One Last Hurrah

On our last night in Utah we really wanted to get together with as many of Dan's siblings as could come, so we asked Heather if she was willing to host a family dinner/birthday celebration (for Brooke and Candy).  I made Hawaiian haystacks, Heather made birthday cupcakes, everyone brought sides, and we had a great time.  Thanks Heather and Randy for hosting all of us!

Grandma remembered she had ring pops, so my kids and Ali's kids got a pre-party treat.  They were all SO happy.  You'd think they'd never had candy before.

Heather not only provided her house AND cupcakes, she also provided a princess dress for Brookie--something that was VERY important to our little princess.  Brooke even borrowed Heather's microphone and performed "Once Upon a Dream" for the crowd.   

Megan dressed up too.  Cute little ladybug.

Grandma and Alyssa...

Dan and Candy.  Oh I love that handsome man.  Even when he hasn't shaved in 2 weeks.  And Candy's pretty cute too, even with her cheesy camera face.

Candy was throwing a fit outside, so I snuck her away from the other kids and let her eat a cupcake before we officially sang to her. (*fit-throwing for no reason is NOT Candy's norm.  Poor kid was suffering from a really bad diaper rash that I noticed after the cupcake did NOT cheer her up completely.  A quick bath and some desitin and she was back to her usual happy self)

Brookie blowing out her candle.  Candy was a little concerned that she didn't have one to blow out.  Silly Mommy to think a big 2 year old wouldn't care. 

So we quickly remedied the situation and she happily blew out her own candle.  Oh 2 year olds.  They can be a little touchy.

It was so fun to be with the family one more time (we missed Michelle and Robby and Amberly and Spencer and all their kids), and it was a great end to a great trip.  We got up early Sunday morning and drove the 14 hours to Amarillo.  On Monday we drove to Jamie's house (about 5 hours) and let the kids swim for 2 1/2 hours. Best rest stop EVER!  They then slept for about half of the remaining 4 hour drive home.  We rolled into the driveway around 7:30 pm on Monday.  We quickly put the kids to bed and emptied the car before crashing ourselves. 
P.S.  Our drive home landed on what would have been my Mom's 59th birthday.  Happy birthday Mom.  I love you.  I miss you.  Can you believe we're having a boy?!?  Teach him well while he's with you.