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

Date Night

Ben and I had a "date night" tonight. We went to the movie Date Night and laughed a lot. We liked it but not one of our very favorites. After the movie we went to dinner at the Copper Onion. It's a new little restaurant downtown. We LOVED it. While we were waiting for our food we were lucky enough to have some entertainment right out the door. I asked our waitress what was going on. She said it's an improv group that usually comes around about once a month. It was so crazy. I felt like we were in New York. It was such a fun night spent with my love.

These pictures of the improv group do not even

come close to showing how hilarious it was.

Our yummy yummy food.

Ben had lamb and I had pasta e verdura.

Both were SO yummy.

Race for the Cure 2010

It is that time of year again...

Time to register for the Race for the Cure!

The race is Saturday May 8th this year and begins at 8:30am.

This is the Saturday before mother's day.

I love the race being this day because I feel like it is such a great way to honor my amazing mother who passed away from breast cancer four and a half years ago. And to honor all those other mothers, sisters, wives, friends, daughters and anyone else who may be fighting or faught breast cancer. It is a great way for friends and family to come together for a good cause. I love running this race with all of my family. I feel like every year it brings us closer together as we celebrate the life of our wonderful mom.

Please join our team and invite your friends to do the same!

This year it is all on-line and your shirts will be mailed directly to you.

{instructions below}

You must be registered by April 30th!

Team Bell'in Rosa is usually on of the largest participating teams.

Let's get it even larger this year!

Let me know if you have any questions.

I am happy to help!

Race for the Cure 2010 – Team Bell’in Rosa

The 14th annual Komen Salt Lake City Race for the Cure will be held on Saturday, May 8^th at The Gateway Mall. The 5K (3.1 miles) run and walk and the 1 mile fun run/walk will start at 8:30am. Both events will start at 300 W and North Temple heading north, and come back to end at the Gateway Legacy Fountain.

Registering on team Bell’in Rosa Instructions:

Go to komenslc.org

Click on ‘Register Now’

Fill in personal information

Pick ‘Participation Type’

Choose ‘Fundraiser Goal’ (can be left at 0)

Under ‘Role’ choose ‘Join a Team’

Under ‘Select a Team’ go to Friends and Family

Find and choose Bell’in Rosa

Continue to next step

Pick shirt size

Pay and complete registration

This year the shirts are going to be mailed to each participant.

If you want to join us, some people will be meeting at the Bott home {2010 South Main Street in Bountiful} at 7:00am for carpools and pictures.

On-line Registration must be completed by April 30^th