Trick or Treat

What says Halloween more than a Jack O' Lantern? Well, a 7 layer dip of course!

This costume lasted right around 90 seconds. Clearly Cole feels left out.

Jan showing off the graveyard brownies I made. Time-consuming little buggers.

All for the birthday boy Chris. He turned 30+11 on Halloween!

Canyonlands "Other Half"

If you ever want to experience the beauty of southern Utah, you should go in the fall. Moab this fall in particular was the best it's ever been!

We went mid October for the 1/2 marathon I signed up for back in May... taking it easy at Ken's Lake the day before the race.

75 degree weather, fall leaves set against the redrock and bright blue sky, a million stars in the night sky viewed through the tent, fun with friends- it all made for a wonderful time!

My sister and I ran the whole way together. We got an amazing boost at mile 10 where our guys were waiting for us next to the road to cheer us on and give us a kiss as we passed by.

Em really is having a good time no matter how fake that smile is :-)

Running down this canyon next to the Colorado river with all the excitement of the runners with us made the 13.1 miles sail by! It was a little overcast in the beginning making for the perfect temps. The race was extremely well organized (much better than the Provo Canyon 1/2). Water/ gatorade and enthusiastic volunteers at every other mile and drummers at the last hill before we headed down to the Sorrel Ranch were a great touch. Emily and I went for the twin power when it was getting tough at the end- running arm in arm through the finish line. What an unforgettable experience!

Spoiled much?

We've waited a long time for a baby to spoil in this family...

So these two "aunties" threw a baby shower.

These lovely ladies have lots of good advice for the new mom.

True Wendi style.

Jen, Hillary, Emily, Courtney, Natalie.

Each knot tied with love.

Oh this girl is going to be so spoiled...

Earthdance Zion 2010

When given the chance to go down to Zion... we will always say yes.

A couple of weeks ago we went to support our cousin's Earthdance Festival. As a bonus, we got to enjoy a small-scale family reunion. Kendra and Emma were selling their goods at the "Zen tent."

Being down there now is bittersweet without our uncle Al, but we still feel his presence there.

Stage set up at the ampi-theater in Springdale. One of the coolest venues I've ever been to.

Dave and Adrienne- they were so busy coordinating everything and pulled it off so well!

Cousins

The best part of the whole weekend was getting to spend so much time with Dave and Adrienne's kids Davenne and Avery. They are an absolute dream. So smart, cute and fun. Wish they didn't live so far away!

Nonagenarian

Grandpa Bench is 90! He's the healthiest, handsomest 90 year old I know.

Both grandmas... love these ladies!

I feel so very fortunate to live so close to my grandparents in Alpine. I drive the "Alpine Shuttle," taking them to dinner at my parents with us and other family get-togethers. Often I'll just go down there and take them to lunch and maybe an ice cream or a walk. Never-ending jokes and wisdom from those visits.

Stay tuned for the 100th b-day party in 2020!

Wedding- Maine style

Aug. 21, 2010. Here we are in Saco, Maine for the wedding of our great friends Ben and Katy Johnson. It was so much fun to be a part of! The wedding rehearsal dinner was at this cute little restaurant on the beach with the BEST food- fresh seafood of course!

After dinner we all took a walk on the beach. Here are Stacy and Paul, some of the beautiful people, we called the glitz crowd from Park City.

First time to Maine- dangled my toes in the ocean. Later that night around 2:00am Brandon may or may not have jumped in for a swim! Crazy guy.

These 3 guys go way back- grew up together in SLC. Brandon, Ben and Eric. They have followed each other all around the world- Alaska, Costa Rica, Maine, where next?

Groomsmen- wedding day. Sunday Aug. 22, 2010

We reminisced about our own wedding day 2 years ago- I love weddings for that reason. Still in love with you babe.

These 2 are meant to be together, and we couldn't be more happy for them. After Ben's tragic ski accident in Alaska, he was very lucky to be alive let alone walking! Katy was his physical therapist and his match in every way. They are the most adventurous, fun-loving beautiful couple I know and we can't wait to share more adventures in life with them!

There's a new girl in town....

Aug. 16, 2010 this gorgeous girl came into the world and into the arms of so many who love her. We have waited so long for this day!

Just one of many aunts who will hold her and love her.

This proud grandma couldn't be more happy!

How you've changed our lives, little Qhloi.

A bittersweet day for this brave sweet girl. She knows that Chris and Wendi are the right ones to raise this baby, and unselfishly she places her baby in their arms with all the love in her heart.