Tia Sharon's wedding.. trip

Be prepared for a ton of photos and a long post... but it was a long trip.
A funeral, a wedding and the kids' idol visit.
The kids were good car buddies.. it also help there was a gap between them to not being able to reach each other, plus the fact that sometimes I was sitting in that gap.

We started Friday night (march 12th) and got early Saturday morning to Riverton, WY where later that afternoon we attended my father-in-law's aunt's funeral services. After that we went to the cemetery although the kids and I stayed in the car. And then Samuel decided to got out with daddy and everybody else so I let him go. When he came back from seeing so many crying, he said to me: "Mami, why is everybody crying? Jesus is going to resurrect her and she will live again!" I just wanted to cry.. at 3 years of age my son has a true testimony and knowledge of the plan of salvation in the simplest way. It is incredible how much they absorb from Church classes, readying the book of Mormon stories and scriptures.
Then, we went to a family dinner at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. It was good to see the family.

In Riverton, we stayed with uncle Randy and auntie Valerie's house. Samuel was so excited since he remember all the toys and the pets they have at their place. Samuel still remember Coco the main dog.. he just kept trying to play with him.. Benjamin joined in..

Benjamin though, he just kept sitting on the 2 dogs and 2 cats.. he even let one of the dogs lick him.. ewww.. he is really fearless..


We also went to aunt June's house and got to play with other far away cousins..

We spent Saturday and Sunday, leaving Monday early morning. We arrived (Provo, UT) early afternoon making only one stop at McDonald's for the kids to play for a while.
That Monday afternoon we went to BYU campus and got to see our cougar football team's first spring practice. No cameras allowed so no pictures. Looking good though! Later that night we met with the Ashby's (Grant, Jane) who where my exchange student family in 2000. Plus, we also went to dinner with the Powell's, who I lived with 2 and a half years of my single life while going to BYU. I apologize, I spaced out taking pictures..

Next day, we went back to BYU campus and had some good lunch.. and this kids started to play with the stroller.. funny story, who is pushing who?

Then, the most anticipated activity from Samuel.. cougar bowling! When we used to live in Provo, every other Saturday Jay would take Samuel to play bowling on campus. He enjoyed that father and son bonding time so much, it was a dream come true again. By then, Benjamin was tired and fell asleep.. and slept through it all.. yeah, in a full bowling alley and lots of kids playing around us.

Samuel in action..

Later we tried to visit some of our friends although we didn't have cellphones or their numbers.. so it made it difficult to get a hold of people, and ended up giving surprise visits to all of them..

One of them was to the Pena's.. very sweet couple with darling angel Eva, and one on the way.. They also had a dog, who was very excited to see us.. Samuel stayed in the corner, while Benjamin kept trying to pet it.

He just kept trying to pet the dog even if he didn't wanted to.

Wednesday morning we took off for St George, although only 4 hours we still had few difficulties.. no potties for many many miles.. and when a 3-year-old is potty trained, doesn't mean he understands the meaning of holding to pi for another 10 miles.. so you have to do the one thing you hate people do on the side of the road... use potty Nature. Funny story, it happened again on the way back to Provo, except for it wasn't just pi... and without realizing till he was done we read the sign...

I guess we are helping America get fertilized too.

That afternoon we had a dinner made by Sharon's family at her future in-laws (where everybody from her family was staying). After the delicious Ecuadorian meal we went outside to play.. I just sat and took pictures though.. They were excited to run around free and toss the ball.. even wrestle some..

Thursday we just chilled in a nearby park while Grandma went to a session at the St George temple, and my camera run out of batteries.. so no pictures of the adventures there.

Since the wedding was Friday late morning, I spent Thursday night with Sharon to help here with her hair next day... just like old times.. here went the process..Although I tried a new thing with my hair.. it didn't turned out and just had to let go since the focus was the bride.. and yes, she looked gorgeous.. I am glad she woke up at 4am to start the process since 5 hours later we needed to be ready.. yes, by noon I was dragging.. but it payed off. Grandma was the biggest help on this trip, not just because she drove most of the time, plus her car, but she took care of the kids while the sealing ceremony and most of the reception.. And she took some awesome pictures in the middle of all this..

Here some lovely pictures of the St George Temple.

And the newly couple came out..

Family pictures.. Many people don't know, but although Sharon is from Ecuador, her mom's heritage is Chinese.. unbelievable until you see the pictures.. Besides her parents, Sharon's brother and Japanese girlfriend , aunt and two cousins also flu for the occasion.
The bottom left is with her in-laws, but I had to cut off part of the family, which was her oldest sister-in-law with husband and baby girl, who you will see with Benjamin later on..

Groomsmen and bridesmaids.. two bridesmaids couldn't make it at the last minute, that is why there were more groomsmen.. and my lovely ring boy...We tried to get some family pictures for us.. and although in a rush they looked cute.Since Sharon is the only LDS in her family, they had a ring ceremony prior to the reception to make her family feel included. And that is really where Samuel got to be the ring boy.

While getting ready for it they put Sharon's new nice next to Benjamin.. sooo adorable.. Did I mentioned they are a year apart? Yes, she is 6 months and he is year and a half.. both are off the chart in opposite directions.. still cute.

