Vacation 2011

We had the GREAT fortune of getting to VACA again this summer! It was an amazing trip {nearly COAST to COAST} and it was totally worth it. Here are our pictures: 

 

 Before we left- at the airport

 first FAMILY flight. Parker's 3rd

 At OMA's. and OUT- in ILLINOIS

 Jed helping Grandma

 Uncle Grant with Parker

 Oma giving Parker a bath!

 Cousin Ryan with Parker- going to the park

 Shelling the shrimp (Ashley, Me, Amol, and Jeremy)

 Lauren and the kiddos

 Jared, Parker, and Callie

 Dad and Parker

 Oma and Parker (GREAT picture!)

 I just love how Parker is sitting!

 Parker is in the coffee table at the Wheeler's!

 VIRGINIA

 COUSINsss

 washing the car

 pool fun!

 the Atlantic

 converts from Jed's mission: the Wackerly's (LOVE them!)

 the Botanical Garden

 the ocean again..

 Ryan playing with Parker

 Another convert family: the Baum's (sweet family!)

 Aunt Day and Parker

 SISTERS

 waiting in a LONGGGGG line at the airport

on our way home.... 

We had an amazing time. Seriously. From the get go when I searched FOREVER for airline tickets-- I was getting excited. I don't think it was until we were on the airplane that I realized how STOKED I was. We headed to Illinois first to help with preparations for my Uncle Jared's sealing in the Chicago temple.

The week was full of busy preparations, walks through my hometown, yummy food courtesy of Jared, and good ole' fashioned quality family time. We got to see so much family and friends and make so many special memories. My grandmother so lovingly opened her home to everyone and made us all feel at home, like usual. She really is one of my favorite people. 

Then we were headed to Virginia. This dual trip was different than we had planned- but with the right price and perfect timing, we just continued on to the coast. The weather was HOTTTT but we loved getting to stay with my sister. Her three kids (almost 4!!!) were soooo great with Parker. They played with him the Entire time, and taught him how to go UP stairs! yay! 

Getting to see the ocean, visiting Jed's mission area and converts, as well as the nearly daily trips to the pool made this trip amazing. But my favorite part of everything was getting to spend time with my sister and her family. When I found out they were moving to Virginia I thought it would be forever until we would get to see them. So when this trip unfolded- I was sooo extatic. Thanks Day for opening your home and your arms. Always.

He did it!

 Jedediah Benson Alvey graduated from BYU. YAY!

I used to think that during graduations families cheered really loud because there was a chance that their student wouldn't have graduated. Well-- I knew that Jed was gonna graduate- I mean he was practically born to be a student- but I still cheered. Really loud. :) 

 After the grad party we had a hoppin' party at our place. It was a much needed "happy" party, and I think it was pretty great! The kids were entertained, there was some aggressive 4 square (made-up rules and all) and some fun to be had by all. Plus, the food was delish! 

We had a pinata- which I did not make- (side story- if you want a pinata that isn't Justin Beiber or rugrats-- don't go to Walmart) but the kids had a blast. I loved it! Honestly, I don't know if I loved it more than the kids or not- there's something about hitting something with a bat-- that sends candy everywhere, that I just LOVE!

So many family and friends were able to be there. I know Jed probably didn't say much-- but it meant a lot for everyone to be there. It was a special day for him- thanks for making it even better! 

***shout out for the letters we recieved in the mail for those family long distance-- that was very thoughtful :)

Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our visit in Boise and Twin Falls... for your viewing pleasure :)

 ONE TOOTH :)

'till we meet again, dear Krystal

With the events in our family in the past month, I have thought about how I wanted to rehash the details. I do like to think of this blog as my journal, so I wanted to give a play by play about what Jed and I and many of the other Alvey's did after Krystal's passing.

But I think I can speak for everyone involved when I say- I don't want to relive that all again- either reading it or writing it. I decided I wanted to focus on the positive.

I really needed to get together as a family. On Friday morning, Kate called me- and told me that Krystal had died. Looking back- the conversation took forever, and all I remember saying was that I loved Kate, and that I would be willing to help in any way-- and even now, that seems so shallow. Not that I could have said anything to make Kate feel better, but I wish I could have said something that did.

Then, I called Jed- and he was barely able to speak. He got the call from his mom right before he was supposed to give his final presentation for Capstone- which he had been the captain of and had worked on for 2 semesters-- but his team was so supportive through everything. He was on his way home from school, and I waited impatiently at the front door. I saw him about 1/2 block down and saw that he was crying. Never before had my heart hurt more. I opened the front door, and gave him a hug. Still- I couldn't find any words to help the situation. We sat down and both cried together. It was a very tender moment, we both just ached. Looking back on that day- I am grateful for my knowledge of the plan of happiness- and for Jed. For every awkward thing I said- it was somehow able to help both of us.

