A Happy Melancholy State

Seven years ago I met Luke's sister Marren. Marren and Jeff got married 1 week before us and we hardly knew eachother back then. Soon thereafter Luke and I moved to Utah in order for me to finish Law School and Marren and Jeff were also in Utah since Marren was going to BYU for her undergrad degree. I was nervous at first, thinking that Marren and I were somewhat different and I didn't really know how to be her friend/sister. But, that soon changed and after 2 years Luke and I call Marren and Jeff our "best framily" - a combination of best friends and family. I couldn't have been more grateful for such an amazing relationship.

For the last 12 days Marren and Jeff were here. We each have 3 children now and things are a bit more crazy because of it, but we still had so much fun. It's always so hard to say goodbye to them and we never seem to get enough of eachother regardless of how much time we spend together. I just saw them drive off 5 minutes ago and I miss them so much already that it's put me in a bit of a melancholy state. But since the melancholy state is caused by such love and happiness, I think it's quite worth it. Once again, I'm so grateful for such an amazing relationship. Thank you Marren and Jeff for coming up and playing with us for 12 days!!! We love you guys SO MUCH. Can't wait to see you again!

Bouncy House Fun

Luke took this whole week off since Marren and Jeff are here. Today we decided to go to "Pump It Up" - a bouncy house place that's 7 min away from our house. We all had a ton of fun. I'm tempted to say that Luke had more fun than the kids, but Lily and Arya were having a blast. I had both my cameras with me today so I got to try different things and then I too ran around with everyone. I had Michael most of the time and he didn't really have any reactions going down the slides. He just kinda chilled. :)

I had to put this picture up since it's one of the only ones with Michael in it, but I really LOVE the expression on Luke's face! Love ya babe!

Happy 30th Luke!

Today is Luke's 30th birthday! The celebration actually started yesterday when the girls and I decided to make him some birthday cookies. We got this awesome recipe off of www.ourbestbites.com which is simple, yet elegant and delicious. They are called chocolate toffee sugar cookies on Sara and Kate's website.

This morning Luke's sister Marren and her family surprised Luke by driving up from Utah. They got in around 6:45 am. That is love right there. He was so happy to see them. Marren and Jeff have been our bestfriends for the last 6.5 years and we just love them a lot. Luke had to go to work after but then we had a nice celebratory dinner with his favorite foods - Bruchetta, Spinach Artichoke Dip and Lasagna. Instead of cake this year he really wanted Apple Dumplings from the same website mentioned above, which are super easy and heavenly!

Happy Birthday Babe!