Back to blogging

I really had good intentions to continue writing about our move and life back in Utah. Somehow time just slipped away and we have found ourselves living as ex-pats again.

Leaving wasn't as hard this time as it was the first time around. We kind of new what to expect and knew we would be coming back to visit in 5 short months. I think the worst thing about moving is packing up all that darn stuff that fills up your house so quickly. I can't believe how much we took to the D.I. or how much we threw away. We still have bins and bins of things in storage that we don't need anymore.

We love Tiff and were so happy to take her to Cracker Barrel for her birthday.

The waitress thought Tiff was J's mother.

Which was quite funny considering everybody thinks J looks just like me.

Love this GIRL!

One of my favorite childhood memories is roasting hot dogs in the fireplace.

It is still one of my favorite things to do with the family. So glad to continue the tradition.

Love all the thoughtful things our families do for us.

It is becoming tradition to go out to dinner the night before the big departure.

The kids chose, Chuck-a-rama.

I have to say I do love the rolls, honey butter and lemon cookies there.

J's Bake Sale

What can I say....My little J is an entrepreneur.

Before we even moved home from Brazil J had this planned. She wanted to do it the week we got home but after some negotiation we set a date. After careful thought, going through recipes to make a list of needed ingredients, making and passing around flyer's through the neighborhood, she was ready. We made rice krispie treats, no-bake cookies, cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies. All of her product sold and she even made a little extra money to spend. What a fun day and a great learning experience.

I love this shot of M walking away with his purchased treats.



Our cute neighbors who came to help support J.

M enjoying his cinnamon roll.

Good Job J.

Splash Pad

Great fun playing at the splash pad on a hot day.

Fish Farm

We really stayed busy all summer with family activities.

The week after Bear Lake before the cousins went back home we took the kiddos fishing at the fish farm. They always have a great time. Grandma and Grandpa took us out to dinner afterwards. It was fun to be with cousins.

All the family together minus one

My favorite sister was in town to bless her sweet little babe.

We all got together to celebrate them being in town and also the birthdays for the month.

It was so great to have everyone there minus my oldest brother. It was a shame he couldn't be there with us. These are some of the fun pics we got. After we took this shot we realized one of my nephews was off playing and wasn't in the picture. So this is all the grand kids who are still here with us. Except ONE. A few of them tried to escape the picture but with some strategic planning we held them down and snapped this picture.

This is what our family picture really should look like,

but for posterity sake we took another one. Where we are all looking civilized.


Not a bad shot for an impromptu picture,
but I think baby V wins the best facial expression hands down

Bear Lake 2011

10 Reasons why We LOVE going to Bear Lake

1. Family

2. Frogs

3.Good Food

4.Water

5.Boating

6.Late nights

7.Cousins

8.Crafts

9.Games

10.Relaxation

The king in his chair, out of the sand with an umbrella.

Life is Good. I love the thumbs up.

C lost his front tooth. I think Grandma pulled it out while I was gone.
So Exciting!

Hanging out with Uncle Kyle.

We had so much fun making these CD spinners from the family fun Mag.

Treasure Hunt

Fun afternoon of Tie-Dye

Making I-spy bottles.

A little drama after a wrestling match with Uncle Kyle and Cousins

I Love Love Love this picture. C loves to skip rocks, he does it every year.

So many fun memories. Thanks to Kyle for taking this great shot!

M's little foot print.

The little frog catcher.

M along with all the little cousins spent hours chasing and catching these little frogs.

Dinosaur Swamp

Aunt Tiff hanging out with the niece and nephews.

Catching Up... on more than just sleep

Our first few weeks home were a little bit of a blur. Between deciding if

we should move or stay in our small home. Wanting to see some old friends, spend time with family and getting unpacked it was a little overwhelming but wonderful
The last 6 months in Brazil our plans were to sell our home first thing and move on. Somehow plans in life don't always work out the way you want them too. Which was fine because honestly I can't imagine moving back from Brazil and then having to move again. The kiddos had a wonderful summer playing with there old friends. They have loved having bikes again and a yard. Last but not least they love being back to Grandma's and Grandpa's Aunts, uncles, and cousins. Oh how life is so much fun being by the ones you love. . . .

We had been home maybe one day when Ralph and Sharon showed up to pick up some things. Our conversation turned to some friends of ours from Brazil and they just happened to be at the Cutlers house. It was very late but they invited us over for some ice cream and we were able to see Toa and her kiddos. It was wonderful to see them. The kids were beyond exhausted but I am so glad we went we haven't seen them since..






The ride home from the Cutlers house is maybe 10 minutes and the kids
were sacked out before we even got home.