South Lake Tahoe Trip

We just returned from getting away for a weekend in South Lake Tahoe with Bryan's family. We stayed in a rustic, old family cabin that only had one room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a loft. Somehow, we all found a place to sleep with a number of 10 adults and 5 children.

Always the best is just seeing the lake and its bright blue sparkling water. And, in this case, we had the most breath-taking view of Emerald Bay, and snow-capped mountains from where the cabin stood high up on the mountain side.

The kids enjoyed the sun, a bit of cold Tahoe water, hiking piggyback and cousin-time. Many of us took the plunge and jumped or dove into the water!!! It was FREEZING, but refreshing, too!!!

Also, we enjoyed cooked meals by Grandma B, and....church was fun. I always enjoy visiting other wards especially in small towns. The spirit feels stronger and the people friendlier. I love stepping outside the church building to find yourself in the middle of the woods...pure serenity! Thanks for a great trip, Grandma B, and for going with us to the Jelly Belly Factory!

The Miracle Dress

Acouple months ago I had some free time to be out just with the baby, so I stopped by Joann's and looked through their pattern books. I found some cute patterns for a blessing dress and felt it would be fun but was pretty sure I couldn't accomplish such a feat with 3 little ones in diapers. So, I let that idea go.

However, one week before Camryn's blessing day, Bryan decided it could be done. And, on Wednesday left work for a long lunch to get the material and pattern with me at Walmart. I went along with it because it was fun, but as soon as we got home, I knew I couldn't do it, and told him so. He wasn't going to give up on it...and later that night or the next morning started cutting out the pattern/and fabric. I went on nursing and feeding the kids as usual. After he finished that, he passed on the project to his mother, Karen. She took on the job and got the dress made in 2 days, staying up late both nights, and relinquished getting her house clean even with her son and family coming into town. I was truly amazed, and was SO happy we had a beautiful new blessing dress just for Camryn! That was truly an act of love and service from my mother-in-law and I was so grateful for this beautiful gift. It made my day and made my Mom's day, too!! We all loved the dress. So, here are more pictures below of Camryn's blessing day. And, a recap on the blessing Bryan gave her. Bryan blessed her with health, a strong body, faith in Jesus Christ, a testimony to guide 'you' in life to return to your Heavenly Father, desire to study the scriptures and unlock answers, missionary spirit to seek out others and be an example to friends and family and those surrounding 'you'...love for your family, peace in your life to remain calm during hardship, love for your mother, enter the temple with a companion to be sealed and bring 'you' happiness, raise a future family. Last line was we are grateful to have you in our lives. I couldn't agree more! I am so grateful for this new baby Camryn. I love her to pieces! She is peaceful and loving, constantly smiling, and just a dream to be around.

Bryan caught up to me again and now we are both 37 for just one month. It was Bryan's birthday, too, today. I wish I took a picture of the food provided by my Mom, Karen and desserts which I baked myself. It was delicious!..BBQ'd chicken and pineapple, 2 different pasta salads, one with asparagus and tomatoes, Devan's infamous bean casserole, sweet biscuits my VT brought over, and watermelon.