Memorial Day

It is a week late, but at least I'm posting. We had a big family picnic on Memorial Day with my extended family. Most of them live around here, but sadly I rarely see them. It was a blast to get together with them and I'm glad we were able to go. (Sorry it took so long for me to get them up Mom and Dad, but here you go.)

My sisters, their husbands/boyfriends, and kids. I haven't seen some for a couple of
months so it was a good time.

My fabulous Grandpa.

Chattin' it up.

My cousin Christina and her family, minus a few kids.

Katya liked the food.

Cali playing catch with my cousin's little girl.

I think my nephew Taylor likes dogs.

Taylor

The sisters- Candi, Beka, Susan, Megan, Staci.

Megan sliding with Taylor.

My cousin Lyndsey and her adorable little baby.

The Hawks girls with my Grandpa Ray.

Grandpa Ray and Cali

Grandpa Ray with both my girls.

Grandma Marie with the girls.

My aunts, Debbie and Nancy, with their dad.

The girls really like rolls.

They all look so tired and bored. I think it was time to go home.

Jethro, Nate (Beka's boyfriend), Beka, Brent (Candi's husband), and the kids.

Brent, Candi, and my cousin Meri.

More cousins.

Cali playing with my cousin's little boy.

He (my cousin's kid) is such a cute little boy!

Saturday before Memorial Day, I met my Aunt Nancy, Cousin Meri, and my sister Susan at the zoo. The girls always love the zoo and it was a blast. I think the kids favorite part was sharing their snacks with each other.

When we went to look at the giraffes, one was really close and bent over to eat
some leaves- about 3 feet from the fence. Awesome!

Why am I so excited for this week?

1. Jethro's last week for school then it's summer!
2. More planting!
3. Girls love playing outside.
4. I don't have to teach scouts this week.
5. My best friend is getting married Saturday and I am so excited for her. (I wish I could be there Dierdra.)
6. Play N' Learn.
7. Not too busy of a week, hopefully I'll get some crafting done.

Why am I so excited for this week?

1. Jethro has today off.
2. Only two more weeks of school.
3. Family picnic today with my extended family.
4. Planting.
5. We fixed our sprinklers!
6. Nice weather.
7. Make more jam.
8. Make cupcakes for Jethro to take to work.
9. The girls got a new water toy that they love.

When 2 Lives Collide

Sometimes I feel like I have lived three separate lives- my life before college, my life before marriage, and then after marriage life I went to college out of state and when I graduated from college, I moved to a different state. Each of those periods in life were different. Each place brought experiences, memories and friends. Those lives felt so different because they never really crossed, until now.
A few months back, a really good friend fro my college days was chatting with me on Facebook. She proceeded to ask me about a fiend of mine from my pre-college life. She had been browsing through my friends and had spotted him. Here's where the interesting part comes in: She had met this friend of mine on an LDS dating site and had started chatting with him. She was curious what kind of guy he was. I was happy to divulge all info I had about him. Well, they started dating and this past weekend they got married. I am so happy for them because they are both such wonderful people and are perfect for each other.
Is it weird that this happened? It seems so weird to me, not a bad weird but a good weird (Jethro is probably laughing because I just said a "good weird"). Never before have two of my worlds collided. It's just weird to think that somebody I knew 7 years ago just got married to one of my best friends who in normal circumstances (as in pre-internet dating) wpuld never have crossed paths. It's kinda cool. Has anything like this ever happened to anyone before?
Despite my thinking it's a little weird (don't worry, I'm getting over the weird factor), they had a beautiful wedding and a wonderful reception and I'm so grateful that I got to be part of it. Congrats Kyle and Heather!

The happy couple

The cake cutting

Me with the very cute Heather and Kyle

On a side note, Heather's parents have a fabulous swing set in their back yard where will held the reception. Why is it so fabulous you might ask? It is because it has the perfect slide. I have not found one as wonderful like it at any park. It is a smooth ride that doesn't make you go to fast and also slows you down as you get to the bottom. My girls could go down all by themselves without falling over or getting thrown out the bottom. They loved it!

Anytime Katya hears a car or airplane she always "looks for it". Way cute!

Why am I so excited for this week?

1. Jethro only has 3 weeks left 'till school's out!
2. Nice weather.
3. Planting.
4. Card making.
5. I don't have to teach scouts this week- my fabulous assistant volunteered to do it.
6. Play N' Learn.
7. Cali says Mom (I make her say it over and over again because I just love hearing it.)
8. My jam is made.
9. Not too much to do so kind of a relaxing enjoyable week with my girls.
   

When the girls are sick...

They fall asleep like this.

Tuesday both girls were sick- Katya with croup and Cali was throwing up. We were all exhausted. While Jethro was helping someone move, the girls decided on a nap. No I did not put Katya in that position. Cali was asleep on my lap and Katya was playing. She climbed from the couch onto the Lovesac, crawled behind me, came across my lap, and just layed down just like that. I was beyond surprised that she even fell asleep like that. They stayed that way for a good hour. I guess they were tired.

Belated Pictures

We got the video up from Katya's party, but with everyone sick last week I never had any time to post all the photos we took from her birthday.

The unveiling

Katya's (and Cali's) absolute favorite part of the kitchen-
the phone

I think she sees us on our phones too much

Getting excited for her birthday breakfast at IHOP

Ultimate breakfast dream come true

Yum, pancakes (don't ask me why they'd give a kid
such a huge glob of butter. Gross)

The feast.

Katya's party cupcakes- little goldfish bowls

One of the party games

Blowing out the candles

Love the play food.

Cali thinks the food is real and can't get enough of it.

(Thanks Rebekah for taking the fabulous photos at the party.)

Why am I so excited for this week?

1. Plant the Garden.
2. Katya gets to go back to Play N' Learn (She had croup last week and couldn't go).
3. Scouts.
4. Temple.
5. Best friends wedding this weekend.
6. Hopefully make Strawberry jam if I can find some strawberries.
7. Lots of craft projects to do.
   

Katya's 3rd B-Day Party Roundup

We got rained out, which was pretty much a bummer, so we took the party inside, and it was still fun. This clocks in at 4 min, 17 sec, so you may want to be related to watch the whole thing.

Staci made a great scavenger hunt, complete with a map and a buried treasure, but it didn't work out just how she wanted. Check out the sweet cupcakes at about 49 seconds into it. Staci rocks!

Wow!

Katya loves her new kitchen.

Megs- this one is for you.

Why am I so excited for this week?

1. Rainy weekend is over.
2. Scouts.
3. Haircut.
4. Planting.
5. Our seeds are growing.
6. Mother's Day.
7. Nice weather later this week.
8. Play N' Learn.
9. The girls have a kitchen to play with so they won't be so bored.
10. Playing outside.
    

Happy 3rd Birthday Katya!

I can't believe that three years ago we were welcoming the wonderful and fabulous Katya into our family. Without you, I wouldn't be the mother that I am today. You make every day brighter. You have taught me understanding and patience. You have taught me how important faith is and how much love Jesus Christ has for us. You taught me to relax and enjoy life because a list isn't needed for everything. You taught me that there is no such thing as normal and that there is nothing wrong with that. You love me through all my faults and are always there to give me huge hugs. Your enthusiasm for life is wonderful. I love watching you learn something new and the pride on your face after doing it. I am amazed and astounded by the love you have for everyone, especially your sister. You make me beyond proud of the person you are and the person you are going to be. I love you Katya. Have a wonderful birthday and a fabulous 3rd year.

Then...

Now...

My have you grown.