The Farewell

Dad and Neva officially gave their farewell talks and mingled with family and friends on July 31st, 2011 at 10:30am. Their talks were very much enjoyed and well-written and we were all excited for their new adventure to start. They entered the MTC, but due to a previous surgery my dad had endured they ended coming back home for a week. But after a brief hiccup in their plans they were back at the MTC and then leaving for St. Paul, Minnesota! They're residing at the Regency Park Apts, 2214 Stillman Ave. East, #206. We'll miss you both!!!

Preparing To Say Goodbye

Dad and Neva were pleasantly surprised to finally receive their mission letter to St. Paul, Minnesota. So as they prepared their supplies and clothes to leave for the MTC, I created a Memory Book to give to them before they left. I collected photos of all of the siblings and the grandchildren and created a book through the Kodak website. It turned out beautiful and luckily arrived the day before the mission farewell.

Ricki's Visit

I was super-excited to visit with my Aunt Ricki over the 24th of July weekend holiday. My mom hosted a B-B-Q for the whole family at her place. We had tons of good food (and Mom's famous potato salad!) and chatted away until it was dark. Then, Jase proceeded to light off all of our fireworks we had boughten previously for the 4th (and didn't get to light...darn Draper City rules!). Anyway, James and Jonah had a good time "helping" Jase while the rest of us got to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Ricki was so fun to be around and she and Mom were great sports for our spontaneous photo shoot! We all hope she'll come back to visit us in Utah very soon.

Old Times

My old high school friend, Emily Wilde, was preparing to move to Arizona with her husband, Jeff, and her 3 adorable sons. So, Kristen and I thought it would be a good idea to get together one last time before she left. We all met at Missy Kapitula's home in Pepperwood (Sandy, UT). She went above-and-beyond and had tons of food and desserts prepared along with gifts for all the children. It was so fun to see them all again. And I'm grateful Jonah was such a talented and willing photographer that day :*) Good luck Em!

Playing with my Lens

"Don't be afraid to look silly." ~ Tara Strong

The First One Over-the-Hill

We all had fun attending Sonja's 40th birthday party at Rye's house (and enjoyed giving her a hard time about it too!). Once again, we BBQ'd (we all love our meat!) and enjoyed visiting with lots of family and friends. When the time came to blow out the candles we were all a little frightened that the smoke alarm would go off....but no. We all survived :*) And Mom's carrot cake was to DIE for! Seriously! Yeah for Sonie! We're happy for you girl. Enjoy your 40th...

A Farewell Breakfast

A Trip To Our Favorite Place

Although Papa and Kaly didn't quite make it for the 4th of July, we were grateful for their visit on the 8th. We enjoyed going to Cafe Rio (one of our fave restaurants!) Friday night with them and then, the next morning, having breakfast together at IHop in Draper...yum, pancakes! After breakfast, the grandparents came back to our apartment and we visited, played Chinese Checkers, and set up Asher's electronic train Papa brought back from Arizona. We're so grateful we got to see them and spend a little time. Thanks Papa and Kaly!!!

They're Here!

The boys were super excited for Papa and Kaly's visit. They had just come from a week-long trip to see Grandma Elsberry in Idaho Falls and decided to pay us a quick visit on their way back to their home in Arizona.

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head...

Another random thunderstorm turned into an Elsberry photo shoot courtesy of my beloved Canon!

V's 1st Birthday!!!!

Vera Lynn...how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. MAN is she cute! We really enjoyed attending her 1st birthday party at Meg and Zeb's home in Lehi. A crowd showed up and partook of yummy BBQ outside at the pavillion. Later, we moved the party inside to open gifts and watch Vera stuff her face with cake. I was the undesignated photographer and later surprised Meg with a framed storybook collage of the party. Too cute!