Scott and Andrea's Wedding

*November 2, 2010*

Craig's little brother Scott was married to Andrea Gomez in the Mt. Timp Temple. It was a goregous day! They really lucked out with the weather. The bride and groom were both darling. It is strange to believe that Scott was only 5 when I met Craig now look he's all grown up and married. CRAZY!

The day was great filled with family, photos, food, laughs, and seeing friends that we haven't seen in a while.

Check out some of the photos of the day...

Scott and Andrea just after being sealed.

One of the nicest things about the day was having all of Craig's siblings together in the temple with their spouses. He comes from a great family.

Brit enjoying some time outside.

The bride and groom...snap shot taken by Liberty

Liberty posing by another sculpture.

Brit made me pretty nervous running around these sculptures...especially when I saw the price tag! YIKES!

Brothers...man I love these two boys!

Brit and me...before the reception started.

Veenker boys striking a pose by one of the many bronze sculptures.

All the cute Veenker girls...making funny faces.

Zach and Stockton found many different ways to kill time...ipod touch games was a favorite.

Liberty couldn't take her eyes off the cake. She was so excited to watch the bride and groom cut it.

Zach "helping" with decorating the car...looks to me like he is helping himself to the oreo cookies.

By the end of the night...Brit was one tired boy!

Congratulations Scott and Andrea!

Good One

Before I tell you the full story, you need to know that this week I haven't done a thing in my house...it was a mess! Toys, laundry, 2 crock pots that were used this week "soaking" by the sink. It has been a busy week as usual and when I had the time, I didn't want to touch it. So to say that my house needed some attention is an understatement. I had nothing going Saturday morning so my plan was to get it cleaned up. So with that...

Last night we were getting ready to say our family prayer, all kneeling in the family room...and yes, we all had to scoot something out of the way before we knelt. We all went to bed early last night, mainly because Craig had an early morning meeting with Elder L. Tom Perry. After the prayer this is the conversation:

Craig: "You know, you may want to get the house cleaned up tomorrow"

Me: "I know, I plan on it."

Craig: "Cause it would be really awkward if Elder Perry asked to come over to our house tomorrow after the meeting for lunch."

Me: "YIKES! That would be embarassing, wouldn't it?"

Caleb: "I hope he likes Mac & Cheese!"

We all got a laugh...and yes it was a great motivator for me to get my house cleaned. There wasn't really a chance that it would have happened. But it made me laugh the way Craig finally found a way to get me to clean the house. Seriously, I would have been so embarassed if anyone had come over, (which some people did), but I would have DIED if Elder Perry came over with my house looking like it did. This morning was a very productive morning. I got almost everything done, of course there is still a few loads of laundry to do. But my house is cleaned up, so if you were thinking of stopping by, now would be a good time.

Freshman Viking Football

Caleb had an exciting football season. This year he played both Outside Linebacker and Defensive End, and also played Quarterback. The final 2 games (playoffs) he started as Quarterback. He did a great job all year. He is a big kid, and does a great job wherever he plays. It was both exciting and nerve racking to watch him at QB. There season ended in the second round of the playoffs, but overall they did great! Caleb has had a unique experience, he has played with the same team and same coaches for 4 years now. Sadly, that came to an end on Saturday. The boys will continue just with new coaches next year. There were tears both from the boys, coaches and parents. It's been a great run! I can't wait to see what next year brings. It is always exciting! Here are some of the shots we took of Caleb's season...

Caleb talking to his head coach Joe after a win.

Caleb was one of the captains for a few of the games.

Here he is ready to jump off the line.


He wants it...bad!

Waiting to get back on the field

Caleb is in the middle of the wedge. (I promise)

Caleb making a pass, I took this one from high up in the stands, I love how you see him, the ball & the receiver.

Caleb handing off the ball

Watching the outcome of the play

The season is over...it's been a ton of fun! We are already working for next year. Can't wait to see how it all plays out! Great Job #8!!!

Zach Football Season

Zach had a great season! We were able to use a friends camera, to try and get some action shots. I am far from a photographer but I tried. This year Zach played both ways & on special teams. He played Center on offense, Outside Linebacker on defense, and was the kicker on special teams. He rarely sat out, it was fun to watch him. His team made it to the play offs, and lost in the first round. Good Job Zach! Can't wait to watch you next year!

Here are some of the shots we took...

It wasn't unusual to have Craig give Zach a pep talk, or give him pointers.

Zach jumping to get the tackle
Getting ready to kick off

Waiting for the quarterback...

Down, Set, Hike

Waiting for the second half to start

This year Zach's cousin Stockton & his cousin Shafer joined the team. It was so much fun to watch them all. (This picture was taken just after the playoff loss, that is why Shafer is in tears.)

Blocking, blocking, blocking

Zach rushing in...

Way to go #1! Go Vikings!

Fall Break Fun!

