Miss Mona

Miss Mona Jean made her appearance on Friday, August 6, 2010. She weighed in at 5lbs, 15 oz and measured 20 inches. She is super cute and has a huge fan base.

On Saturday the boys got to meet their sweet cousin. They couldn't get enough of her.

They each went through their old toy bins and brought her a couple of toys.

George's Picks: a puzzle, a rattle that changes shapes (so she won't get bored) and a fishy rattle

Charlie's Picks: a Thomas Train, a plush block with a "3" for Charlie and a "C" for Charlie, and a rattle

A special thank you to Darci (who did awesome) and Jeff (who is awesome) for letting us share in their special day!

Hall-Gardner Wedding

We have been in Idaho Falls for a week participating in the Hall-Gardner wedding festivities. Darci (my youngest sister and sibling) and Jeff are both amazing people and are the type of couple that makes you feel happy inside when you see them together. I was a bridesmaid for the very last time (all my sisters and close friends have now officially tied the knot) and George and Charlie were able to participate in their very first wedding and were more than adorable in their hot pink bow ties. On Friday (the day before the wedding) Travis (my youngest brother) asked "Rachael the pretty machine" (that is what Zane calls her) to marry him and I am so glad she said yes because Travis hasn't been able to wipe the grin off his face since (honestly, I have never seen him happier). The wedding, luncheon, and reception were all so much fun. Paul and I followed Darci and Jeff and their photographer around while they were taking pictures because Paul was the unofficial videographer and I was the dress fluffer. For the last series of pictures before the luncheon the photographer wanted to go across the river and get them in front of the waterfalls. We drove over to the designated spot and climbed down to the riverbank. The photographer was able to get a couple of shots and then there was a major downpour. Darci booked it to the car and was able to arrive at the luncheon with perfect hair and make-up. I on the other hand wasn't so fast (even after I kicked off my heels) and I got totally soaked (down to my underwear soaked). Anyway, the picture of one of Darci's shoes and the dirt is when she started sprinting to the car in three inch heels and a wedding dress. The rain stopped just in time for their outdoor reception and every thing was really beautiful. George especially loved the cupcakes and Charlie loved practicing his climbing skills on the stairs and Paul and I loved watching them strut around in their formal wear.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Darci and Jeff are now in Florida spending a week in the happiest place on earth. I am so happy for both of them and know they will make life amazing together.

Happy Birthday Darci

Today Darci is 20 years old and though she is 11 years younger than me she has always been an important example and influence in my life. I remember the day she was born and what a precious gift she was/is to our family. I pretended I was her mom and at times convinced myself that I took care of her so much that I was just like a mom to her (this was before having kids and realizing what being a mom really was). Then in high school I dressed her up and carted her around with me to sporting events and friend's houses. Now I consider us peers and her one of my best friends. In honor of Darci's birthday here are 20 awesome things about her life.

1. She shares a b-day with Charlie (his post will be coming later today).
2. She loves, loves, loves her nieces and nephews and is an amazing aunt. She spends a lot of time playing with them and has a special gift for teaching them new skills.
3. She has a strong spirit and I have always considered her a spiritual leader.
4. She makes super crazy ugly faces.
5. She is totally head over heels in love with an awesome boy who she will marry in May.

6. She has an awesome sense of style.
7. She is really petite and looks really cute in everything she puts on.
8. She has awesome hair that looks good curly or straight and short or long.
9. She is the youngest, smallest, and cutest of six kids.
10. She is super mature for her 20 years.
11. She knows herself really well.
12. She has an awesome booty.
13. She is really smart. She takes hard classes and still manages to pull good grades.
14. She can out eat any man, woman, or child.
15. She has a great voice and can play the piano and the guitar.
16. She can be clean when she wants to be.
17. She often surprises herself by trying new things and being quite good at them.
18. She is a great friend.
19. She enjoys her "alone time" and can often be found listening to music, playing the guitar, or reading.
20. She is my mom's favorite.

I love you Darc.