Another visit to Pocatello

Oliver and I got to visit my family in Pocatello again. It was a splendid week and a half of family, celebrations, sunshine, and fun.

The Allens were also there, so we got to spend time with them. The boys were all so good to play with Oliver. We also got to see Chris' mom for a minute before we headed up to Pocatello. Mom threw Sierra a fabulous shower (unfortunately I'm lacking in pictures of its splendor). It was a lot of work and we were a little tired by the end of it, but it turned out great. We love Sierra and are excited she's a Thomas now!

I just fall more and more in love with Cora. It was so fun to spend time with this sweet girl. She's getting so big and we love her little personality. Unfortunately, Brit had to go to Dallas the Monday after we got there. So we only saw him for a couple of days, but we love him. These Thomas grandbabies are pretty adorable, if I do say so myself.

More fun with cousin friends. Sweetest Carter seems much too grown up. He's such a good talker. We love him! I was spoiled and got to have a fabulous massage from Mary. While mom was watching Oliver, he managed to get lipstick all over his face (seen below). Silly boy.

Oliver loves Asher. Ash is so sweet to crawl around with him. They are the cutest of little pals. 

Oliver also loves Max. They were playing, and Oliver thought he was the funniest thing. 

One of my favorite traditions is Sunday night band concerts in the park. It was fun to have Oliver with us this year. I remember last year sitting in a camp chair at one with my parents. I remember having my big pregnant belly and dreaming about that baby boy to come. I thought of how I would like to bring him to Pocatello for the band concerts. It was fun to reminisce and joyful to have my boy there with me.

We got to see some Boyce cousins and Scott and Teresa. It had been way too long, so it was so good to see them. Cory and Janae came with their girls! We met sweet little Quinn. I didn't get a picture of her, but she's adorable with her dark hair. Russ and Rikki stayed the night with us. Avery's birthday was on Monday! We spent it with her at Bear Lake and had such a fun time. That morning as Rikki was doing Brooke and Avery's hair, she decided Oliver needed a pony tail too! He would be such a cute girl :)

Fun at Bear Lake. I love the shallow water here. Oliver just crawled and splashed and had a great time in the sand.

On the way home, mom and I got root beer ice cream cones. Mom gave Oliver her cone (just the cone) and he was loving it. 

We spent an evening up Scout Mountain. I love this tradition. Everyone had a great time. 

Grandma has this cutest bench on their deck. We loved posing Oliver in it.

Pictures of Oliver and Cora. He loves her and wanted to put his forehead against hers.

The big event was Brady and Sierra's wedding in Idaho Falls. I was so grateful we got to be there and spend the day celebrating with them. It was such a treat to be in the temple with them for the sealing. They are so great together, and I'm sure will have a wonderful life together. The wedding meant we also got to see lots of Thomas cousins. We met baby Nora, who is the perfect little pixie. We alsosaw Shay, Carly, John, and Quinn. They are cute kids! It was a fun day of festivities. Addie and I missed our husbands, but we represented the family. The luau that night was a party with delicious food and great entertainment. It was so fun! Congratulations to Brady and Sierra!  

Another band concert. Oliver and his many faces.

Oliver and Cora being so sweet together. They will be the best of friends.

More Oliver in Grandma's adorable grandkid room. Why is she so fabulous? 

We joined grandpa in Malad for lunch before heading to Salt Lake. Oliver will miss him, and me too (of course).

 The last hurrah was going to the Ogden temple open house with my mom before we flew home. It was so beautiful and we had a good time. We got a little rained on, which made it memorable. Oliver enjoyed the temple, especially the chandeliers and all the paintings of Jesus. A shaved ice was the perfect conclusion to a lovely time.

We're so grateful for grandma Jan getting us to Pocatello for another delightful trip. We had such a good time and made many memories. We love grandma and grandpa! Until next time Pocatello.