2 cute 2 B left out

reunion cont'd

Family Reunion

Last week all of Shawn's mom's side got together for a day of fun and games. We spent a few hours up Provo Canyon enjoying BBQ hotdogs, baked beans, cookies (0f course I list the food first), as well as some kick-ball, your annual 3-legged race, and more 'family reunion' games. It was great. If was fun to be outside and hang out with all the Olmsteads. What a family! I love them like my own. Every now and then I feel right at home with the craziness and hilarious talk (Rick...we know you love it:). Anyone that knows my family knows that you can't beat the crazy dinner talk at my house...but I have to say the Olmsteads make me feel right at home! I love you guys and it was so much fun to see all of you! Can't wait for HAWAII!
PS Rick...gotta say your the best-lookin' over 60 yr old out there:) Love ya bud!

Happy Birthday Evan!

Thank you to all who could come to our little party for my honkin one year old. It means a lot to have you celebrate with us so thanks! After Evan was born, and after the first few months, I told myself I was going to space my next baby out more than I did with Rae and Evan. Now, after my baby's first birthday...I'm not sure what to do. He is growing so fast! Last night I was in his room staring at him while he peacefully slept and was amazed at how LARGE he is now. Now I remember why I wanted to be pregnant again when Rae was just 14 months. I'm so happy I did too. Evan has been SO wonderful. I honestly wish I could freeze him right now. His personality is the best. He loves to show off and definitely knows when all eyes are on him. He says uh-oh, but yes, he's made his daddy proud with his first word being 'kaya' (our dog). Speaking of dog, he loves Kaya. He pets her like I would...so gentle. He absolutely worships his big sis. He loves cell phones and uses them correctly by putting them to his shoulder just under his ear and jabbers on and on. He lights up our lives like I never thought possible. He brings a certain joy into our home that is undescribable. He has such a sweet and tender spirit...he has since the day he was born. I love watching him and Raegan interact as brother and sister, and that brings the greatest joy of all. I love my kids and am so grateful I am able to stay home with them and love them unconditionally. Ev...happy birthday 'bubba boy' (as Rae would say)! We love you forever and ever!

ARGENTINA!

Good luck getting through all of the posts I have written. I mostly did for my own sake and memory, so please, feel free to scan the pictures and move on the next family or friends blog. I won't be offended:) This was a wonderful, once in a lifetime, experience I will never take for granted. I now can understand Shawn when he speaks of his mission and can vividly picture what he is talking about. We were there for two weeks, with a double-decker, driving through the fields and pastures of Argentina from one destination to another. We saw cathedrals, many street markets filled with buyers and sellers, steak and beef in enormous pounds, sexy tango dancers doing their thang, Eva Peron's grave site and yard (which was incredible...the graveyard was more like a rich man's neighborhood), and much much more. It was the kind of experience that leaves you with perspective, appreciation, and simplicity.