Sunday, October 30, 2011

Life is a whirlwind

Seriously! What has happened? I feel like Janitors hit the shelves and we have been blown all around for months.

This whirlwind of a life has led us to some pretty awesome adventures. This is a chance for me to recap some those.

The breeze of craziness began this summer.

As soon as school got out we made a mad dash to  
St. George
  to celebrate my Great Grandpa's birthday.
It was great to hang with some of the sisters and parents for a few days.
I always like to introduce summer to my life by beginning with a nice vacation. 

 
 Delicious food served to you on your very own "hot rock." Look at that steamin' goodness.









Before we could even make it back to Logan we hopped in the car with Ralph and LeAnn and embarked on a...
Mexican adventure.
Driving to Mexico was a thrill and a half. We had the opportunity to attend Ty's cousin's wedding. It was beautiful, cultural, and warm. Just what we needed.





Here is the beautiful wedding family. Crazy to think they are related to Ty, right? 
Just look at his uncle on the right. This gives me a picture of what Ty will look like in 30 years.

They sure know how to throw a party. Dancing till 2 am. Mariachi band with authentic Mexican food the next day. We were spoiled for sure.




We made a real trip out of this adventure (in true Whitesides fashion) and stopped in Moab for a few days on the way home. It is always a treat to spend time with Ralph and LeAnn. They take such great care of us. We felt like kids again.


Up next....

The McDonald Family First Annual Cousins Reunion


 We had a great time at the Heber Valley Girl's Camp. Lots of activities to keep us busy, but plenty of time for some good ol' catching up.
 


It was great to spend time with just the cousins (and a few aunts and uncles). We really have the greatest family.
Thanks to my wonderful grandparents for inspiring us to stay so close. 



Now on to...
Quakie Days
Every year the Whitesides gather for their annual "reunion" of sorts. 
(Isn't that what summer is for?)

It is always complete with plenty of fun, beautiful surroundings, enlightening conversations, late nights and late mornings, a few pranks/jokes, and so much eating!
This year was no exception.



 Truck rides.

Playing down at Miller Flat.

 My first fish. Ever! I later learned how to pose with fish after catching. I'm learning.



The family is growing. Babies to come in December (Laura and Marty) and January (Hil and C).  Always changing. It is great to pause time for just a moment and enjoy being together.



Something I have always been dying to do finally happened this summer...


PICKLES with Grandma Foote

I have loved these pickles for my whole life. 
Every year for my birthday I can bet on a few bottles of my own wrapped up from Grandma Footie.
This year I begged her to teach me her tricks. Just in case.
Start with delicious homegrown cucumbers. 


Finish with cans of deliciously pickled treats. 
(There were a few steps in the middle. I think I better make them a few more times with her help before she let's me loose)

One of my favorite things!



Just before Janitors released we were able to celebrate...

 ...our 3 year anniversary.
 Things just keep getting better with time.

This was a perfect way to ring in all the hooplah of "Janitors."
We have really done a lot in the past 3 years. It is amazing to see where the winds of life can take a person.  This really has been such a fun ride.  The breeze has definitely picked up now. I think we could call it a mild storm. Blowing us around from state to state. And as long as we can hold onto our heads I think we'll make it out just fine. (Just no tornadoes, that's too much wind for me.)

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