Nate & Sarah get married!

Julie, John, Larry, Sandy, Sherry

Sarah & Nate
Nate, John's youngest brother by 19 years, and Sarah got married on September 4th in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. It was a beautiful day! John's parents and all of his siblings were there for the sealing. Afterward, we had a wedding luncheon with yummy crepes and muffins. Nate had asked John to say a few words. Because Nate is such a movie buff, John based his "talk" on one-liners from 4 movies: The Sandlot, The Gods Must Be Crazy, Fletch, and The Princess Bride.

"Mawaige is what bwings us togevah today. Wuv, twue wuv..."

Sandy, Vicki, and I at the reception - don't we look helpful

(Joy, John's mom, made the jackets.)

The reception was held in Nate & Sarah's backyard. (They are renting the house from a couple on a mission.) Hugs, hugs, and more hugs - welcome to the family Sarah!
(Gourds & pumpkins were grown in Bob's incredible garden.)

Lindon City Parade

I'm sitting in a conference where the presenter is letting us work on whatever we want. I want to work on my blog. I'm still learning how to post pictures and center text.

I wanted to add these pictures of Johnny during the Lindon City Parade because he looked so good! (This was in June.)

OXFEST 08

There are a few things I want to add to my blog, but tonight it's about OXFEST 08 - my family's reunion in Moab over Labor Day weekend. My parents rented 5 condos in Moab, all part of Moab Springs Ranch. It was a gorgeous location and we had a blast! We only wished it could have lasted longer. My 2 sweet grandmas (G'ma O turns 94 in November, G'ma B just turned 88), my dearest Auntie Kathy, my parents, my 7 siblings and their families all came (minus 2 nephews). There were 37 people!

John & Jake on Porcupine Rim Trail

Saturday morning began with a delicious pumpkin pancake breakfast (our food assignment). John & Jake did a serious bike ride. Jyson went with all the young cousins rafting down the river (thanks Uncles Aaron, Eric O, Eric M, Matt, & Chris for taking him). McKelle and my 2 nieces, Morgan and MacKenzi, (all 3 are 17!) did some sleeping and shopping. I hung out with my mum and sisters.

MacKenzi, Morgan, & McKelle

Sunday, we went to church in a Moab ward. In the afternoon, a big group hiked to Delicate Arch. It was warm and humid when we started the hike. There were a few sprinkles as we hiked. Delicate Arch was beautiful. The rain started coming down harder. The wind picked up. We were freezing, so we didn't spend much time at the arch . We started the hike back and of course, the rain stopped. It was perfect weather on the return hike.

Sunday night we gathered as a family. My brother Paul & his wife Anastasia had just returned from 2 years in Benin, Africa with the Peace Corps. They had an amazing slide show about their experiences, travels, and projects. There were a lot of people that benefited from their service. After their presentation, my niece Maya (on the keyboard) & my brother Eric (on the guitar) did a musical number. My brother Marc and his wife Mitzi also sang a song a capella. I loved it all.

Jyson - ready to ride! (Can you tell his dad is over-protective?!)

Monday morning, John took Jyson on his first "real" mountain bike ride while we packed up. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone. We all decided we want this to become an annual event.

You're looking at our 2008 Christmas card photo!

(Note: the matching shirts (OXFEST 08) were created by my brother Marc.)