Then, it came time for the ring ceremony, and although I had doubt Samuel would do it alone in front of that many people, he did a great job. The bride with her dad, Plinio. The flower girl, followed by the ring boy and the best man (groom's brother) and maid of honor (almost bride's sister)..Then, the reception started... Samuel was sooo excited with the food.. shrimp is one of his favorite foods.. plus all the fruit for the chocolate fountains.. although he preferred without chocolate.. And then when he realized that the boxes on the tables where a piece of the wedding cake... he went crazy and took as many as he could... hahahWe danced with and without kids.. play with lights and sat to watch everybody else..Cutting the cake.. by the way, Yolanda, Sharon's mom brought with her all these little boxes with the birds on it from Ecuador.. crazy... plus made the boutenniers and bouquet.

Although I tried to get some video of the sharing of the cake.. I ended up bumping Samuel and getting little.. but the thought is what counts..

All the single ladies... ready to catch.. and the single man too..

After they danced their first dance, they did the money dance. Where in order to dance with the bride or groom, you had to pay.. So Jay and I payed and one of the groom's friends payed to dance with him.. did I mentioned it was a guy? it was funny.My cuties sitting and playing..Then, it came time for the new couple to leave. Bubbles where blown.. and they left on a scooter.. haha, that was different and funny.They just drove it to his house where they changed and took her car.. which was covered with plastic and cookies and all the junk usually friends do.

It was great to be able to be at my best friend's wedding. We will definitely remember this trip, especially Samuel since they used to play sooo often when we lived in Provo, and took few minutes to do the same there. I don't know when will be the next time I will see my dear friend.. well, sister. All I know is I am glad we made all the sacrifices to make our participation in just especial day possible. I was very especial to be with her in the brides room at the temple and know that we share more than backgrounds or stories, we share a dear friendship and sisterhood that only sisters in Zion could. As a note, Sharon and I met in our first singles ward at BYU 8 years ago. We became friends quickly. Both of us got introduced to the gospel as exchange students (her in MO, me in UT) living with LDS families.. we gained a testimony and got baptized a while later. We are both the only members in our families, we both have an older brother, our birthdays are a week a part (I am the oldest, he), we both transferred to BYU and lived with different families. After my first child, she went on a mission where she would meet her eternal companion.. And now the rest is history. We love her and already know what a wonderful man Brian is for her. We wish them the best!

Changing character, in St George we stayed with the Putnams, a family friends of the Powells who used to be their neighbors and that is how I met them. Later they moved to St George and, we made a stop to visit them before a couple of times. They have 4 sons. One is married and has two children, other one serving a mission in Australia, another one still at home only 17 and already taking college classes, and Joshua the oldest whom with Down Syndrome will be 30 this year and still as sweet as a little boy.. he sured got Samuel's heart quickly and Samuel just kept looking for him to play with and talk and laugh with even at the reception.. Saturday morning we left back to Provo, and rested the rest of the afternoon until BYU basketball game started.. Sunday we went to our last ward there which was Provo Peak 8th ward (Spanish one) and were glad to see a lot of the families. Then we went to visit the Malones, who are a family who used to live in Texas when Jays family lived there too. In fact, Jay spent most of the time at their home than at this home. Now, they live in Provo and were glad to see them all.

Then back to the Powells for dinner (they always have a big dinner for friends and family on Sundays, even went I used to live with them they did and still do). The kids got to play and enjoy popsickles, and although Samuel always says he doesnt like girls, he got pretty close to Briana and kept playing with her (one of their granddaughters, who is 14), even if it meant Rummy Q..

This is a video of Samuel trying to get through the ladies to make his basket... and he did!

Then, Monday morning our return began, yes stopping twice at Mc Ds.. a lot of piucking from my part.. (now that the excitement was gone)..

Funny part is that the Mc Place is not just for the little ones..

We got here Tuesday at 3 am and directly to bed.. that you all who helped for this long trip to be possible and made it happen.

Interesting week

Highlight of the week:
I had a dentist appointment and kept thinking about the x-rays part. I was a week late and feeling a little different but still decided to get a pregnancy test just in case.. I told Jay to get it, and yes.. #3 is on his/her way!
He couldn't keep it for 5 minutes and just kept telling the news.. I wanted it to be especial, even how we told my in-laws but when is good news he cant wait. After I told my family in my country then he posted it on facebook and that is how some of you already know. Yes, a lot to think about. The due date is Halloween, hahaha.. so we will be coming back by Benjamin's birthday so we don't have to pay a ticket for him since he is turning 2 in sept 17. Besides, we will be able to see uncle Tyler coming back from his mission.. It will be weird.. when he left I was pregnant with Benjamin and was due the following week, and now he will still see me pregnant but with another one.. time flies. Everybody says is a girl.. I think is more that everybody is looking forward a girl.. we will see what the Lord sends us, either way is welcome!We also filmed Samuel when we told him the news.. soo funny (turn up your volume since he spoke softly)


Family Home Evening
We were trying for a while to go bowling since Samuel loves it soo much and Benjamin has never gone. They had a blast! They didn't have the child ramp so Samuel had to just push it. We did chose a lane with bumpers, it sure helped all of us too!

