Good Times in San Diego!

Before the summer passes by I thought I ought to post a bit about our week in San Diego with Brett's family. We had such a good time at the beach, Lego Land, in our fancy hotel in Indio, and of course, a fun and memorable time with family. The highlight of the trip was the tribute dinner and evening we planned for my father-in-law, Dick. All of his children shared such wonderful thoughts about their father and I left feeling grateful to be apart of such a good family. My kids loved playing at the beach with their cousins and I was content to sit and watch the waves with my Ipod. The weather was beautiful, our beach house very accommodating, and simply, just a very relaxed vacation that was much needed around here!

No fancy hats at this polo match! Just good ol' times, with good ol' friends!
Brett and good 'ol Dollar. Both of them worked up quite a sweat.
Noelle with her cousins, Reece, and Tate. They loved the beach and played non-stop!
I think this is Camille and Claira. AKA: Partners in Crime
This was before we entered into Lego Land. We aren't much for amusement parks but we had a great time. The weather was perfect and so were the rides for our kids ages. I just couldn't get over the vegetation of the park- it's soooo green and beautiful flowers everywhere! I loved these matching T-shirts that Uncle Jason had made for the family. I thought it was the perfect Family Reunion shirt. Their all BIG BLUE fans and if you don't look closely you will think it says MICHIGAN!

Hard Work

"Thank God--every morning when you get up--that you have something to do which must be done, whether you like it or not. Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you a hundred virtues which the idle never know."~ Charles Kingsley ~

Today I would like to be idle and go to the pool, go shopping, watch Tevo-ed Top Chef, and So you thing you can dance,............. but instead I will iorn, sew, sweep and mop floor, start the laundry, clean my car, and prepare for visiting the Motherland next week. My parents forced me to work hard, and for this one life- lesson they taught me, I am ever grateful that I was called home from school to clean my room, carry luggage and bags of food up slick, steep mountains, load logs into buggies, wipe off tubs, clean storage rooms, pick berries and apricots until my hands were bloody, and haul bucket after bucket of water out of the pump house.

So tackle your tasks, get the job done, and think of the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when all is complete!

Thanks Tiff for the great quote!

Thanks Mom and Dad!

My parents drove down last week to come and help us with are back yard and to receive some dental care. Not only was it fun to have them here with our family, my Dad was a huge help in our yard. I always appreciate his optomistic outlook when problems arise and his "make-it-happen" attitude! He poured us a beautiful new pad of concrete, built a brick wall, and leveled our yard out quite nicely so it's ready for REAL grass! Yep, that right, REAL grass. He told Brett if we put fake grass in he would disown us:) I know it was expensive and quite a hassle for them to drive down, but I hope they know how much we appreciate all their hard work and more than anything, just coming down to here and being a part of lives in AZ!

My confused son

Taft has just figured out how to say our first names. I asked him what my name was and he correctly replied "Nicole." I asked his what Daddy's name was and he said "Uncle Brett!" Many of you probably have children who call my DH this, but I just thought it was too funny coming from his own son:)

If you need a good laugh to jump start your day check this out: "Ticket off Tuesday" www.thewildeparty.blogspot.com.

It's about private blogs, ex-boyfriends, and it's flippin' hilarious! Caution: If your easily offended and don't get the "Wright's screwy genes," don't read it!

A BIG shout out to Chal and her brilliant writing skills... she definitely deserves a column!

Noelle's Baptism

Wow! My little girl is growing up. It seems like only yesterday that Noelle entered this world as our perfect, adorable, baby girl. I remember bringing her home from the hospital and being so excited to have this sweet little baby to love on that I couldn't sleep. I would just stand by her crib and was filled with amazement at what a blessing she was. Of course she still is that adorable, amazing girl, but with just a bit of sass!
Now 8 years later it was another sweet blessing to see Noelle baptised and confirmed a member of the Church. I really wanted Noelle's baptism to be special and memorable for her. We made the usually preparations for the event and really tried to teach her about the gift of the Holy Ghost and the promises she would make with Heavenly Father. Everything went as planned and I am grateful to all the family members and friend who also assisted in making Noelle's baptism special. Each of her Grandmother's gave beautiful talks that I think really touched her heart. It's kind of silly, but I think I'll remember Noelle's baptism better than my own. I'll never forget seeing Noelle's face and the hug she gave me as she walked out of the water and into the dressing room towards me... such a BIG smile full of genuine joy! I know that the Spirit was present at Noelle's baptism and I pray that she will never forget those sweet feelings of peace, happiness, and love.

Due to my lack of pictures, ( I'm so bad at taking pictures during special occasions,) I thought I would post this picture I had found that Brett had taken after her baptismal interview. The smiles on both of their faces and their teary eyes says it all. I think the interview was quite the the Daddy-Daughter bonding moment for them. I should be more grateful to have such a husband who teaches his children so well and delights in sharing his unwavering testimony with them at any given opportunity.

Thanks again to all of you who helped make this day unforgettable!

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