Happy Anniversary!

Today is our 10th anniversary!  I can't believe it!  Time has gone so fast but I am so grateful that I am married to such an amazing man who truly loves me for me, despite all my weaknesses.  He is an amazing father, husband, friend and cook! :) I love him more today than I did the day I married him, which I didn't think was possible. The past ten years have brought us stress and struggle, but they have also brought much laughter and memories.  He inspires me to be better. He listens to me when I need to vent and laughs at me when I am being silly!  I never though that when I left for BYU-Hawaii that I would meet and fall in love with a crazy Mexican!  And I don't think my parents did either!  ;) But oh how I love him.  I love him for his thoughtfulness, his sense of humor, his funny laugh, his culture, his adorable face, and his desire to so serve those around him.

Unpacking? I don't think so.....

I know I have posted a ton the last couple of days, but I just had to add these pics to the blog. The kids were suppose to be unpacking their suitcases and cleaning up there rooms when I came out of my room to find them like this. The crazy thing is, Aidan was very content to be zipped up in the suitcase. Elena and Max gave him his blanket and he had a flashlight and a book. He was really enjoying it. I didn't even know he was in there until I told the kids to take the suitcase to the garage and they started laughing. Too cute!

Crookston Family Reunion

We had such a great time at the Crookston Family Reunion that was in Brighton Utah. It was amazing! It was so nice to see everyone again. We arrived up the canyon a little later than planned because we were gathering up all of the items that were left all over. We ended up leaving behind Max's slippers because I didn't want to search any longer and we were already late. Oh well. We arrived for dinner as they were cleaning up. Afterwards we visited had cake and ice cream since the theme was "Celebrating Grandpa Carl's 90th Birthday" (I think that is it.) After this we did a gift exchange, which was great especially for the kids. Then we talked and relaxed and the kids sat and colored for a bit. Then we headed to the cabin for bed. The next morning we had a great breakfast and then Uncle Glenn did the donut tree. We planted little cheerios in a bucket then watered it and covered them with dirt. We left for the flag ceremony. We did the pledge of allegiance, and then sang the song "America." Then we raced back up to see if the donuts had grown. Low and behold they grew! :) The kids were amazed and Aidan was thrilled to be able to reach them himself. I think he had 2 or 3 of them.

After this we hiked up past the cabins to the zip line. It was a pretty big zip line. Max was the first one up and wasn't scared at all. He took off like a pro and really enjoyed it. When Grandpa Jim asked him how it was he said, "That was wicked awesome!" Grandpa Jim wasn't real sure about that answer. He stated, "Well I have never heard it described quite like that!" Too cute.

Elena did it as well. She was a little nervous but did great once she started. Lemuel did it and had a great time. Aidan wanted to go but he was a little young still. So he spent the time climbing rocks and getting himself completely filthy! He was in absolute heaven. After this we took some family pics on a big rock and then headed to the lodge for some and to rapelling for others. Max and Lemuel headed to rapelling and Laney, Aidan and I went in to make bracelets and scrapbook layouts. My sister Amy was in charge of a cute photobox that I didn't have time to do, so Elena and I are going to work on that this week.

We talked and laughed and had so much fun visiting with cousins. Too bad we moved away. I wish we were closer so we could spend time together more. It is great for my kids to have others there age to play with.

After a great lunch of Cafe Rio like burritos, we again did more scrapbook layouts, coloring, talking, and Magic Cookies. Again this is another of Uncle Glenn's traditions. The kids use a big bowl and fill it with all of the invisible ingredients and then mix it all together and put the invisible dough on a cookie sheet and put it in the oven. Then after they are baked, there were 4 different kinds of cookies that came out of the oven! Aidan thought that was great! He loves cookies and was thrilled there were so many.

My sister Rachel put together a scrapbook that I know she worked really late hours on filled with pictures from all the Carl Crookston Reunions since 1991! It was sure fun to see old pictures of me and my siblings from so long ago! Thanks Rae for your hard work!

