Memorial Day!!!

This morning we threw out a bunch of different ideas for what we'd like to do. Unfortunately, cleaning the shower and grocery shopping didn't make it into our day. Fortunately- hiking, swimming and picnic-ing did!

My beautiful ladies!!

Eli loves grass and nature!!

Maria's fabulous choice of clothing for the day. That's a cheetah print shirt underneath.

Super star.

Welcome to Ukrainian Paradise. Seriously, this is the Ukrainian hot spot of Nevada.

I don't know the hows. I don't know the whys.

It just is.

The pool was awesome. Elijah couldn't get enough of it! He was screeching and laughing for an hour straight. It started to get a little cold after that so he and I headed to the dressing room to feed. There was a super nice Asian lady, in her 70's, that came right up to us (while feeding) and started tickling the baby. With my tender hanging out, I felt like she was really getting all up close.... but hey. What can you do? Eli is just super cute. If you don't mind my tender, then go ahead and enjoy my beautiful child. At one point I was a little worried he would rip her face off. He's at the point where he grabs really hard!

After the pool we headed out for a hike to see the waterfalls. It was supposedly only 1.5 miles to get there. Aren't these 2 handsome fellows just completely edible!!!

Ok. So Elijah slept 30 minutes in the car, and 30 minutes on the hike. What baby does that? He was totally happy but really... child needs to sleep!

1.5 miles into the hike and we're supposed to cross this.

Yeah. Not going to happen.

So unfortunately, we didn't get to see the waterfalls.

We're 2 for 2.

It was really weird because the day just flew by. One minute it was 8:30AM, the next it was 6:30PM.

It was such a beautiful day.

It was such a blessing to be together as a family and enjoy all of what God has created for us.

Plus, Ukraine rocks!

A Good Reminder....

The past couple of days has been really rainy. It was beautiful.  The earth was green, the smell fresh... and then to end it all was the most perfect rainbow I've ever seen in my life. The arc was flawless and you could see every single color. It was super bright, my photography doesn't do it justice.

The girls had already gone to bed but we told them to come downstairs and look.

Right in our backyard!

It only lasted about 5 minutes.

Sometimes you get perfect things in your life for just a short time, but the beauty in that short amount of time can fill your soul with complete happiness.

Randomness...

8 months.

And then one day, (specifically 3 days ago) Eli grabs latchy, sucks on it and looks at it really carefully.

Then he looks at me.

Then he looks at my tenders.

And randomly, he decides to breastfeed without latchy.

So. 8 months later. My child can breastfeed.

Except I get a little sore, so I'm stilling using it a little until I toughen up I guess?

But he's on whether or not we use it... sooooooooooo

Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Downton Abbey.

I heart you.

Maggie Smith... you are fabulous. I hang on every word you say so perfectly in your snobbish English accent.

"You'll probably never see me again." "Do you promise?"

Matthew. Mary.

PBS masterpiece theater.

You can't be beat.

However, I'm dying!!! Season 3 won't start until January 2013!!

El Partae De Graduatione

65 adults.

24 children.

3 super cute babes.

10 pounds tzatziki sauce.

80 tiropita with none leftover.

1 wonderful par-tae!!!!

We have some of the greatest friends on earth. A lot are close, a lot are far away.

Either way, our life is so blessed because of these relationships.

Above- Miriam the model.

Nikos!!!!!!!!

The Hardaways

Our home teachers and my mom's visiting teachers

Lateef, Reg, Corey, & awesome backyard view

Lee & Noa

Tobi!! Now if only Corey and Billy were closer.

Mr. Bell

We all have the same hair color... but guess who is the goth?

Why. Why am I the way I am.

Butter.

And lack of exercise.

Go Reed Raiders!

Doesn't this look like an interesting conversation?

Maybe they were talking about gender, race and identity studies....??

Greek familia! Theo Denny and Aunt Margot

Bounce house mania!! Talk about a blast!!

Ahhhh... The Seaveys!!

The after party!!!

People kept on pouring in 3 hours after the celebration ended. But it was great.

The food was excellent.

The music was quote, Mr.Gamble, "Just the perfect mix".

The company the best!

The table decorations.... homemade....

The kids had a blast!

However, we forgot to make Joe give a speech!

I'd say next time, but next graduation we're going to Greece!!!

Woooooooooooooo!!
Hooray Joe!!

You're hot.

Especially in a graduation cap!

And plastic African garb.

Literally.

It's hot in plastic.

Congratulations!!
And thanks mom and dad!!!!!!

Talk about spoiled!!

You throw a fabulous par-tae to boot!

Possibly the best moment of my life....

We had separated on our walk from student union to the place where the graduation was. It was a long walk and we didn't want Joe to be late. Anyways, about 15 minutes later, thousands of people later... we just happen to see him enter a port-a-potty.

I was ecstatic.

He didn't see us.

After 30 seconds I rushed with camera ready.

My dad jiggled the handle.

We banged on the door.

My dad jiggled the handle some more until it came open.

I snuck the camera around the corner of the door and snapped.

Joe made really confused noises.

I almost peed my pants I laughed so hard.

Best. Moment.

Ever.

And then today my mom came to our house and the door jiggled and I screamed bloody murder.

Joe came around the corner and said, "Yeah. Try being in a port-a-potty and that happening."

Himay gets his Master's!!!!!!!!

Himay. The Scholar.

3 years went by fast. They flew by.

I guess that's what happens when you're having fun?

I don't know why, but for some odd reason I didn't realize what amount of time was involved in getting your masters. However, it's over! Now Friday nights wont involve me, Shark Tank, and a big bowl of popcorn to wallow in.

But that is pittance.

Joe is really the one who sacrificed a lot to accomplish this. And he was able to do so without compromising being a good hubster and father. We're proud of you daddy.

Plus you survived Francophone Literature and "I am your brother." "I don't care." "Marry me."

Eew.

An African dancer gyrated in spandex to drums and opened up the Black Graduation celebration. I wish they would have had Joe speak. The girl who did was full of herself.

You want to talk about accomplishment?

Shake hands with my husband and you'll shake humble hands that have done and will continue to do great things.

My mom would do anything for her son. 

2 words.

Graduation Party. 

Corey is my favorite of Joe's frat brothers. He's the one on the very left.

It was nice because Lee was getting her doctorates and the girls had friends to play with during our 7 hours on campus for graduation. Yes. You heard me right. 7 hours.

But it actually went by quickly and was rather fun.

My dad loves his son. He'd do anything for him.

Including graduation with 2 hours sleep.

And... 2 words.

Graduation party.

Yes. I breastfed with my cover. It was peaceful and serene. The girls were dancing barefoot in the grass as the orchestra played procession music. It was a very special moment and I felt at that moment the utter joy and happiness of being a mom. I have the most beautiful children in the world.

They are everything good times eternity.

Himay acknowledging his fans. Tender beauty wave.

Almost man kiss.

I just liked the way the lady in the blue cap was opening her mouth.

So weird to think 10 years ago we were just married and posing by this.

Eli's such a dapper gentleman. He says, "My deepest congratulations dear father."