Let's do an update

We've had a lot to celebrate in our family, which has given us a lot of opportunities to get together. I'm trying to improve my photography skills since I don't have any. However, I'm going to let the pictures do most of the talking..

Emily's Big 25th Birthday! We celebrated by going to an Atlanta Thrashers Game! I think the best part was the Marta ride. They always are adventurous.

Then it was time to celebrate Morgan's Big 5 Birthday! Something I didn't realize about her is how much she love horses. We went to Blackthorn Barn in Cumming (some good friends of ours from back in the day) to let the kids do some riding. Morgan was NOT happy when she found out she couldn't take Star home. Yes indeed, sad day.

This was my attempt to take some 'photos' of the kids. :/




And of course Cony and I were sealed on April 11th!!! It was the most perfect day. Everything about it was glorious. We worked really hard to make that day occur and when it did and we were able to exit the temple being an eternal family was so beautiful. I wish I could articulate how I felt. Since we eloped, we really wanted to celebrate this ceremony so we had a dinner with family and a few close friends. We were lucky enough to have Clairissa take our photos before hand and we love what we've seen so far.

Silver Star

Today we were able to attend a special service for John Ayers who died in battle in Afghanistan. I mentioned this back in July when we attended the services at the burial site. They were honoring him with the Silver Star. Which is a really big deal. There were many people from the Army who spoke about John, but what I appreciated most was the fact they showed pictures of his OP (Out Post) and his position compared to the enemies. They didn't talk in detail about what happened that day except he didn't give up. He had been shot in the helmet without any impact but stayed his ground. That's bravery right there people! He was the guy in charge of the machine gun. Today was a celebration for the lives he saved and what he died for. Our freedom. It's moments like this that remind me how blessed we are to live in this country!
Thanks to Natalie here's the article about it: AJC


We've had some sweet and tender moments in our lives lately. One of which happened yesterday when Cony went to the Atlanta LDS Temple for the first time. It's too special to talk about in detail. :)

random love

I just love him.

Ol' Mississippi

This weekend we had a wonderful opportunity to head to Mississippi for yet another funeral. We were both a little apprehensive about going, but felt it was the reason we didn't head to Idaho for my mom's sister's funeral. See why I said, 'yet another'?

We didn't stay long, but it was long enough to really build some relationships and bend half broken relationships with Cony's side of the family. Even though I've been waiting ALL season for a snow day and of course it snows all day in Atlanta when we AREN'T here!!




We have a lot of exciting things coming up in the next few months and busy planning and preparing for them to actually happen! I am going to Phoenix in May for the photography workshop I mentioned before and am THRILLED that my friend Megan D. (the other Megan) is coming with me!! She is by far one of my favorites. Cony and I are preparing to go the temple on April 11th to be sealed for eternity. Since we eloped the first time we are having a little dinner after wards with family and some close friends.

workshop

As I have mentioned before I recently added a new member to our family, my camera. I (we) love it. I want to learn more about it. I want to learn more about this medium of art! I've had my eye on this workshop for MONTHS and Amanda and Holly have finally announced a date. I'm super excited to attend but super excited to possibly win a chance to attend for free.. I mean hello.. who doesn't like free!?! Wish me luck!

Always..

Yesterday was dad's birthday so mom, Emily, Jordan, Cony and I headed up to Dahlonega where we spread his ashes. It was a gorgeous afternoon! It couldn't have been more perfect to celebrate the occasion and to take pictures. Since I've gotten a new camera, Cony and I both fight over it. The only solution is to buy another one...someday.






I couldn't resist posting this picture..

And we can't forget about Valentine's Day. I've always loved V-day. The colors, the hearts, the love and my favorite candy comes back. (cinnamon chewy hearts). It was our day to not have to do anything or be anywhere. So we went to the movies (Confessions of a Shopaholic) and Borders and read for a few hours. I love not having to be anywhere. We came home and watched the All-Star Dunkin' competition. I know.. that just screams romantic, uh?

30's a big number

This weekend we celebrated Clark's 30th birthday, although technically today's his birthday. It was so beautiful yesterday and I got a new camera so there is nothin' but pictures this go around..

He was so proud of his blue finger..





Can't forget about Max..

This was the view from my parents as we were leaving...