twenty-six...

"yeah, i'm twenty-six-- so what?"

so, my birthday was last sunday, but we partied all weekend really. it was terrific! to kick things off, my adorable visiting teacher, who has plans to become a pastry chef (lucky me, right?!) made me this darling little cake.not only was it cute, but completely delicious. we had been snacking on it the week leading up to the event itself.
on thursday there was a knock at the door... and wouldn't you know it, those sweet little girls of mine each sent me a bouquet of these lovely peruvian lillies. they know just what i like:)on saturday we made plans to go to the new oquirrh mountain temple open house. it was a beautiful experience, made even better by gorgeous weather and heavenly girls. we are so blessed to have so many temples nearby!that afternoon we went to red robin and shared my free birthday burger. it was yummy, and just the right amount of food. when we returned home, jordan put himself in sole charge of the girls so that i could take a nap-- it was much needed, and appreciated! jordan also surprised me with this:to be honest, i wasn't sure that i should keep it-- because i already have a perfectly good digital camera. but friends and family quickly convinced me that it will be a great tool in documenting our family history-- so i think i'll keep it:) that evening, jordan's brother and his wife watched the girls so that we could go to dinner and a movie. we went to this great brazilian bbq house (and re-learned the meaning of the term gluttony), and then went to a 7pm showing of "up." it was such a fun day. thank you nate and jai for watching the rug rats!
on sunday, jordan's family had us over to celebrate. yummy food and tons of family-- it doesn't get much better than that.
avery agrees... just look at her eyeing uncle ben's cake...
cute nieces and nephews playing in grandma and grandpa's sand box



avery tugging on uncle nate's beard-- she and tilly have this guy wrapped around their little fingers

i absolutely love these pictures of cousin kisses...


pure delight.
mommy and avery in the shade...

little tilly with dad.

yes indeed, it has been a great start to my 26th year. thanks again to all those who sent birthday wishes my way and made it memorable!