A quick get away

Every once in a while a girl just needs to get out and spend some time with her friends. And that's exactly what I did this weekend. Since Celestra spent the weekend with her dad, my best friend Tiffany and I headed down to our good friend John's house to celebrate his birthday. Good times, odd conversations, and much food were to be had by all. It was a great way to relax and John went giddy over his gift from two of his closest female friends. We did good.

The birthday boy: John Belliston

Hello, I am he; Frank #1

My best friend: Tiffany Smith

John's mother, Eva

John's dad cooking burgers

John's childhood friend; Frank #2

(so named because he showed up after the Frank

I already knew arrived)

Other friends of John's just chillin' in the back yard

Frank #1 and John just chillin'

As we decide to get pictures of each other (Frank #1)

The guys standing around the watering troft. How typical!

Even though Tiff and I were only 2 of 3 girls that showed up, we still had a lot of fun. I am glad we made the trip down. Thanks for having us John. We need to do it again soon.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom/Amma. We love you

Our matching sandals: The most comfy sandals you could ever own!

Birthday cake time

German Chocolate cake: her favorite

She liked Celestra's and my sandals so much, we had to get her a pair too.

Coupons from Celestra

The cutests 'Street Rats' ever!

This past week saw the final dress rehearsal and opening night for Celestra and the Utah Festival Opera. The kids have been doing awesome! I got to spend both nights back stage with the kids as the parent chaperone. These kids are an absolute hoot. They have a ton of fun and every single one of them is having a blast with the opera. Here are a few of the pictures I took over the two days.

Mario Kart battle on the DS with Connor, Owen, Celestra and Lauren

Celestra and Becka

Celestra as a boy street rat

Kaziah warning everyone an adult is coming

Two of our three actual boys: Connor and Daniel

A 'calm' group shot

A more true to life group shot

The kids milling

a discussion of tactics?

Old Friends and Family Get-Togethers

Ah 4th of July weekend. Perfect for picnics, get-togethers and all kinds of fun. Celestra and I got to enjoy this to the fullest on Friday and Saturday. We spent the afternoon with my family (the Browns) after I got off work and Cele got done with Opera practice on Friday until it was time for her to go spend time with her dad. That night I went to the fireworks with my fam and Cele went with her grandma Eiko and her dad's girlfriend and her little boy.

Saturday afternoon Celestra went to the parade in Hyrum with her dad and then we met at Central park with some of my old high school friends and had our second ever 'friends reunion'. Unfortunately only 5 of us could come but we had fun anyways. It was great to see some of my friends from the good old days again and Celestra got to play with her cousins (Desiree's kids) as well as my other friends kids.

A little fact about those of us that showed up for the friends reunion: Two are sisters (Desiree and I); Two are sister-in-laws (Shannah and Jessica); and one is married to another of our high school friends (Braden Hoth ~ he was home sick) but they were not high school sweethearts.

Then it was on to lunch/dinner with the Brown family at mom and dad's. I love getting together with that side of the family. It is always a lot of fun and I really enjoy spending time with my brother's and sisters, their spouses and all the nephews. Cele also loves getting to spend time with her Grandma and Grandpa and all her cousins.

Today we headed up the canyon to spend some time with Grandma Eiko, enjoy the scenery, and take lots of pictures! All in all it has been a very busy but very fun weekend. Hope everyone else had a great 4th of July as well.