Deep In The Heart - Day 6

Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve

On the morning of New Years Eve, we had a few friends over for a visit. These are ladies we love and haven't seen in forever. Above we are posing with our dear friend Susie that I've known my whole life, and my mother has know for most of hers. Her daughter Sara was one of my best friends growing up.

I was also able to visit with my friend Darcy, with whom I share some seriously fun memories. We were best friends in Elementary and Jr. High.

And our friend Kristin came by. She is just like one of our sisters because she was always at our house when we were teenagers. She was also one of mine and Farrah's bridesmaids.

Because it was the day of long lost friends, Lauren went to lunch with Cloe and Hallie. They grew up across the street from us and were best of friends with Lauren.
It was also a day of baking and cooking some of the yummiest food I have ever tasted. Emily getting an early taste of the ribs Bart was smoking.

Bart and Zac getting the smoker ready. Take note of Bentley in the background. This was only minutes before he and Addy had a little run in.

And here is Little Miss Addy. I just don't know what to do with this child. If it's gonna happen to anyone, it's gonna happen to her. She has been to the ER more times than the other 5 members of our family put together. Like I said, she and Bentley had a little run in, which resulted in 9 stitches. But don't worry, this little gal didn't let it slow her down. She still partied hard for New Years Eve.

The day before, Farrah was talking about making pizza on NYE. I suggested making personal pizzas and letting everyone do their own toppings. She thought that was a great idea. Now, this is where my sister and I differ. Had I been the one in charge, we would have had Pillsbury pizza dough outta the can, spaghetti sauce, shredded part skim store brand mozzarella cheese, diced ham, pineapple, black olives, onions, tomatoes, blah, blah, blah. Farrah. That ain't the way she rolls. She is Martha Stewart in disguise. She made pizza dough. We had sun dried tomatoes and pesto sauce. Fresh sliced real mozzarella cheese, kalamata olives and a whole bunch of other fancy schmancy stuff.

Here is how my pizza turned out. And lemmetellya. It was the best dang pizza I have ever had. For REALS. I have been craving it ever since.

The kids played games

Oh yeah, baby! I have been hearing about Coren's carrot cake for years. It even has it's own facebook fan page. And it deserves it's own facebook fan page. I was finally able to have a little slice of this heaven. Who are we kidding? It was no little slice.

We played the dance game on Kinect. Sam and Teresa were able to show us their dance moves they worked on during their honeymoon. We all got a good laugh outta the white boy who thinks he can dance.

The adults played games. I can't remember what this game was called but we had fun once we PG-13nd it up.

Addy and her new best friend, Gordon

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We came back inside from yelling our New Year well wishes and had an impromptu dance, but Coren and Gordon showed us all up.

It was a fun night. And that is the end of our trip to Dallas. The next morning we woke up, loaded the mini van one last time, and headed for the snow. It was a long 2 day drive home. And it was nice to be home. We were gone for 17 days. They were the best 17 days ever! It was epic. We had so much fun and made so many memories that will last us forever. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. We are so blessed to have been able to visit both Steve's family and my family. Thanks for all the memories, y'all!

Deep In The Heart - Day 5

Thursday, December 30, 2010

My sister Lauren's Birthday! Farrah made the most delectable stuffed french toast for breakfast in honor of the special day.

It was my cousin, Michelle's funeral that day. Here is a picture at the cemetery with my grandma Tolman.

Michelle's daughter Nevaeh and Aubrey. I've always thought they look so much alike.


After the funeral we decided to look for my Grandpa Snow's grave. I love this picture of Matt and Addy walking together through the cemetery.

It took us a while to find it. Even though we had a map with his grave circled.

Finally! Steve found it. Remember those shoes I wanted so much? I'm about ready to burn them. I don't know how someone is expected to walk upright in such ridiculousness, so I toured the cemetery barefoot style.

My grandpa's grave. This is my dad's dad.

Emily, Addy, Aubrey, Zac, Matt and Gabe by his grave

We also drove back to the Tolman plots so I could take a picture of my grandfather and great grandparents headstones.

My grandpa's headstone. This is my mom's dad.

My sister Lauren spent the day at the Maldonado's house. This is the house on Quadrangle that my parents lived in for 30 years before they moved to Utah. Farrah's in-laws bought it when they moved. My kids were so excited to go back and see the place. Such fun memories there. Here they are out back.

