Weddings, Parties, so much fun packed into a weekend

Well, I'm exhausted. But it's definitely a good kind of exhaustion. The kind that means I've had a busy, but fabulous weekend. It was crammed with family, friends, and alot of fun. We started the week off with my sister Karyn flying in from Hawaii. She flew all night long with her 18 month old little girl Annika. Then my other sister Kristen was able to drive with her husband, and three kids from California. They unfortunately ran into some bad weather in the mountains. This prolonged their trip by a few hours. It was so much fun to be all together with my sisters. Then I had Kirk's birthday party on Friday. We actually celebrated it a week early so that my sister's little boy could attend. Kirk is going through this huge Star Wars phase. He is especially obsessed with Darth Vader. Naturally I couldn't resist throwing a huge Star Wars party. I really worked hard to get ready for this. I made light sabers, and Jedi robes for the kids to wear. At first they didn't really want to wear them, but after Dan said that they had to in order to get the light saber, they all complied. We played a few games, and ate some pizza, and cake. Then they ran around playing with their light sabers until we had a special guest arrive. Dan's brother Shaun is a huge Star Wars fan. He has an awesome costume. He came at the end. I tried to get Kirk to stand by him for a picture, but Kirk wanted to keep some distance from this villain. He wasn't afraid however to fight him. The kids all ganged up on him and were hitting him with their light sabers. I think he made it out okay, the costume had a lot of protection in it. I think Kirk enjoyed it. He is quite young to be doing the birthday party thing already, but I love just love birthdays. This Star Wars theme had so many fun options that I couldn't help myself.

Kirk and the other party kids learning to become Jedi Knights. Dan did a good job and teaching them how to handle their weapons. Fortunately there were no major casualties. Giving a bunch of three and four year olds wrapping paper tubes, covered in duct tape is just asking for it! I'm sure many of you are thinking that I'm totally crazy! What lengths will a go too, to please her kids.

Kirk with his much anticipated Darth Vader Birthday cake. He had been talking about this for weeks. I found the idea online, I made the huge mistake of showing it to him a month ago. Every time I'd be on the Internet He'd say "I want to see my Darth Vader Cake", then I'd have to pull up the cake web site to show him.

Darth Vader, and all of the little Jedi knights. They had a blast attacking him with their homemade light sabers.



Kyle and Sarah just after the sealing, they had just gotten out of the Logan Temple. It was freezing, but I don't think she felt it, they were just on cloud nine.

Then Saturday March 7, my little brother made the big jump. He was married in the Logan temple and 2:15. The Sealing was wonderful. I could feel the spirit so strongly. They are an adorable couple. The day was wonderful, I love weddings. I love how everyone gets dressed up, and seeing old friends and family. It was strange to see my little brother getting married. I still think of him as the cute little red headed boy of our childhood. I can still remember building forts with him in our basement. As we got older he was the only one of my siblings to attend Jr. high and High school with me. When I was in ninth grade he was a seventh grader. I remember how shy he was. I'd purposefully say hi to him really loudly in the halls just to embarrass him. I also remember putting little treats and soda pops in his locker just to surprise him. Then after I got my license (I was a pretty scary driver as a teen), I'd drive us both to high school. My favorite memory of Kyle was one particularly rainy day, "Lisa your going plenty fast for the conditions". Kyle always was the more responsible child. My mom would always leave him with the most important chores when they'd leave town, because she knew she could depend on him to do them. I was so flighty in high school, I'd always leave mine undone until last minute. But yesterday really was a perfect day, I love my little brother. It's so wonderful to see him so happy.

Kirk and Dan at the wedding reception.

Sarah and Kyle at the wedding luncheon

Kate, Caroline, and Alexandra. The three girl cousins.

My Dad and Kyle in front of the temple.

Mom and Caroline Allred posing in their pretty wedding attire.

Annika eating a cinnamon roll at the wedding breakfast. She gets those gorgeous brown eyes from her mother.