PRESLEY COMES FOR THE WEEKEND!

Presley came to visit Momo and Papa while her family went to Arizona for a wedding. She was very sweet and we had so much fun together.

Things Presley did while she was here:

Played with her babies and wrapped them in blankets.

Played with water and loved filling a bottle and pouring it into a cup.

Went on a walk and saw the horses.

Rearranged my pantry!

Took long naps.

Read books about animals.

Played at the Princess Park and loved the swings and the slide.

Ate at Hires.

Went to church.

Went to the grocery store and got excited about the balloons there, so....

PRESLEY---COME AGAIN SOON!

"A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS"

Some time ago, Maeve gave me, "The Kite Runner" to read and I thought it was compelling and well-written, but brutal and sad and hard to read at times, so I didn't jump right on this recent best seller by the same author. Finally, I saw it at Sam's Club and bought it. Sleep was out of the question for a while. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! It, too, is well-written, compelling, and brutal at times, but the story of two Afghan women was so meaningful and powerful that I wanted/needed to talk to someone who had read it. Mia and I were able to do that a little in a long distance phone call. After reading this, I felt so blessed to be a woman in the United States of America with a loving husband and family, where my spirit is free to grow and just be. Tell me what you think. It was also interesting to relive that period in history from the Afghan perspective and to see how the Taliban started up. They have only recently come to power. The rules and edicts for women were only enforced in recent history. Women had much more freedom before the reign of the Taliban.

THE MAGIC KINGDOM

It was magic (and by divine intervention) that I got to board the plane with everyone because I left my photo ID at home. Ty had to race from North Salt Lake to Farmington and back again through Davis County morning traffic to get it to me at the airport. He did it in an unbelieveable time. No one else would have driven this fast! Our prayers were answered.

It was magic to see the surprise on all my grandkids faces when they heard they were going to Disneyland with their cousins and Momo and Papa.


It was magical to be on the airplane with everyone and see the strong relationships grow! Easton looks good with a front tooth, finally. Brea was so happy to have her cousins along.







It was magic that we only had to wait 1 hour to get on "Finding Nemo" when most people wait 3 hours. We decided it was well worth it!

It was magical to spin on the tea cups with my grandchildren when the last time I did this was with my children. Brooklyn loved it.














It was fun to eat together but then we always do that! Here we are at the Rain Forest Cafe.

One of my favorite magical memories of the trip was watching Brea, Brighton, and Halle get makeovers, complete with wigs, at Libby Lu! If you can't tell, they are Hannah Montana and Lola girls. During the makeover, Easton picked out a pirate hat and an increadible ski hat.

Families are magical and wonderful!



Thanks for the memories....we can't wait for many more to come.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALLE

Halle is truly the "Birthday Girl" today. After a whirlwind, 4 day trip to Disneyland with 10 of her favorite people, she continues to celebrate today. Every character in Disneyland knew it was her birthday. She loved everything about the Magic Kingdom especially getting to meet Goofy, the Fairy God Mother, ALL the princesses, Chip and Dale, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Hook, and many more. Halle smiled every minute and loved dancing with the bands and playing with her cousins. We love Halle and we loved being with her on this special trip.

WE'RE OFF!

After a weekend of Conference inspiration, a nice try at girl's night out (the show was sold out), and brunch with the family.....we are off to Disneyland with the grandkids and their parents! (minus Presley Beth who will stay with her Grandma Hart and take long naps, and Bruce who will take long naps, I mean work) I am most excited for the surprise at the airport. Easton, Brighton, and Brooklyn just think they are coming to Utah to visit Momo and Papa and they are excited for that. Brea and Halle know they are going to Disneyland with us but they don't know that their much loved cousins are coming, too. It will be fun to see the reaction at the airport.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIA!!!

From a sweet, precocious four year-old to.... 30 years later...

VOILA!!! Mia is as beautiful on the inside and she is on the outside!

Despite the distance, Mia and I keep in touch with the small, everyday things of life as well as the big, important issues we both face. We love to be together but when we can't, we talk and get advice and ideas from each other. My kids tease me that Mia is my clone and I take that as a great compliment, but Mia is much more unique than that.

Things I love about Mia....

Mia wants to hear my stories and the details on everything.

Mia doesn't mind a certain amount of drama.

Mia loves her brothers and sisters and misses her family.

Mia is loyal and keeps relationships strong.

Mia is a great cook and homemaker.

Mia is a wonderful wife and mother.

Mia is spiritual and has a strong testimony.
Mia serves the Lord and has been a great example to her Young Women.

Mia plans neighborhood parties (like outdoor family movie night), has started new traditions in her community (a giant easter egg hunt), and throws birthday bashes for her children that are quite amazing (like decorating her whole basement like a tropical island!).

Mia loves food and shopping and long mountain walks (all with me).

Mia is going to do a half marathon this month with a friend who needed her.

MIA, Dad and I love you very much!