Random thoughts about FRIENDS

I've been trying to catch up on blogging this morning, and gave myself to 9am.  Well, the clock just clicked 9am, but I must finish this blog.  I wrote myself a note a month ago to blog about friends.  This post was inspired by my friend Becky.  I had just gotten off the phone with 

this dear friend and was overwhelmed by how lucky I am to have good friends.  Really, I mean it.  Becky has been my friend for 8 years.  To be honest, she is much cooler than me...no joke.    We met when our husbands were both in dental school (rival dental schools I should mention), and we have shared our lives with each other ever since...through good times, bad times and everything in between.  

And then there is you.  Whoever you are reading this blog.  I'm so lucky to know you.  I met you while I was a student at BYU, when living in LA, or those amazing people I met in Japan, and then there are those who live nearby me now, or who moved away from ABQ (shame on you).  Thank you all for being my friends.  

I really love how life brings people together.  I went to a Sheryl Crow concert with 4 friends last week.  I loved sitting there thinking about each of them...how different we each are.  Each of us struggling to live our lives and finding our way.  And yet, there we were together, enjoying the likes of Sheryl and James Blunt.  I loved being with those women.  

Family Reunion

I love family reunions!  It is so fun to see my parents legacy.  Can you believe how big my family has become?!?  And, we are missing 3 people.  It really is pretty cool.  It was fun to spend a week with my parents, five siblings, their spouses and all those nieces and nephews.  In addition to spending time with them, we also enjoyed horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, intense games of Rook and Settlers, talking, reading books, eating, and so much more. 

What a Summer!

I can hardly believe that summer is over.  N & G have been in school for 2 weeks now.  I'm just so thankful we had a relaxing, fun-filled summer.  I LOVE having my kids home during the summer.  I miss them, but I am also getting use to the convenient routine that school provides.  Here are some of our highlights from the summer:

Going to the Park:

Playing with S!

Finding S in the shower with his clothes on, more than once.

Swimming in our pool! (we are sooooo spoiled)

Celebrating G's 8th birthday with a Lego/Indiana Jones Party!

Going on a few hikes.

G's Baptism