We had a great dinner of chicken veggies and mashed potatoes and rolls. The cooks really did a great job on the food. Dessert was really good as well. We had little cheesecakes with a pudding/custard on them, then topped with fruit. Very yummy. We stayed for a little longer talking and visiting with those we wouldn't see for awhile. Then about 9 o'clock we headed for St. George for the night so we could travel the rest of the way on Sunday.

The reunion was so quick but so worth the drive. We had such a great time. Mom, my aunt Cathy and Grandparents Crookston did a wonderful job planning it all. I know it was a lot of work, time, and money but it was filled with wondeful memories that will last us another 2 years before the next one!

Our Utah Vacation!

We had such an amazing time on our vacation to Utah. We stayed for 2 weeks and loved every minute of it. I'm sure the Reeve family is glad to have their house back and less commotion!  We are so grateful they let us take over their place while we were there. It couldn't have been a better way to spend the time. Although, we needed a few more days as there were still friends we didn't get to see. :( Next time for sure!

I have lots of pictures to share and heaps of info so bare with me as I recap all the activities we did.

We left July 6th to head to St. George to stay with my sister Rachel and her family. I figured it would be better for the kids and my sanity if we broke the trip into two days. We left Monday morning after Rae left for work. We arrived to Friday's Station in Eagle Mountain at about 12:30 to my good friends hanging up balloons and a poster that said "Welcome Jessi and Kids!" I got there a little earlier than they planned so they made me drive around the block before I headed down the street. We pulled into the Reeve's driveway to more balloon, a big luau tablecloth, leis and another sign that said, "You Made it" posted on the garage door. 

We arrived to hugs and tears of joy of being back with our friends!  The kids were so excited and jumping for joy; especially Elena. She really misses her girlfriends. We spent the afternoon just relaxing!  It was so fun. I really missed talkin' story with everyone and laughing which is what we end up doing most of the time!  

Later that evening we headed to Cafe Rio for dinner. It was so yummy!  It was one stop I just had to make and "the girls" were gracious enough to indulge me!  We laughed even more about everything and anything and some things my girlfriend Michelle probably wouldn't want me to post!  ;) We had a great time!

The next morning we headed to Kahea's for her banana pancake breakfast, which has become a tradition in Friday's Station! They are always so good. Afterwards we headed to the pool for the day!  It was a gorgeous day and the kids were in heaven. So much so that we stayed for 5 hours!  

Whitney Reeve, Maddie Johnson, Elena, and Haley Reeve

Max going off the diving board!

Alexis Reeve and Elena chillin' in the pool!

After 5 hours in the pool the kids were exhausted. We had dinner and then put in a movie for the kids and they all crashed. I went to mutual to see the young women!  That was pretty entertaining to walk into the church and see the young women's' and bishopric's faces!  They were all shocked!  It was great to see them!  

Wednesday was game day!  We made guacamole, sausage dip, spinach dip and had other snacks. We played games all day and sat and visited!  We played a mean round of Settlers of Catan and another game I can't remember. Throughout the day, we had friends and kids coming and going!  It was a full houseful. I think at one point we had 8 moms and 26 kids at Melinda's!  It was amazing! 

Thursday was a fun day!  We started off the day with an early morning temple session. We made it to the 6:00 a.m. session. Shocking for me I know, since I don't usually get up before 7 ever. We had to be up by 4:45 so we could be ready and have everyone picked up by 5:15 so we had time to get there. It was such a nice time to be able to go with such close friends. 

