Summer...So Far

Summer is flying by and it's hard to believe that there is so little of it left.

We kicked off our summer with a senior trip to Orlando and Atlanta 

with Hilary and Hannah.

It was so wonderful returning to our old stomping grounds in Georgia and

revisiting Orlando.

Hilary, Dan and Hannah

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It was so hot and humid but it didn't slow us down!

While in Atlanta...

We had to go to a Braves game! It was a beautiful evening and a great game with the

Braves defeating the Giants.

The World of Coca Cola...I've lost count as to how many times we've been there 

but it is always a good time. We love our Coke products!

Such a fun week with these two girls--not too many days left with them at home--sniff, sniff!

Celebrating Grandpa Snow's 83rd Birthday

We got to celebrate part of the Fourth of July with the Brown cousins.
We loved meeting Landon and having a baby around for a little bit!
Hilary and Hannah spent most of the day at work and missed the photo.

A few days later we took Emily and Julia to San Diego for a getaway.
We soaked up the beach and the highlight was Sea World and watching
Julia interact and swim with the beluga whales. More to come on that!

San Diego

It has definitely been a different sort of summer vacations--

taking the girls in sets of two and to different coasts rather than altogether.

I'm adjusting to the changes that come as my kids become adults! 

Glad I have Julia around for a few more years!

It is also a bonus having Grandma and Grandpa Clark around Provo for part of the summer!

It was neat visiting some of the graves of my grandparents and ancestors.

What a summer so far!

21

In a few hours from this precise moment,

Emily Maude will be exactly 21 years old.

I can hardly believe it was that long ago that 

we welcomed this beautiful daughter into the world!

As her dad likes to explain, we (her parents) just try and

stay out of her way. She is an exemplary example to all of us.

Sadly, I rarely get to take any photos of her because she is almost

always the one behind the camera lens.

Thus, I recommend going to Emily's blog...

Emily and Julia, 2013

Hannah, Emily and Hilary, 1998

Happy 21st Birthday Emily!
We love you! xoxo

Timpview High School Graduation

The Timpview High School Class of 2013

graduated May 29th at 7:00 p.m.

at Utah Valley University's

UCCU Center

What a special evening and definitely bittersweet for the parents.

I'm so proud of these two and all their hard work and accomplishments.

With all the jubilation of graduation though, a sinking sadness that they'll

be flying the nest in August to go to the University of Utah sits in my stomach.

Crazy how time seems to move more rapidly these days...

My now THREE college students

My favorite part of the night was when Hannah and Hilary walked out together, arm in arm, waving and smiling ear to ear. I didn't know they were going to be presented that way, but it just seemed natural--they have been through thick and thin together from the beginning.

The day was made even more special and memorable having both sets of grandparents attend:

Grandpa and Grandma Clark from Arizona and Grandpa and Grandma Snow.

I cannot quite put into words how much I love these beautiful girls of mine.

I am in awe daily that I get to be their mother. I am truly blessed!

Congratulations Hannah and Hilary!

Joyeux Anniversaire Julia!

My newest teenager celebrated her 13th birthday with a few close friends.

And in case it is not apparent enough,

we celebrated with a flair for all things French.

Merci beaucoup to Emily for helping plan,

preparing nearly everything and photographing the party.

Happy Birthday in French

Take home bags for the leftover pastries

Kneaders eclairs...the best!

I can't believe Julia is already 13! We love this teenager to pieces!

Senior Prom

Timpview High School Prom was this weekend.

Hannah and Hilary both went and had a great time

with their respective dates.

Hard to believe this is their last high school dance!

Thanks to Emily for being the photographer when their dates arrived! 

Here are a few...

Hannah

Hilary

Hannah's hair

Hannah and David Kitchen

Hilary and Josh Espinoza

Spring Break in Washington D.C.

A quick look at some of the fun we had this year over Spring Break
in Washington D.C.

Thanks to the Snows in Maryland for being superb hosts!

World War II Memorial

National Zoo

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Memorial

Dome of the Maryland State Capitol Building

Annapolis, Maryland

New Year

2013 is going to prove to be a year of formidable change in our family.

Emily is awaiting a mission call! The papers are submitted and now we wait...

Julia is going to be the only child at home come the end of the summer.

Three empty bedrooms in the house...hard to fathom.

Hilary and Hannah are anxiously anticipating high school graduation

and a future life as freshmen at the University of Utah.

First, I am so happy that I've got my Julia Jo at home for several more years!

Second, I knew this day would come in a flash, especially with two flying the nest at the same time.

Third, I am grateful I have my teaching gig. It may be hard to understand, but it keeps me busy and sane and selfishly fulfilled...it is my passion, my hobby if you will.

And last, but absolutely not least, once a mother, always a mother to these girls.

I'm eternally grateful to be called mother!

Long Weekend in Atlanta

The last weekend of October took Dan and me to Atlanta.

The  iPhone photos don't do our weekend justice but it is documented nonetheless.

We went to the Atlanta Aquarium in midtown and it didn't disappoint.

I could have sat in front of the enormous glass display for hours watching the sharks and fish,

 but we had a schedule to keep.

 I personally favor the Beluga Whales. They are quite flirtatious and

interactive for aquatic life.

Next stop, the New World of Coke...our kids personal favorite.

The place is brand new since we moved and it is always fun.

 We took in the new 4-D movie geared toward the younger crowd.

 Something new this trip was visiting the Atlanta History Museum in

the Buckhead area of the city. Right in the middle of urban Atlanta is a

less known wooded oasis that hosts an old farm from the mid 1800's and 

a mansion from the early twentieth century.

The weather and foliage were absolutely perfect.

We wandered through the indoor and outdoor exhibits, amazed that 

we walked on former Civil War battlefields.

We ventured down memory lane (Missendell Lane actually) to drive by our old house.

Oh man, such wonderful memories we have here. Hard times for sure with such a major move and a young family in tow, but also some of the best years of our lives.

Thanks Witkins for a fun evening in Peachtree Corners!

Jacob and Joseph Winters

 We had to attend the BYU vs. Georgia Tech football game. We met up with 

dear friends and loved seeing so many familiar faces from the Roswell Stake.

The setting was beautiful and cheering with the minority group was a lot of fun.

I have to admit that Dan had to twist my arm to go so far for such a quick trip, especially after

being gone every weekend in October. However, it was well worth it and I can't wait to visit again.