In November, I went on my very first trip by myself....no Owen, Maddy, Eva or Marc. My sister Julie was to be married the week of Thanksgiving, so I booked my solo flight and spent 5 days in UT with no parental obligations. I will not lie, it was absolute bliss. Of course, I missed my little ones and Marc, but it was so nice to have a break. I didn't know what to do with myself. Every flight I have taken in the last 8 years has been spent entertaining/restraining at least one baby or toddler. So, this was strange. But a good kind- knowing I would be back with my little critters in less than a week. This was also Marc's first time alone with the kids for five days. I can't say he experienced the same feelings of bliss, but he did a great job holding down the fort in my absence. I arrived back home the night before Thanksgiving, just in time to churn out some pies to express how thankful I was for his efforts :).
Julie was married in the Provo Temple. That was a nice surprise. I love only having to drive 15 minutes to get to a temple wedding. She looked beautiful (as always) and very happy with her Seth.
We took pictures on the grounds of the temple afterward. I haven't seen any of the pictures (that is a nudge, Julie:) otherwise I would post them. We experienced unbelievably frigid weather that morning. Here, Cindy and I are huddled to conserve body heat. I am cold just thinking about that day.
Afterward, was the wedding luncheon. I got to sit at a table with my sisters (and Brady!) it was fun to catch up.
This little guy made me miss Owen....badly. My sister Doreen brought along her baby Mason when she flew out for the wedding. He is such a cutie.
Julie's wedding reception was at the Art City Museum (of course!). You are not officially a "Call" until you have your reception here :). My sister-in-law, Deborah, impressed us all again with her cake-making skills. This was her second attempt at a wedding cake, and she did fantastically, once again. I have no picture of the food, but it was catered by my brother-in-law, Brady, and it was delicious. Doreen was the mastermind behind all of the flowers at the wedding, and made everything look fantastic. My parents have officially reached a point in life where they can turn over virtually all of their weddings responsibilities to their children. I guess that is a perk of having 12!
Here is an outtake of our attempt to get a family picture before the reception started. Our whole family was able to make it to the wedding, with the exception of Tim (who is in Brazil on a mission) and Sherie (who was too pregnant to fly). Both were missed!
