There are no words

I cannot express the grief and sadness that myself, my family and our community have experienced over the past few days. On Friday 10 amazing people were lost in a tragic airplane accident near Moab, UT. One of those 10 people was my Aunt Valerie. Val is my dad's only sister and one of the most beautiful women I have ever known, inside and out. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Val is married to an equally amazing man and has 3 awesome sons, and 2 sweet little grandsons who will now grow up not knowing their amazing grandma. Many other families from Cedar are mourning the loss of their loved ones as well.
I don't think I will ever understand why such tragic things happen to such good people but I know with all my heart that each person lost in this accident had a place waiting for them with our Heavenly Father. I know that we will see Val again and it brings me great comfort to know that she is now taking care of Avery for me. I can't think of anyone I would trust her with more.
Val was featured recently in Elan Magazine and I found a link for their blog that shows pictures from the photo shoot. http://elan-woman.blogspot.com/ You will see what I mean about beautiful. She is absolutely gorgeous and adored by all that know her.

I remember growing up, when Val would babysit me she would love to do my hair. She never had a daughter and even though she loved doing things with her boys I think she really enjoyed spending time with her nieces. She had such a sweet spirit and loved planning gatherings for our family. It made her truly happy too see everyone together.

Please remember the families of these victims in your prayers. They will never be forgotten.

Dungeys take Vegas by storm!

As most of you know I was lucky enough to meet Clare and Andy Dungey for a fun night out in Vegas! Kate and I picked them up at their hotel and we headed off to the Cheesecake Factory in the Caesar's Forum Shops. I think I scared Clare and Andy to death with my driving but in my defense that speed bump came out of nowhere! Not only that but it was the BIGGEST speed bump I have ever seen! But like I said... out of nowhere! Unfortunately I forgot my camera so I didn't get any pictures while at dinner. Dinner was delicious and I think that Andy really enjoyed his peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake! After dinner we walked down The Strip to see the sights and watched the fountains at the Bellagio. I took a couple of pictures but my camera is awful so please forgive the bad quality.

Andy & Clare in front of the NY NY

The never ending tunnel to the Bellagio... only in Vegas!

A fun trip on the Escalator

Enjoying the Fountains at the Bellagio

The three of us! I look awful but it was 100 degrees outside at midnight ... sooo hot!

Kate and I at the fountains

We picked Clare and Andy up the next day for lunch. We decided that we would go to The Hard Rock for lunch and some site (or guitar) seeing. Andy seems to be a fan of guitars so he really enjoyed all the displays throughout the hotel and even the cafe. Lunch was delicious and we took some pictures with the big guitar.

I wish I had gotten more pictures. I know Clare got a few good ones so hopefully she will share. I know that they should be home any day and I really hope they had a great time here in the U.S. It was really hard to say goodbye knowing that it may be a long time before we see each other again. To Andy & Clare, it was amazing meeting you. I feel so honored that I had the opportunity and I look forward to the day we meet again... hopefully it will be in your neighborhood!