Happy 4th of July

So today was church at 11....we had a testimony meeting today, and Benson was the first to go up, as invited. He bore an amazing testimony, simple and pure. What a blessing to hear it and feel the spirit.

After church we had lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's. Yummy hamburgers and what else? None other than a 4th of July Program. The kids had all the speaking parts and after we heard some great insights about the 4th of July and our Country, we had a flag raising ceremony outside with the "scouts" of the family. It was neat.

We played around all day and continued enjoying each others company and of course...eating! It was a fun 4th of July.

(I am still updating...will add a complete slide show of the entire weekend if anyone is interested...check back).

A day at Grandma and Grandpa's

Per the usual, we had a great breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa's house this morning. We all visited, the kids made fun bracelets and necklaces and dream catchers that Grandma had planned for. Mostly the kids played outside and the adults just visited, played games, and enjoyed each other's company. We played lots of games inside and out and finished the night off with fireworks! It was such a fun day.

First Day of Festivities

Today, Benson actually came home. Several of our other family members were coming down for a reunion today as well. The girls were so excited and couldn't wait to see everyone. They all came in rather late (after 8pm) so that may the anticipation of the day drag on. But they were soooo excited! Some of their cousins they hadn't seen in over a year. Some they saw a few months ago, but that isn't enough. They were used to seeing them once or twice a week when we lived in Utah. Oh what fun we had.

Benson & Ryder (whom he had never met!)



Benson and the kids



The Girls w/ Sam and Colton & Ryder w/ David
(They love them!!!) They kept them busy the entire time we were at Grandma's.



All the kids gathered round Baby Elizabeth. As the only baby here, she got lots of attention. (Since Ryder is 1, they thought he was a baby like her and tried to tote him everywhere!...He did not like that) Although occassionaly it was super helpful!


We visited for a long time and then those sleeping at my house left to go home. We went home and chatted til all odd hours of the night....5am!
Good times.

Benson's Homecoming

My Brother in law, Benson, just finished serving in the Spokane, Washington Mission for our church. He has been gone 2 years and finished up Monday. My in laws went to meet him and travel around his mission for the week. They will all be home tomorrow along with a lot of our family (visiting from everywhere). We are so excited! Here is the "pull-a-part" cupcake cake I made him. When he left 2 years ago, I made him a fondant missionary cake. So now it fits to do the same upon his return! :)
WELCOME HOME BENSON!

His Farewell Cake

Camp, Cake, Cuts.

Today a lot was going on. I had to go to Girl's Camp this week (for church), but since I cant obviously go all week, I went up tonight and am going again Thursday. Tonight was Ward night and oh what games we play. :) We had a game where you answer questions and get points and the teams who dont get the answer first face a challenge. We had all kinds of fun challenges. :) It was a fun night. (My team won by the way! woohoo!)

It happen to also be a birthday of one of my Beehives. Her mom is the YW Stake President and super busy as well this week...so I made her a cake for her birthday...It was a big hit! :) And super fun to make.



AND...in the same day, Ryder got his first "official" haircut from a professional anyways...doesn't he look so handsome?

Lots of Sewing

u

My sister's Best friend in Florida, Emily, just had a baby girl last week. So I was busy sewing her stuff (at my sister's request) for little Ella Rose. :) My sister always orders taggies for babies. Every time I have a baby, they get a new taggie with their name on it. :) They are pretty expensive, so I made her some for Emily and one for another friend who had a girl. I thought they came out cute. I also made her some cute burp rags as well. So Happy Birthday Ella Rose, hope you love your goodies. :)

Playing with Friends

My friend, Cindy, from Tomball, and her Brood of 5 children came to play with us today. We had so much fun hanging out, chatting, driving around College Station for her to reminise (she is an Aggie)...and of course Sonic happy hour! It was a fun day!

Can't wait to see them again! :)

My Birthday

I had a wonderful birthday this year. I got more than enough gifts and I am super grateful. We had a fun day watching the girls' last swimming lessons. They had so much fun and were sad to be done, but for now, that it is. Maybe we can take lessons again later in the summer. As for me, I am glad to not have to be somewhere everyday around 11am. :)

For dinner, we went with Ben and Pam to the Texas Roadhouse, which was so great. We used to eat there frequently in Utah, but have not eaten there for almost a year now. It was just as yummy as we remembered.


(um...check out Sienna in the bottom right...yeah, that pretty much explains her personality)





Yes I had to sit on a horse saddle and wave to-go boxes like a bird! Who thought of that stupid thing?

SERIOUSLY?????


After dinner, we went to see Toy Story 3, which was just as good as the first two. We had so much fun. Then we came home to eat a delicious DQ ice cream cake Ben and Pam brought over. Thank you sooooo much!

It was such a fun birthday, and I really felt a little spoiled since we did so much, but I enjoyed it.

Happy 25th birthday to me. ;)

Okay...33rd, but close enough. :)