Aubrey Anna's 12th Birthday

My sweet beautiful Aubrey Anna turned 12 on Tuesday.  Back in early February when we were having lovely 60 degree weather, and unbeknownst to me, she and her friend Amaya planned a joint Birthday party which they were going to invite their entire school class to.  The plan was to have the party later in February, between both of their birthdays.  I knew the awesome weather we were having wouldn't last forever, eventually it had to be winter.  And I could not handle the entire 6th grade in my house while it was snowing outside.  So I decided to seize the day and the weather we were having at that moment.  Twenty four hours later we were having a full on party!

 I turned my back for one second and when I turned around again this was happening:

And then all out cake war broke out.  Almost a month later and I'm still finding cake smear in strange places.

 Last Sunday my mom had us over to her house for Aubrey's Family Birthday Dinner.  She made Aubrey the cake of her choice.  Actually she made her 2 of them.  One to eat then, one to take home for later.  Best Grandma ever!

Ever since she turned 11, she has been planning her 12th Birthday.  Her greatest desire?  To go on her 12th birthday to the Temple and do baptisms for her ancestors.  We told her she could choose which temple she wanted to go to.  It was a decision she took very seriously and didn't decided until just a few days before.  She chose the Logan Utah Temple.  She chose this temple because it is beautiful and also because it the the temple where her grandparents, Steve's mom and dad, were sealed.  Steve was working out of town but he drove back home for the special day.  As soon as school was out, we left for Logan.   Before we went to the temple we had a delicious dinner at a Brazilian restaurant.

 It was a special night.  As soon as the temple workers found out it was her 12th Birthday and that she chose their temple to go to, they gave her extra special treatment.  I am so thankful for Aubrey and her desire to go to the temple.  She is a special girl.  I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for temples that bind families together for eternity. And I am so thankful for the effect the temple has had on our family as we have made it our focus.

Hobbs in Utah Take 2

Earlier in September we were fortunate to have the Hobbs visit us again.  They were on their way to Idaho to take their oldest, Sierra, to college.  We really enjoyed their visit and we had a lot of fun with them.  As usual, they brought the Missouri rain storms across the plains with them.  But rain always make for beautiful sunsets around here.  The first night they were here was Monday, and we had a game night for Family Home Evening.

On Tuesday, after we got the kids off to school, we went shopping at some stores unique to Utah.  Steve was able to take a few hours and join us. After shopping we had a lovely lunch.  Then the Hobbs went to run some other errands they had.  That night after dinner, Steve and Heather's Aunt Callie and her family came over for dessert and a visit.

Heather & Callie

On Wednesday, we went to the Salt Lake Temple and did and Endowment Session and then went to lunch.

That night Addy had her own cheer section at her soccer game.

The Hobbs made delicious pork steaks for dinner.  I had never heard of a pork steak, so they brought them special from Missouri.  Sierra: "Why do I feel like I have the biggest pork steak?"

That night we watched some old home movies I had taken during some of our trips to Missouri.  It was fun to see how much some of the kids had changed.

Asher & Aubrey

Amanda & Spencer

The next morning it was time to say good-bye.  But first everyone had to try out my new toy!

Official College Girl!

I am so thankful Heavenly Father has blessed me with such a wonderful family- both the family I was born into and the one I chose through marriage.  I am so thankful He allows us the opportunity to see each other even though we are separated by great distances.  I am thankful that Steve was able to take some time off to spend with his family while they were here.  And I am thankful we were able to visit the House of the Lord and do the work for our ancestors.  

Vacationing With Hobbitses - Part 3: Idaho, Days 4 & 5

 After going to classes for Family Education Week all day, we headed over to the ropes course.

This family was in our group for the challenges.

We had signed up to go to the course at this time slot.  There was a class that the adults really wanted to go to that didn't end until 30 minutes after our Ropes session started.  So we sent the kids ahead and we met up with them after our class.  By the time we got there Zac had already climbed to the top of this tower and it was lightening so no one else was able to go up.  After doing some of the other challenges, they said it was safe to open the tower up again.  The rest of the kids went up.

Tyler 

 Addy

 Aubrey

 Jessie

 Sierra

 Emily

We had classes again the next day.  After they were over it was time for everyone to head for home.  The Hobbs left from Rexburg for Missouri.  We said our goodbyes on campus.  

 This kid breaks my heart with his tears every time when it is time to separate.  I went to give him a hug and I felt like a hobbit next to him!

We said our final goodbyes to the Ricks gardens before we left.  We had this same exact problem last year when we left Family Education Week.  Not one of us wanted to leave.  We loved our time there so much.  Being on such a beautiful campus every day.  Everyone going to classes for their age group, being edified and feeling the spirit and learning more about the gospel and strengthening our testimonies.  And spending time together as a family where everyone was getting along and being kind to each other.  It was kinda a little glimpse of Heaven and none of us wanted to leave it.

 On our way out of town we stopped by the Rexburg Temple.

 This beautiful field is right across the street from the temple.

 We also stopped at the Idaho Falls Temple.

 And we stopped for a while to look at the falls that give Idaho Falls its name.  Addy had to move all her stuffed animals so they could watch out the window.  And the small bear had to be tied to his safety harness so he didn't fall out and get hurt.

 We ate dinner at Smitty's Pancake and Steak House.

And then we decided it was time to get really serious about traveling toward our destination because it was already 8:30 at night!  We made it home safe and sound.  We loved spending time with the Hobbs.  We loved going to Family Education Week for the second year in a row.  It really is one of the best things we have ever done as a family.  I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father who gave us this great opportunity. 

Click here for Part 1: Utah

Click here for Part 2: Idaho Days 1 & 2