Our Heaven on Earth

 We had our annual houseboat trip to Lake Powell last week (minus 5 of our kiddos). After almost a year of volunteering with a troubled youth facility- it really reinforces the need for family traditions that bind us together. So thankful for this tribe of David's and mine. We eat till we pop. The jet ski's and boat are buzzing all the time. Games are continually going on. The jokes are terrible. Doug's dance moves were terrible (lol). Kiddos trying new and hard things and succeeding. Some fishing and lizard catching. (catch and release!) Memories of the nighttime winds and terror. Funny, funny stuff and great memories! Lake Powell with family is our heaven on earth!



This year's shirt!!!!  (funny how only a couple of the kids knew the song...)

 

 

The Place- our Heaven on Earth!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The People that Make My World!

 

The family minus 5

 

 
The family in birth order_

Brandi and Doug, Halle Babe, Addi-tude and Gracie Ray of Sunshine (minus 3)

 Ryan and Marci- Elijah and Noah Joseph (No-way Jose) (minus 2)
 

 

Travis and Tenillie- Ryls, Bo,Sadie Jo and Nash

 

 
 Ben and Susie (minus Bridger, their kid.  A dog.)
 

 Tanner and Brooke- Summer, Ryker, Peyton and Annee Bug

Not An Orphan Anymore!

Friday was such a special day- I still can't even wrap my head around it.  David and I and Brandi and Doug went to the Draper Temple and we finished the temple work for my mom and dad- sealing them together- and then I was sealed to them!  Big alligator tears!  I think I thought it would just be a quick sealing but because it was a living ordinance for me, it was the full-fledged thing!  I had an escort just like a bride- had a special dressing room, the works.  It was awesome in that there are 7 sealing rooms in the Draper Temple but the smallest one is where we were.  That room has special significance to David and I because when the temple was dedicated, we had the privilege of spending a day in that room, during the open house- getting to share our thoughts and testimonies about temple marriage and sealings.  That too was a special day.

Love you Mom and Dad.  Guess what?  You're stuck with me for eternity!!!!!

Odds and Ends with Brandi

 I bought tickets months ago to the Millennial Choir and Orchestra's spring concert at Sympathy hall.  Friend Laurie Barnson and I had gone to their Christmas concert and I was soooo swept away with the beauty and spirit of this choir and orchestra, that I couldn't wait to share with it someone I knew would love it.  Brandi leaned over to me during the concert and said she "got it."  Yesss!

We had a great date night with Brandi and Doug- dinner at Twiggs at Fashion Place, then the concert.  David was on good behavior (he's not much of a concert guy) and we had a GREAT time.  Honestly as good as going to the Tab choir Christmas concerts! (the Millennial Choirs and Orchestras consists of over 5,000 participants in California, Arizona, Texas, Utah and Idaho.  So Cousin Deanna- when they perform in Arizona- truly you will want to go!  It's amazing!)

 

(I think we were photobombed by the incredible hulk!)

I wanted to share a few photos from a shower Brandi gave for a neighbor's daughter getting married.  So cute!  Brandi is the shower queen- love everything that she does!

More Bug

 Gracie made these darling graduation hats for Annee's graduation party!

 

 

 Loved these darling favors!

 

 Anne did so great with the party- happy, engaged, made eye contact!  That is sooo big for her!  We love this girl!

 Annee with Brandi's family (minus the 3 oldest kids who are off on their own)

 Annee with Travis and Tenille's family (minus Rylee and Nash)

 Annee with Marci and Ryan's family minus Ryan and Josh on his mission

 We had a delicious baked potato bar, salads and Annee's choice, root beer floats.