Happiness

The other night for date night we drove 40 minutes south to Payson for their 62nd annual Payson Salmon Supper Bake. We had read about it in a magazine I picked up on our way home from our anniversary camping trip.  We left later than we had planned so we arrived around 6:30- right during the dinner hour rush. The local firemen were cooking fresh slabs of salmon shipped from Alaska over the high heat of fruit wood trees. The line arched and swerved and found it's way all the around the park. Josh and I had never been in a line so long before- together. We had fun and enjoyed talking and listening to other conversations (well, mostly me and one was anti-Mormon but that's okay- we still love them!). It had just finished raining and the rain from the leaves of the tall, old trees dripped down our necks. Josh and I split a plate. The Salmon was the most delicious thing I've ever eaten. I'm going to describe it as that. Heaven. No wonder why people were wrapping up their left...

I should take more pictures. I will and post them here later. We like our new home. We're still getting used to it. Things are still in boxes. But life is good.

I'm not sure I've detailed how our move to Utah actually came about. It's somewhat personal, but that's what writing is about. It was a warm day in June last year. We were visiting my brother and his wife in Lehi, Utah on our way to a beautiful vacation spot in Bear Lake. We were sitting on a picnic bench in the shade and we watched while the kids played on the playground- which was new and pretty impressive. The mountains loomed largely next to me and spoke to me- Come to Utah. This is the Place- for you.    I left it at that and moved on- to Bear Lake and then home to Phoenix. Arizona- the hot and dry land of the South. Something must have changed for me because it was no longer a place I felt at home at. At peace with. I had a chronic migraine from months before and it continued unabated, despite all efforts to heal it. When someone suggested that I take it to the Lord and see what He was trying to tell me with this chronic pain, I did. The memory of those cool mount...

School got out last Friday and we celebrated the end of a great school year. It was kind of a different one- what with the boys going to a total of three schools but they did amazingly well! They love this school they just finished at and had great teachers! The school had a big dance festival and each grade did a dance or two. Look at those blue skies! It had been raining that morning and we prayed for sunny weather and the clouds were whisked away! Blessings! We've been doing a little bit of water play, Making treats for the kids' teachers, Enjoying the mountains and  Going on Fathers and sons outings. Enjoying some classic Utahn shakes and Getting Arrow of Light Awards (for Jonah and Ethan). Not to mention a little pizza eating with Dad. It's been a great year and I am so looking forward to a summer that is not blazingly hot and a less painful (headache wise) as well. We have been so blessed  and are very thankful as well!

Well, the snow has all melted and it's been so warm here lately, but I promised some pictures of our new house- the outside at least- and I would like to document the snow so here they are! Now when you come visit you will know what to expect! Except, without the snow- even though it is so lovely for the first day or so!  Moving Day! (so cold and snowy)  Our View from the second floor- there is a park nearby with hills to sled on.  Icicles- the kids loved them!  Sadie settling in. And an Elizabeth in a snuggie in the background!  Our back yard. There are rock climbing things next to the slide- pretty fun!  The View from our Front Door  The Kids at Hale Center Theatre to see Uncle Ben's Hilarious Play "Is He Dead?"  I found this picture of Grandma Patty and my Mom while unpacking. It was sealed shut in a baby book but I have since gotten it out. So precious! Baby D in the snow! He loved it! H...

***Disclaimer- I am typing this from a computer at the Library- we still have yet to get internet in our new home (quite a long story) and so all of my pictures of Declan at 9 months are still on my phone or other computer. Imagine, if you will, a round headed, bald, toothy baby. That should help! Declan at 9 Months: -ABSOLUTELY LOVES Sadie the Dog. So glad we got to keep her! (We're renting and weren't sure if the home we were to live in accepted pets. This one kindly does. A friend was watching her for us and happened to be in Utah for Christmas and dropped her off). Every morning when he wakes, he sees her and squeals and tries to get out of my arms to pet her/pull her whiskers/pull her hair. When we first got her back, Sadie would see Declan crawling toward her and run away. Now she kindly tolerates him and looks at me with big puppy dog eyes that say "Please be gentle!" -Crawls very well- all over, pulls himself up, and even cruised across the coffee tab...

In November we moved in with cousins and Josh's brother and sister in law in Draper, Utah. For about 5 weeks. They have five kids, we have five kids. It was quite the party! Lots of time was spent playing with cousins, visiting the Draper Temple and enjoying the lack of snow but cooler temps. And it did snow a little for one day- and then promptly melted- my favorite kind of snow!  Thanksgiving came and went and was delicious! This little one loved his first Thanksgiving!  At the local library.  At the Bean Museum, that has been renovated (so cool by the way!). I'm married to this handsome man! I'm such a lucky woman!  Elizabeth at the Bean Museum The park in Draper where they put a lot of lights on one tree and they call it The Tree of Life. It is gorgeous.  Meeting our newest cousin- Emeric- so cute!!  Declan learning to stand- this is his favorite place to go and try and climb.  Jonah in the...