After this we headed home so husbands could get to work and we could get to the rest of our day. We were throwing a surprise 30th birthday party for Melinda. I had called her hubby a week or two in advance to let him know about it so he was in on the fun as well. I kept making excuses why the other ladies couldn't join us and so Melinda thought it was just her and I heading to Happy Sumo for lunch!  (Another one of my requested stops while in Utah. This is my favorite sushi joint!) We pulled in and I had the camera all ready. We had made reservations and everyone was in place. She was so surprised. It was so much fun!  The meal was great and the company was even better. What would I do without this amazing bunch of ladies? I hope to never find out. After lunch, we headed through the shops for bit before most had to head back to relieve babysitters. 

Katie, Kahea, Melinda, me and Michelle

Once we were done window shopping we headed to Costco. This trip was a little longer than normal, about 2 hours, since I ran into my old coworkers and friends there. It was great to see them and catch up on news. 

Friday was another day at the pool. Although, this time we only stayed 3 hours instead of 5!  It was still a great time though. My kids would swim all day long if allowed, as long as there are snacks!  

Saturday was Melinda's birthday so I offered to watch all the kids so her and her hubby could have some time to themselves. After their day out, we went to the drive-in to see "Wall-E." I don't recommend the movie. I thought it was kind of boring. The kids didn't really like it either. Although, maybe this was because they were so busy talking and chowing on treats to really pay attention. 

Sunday was so fun!  We went to church and it was great to see our old ward members and bishopric! We had quite a few double takes!  

The next week just seemed to fly by! Monday was spent shopping for shoes for Aidan, lunch at Rumbi's, helping Katie pack for her vacation, and spending quality time with friends. 

Tuesday we spent the morning doing laundry and then cleaning the house. After that we hit the pool for the afternoon. 

Wednesday we headed out early to do some school shopping. Melinda and I took the older girls and Aidan while Max stayed to play with Morgan; he doesn't really care to much for shopping. I found some adorable shoes for Aidan. We hit lunch at Panda Express and then headed to the spa to get glitter toes done. After that we went to let the girls check out "Justice" (a shop for girls) so Elena could spend some of her allowance. Then we headed back up to the Ranches to relax and let the kids play for a bit before we left for the airport to pick up Lemuel. 

We picked him up that evening and then went to a restaurant the kids love to go to called Zupas for dinner. They have the best tomato soup and the kids devour it.  It was great to have Lemuel there. We really missed him not being with us. After dinner we spent the evening with the Reeve's.  Thursday we did some grocery shopping and then more laundry. Lemuel had a tennis match scheduled with one of his old playing buddies so we headed to Provo to drop him off then went to meet Kristen and her boys at the park to play. The afternoon passed too quickly and before we knew it, it was time to leave and get Lemuel and then head to Michelle's for dinner. She had made tiger rolls, which are one of our favorite meals!  We ate delicious food and sat and talked for awhile. So great to be back in the neighborhood, but so hard to look across the street to see our old house and know we couldn't just run home when we were done.  

The 12 days passed so quickly. I am so glad we had the opportunity to see most everyone and for the amazing ladies that I have in my life. You have all made such a great impact on me and have been such great examples of true friends. I know that we really will be friends forever. Cheesy? Maybe, but I am very lucky to have good friends in my life. I know I can count on to be there for me whenever I need them. 

Friday was spent cleaning again, packing, trying to find everything and get ready for our family reunion that night. In between all of that, I was able to get my hair cut by another great friend. Which turned out great and an added bonus, Aidan fell asleep while I was there, so he got in a nap that day!  :) 

Later that afternoon we said our goodbyes again, which weren't as sad this time because I know I will see them again, and then headed to the mountains for our reunion!  I will post more on that later as I have heaps of photos to add!  

It's a boy, no it's a .......Fish!

I have to take  a few minutes and brag about my little boy. Aidan has really taken to swimming and wants to go every single waking minute. Every morning he comes and brings me his swim trunks and says "wanna go swimmin?"  He really loves it and has started to jump into the pool and then swimming under water to me and then back to the side of the pool. I am so proud of him and can't believe how well he is doing. He really is like a little fish and he is only 2! We captured him on video!  Enjoy! :-D