Saturday, August 31, 2013

Lisa's Birthday

At the end of August we had a great time celebrating Lisa's birthday.  

Maggie, Brent, Grace and Lilli

Maia and Jacob

Kristen, Aiden, and Emma holding Davis

Melinda, Aiden and Julie

Lisa with Jena

Dad, Brian and Sara

Sara, Lisa and Jena ready to blow out Lisa's cheesecake

Maggie

Lisa with her balloon.  We love you, Lisa!

Monday, August 26, 2013

NSync Reunion

I was pretty giddy about this reunion on MTV yesterday.  If only it had lasted a little longer . . . 


I remember watching the making of the video for Bye Bye Bye.  Loved it!  And, yes, my musical tastes still rival a teenage girl.  

Friday, August 23, 2013

Aiden is 16!

We can't believe it!  Our oldest nephew, Aiden has turned 16.  

Look how cute he was in the early years of us taking family pictures. 

Here is a classic picture of Grandma Betty reading him a story


And then last year's family photos . . . all grown up and all 6'5" of him



I was lucky enough to get to take him to lunch and shopping for birthday gifts.  Check out this sweet hat that we found.. . . 

It's an ode to our Sweet Brown that always makes us smile. . 


Aiden had just a little bit of food to eat. . . but he did it!

Then the following Sunday we had the usual family dinner with the menu selected by the birthday boy. And then a treasure hunt for gifts.  You are never too old to search for gifts!  

Aiden and Sara

Kristen and Jena


Jena and Grandpa
Aiden with his snazzy new cardigan

Melinda, Emma and Jacob

Kristen and Maia

Sara had made a special gift for Aiden.  He loved it!


Julie and Melinda

Brian and Lisa


All of the kids . . . Jacob, Emma, Aiden, Maia, Jena and Sara

Aiden ready to blow out the candles. And, with the help of a few little sisters, he did it!



Grandpa always does an anagram balloon . . . a tradition from Grandma Betty and it's always a surprise to see what words he chooses to describe you.  The letter "D" is our favorite this year . . . and his.  We could also add "driver" to that.  

We love our Aiden! 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Home Tours

We always love going to the Parade of Homes each year.  We can usually only get in a day or two during the two-week run and focus on the high dollar houses during that limited time.  We like to really be wowed!  Lilli and I were able to get in a few one night and the next night Melinda and Kristen and I were able to see some. 


I loved this closet with amazing views, a center island and a washer and dryer.  

A wrapping room would be so fun!

We had to ask where this couch was from . . . we thought it was great!  Turn out it was our own RC Willey with an extra piece added on the end to make it extra large. 

My absolute favorite house was one in Holladay. . . that looked like an Alice in Wonderland house with the room.  But, inside it was clean, sleek and amazing.  This view goes straight out to the pool area. 




I heard from other parade attendees that this homeowner was single.  How can I meet this guy?



Lilli and I had to end with some of our favorite comfort food.  It was a good day!



The next night, Melinda, Kristen and I started with dinner at Trio. 




We love patio dining in the summer!


Loved this built in. 



The view from a rooftop deck

Then on to the top of the world above Ensign Peak until you couldn't go any further with sweeping views of both the Great Salt Lake and the entire valley.  Amazing!














And, then, of course if we are in the Avenues we have to stop by Hatch Family Chocolates for a treat.  



The salted caramel ice cream I tried was incredible.  Why don't I live closer?  Actually, it's probably a good idea that I don't.