On the Farm

Matt and I were able to take our girls back to Illinois to see my Grandma and her beautiful farm. My Grandma is the most impressive 92 year old you can find. She still lives in the house where my mom was raised and just a few blocks from where my Grandma was born. She is surrounded by wide open spaces and she gives a wave to every person who drives by because most likely she knows everyone who does. She has kept many of the toys my mom played with as a little girl which my girls enjoyed playing with also.
We were able to tour Nauvoo and Carthage but when we were on her farm and in her company, i wanted to freeze time. I wanted to catch the moments which are so fleeting. There will never be a time like that again. It was truly something that was sweet and magical. my heart will always long to be in those moments.

Great Grandma Catherine

The cemetery, cousins and the successful wedgie.

Marching to the Flag

There were terrible storms while we were there. We even had to hunker down in Grandma's cold, wet, dark basement because of a tornado, or tormato as Leah called it, which was quite memorable. So the flag was taken down and Matt had the girls march out to raise the flag when better weather arrived.

Fun in Saint Louis

Matt and i went back to the Midwest and we first stopped in St Louis where we toured the infamous Arch and went to the city's museum. I must say that going up in the arch was one of the craziest things I have done considering i dislike small spaces and i have a fear of heights. I did not even look out the viewing area when i got to the top. Pathetic, i know. But we had a great time. (The picture of me and Hayley is in the enclosed contraption that takes you to the top.)

Dancing Queens Part II

Dancing Queens

Hayley and Leah had their first ever recital tonight! It was quite a proud moment for Matt and i. Reese could have cared less. Just the fact that they had bright pink lipstick on with MASCARA made them incredibly happy and me incredibly scared for my soon to be teenage beauties. I might be praying for a pimple or two to keep them humble. Anyways, it was a momentous occasion.

Photo shoot in Boston, uh, i mean WITH Boston and brother

Hanna our Homegirl

Our friend and former neighbor Hanna came from Oregon with her family to play with us! We had a BBQ, we laughed, played out some "Debbie Downer" skits, enjoyed some Red Mango and laughed some more. We love you Hanna and we will always throw a party when you come to play. And we are sad to see you leave. Waa waa waa :(

Catch Up

Matt set up our old PC while we figure out what to do with the MAC. So....i can blog!! Here are some photos from the last couple of months.