Visiting Will & Jenni

In June I headed over to the family reunion early and spent a few day with Will, Jenni and Preston at their place in Seattle.

My nephew Preston was a lot of fun to play with. He's a growing one year old with a little toddle left in his step. I was amazed at how much his language grew in just a few days. "Oh, my goodness." He picked up on my expression overnight and had us all laughing.

One day we took a trip to Camano Island to see Ron and Carolyn Southworth (Jenni's parents) and Ron's art show, in which he was awarded "Best in Show" among other accolades.

Check out his website! http://www.ronsouthworth.com/

In the afternoon we took a trip to the beach. Preston was fascinated with his stick and Will (my brother) took him out farther into what we later learned is quick sand. What boy wouldn't love to have these kind of adventures with his dad? I always knew Will would make a great father. He's also a loving husband, which is tender to watch.

I got to listen to Jenni while she was composing a score for an independent film. I'll just say there's a lot of detail involved. She was doing all this while coming in at the eight month pregnancy mile marker.

http://www.jenniferthomasmusic.com/

Daniel This Picture is For You

What to do with ones retired sets of ski's.

Time with the Sugies

While I was in Provo I got to spend some time with Haini, Kristi and their kids. Can I say, I really love being an Aunt.

What a fun mom!

Sitani, Marley and me went for a Sunday drive while mom and dad took a long nap. We were sure to stop and pick some flowers from somewhere where we probably were not supposed to pick flowers.

The kids napped for most of the ride, which I think they enjoyed. They occasionally woke up as we rounded bends and climbed to new vistas. This time they awoke long enough to see a deer from the car window.

The Provo Freedom Run

I got to spend the weekend of the 4th at Mark, Laura, Jace and Anabelle's place. We had a fun time and it was nice to be with them.

Newborn Anabelle and me had the eve of the 4th all to ourselves while mom and dad went out on a .... pause ... yes, a date. They went to the Stadium of Fire. Ooo. Ahh.

These two do look like the kind of couple that set off fireworks with one glance. Wouldn't you agree? This is them early the next morning running the 5K Freedom Run race.

Go, Laura! Go, Mark! Good job sleeping, Jace and Anabelle.

Provo's 4th of July Hot Air Balloon Festival

Woah!! Look at that, mom.

You vote:

A. "I love you; today, yesterday and forever. I'm so glad you are mine."

B. "I'm really tired. Can I lean on you?"

C. All of the above.

As the French Say It; Couer d'Alene

Elizabeth and I drove through Couer d'Alene on our way to Washington.

Everyone already knows the Thomas sisters are party-girls. Keeping true to our reputation, we opted to stay over night - so we'd have a chance to "play."

This one is for you dad.

Perfect day for a picnic, ay?

Ooo-la-la!

Grace's Last Week Prior to the MTC

Our missionary (who likes to pose for pictures) has entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT. After three weeks she will then be heading to Tampa, FL for the remaining eighteen months.

We are very excited for her. She will make a terrific missionary and as if all the boys weren't already finding her a diamond of a catch...now she'll add the "RM" (Returned Missionary) status to her dating resume - so, watch out!

I feel lucky to have had one full week with her at home; the "last week."

She and I ran to-and-fro picking up last minute items, scouring the mall for ultra comfortable tracting shoes, and making a super fun trip with Mom to Pocatello to consult our personal bike expert, Seth.

Sisters on bikes are the best! Been there, done that. There's nothing like wearing a helmet in high fashion, while yanking your skirt out of the chain as you ride.
























Later in the week we met up with Lauren at the Rexburn Temple to do a session.

For those of you who haven't been to this temple, the chandaliers in the Celestial Room are amazing and a new fav of mine.

























Grace took her Endowments out in the Idaho Falls Temple. Several sibblings were able to attend.

Afterwards we took some pictures on the temple grounds. Someone told mom we were doing a funny face for this shot. Not fair.

























I'm adding a PDA warning because I'm anticipating Kristi's anquished ugh, sigh, followed by yuck, parents kissing...ooey.

Mom and Dad are standing outside the Idaho Falls Temple where these two "love birds" were married, thirty-five years ago.

Tweet. Tweet.