Autumn

I wish.

Maybe, I'll see you in 2 years...

The Tree Room

I was excited to see this blog post from Nie Nie. We recently dined at the restaurant she is reviewing, located in the beautiful Sundance area in Utah. I would echo everything she says, it is that good. But, I'd add just one thing, it's a bit pricey. But, lets just say

you do get what you pay for here. =)

So, for the occasional special day go visit The Tree Room.

Bien Provecho!

James' First Haircut

Weekend with my Chilangas

Aka, weekend with my girls (from Mexico)!

Never did I think that I would find such great friends when I moved to Mexico. It was a total surprise and tender mercy for me during my first "overseas" experience. They helped me through some hard times and I felt so blessed. I watched them as they helped each other through some of the hardest times and was left in such awe and humility. These ladies are a breath of the freshest air in a world where the desperate housewives of, you fill in the bank, are taking over our womanhood. We are taking it back!

What started as a small idea to run a half marathon among a few ladies, soon ballooned into a huge idea! Soon almost 20 ladies from Mexico (or who use to be in Mexico) signed-up, found babysitters, booked flights, found courage, and of course bought some running shoes for an exciting weekend together in Utah.

Here we are (minus Lisa) after the race with our shirts in Mexican flag colors, of course!Provo Half Marathon Eve. The night before the race we carb-o-loaded. The bus ride up to the start seemed like forever, especially at 5am!Kelly modeling our shirts.Catalina strikes a pose pre-race! Lisa coming in for the finish. Dan knew to start looking for the rest of us after she passed by. Lisa is an experienced marathon runner and has been our "wise one" full of advice for us.This is me almost to the finish line. Happy day!Angie and I ran our first half marathons together in May, remember this. She went on to run 2 more before this one, making this her 4th in just one summer! Way to go girl! Here she is finishing up the race with a big ole smile, like ain't no big deal!
So, I did not get everyone coming across the finish line. But, a got a few.

I could NOT miss this finish. Noelle, 7 month pregnant, ran this race with us.

She was an inspiration! Catalina striking a pose post-race, too! Kelly and Edlira coming down the home stretch!
Cindy and Alethea still have pep in their step at the end.
Enjoying being DONE!

After the race (and some showers) Amanda's parents invited us over the hang out

and made us a delicious lunch.

For those of our Chilangas who could not make it - We missed you and thought of you all!

Xoxo

One week...

Until we leave for Panama! Time for a new chapter. Wow.

What does this remind you of?

Katniss' dress comes to life... on Rihanna, no less.

Ok, maybe just a little.

Still...

Mockingjay out August 24! Wahoo!

Maryland BBQ

Nothing like a little backyard BBQ in the summer time. Especially when it's the backyard you grew up in! It was a nice way to say goodbye to my family before we headed out to Utah. Saying goodbye the last year or so was always easy, because I almost always knew the next time I'd visit again, this goodbye was harder. This goodbye was harder because we are moving farther and I am not sure when we will be back. But, I feel ready to go. I feel ready to start this new adventure with Danny and James.

Parting is such sweet sorrow. Grandma and her 10th grand baby!Will tearing into a juicy cheeseburger from Chef Danny.

My hub makes some tastey burgers!Clarissa and her cute babe.

My dad fresh from mowing the lawn. I love that sweat band.

I will never not think of my dad when I see a sweat band. =) Kody bonding with me - his Auntie Lauren.

The fruit thief!

James is such a big boy. He loved holding his baby cousin Kody.
So proud to hold the Kod-ster!

4th of July - Washington, D.C.

Nothing beats the 4th of July in Washington, D.C. One may argue the fireworks are

better in _____, but nothing beats the venue D.C. provides. All the monuments lit up by the giant fireworks is a majestic sight all should see! Lucky for me it has been a family tradition that I have enjoyed since I was just a babe. This year was extra special. All my siblings were in town, and for the first time in a long time we were all together for a D.C. 4th. Carmen, Ellie, and Luke

Kody loves being outside.

Brian's perfect header to Nathan.
Ellie climbing on Grandpa Jim, trying to get sip.

Then climbing on me!

Sweet Paige.

Carmen and her kids.

My sweet

Extra special treat this 4th - Amanda (my roommate from college) and her family joined us! It was my first time meeting her baby Dex.Brandon, Clarissa, and Kody ready for the fireworks to begin!
The crowd and the White House.

We could hear the Killers playing at the White House concert. The Washington Monument.
And, the fireworks begin!Will and Michelle
Allie, Grandma, Darin, Paige, Jenny, and Nathan watching the fireworks.Amazing fireworks show!

James trying to touch the fireworks.

I was impressed that none of the kids were scared by the show. Walking back to our cars after the show was a neat experience. Everyone walked so orderly and kindly. As we continued on a wave of song came over the crowd until we were all singing the National Anthem together. It was a special moment that left me teary eyed. I love my U.S.A!