Butterfly

Many of you know of my friend who's daughter was stricken with cancer a few months ago. On July 21, 2009 Taylor returned home to her Father in Heaven. She is now free from pain and has accomplished her mission in this life. Her family held the most beautiful service celebrating her life. The music was touching and the speakers were uplifting. I have a better appreciation and fondness for the beauty of a butterfly. Whenever I see one I will think of sweet Taylor!

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.

Girls-Only Weekend!

I took Alex and Rachel to California a couple of weekends ago. One last hoorah before school starts! We had so much fun hanging out together. We sang to the Wicked soundtrack all the way to California and all the way home. Twelve hours of girls singing — ok, screaming — to Wicked and trying to hit those high notes. It's a good thing no one could hear us! We stayed with our friends, the Batts, and went to the beach, ate good food, splurged on ice cream everyday, went to the Los Angeles Temple. The girls swam everyday and we visited with old friends and family. Rachel even met her future husband, whom she doesn't plan on marrying until she's 21! (Hint: he might be in one of the photos … future eagle scout, missionary and BYU alumnus.)

Family Weekend Getaway

It's been feeling like we need even more togetherness lately, so we all took a road trip to L.A. over the long weekend. When the kids showed up after school Friday we surprised them with our plan to pack for the weekend and leave town before dinner. We stayed at Sal & Kellie's house (Evon's brother), visited Knott's Berry Farm, the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, Roy Rogers Beach, the L.A. Temple, Beverly Hills, the PCH, Evon's old place in Agoura, and had a good dinner and lots of fun visiting our friends, the Cook family.

Aside from Evon's two-day rollercoaster hangover, the weekend was totally perfect! The weather couldn't have been better, the lines at the park were very short, and we had quality time with some family and friends. But best of all, our family enjoyed the time we spent together.

A million thanks to Evon, who hatched the whole idea! I love you!

Click the picture to enlarge or click here for the photo album.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Food, Family & Friends

The End.