so much to say

My sister left yesterday morning after an eleven-day visit. We had such a fun time together. I loved having her here for so many reasons- here are a few (in no particular order)

• It was nice to have an extra pairs of hands to her me take care of my kids (although, I think this visit may have deterred her from having any more kids herself).
• I liked having someone to make and eat treats with without feeling guilty.
• I love the level of comfort our relationship has. We spent the better part of 18 years together- sharing a room for most of them. And while those times we not always pleasant- I think that all of the hard times were worth it to get us where we are today. I love you sis!
• I'm so glad that there is someone else in the world who laughs harder at their own jokes than anyone else.
  

During the whole visit, I don't think we managed to get a picture of the two of us together. Inevitably though, almost everywhere we went, people asked us if we were twins.

We did get some cute pictures of the kids- especially our two little babies who are only 2 weeks apart. I added some more to my my web album here, but I'll also post a few of my favorites.

Jonas and Ellena in Easter cuteness.

Maryn, Seth and Jonas sliding.

Maryn and Ellena in matching outfits (we did this a lot).

I do want to write another post about our trip to Nauvoo and Easter times (maybe two more posts) because they were special events and this post is getting long. (Maybe after I conquer this mountain of laundry...)

I've been busy, okay?

Over the past 7 seven days

• I picked up my sister and her cute baby from the airport.
• The seven of us drove to Nauvoo and back (9 hour round trip).
• We all enjoyed various Easter activities.

I have posted pics here. I will write a post about what we did when I have more time.

better late than never

We had a way fun time when Grandma, Papa, Scott and Rach came to visit us last month! I have posted some pictures from the visit here.

The highlights of the trip were Seth's and Jonas's birthdays, a huge snow storm, sledding, playing games late into the night, and Jonas's first steps!

Thank you for coming all the way out here to see us! We love you!

no, these are not my babies

I have never posted a video on my blog of other people's children, but this one made me laugh so hard I cried. Maybe it's because the smaller one reminds me of an extra-chubby Jonas. Maybe it's the adorable little British accents.

children speak truth

While I was gone this evening and Jon was taking care of the kids, Seth asked Jon a question to which he replied, "I don't know."

Seth responded, "I'll just ask Mommy, she almost knows everything."

goodbye forever

Jon has officially bid his twenties farewell. I feel lucky that I still have a couple more good years before that happens to me.

I'm sure most people can relate- I remember vividly thinking that 30 was so old. But now that Jon is there and I am so close, I don't necessarily feel that way anymore. Is 30 the new 20? I sure hope so.

Unlike my counterpart, I don't have a natural abilty to make up some sort of funny, catchy rhyme to honor and celebrate this exciting event. So some reminiscing of our relationship will have to do.

I remember the first time I saw him. We were at a party at Alicia's house. It had to have been the fall of 1993 or so. He was playing in his rock band on the patio (this was before Joe was the drummer). I loved his long hair and cool clothes and thought he was way cute. If you ask him- he doesn't even remember me at this party, which is precisely how things went for the next few years- we went to a lot of the same parties. I even went to his 16th birthday party at his house and he didn't realize it until years later when he saw me in a picture taken at that party.

Moving on- I finally caught his eye and he asked me out. We went on our first date in March of 1996. We saw a movie, ate Nerds and he tried to hold my hand, it was really sweet.

Those early times of young love are really fun to think back on. We had some great times, with great friends. Jon is still the sweet, considerate, talented, creative, hard-working person I fell in love with all those years ago.

We liked being cheesy back then, Jon, so here's a fresh dose. Loves.