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Do you ever have the feeling like something is missing? But you didn't even know it was missing until you had it again? Today I had that feeling. Today, my not-so-little-brother came home from serving a 2 year LDS mission to Fortaleza Brasil. I've missed my brother, but didn't know how much until I saw him at the airport. 

Early this morning--yeah I was up at 0700 today, no wonder my body hates me--I raced up to the airport to pick up Kevin. His plane had decided to come in 30 minutes early. Two other families were there anxiously awaiting the return of their missionaries. After what felt like a long time, 3 black suits descended the escalator. I didn't even recognize Kevin at first, to be honest with you. What happened to my little brother? Mom was the first to hug him and the tears popped up. I got my hug in and then listened to him go into shock and say "oh fetch" as Kristi and Kalli tackled him. They might have grown a bit while he was gone. Man is it good to have him home!! We spent the rest of the day eating, talking, napping, and unpacking. Kevin brought home some beautiful things from Brasil. He still walks and talks like a missionary. We chatted with Amber, Weston, and Catherine--thank goodness for technology. Mark and Heather came over for a chocolate dipping session. The rest of us sat back as Mark and Kevin threw insults at each other in Portuguese and tackled each other to the floor.  Somehow everything felt right again. Kevin is home. Man I can't wait until December when everyone will be together!!

Autumn

Oh How I LOVE this Time of Year

Homecoming

Who knew that one day I would help not only one sister but 3 get ready for homecoming. Not me. Today I helped Kalli, Kristi, and Mic get all dolled up and head off on their dates. These girls crack me up. But man did they enjoy getting dressed up--I don't care who you are, every girl loves to do this. Of course it took a few hours--I am getting faster at curling ringlets though. But they looked gorgeous and bubbling with anticipation but the time 1800 rolled around. One by One they were picked up, heels, hair and all.  I loved being there. Can't wait for many more dances to come!

GOALLL!!!!!!!

Nothing better than a soccer game, Sunny, and Ty who is just plain crazy. Together we went to the Real Soccer Game. I tasted Peruvian food, for the first time--it was good!! The game was awesome! Much better than yelling at BYU for 4 hours. 

We stole a soccerball for Ty when they were throwing them out. 

 

Awesome game! We won 1-0. Can't wait to go again!

9-11

10 years ago I was sitting in seminary when someone burst through the door saying a tower in New York and been hit by a plane. The rest of the day I remember being glued to the TV Watching the horrific video over and over. 10 years later I want to say thank you. 

I Remember

Arches

To say Amberly, Annemarie, and I needed a vacation was an Understatement.  Of course it took us weeks of planning ahead in order to actually accomplish this. Our schedules are slightly insane. I've been dying to hike down through Moab again this year, so we went down there. Sunday night--since both Annemarie and I worked Saturday night--we drove down to Moab. I slept on and off--just a little sleep deprived. That night we just HAD to get into the hot tub. Oh the relaxing sensation of bubbles against my back. I might just need on of those. Well poor Annemarie was up all night emptying her stomach contents over and over and over. Needless her parents came to pick her up and she went home. Amazing how vacations never turned out how you plan. 

Landscape Arch

Amberly and I took our time the next morning. Slowly we got up and headed out on our hiking adventure. Today we tackled Devil's Garden.  Many, Many, Many arches were viewed and taken pictures of. Loved hiking. Oh I have missed it. 

Landscape Arch and I!

This was a cliff on both sides-I make have gotten a little nauseous, heights and I don't get along.

Navajo Arch

I like to climb!

These friends liked us a lot. I wonder why?

Pajaro Arch

Basking in the sunlight

Double O Arch

As I was hiking I looked for these. Hiking is a lot like my life right now. These were a big part of it. 

We went on the primitive trail on the way back--ran out of water which was fun. But we were so excited to find the main trail again!

Pure Beauty

Don't you just love my modeling skills!

I loved it. We hiked to Delicate Arch--the short trail just as the rain started to poor down. Thank goodness we left when we did. The lightening crashed around us as well. It was a 24hour trip but worth it!! Thank goodness for weekend getaways. 

Delicate Arch