That Holiday 2 Months Ago + Other Stuff

We had a weekend visit to Provo back in April that was so jam-packed with happenings that I can't avoid blogging about it, no matter how behind I am.  I'll keep it brief.

First, my Mom and I threw a bridal shower for my little brother's fiance.  It went off beautifully and although the picture is fuzzy just know that Aloura was radiant.  My little circle of sister-in-laws is now complete and I am so grateful to have them all in my life!

Next, Easter.  I've said it before and I'll say it again- holidays are so much more fun with kids!  Eli and Porter were so enthusiastic about their baskets, the egg hunts, and THE CANDY.  Everything but the pictures, which they only barely survived.

I love nothing better than the sight of my two little boys in matching bow-ties.  Too matchy-matchy?  Too old-fashioned?  Porter looks like an old pot-bellied man?  Ha ha NO.  It was straight-up adorable.

We spent the day hanging out with our wonderful families.  In Porter's case, the apex moment was threatening Uncle Isaac's life.

Finally, Zach and I managed to slip away for a night for an absolutely wonderful anniversary retreat.  Seven years.  What?!
I sometimes wonder if there's much we still have to learn about each other, but I did learn, immediately after taking the picture below, that Zach doesn't like to take pictures "just to remember the day".  If he's going to take a picture, he wants it to be somewhere "worthwhile", feeling suave.  Not the parking lot of Little America.  Also, he detests family portraits.  Now we know where the boys get it from.

Spring in Elko: The Defense Rests

When Zach and I decided to move to Nevada we thought we were being bold and brave, leaving the "nest" of Utah for a foreign land.  But it turns out that a four hour drive is not that far, and we find ourselves coming home to Provo for this or that about once a month.  But, while most of our major life events still happen with our family in Utah, we present this post as evidence that we still have some semblance of a life in Elko:

EXHIBIT A: WE GO OUTSIDE

We were beyond thrilled when it started getting warm enough to hit the parks again.  I must admit, last year my attitude was occasionally less than stellar as I hauled my then baby Porter around the playgrounds for Eli's sake.  But lo and behold, the babe has grown, and Porter is now more enthusiastic about slides and swings than Eli, although he requires more supervision.  Many a disgusting "snack" has already been sampled this season.

EXHIBIT B: PEOPLE ACTUALLY COME TO ELKO AS THEIR FINAL DESTINATION TO VISIT US

Back in March we had one last visit from Eli's girlfriend before they moved from Idaho to Arizona.  Eli was in heaven.  Porter was less raptured, but he seemed to get along with his counterpart, Freddie, just fine.

We'll miss having this awesome family within a three hour drive, but we all agree that Mesa is a much more interesting place for us to visit them than Twin Falls.  Don't envy them their summers though!

EXHIBIT B.1: EVEN OUR PARENTS VISIT

There is nothing better than a visit from Grandpa and Grandma.  We can never get enough!

EXHIBIT C: WE PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL TRADITIONS

They start kids driving young here in Elko; although if we were going for the truly authentic experience Eli would be behind the wheel of a massive, manly truck.  Or riding a four-wheeler around the neighborhood by himself.  True story.

EXHIBIT D: WE GO TO CARNIVALS
Of course I'm using the word "carnival" loosely here.  It was more like 5 rickety rides crammed into a corner of the Ross parking lot.  But the kids LOVED IT.  And there was funnel cake, which is all that really matters to me.

EXHIBIT E: WE FIESTA LIKE THERE'S NO MANANA

Our ward combined with the Spanish Branch for a Cinco de Mayo activity and it was just the best.  The food, the music, the dancing- it all brought be right back to the summer I spent in Mexico City.  Plus Zach looks rather dashing in a sombrero, don't you think?

EXHIBIT F: WE PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY EVENTS (WHEN THERE'S FREE FOOD)
Elko is turning 100 years-old this year, so Centennial celebrations have been in full swing since April.  I ran the official 5k along with 16 other participants (running isn't terribly popular around here), and we went to the play and BBQ down at the Railroad Park.

EXHIBIT G: WE UTILIZE OUR BACKYARD

Does that count?  We really do love our house and Zach has been working hard to make our yard safe and fun for the kids this summer.  Plus the pictures were just so darn cute.

IN CONCLUSION:

We always anticipate our trips to Utah as the highlight of our month, but we enjoy living and serving in Elko too.  We look forward to a summer of fun ahead!