For My Nieces

Last weekend Blair and I took Ella up to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho to hang out with my sister and her family for the weekend. Then we went on to Boise for a few days to visit my mom and three of my brothers and their families. It was a busy week but we had a great trip! While I was in Boise I took two of my nieces out for a photo shoot. Sharene is starting high school this year and Kara is just a grade behind her. Aren't they gorgeous? I told them I'd post a little sneak peek on my blog, so here it is. You are both such beautiful girls--I hope you like them!

Disneyland Part 3

I just have one more thing to share about Disneyland. On our third day there we all dressed our little girls up like princesses/fairies and had a mini photo shoot. They certainly got lots of ooohs and ahhhhhs from people passing by. Ella loved her fairy skirt and tried to eat her wand. Our Sleeping Beauty hated sitting in her dress (darn hoop skirt) but wasn't quite a walking pro, so she did a lot of standing and fussed when she was tired and couldn't sit down. Snow White is already training for her first marathon so chasing after her was exhausting, but well worth it. A big thank you goes to Janeal for finding the adorable outfits! And now, a sample of the results:

Snow White

Sleeping Beauty

Eleanor the Fairy Princess

Disneyland Part 2

Favorite rides (Disneyland and California Adventure):

~Space Mountain

~Soarin' Over California

~Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster

~Carousel (ahhh, nostalgia)

~Small World (Ella's Favorite)

Favorite Food:

~Monte Cristo Sandwich at Blue Bayou

~Swirly ice cream cones from the shack in Paradise Pier

~Churros (thanks, Steve!)

Favorite Pastimes:

~Taking pictures of our cute babies

~Skipping and dancing to the soundtrack music playing at the park entrance

~Pin trading

~Saying Happy Birthday to random people just because they were wearing a happy birthday button with their name on it

~Racing through fast pass lanes and figuring out the rider switch program

~Chatting and catching up with friends

~Girls' night out shopping and hot tub

Disneyland Part 1

During our post-graduation trip we left AZ and headed to CA where we met some friends from our early college days. And Disneyland was where we hung out for 3 days! It was my first trip to Disneyland and I had a fantastic time. Hopefully it won't be my last trip there.
Ella was amazing during the trip! She took naps in her stroller, waved at random people while we walked around, and didn't get scared on any of the rides she was allowed on. She even put up with her sunhat!
Here's the group we went with. All four guys were roommates during their undergraduate days at BYU and we like to get together for reunion trips every couple of years. We had three baby girls with us--the oldest was about 18 months and Ella was the youngest at 9 1/2 months.
The first day we had lunch at the Blue Bayou. I was shocked at how dark it is in that restaurant; I never felt like my eyes fully adjusted. I guess normally the Pirates of the Caribbean ride passes through the restaurant but it was closed for repairs, so we missed that effect. But it was still a great experience. I had been told that they have a fantastic sandwich called the Monte Cristo. I was intrigued by its strange description so I had to try it. And I am very glad I did! It was delicious!

Yep, it was my birthday the first day we were there, too. Loved the Mickey Mouse shaped sprinkles.

I have some more to say about our trip and plenty of pictures (including princess pictures of all the babies) but that will have to wait a day or two. For now here's my first picture with a real celebrity. He was very gracious.

Senior Pictures

During our trip, some of my sister in law's friends saw me with my camera and asked if I would be willing to take some pictures of their boys who had skipped the senior picture thing. Of course I would! They were quick shoots and the guys were really polite and cooperative. I have been photographing babies and children so long that I forgot how nice it is to work with someone who holds still and follows direction. Here are the handsome guys.

Prom

The night of Kayla and Blaine's wedding, Blair's nephew, Tyler, went to prom. I asked Tyler's mom, Jennifer, if I could tag along for pictures so I could see the kids all dressed up. Tyler's a handsome guy and his date was a beauty. We took a few pictures of just Tyler and his date then headed over to a house where 20 couples were going to meet for dinner. Some awesome moms got together to put on the dinner. The house was completely decorated and filled with tables set to rival any restaurant. Lucky kids. After dinner they apparently all took a "party bus" to and from prom. It was fun to see them so excited--and to remember my own proms. What do you remember about yours?

Kayla's Wedding

Blair's niece, Kayla, got married a week and a half ago. Here are a few pictures from outside the temple. Kayla has gorgeous eyes, as you can tell from this next picture.

The bridesmaids and Kayla's sister, Hannah (in red)

Kayla with her sisters

Graduation

Our little family has had a very eventful two weeks. I'm in the process of editing pictures from events/trips, so check back in the next few days for more posts. It all started with graduation...

Blair's Dad came from Arizona for the event.

His sister, Jennifer, also came from AZ and his brother, Chris, just moved to UT so he was able to come, too. My mom came from ID as well (not pictured).

Ella almost stole the spotlight from her daddy.

Blair in front of the building where he attended most of his MPA classes.

Can you guess what Ella's favorite part of the day was?

As soon as the ceremony was over, we raced home to pick up our bags and then went to catch a flight to AZ. Ella slept soundly on the plane and didn't even flinch during the bumpy landing.

We took off to AZ so quickly because Blair's niece got married the next day. Pictures of that to come...