Utah: Part 1

Even though I still consider Utah "home" my kids have never experienced many of the places that hold such dear memories for me. Visiting Temple Square was at the top of my to-do this go around. Anna and Isaac have never seen the Salt Lake Temple in person and, let's face it, we don't get a lot of temple visits with the kids in Kansas. (Our nearest temple is Oklahoma City, about 2 1/2 hours away.)

The temple was gorgeous as always.

 We took Jeff's parents with us and we all had a wonderful time walking the grounds and catching up.

 Yeah, sort of impossible to get a good picture of these four crazies.

After visiting the temple grounds we went over to Gateway to run through the fountains.

Isaac was way more interested in doing tricks on the railing.

 Sam was being especially cute.

After the kids got tired of playing, we went to one of our favorite Salt Lake restaurants, Setta Bella. Fresh Napalitano pizza and gelato for dessert.

Utah: Part 2

Friday night we met up with the Hepworths and Lundeburgs at Incredible Pizza. The kids had such a great time with their cousins.

Our plan was to spend the rest of the evening with Chris and Susie in Orem. Susie arranged for a swimming party at her uncle's house. What a blast! It was the first swim of the year for Anna and Isaac.

 Grandma Marlene was kind enough to watch the babies (Sam, Anders and Ben) while we swam.

 We spent the night at Chris and Susie's house in their newly finished basement.

The next morning we high-tailed it back to Murray for a Sollis Family photo shoot. We were quite the site hauling all of our children all around Wheeler Farm.

Grandpa Larry had the task of keeping these two happy during the Grandparent/Grandchildren shots.

Dallas Fourth of July: Part 4

On the 4th Dan and Michelle took us to a small town parade. It was just the right length for the kids and they served free snow cones after!

Dan, Michelle, Jonah and Jake.

After the parade we had some all-American BBQ and apple pie. Yum.

 After lunch and a last minute popsicle, it was time to hit the road. We had such a fun time. Thanks Black family for having us!

Dallas Fourth of July: Part 3

Sunday we laid low. After a delicious meal of pasta and bruscetta (so fresh from the market) we went to a patriotic community concert.

Dallas Fourth of July: Part 2

Saturday we started out the day by going to a Farmer's Market. It was super hot so we picked out some food for Sunday dinner, got some delicious Dimples Cupcakes and headed to lunch. We ate at Posado's and loved it. It was nice to have some good Mexican. (Wichita is a little lacking.)

After lunch, Dan and Michelle offered to watch our kids so Jeff and I could have a little afternoon date. It was so nice to go out together and have some one on one time. The kids had a blast back at Dan and Michelle's swimming, eating popsicles, watching movies and eating popcorn.

We had a lovely time after the kids went to bed, snacking and chating until late. 

Dallas Fourth of July: Part 1

Dan and Michelle graciously invited us to spend the Fourth of July with them in Dallas. On our way down we stopped in Oklahoma City for lunch. I did a little research to find a great BBQ place and came up with Leo's. It was awesome. A total dive-but so good.

 It was basically an old gas station gutted, and filled with picnic tables and a wood burning stove. The drinks were canned and you served yourself collard greens from a crock pot.

We ordered way to much. Each of us got a plate like this one plus sides, plus banana pudding cake. Mmmmm.

Happy Father's Day

Well, fifty percent of Jeff's progeny made it into the Dad Day photo. And a cute fifty percent at that.

We (me and the kids) are so grateful for the awesome dad that Jeff is. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that we all adore him and are blessed daily for the leadership and love he brings to our home.

Post from the past: In March We... 03.31.11