1st grade Cooper, Our anniversary and our picture-less trip to WA

After our exchange students left (literally, 4 hours after I dropped them off) Jake's mom flew in from Washington. We showed her around town, she took us to Claim Jumper for an early dinner and we packed all evening to leave the next morning to drive up to Washington. We drove up to Yreka, CA the first night and stayed in a ghetto little motel room. Left early the next morning and made it home by 2 or 3 in the afternoon. The kids and the dog (oh yeah, we brought the dog) did great the whole way. No throwing up! That's a big deal for us. It was cold and rainy when we pulled into town. We spent the week cramming in as much as we could and seeing as many people as we could see. Jake's parents flew him up for the end of the week to attend my 10 year HS reunion with me and drive back on Monday. We left early Monday morning. Jack puked about a mile away so we turned around, showered him off and grabbed a couple of towels and lots of bags for the long drive home. The plan was to go all the way and we did it. Pulled into the driveway at about 2 in the morning. Jack was sick a few times on the way down, mostly in Northern CA. Tuesday was a recoup day and Wednesday was Cooper's first day of school. We had an amazing summer to say the least.

First day of school

Mom Brag----> first in his class to receive a HUGS award second year in a row

Our friends Megan and Brandon offered to take the kids for a night on our anniversary weekend. Jake worked all summer in Newport Beach and stayed with a nice family from our church a few days out there. They had told Jake they'd be gone the weekend of our anniversary and we were welcome to stay at their house if we wanted to. We took advantage of these generous offers and drove into the sunset together Friday night, walked downtown Laguna and ate at a pizza place that night. Stopped at DQ for some ice cream and called it a night. The next morning we went back in to Laguna for an amazing breakfast at Nick's then wandered all around Laguna and Huntington Beach for the rest of the day. First time away as just a couple EVER! Really, since our honeymoon. About time!

The one and probably most important picture from our anniversary: Breakfast at Nick's in Laguna Beach. AMAZING!

That time we had Chinese exchange students

For two weeks in July we had the opportunity to host two girls from China in an exchange program. I was a little nervous knowing how different our cultures are and wondered if they'd think our family was absolutely nuts. When I picked them up from the coordinator's house on their first night here I tried to be myself, but not too loud and crazy :) They were very kind but very quiet. We got home and I showed them the sleeping children and our house, where everything was, and they went to bed. For the following two weeks each day got a little better. They were more honest about what they did and did not like. Their names are Shang Cheng Cen (She picked Claire as her American name) and Jin Xiao Zi Ruo (Michelle). 

They thought we were fun and they loved the kids. Just about every day they had an itinerary that had them gone most of the day and visiting lots of places including Hollywood, UCLA, Disneyland, Las Vegas, and more. When we had them it was usually for dinner and a little time at night but they were always tired from a long day out. We spent time just talking about each other's lives in China and the US. I asked most of the questions. We had random dance parties, we introduced them to a lot of foods, they met with the missionaries, we went to a movie in the park and we got each other signed up on facebook and weibao (like a Chinese fb). They also signed me up on WeChat so we can keep in touch easier. Claire had a birthday while she was here (she turned 19 and Michelle is 18). 

 They both attend the Beijing School of Film and both want to be actresses.  They're from different places in China but met at the school.  Claire is an only child. Her dad is a police officer and her mom is a secretary...I think.  Michelle has one brother. Her mom stays at home and it sounded like her dad was a the equivalent of a city manager. They're both really wealthy and spent a TON of money while here. Literally a ton, atleast, on just souvenirs and clothes. 

Their last night here the whole group prepared a presentation and performance for all the host families. They made food from China (it was mostly all good :) ) There was lots of singing and dancing.

The day they left we were all teary, it was very sweet. We really enjoyed having them and have told them they can come back whenever they want. We keep in touch on WeChat.

Claire's birthday

Jack, Michelle, Cooper, ? and Adele

Claire and Adele

So many good dishes, my two favorites had eggplant in them

Elder Schneider from Utah and Elder ? from Hong Kong. Nice boys!

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Most of the group

That time we went to Utah: Part 6 Family Photos and more

In our last few days in Utah our friend Laura, owner of Sugar Grenade Designs and Photography, did a photo shoot for us since Jake was able to come for the weekend. She took some amazing pictures and we're blessed to finally have done a family photo in 8 years of being married. Thank you Laura! Below are some of my favorite silly pictures and ones of the kids that really capture their personality. Jake also took the kids on a hike. Jake, Laura and I went to Provo to see a rooftop concert that was rained out but we had fun anyways. And we visited our friends, the Burnsides, on our way out of town.

Such a great trip! Can't wait to go back for Thanksgiving!

Holden, Piper, Beckham, Jack, Adele and Cooper. Old pals :)

Waiting out a rainstorm at Sammy's in Provo

That time we went to Utah: Part 5 The 4th

I absolutely love Independence Day! The patriotism, unity and pride. The bbq's and warm summer nights. The fireworks....the FIREWORKS! Best fireworks in the world in Layton, Utah. I dare you to find a better show! Being together with family and friends. I just love it. We headed out to the parade in the morning, made a visit to Aunt Rhonda's grave in Farmington, claimed a spot at the high school for later, took a swim at the Layton pool then gathered our dinner and headed over to the school to spend the night being together. It was a great day!

Kaysville Parade

Grandma

Look at this handsome bunch!

Visiting Aunt Rhonda in Farmington

Swimming at the Layton Pool

Jack and Poppops

Dinner and Fireworks at the High School

Brendan & Jake

Eating watermelon

Strawberry pretzel salad, yum!

That time we went to Utah: Part 3 The Adamses

After a couple of days in Garland we drove south an hour into Ogden to visit with old friends, meet their beautiful daughter for the first time and have a sleepover. We got a pizza feast from Costco, took a walk to the park and stayed up way too late talking and catching up. Stuart made us breakfast and we went to the splash pad where Laura took some priceless photos of the kids playing. Here are some of my favorites: (And p.s....I really am the worst at taking pictures, why don't I have any others from your house Laura?!)

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Autumn, the funniest and most charming little toddler you'll ever meet. No joke!