Last October my family got together to update our family picture. This was the result. It's hard to believe how fast all these kids are growing. I think they are all adorable and we sure have a lot of fun when we get together.

This and the picture above were my favorite of my family. Tonight we were talking about Nathan's birthday coming up and Emma reminded us that a year from then she will be old enough to get her drivers permit. What? I can't even think about how that can be possible. This year Katie will hit her first double digit birthday and Andrew will receive the priesthood in November. I feel overwhelmed but also blessed.

Wedding Bells

We headed to LA last weekend to attend our niece's wedding. This is Carly and her (now) husband Michael. We attended the Friday night dinner for family and friends and had some yummy food and talented entertainment. The entire weekend was beach themed and the dinner was decorated so beautifully. My kids loved all the fun stuff there was to do and the goodies they came home with.

On Saturday we headed to the temple. Emma and Lauren watched all the kids outside while we went in for the sealing. This is Emma with her cousin Jessica. (I left them the camera to keep them entertained.)

Nathan and his cousin Jacob. These two had a great time hanging out and they're both adorable.

The reception was held in a friends backyard. It was gorgeous. I wish I would have taken a picture of the cake, it was beautiful and so Carly. We had to rush home after; wish we could have stayed longer. Thanks Melody, we had a great time and hope you have recovered.

One Good Thing About Summer

I hate summer. I always have. I would rather be cold than hot. The heat makes my head ache. I think sweaters and boots are so much cuter than shorts and t-shirts.
That being said, I love the beginning of summer when my garden takes off. There is nothing like a home grown tomato. This is what I picked this morning (15 total), and there are about 20 more that will be ready by the end of the week. Already we have enjoyed them in BLT sandwiches, fresh salads, on top of a bagel with cream cheese and in stuffed zucchini (which was also home grown). We love sharing with our neighbors and friends.
So, although I can't do anything about the heat, I can enjoy some yummy food while I also enjoy my wonderful air conditioner.

Wuve, Tru Wuve

Last Tuesday, May 25th, my little brother, David, got married. They flew to Hawaii and had the service on the beach. This is his new family. His wife, Christi and her two boys, Tyler and Chase.
Last night my mom had a family dinner and then open house for them. It was so much fun. Of course, dinner was great (one thing we Potter's do well is cook and eat). And it was nice to meet Christi's family, her dad, brother and sister-in-law. They are wonderful and I'm sure were a little overwhelmed with our crazy family running around.
We are thrilled to have Christi in our family. David has never seemed happier in his whole life, at least I've never seen him smile so much since she's been around. And we think she's great, kind and fun. I think she even gets our sense of humor and I'm excited to get to call her sister now.

Preschool Graduation

Today was a bitter-sweet moment. Nathan graduated from preschool and is already registered to start kindergarten in August. I'm so happy he is growing up. He had an amazing year at preschool and learned so much.

This is his teacher, Mrs.York. She is the most incredible person. And the best teacher. She taught Nathan all his letters, capitol and lower case, and also the sounds they make. He knows how to count to 100 and all his colors and shapes. They sang songs about the months of the year and the days of the week. And they also learned their phone numbers, address and their full birthday. I'm hoping he doesn't end up board next year.

It's hard to believe that this is my baby. (Funny too that he doesn't look anything like me.) Oh what will I do next year when he is in school every day? I'm sure I can think of a few (hundred) things.

Red Lipstick

While I was in California this weekend, working at the Revlon Run, we received "Love That Red" lipstick. Now, I have never worn red lipstick in my life. And when I brought it to my moms on Mother's Day I told everyone it was up for grabs. But apparently, no one in my family wears red lipstick. So I dared them all to wear it with me (nothing like a little peer pressure). We made up all the cute girl cousins and headed outside for a picture.

Here we decided to "pucker up". What a great and crazy family I belong too. And I love it! (After the picture, some of the girls went in and gave their dads big kisses on the cheek. They weren't so thrilled since the lipstick stains. But we sure enjoyed it.)

There Is Beauty All Around

I always look forward to the beginning of a new year. I've always felt like it was a chance to start over and make better choices. And each year I start with the hope that things will be better than the year before. Not so much this year. I know that everyone has those times when life stinks. I must say I have felt like that for the last few months. And then this morning I walked out my front door and saw my beautiful iris' blooming. It made me remember that although things are tough, there is still beauty in the world that we must appreciate. And I thought of my amazing friends (and family) who have taken the time to call or send me words of encouragement. They have helped me remember that I am not alone and that I am loved. They are part of that beauty and I appreciate them.