Cousins!!

When I found out we were going to Utah, I was thrilled to finally see my cousins Lindsay and Cierra! It had been a LONG time.  Last time we were together I only had Charlie. Jill and Lindsay's little boy, Tate, are only a few months apart and we were excited to finally have them meet eachother. They were so fun to watch and I just wish we had more time to let them play. I can only imagine what good friends they would be if we lived closer. Tate is so cute and looks so much like Lindsay. Cute cute kiddo. We ate lunch together on Saturday before Cody's wedding. Lindsay and Cierra both live in American Fork and were so kind to watch our kids while we attended Cody and Sarah's sealing in the Temple. So we met for lunch together and then ditched them with the kids for a while we hurried up to the Temple. Their wonderful husbands -Ryan and Nate were gems to help out too. Everyone survived and seemed super happy! We met up again on Sunday to have lunch and then head to church with Lindsay. I am grateful to have such a supportive family. It was during lunch on Saturday that Lindsay and Cierra both told me that they were BOTH PREGNANT and had the SAME due date!! Even more recently we've learned that they are both having boys! I can't think of a better way to have twins! ;0) Those little guys are going to best buds. SOOO happy for them! I got a few pictures of Tate and Jill and one with me and Lindsay and the kids - I can't believe I didn't get one with Cierra. Next time I will have to be better about getting more pictures. Yes, there will have to be a next time. Can't wait to see them again!

Our Family Vacation to Utah: Part TWO "The Big Day"

November 3rd 2012, Salt Lake Temple!  Here we go! :)  Lots of beautiful pictures to share of the beautiful day!

Our Family Vacation to Utah: Part ONE

When we got news of Cody's engagement to Sarah, we were so excited for them.  We were lucky enough to get to know Sarah a little bit during their courtship.  She worked in Phoenix and Cody would fly out as often as he could to come see her.  They made the trek down to Tucson a few times to visit and it was a really special time for us to be with Cody and get to know this lovely lady.  The first time I met Sarah, Ben was less than 2 weeks old and it was immediately obvious to me that she LOVES babies!  Her and Ben, I mean Cody, definitely hit it off.  Dave and I had a good feeling about this one - and I guess they did too. ;0)  Thus, we were thrilled to have an awesome excuse to go visit Utah as a family and be a part of their big day.  This was our first vacation on an airplane with all 3 kids. I was excited for the family adventure.

We flew out of Phoenix to avoid having a layover if we left from Tucson.  We prefer the idea of our kids being buckled in the carseat vs. wrestling with them on an airplane - so it was worth the 2 hour drive to Phx to keep the trip to just 1 direct flight.    We don't pack lightly (atleast I haven't figured that out yet).  It took me a long time to pack us all - thinking through the clothes for each day, planning ahead for accidents, and unpredictable diaper blowouts.  We also had to bring all 3 carseats with us.  We had 4 flyers (Ben was free) and utilized all 8 of our checked luggage options.  Plus, we all had a carry-on.  Yes - that's a lot of crap.  Oh and a double stroller.  and the kids.

We only almost lost the kids a couple times.  Not bad.  An attendant gave the kids little airplane erasers when I had to rush back and check one more bag that we didn't notice was on the end of the stroller. In all, it was just a bit hectic getting us all on and off the shuttles, walking through the terminal, getting to our flight, etc..  But we managed and lived to tell about it.  I feel like everyone we encountered at the airport was super kind and willing to help us out.  As we got off the airplane, the pilot offered to let the kids take a peek around the cockpit which was really fun - especially for Charlie - he loves airplanes.

We arrived at SLC, rented a big mini van and then headed straight to Provo for a J Dawg (or 2).  That's right, we have our priorities in order.  We also stopped by Jon and Danielle's apt at Wymount and enjoyed visiting there for a bit.  We headed up to Park City after that to unload and settle in to our little condo that Dave's parents graciously provided for us for the week.  It was the perfect condo for our family.  We all slept well, which was wonderful.  The next day, we took the kids to ride the alpine slide - but it was closed.  So we enjoyed just walking around Park City, playing in a bit of snow, and snapping pictures.  After that it was on to Salt Lake to meet up with the rest of the crew for lunch and shopping at the new City Creek Mall.  (which was beautiful!)  Aunt Danielle and Grandpa hung with us most of the day.  Grandpa always opts to sit with the kids in the back of the van (no matter how much I try to sit back there!)  The kids LOVE that.  Aunt Danielle and Ben enjoyed a little bonding time too. 

I noticed when we got the pictures off of the camera that I had a ton of these super cute shots of Jill with Dave.  He is such a fun Dad - and the kids cling to him when we go places together.  He's just way more fun - and I love that. Dave and Jill have a special father/daughter bond that warms my heart.

The day ended with a lovely rehearsal dinner that was prepared by a Chef-friend of Sarah's family.  It was delicious!  Cody always wanted an ice cream cake for his wedding cake so they surprised him with one that night.  They also got our kids these cute kid ice cream cake cones which was very thoughtful.  Their eyes just LIT UP as they brought them over.  Jill, as you can see below, licked her plate clean!  I just don't know where she gets her sweet tooth from.  The whole evening was wonderful, but the highlight was listening to all of the meaningful toasts from each family member.  Fun stories and memories were shared of Cody and Sarah.  It just was really neat to be a part of that and watch these 2 neat people start a new life together.

Final Halloween Post!!

 My plan was to be a Batman family - Ben would be the baby bat, Jill bat girl, Charlie batman, and me and Dave would wear batman shirts too.  BUT Dave wanted to be Robin.  So why not.  His shirt even had a cape, which certainly helped him to fly much better than he did without one.

Elmo made an appearance at our Trunk or Treat with his sidekick Abby Cadabby. 
Jill was SOOOOO excited she was shaking.  It was hilarious. 
Thank you Brother and Sister Harris!
 

 On the actual day of Halloween, Jill made a last minute costume change to be a chicken.  I got this costume for $1 at Old Navy 3 years ago and every year since I've tried to get one of the kids to wear it.  Jill was a good sport, and was one cute chick!!

 Our cute little baby bat!  The same costume Charlie wore for his first Halloween too. :)  

He helped me pass out candy and got lots of "oh, how cute" comments from trick or treaters.

Ben 5 Months Old

Halloween FHE 2012

Apple Annies - October 8, 2012

We had never been to Apple Annie's, so we figured this was the year.  It's about 2 hours away from us and proved to be a fun family day!  The kids loved running around through the trees, playing in the corn box, and we just enjoyed being together as a family. 

Baby Ben - 4 Months Old