To good friends... all over the world!

Growing up we moved all over the world, traveled all over the world,

and met people all over the world.

As a kid- I am sure this was hard. But when I hit about 16/17 years old, I realized it wasn't necessarily good bye when I moved.

I have since traveled more and met more people, catching up with old friends as I go. Isn't it great when you can get together when someone ... who you haven't seen for years... and you can still talk, feel comfortable, and give a big hug to when you leave.

A good friend is moving. Sure I will cry a few more tears- and wish she was around BUT I am grateful I know she will be coming back to Utah at least every summer!

(Also, she will be living very close to two sisters so hopefully

I can get up to visit them one of these days.)

Neti taught me many things-

to name a few:

Argentines eat good food and know how to cook

Gnocchis are hard to make but really good to eat

Empanadas are A-mazing!

It is good to just sit and visit sometimes, stop, enjoy a few minutes

Try new things like a triathlon, half marathon--- and do it with a friend!

My kids need to learn Spanish

You can enjoy life even if your budget isn't huge

and

I still need to go to a SLC Real soccer game!

Thanks Neti- It has been grand.

But this isn't good bye, just I'll see you later alligator!

or according to Neti...

"smell ya later!"

The funniest picture ever!

Yes- its late and I need to go to bed.

BUT

My cousin just posted this picture on facebook.

He didn't take it and doesn't know who did but I am dying of laughter!

I NEED to go to bed!

yep- still laughing!

Seattle!... a mom vacation

I went a way! It was great! Why was it great??? Let me tell you

I went to Seattle to visit my sister Rachel who just had a new baby. So yes, I did help her. I took her dog for walks, I filled her freezer with food, and cleaned/organized her house a bit. So it was a bit of work- but I didnt' mind even a bit.

Look what I got to eat! I have been dying to go to the Public Market in downtown Seattle for years. I couldn't decide so I got both of these. WOW~

Rachel had her baby Ely and Candace had her baby Tessa. I had... no body! I had my running shoes, my iPod, a nice quite couch, my own schedule, my own agenda, nice cool weather- and just plain old relax time for 4 days. I didn't have to be anywhere, or go anywhere. I woke up and went to sleep when I wanted to. I got to make food I love, and eat it first! I didn't have to serve any kids first.

Did I love my vacation?

Oh yes, fantastic!

Thanks Darren for taking care of the kids for me (well, thanks Renee and Kaitlin too!)

I will do it again but may not for a year!

(this is Jolene--- we all got in the car to drive downtown to the market and she was not happy- she quickly jumped in the front seat, begging to go with us!)

Thanks Rob for putting up with a full house for 4 days!

Reunion Time

We had a huge family get together. over 60 people!

Three of us were in charge so we had fun, "theme-ing" this reunion...

"Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar".

We picked a theme- they didn't know they were the thief! Then gave out clues to each team. They had to slowly figure out who the thief was.

The more activities they participate in they would get clues.

SO MUCH FUN!

We had an early morning guest --- just trotting on right by us!

Here is the Elaine Harston clan- growing and growing!

July- hikes, more hikes, and dinosaurs

We went to the local dinosaur museum the other day. Ella was scared. I had to keep reminding her they were all dead. This dino statue was at the end. Ella had finally come to terms with all the dinosaurs and wanted to give this one a hug!

I carried her almost the whole way through this museum.

We still try to go hiking every Tuesday. Here is one of my favorite. It is called Cecret Lake at the top of Alta ski resort. A beautiful short hike.

This is the scenery as you hike to Cecret lake, and in August the wildflowers are every where!

Darren also celebrated his 33 birthday. You know your getting old when you just want to stay home and have a quite relaxing birthday. We did take him a yummy lunch at work.

This is the bottom of another hike. Lake Blanche. We made it half way. Three miles round trip. It was the hardest hike we have done, lots of altitude gain... going up, up, and up some more.

Ella update

Too many fun picture with Ella- I just have to do an Ella spotlight!

This is Ella holding her new cousin Baby Everett, Nolan and Corie's newborn.

Ella loves to hold babies even if they are the same size as her.

She still loves to accessorize. On this occasion she wanted Toby to look good too! He was modeling all her hats.

She is the second oldest girl granddaughter.

The girls have fun together, and hopefully will for years to come.

She still weighs 22 pounds. But she is potty trained and adorable... all over!

See what I mean about accessories!

She has every bracelet and necklace she owes on!

You can't even see her neck!