Update

Hello. I'm back. We are done with family visits now which is a let down considering that the holidays are right around the corner. We had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa Mathie last week. We have also celebrated Halloween, Jason's birthday and Mckenna's birthday. Of course I have included pictures of all the fun.

Highlights of Grandma and Grandpa Mathie's visit!

Halloween

My next post will be all about Kenna's B-day!

Vacation

We are back. It's good to be home.
The highlight of the trip was just getting to spend so much time with both of our families. I wish we lived just a little closer so we could see them more than once a year. We had pictures taken with both my side and Jason's side. Here are a few with more to come. (If you're looking for a good photographer in the Utah county area then check out Lindsey Shaun Photography

--All of my parents 17 Grandchildren--

My girls

The following pics were taken by my sister Heidi--who does a great job with pictures.

And here are some from my awesome sister in law who also does photography. She's just getting started. I think she has a great future with it. If you're interested in her work here is her blog.

Here are some highlights of our trip. I should have taken a lot more pictures. We did so much more than this.

Sassy little Kenna posing by the water at great grandma and pops.



Love these girls. My oldest nieces who Kenna and Kayla absolutely idolize.


My cute little sis Kelli, and cute nephew Ben. Kelli decided to go on a mission and she recieved her mission call while we were all there. She is going to the Chicago North mission speaking Spanish.


On our last full day in Utah we took the kids bowling. There were more kids than adults. It was pretty entertaining. He's a bunch of the cousins anxiously awaiting their turn.

Halle and Grandma Mathie-- cute huh!?


Kayla being her cute self by the water at grandmas.


This is soooo Mckenna. Katie, behind Kenna, is Jason's youngest cousin. They always have fun when we come out.


We were in Utah for Crew's birthday. Happy first birthday Crew!


The girls both got rides on grandpas "cycle-moto" as Kayla use to call them.


The return of Bibbles. Our unofficial house sitter while we were gone, Bibbles, is back and I'm pretty sure this is the same groundhog. He's so dang cute all sprawled out on our deck. Too bad he can't stay.

It's ALL about family.

Grandma and Grandpa visited us this past week. It was so fun to show them where we live. It's unbelievably beautiful here in the fall. It still takes my breath away (as cheesy as that sounds). I would post pictures but they don't do it justice. It was so fun to have them visit and share it all with them.

Whenever family comes to stay I always feel so sad when they leave. Our whole married life we have lived far away from family. I have gotten use to it now. There are times that I wish we could live closer. I never dreamed that I'd live far away from everyone that means so much to me. I guess it makes you appreciate them and enjoy them a little more. It makes the time you do have with them a little more meaningful.

Summer Time Pictures

Here is what we have been up to this summer. It's been pretty busy!


Kenna building her sand castle (PEI).


Kayla learned to pump while we were at PEI. No one would push her so she got on the swing and when we looked over she was just pumping herself higher and higher with a big smile.


Kayla playin on the beach (PEI)


One side of the beach on PEI looked like this but the other we perfect sandy beach with warm water.

Prince Edward Island. The girls thought these were the coolest chairs.


The main reason we went to Utah was for John and Sarah's wedding. Here are the happy couple after the big day as they came to say goodbye before they headed down to St. George for the rest of the honey moon. You guys look good with kids (hint hint).


Kayla and her cousin Lucas

Kenna and her Cousin Sam.


One of the highlights of our trip to Utah was being able to see baby Crew. Mckenna loved holding him.


Kayla loves to try the monkey bars


Me and Kayla on the boat at Jordanelle


Jordanelle Res. boat ride.

Happy Halloween, Welcome, Happy Birthday, and Congratulations

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Last week we had a lot going on. Wednesday was of course Halloween. Kenna was Tinker Bell and Kayla was a little bumble bee. They were so cute. We went to our ward chili cook off and afterwards the trunk-or-treat. We only stayed for a little while and then went back to our house to hand out candy. I think Mckenna liked that more than getting the candy. She kept trying to give her trick-or-treat candy to the kids coming to our house. Kayla wasn't sure what was going on, but she knows it was a party.

WELCOME

On Thursday night, Jase's parents got here. It was really fun to have them come and spend some time with the girls. Of course they spoiled my girls to the point of almost no return, but that's what grandparents are for. Wish we lived closer. Mckenna loved having them here to obey here every whim. Here they are playing candy land with her. Since Mckenna's birthday is Saturday, they bought her a chest full of princess dress ups. Mckenna was in heaven and still is!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Friday was Jase's B-day so we went up to Tucson for the day. We went to the zoo, and just did a bunch of shopping. It was nice to shop with the help of grandma and grandpa. I actually got to try stuff on before buying it. It's funny how little things like that are such a big deal. Jason had a good birthday. I love him and all he does for me and the girls. He is 26 now, we are getting old!

CONGRATULATIONS

Saturday was cheerleading competition. It was an all day thing. My girls did soo good though. They took first place and I am so proud of them and their hard work. The cheer program here is just starting to take off and it's fun to be a little part of it. The girls have a lot of fun doing it and I'm learning a lot. I'm glad it's over because I will have so much more time to get other things done. With the holidays coming up soon, time is becoming very precious.