There's nothing better than having a break from school! We always look forward to the Fall Break that falls in mid October. It is a great way to rejuvinate and enjoy being with family. We started the break off with McKinsey's 16th Birthday party which was held at Jump On It! I don't know how I didn't get a photo of the birthday girl but the party was tons of fun!

Here is Liberty doing a front flip...

Brit was in HEAVEN! Wall to wall trampolines...what else could a kid ask for?
Caleb catching some air while jumping...

Liberty was loving doing kart wheels all over the place
Zach doing a front flip off the platform...

Even Craig got in on the flip action...

It was a great party!

The next morning we gathered up our stuff and headed to the cabin. We decided to actually go somewhere for the weekend. It was so nice up there, the weather was perfect, the leaves were crunchy and falling, a perfect fall weekend. Sadly, just after Craig and the boys got home from scouting deer, Craig got sick, and the following day Zach wound up throwing up also. That was a bummer, but even with that we still managed to have fun!

Brit couldn't get enough of the 4 wheelers...he loved them, but still can't get used to the weight of his helmet and would wobble all over the place. That didn't stop him from wanting rides.

Here's some of the group making campfire pizzas.

Liberty relaxing on the elk statue

This boy was in heaven...drinking apple juice and eating cheetos all weekend long.

Zach still feeling a bit yucky.

Liberty waking up Saturday morning...I wish she woke up this happy every morning.

Zach in deep thought, waiting his turn for the swing.

Some of the kids eating cinnamon rolls just waiting to take off to go to the Snow College football game in Ephriam.

It was a great weekend. I love that we were able to go and do something. Nothing is better than spending time with family!

Fall Ride

Every year we talk about going on a Fall drive to the Alpine Loop. This year we actually did it. We probably missed the peak of the awesome colors but it was a very fun day. We put everyone in the car and took off.

We headed up Provo Canyon...of course honked all the way through the tunnel and headed up to Sundance.

Here I captured some of the colors out my window. It was a goregous day for a drive. Windows down and nice breeze coming into the car.


More colors out my window. The nice paved road all the way up the canyon was lovely...little did I know we were in for an adventure!

I caught Caleb in my side mirror hanging out the window.

Seriously, it was beautiful up there!

Just after taking this photo Craig decided to be adventurous...he turned on to the bumpiest road EVER! We were driving along the face of Mt. Timpanogas. It was pretty cool but he bumps, and dips, and jiggles weren't my favorite. Just look at the road...we drove on this road for like 2 hours. It was so bumpy! I wasn't loving it.

Craig kept telling us to watch for wildlife...I really didn't think we would see anything. We headed into a tree filled area, when all of the sudden Craig (looking to his left) yells, "THERE'S A MOOSE!" We all sort of freaked out, some with excitement, some thinking get me out of here! We were all watching the moose on the left when Caleb freaks out and yells... "THERE'S THE BULL MOOSE!" It just happened to be on my side of the car...if you know me, I don't like animals especially in the wild. I freaked out, yelling at Craig to roll up my window and he wouldn't...Zach was jumping up and down in the very back, Lib was hiding under a blanket, Craig started snapping pictures, Caleb and Brit were laughing. I didn't handle myself very well...I was sure it was going to charge our car and we would be stranded up on the crazy road for days. Craig started driving and honking trying to push the moose out in front of us...which meant I freaked out more. I was able to get this photo of the bull moose while shaking. It was staring us down, I swear it was!

After it ran across the road Craig continued on and found a spot to turn around, on the way back down the road, Craig saw them again and decided to get out of the car and take some more photos...he tried to get there attention by whistling, and having Caleb honk the horn.

It was a great adventure! One I am sure we won't forget. After all was calm and we were on the bumpy road heading home...we all got a great laugh at how I was freaking, and Craig said it wasn't a very big moose...but it seemed pretty big to me!

Next year we will be going a few weeks earlier, hoping to see the colors at their best!

Happy Fall Y'All!

One Year Older & Wiser Too!

My birthday came and went...it was such a great day. I was spoiled by my family and friends and it made me that much better! :0)! Craig surprised me at work by delivering a cake that had candles lit and teachers singing when I walked in to lunch. I came home to another surprise...a new dishwasher! I was jumping for joy, after not having a working dishwasher for over 5 months, it was a perfect gift. I love it! The family tried to make me a cake, the first round was a disaster, the second time it came out fine and the kids did a bang up job decorating it. By the time it was finished, Craig was beyond frustrated. Thanks for the great day!

Here is the first attempt...pans were over filled and then spilled out.

attempt number 2

the finished project...the kids decorated it.

don't mind that i can't put an outfit together at age 37! I was in my jammies and it was cold so i threw on a sweatshirt. I know it's a great combo!

me making my wish! let's hope it comes true!

It was a great birthday! Thanks to everyone for the wonderful facebook wishes and all the love sent my way!