Can't Pick Just a Few!

We just got our Family Pictures in the mail today, and I was giddy! Here are more than a few of my favorites. Can't say enough good things about Andee McDonald. She did such a great job.

Family Pictures!

We just got family pictures and got a sneak peek on the photographer's blog. SO EXCITED! If you want to take a look, go to andeesphotos.blogspot.com. Go to McEwan's on the right in the blog archive or just scroll down a few sessions. Andee is AMAZING and so laid back. I highly recommend her. Anyway, take a look. I have looked through her archives back to the beginning of her blog, and am so amazed at how great she is!

No smoking!

Berkley came running inside after watching the cement workers refinish our driveway, out of breath, and dying to tell me something. When he got his breath back, this is how it went.

Berkley: "Mom, I just saw a CIGARETTE BUTT on the curb! (gasp) I guess the guy that smoked it is NOT going to get a CTR ring!"

I had to hold him back from going back outside to lecture the workers on how smoking makes you sad.

Living in Utah is so grand!

WHAT???

Savanna: "Berkley, did you know that some people celebrate Harmonica Day instead of Christmas? Isn't that crazy?"

Me: "Umm... I think you are trying to say Hanukkah. Jewish people celebrate it."

Savanna: (totally bugged by me correcting her and completely ignoring me) "See Berks, they play with these on Harmonica Day (showing him a picture of a dreidel)."

I guess I need to educate my kids a little better.

Families are Forever

My testimony has been strengthened so much this last week, and I am so grateful that I have the knowledge that families are forever. My sister, Jenny, gave birth prematurely on Monday to beautiful twin boys, Jax Lane and Rook Vernon. They lived for a little more than three hours after they were delivered, giving Jenny's husband, Chris, the opportunity to give them each a name and a blessing. Then Jenny and Chris were able to say emotional hellos and goodbyes to them. I was fortunate enough to be able to fly out to D.C. with my parents and brothers to be with them for a few days, and attend the graveside service for the baby boys. The service was so beautiful, and I learned some things that I hadn't known before. Jen and Chris' bishop is President Faust's son, and told us some things his father had taught him. He taught us that there is a key to the priesthood that has not been restored yet, but when it is restored at the resurrection, Chris will be able to raise Jenny out of her grave, and as she stands beside him, he will be able to raise the baby boys out of their graves, and give them to Jenny to raise. Bishop Faust went on to say that Jenny will be able to raise them, and will not have to worry about any of the things we worry about now, so her experience raising them will be far better than it would have been now on earth. The spirit was so strong throughout the service. My dad was able to dedicate the grave, and Chris' dad gave an emotional talk and testimony. Little Lilly (Jenny and Chris' 2 1/2 year old) let two blue balloons go up into the sky for her baby brothers, Jax and Rook, and I couldn't help but think about how much they would have loved playing with their spunky and fun big sister, and how much she would have loved them. I can't even imagine the pain that Jenny and Chris are going through right now, and I cry every time I think about it, wishing that I could take some of the heartache from them. One thing is for sure, though, and that is I know that someday they will be with them again, and those baby boys will be able to enjoy their amazing mom and dad and sister, and they will all live together forever. I know this is true.

WE LOVE YOU JEN, GUS, AND LILLS! WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU!

AF Canyon

One of our favorite things to do as a family, is go up the canyon for a hot dog roast. We went a few weekends ago with our good friends, The Reeds, and had a blast. The kids all loved being with each other.

Berkley and Bella getting a drink.

Brooklyn and Savanna roasting marshmallows.

Savanna and her new pet snails.

She LOVES these girls!

Me and Jennifer

Savanna eating smores with Daddy!

Rocco enjoying himself.

Bear Lake

We went to Bear Lake a couple of weekends ago with some of our friends, and had a blast! The kids were in heaven playing on the beach, feeding the carp, swimming, and eating lots of treats. We LOVE weekend getaways!!!