In 1994, I moved from San Diego to Provo, Utah for college. I lived in an incredible condo community ~ beautiful homes, views, close to everything, and great people. It was there that I met a truly wonderful friend, Marnie. We became instant friends and were inseparable for the next two years. We had many adventures, from sleeping in a truck in Las Vegas to cow herding in Idaho, touring Park City (see picture above) and fighting off the bone-stealing squirrels in Fairview. Now, almost twenty years later, we remain the greatest of friends and I am proud and grateful to be an honorary aunt to her four beautiful children (Lydia, Ethan and Braxton pictured here, Emma took the picture). Marnie has a heart of pure gold, can make me laugh with just a look and will forever be one of most favorite people in my life. I love you, Mo. Happy Birthday (yes, I know, this post is day late).

Phoenix with my boys!

Spent this weekend in Phoenix visiting Cheryl and the boys. We went swimming, out to lunch (Paradise Bakery ~ Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is amazing!), out to dinner (old favorite, Olive Garden), swimming, visited friends, and just enjoyed spending time together. The boys (Marshall 7, Carson 6, Charlie 4) constantly wanted to "play a game", which meant on my iPhone or iPad. We watched Disney's Robin Hood about seven times (I kid you not) and I still have that darn song in my head. Despite the 108 degree temperature, it was a fabulous weekend that went by much too quickly ~ as it always does.

Upon arriving back home safely in Sacramento, I asked Cheryl if Carson had stopped crying over my departure. She said when she tucked him, the conversation went something like this:

Carson: Why did she have to leave?
Cheryl: Because she had to go back to work.
Carson: But why?
Cheryl: Because she needs to work to earn money to pay for a place to live and food and things like that.
Carson: But why did she have to leave?
Cheryl: Well, who else is going to take care of her if she doesn't work?
Carson: Can't Jesus just take care of her?

And then a few minutes later, he emerged from his bed and bedroom asked, "Can, can I, I, I go to, to, to Sacramento for my, my birthday?"

I'm in love ... being an aunt and being so loved is an incredible blessing! I love you boys and will see you in San Diego very soon!