Since I post less often lately, every post has to cover a whole lot o' ground, thus the lengthy post titles. I've learned, through my hundreds of posts, that if I'm vague in the title, it's hard to find things without a long, arduous search a few years down the road. I'm trying to alleviate that issue the best I can these days {wink}.
Valentine's Day 2018:
I made these for my Seminary class...
...made cookies for the fam with Evie...
(she looks thrilled, doesn't she?)
...decided after making the cookies that instead of glazing them, I was hankering for some fruit pizza, so that's what we did...
...put together a little Valentine for Evie (I had put one together for Scarlett and Ellis a few days earlier, but didn't get it in the mail in time for them to receive it by Valentine's Day, so decided just to deliver it in person a day late)...
...and made an Evie sandwich.
While Mar went on a date (think flowers, Italian restaurant, ice skating, hot chocolate), the rest of us stayed home and had a nice home-made Valentine's Day dinner. It was perfect.
On February 15th, Nae, Evie, Cole, and I headed to Utah.
It's always a good time when I'm with some of my favorite peeps!
It's always a good time when I'm with some of my favorite peeps!
I have to admit, the older I get, the less talented/skilled I feel. Thank heavens I have some amazing creative daughters that can help me out! We had tossed around a few theme ideas, had decided to do a "Guess How Much I Love You/To the Moon and Back" theme, but it morphed (thanks to my lack of creativity haha) into a children's book-themed party. We had already determined that we would suggest guests bring/sign a book instead of a card, so it seemed like a good fit :-)
It turned out adorable.
It was so sweet how many family members and friends were able to make it to the shower.
Some had come from far, far away... Jill and Lex's Stepmom-in-law from CA, one SIL from Idaho, one from Logan. Thanks for the love and support, everyone!
We had a lot o' babes at the shower, too.
Luke and Ellis (first cousins once removed),
...and Evie and Liam (second cousins).
My traditional grandma gift...
We were sad that Lo bounced before we could get a group girls shot... we missed you, Shi!
Lex's StepMIL, Jacki, brought the beautiful flowers and the cute balloons. So sweet.
Lex and Baby P were well showered with gifts and love. I think she's ready for baby boy to get here!
That evening I went to dinner with mi madre and mi padre (their treat), then we went to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Hale Center Theater (our family's gift to them for Christmas). We had such a good time. It was so nice to have some time together to visit and catch up. Love them!
The next morning we got ready to head to church.
I couldn't resist snapping a pic of these lovely people... you know it, back row {wink}.
During Sacrament meeting (their ward conference, btw, so the Bishop and Stake President spoke and it was SO GOOD), I received a text from Robyn asking if I was coming home that day or on Monday... she said there was a big winter storm coming on Sunday night/Monday morning to Utah, moving the direction of CO. Right there I determined Nae, Evie and I would head to Britt's after the meeting, pack our stuff, load our gear, gas up, grab Cole, and go.
But I had to walk Wonderful Sweet Scarlett to her Sunbeam class first.
Britt and Austin were home in time to see us off, after a quick cousin play sesh.
I am happy to report that we chose wisely. Our drive was easy and uneventful. Evie (and Cole) traveled well. I couldn't have asked for better. The next day was just as predicted - a whole lot o' snow. I was so so glad I wasn't driving in it.
Meanwhile, Mar was in New York for a choir trip.
(Feb 17 - 21)
Their choir got to sing in this:
...at Carnegie Hall.
They had to practice every day, but Mauri said it was the coolest thing ever. They sang back-up chorus for Broadway stars doing various songs from different musicals. She loved it. They had an after-party for them at Hard Rock Cafe after their performance, which Mar thought was super fun, too.
In all, I think it was a success, despite the hotel bathroom (slow draining tub/shower and a toilet that could barely flush liquids... if you know what I mean), rain rain rain the first day, and dinner that evening that took 3 hours and was less than delicious and not worth the time and money. It only went up from there (except for a dramatic episode where Mar had to stand for truth and righteousness by chastising the parent of a friend -- via text... so much easier than face-to-face, don't you think? -- for NOT doing the right thing).
We were so happy to have her home!
February 23rd was the Swim and Dive banquet.
We did grab a pic with her coach before cutting out early (we were there for over 1.5 hours... don't judge us... they were still going to honor the 20+ seniors by having each of their parents share something, then show a video, then do team awards - for coaches, I believe - etc, etc, etc.) The coach asked if she was coming back next year... "I'm still deciding," she said.
No, you're not. (And no, she's not.)
Her goal for lettering was achieved, so I'm calling it a win.
Now it's back to the grind of everyday life. We are patiently waiting for Jason and Lex's little guy to make his appearance, then we'll plan another trip to UT. I can't wait!