Throughout the next week- we were busy. We had to help plan the memorial, practice singing, pick out flowers etc. It was very emotional- unimaginably exhausting.  But, I am so grateful for the Alvey's.  I'm grateful for the chance to reminisce about Krystal and the beautiful life she lead. I'm grateful to feel like I got to know Krystal on a deeper level- after hearing everybody's memories. And I'm grateful for the time that I got to know the Alvey family better. We laughed and cried together, sat up late at night with Parker together, and I know that we are stronger as a family because of it.

I didn't personally have the chance to know Krystal for very long. But every memory I have of her is sweet and precious to me. She welcomed me into the family with open arms. She made me feel apart of the family from day one. I realized even more so these past few weeks just how much Krystal and I have in common. We have a lot of the same interests, and similar struggles. When we got to stay with her and her family in Boise for a few days- she let me do her girls hair, which was so fun for me.  We chatted a lot, and I got to see her more silly side. Though Krystal is no longer on this world with us, Jed and I promised ourselves to do our best to help our children know her.  We love you Krystal- families can be forever.

Days 21-30...

I knew as soon as I started this that there would come a day that I just couldn't do it. But, I also knew that I was going to finish. No. Matter. What. So, step aside final project, Parker, Jed, parties to plan, dinner, and laundry... I'm gonna git r' done! 


Day 21: favorite picture of yourself ALL TIME, why? 

I really love this picture. This was a great day, my bangs are swooped (which never properly happens) and I'm with my hubby. 


Day 22: What's in your purse. 
UGH. Wallet, lip gloss, chap-stick, lipstick, a few pens (all black), coupons, cell phone (currently), old receipts, coinage, and gum. [FYI, I just cleaned out my purse. There's usually TONZ more!) 

Day 23: Favorite Movie: 
13 Going on 30. 


Day 24: Something I've learned
Don't judge.
     Pre-momhood, I used to think that screaming baby= bad mom. (Boy, was I stupid). I also thought that my children would never cause a scene because I would have taught them differently. (haha!) I just got back from Illinois, and the flight there was a nightmare. Nightmare is an understatement. Let me tell you. From creepy men, glaring eyes, and a terrible stench in the airplane bathroom that I endured for over an hour with a screaming baby. Yeah, I was that lady. I thought I had done everything right- I was sooo prepared. Well, plans change (flight delayed 4 hours!), Parker was over-tired, and there was literally nothing I could do to help him. 
  Most moms do what they can and what they believe is best for their baby. Don't think bad thoughts about the woman they are based off the actions of their child. I'm sure you don't do that though. That's just something I'll keep working on. :) 


Day 25: I don't use my iPod that regularly. If I went to my car, the soundtrack for the movie Curious George (by Jack Johnson) is in the CD player, and at home we mostly listen to the radio. In the stereo we have "Echoes of the Sabbath," a Taylor Swift mix, and a Peter Breinholt CD.

Day 26: Your dream wedding. 
If I were to do it again, I would change the date. It was wayyyyyy too hot in July. I think I would have chosen April or May. Probably May. I mean, I didn't have an outdoor reception in Illinois, so I wouldn't have had to worry about rain etc. And everyone else would have made arrangements to be there then. And maybe Jed wouldn't have gotten arrested on my dream wedding day. I don't know though. It makes for a great story- but that was the hardest I've cried in my entire life I'm pretty sure. :/ 

Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in: Provo, Utah 

 Parade on a pretty day with a great friend.

 Jed and Paul at the duck pond

 Snow. House. and there's a little, tiny baby down there too.

This was what my walk to school looked like most days. But now, it's much better! 

Day 28: Something that stresses you out: (just one thing???) 

Highest on my list would be waiting. Whether it's the grocery line, airport security, waiting to hear back about a job or school, waiting for Parker to arrive, just any kind of waiting. I am a [now!!!] kinda girl. I am learning patience, but it certainly stresses. me. out. 

Day 29: 3 Wishes

1. My family is happy and healthy. (that counts as one)

2. We have sufficient for our needs.

3. trip(s!) to Bora Bora

Day 30: Pic of myself today, and how I've changed

Today is a great day. We watched General Conference together as a family, which was really nice. I think since the start of this blog challenge I have learned a few things. First, I need to start taking more pictures. I have gotten better, but I need to start taking pictures of everything because I am used to taking pictures of nothing. Also, each day really does bring beauty. Sometimes I forget this. But I have been able to start doing this, and it really does make a difference. 

Thanks for those of you who were able to join me in this, and for those of you who read these posts. :)