Dirty 30

I left my 20s behind forever this past summer. It was a very traumatic event. Chris was teasing me about having a mid-life crisis. Even though I wasn't looking forward to 30 I had a wonderful day. We celebrated the last day of my 20s the day before at the park and lunch.  

On my birthday we went swimming and Chris kept the boys while I enjoyed a very relaxing massage. He also had dinner ready for me by the time I got home and made my birthday treat - GIANT s'mores cookies. They were sooo delicious!

Playing later that evening with my boys.

Annie Visits

This is my awesome sister Annie; she came for a visit in August. We had a week of fun planned, as much as can happen with 2 small boys anyway. We rode the trolley, visited the Memphis Temple, ate out a bunch, AND she even watched the boys so Chris and I could go on a date. We had a great time! A few weeks later she reported to the Provo MTC (Missionary Training Center) to serve and LDS mission. She is now serving in the St Louis, MO mission. 

Here we are visiting the Old State House in Little Rock, AR. It was the first state building in Arkansas.

Nashville

Over Labor-Day weekend we took a short trip to Nashville. I fell in love! I don't know quite how to describe it other than to say it felt like coming home. I sincerely hope we get to live there one day. It's beautiful and green with rolling hills and a very rich history.

The Carnton House and Plantation in Franklin, TN - the house served as a civil war hospital. It is beautifully restored and has many visible blood stains from the surgeries performed there. I was fascinated with this little town. We enjoyed walking the historic district and visiting the shops downtown.

Replica of the Parthenon

The Grand Ole Opry Hotel - this is just one small shot of the indoor garden, it's amazing! 

I wish we could have spent more time there, but hopefully we will get the chance to go again soon!

Summer Fun

I can't believe how fast the past year has flow by. Here is a quick recap of our fun last summer.

Pirate Caleb- our local library had a summer reading program and the kids that participated got invited to a pirate party with Pirate food, supper cute.

 Caleb and Dad on the paddle boat at Mud Island

 All dressed up for church and looking snazzy

 Caleb learned how to draw a helicopter and often displays his artwork.

 Brothers at play

Carthage, IL

 Carthage Jail

The door with the gunshot

 Inside and outside views of the window Joseph fell through after being shot.

 It's a very sobering experience to be in the room where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered. We learn of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum but it is so real to be at the very place where it all happened. It just broke my heart thinking of their families at home praying for their safe return. It truly is a miracle John Taylor and Willard Richards survived the mob attach. All of these men and their families sacrificed everything for their faith. They are such a great example of living what you believe. 

Nauvoo, IL

 In July we were able to take a Lott vacation and see family and the historic sites of Nauvoo, IL. Chris's oldest brother, his family, and their mom made the trek from Utah. We invited ourselves to the middle portion of their Church History tour. We had a blast catching up, introducing baby Bronson, playing, and exploring together. Definitely one of my favorite vacations ever!

 Nauvoo Bagpipers

 brothers in crime

 In front of the Hotel Nauvoo, famous for their delicious buffet (It was amazing & I don't even like buffets!)

 The Last Ride

Joseph & Hyrum portrayed leaving Nauvoo before the martyrdom 

having fun at the carnival

more fun at the carnival

Handcart races: after the picture Alex (the oldest grandchild) raced pulling all the little ones. Tough guy!

Chris's Birthday

 Chris had to work on his birthday so we celebrated the day before with birthday pancakes,

 and a birthday dinner out.

We brought lunch to Dad at work.

Just as we were packing up the crew got a call so we got to see Dad and crew in action.