Cousins, Cousins, Cousins!

It was so wonderful for Anna and Isaac to spend so much time with their cousins while we were in town. These shots were taken after the shower. The men turned up with the kids and we sat around Mom and Dad's backyard chatting and ooohhhhing and aaahhhhing over how cuteness of the children. I wish I had taken more pictures of the rest of the kids and adults, but the babies always seem to somehow dominate the camera time. I blame the chub. It's irresistible.

Nate with the babies, Isaac, Elsa, and Grace.

Isaac and Gracie splashing. Isaac was a little overwhelmed by Gracie's exuberance.

I also must note how I enjoyed having Matt around and basking in his pre-wedding happiness. He was glowing. You can say that about grooms right? Stay tuned for wedding details.

Matchy-Matchy

It doesn't happen that all Anna and Isaac's cousins all happen to be in the same place in the same time. Of course, we have to take these opportunities to catch a few photos. These picture were taken right before we met up with the Sollis cousins for a group shot. (I'll post a picture of all the kids as soon as I can.) Stay tuned for the Black cousins...

Liz's Baby Shower

The first of many family events in Utah was Liz's baby shower. I spent a lot of happy hours thinking about the details. It's not often I have a legitimate excuse to throw a party, so when I do I get a little crazy about it. Such fun!

Of course the best part is the people and conversation, but somehow that is made even more great with compliments of good food and fun ambiance.

Boxed (bagged if you want to get technical) lunches, and beverages.

Poof balls compliments of Sarah.

This is the project the guests worked on while arriving and mingling. Liz ended up with 15 or so unique onsies.

The food was delicious: Chicken Brick Baguettes, fresh cherries, pasta salad, kettle chips, and Izzies. For dessert, yellow cupcakes with pink cream cheese frosting.

I can't believe baby sister is having a baby! I. Can. Not. Wait. And isn't Liz just about the cutest pregger you've ever seen?

Bringing Home the Bacon

My daily conversations with Anna usually include a lot of curious questions. Yesterday, for example, went something like this:

"Why is today Tuesday?"

"Because yesterday was Monday."

"What time is it?"

"11:30."

What does 11:30 say?"

"Lunchtime."

Where is dad?

"At work."

"Why does dad go to work?"

"To bring home the bacon."

What time is it now?"

"11:31."

And so on and so on. We went about the rest of the day Anna asking, me clipping off answers without much thought. Until Jeff got home.

After the barrage of hugs and kisses from the kids, Anna innocently asked Jeff if he remembered to bring home some bacon.

Jeff and I laughed and laughed.

Anna did not laugh.

Her chin quivered and she tried to hold it together but ended up running to her room crying. Jeff went to investigate the tears. He reported a couple minutes later that Anna really wanted bacon for dinner and she just wanted to be alone.

Jeff will be bringing home bacon tonight. For reals bacon. We are happily anticipating his arrival.

Spontaneous Utah Trip: Day 4

I got sick.

I was no fun to be around.

Everyone else took care of my kids. (Thanks, by the way.)

I refused Nielsen's Frozen Custard.

I took no pictures.

BOO!




On the bright side we did get to help celebrate cousin Cayson's 1st birthday at the lovely Liberty Park. Oh how I love this park. (Anyone want to email me some pictures?) Anna had a great time playing in the rivers fountain but had a bit of a break down when the carousel closed before she had a chance to ride. Good thing we'll be back in Utah in a week and a half. Every time the trip comes up she reminds me about Grandma's promise to take her to back to the carousel. (Hope you're still up for it Marlene!)

Sunday Jeff drove us all home. I made him go home the ugly way even though we had planned to go over the Rocky Mountain Range. I'm sure I was lame company while I sat/slept/stared from the passenger side. He must love me. The kids were troopers and did really well both ways. Good job kiddos!

Spontaneous Utah Trip: Day 3

Friday we met up with Aunt Debbie at one of our favorite downtown spots-Tony Caputo's. Mmmmmm. Great food and it was so fun to spend the time with Debbie.

Anna rode the train into the city with Grandma and loved it despite the fact that the air
conditioning was out.

After lunch we made a quick stop next door to Carlucci's Bakery where I salivated over all the pastries and chocolates. I caved after seeing their Flourless Chocolate Cake which was more like fudge. Anna decided she needed a cupcake and Grandma Marlene was happy to comply. After licking all the frosting off she was done and was hoping for a second.

Later that evening we celebrated Grandpa Larry's birthday with all the cousins. Happy 29th Larry.

Cousins: Bradon, Ethan, Cayson, Riser, Anna, Isaac, and Tanner

(Anna needs a girl cousin. Anyone want to get working on that?)

Isaac was pleased with the balloons.

Anna "helping" blow out the candles.

No pictures of the birthday boy! Sorry Larry.

Spontaneous Utah Trip: Day 2

I felt so lucky to end up in town while the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House was happening. Liz arranged the tickets and we met Julie and her kids there. It was beautiful and inspiring. My favorite was all of the mountain scenes depicted in paintings all though the temple. Anna liked finding the pictures of Jesus and thought the chandeliers were beautiful. The tour was a little long for the kids, but I was grateful for the small teaching opportunities that presented themselves before, during, and after the tour.

Waiting in line with Grandma Black.

Blurry, but they are both smiling!

The reception at the end was actually really nice. Honestly, I was expecting round tables and folding chairs, but there were sitting areas with sofas and club chairs, paintings on the walls, and volunteers handing out cookies and water bottles. A really nice ending to the temple experience.

Can we just take a minute to talk about these legs? They are ridiculous, right? I LOVE them. And while I am desperately trying to limit the amount of blog posts dedicated to my boy's BMI, I cannot help myself with this picture. You can't even see his shorts for heavens sake. Makes me want to go upstairs and wake Isaac up just so I can squeeze him.