My mom and Lauren in front of the house

We went out to dinner to celebrate Lauren's birthday. The plan was to go to Trail Dust. However, on the way there Farrah called to make a reservation and there was a recording saying that the location we were going to was closed. For forever. We were sad. The kids were excited to go on the slide. I was too. Oh well. We went to Snuffers instead. I finally got to try the cheddar fries I have heard so much about. They were so yummy. I wish I had some now.

The Newlywed's joined us for dinner.

Addy in her usual place. Right between her two favorite people.

After dinner Teresa's parents met us at Farrah's house and we watched Sam and Teresa open their wedding presents.

Why have birthday cake when there's a Sprinkles in town?

Matthew eating his Sprinkles Cupcake

Playing with the Leapster

When we came home from dinner, Bean-O had a huge gash in his leg. We don't know what happened but we think he might have been chasing a squirrel under Farrah's gazebo or something. Bart and Zac took him to get staples. This is the trip that keeps on giving. Since being home in Utah he has pulled out all his staples and had to undergo surgery.

And since it really is the trip that keeps on giving, on Friday I opened my mail and had a ticket from Richardson City in it. It had a picture of my van. Running a red light. I remember running that light. We were on our way to the funeral. We were just approaching the intersection as the light was turning red. There were no other cars around. We were running late. I had to say the opening prayer at the funeral. I was afraid I wouldn't be there on time. The light was changing. Steve took his foot off the gas to prepare to stop. I yelled, "DON'T STOP! WE'LL BE LATE!" That was a $75 mistake. But hey, I made it on time for the prayer.

Deep In The Heart - Day 4

Wednesday, January 29, 2010

The day after. We were all exhausted from the wedding and reception. The kids, who has spent the majority of the day before in dresses and suits, were ready for some action. They wanted out of the house. It was still raining outside. The adults were too tired to do anything that required much effort. After spending about an hour trying to decided what we were going to do, we finally decided that we just needed to make a decision. So the decision was made. Destination: Planet Pizza. Not for the pizza, but for the rides and games. So we loaded up and headed out. As you can see from the picture below, Zac was overjoyed.

Lauren and Kay
Bart was having too much fun
So was Steve
Addy, Emily, Aubrey and Matt on the bumper cars

Tickets!

Allyson and Lauren

On December 21st my cousin, Michelle Tolman Allerkamp, passed away. After we came home and ate dinner, my mom and Farrah and I went to her viewing. It was a sad occasion, but it was good to be in the presence of family and loved ones.

After the viewing we made a grocery store run. Our Blue Bell levels were getting dangerously low. That was the night I discovered Blue Bell Carmel Turtle Cheesecake. What I wouldn't give for a big bowl of that right about now. We put on our PJ's, dished up the ice cream, played some games and hung out at Bart and Farrah's house.

And Emily played with my camera.

Deep In The Heart - Day 3

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The big day! Sam and Teresa's Wedding!

We woke up to a very rainy day. Now, one might expect after reading useless fact #2, that I would be happy to be in Texas and have it raining. But this was just not a good day for rain. However, we decided to make the most of it. There really was no other alternative. We had Bart's famous Breakfast Burritos and we all sat around the table talking until my mom said, "Does anyone think it's strange that we are all sitting here in our pajamas like we have nothing to do and we are about to have to be at the Temple for a wedding?" We took that as our cue to go and ready ourselves.

Sam and Teresa were sealed for time and all eternity in the Dallas Texas Temple. Here they are outside the Temple with the kids.

(click on time and all eternity to find out what we believe about eternal marriage)
The paparazzi, led by Big Lou himself
(click on his name to see his pictures of the wedding)
Teresa, Sam and Kay. My mom is crying, but what's new?

Zac, Lauren, Aubrey, Emily, Addy and Kay

The Groomsmen with Zac as Best Man

Bart and Farrah

Zac and Steve

After leaving the temple we all went to Amigos for lunch.

That night was the reception. It was beautiful. Here's Coren and Gordon and a few of my kiddos.

Addy and Emily with their Great Grandma

The cleanup

Allyson, Zac and Farrah

Can you tell she's excited for this day to be done and over? Poor Bart and Farrah. Their anniversary was kinda skipped over as they were hosting the lot of us at their house and making wedding decorations and such.

It was a great day. A beautiful reception. A happy new Bride and Groom. I am glad we were able to be there. The only sad part was that we had 2 people missing that day. My dad, although I'm sure he was there. And my sister Kristy and her family. Kristy was supposed to come but she was snowed in at the Moscow airport for a few days and couldn't make it. We missed her terribly.