Here Comes the Bride . . .

Here is my brother Richard with his darling wife Lara (the 3rd Lara Bradford in our family!) They got married August 7th, and everything was so perfect. I wish I had my camera that morning at the temple, but I only had it at the reception, so this is the only picture I have of the beaming couple! Errr! I always forget my camera for the important stuff!

Liam was so cute in his little tux that Lara's mom bought him. And Ben looked so handsome in his new suit he got for his graduation present (from himself). Woo woo.

My mom was so proud and so happy all day. She was in the best mood all day and it was so fun to see her just glowing and enjoying being with our whole family.

Funny enough, the best part for me was just being with Ben and remembering how incredible our wedding day was. The next day we watched our wedding video again for the first time since we got married. And of course I loved being in the temple for the sealing and being reminded of how powerful a bond an eternal marriage is. I love weddings! I am so happy and proud of my borhter and Lara! They are so awesome!

Liam's 1st Birthday and Top 10 Summer Fun

So Liam had his 1st birthday on June 5th, so I figured I better get some pictures up. I don't know exactly why, but I have had zero desire to blog lately, which is strange because we have had the funnest summer. I guess I really haven't had time more than anything. But I am recommitting myself to keep up on my blog!

Liam somber but happy in this pic.

He got his table that has activities all the way around. Wow, best toy ever. He plays on this thing like crazy.

Ok, this is definitely his favorite toy. Its a push walker that converts into a scooter. He laughs so much when he's pushing it around. The first time he did he laughed so much, he couldn't believe his legs were going so fast.

His first taste of chocolate cake! Thanks Gma Kingery for making such a yummy cake!

So here are two list for summer

Top 10 Funnest Summer Activities so far:
10. Weekly BBQ's at our house with friends/family we love.
9. Camping at Currant Creek and spreading Ben's grandma's ashes (interesting cultural experience - probably merits its own blog entry)
8. Going to Twin Falls with my cousins for the new temple open house. Such a fun weekend!
7. Taking a walk with Ben most nights. Actually, just having Ben home every night. What did I do before??? I absolutely love having him home! :)
6. Potluck in the Park with friends from our ward, ward softball, and ward dinner groups.
5. Hikes up Big Cottonwood Canyon
4. Instituting "Zero Work" Saturdays since Ben has graduated with his MBA and since we finished our kitchen remodel.
3. Going to SL Bee's games. I love the baseball environment! Ben mostly loves the hotdogs. My dream would be to have 10 sons and have them all play baseball!
2. Home improvement projects - I know I'm crazy, but it is some of the funnest bonding time Ben and I have!
1. Going through the temple with my brother Richard and his fiance Lara. They are getting married in one week! I can't wait! Yeah! Oh, and their engagement party at our cousins' the Smoots. We had all of our side there and invited all her siblings and parents. We went around and gave advice on marriage. It was a really fun party!


Ok, and here's my other list

Top 10 Things that should be in every Refrigerator for Summer:
10. Rocky Road Ice Cream (Dryers Slow Churn)
9. Girards Champagne Salad Dressing (thanks Kendra!)
8. Paul Newman's SouthWest Salad Dressing (amazing in pasta salads)
7. Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches
6. Target's Market Pantry drink mixes. Comes in strawberry daquiri and lime margarita. (comes as a frozen concentrate) Yum-O!
5. A bag of frozen edamame.
4. Mrs. Dash 10 minute marinade (amazing on meats and vegetables on the BBQ)
3. A fresh bunch of cilantro
2. Dole 100% juice (just add ice for a slushie)
1. Ok! All the fresh fruits/vegetables in season: corn, peas, peaches, watermelon, cherries, zucchinins, squash, there are too many to list them all.

I love summer!