The Land of Lincoln

Just returned from a trip to Chicago and Nauvoo with the fam.
The heat was insane, the city amazing, the country beautiful, and the company--except for our missing family members--perfect.

The temple was amazing and beautiful.

We took a river cruise on the Mississippi from the town where Mark Twain grew up -- totally goofy and fun.

Our weekend in pictures

Photo Flashback: Engaged

Exactly four years ago today the hubbs proposed to me.

We were in Florida and he bought me a dress.


We ate at a swanky restaurant called JB's On The Beach. It was perfectly romantic.
I remember it just like it was yesterday -- specifically how I kept going on about how it felt like we were married and on our honeymoon.

He looked dashing as we sipped our drinks. I even remember what we ate -- he had sword fish and I had the mahi mahi. Our waitress was Jamaican.

We watched the sun disappear behind the ocean then walked out on the pier where he popped the question.
I was completely shocked and didn't say a word for 5 whole minutes.

The next morning

We were pretty happy. I knew it would be the start of something good.

Mama turned 50

My sweet mom is amazing. So we thought she deserved a surprise party for her 50th birthday.
She was sick all day yesterday so the party almost didn't happen, but thanks to some good convincing by my dad, it was a success.


Meg made the cute banner.

Anden loved the sunflower-shaped cupcake display.

And the croquet...stiff competition this time...but Jeff came out victorious.

The table display

Collin requested a close shot to document his "impressive" facial hair.

And Morgan? This girl just got accepted to BYU's nursing program. We weren't the least bit surprised and knew she was a shoe-in. (She's already been on the Dean's list twice.)
You're going to make an amazing nurse Morg!

And what party would be complete without fireworks!

The lighting crew. Now that higher/bigger fireworks are allowed in Utah, we were excited for the big finale. And it WAS big!

Little baby Brit was an angel and slept through the whole show. Anden kept asking for more.

It was a night to remember. More family time, fireworks, and BBQs to come. I love the 4th of July!

Happy birthday mom and thanks for all you do. I couldn't ask for a better mother and friend!