30 Weeks

10 weeks until we're parents!!! I thought it was about time to post a belly picture. Scary but true.

Birth 101

We had quite the experience at our birthing class. I could go on and on about the funny people that we'll be acquainted with for the next 5 weeks. Ben was such a good sport and volunteered to carry the "empathy belly". It was hilarious. We hope to learn a lot to get prepared for out little one.

Tolman Reunion 2010

The Tolman reunion this year was lots of fun! Ben and I drove up Thursday morning. We saw this dog on the very top of this trick. I didn't get the camera fast enough so just imagine cruising through the canyon on top of that trailer!
Thursday night we had a bbq up at Cottonwood Lake. It is so beautiful up there.


Friday the guys all went golfing and the girls went swimming. Then we went to the park to have a picnic and games.
Ben and I left Saturday afternoon. We stopped by to see my grandparents before we left.


This was the 20th year we have been to Star Valley for this Tolman Reunion. It's been a great tradition!

Midway

We had a fun night up in Midway and Park City with Ben's high school clan. I learned a lot of funny things about Ben from his younger days. We had a yummy dinner at the Dancing Bear then played games at Blake's cabin. Oh the good old days...

Grand America

If you have never been to the Grand America, go. Ben's company party was at the Grand again this year. It was amazing. The food is divine. The hotel is absolutely beautiful. The head event coordinator gave us a great deal so we stayed the night. We decided it can kind of be our anniversary celebration since we'll have a brand new baby on our anniversary this year. Go to the Grand!!!

memories, endings & new beginnings

Almost 10 years ago I was lucky enough to spend a semester at the BYU Jerusalem Center. It was only 3 and a half months but they were some of my favorite months still today. Ever since I have loved everything Middle Eastern, including camels. A few years ago a cute little book store opened near our cabin. What was for sale? This guy below...

It is real leather, totally overpriced, but had the cutest little ears and eyes that I just couldn't resist. I bought it. I had no idea what I was going to do with it but I bought it and loved it! It sat in my bedroom for a few years then when I started teaching he joined me in my classroom for the last 5 years. At the end of each year we have a class auction where I bring all sorts of things for the kids to bid on using up their class money. This year I debated on selling the camel. What in the world would I do with it at our house? A camel themed nursery? I love camels but probably not that much. I text Ben in the middle of the auction and said just tell me what to do, keep it or sell it. He gave me the answer I was hoping. He told me to sell it. As soon as the camel was up for bid he was sold. The boy in my class who got it was so happy. I had a hard time giving him up but knew it was for the best. So the camel is now an almost 5th graders. I'm sure he'll have a good home for at least a year or so until the boy forgets 4th grade and forgets how much I loved the camel. So the camel is gone. It was just the beginning of a lot of changes in my life. Today, my last day of teaching, marks the end of a big chapter in my life. As much as I love teaching my 4th graders I can't even explain how excited I am to begin teaching our little baby girl. I know she will make the next chapter in my life wonderful. I love Ben so much and can't wait to have our own little family. I know I will always remember my good old days but I also know they don't compare to my time with Ben so far and won't compare to our future together.

Marshmallows

We were asked to make rice krispie treats for Abby's baptism. We probably had too much fun making them. We went to the store and found these ginormous marshmallows. I thought they would melt weird so we decided to make it a competition. I made caramel chocolate and Ben made fruity pebble. They all turned out fabulous and were a hit.

Patio

Ben (along with a days help from Rick) put in this amazing patio in our backyard. He did an amazing job. Come roast a marshmallow with us!

Sorry ladies...

but I have the best husband. I have mentioned that before. He made Mother's Day such an event. He made a gourmet meal and wouldn't let me help with anything. Well, I poured the water so I helped a little. He worked all day preparing. I am SO impressed with his cooking skills. I am the luckiest! My Dad and Jess and grandparents also got to partake in the feast. Ben, thank you more than words can say for making my first mother's day amazing. And thanks to Great Grandma Mimi for letting you pass down the Mother & Daughter Lladro to me. I will cherish it forever.

Ben's first attempt at making homemade rolls.

They were AMAZING!

The best salad ever. My Dad even liked it.

spinach, candied walnuts, strawberries, grapes, gorgonzola cheese, poppy seed dressing

asparagus and hollandaise sauce

double stuffed/twice baked/potatoes in a half shell

call them what you may, they were delicious

London broil

from med rare to well done

warm chocolate melting cake

And for my Dad and Grandpa Ben made an additional yummy dessert.

strawberry shortcake

Race Day 2010