Sorry That I Suck

It has been months since I have updated this blog.  Sorry.

My kids are beginning to wonder if I love the presidential election more than I love my family.  If you don't know what I am talking about, please click here.

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed finding an outlet for my political passions (and obsessions), my kids are wondering if I love politics more than them.  So I made them a promise that I would be better about updating the details of our crazy life in Colorado.

A lot has been happening in the Williams' household.

A Wedding

Last month, my brother Christian got married to an amazing girl named Sarah and we went home for the wedding.  They are such a perfect match and we are thrilled beyond measure that they found each other.

My kids adore my brother.  

One of the highlights of the wedding festivities was when all of my siblings and parents went to lunch together.  No kids.  No spouses.  Just siblings sitting around, laughing until we cried as we lovingly offered marriage advice to Christian.  We did this when Kara got married and it was a priceless memory for all of us.

It was a perfect afternoon and an amazing reminder of how much I adore these people.

Other big news...THOMAS TURNED 13

I am a mother of a teenager???

Instead of a birthday cake, Thomas opted for caramel apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Yum!

I could write on and on about the countless events of the past few months, but mostly I want to acknowledge that I feel blessed.

Life is good.

And I promise to be better about updating...

A Whirlwind Trip to Utah

I got to go to Salt Lake City for the weekend...at least I think I was there...?  It went by so fast.  I arrived late Friday afternoon, drove to Logan on Friday night for my cousin's  Saturday wedding, raced
back to SLC for the evening reception and then flew home Sunday.

Whew, that was kind of a blur.

The leaves were starting to change.  It was a beautiful weekend.  This view of Mt. Olympus always takes my breath away.

My cousin Riley got married.  He has waited a long time to meet this amazing girl Georgann.  I knew that I had to be there to celebrate.  Thank you Romney for taking over all the craziness of our family's schedule, so I could leave and thoroughly enjoy a little break.

My parents look pretty freaking amazing.  I am hopeful that I age as well as they do.

My darling parents with my Dad's aunt Lucy.  She was my late Grandma Margie's dear sister.  My grandma passed away from cancer in 1994.  We realized that if she were still alive, she would be 91.  All grandparents on both sides of my family have passed away and at events like the past two weddings, we realize how much they are still sorely missed.

***

My dad grew up in Logan, Utah surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and dozens of cousins.  I have countless memories of him recounting the stories of his childhood and the sweet experiences he had that seemed to be taken right out of the movie "A Christmas Story."  Sometimes I picture him as Ralphie.

One of the most retold stories of his youth was when he rescued a childhood friend who slipped and fell into the fast moving canal.  My dad was five years old and his friend Paul was 4.  Paul slipped into the canal and thanks to my dad's quick instincts, he ran and got help.  Paul's lifeless body was pulled out several blocks away, but the ambulance was able to resuscitate him.  My dad was labeled a hero and his story was even mentioned in the Salt Lake Newspaper.

I was so looking forward to being in Logan with him so that we could take pictures in front of these "famous" places.

The place where "Paul Fell in the Water."

This was his elementary school.

After a pleasant afternoon in Logan, and a few hours getting a peek at my sister Kara's new life in Ogden, we all sped to Salt Lake City for the reception and enjoyed a perfect evening with family and good food.

Kara, Savanna, Alecia and Christian

The weekend was great.  Even though I am still quite gimpy with my "old lady" back pains, we jam packed a lot into those few days.  We ate plenty of delicious food and I got my fill of perfectly blended Diet Coke refills with pellet ice.  YUM!!

Plus, I am reminded again not only how much I adore my family, but also how blessed I am to come home to my own.  I am blessed.

A Wedding!

I am a little behind.  There is so much going on right now.  I have written dozens of blog posts...in my mind.  Now I just need to find the time to get them out!!!

My younger sister Kara got married a few weeks ago.  We drove home for the festivities and it was such a happy weekend.  She married a fantastic guy named Adam Martin and I have no doubt that they will be incredibly happy together.  We are so thrilled for them!!

All 8 siblings were able to attend.  This is the first time we have all been together in what feels like years.  We went to lunch together one afternoon with our parents.  We laughed and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed being together.  We are all really close friends and times like that only brought us closer.  Have I mentioned how much I adore these people?

Savanna, Marisa, Alecia, McCormack, Christian, Kara, McSean and Eliza

Jeff and Kathy

THE WEDDING DINNER

The wedding dinner was in a perfect setting at the base of the mountains with a beautiful view of the valley.  Kara and Adam gave beautiful tributes to each other.

The Wedding Ceremony at the Draper Temple

The Reception 

The Wedding Reception was held in my parents' back yard.  It was a delightful evening and I think fun was had by all who attended.

It was a perfect night to celebrate the happy marriage of my darling sister Kara.  Congrats to Kara and Adam.  We love you guys!!

Summer Trip to Utah 2011

A couple of weeks ago, the kids and I packed up the van and headed to Utah for our summer trip.  Romney flew in to SLC the following day.  It was so great to be surrounded by the people we love most.  Certainly a good reminder that family is where it is at.

I was able to attend my 20-year high school reunion.  Weird...does this mean that I am an adult??  After seeing some of those old people at my reunion, I guess the answer is yes. I had an amazing time with some of dearest friends.  My stomach still hurts from all the laughing.  I'll post pics and details later.

We were able to spend tons of quality time with family.  One night Nan planned an evening in the mountains in one of our favorite places, Millcreek Canyon.

Evening up Millcreek Canyon

Swimming Party with the Williams

Nan also planned a swimming party and all of Romney's siblings were able to attend.  Even John and Jodie timed a last minute business trip to SLC so that they could be there.

 

Dinner with the Thompsons

We also made sure to stop at some of our favorite yummy destinations with some of our favorite people.

Christian teaching my Dad how to be "Mini Man."

Favorite Local Gas Station Dave's Shop n' Go

This little gas station sits around the corner from our home in SLC.  They have the best soft serve frozen yogurt and plenty of Dunford Donuts.  We have lots of memories in this place!

A Night at Sugarhouse Park with my Brother Christian

A few years ago, my darling brother Christian organized a family get together at a local park.  He brought a bat and a bag full of balls.  We each took a turn hitting 15 pitches while the others gathered up the balls.  We had such a great time.  We loved it so much that we have tried to make it a summer tradition. This year was no different.  The evening was so beautiful.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE summer nights in Utah?

Sophie demonstrating her nearly perfect cartwheels.  I love how proud she is of herself!

 Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon

One of our favorite ways to enjoy the spectacular mountains in Utah is to take an easy hike/walk around Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  This place is so amazing.  I never get sick of it.  The smells are refreshing and the air is rejuvenating.  Some of my siblings joined us and we had a great time.

 

 

 

Perfect Evening at Temple Square

On one of our last nights in Utah, we drove down to Temple Square with my parents and McCormack.  It was a such a perfect way to end our trip.  The setting was amazing and the new temple displays in the Visitor's Center were well worth the trip.

Sorry for the overload of photos.  It was such a great trip and countless memories were made.  Thank you family for making time for us.  We love you!!!!