Ray of sunshine on a cloudy day

  Our girls are so sweet. We love their smiles, their laughter, Kate's sweet gibberish which is slowly turning to understandable English, the way they play with each other.  ...  They are the best!
  This past week has been a tough one but they have really been the sunshine shining through the yucky, cloudy days we've been having.
  Wednesday had a nice highlight. Abby started laughing! She was laying down in her crib and Kate came in and started jumping with her. I picked Abby up so she wouldn't get stepped on and so she could watch Kate.  Almost instantly Abby started laughing! It was the sweetest thing and made mine and Andrew's day so much better.

Easy peasy

For the past 4-6 weeks, I lost track of when I started, I have been sharing my bi-weekly (ish) fudgecicle with miss Abby. And she has loved each and every one. At first, eating very little of one was difficult for her. She would have, maybe, half a teaspoon.
  Well, because she has gotten plenty of practice, eating is no biggie to her anymore. She is a pro.
  Because getting Abby something real to eat, and meant for babies, takes more time, I've put it off till today. I can tell she is no longer happy with just milk for a meal so today I whipped out some yummy (and healthy) pears and black cherries.  She gobbled them up like a pro! Easy peasy!

Waiting

  Kate, Abby and I are waiting for Andrew to finish up his weekly meeting with the missionaries and being out here with Kate and nothing else to do has, again, made me realize how grown up my little girl is. Kate is walking on the "balance beams" with her hands on her sides and having a wonderful time just being outside and being with me.
  She has come running at me a few times now, her arms out stretched. I will then grab her arms and swing her around in the air, to which she squeals with delight! Her eyes get all big with excitement and she has the biggest, sweetest smile on her face!
  Gosh, how I adore my Baby Kate.

Jared's wedding

  Trip to Utah was wonderful!  The girls were happy on the drive up which means I was happy, and when the momma is happy, everyone is happy. True story.

Love me some modern technology

Keeping a lookout for "big truck"

Our pit stop at Area 51, NM.

  We spent Wednesday night in Albuquerque, NM and arrived in Orem, UT Thursday evening. My parents had a house rented out so everyone could sleep under the same roof. The house, at first and second glance, looked...not how we had all pictured it. The neighbors came out soon after we had arrived asking if our AC was out as well. Ummmm, I hope not? 
  We all did a walk through, including Andrew and myself. The AC was not on so we decided that Andrew, the girls and I, would not be able to stay. Abby has to be swaddled to go to sleep and there was no way that was going to happen in an 80 degree house. We spent the night at a near by LaQuinta while my family slept in the Orem rental.
  Well, it turned out the house did have AC so Andrew packed up all our things in the morning and unpacked it into the rental.

Oh, just hanging out.

"Mmmm, yumm!"

LOVE Abby's face in this pic.  Sorry Lis!

Paka Scott reading Kate "The Very Hungry Caterpillar".

Skyping with Noreen!

  Most of Friday morning was then spent on trying to find dresses for my sisters. Shopping trip was a success. We came home, had lunch, and then headed our for some fun family games - ultimate Frisbee (with a football), and soccer. Teams were split up, girls vs. boys, and the games began.
  Girls totally dominated the boys in soccer and the boys barely won the girls in ultimate football. ;)   It was great fun!

We are, number ONE!

Had to post this one :)

  Friday night was Williams family game night. It was our last night spent together with Jared being single. We started off playing Pictionary and finished with catch phrase. Good times for sure.
  Saturday morning was nice and relaxing. We hung out, Mom and Grandma Sarah cut up fruit for the reception, we all got dressed and headed out at 2:45.

Jared all ready to go at 2 o'clock sharp.

  We all enjoyed each other's company as we waited for Jared and Kristen to step out of the temple.  It was wonderful catching up with the happenings in everyone's lives. 

  

Sorry Kiersten, the other picture your eyes were closed.  You still look FAB!  :)

  Jared and Kristen looked flawless and totally in love when they stepped out of the temple after being sealed together.  I am so happy for them and know that they will have a great life together if they keep the covenants that they made together in the temple.

  Lots of pictures were taken afterwards.  We left once the photographer was done with family and friends so she could finish up with the love birds. 

  Our car, containing Andrew, the babies, Rachael, Melissa and myself, drove around the Draper area to gawk at all the over-the-top-mansions and then headed over to the reception hall.

  The reception hall, The Hamptonhouse, was, of course, beautiful. Everything looked fabulous. It was wonderful to mingle and catch up with old friends and family. We saw a lot of friends and family that we hadn't seen in YEARS. It was great!

One of my best friends from Indiana!!  Camille Newton Chapman!

Picture with Spencer

  To Jared's dismay, him and Kristen headed out at 9, instead of his meticulously planned 8:30, like we all told him. :)  They looked picture perfect as they headed out, hand in hand, totally in love. :)
  Cleaning up started a little after they left. I cannot take credit for any of that, though. The momma's did a lot of it and delegated to others what needed to be done. They are awesome :) 
  Sunday morning was easy-ish going. Andrew and I weren't in a hurry to leave but we knew the later we stayed the later we'd arrive at the hotel that night. Rachael and Jon headed out at 8 to catch their flight and we, the Westergards, left at about 9:15. 
  The trip back was not as great as the trip there. A two day drive, followed by a two day stay, followed by a two day drive, is far far FAR from ideal. But, the girls did pretty good, considering.
  We arrived home late Monday night and I just finished all the unpacking today. I don't see any trips for this family in the near, or distant, future. It sure is good to be home. No place like it. Home sweet home. :)