Three cheers and goodbye to this crazy summer!

Hello Internets! How I have missed you. Time flies when you lose your mind! Well it has been a busy two weeks. Here is a brief break down.

Cheer number one: I went home for my sister's wedding. I spent the whole time finishing pew bows and running around town for last minute things. I also enjoyed spending time with my family. We had lots of late nights, especially Friday- the night before the wedding- when we were at the church until almost midnight setting up. Saturday, August 4th me and sis woke up early and headed off to her hair appointment. Soon after, we drove to a local department store so a friend could do her make-up. We got to the church in time with her looking lovely an me looking...well, less than spectacular. As a bridesmaid curled my hair, I did my make-up while trying to oversee everything in the bride's room. My best friend, Allison, captured quite a decent picture of me- among several other lovelies. She was the photographer for the wedding, I can't wait to see the rest! After pictures, the wedding began. I did fine emotionally until my beautiful Sister walked down the aisle on the arm of my Dad. The wedding was filled with lots of music and I was asked to play my flute alongside my other sister, Kristin, while my parents sang. After the ring ceremony, as a bawling mess, I sang "The Rose" by Bette Midler while the wedding party made their way out of the chapel. (From what I've been told, it sounded good, but I couldn't tell...I was just trying to concentrate on breathing.) The wedding video I made turned out lovely, I was so proud. The reception was full of good food, great music, family and friends chattering and catching up, camera lights flashing repeatedly, and a couple that couldn't take their eyes from each other. One of the highlights was a dance for all married couples. As the music played the DJ eliminated couples based on how long they'd been married. At the end, only our grandparents were left. We sat teary-eyed watching as my wheelchair-bound grandfather was pushed around rhythmically by my sweet grandma and while our other set of grandparents lovingly guided each other across the floor. At sixty-one years our grandparents finally sat down and we all applauded their love and long commitment. The whole day was tasteful and breathtaking and I am so excited to have another Brother-In-Law. Congratulations my Sister and her new Husband! I love you both!

Cheer number two: After a one day break, my mom, two sisters, one new brother, and my little brother drove up to Utah for a similar type of celebration for Matt and I. I don't often talk about religion on the internet because I hold it dear and sacred, but for this I will make an exception. In my religion, we believe that you can be married for eternity, not just until death do you part. On Wednesday, August 8th, Matt and I were married (again) for time and all eternity. I can tell you that it was the single best day of my life to this point and, even if you don't understand it, please know that this is something most important to me...something for which I've been waiting a long time. We are so happy!  Matt's family has been so supportive and we loved having them with us that day. It was so nice to have my family up here, and wonderful that my Sister and new Brother were able to spend their honeymoon in Park City so as to be here for our day. We ended up spending a lot more time with them than we anticipated and their absence from our home is greatly missed.

Cheer number three: Although I was sad to see my family go...and am still missing them two days later...I am excited for life to slow down a little. I want to see my house in order and my schedule reset. I want to spend more alone time with Matt and have more nights relaxing at home. I'm looking forward to fall. I love to watch the leaves turn colors and feel the coolness of the nights. I love the little spooks that visit us on All Hallows Eve and the opportunity to give thanks for all our blessings. I'm ready to say goodbye to summer for another year...