Thanksgiving Utah Trip, loads of pics

We had so much fun in Utah, it went by way too quickly.  I got to bond with nieces and Nephews.  Here I am below with Bryan and Helga's oldest, Makyla.  She is a funny girl, she reminds me SO much of Peyton.

 We started a new tradition this year, kids got served and ate first, then they went to the basement to watch a movie.  The adults got to eat in peace and quiet without any disturbances, it was really nice.

 We took a little side trip to the cemetery in Salt Lake where Tyler's Grandparents are buried.  I had to try not to get all weepy, I miss Tyler's Grandma Williams, she past away when Micah was just a baby.

 We had a huge family reunion with Tyler's Dad's side of the family and the kids got to swim in the pool at my Father-in-laws brother's Apt.

 After swimming and dinner we went to see the lights at Temple Square, the kids got to touch the temple.

 It was freezing and our group got separated a few times but we didn't lose any of the kids in the crowd, not even Ben!

 It snowed just beore we came and of course melted for the most part before we got there.  We made the most of it and found a few piles for the kids to have a snowball (chunk) fight in.

 S'mores for dessert after FHE (out of order, this was our first night there).

 For our "snow" trip we ended up with the boy car.

 Hanging out at Bryan and Helga's beautiful home in Lehi (I think).  The cousins were so cute and really bonded with each other.

 Peyton latched on to Sophie again and Sophie seemed just fine with it.

 Aunt Becca did matching hairdo's for the cousins...

 Peyton had to really try hard not to smile, but she succeeded like always.

 Boys beat girls at Catch Phrase, BARELY.  They were ecstatic.

 Girls bonded, maybe a bit too much!  We were up the night before Thanksgiving until 6am.  Not the smartest thing to do, but it was well worth it, I mean, how often to I get to spend time with my sisters?

 We really do all love each other very much.

 One of my best friends was in Utah for her sons wedding and she came and found me at the visitors center, it made my night!  I love you Allyson!

 Can anyone guess who my new friend is???  After the lights at Temple Square we happened upon a Deseret Book store and I got to meet one of my most favorite authors!

 LeGrand and Becca's house was amazing and perfect for hosting a bazillion people for a week.  Thanks guys, we loved it and miss you all!

This Summer...(3)

We did window art. I went yard sale hopping with my friend Deanne and found some window paint. They loved it.

This is the finished product.
Peyton got to go to a little gathering of girls at the Bogle's house. She loved it. She got to taste fresh coconut (which she didn't like), swim, and she came home with a ring pop...

We took all the kids to see Hello Dolly. 3 of our family members were in the play and it was done very well.
Jacob got to experiment with water and the freezer. He discovered a way to make a glass out of water, very cool.

My sister got married!

Saturday was a very special day for my family. My little sister Lindsay finally got married after a YEAR long engagement! It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. Lindsay and Steve Rowe were married out at the Sportsman's Club at 5pm in a wonderfully brief but sweet ceremony.
I was asked just a few days before the wedding to fill in for one of the bridesmaids. I was honored to do it and happy to find that the dress fit perfectly. It was strapless but I was allowed to wear a little white sweater that fixed that problem. The wedding party was to be there at 3pm for pictures so naturally Peyton and Dustin, mine and Morgan's sidekicks, came too. The kids were angels.

Peyton was not in the wedding party but I put her in her little dress that I made her over a year ago and she was adorable in Lindsay's wedding lavender.

Lindsay was beautiful and happy!

Now my mom's stress can come to an end, until she finds something else to fret over!

My sister Ami was here from Texas, along with her daughter Aubri (6) who is taller than Jacob (8)! The kids LOVED her, and she LOVED Micah! She plans on marrying him, don't worry, Ami is my step sister and therefore not blood related.

The kids toasted with their lemonade about 10 times. They were so cute and had so much fun. They all danced until it was time to go. When Peyton woke up early the next morning the first thing out of her mouth was..."When can we dance at Aunt Lindsay's wedding again?"

My cousins and Aunt and Uncle and my cousin's daughter Cassie (below) were all here from Southern Cal.

Morgan was another of the bridesmaids (she had 6 bridesmaids total!).

I got the honor of decorating their escape vehicle! Giana, her maid of honor completed it by tying on a few cans.

CONGRATULATIONS STEVE AND LINDSAY, I LOVE YOU BOTH!

We...Post#8

We went rollerblading as a family! Yes, this is my last post from last year, finally. This litle jaunt was also why I didn't have my camera for so long. See that stroller below? I put my camera in it after taking these pictures, thankfully, it came to Tyler and the camera was found.
Each of the boys got rollerblades for Christmas, since Ty and I already had some we were set. Peyton in the stroller and away we went.
Here Ben is getting his bearings and trying to manuever around the maze that is our garage.

If you can't tell this is Jacob, it was pretty cold out.

Not the best picture but I had to get everyone in.

Ben caught on really quickly.

We all had so much fun and will be doing this a lot more!

We...Post#7

Did you think I forgot about this series? Well, this is my second to last We post! I know, it's pitiful that I'm still in December but I didn't want to skip over anything. There is so much to look forward to in January too, like Peyton's birthday cakes from this year AND last year!

We visited with family! I didn't get very many pictures because our visit was cut way too short, which I won't go into. I will say though that we were SO sad that we didn't get to spend more time with LeGrand andd Becca and kiddos, some of the best people on the planet. I am also sad that we didn't get more time with Bryan and Helga. I need some one on one girl craft time with Helga someday, she is amazing in more things than just photography, she is a girl of many talents!
The girl cousins, Peyton, Adelyn, Makyla and Sophie.
Ben likes the little ones too, like big brother Micah. Makyla is such a sweetie too, you want to just squeeze her!

We met Essien's new dog Riot. He came named by Santa. My kids, especially Micah, couldn't understand why Santa gave him the name Riot, when it means something bad. He informed us that it means to disagree and argue. He is a super cute puppy and P just didn't want to let him out of her sight, or her arms.

Kolby, who is just about 3 weeks older than Peyton was such a good playmate, they got to enjoy a game of checkers together.

Brayden got to spend the night and we are so glad that he did! The boys couldn't have been happier, or me for that matter, he was a perfect guest. The only thing that would have been better is if the rest of his family could have stayed over the next night! You guys owe us a game night when we come to your house!

We...Post#4

We went to Christmas Tree Lane and acted out the Nativity. I loved Susan's comment on my last post about traditions being like family super glue. I have never thought of them that way before but it's so true!
Papa Ron rode with us in our car and Nana Byn Rode with Bryan and Helga in theirs.

I got to sit by my sweetie.

My sweet Bro. in law Brent (single if anyone is interested) I had to get a picture with him since we were matching in black and white, all the way down to our shoes!

The Nativity was extra special this year as it was the first year we had only kids (mostly) fill the roles. Daddy was the donkey, taking over Papa's usual place. Micah as Joseph and Miss P as Mary.

I love this picture with a side view of Mary's tummy. She's carrying a bit high I guess.

The Shepherd's were sore afraid, well, Essien looks like a munckin a little.

I was amazed at how well all the kids stayed in their roles, especially Peyton. I have never seen her so reverent. She clearly felt the Spirit that evening.

My niece Makyla is seriously the cutest little girl next to my own daughter (I have to think that). She is cute in looks yes, but her personality and demeanor are SO sweet. She got the spirit of giving that night and wanted to give the Shepherd's a few little gifts.

Nana Byn always is the narrator. She is not one to easily cry or tear up, but she did. It really was the best acting out of the Nativity that we've had yet.

I'm grateful for the birth of the Savior and the little moments like these that we have to really reflect on the meaning of Christmas.