What a weekend....

We were super busy last weekend. But it was FUN busy. I got pictures of some of our fun....I missed out on pictures on some of the events but you will understand after you hear of the craziness!! My older brother, Kevin and nephew Cody came into town on Tuesday. Kevin's son, Derek, was coming home from his mission on Thursday so they were in town for the welcome home celebration. My mom flew in on Thursday. We went to the airport at 11:30 p.m. My kids loved being out so late. It was Derek's b'day that same day so we made "Welcome home" and "Happy B'day" signs for Derek. Our excitement grew as we waited for his arrival. Another Elder in a neighboring ward was in the exact same mission as Derek and they came home together. It was so fun to see them both come thru the doors in their Sambreros (I have no idea how to spell that word). After being at the airport awhile we all came back to my house for cake, ice cream, stories and sleep. Derek was so exhausted!!! It is so good to have him home. However, he quickly went on a road trip to Vegas and Az. He will be settling here....so we are waiting patiently for him to return. But throughout all of this celebrating we also had: football practice, soccer practice, doctor appts., work, shopping, making signs, homework, our sliding door was broken by the landscape guys a week earlier--so it was getting fixed as well. We had friends coming and going, we laughed. I had some good talks with my brother. A lot of smiles. Hugs. Grandma--that is all I have to say...Grandma. I love my mom so much. I miss her everyday. We had football & soccer games. We had food storage shopping deals. We went and got pumpkins with grandma. We drove. We laughed. We loved. I have a plaque hanging on my wall that I love and it is a constant reminder..."The most important thing is Family"...I think the reason why it means so much to me is because, Walt Disney said it. I love it. In all of the craziness of the world we need to remember....the most important thing is FAMILY. I love my family. I am grateful for every second I get to spend with all of them!!! What a weekend. What a glorious time in my life!!

Pineapple Princess is in the bottom left hand corner, short blond hair. They sang the National Anthem at her high school homecoming. Brings tears to my eyes. I love listening to her choir.

This is red velvet cake from Costco. My mom and I went shopping and they were demo'ing it that day. Oh, my gosh---so YUMMY. I walked away and said to my mom, "I am going to walk away from this cake. I cannot buy it". Ya know, thinking I would gain a million pounds. That little smarty pants turned around and walked back, saying, "Ok, I will get it then!!" So, as you can see we got it. We ate it. I have gained a million pounds. But what a way to do it. You have to get this cake!!! You won't be sorry.

Derek and the gang. Remember, this was probably taken close to midnight. I guess Monkey Boy was tired.

Waiting for Derek. 3 big kids w/Grandma. I guess Monkey Boy was starting to get tired.

I forgot to rotate this before I imported it. But, oh, did I mention we had a bird with us as well? My brother brought his bird, Sidney. My kids loved him. What fun. Now they want one. Thanks, Kevin. Just what we need...a bird to add to the craziness!!!

Our weekend ended with General Conference. It is so humbling to hear from our leaders. My hubby and I especially loved the talk by Larry Lawrence (who names their kids like that) because he spoke to the parents of teenagers!!! Loved it all. How blessed we are to have our leaders speak to us. I had to take my mom to the airport. I cried. I still cry every time I leave her. I love her so much. Just wish we lived closer.

What a weekend. We had a busy last 3 days. The kids are out of school tomorrow and Friday, so we can take a deep breath. And then it will start again. Love it. Have a great weekend.