I can't help it

 :)

I just had to post a few more pictures!

 hot babes.

 I'm so glad he didn't drop her!

I told you she fits right in!

these incredible shoes didn't come without a price...

mainly that means Jessica's feet were sore for a couple of days!! But aren't they awesome!!!

I got this idea from Mark & Mallory's wedding!  I loved it!! Even if some of the grandparents couldn't be seen, we know they were there with us that day.

The luncheon was at the Lion House.  The salad, rolls, chicken, etc., were awesome.  Too bad I was already full when this came along.  Words can't describe how good it was!!!  Soon I need to get the Lion House cookbook--- because I think this recipe is in there!!  SO SO YUMMY!

awe :)

KEVINO!

 On September 10th, Kevin celebrated his 23rd birthday!!

His mom was still recovering from the crazy summer and neglected to post about his birthday!  I'm sorry Kevin!! I hope this belated one will make up for it!!!

 This picture was taken on Kevin's 1st birthday!  He had double ear infections, but still smiled for the camera!!!  What a trooper!

 I loved this jacket...

too bad it got left at school and stolen :(

Maybe I should get him a new addidas jacket for Christmas!!

 Kevin is such a great kid.  He was always willing to help so much with his younger siblings.  He prayed for many, many months to get a brother.  He loved his sisters, but he just couldn't handle the thought of getting one more!!!  I cried at Riley's ultrasound when we saw it was indeed a boy!! I cried because I was so happy for Kevin!! (and I wouldn't have to explain why Heavenly Father didn't answer his prayer!!!)

Kevin was a noisy little kid.... hmmm, some things never change!!

I love him dearly.  It nearly killed me when he left for college.  That prepared me to handle missing him during his two-year mission "trip."  I love that Kevin always calls me often.  He is a good, great son.  I checked up on him this week and Jessica confirmed that he is doing a great job as a husband too.

Happy (belated) Birthday Kevin!!

We love you!!

Kevin & Jessica

 I'm in love with so many of the pictures from Kevin & Jessica's wedding.

It was a beautiful day in Salt Lake.  Perfect for a beautiful couple!

 Our family :)

 Such a perfect couple!

 Of course!!

I was standing next to the photographer when these pics were taken.  I suggested she call out a few favorites...  crazy, open-mouthed, and my favorite-- serious!

 Yes, Jessica fits right in!

 Isn't she gorgeous!!

Jessica is indeed one of the most beautiful brides ever!

Kevin scored!!

 Of course, he's pretty handsome too!

 Such a perfect day!

 A rare kissing photo!

  

We are so blessed to have Kevin and his incredible wife in our family.  I loved their wedding day!! I didn't know what it would feel like to have one of your children get married. I've heard so many people say they are sad-- because they are losing their child. But I didn't feel like that at ALL!! I was so overwhelmed with gratitude to have this incredible girl join our family. She makes Kevin so incredibly happy. She is perfect for him-- and I think he is perfect for her.  Adding to the family is AWESOME!

Congratulations to Kevin & Jessica.

Sorry it took so long to do the official post!! :)

GIRLS' CAMP 2012

I promise to upload more great pictures from Kevin & Jessica's wedding.  But after the wedding, a week at EFY (for Riley & Andrea), a quick trip to Rexburg, a long drive home, the Bakersfield reception for Kevin & Jessica..... Jim, Andrea, and I headed to Big Meadow for a wonderful week at Girls' Camp.

This was Andrea's 4th year!!

That's a BIG deal at our girls' camp.  They leave camp on the 2nd day and head off into the wilderness for two nights.  They carry in everything. We love to take lots of pictures before they go... when we can still recognize their clean faces :)

One last picture before she heads off!! Despite having a dislocated shoulder... Andrea was a trooper and carried all her stuff plus food for her group.  She must get those hiking genes from her dad!!

Meanwhile, Jim & I, headed off an hour later as the hike leaders for the 3rd year girls.  We did the 2nd year hike for a few years, which was great. But I am in love with the 3rd year hike.  We hike (a nice, short hike!!) and stay one night in the wilderness. The girls get to repel on some nearby rocks.

It is wonderful and a very pretty little spot.  We had some great additional leaders too!!  Our youth leaders were awesome as well.  I SO couldn't have done it without these great ladies this year (you know, with 2 weddings and all!!)  We had a great hike and made some pretty awesome watermelon hats! (a tradition!!)

Finally Friday came and our 4th year girl came home.  Nice and dirty :) and most importantly spiritually fed.  We are so proud of this girl!! She is amazing :)

Wagner Family Reunion 2012

 The Wagner Reunion was held at Aspen Grove this year. Seriously!! Best reunion ever!!! Everyone had the greatest time.  I'll warn you ahead of time... I've added a lot of pictures :)   The first picture is a great time at water aerobics.  Don't be fooled... Jim only jumped in for the picture!!!

 Marissa and Jim.... a lovely hike for sure!!!

 Riley, Marissa, and Andrea came up for the whole week!!

 Newlyweds Kevin and Jessica were able to come for a couple of days.  This was a very courageous move for Jessica!! Nothing like spending a few days with over 50 new family members a week after your wedding!! She fit right in :)

We all loved the family follies.... some great games we got to play together.  Not like Wagners are competitive or anything....  Marissa was a great sport in helping to "fill" the bucket a little faster!!

Who couldn't love having every meal fixed for you!!  No cooking, no dishes, and no deciding what we should eat!! I for one loved it. The food was really good.  It was so great having time to spend visiting :)

Love the cafeteria, right Sam and Jim?

 We loved the new monopoly game.  Nice hair Riley!!

The parachute was a difficult task for us!  We all should have listened the 1st grade teacher a lot sooner. That lady knew exactly what she was talking about!! :) (for the record, I knew she was right!!)

Go get 'em Andrea!! Tennis season will start soon!!

 We all loved the basketball game.  There's Trevor working on the General Authority... no big deal.

Nice WIN for the Wagners :)

We owned the BYU on the hill, of course!

 High on a Mountain Top..

Riley found his long lost relatives. Notice the similar hair style?

 An amazing group of Wagners took off to conquer Timpanogos.

Impressive!!

 Riley and Kevin can never be serious.

Ever.

The Hikers.

They did it!!

And they rock.

Thanks to Grandpa & Grandma for an amazing Reunion.

We LOVED it!

We're baaaaack!

Our family has been improved by TWO!!   It will take me a long time to document all that happened this summer, but I will attempt to go back in time and get it done. :)

As crazy as the summer was... it was crazy incredible!!  How blessed we are. We love Jessica and Ben. We had great times at both weddings.  We also did a trip to Newport Beach and girls camp. Every single event we attended was amazing!!

I am excited to find the time to step back and reflect on all these great days.  My apologies to the birthday-- sorry Kevin!!-- that I missed.  I will devote a post just to you!! :)

August also brought Jim and my 24th wedding anniversary.

It's amazing to look back on this beautiful day and the very beginning of our family.  I look forward to each addition the future will bring and for every opportunity we have to spend time together.

Our anniversary, August 18th, was the date of Jacquie's wedding reception.  For those of you who were unable to attend-- we had a great time.  Marissa had made a great little slide show movie of Jacquie and Ben. To our GREAT surprise they added a little tribute to Jim and I. Surprises for me are hard to do, but they pulled this one off.  I hope I can upload it.... It was priceless. It made me cry (okay, not a big shock!!). I am SO blessed :)   A big thank you to all my kids for that little addition. It was the perfect finish to an incredible summer.

We love our family!!