May the Fourth Family Photos!

 This year for family photos, I wanted to use downtown Albuquerque as the backdrop for our family photos.  It ended up being absolutely perfect.  The sky was a little dark and the wind was a little windy, but all in all we had a fun time capturing who we are at this moment in time.  We did not bring Pearl this year because I was worried the cars would have scared her and she would have been nervous the entire time.  

I spent a few months really thinking about what I wanted each person to wear for their photos.  I bought two new expensive shirts for Stephen and Edward as they are not going to grow much so they can keep these nice shirts forever.  I also bought Stephen a much needed blazer.  We have nice places we go but a suit jacket is often too much for the occasion.  The blazer will be a nice addition to his wardrobe.  Nolen is still growing so I didn't spend a lot of money on his outfit, but I did cater it to his style and taste.  I made sure everyone had a belt, cool socks, and some other statement piece.  I spent about $300 on outfits.  This year, I also wanted everyone to smile.  My boys have been a little lax about brushing their teeth so I paid $360 for them to have their teeth whitened.  It made a HUGE difference.  They all smiled and felt confident that their teeth looked amazing.  Edward also got a much needed haircut.  He cut 10 inches off his hair and loves it.  Last but not least, I spent over $500 on the photographer.  This photo shoot cost me over $1000 in the end and I am so happy with the results!  I love Heidi Christanson at Sunflower Six Photography.  She always does an amazing job!! I'll add the before and after teeth pictures at the end so you can compare and try to figure out which teeth belong with which person.

  

Friendship

 April was rather quiet.  I like it that way.  I spent time running with my friend Pam Martinez and she was training for a half marathon.  Halfway through the month, though, she hurt her hip so we slowed our running down a bit.  

 

I flew to Denver to see my bestie Melanie Iverson.  We just hung out and talked all day.  We went on a fun bike ride, out to dinner in Boulder, and then served food at a wedding.  I flew home early Sunday morning just in time to lead the music in Sacrament and then pick up groceries.  

 Monday evening, my best friend my high school, Nikki (Taylor) Anderson flew in to go to the Wall flowers concert with me.  We went on a nice walk Tuesday morning, and then out to dinner that night.  The concert was at the Kimo Theater and across the street a building had collapsed the day before.  The Wallflowers were so fun to see live.  I cried when they played my favorite song "One Headlight".  It was so amazing to see it live.  Nikki and I used to drive all over town listening to that song over and over and over again.  Such fun memories.  It was a short trip for Nikki and she had to fly home early Wednesday morning to get back to her family.  I am so grateful for the friends I have made over the years and that I still get along with all of them.  

 

Airsoft in Wisconsin

 This was Edward's second year driving 20 hours to Wisconsin to play airsoft with my friend Andrea Landaker.  She is so kind to organize the trip and drive Edward.  He LOVES airsoft and he loves the trips with Andrea.  He spends all his money on stuff for airsoft.  They drove through Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri.  I told Edward to make sure he grabbed a photo in each of those states because we needed proof was actually in them to complete our 50 states adventure this summer!

 

Easter

 Every single holiday with out my Mom is impossible.  I miss her every single day.  We had a good quiet Easter this year.  It was general conference so it was nice to just stay home and have no where we needed to go.  My dad made dinner and we just played some games with the boys. No more egg hunts.  I guess we are finally too grown up for that now.  

 

A visit from Grandma Susan

 I am so blessed to have Stephen's mom living just a few hours away.  She came to watch my boys while we were in Vegas this year.  She brought along Jonah and Sariah.  I think they ended up having a fun time with my boys.  I always try to snap a photo with her and the kids just for myself and the memories.