BRENDON'S WEDDING

As we were traveling from germany to utah (back in december), I wondered aloud many times if this would even be worth it. 3 airplanes, 2 trains, and 2 car rides. + about 14 hours worth of layovers. YUCK. But let me ease all sympathy or worry and inform you that the horrific journey was worth it for this day alone. I got to bask in the love and reunion of people I love from all different stages of life; and with them celebrate 2 people I love with all of my heart! Brendon and I are siblings, as you can physically see. But we match more on the inside than on the outside; even though I'm aware we look very much alike. Always seemingly on the same wave length; we are able to hold a deep conversation without saying a word. The (usually passionate and emotional) conversations we have with words though are even better, and I always feel uplifted after talking to him. That being said, the person he married has always been a big fat deal to me; and I'm so glad that I have whole-heartedly approved from the moment I've met Kacee.

Kacee also deserves an honorable mention for standing outside in 15 degree weather in her dress with no jacket, her face literally frozen in a smile. My legs were numb after standing out there for about 20 minutes, so props to Kacee. I think it was worth it because their pictures turned out amazing!

We sure missed Will, but being with just these people is a little piece of heaven. I count myself very lucky that my family members are my BEST friends. Also sidenote....SO glad I spent money to buy the girls coordinating dresses when they are completely covered up by their coats....WOOHOO

Brendon also makes me laugh harder than anyone. Okay, him AND Will. But he also has this thing where he just likes to BUG people until they are ready to strangle. So when the photographer asked us to "bug him or something" we jumped at the opportunity to pay him back for all those times....

Look! The dresses! In horrible church lighting, but they are there! And adorable!

That day, split between the temple and the reception house, was pure bliss for me. It felt almost like my wedding day all over again because so many of the SAME people were there. My heart was brimming and I was handing out true, genuine hugs like candy. Seeing everyone you love in the same room truly is what heaven is going to be like, if you ask me :)

Brendon and Kacee are already #marriagegoals and I can't wait to be able to cheer them on every future step of the way. Love them!

COLORADO

After Utah (I will have to do a back track post because I'm still waiting on wedding pictures), we drove to Colorado. My dad drove us down and it was the worst drive ever; white knuckling it for about 3/4 of the way! We were so happy to finally arrive, safe and sound. Despite horrible snow storms, driving through the armpit of wyoming, and getting a flat tire! (wyoming is THE worst place to get a flat tire, and that's the second time it's happened to me!)

Brendon and Kacee came down the next day, and stayed for the weekend because they were having a reception. It was so fun to spend some time with them after the honeymoon. True to form, Lyla ate crackers for 90% of the time at that reception (as seen below).

^^ My uncle and my mom. Monte and Megan are the kind and generous hosts of the evening. Lending their amazing house. They put so much work into this night. Kinda reminds me of another reception....oh yeah! MINE! Thanking them will never suffice.

It was a short & sweet weekend and we ended it by going to our favorite breakfast restaurant: The Original Pancake House. 

After breakfast and saying goodbye to my dad, kacee, and Brendon, we went to the Denver aquarium with my mom and sister. It was super cool and Jane has been eager to learn about sea creatures ever since!  She was begging for the octopus the ENTIRE time, and I was certain that there would be one. Well, that certainty began to fade as we were nearing the end and there was no sign of an octopus. Sure enough, it was the VERY last exhibit and it did not disappoint. Thank goodness. I also should mention that Lyla is at the peak age of running away from wherever she is supposed to be. Taking her out in public is completely exhausting unless she is strapped in to something. 

The weather while we were there was spectacular. I went on lots of outside runs and we had picnics, played at the park, played mini golf in the front yard (jeff would be SO proud of Jane's form.....ha!), and went on lots of walks. We took full advantage. The sunshine completely rejuvenated my soul, and coming back to cloudy Germany was quite the blow. 

^^ thats actually NOT me although when I first saw it, I had to think about it for a second. I can definitely see the resemblanace! haha

^^ talking to her daddy on the phone :)

Jane and her Nana

On this trip, Lyla learned to hit. She also learned how to say SO many new words. Jane learned how to be potty trained. (with pee, ONLY. don't get too excited) And she also learned how to not hit back when her sister hits her. They got along well for the most part. Lyla is finally getting big enough to "play" with jane and there is no scene that brings more joy than the one of them giggling and running around together in the same little fantasy world.

