Utah Reception

This is a "catch-up" post. I took a trip up to Utah in early June for Bryan and Aisling's Utah reception. My Mom did a lot of work and planning on her own for this one! So, I was glad that Jeni and I could both come to help with the implementation.

We had lots of family and neighbors helping with the reception set-up, decor and food as well as helping Aunt Betty to pack her moving van. All the Wilson sisters (and sisters-in-law) made dozens of pom poms to hang in the serving tent.

The work in progress.

Final touches.

During the preparations, we had a scare when Grandpa Wilson (who has early Alzheimer's) did not return from his morning walk. Search parties were sent out, but as the hours passed, it became difficult not to abandon the reception preparations altogether. Several prayers were said, and Grandma assured us that she felt at peace and knew he would be alright (though she worried he would be shaken).

Our prayers were heard and answered. My Dad had to take my younger brother to get a physical for school (which had been due the day before). The clinic was in North Orem, several miles from our house. When they walked inside-- there was Grandpa, sitting in the waiting room! He later told us he had distinctly felt that he should return to that building. When he had entered another part of the building, he felt that something was wrong and then made his way to the waiting room where my Dad and brother arrived just a few minutes later-- more than six hours after Grandpa left the house that morning.

We felt very grateful that he was safe, and that the Lord helped us to find him before the reception. I am grateful that the communication of the Holy Ghost is not hindered by a failing memory. Jeni and Aunt Chris also wrote about the events and blessings of that day. (The picture below was taken by my cousin Natalie at Sunday dinner, after the reception.)

The actual reception was wonderful. I didn't get any pictures because I was enjoying the company! It was great to see so many neighbors, friends and family in one place. I enjoyed visiting with cousins, playing with my nieces and nephew, seeing my best friend from home who popped in after she put her kids to bed, and talking with my Aunt Christy as the festivities died down.

Spending time with family is the best part of living "the sweet life".

San Francisco Wedding

This handsome couple is officially married. The wedding doubled as a great excuse for a family trip to San Francisco. (Hint hint, Craig, I think you should try to marry someone from Europe-- so we can go back.)We spent time with Aisling's family the day before the wedding. We met at the Oakland Temple. (I almost made Bryan late for Aisling's endowment session when we missed an exit, but we made it JUST in time.)

After the session, everyone met at Italian Colors to visit over a good dinner.

We threw the resturant for a loop when everyone ordered the same thing. It took them longer than expected to prepare, so they brought out free pizza and calamari as appetizers. (Emily is trying to prop up the pizza wih her fork.)

After dinner I (finally) got to go pick-up Kelly from the airport. Vacation is not as fun if he doesn't get to enjoy it with me!


THE WEDDING
The wedding was beautiful. Attending a wedding is always a good reminder, but this time the experience was especially poingant. I felt so blessed to be part of an eternal family. Particularlly the family of Kara and Kelly Peterson! The blessings we receive through the eternal covenants we've made FAR exceed our comprehension.

A beaming new bride! She is so beautiful.

This is my favorite picture of the bride and groom. --A wedding from the perspective of a toddler. Caleb is deeply absorbed in his animal crackers.

Sisters. Those of us that were not bridesmaids (our married status disqualifies us as 'maids'), recyled the matching skirts from my wedding. They were a perfect match to the rest of the wedding.

Kelly looks great, sporting his new suit and tie.

We had an especially long photo session, which turned into a fun time to observe my nieces and nephews playing together.

Kylee and Caleb. This isn't a great picture of it, but Leslie made the darling bowties for Caleb and Eli.

Madelyn, Evelyn and Kylee enjoying being together.

Yes, running on the temple grounds.

Kelly and I forgot our camera on Day 3, so this is the end of the photo journalism. Don't feel any obligation to keep reading!

For the record. . .

Saturday

- Jeni and I went thrift shoping in the morning and saw LOTS of laundries.

- We met the family at Golden Gate Park, after trying to park for nearly an hour!

- Suzie, Kelly and I found lunch and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge.

- We met the family at Muir Woods and went for a gorgeous hike. Dad accidently paid for Bryan and Aisling, who were on their honeymoon!

