Stickers with Luke

During Miriam's nap, Luke and I get to spend some quality one-on-one time together. He always finds new ways to entertain me. This week we were working on his sticker book and discovered that stickers are super cool on your face! Wouldn't you agree?

4th of July

"God Bless America, Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home. " - lyrics by Irving Berlin

I love the United States of America!

Even though Morgan still had class on the 4th, we celebrated our wonderful country's independence with a small party. Our friends in our apartment building came over for dinner and sparklers. The sparklers were actually a rare find. Fireworks are illegal here. However last semester a departing student was selling the sparklers. Somehow she was able to get them here in a box. Yeah for us! We all had fun playing right outside our apartment with them!

Mom and Miriam were a little hesitant at first. It was both of our first times holding one! Morgan was the sparkler pro and helped teach Luke how to light them.
Luke with his sparkler lightsaber! Luke liked the sparklers until...

they burned out and his fingers got too close. Daddy to the rescue! Daddy is great at making all the hurts go away with a kiss. Also in the picture are Jared and Aspen and their mom- Susan. They live right above us and we get to see them often! I am glad that my kids have other children so close by for them to play with!
Adrian helping Kairi experience her 1st sparkler too. Kairi later came around and enjoyed holding them. Adrian's wife Diana took all these great pictures for us. Thanks Diana!

We hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. Just remember that no matter what problems the United States has, it is still the best place on earth! It truly is a promised land.

Sleigh Rides

While I was preparing dinner one evening last week, the kids were playing super well together. Luke had wriggled our laundry bag out and Miriam jumped on top of it. Luke then proceeded to pull her through the apartment. I just love the little games they create all by themselves. Enjoy the clip!

Smells

A conversation with Luke last week:
Mom: "Luke, you smell like Teddy Grahams."
Luke: "Mom, you smell like armpits."
Thanks son.

Corey's Capes

While home, Luke and Miriam got a package in the mail. Inside were the coolest capes ever! Our friend Corey had made these awesome double-sided capes. Luke's cape is Superman and then Batman while Miriam's is Supergirl and a Princess. Luke and his cousin Kaitlyn had fun playing with the capes while we were still at Maw Maw's house. Now that we are back in Dominica, Luke and Miriam like to run/fly through the apartment with their capes on. Thanks so much Corey for making these for our kids! You are the best!

Home Again

After spending 3 weeks away from home, it was time to return to our everyday life. When we got home, Morgan looked so handsome! He just beamed to see us! Miriam only wanted to be held by him and Luke was so excited to pull everything out of our suitcases to show Daddy all the cool stuff we brought back. I will admit that I was so sad to say good-bye to my parents. They mean more and more to me each year. After warming up to my parents, the kids just loved being around them so much. Luckily we will see them again at Christmas.
But for now we are back in Dominica and everything is getting back to normal. Morgan has a big test, Luke goes back to preschool and I am just feeling pretty content with life. It was a much needed vacation!

April's Wedding

On Thursday, June 5th we left early in the morning to head to Salt Lake City, Utah for my little sister April's wedding.

I think I was the only one not sleeping at the beginning of our flight out of Raleigh. However, I am grateful that I caught this photo of my parents leaning on each for support as they slept. It was tender.

Miriam loved playing with Maw Maw and Paw Paw on the plane. She thought it was so cool to wear his hat...but only backwards. Later Luke traded spots with her and sat between them as the plane landed. I loved flying with my parents. They were such a great help with the kids and it gave me a much needed break.
Once we arrived in Salt Lake, April's sister-in-law treated us to a manicure and pedicure. It was amazing! After being in Dominica, my nails were in serious trouble. Here are my fingernails all painted up for the wedding!
Later in the evening on June 5th, we attended the Rehearsal Dinner for April and Robert's wedding. It was held on the 9th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Robert's father-Jim- gave some great advice for the couple and even a few laughs.
Every time that Jim made the group laugh, Luke would laugh too...only longer and louder than the rest. Here he is laughing at jokes he did not understand!
Miriam enjoyed visiting with everyone and trying her hardest to be a big girl.
Afterwards, the kids posed for a few pictures with the Salt Lake temple behind them. I just love the SLC temple. I don't think there is another place on earth that means more to me since I served my mission and married my sweetheart there.
After the wedding on Friday, June 6th, April and Robert had a ring ceremony and reception at the Huntsman Cancer Institute by the University of Utah. Doesn't she look beautiful coming down the aisle with my Dad?

Luke was a ring bearer and Miriam the flower girl. I walked down the aisle with her as she casually dropped a few flower petals. I was April's matron of honor and so grateful to have been part of her special day. Jim also officiated at the Ring Ceremony since he is a judge down in St. George.
April and Robert enjoying their first dance as husband and wife.
Ready for the cake!
Mmmmmmm....
Congratulations April and Robert!