USA v. Canada

A few months ago my friend, Nancye Rahn asked if I wanted to see the US Women's Soccer team play a game against Canada. It was their last game before they head off to the Olympics and they were playing in SL Reals stadium in Sandy. Um, duh, of course! The game was this last weekend, and like we always do, we made a weekend out of it. 

Jenna and I started with a BBQ with the local wives/kids of Sinful Six family. The Crowtons hosted us at their new home and it was such a good time. Annie Crowton is the absolute cutest and totally took Jenna under her wing. What a fabulous little mother she is going to be. 

Annie & PK & Phoebe Dallimore

Rafe Crowton and Skyler Langeveld. I swear they could be brothers. And check out Annie taking aim! Fantastic.  

Wendy Dallimore & Emily Crowton. Wish we had grabbed a shot before Jamie had to leave. 

The obligatory shot of the cutest daddy and daughter ever! 

 Let the games begin! 

 What an incredibly fun game. It was my first live soccer game and I had the best time. Of course, US won {as it should be} 2-1. And I now have a crush on Megan Rapinoe. She was so incredible to watch and I loved her exuberance and joy out there on the field. I cannot wait to see them play again and am so glad the Olympics are just around though corner. Though, now that I've seen them live it's going to be hard to go back to TV. 

On Sunday, the Caziers and Klunkers came over to Lorrie's house for a little lunch and swimming. Lorrie bought J this giant pool toy and she loved! 

Bayliegh and J Rose

 For a few weeks now, off and on Jenna has been talking about Baby Karen. A lot. I could not figure out who she was talking about and I was beginning to think she had an imaginary friend. And then we the Klunkers get there Jenna ran up to Cameron and said "Hi, baby Karen" and everything fell into place! Baby Karen = Baby Cameron. Clarity! Though I think he will be known as Karen from now on. 

Jenna and I stayed through yesterday and we went down to my Aunt Janice's house to try and finalize our plans for the decorations for the Malan Family Reunion coming up in a few weeks. We did get the posters done. And decided on the centerpieces. Janice had to run an errand while we were there and so Jenna and I went and played in her backyard for a minute. Thought you would like a glimpse at the energy of a two year old. 

Jenna's First Weber State Football Game!

Her Dad was so excited and proud!!!

We started the day with a pre-game meal with Joe, PK, and Phoebe Dallimore. Just love those people! As does Jenna.

Jenna and PK Dallimore

Then we headed to the game. Jenna was a trooper. Though, I think her favorite part was drinking the water our of the bottle and playing with PK and Phoebe. She really needs to learn to buckle down and focus on the game. Doesn't she know how important this is to Casey?

Like father, like daughter

Playing with the Dallimores

Kisses for Phoebe

20 years?!

Casey and I headed to Ogden this weekend for his 20th High School Reunion. My husband, who was rather blase about the whole event, thought it was a bit strange that I was the one freaking out. I just could not believe that I was married to someone who graduated 20 years ago! It just felt like life was flying by. How unreal.

It was a good time. Mostly because we got some time with our dear friends, Joe and Wendy Dallimore and Brad and Sherene Larson. I know Casey had a good time, but I discovered that I am not nearly as good in the small talk, unknown group settings as I once was. And I also realized just how shy Casey really is. Sometimes I forget, because he so rarely ventures outside of his comfort zone. I heard several times, that Casey looks exactly the same. And he does, just a bit heavier. Such a great guy, and such great friends. I feel incredibly lucky that Casey made and kept such amazing people as friends!

Jenna's blessing

I don't think Casey and I could have wished for this day to go any better. There were about 60 of our closest friends and family gathered at the Frei hom. The love in the room was almost overwhelming. We had two musical duets. Brett Berry and Liisa Frei sang "I Am A Child Of God". There is something about hearing a young man with Down's sing that song...I could not stop crying. And then my cousin's husband and daughter, Ken & Maile Berg sang " ___". It was a tear jerker as well. After the traditional LDS blessing given by Casey's best friend, Joe Dallimore, we invited anyone else to say a prayer or a few words of blessing or just to share their thoughts. It was so wonderful. We had quite a few people say a little something. One of my most favorite things was how diverse our group was and yet there was no contention or animosity, only love for our beautiful Jenna. My brother, Scoot couldn't make it up for the blessing so he sent his thoughts via video...

I was also so happy that we chose to have the blessing at home so that we could open it up a little more. Casey also said a few words about Courtney that were so touching. I probably don't say enough how incredibly grateful for him. He is the kindest, most loving, generous person I know. Every day I am blessed to be married to him. And I could not be happier to finally have our little girl! Our family is starting to feel complete.

One more stop before home...

Before we headed home, we spent one more night up north with the Dallimores. It was so fun watching PK interact with Jenna. SO darling! And Joe and Wendy have been such a great support throughout this adoption. It was nice to share the end result with them like they did with us in China.

Ni hao...China!!!

September 18-30, 2009

Casey and I joined our dear friends Joe and Wendy Dallimore along with Wendy's mother, Kathleen, who were traveling to China to pick up the newest addition to their darling family, Phoebe Josephine Dallimore. It was a long time in coming and we couldn't have been more honored to support them in China. Casey could only join us for a couple of days, but we made the most of the time we had. We didn't get a whole lot of time in the major cities and didn't see a lot of the typical tourist stuff, but what we did see was beautiful. It is a gorgeous country with kind hearted people. We traveled to Guangzhou, Wenzhou, and Hangzhou. Phoebe is an amazing, stunning girl and we are so happy to have her join the Dallimore family!

Other than filling out paperwork at every government office in China, we mostly...shopped. Let's be honest, it's what I do best.

The pearl factory was AMAZING. Store after store of pearls, bracelets, beads, turquoise, etc.

The must have potty shot. I think I have one from 3 different continents now.

Some of my favorite things in China were the signs. i.e. Please don't bring your suitcase bombs on the subway (good to know. I was going to bring mine and then saw the sign), how many of you have seen Mexican in Chinese?, and "Unwind yourself now"...I think it got a little lost in translation.

And my personal favorite..."The child amuses the area."

I am NOT a fan of Asian cuisine...so I came prepared with a suitcase full of food.

I really did attempt to be adventurous with my food...see I tried rice and dragon fruit.

I did not however try the disgusting flavored chips, stinky-ass fish, or salted pig legs...I have to draw the line somewhere.

The jade sculptures there were unreal!

We all tried to dress in red, white and blue for the citizenship swearing in ceremony at the US Consulate in Hangzhou. Kathleen and I were roommates for the trip and had a such a great time together! She is an wonderful person and I was so glad to get to know her a little better.

On our way to Hong Kong: 9 suitcases + 1 toddler + 1 stroller and only 4 adults = stressful craziness

We didn't get much time in Hong Kong. We just needed to get over there because that is where we needed to fly out of. However, Hong Kong was the highlight of MY trip because it is where I found out that the birthmother we had been meeting with had chosen us to adopt her little girl!!! My darling husband informed me over the phone after a 20 minute conversation about flight availability with a "Oh by the way, Courtney chose us." Click! That's right...he hung up on me. After some foul language I called him back and had a cry-fest. God bless the Airport Marriott in Hong Kong, you will always hold a special place in my heart.

The best part...A new family united!