Lighting a Candle

Last weekend, Stephenie's cousin got married and as part of the ceremony, Steph was asked to light a candle in memory of her Grandma Lilly who passed away 2 years ago.
It was a really nice gesture and I know she was honored to have been asked.

As I took this picture, it made me sad to think that Alex will never have a chance to know his grandma, in this lifetime at least. I know she made a big impact on Stephenie and that Steph will always carry her memory with her.

The bride and groom and their cute kids.

Camping in California

Over the fourth of July, we made our 'sometimes-annual' camping trip to Grover Hot Springs in California with my family, we had every one there except for one niece and one nephew... not an easy feat. We had one heck of a caravan venturing across the vast and "picturesque" (haha) stretch of I-80 through Nevada, as half of us were travelling from Utah. That's when you know you love your family, driving for 10 hours to go camping for 3 days. A daunting task, but so worth it in the end... a marvelous time was had by all. A few of us getting ready to go on a hike. I gained a new appreciation for the pioneers as we all took turns carrying Alex on our backs.

I was freaking out as we were crossing this creek on the log and watching Alex being handed off from Steve to my brother. Of course, Alex thought it was great fun.

Alex had it made, lounging in the raft as I waded in water that quite certainly had to have been freshly melted snow...

Attempting to climb these rocks with the waterfall rushing down on me was tough. I haven't jumped off the rocks for a few years and am not sure what got in to me this year... I think I like proving to myself that I'm still young enough to be adventurous.

Believe it or not, Steve and Alex did not coordinate their outfits here on purpose!

The fishing must've been good this year as my brother Brett shows the catch of the day!

Alex was always trying to include himself in the ongoing round of hacky-sack... or "hack-sacky" as Alex called it.

The whole gang....

I'm so glad we have a family where all the cousins get along perfectly and love spending time together. With everyone growing up, getting married, going on missions, etc. I'm cherishing these moments even more, as I know they won't last forever.

Them's Some Hungry Huggies

The thing I love about 3 year olds is that they start to become quite the little conversationalists. It's so fun to get a glimpse of life from their perspective. For example, the other day I said to Alex, "Why don't you take your diaper off? It looks really full!" Alex replied, "No! My diaper's hungry!"

We were also very proud of him the other day as he said his very first prayer without any help. It went something like this... "Heavny Fodder, thank you food, thank you Thomas, thank you trains, thank you birt-day" followed by about ten other "thank yous".

The absolute very best though, is that he will just spontaneously tell me several times throughout the day... "Mama, I luv you!" Anyone out there have some secret "growth stunting" magic potion? I really wouldn't mind bottling him up and keeping him like this for a while!

My June Babies

My two June babies were born exactly 15 years and 2 weeks apart... June 14 and June 28. The day before Alex's birthday, my sister and her family were at our house because my brother-in- law Paul ordained Steve as an Elder at church that day. We took advantage of having some of Alex's favorite cousins there and had some early birthday cake.

Can't believe this little guy is 3 years old!

The next day, his actual birthday, he got to open his presents. This was such a fun year because it was the first time he knew enough of what was going on to really tear into his gifts and get excited.

Notice the wardrobe change from the previous picture? As soon as he saw this Thomas shirt he had to put it on.

His first tricycle (a Thomas one, how perfect!). He hasn't quite mastered the cycling skills, but we're working on it. Notice Thomas and Percy hitching a ride on the back?

And more Thomas.....

On Steph's 18th birthday (on the 14th), she requested an ice cream cake. We searched for one that didn't cost an arm and a leg, but ran out of time before it was time to go out for her birthday dinner. Then I later remembered my mom making ice cream cakes when I was a kid, so I thought I'd give it a try. Steph wanted white cake with Cookies and Cream ice cream. It's not the prettiest cake I've ever made, but it was pretty tasty.

So Steph and Alex shared this as a combined birthday cake and blew out the candles together, all 21 of them. Can you believe I am now the mother of an official "adult"? TOO WIERD!!

New "Do's" All Around

As Steph and Alex embark on a new and exciting time of their lives, Steph turning 18 and getting ready to begin her college career... and Alex turning 3 in a few days, they both felt it fitting to give themselves a new, hipper look for the summer with completely new hairdos. They both look pretty cute, and I'm very proud of myself for not crying this time as Alex's curls tumbled to the ground!

STEPH'S GRADUATION!!

Yes, I am now officially the mother of a high school graduate. Saying that really makes me sound so very old. Where have the past 13 years gone... it seems like just yesterday I was taking her to Kindergarten. This school year was gone in the blink of an eye. I think I just really wanted it to last. Graduation was at the Huntsman Center (on Univ. of Utah campus) this year, kind of cool that her high school career ended where her college career is beginning.

Steph striking a pose when her name was announced.

Instead of going in alphabetical order, the grads can sit with whomever they choose. It's kind of cool that they get to spend the ceremony with their closest friends.

Like the purple Vans?

I was so grateful to all the family that came to show their support.

Alex Lilly, class of 2025?! Wow, that sounds like forever from now, but I'm sure it'll be here before we know it!

Class of 2010- Cousins to the End

These 3 cousins are all graduating seniors- class of 2010. Ever since they were little kids, their grandma has been stressing that their graduations would conflict... luckily it could not have worked out more perfectly. Jess graduated in California last Monday, and came out to Utah to see her other 2 cousins graduate. Erik graduated from Lone Peak last Friday, and Steph will graduate this Friday. I'm sure Grandma will be pretty sick of graduations by the end of this week, but I'm sure she wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else!

We thought it'd be fun to get a picture of the 3 grads in their caps. Notice poor Steph's tassel is on the other side since she hasn't graduated yet!

To celebrate their graduations, they went to Lagoon today and had a great time. In the fall, Jess will be off to BYU Idaho, Steph to Univ. of Utah, and Erik to... well, he has no idea until he gets his mission call. I really hate to see everyone growing up and going in different directions, but I'm sure they'll always stay close.