysville.







When Leah talks about it she is mainly concerned that they don't get her fingers. I don't blame her.