Sunset

Saw this awesome sunset tonight and tried to capture it. The picture still does not do it justice, but sometimes I crawl out of my obliviousness and take notice of what is around me. It does not happen often, and so I am grateful when it does!

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!

Vegas baby!

Casey had an HR Conference in Las Vegas this week, so Jenna and I decided to join him for a couple days. It was a nice short get-away. It was like forced down time for me. When Jenna was having nap time, I couldn't have the TV or lights on or it would wake her up, so I napped too! It was really nice. She is such a cutie and we are having a great time with her!
This is the new face she is making ALL the time. I think it is hilarious!

Mesmerized

Jenna is completely mesmerized by "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Glee" (can you tell we are a bit of a TV family). It is so funny to watch her freeze whatever she is doing so that she can watch the latest song or dance. With her massive need for attention already, I fear we may have a performer on our hands. So funny.

Twelve Years

I cannot believe that Casey and I have been married for twelve years now. Every day I am grateful to have him as my husband. Thought in honor of the milestone I would list twelve things I adore about Caser (in no particular order):

1. He is one of the funniest people I know
2. He keeps me grounded
   
3. He is my best friend and helps me see the other side of any problem
4. He is the greatest father and husband
   
5. He is such a hard worker
   
6. He thinks I am funny
7. He more of a feminist than most the women I know
8. He has the kindest heart
9. He loves me, despite my flaws and baggage
10. He loves my family, despite their flaws and baggage
11. He so much fun to travel with
12. He does all the dishes (this one may have to be ranked number one)
    

Casey and I spent our anniversary this year in Coronado. He had an HR conference at the Loews Hotel down there and Sara and Chris offered to watch Jenna overnight so that we could have a date night without her. It was a great evening. After we made our appearances at the conference reception, we went on a gondola ride around Coronado. The gave us chocolate covered strawberries, which as you can see, Casey thoroughly enjoyed. He is such a goofball. Then we ordered room service, and I had quite possibly the best hamburger I had ever had.

Then Aunt Sara came to visit us at Coronado. She is so cute with Jenna. I am so grateful that she is my sister.

Bear Lake

My best friend Angie invited Jenna and I to join her and her family at their cabin in Bear Lake this week. We had such a good time! It was so nice to get some time with Angie, it never seems like I get enough of that. So hard when we don't live in the same city.

We played board games, hung on the beach, rode in the boat and on the jet skis (well, Jenna did join me for that part). I adore Angie's family. They are such kind, loving people. I'm so glad, as I always am, that we made the effort to get there.

My mom was driving through Bear Lake on the same day that we arrived. It just happened to be her birthday, so Jenna and I took her and Bob out to lunch. Best jumbleberry shake!

Ethan is so cute. Such a little mini-me of Sean. They were connected at the hip.

And Madi was the perfect little second mother to Jenna while I was there. She changed her diaper and got her dressed. She fed her and read her books and carried her up and down to the beach. It was so darling.

Maile's luau

My mom joined Jenna and me at Maile's hula performance in Layton last night. Maile did such a great job. She is an amazing and beautiful dancer. I miss her every day! Love you Miles, well done sweetheart!

Grandpa Randy

My dad is turning into the best Grandpa. He seems to have a great love for his grandchildren and I am so glad that he is embracing that roll.

Getting closer...

Jenna has started getting up on all fours. It feels like we are getting closer and closer each day to crawling. Heaven help us...we are so not baby-proofed!

Fourth of July

We had a really fun Fourth this year. It was a fairly low key event at the Quarders'. Lots of pool time, which with Sara and Chris' solar panels is always perfectly pleasant. I got a good deal of time with my siblings. Somehow it ended up being the four of us in the pool with our kids. It was so cool. If feels rare anymore to get time with just the four of us. Glad we made the effort to get down there.