May in Review

 Our biggest excitement in May was our 15th anniversary trip to Nauvoo, which I already posted about.   But it was also Collin's 13th Birthday. 

My kids all ask for chocolate cake on their birthday.  I trained them well.

We took to him to all the "free birthday meals" around town.  Perfect for a teenage boy who is always hungry!

Waffles and ribs for breakfast?

My mom's tradition is to make "candy bar posters" for all the grand children on their birthday.  She's very clever, and the kids love it!

Mary did her "5th grade state report" on Florida.  She made this diarama to use in her presentation.... Disney World, of course.  It turned out cute. 

 The kids are glad to be out of school and excited for a busy summer!

Ben & Jamie's Wedding

The day after we returned from our anniversary trip (we returned on the day of our actual anniversary) my oldest nephew married a beautiful and amazing girl from a wonderful family.  We are all absolutely thrilled about it. 

That evening at the reception I enjoyed snuggling with my newest nephew. Oh yum!

The reception was lovely.  It was held in my parents' backyard, just as ours was 15 years (and 1 day) ago. 

Anniversary Trip

We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary in Nauvoo, Illinois, where I served as a missionary 18 years ago.  It was so fun to return and relive my memories.... though a LOT has changed.  Jay thought it was pretty funny that I was so frequently in tears..... I got choked up just about everywhere we went because I was constantly flooded with emotions.  Nauvoo is an amazing place!

The weather was absolutely perfect (sunny, breezy, and 75 degrees) and we beat the summer crowds by about a week, so it was nice and quiet and romantic.  Thank you for a lovely trip Jay!  And thank you for a wonderful 15 years of marriage; here's to the next 15!  I'm one lucky girl.

It was especially fun to visit the places where I gave tours; Heber C. Kimball Home, Lucy Mack Smith Home, and Sarah Granger Kimball Home.

Heber C. Kimball Home

Lucy Mack Smith Home

Sarah Granger Kimball Home

And also the place I called "home" while I lived in Nauvoo.  I really wish I could have gone inside, but it was vacant at the time.  What a shame.

Yearsley Home

The temple was amazing.  We spent half a day doing temple work for family names we had brought from home, which wonderful.  The temple is particularly beautiful at night.

I haven't figured out how to take decent "night" photos with my iPhone, but check out the shooting star I caught in this one!

Jay making rope the pioneer way

Jay and a replica covered wagon

We also drove to Quincy so Jay could check out the location of the Lincoln-Douglas debate.  He is a big fan of our 16th president.  

Jay at the Lincoln-Douglas debate memorial in Quincy, IL

Pillow Happy

I made new pillow covers and they make me happy!  I do this a couple of times a year with cheapo fabric from the dollar tables at Wal-Mart or leftovers, and it's so easy; I don't even do zippers anymore... just make an over-lapping opening in the back and it only take about 10 minutes per pillow.  Yay!

Now I just need to wash my sofa slipcover... ugh.  White slip-covered furniture is the way to go.... just toss the covers in the washing machine, and swap pillows for a quick change/face lift.  Bleach is my friend.  :)

I also made a pair of these for my chairs....

And this one for my bed.

 Yes, I'm happy.