Fun Times in CO and Reasons to Be Joyful

Tyler and I were planning on traveling out to Colorado at the end of June, but our plans got changed...and I'm so excited they did!
My Mom and Dad called and asked if they could fly Ev and myself out early so that we could be at the house to celebrate my sister's engagement. Marissa had no clue she was getting engaged this last Saturday, but my sister's future fiance called and filled my parents in on his grand plan for asking her. Part of the surprise was to have a party with a bunch of Marissa's friends and relatives once they got back to house...hence, they invited the life of the party--Everett. (You thought I was going to say ME didn't you! :)) Anyway, we got to be with Matt and Marissa after they got engaged and hear "The Story" first hand, and admire and drool over the ring (which is AMAZING by the way). So I was SUPER excited to be able to be a part of their special day! Which leads me to my first reason to be joyful...
I can be joyful because:

1.) My sister got engaged! I am so happy for Matt and Marissa. They make such a sweet couple and I am more than excited for them! Welcome to the family, Matt! You fit right in!

2.) Tyler is coming out to be with us in Colorado on Friday! YAY!! I simply can't wait to see him! Everett keeps walking around my parents' house calling: "DaDa?" It's such a sweet thing to know that your son remembers who "his people" are and to even be able to recognize that a key person is missing...for now. :)

3.) I have such wonderful in-laws. Later this week Tyler's family and my family are all going to Winter Park for a special "get away" together. I am so thankful for the family I married into. And it's EXTRA special that my family is also such good friends with Tyler's family.

4.) My little boy has good manners...most of the time. I love how Everett knows how to say please. He doesn't always do it, and most of the time I have to remind him, but I LOVE it when he does it! There is also something very sweet about seeing your kid fold his hands to pray before meals. It melts my heart. And every once in a while he will yell out a loud "Amen!" (only it's baby language so it sounds more like: "Mamen!":)) It may be right in the middle of the prayer at times, but it is something special. 


5.) I get to have a break from cooking. I really do enjoy cooking, but there is something amazing about getting a break from doing the same thing everyday. I am very thankful for the time spent with my family in Colorado and all of it's little joys. :)


I hope you all have a very special week! Keep smiling. :)