- Dad took us to Il Fornio for dinner. I know it's a luxury, but I REALLY LOVE a fancy dinner.

Sunday

- We went to sacrament meeting in San Ramon and enjoyed being part of a "family" with the Gaskin kids at church.

- Kelly and I crammed in a few last activities. We went to the De Young Museum, drove past the Piers, got lunch at the Ferry Building and hit the airport.

I'm Here

I'm here! I'm just buried in budgets and grant proposals. In my experience, Obama's stimulus plan has stimulated over-time hours for grant-writers more than anything else!

On a recent trip to the break-room, I discovered that someone here has a lot more time on their hands than I do! Exhibit A: rice crispy sushi

Today, 3 of 4 budgets were approved. On Wednesday, I will finish-up and pass everything off to very capable co-workers. On Thursday, while said co-workers are overseeing the final budget approval and grant submission, I will be in San Francisco for my brother's wedding. I feel bad, but I can't wait!

Photo credit: My cell phone

Wonderfully Long Weekend

We had a great holiday weekend with my brother Bryan and his then girlfriend, now fiance Aisling (pronounced: Ash-ling)!

Kelly and I celebrated Valentines a day early. We enjoyed indian take-out as our first meal in our new house. On Saturday, Kelly and I babysat for our friends from work/church, while Bryan and Aisling celebrated Valentines on the strip. (No, Bryan did not propose on Valentines at the strip in Las Vegas!)

On Sunday afternoon, we drove out to Red Rock and hiked around for a bit-- in spite of a cold wind. Bryan and Aisling had forgotten their real camera, so I played paparazzi so that they would have a few pictures from the trip that weren't taken by a camera-phone.

On Monday, we went to check out a cactus nursery at Aisling's suggestion. It was quite fun, even in the rain! We brought the dog, who loved exploring the acres of smells and following around the other 5 or 6 dogs, a couple cats and a pig that were running around the place. Cactus Joes will definitely be on our list of "Las Vegas" places to take future visitors.

Yesterday, Bryan called to tell me that he and Aisling are officially engaged! (They probably decided to get married because they saw how much fun Kelly and I are having!) We are thrilled to be welcoming the 4th in-law into the Wilson family.

Light and Lovely

I couldn't wait for lunch to enjoy my leek soup; it was calling me from the fridge. I've become quite enamoured with this soup of late. It's perfectly light and still so savory.

Try it! It tastes like an indulgent treat, but could hardly be better for you.

LEEK SOUP
Saute garlic in olive oil
Add chopped leeks (greens and white stalk) mix to coat with oil.
Pour in water to generously cover leeks. Boil for 3-5 min. (It will start to smell very good!)
Add pepper, sea salt and/or chicken bullion to taste.

~enjoy!



This picture isn't very pretty, but the soup turns out like this:

(image from Karma Free Cooking)

Christmas 2008

It's hard to belive the holidays are already over. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with family and spending some extra time at home together.

Kelly and I celebrated Christmas in Utah with my family. Although this was our second Christmas together, I was very excited to share some of the Wilson family traditions with Kelly for the first time. Christmas breakfast is the tradition that is uniquely Wilson. I've posted about the history here a few years back.

This year we focused on the gifts we can give to our Savior, and the fact that His birth was a gift to the world. I love the scripture that we hung on gold organza above the doorway-- "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."

Each of the wrapped gifts on the plates held a miscellaneous item from the house. After eating, we shared what "gift" might be represented by our object-- something we could give to the Savior. (This is a variation on a game called "grab" that we used to play during family scriptures some mornings. Good memories!)

Playing in the snow on Christmas afternoon.

A couple of great portraits!

My sister Emily is 10 and growing fast. She's the baby in our family but watching her growing up reminds the rest of us that we must not be kids anymore!

My neice Madeline is 4 and camera shy.

We hope you all enjoyed your holidays as much as we did!

What A Happy New Year!

What a way to start the new year! The bank just accepted our offer on this house. . .

We love the layout and the fact that it's as good as new- but at a foreclosed price. We feel very blessed that we're ready to buy a home when the market is right.

~Can't wait to move in and make it ours!