the real life

 We had a Nelson Reunion up in Midway the first weekend in Utah. It was wonderful to be with everyone. I have been trying to get photos to upload for 15 minutes from this trip and it is being weird so those will have to come another time. We stayed in a BEAUTIFUL home and enjoyed time on Deer Creek and the loveliness of those surroundings.

 Lots of swimming time at Grandpa and Grandma Nelson's pool with the cousins (and Gladwells - so glad you joined us!)

 Playing on the floor happily at Papa and Crazy Grandmas. After Midway we stayed at my parents to prepare for the wedding and welcome Minkie to America! She is incredible. I love her.

 All ten siblings were in the temple to witness Matt and Minkie get married for time and all eternity. What a blessing. This was the number one highlight of the trip home for me. Such a blessing to be part of an eternal family.

 Myself and the handsome groom.

 As soon as the wedding was over we were packing up and off to Hebgen for the rest of our trip. Darla enjoyed herself on the knee board.

 I would find Bennett just sitting out in the middle of no where all the time. I think he enjoyed the space as much as I did. I swear I didn't see my kids the majority of the time we were at the cabin. Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Papa and Crazy Grandma took such great care of them!

 He did it! Bennett at the age of 2 got up on two skis! Cute boy! He said he wanted to do it and he did! Incredible.

 Thanks to Uncle Jim and his boys for giving four wheeler rides non stop! Love the pink shirt.

 Norah, Porter, Easton, Saydi, Tess, Darla, and Henry. What good friends they are to my little girl. I wish we lived by cousins.

 Floating down the Firehole River. Always a delight.

The SLR FUN RUN was held. I was able to complete the half marathon! Along with my sister Emily, neice Jessica, and Brothers Jon, Jim and Dave! I was so happy that I made it. So happy that my body let me keep going. I had been planning on running this, but started having problems with my knee. I said I would run as far as my knee let me. It let me go the WHOLE WAY!!!!! This is the 2nd best moment of the trip - crossing that finish line.

 My sister put together "Hebgen Survivor 2012" - little obstacle courses and activities for the kids.

 Here is Bennett participating in the "make yourself a beard and hat out of shaving cream" task.

 Bennett on the knee board. Following Darla's example of bravery :)

 Cousin line up. Classic photo we take every year. Too bad we didn't get it when everyone was around.

 When around Bennett - everyone turned into a pirate. Speaking in pirate terms, people had pirate names. Captain Bennett Pirate and his crew ruled the blue Hebgen Seas. My darling nieces Phoebe and Lydia put together a pirate treasure hunt and made telescopes and maps for this crew. So fun. Bennett was thrilled!!!!

 Whenever I couldn't find Tate (strange for me because he wasn't crawling yet) I would find him somewhere with his Grandma. Thanks Mom for helping me all the time. You won him over 100%.

 Enjoying the water. She is so darling. Beach days pretty much every day. I love this life.

 Tate would sit and play in the sand all day. All day. Hands down best baby ever.

 Man, this guy is handsome.

 I had to take this photo because there is one exactly like it hanging in my cabin of me and by brother Jon at the exact same ages and pose as Darla and Tate. Darla takes such good care of Tate.

 No real bath at the cabin just this sink. I think everyone as a child has a picture in this sink.

 Again, just out by himself playing for hours.

Here the three are - on the drive home. Leaving once again what was a brilliant trip to be with the people we love. What a wonderful summer. I wish it hadn't gone so fast.

three favorites.

more to come about our trip. just had to share these faces. 

and life goes on

Ready for Church.

 How do your fingers taste?

The whole family went camping to a great spot just 20 minutes away. My genius plan was to hang out until everyone was going to bed and then drive home the quick 20 minutes so Tate and I could sleep in our own comfortable beds, but I got lost - so that 20 minutes turned into a hour+ drive! We met back up with everyone in the morning and had a great time together with the Albanos, Mitchells, James, and Robisons! There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire. Reminds me of being at Hebgen.

We love when the wading pool at Van Cleve Park opens up. Darla and Bennett are big enough now that they can run around by themselves. They love it - if you can't tell.

When we go outside Bennett either takes one of his big sticks out with us, or he finds another to add to his collection. He never wears shoes, and is the cutest boy in the WORLD!

 Erik's parents we able to visit for a couple days! We loved being with them again and can't wait to see them when we get to Utah in July. I love being with people who love and adore my kids as much as I do.

 So this empty bench isn't meant to be depressing, but it is put here for a reminder. The past four years here at Como when the weather was nice have been spent on this bench. It is beside a park with swings, slides, and sand. When sitting on this bench we are surrounded by a group of people that are dear friends with kids that are best friends with mine. So many of these people have now finished school and have moved away, on to the next chapter. I have realized that it isn't just a new chapter for them, but also for myself and my family. We've had to say a lot of good-byes even though we have remained right where we are - the world around us has once again changed. I'm praying that some new families with kids will move in. If not, then we will learn to entertain ourselves. :) The past few weeks without all of these people has made me realize how blessed we are to have relationships. I am so grateful that the greatest part of this life is people. Others, that help us learn, grow and become who we need to be. I look forward to this next chapter here as students, but will NEVER forget the time on this bench with families who have changed me for good.

my Darla

It's May?

 Darla and Audrey were both 8 months old when we moved to Minnesota. They are the best of friends. It is crazy to think that the time has come for so many of our dear friends to graduate and move away from the student life.

 Darla and Jack . . . man they make a cute couple.

 Uncle Jeff (Erik's Brother . . . if you can't tell) came to visit. The kids LOVED Uncle Jeff the second he stepped foot in our apartment. It's always fun to have a visitor! Thanks to the State of Utah for taking us all to dinner!

 Precious.

 Taken on Erik's 28th birthday! They were so excited to celebrate him. Cheesecake . . . yum.

 Tate is now sitting!!! He is 6 months old, 16 pounds and is the happiest baby.

 Hello eyes.

Darla has pretty much taught herself how to read. She is amazing. She read those three books she is holding up, word for word all on her own. She is 4. What is happening? She looks at books and is trying to figure out words all day long. I love how determined she is and how much time she spends on it. Her focus is incredible.