Funny one, the first time Benjamin helped grandma, he decided to chase the bowling ball too.. soo funny, and then slipped. Then, he was fascinated with how the ball would come back..

After a while he just decided to show his excitement with jumping and cheering.. so cute..

100 Years for the Scouts

Grandma being the involved with the cubscouts, also thought Samuel would enjoy it since they were having a pinata and everything.. plus some games..

Yeah, those are my kids eating the popcorn from the floor that was spilled from popcorn in a cup on your ankle race.. yum yum..

Keep it up Samuel! Good job!

We have a chores chart for Samuel which include things like making his bed, going potty without accidents, reading, putting dishes away.. at the end of the month we count the stickers and he gets a big prize. This time he chose to go to Chuck E Cheeses.. he and Benjamin had a lot of fun.. mainly with the ball games..

Daddy have some fun as well, beating the strong gorilla ..Resourceful play..
Yes, those little boxes are the car track Samuel and Benjamin did one afternoon.. they are Dove soap bar boxes.. how clever...

Things we love..

Food
We love food, and Benjamin already has his favorite.. cereal, marshmallow cereal. At the grocery store he saw it, grabbed it, carried it and wouldn't let go. Funny fact: fell asleep on the way home, yes, holding on to his cereal as hard as he was at the store.

At home, just kept dragging the bag for a good adult to open it for him..

BYU sports

Both boys love to read, well.. be read at. But when it comes to sit with daddy and read the BYU magazine.. well you get their full attention. Little Benjamin is brain washed enough, that he is doing the cougar roar..

Good Entertainment

We love movies, but especially musicals... like the Sound of Music. The music, the children.. they were glued.. even little Benjamin who really loves music.

Our Family

Spending time together, before life gets crazy. And spending time with grandma and grandpa as well.. "family, isn't about time?"

Happy Valentines

The week previous to valentine's day Grandma bought us some valentines treats.. little Debbie's heart cakes.. Funny story: I gave one to each one almost at the same time. However, I asked Samuel to show it to take a picture, and when I proceeded to Benjamin he had devoured the cake! What a sweet tooth.

Later we cut some hearts and things he knows grandma and grandpa likes from the paper adds, and then we made cards.. forgot the picture though.. Then we continued to make a tie for daddy.. Samuel choose and put the stickers and I did the writing. Jay laughed when Samuel gave it to him. Proudly but blushing, Daddy wore it on Sunday, at least for sacrament meeting and then back to his looney tunes hearty tie..
Last Thursday Jay took me to a especial restaurant where we have had many sweet memories even since before we were married.. and when we came back we decided to take some pictures of just the two of us. Here are the love birds...

Yes, the journey continues and the love too.

Love dear.

Winter fun!

We decided to go sledding at last, since everybody was out of colds, coughs, and with fresh snow on the ground. So, here came the layering.. Benjamin was the funniest, before I put his coat, we took pictures of how huge the pants looked on him. The outfit is 18m and although he is 17 months old he is so thing that was looking lost in it. Samuel was the same way. Since he was the first one ready, he decided to sweep the floor. What a helper.. right? We went to a hill across the street, which was great for sledding. At first Jay explained to Samuel how to do it.. Samuel very independently said he wanted to go and do it by himself. He had a lot of anticipation since he's been asking to do this ever since it first snowed last year.. He didn't even made it a third of the way when he let got of the sled. He kept trying though.. Later he would continue the way down rolling.. he enjoyed that more.. Jay decided to put Benjamin in a man hole cover near by, to make sure little explorer would roll of the hill; since we were busy taking pictures and showing older brother how to do it.. plus watching him and laughing..

Poor Benjamin just kept staring at us with this sad look, without complaining though. What a cutie..

Although the kids tried walking, running and playing in general, it was just hard with the suits and layers to allow them.. I loved to see Benjamin's expression.. priceless.

We took some of grandma and grandpa's sled sheets and uncle Tyler's too. However, with Samuel, Jay couldn't control his actions, therefore, we now know what to get uncle Tyler for next Christmas when he will be back from his mission in Germany.. hehe there is even a video from when it happened..

The actual original idea to go that day was our neighbor's who has a 2-year-old-son, whom we used to hang out with and his grandma last summer. Yes, dear Jenny who passed away from cancer a month and half ago. Kaleb is so photogenic.. I didn't even asked him to look at the camera... he sure had fun too.

Jay also took little Benjamin few times, he enjoyed it at first, especially when they turned going down and daddy just layed there when they stopped. Little Benjamin still sitting in his lap just looking around.

The last time they went together, Samuel wanted a snowball fight, and seeing daddy's hands busy decided to attack as they were sliding down. Then he joined them rolling down. Once at the bottom of the hill Benjamin just kept asking for me. He was done.

We also went during Benjamin's nap time... so he was pretty serious most of the time, you can tell how tired he was. However, never got fussy.

I love this picture because it showed the coldest part in all of us.. our noses.

Here some family pictures..

We had a lot of fun, and just counting the days to do it again..