two weddings and a mission call

This was an eventful week for the Aston and Hunsaker families. We were so blessed to be able to share the joy of both families! Scott and the boys took a road trip up to the bountiful valley of Salt Lake to attend Brent and Laura's wedding. Along the way they stopped at the Timpanogas (I know that is spelled wrong!) Caves to experience the adventure together then they settled into Aunt Amy's house (Or should I say the Gwilliam Family Suites?) and enjoyed swimming on a daily basis while staying there. They got the opportunity to visit where Grandpa and Grandma Hunsaker spend their time and then for the grande finale of the weekend, attended Brent's wedding. We really missed them, but Scott was kind enough to assuage my paranoia by texting me their whereabouts frequently. I don't know why I was so freaked out with half of my family gone, but I appreciated the fact that my dearly beloved was sensitive enough to keep me up to date until their safe return home.

The girls and I also had a fun weekend and a houseful of family while the boys were gone! We got to have Aunt Laura, Holly, Emily and Jace stay at our house! It was great to finally have someone stay with me, I think we are a little too far off the beaten path (i.e. my mom's house!) but I really was happy that they stayed with us. We had a blast going to the Balboa Candy Store before the rehearsal and dinner and sharing that with Dan and Jess and kids...oh and of course Tyler and Joe. Then Saturday we headed to the wedding in Newport Beach. Lacey was so excited to be a flower girl. She practically jumped out of her skin with anticipation. She did a great job with her new little friend Lauren. I will never forget the look on Paul's face as he watched Scarlett walk towards him. I think weddings always make me sentimental because you can see first hand true love captured in a look, a smile, a sweet kiss or just a touch of a hand. I felt joy for my little brother and I wish him all the best, and Scarlett looked absolutely gorgeous!
On Monday Amy and I went out to lunch with Joe and no sooner had we ordered our food then we got a call that Joe 's mission call had come. I won't reveal where he is going, you will have to talk to him about that, but I want him to know he rocks and I love him and I admire the choices he has made to lead him to this point in his life. Amazing weekend, two weddings and a mission call...

oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave?

Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. It is a chance to reconnect with family and enjoy a day of picnicing, swimming, jello jigglers (that one's for T) and fireworks. I love being together and having a good time.

The best thing about the Fourth of July though, is remembering why we celebrate this day. In this time of political milestones with patriotism debated on all sides I hear the songs at the fireworks show and I think, am I proud to be an American? Do I stand up for what I believe in and declare it? I have been reading articles about the upcoming election and I am sure about one thing. The best way I can be an American is to vote and talk to my children about what makes our country so great. I have to remind them about all the sacrifices made so that we can remain a free country with the gift of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So when I hear the song written so long ago, oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave? Over the land of the free and the home of the brave...I will know that I did my part to keep it that way. I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

just for fun

Just for fun I thought I'd post a few blasts from the past. Scott looks so GQ with his squinty profile...Duran Duran where did you go?
I could not resist this pic. Paul, Amy and Dan were not dressing up for Halloween! They were dressed as the rock stars of the day, think Billy Idol and Madonna, though I think Paul and Dan were both vying for the title of Billy Idol. Ames was sporting a little leg too, she was wearing one of my shirts. Vintage 80's! Funny thing is, I saw some boots like that on a girl a few days ago...
Grandpa's cabin. Oh I have such good memories of being there! It was so fascinating in it's hodge podge ramshackle way! I feel like this was Grandpa's dream house. He continued building and building a dream. Every piece was a part of him. As kids it was a dream come true, though looking at it as a mom I probably would've been a little nervous to let my kids climb up there! Memories...I think I am getting sentimental with Paul's wedding fast approaching. I am so happy for him and Scarlett. I hope their life together is full of love and good times and family. Building memories that they can share with their children someday! Love you Paul!