Shopping for make-up with my make-up helpers. And my personal trainees. I made them work out, and got them all motivated. They've since lost their steam but you better believe their highlight and brows are always on fleek. ;)

The beginning of Jane's puzzle addiction!

Jane had her first time in primary, and Lyla had her first time in nursery. Jane was terrified out of her mind and Lyla didn't even notice I was gone. If I drop her off in a place that has toys AND snacks, she does NOT ask any questions! Jane has since come along with primary, and last week her report was : "Mom! I finally got enough courage to sing in primary. But not the first song...sorry. Just the other ones." Which makes me happy because singing is that little girl's number one favorite past time.

I spent a lot of time with Lily, a good friend from high school. She has a daughter Lyla's age and it was SO fun to catch up and have our kids play together. Or rather, fun to chase our BUSY toddlers around in the same space; and trying to get a word in every now and then. Having mom friends who also knew you before you were a mom is really the best of both worlds!

When we left Colorado, I asked Jane what her favorite part was and she said "Snuggling with Nana and Rachel and Kacee and reading books." She is easily pleased. Lyla's favorite part was that she always had someone to get her snacks every second of the day. Oh and let's talk about how quickly Kacee completely won Jane over....it's adorable. She already feels like a sister to me, and my already awesome family just got that much more awesome. I really don't know if most people genuinely LIKE, and get along with, their family as much as I do. We are a tight knit circle of friends, and it's the best circle I've ever been a part of. I hope my kids can have relationships with each other like I have with my siblings!

two fun weekends

so, a week ago i went to utah for my friend nina's wedding.

this weekend included a barbecue with friends and family- the one where i was officially introduced to cheddarwursts.

uhm...yum.

it was kinda crazy and stressful trying to get rides everywhere and do everything with a baby in tow. 

not just a baby, a very busy, demanding, and active one year old.

always making things interesting.

 this girl was basically my cheaufer. 

and my cousins bailey and daniel.

bless all of their souls.

 i bought a new skirt to match the colors even though i wasn't a bridesmaid. 

(any excuse to go to down east)

 it was wonderful to be there. weddings are just the BEST.

 i stuffed jane's face with crackers all weekend to settle her down. 

hence, the face full of crumbs.

OK. so that weekend ended. and then a couple days later i drove back up to utah with my family for my cousin's farewell. 

so, a lot of utah was happening in my life last week.

not complaining.

because it consisted of picking cherries straight from a heaven-sent cherry tree.

and wearing matching shirts with my younger sister.

and sitting in the grass eating drumsticks until 10pm. (the sun still shining all the while)

summer solstice rocks my world.

i actually didn't eat ice cream. or give jane any.

but that didn't stop her uncle from sneaking her some bites.

(no wonder she likes him)

i meant to be really good at taking pictures of this weekend. but it turns out i only took pictures a few times. and all the times i did, jane had bed head. so, that's cute.

i guess if anyone can pull it off, she can.

jane was kind of spoiled all weekend. 

but also, she was not a fan of all the change.

a pack n play is no worthy substitute for her perfect pink crib at home.

all the people giving her attention freaked her out.

which was totally unlike her.

but there were times when she did let other people play with her.

... but only the people who had toy cars for her to play with...

ALL my cousins on my mom's side were there. and of course, one of them had a birthday.

it was bound to happen.

it was fun to celebrate jenna's birthday- what a sweet girl she is.
we ate a really yummy cake,
for which there were about 10 requests that sounded similar to:
"i want the piece with the frosting flower the size of my head!!"
ring a bell to anyone?
....oh, children.

and then this little boy, my baby-est cousin.
born about 8 hours before jane on the same day.

we were hoping they would be best buds.

no such luck, mostly due to miss grumpy pants. (jane)

anyways, it was a great couple weekends- both packed with lots of people i love, and even more food.
i'm still recovering from all the delicious food consumed. food comas can last a long time, turns out.