family craziness part 1

We loved spending some good quality time with our families during the month that we were in Utah.

We only had about a hundred different activities.

And I only took about a thousand pictures... :)

Jaden did great on the tube. Until we went over a huge wave at a slow speed. We all stayed in, but he was NOT happy.
Um, whoops :)

I wish I could describe what a tender mercy huge blessing it was to attend Education Week in Rexburg with my mom this year. We've gone to Ed Weeks and Women's Conferences at least a dozen times together, and they are always uplifting and timely, but I really needed this experience and it came at exactly the right moment. (I had gotten called to an incredibly overwhelming new calling the day before.) We stayed at a friend's home who has horse property. What started as a riding opportunity for her great grandchildren turned into a ride for everyone, ages 2 to 80+. And yes, of course I was in my pajamas :).  

I was excited to take advantage of some of the toddler-friendly things to do in Utah. I don't know who loved the dinosaurs more, Jaden or Ally ;). And I love the picture of Jaden's downward dog pose, but don't worry, he wasn't doing yoga...just picking himself up from a fall, haha. 

Picture bottom right: Jaden's face when he heard the train's whistle as we crossed the road.

Riding diesel (Frontrunner) and electric (Trax) trains with Granddad! We traveled to City Creek, had lunch at Chick-fil-a, bought some socks for the wedding, and came home! Jaden and Granddad had the time of their lives! (I had fun, too :)) We also had a short stop in at the visitors center on Temple Square during a brief rain storm where Jaden had a cute missionary experience. A tourist asked him what the building was when we were looking at the model of the Salt Lake Temple. Jaden confidently told him it was the temple. Which sparked a conversation between the man and me where I got to answer some of his questions about temples and the church. Thanks Jaden for being a member missionary :)

Borrowed a bike trailer and went on a LONG bike ride, hit up the Davis County fair, took Jaden to the new Planes movie, went to the temple for Britt's first time through, spent a good amount of time in the resource room of the Relief Society building (I didn't even know that existed?!), and had an AMAZING extended family dinner (the good food and good company never disappoint).

I wish I had the time and patience to write down all the stories that accompany these pictures. But for now I'll just be glad that they're on the blog :). Other events to note that I don't have pictures for include: 

A Simple Grace fireside in Logan

 (our favorite place--we sing there probably 4 times as often as anywhere else)

Steve and I got to spend a night in Logan at Anniversary Inn

Lots of wedding prep and shopping

Time with extended family, including my grandma

Walks to the park

A couple of trips to Costa Vida, Cafe Rio, and Zupas

I only have about six more posts to feel caught up on this blog journal...life is just so fast paced in the summer and it's not slowing down! I can't keep up!

Peter and Brittany's wedding

We're alive! I've neglected our little family blog long enough. Time to catch up on the MONTH that we were in Utah with family and the fun/crazy happenings since we've come home.

We did SO many things in Utah, but here's one of the most important: 

My brother's wedding! 

Our families were so great to plan showers around when I could be there. It was so good to see everyone and have more of a chance to visit. 

Steve had a crazy summer. I'll post more details about that later. But suffice it to say, he was the sole person responsible for the amazing chocolate-covered strawberries at Peter and Britt's luncheon. And he made them all not too long after flying in straight from the Philippines. He's pretty much a big deal.

Looking back now, I wish I had taken more pictures of the actual wedding day. I had spent a lot of time behind the camera on Daniel and Ally's wedding day, and I knew Peter and Britt had amazing photographers, so I wanted to just enjoy the day. Someday (hopefully?) I'll get some of their pictures and share them on here.

It was BEAUTIFUL. Detailed. Ornate. Creative. Handmade. According to my mother in law it was the ultimate Pinterest wedding. :) Brittany and her mom, Stacey, worked tirelessly for the whole six month engagement to pull off an amazing party. And then I didn't take any pictures. :(

However, the best part of the day was definitely the temple. There's just something about seeing your siblings in white making eternal covenants with the love of their lives, you know? I didn't cry as much as Steve thought I would, but I definitely used up some tissues. We Haywards are famous (infamous?) for our tear ducts. The luncheon that my parents put on was wonderful, as well. Peter and Britt had a "couples video" made about their love story that they showed at the luncheon. Remember how their engagement was filmed, too? You'll like this video as well. Their videographer is really creative. They're just so darn cute and sappy together and we're so happy for them. It was a beautiful day and we were so glad we could be part of it! 

Cousin love

Britt+Pete | Couple's Film from Jared Fadel on Vimeo.