Nate's Birthday

We had so much fun for Nate's birthday! He turned 26 this year! We made a homemade banana cream pie (his absolute favorite food) and played games on MLK day which was a couple days before his birthday. Then later on his birthday we watched a movie and had ice cream. I'm so grateful and for Nate and for all he does for our family. He goes to school full time, works at an optometry office part time, and fulfills his church calling so well. He is amazing and I'm lucky to call him mine! 

Organ Playing

This sweet boy named Theo has sat by Nate now for a couple months every time he plays the organ. Theo will even come and practice with Nate some Saturdays. It is so sweet to see Theo so interested in something that Nate loves too. We love our friends here in Ohio. 

Family Vacations 2016

First we went to Disneyland with the Garlicks. It was so fun! We walked until our feet were killing and by the end of the week we were all so tired. Some of my favorite moments were every night when we would sit on the couches and re-capp the day, the dance party with all of the disney characters, and the Snow White ride! My wonderful sister-in-law Makell made this really cute video to remember our trip! Nate & I have watched it over and over and it brings back so many memories. It was such a fun vacation! 

Then we went to California/ Mexico with the Newells. We were able to help build a home in Mexico which was an unforgettable experience. We also had fun hanging out at the Lawrence Welk resort and playing ping-pong. I got the idea of making a video from Makell, so I made one for the Newell's trip. It was fun to be with family and just spend time together! 

January

January went by so fast, am I right?? Update on ourselves this month, Nate studied and prepared for tests in optometry school. He plays the organ in our church and practiced that as well this month. He just finished the book about the Wright brothers by David McCullough and loved it. Because he had just finished that book, for his birthday (He's 25 by the way!!) we went to the Air Force museum in Dayton, Ohio. It was really neat to see all of these airplanes and see how the technology has changed over the years. I have been working and I finished some sewing projects this month. I was able to fly home for my Grandma's funeral and it was fun to spend time with family! We took our camera out this month and took some pictures (shown above). We also have been watching Hawaii 5-0 and going outside when it isn't freezing (which is almost never haha). 

Grandma

This week my sweet Grandma passed away. She taught me about courage, strength, faith, optimism, and hope. My family and I visited her every Sunday. I have such fun memories of her house in Orem and her living in the assisted living center in Cedar Hills. Some of my favorite memories with her include Christmas Eve, giving a report of my day to her every week, visiting her during lunch, and the day she met Nate. I am so grateful for her influence in my life. 

Family Pictures

The Newell Family was together for 1 month before Abby left on her mission. So, we had to do family pictures before she left. Lana Jardine took our family pictures and she did a fabulous job!

We love family! 

Feeling 22!

Life has continued to be wonderful and great! We celebrated Hayley's 22nd birthday this weekend and celebrated at Cafe Rio (of course!) and with new bikes! Our summer plans now include bike rides with our stylish helmets.

A new temple is about to be dedicated in Utah! A temple is different than a church building where we hold our weekly worship services. There are currently 145 temples in the world where members of the Church are married and make sacred covenants with God. The next temple to be built is in Payson, and we went to the open house last week. It was a beautiful building, built to the glory and honor of God! The stained glass was gorgeous and we loved hearing the expressions of the little children who were walking through, many seeing the inside of the temple for the first time. (During the open house, everybody may go through and see the interior).

And for those interested, our peas are growing! But those poor tomatoes....