Arizona Activities

There were 8 of us girls in high school and after twelve years we still make time to get together. Six out of eight still reside in Arizona so when I come to visit I want everyone to get together. This time we had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. What good laughs we had! We missed Heather who lives in Alaska.

As fate would have it Dustin's cousin, Scott, got married while we were visiting for Christmas. On December 30 Scott and Susan were sealed in the Mesa Temple. There was some misunderstanding about who would watch Susan's children, so I attended the sealing while Dustin babysat on the temple grounds.

Scott became an instant father of four cute kids, ages 7 to two. Ethan, the seven year old, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this last summer.

Another Year

On August 23, Dustin and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. He surprised me by booking a theme room and asking our sister-in-law, Desiree, to babysit for the night. He made of all the arrangements, while all I had to do was pack. It was awesome! My dad said of Dustin, "He makes the rest of us look bad." I am spoiled by a wonderful husband.

The girls had fun with their cousins. Thank you Des!

We went out to dinner, rented some movies, and ate lots of junk food.

Our "Athens" themed room.

I love you Dustin!

Happenings in May

May was a busy month in our family: weddings, doctor appointments, triathlons, and traveling to Salt Lake. Here are some pictures from events I haven't documented.

My cousin, Stephanie, married David Simons on May 27th.

My pretty girls waiting for the bride and groom to come out of the Salt Lake Temple.

My cousin, Lauren, married Kyle Simonsen on May 21st.

I found these pictures from Libby's hospital stay at Primary Children's. They have an awesome play room on the 3rd floor for patients and their siblings. While we were there a music therapist brought her instruments and sang with the kids.

You can imagine how Libby reacted! She is a lover of music and was very enthusiastic! Many parents came up to us to tell us how cute she is.

Lainey painted a bird house.

There were many volunteers in the play room, and Libby stuck to them like glue. Although they were strangers, she knew they weren't nurses or doctors who would poke and prod. She felt very safe in the play room and asked to go there often.

Dad bought Lainey a new bike. She was very excited!

AZ Wedding Open House

Dustin was kind enough to let me go to Arizona for the weekend....by myself! My brother and his wife were having their Open House and I wanted to be there to help my mom. Plus it was Mother's Day weekend, and I haven't spent a Mother's Day with my mom in ten years.

I was to fly out Friday morning. Libby woke up with a fever, and since she'd been coughing/runny nose for a week, I made an appointment with the doctor. So here's a brief summary of what happened Friday:

Dustin missed work to watch a sick child, Libby stayed home from school to sleep, my flight was delayed 4 hours (bees in the cockpit?), my friend babysat Lainey while Dustin took Libby to the doctor, and we found that Libby has pneumonia. What a way to begin my trip! By the way, Libby is doing much better.

The Open House was Saturday, May 7th.

My mom, sister, aunt, and I spent the afternoon making these sweet centerpieces for the tables.

The Guest Book Table

Putting the food table together. The chocolate-covered strawberries were to die for!

Nice way to transform a church cultural hall.

The basketball hoops were made into chandeliers.

The west end of the room.

The east end of the room

Is that an expression of motherly love, or what?

My dad bought corsages for my mom, sister, grandma, and me to wear to church. It was very sweet. It was fun to spend Mother's Day with my side of the family and spoil my mom. Unfortunately, Kyle and Stacey's car broke down on their way back to Utah. Their one day trip turned into two, and they had to miss school and work. I made it home safely Monday morning and was very excited to see Dustin and the girls.

Wedding Luncheon and Reception

After the temple sealing, we headed over to Mimi's Cafe for a luncheon with the family.

Dustin with my brother Ben.

Libby sat at a table with uncles, aunts, and grandparents. She loved the attention and sang several songs for entertainment. If someone began talking while she was singing she's say, "Shhh. I'm singing!"

Kyle's reaction to a note bearing "wedding night advice" from Dustin. Although Dustin kindly signed my name at the bottom instead of his own! What a guy.

The reception was held at Stacey's parents home. Everything was beautiful and there was a great atmosphere!

Getting ready to cut the cake.

Lainey dancing with Uncle Kyle.

Ben and I goofing off.

Stacey's brothers wanted to send the happy couple off in a car filled with balloons and covered in saran wrap. How thoughtful!

Wedding

My brother and his fiancee were married April 23 in the Los Angeles Temple.

Lainey with her new found friend Cambria (Stacey's niece).

Libby and Grandpa Richey

Libby and Lainey with their flower-girl daisies.

The happy couple: Mr. and Mrs. Richey

My sister holding Libby, talking with Great Grandma Peters.

Kyle and Stacey with both sets of my grandparents.

The entire Richey Family