We got to the rental house to meet up with my family and the rest started rolling in. It was so much fun and we all stayed up really late. The kids loved cuddling up with their aunts and getting all the attention. They are the only grandkids so they were smothered with kisses as always. It was so much fun to rent one house together and took turns cooking (although my parents did most of the cooking). I love that my family is still small and young so that everyone can make it on a last minute gathering. We had 3 weeks notice to pull everything together. Even though we knew it was coming, we didn't have a set date until 3 weeks before the wedding. It got moved from June to July and then finally to August. We were glad it finally happened. Dan loves hanging out with my family also because he's a big brother. Everyone looks up to him for advice and although there is pressure there to be a good example, he does love being a big brother to everyone. Oldest and wisest :). My dad loved his Christmas speech and still talks about how proud he is to have Dan be a good example to his other 3 son in laws. No pressure at all!
Cooking is something we really love doing together whenever we get together. We love eating just as much as cooking.
We had a bridal shower for my sister. I got into Utah early enough to put a Date Night kit basket for her bridal shower gift. It included an entertainment coupon book, a nice set of plates, wine glasses, dvd's, popcorn, and some board games. I think I might have to make this a tradition. She thought it was the neatest idea. I might have to make a similar one for Christmas gifts for our parents and Dan and I so we could eliminate all last minute date "what should we do tonight?" planning, etc...
Cousin Dinner
Before we left I sent out a message on the Victor and Phyllis Stevens Family facebook page asking if the cousins on the Stevens side are still getting together for cousin dinners. The reply was great and many people were able to make it, including Dan's uncle Norman and aunt JaNae. That made 3 sets of aunts and uncles in 2 weeks that he was able to see.
This was a big special day for our family. My sister was the last girl in our family to be endowed. When the missionaries baptized my family I don't think they knew that each of us would continue on that path to be endowed and yet here we are sealed and each of us endowed and married in the temple. It was very special to be in the celestial room as a family and looking into each other's eyes and smiling knowing that this was the right choice for us. Dan and I have never done a live session before so the experience was enhanced. 5 years ago we all flew into Utah to be sealed as an eternal family here in this temple. It's very rare to see a Mormon Vietnamese family all sealed. We are unique in that sense.
After all that cooking and eating from the baby shower, Thanh invited her whole in-law family over for a bbq after the endowment. So more cooking and eating. All that eating was very bad for me but the food was fantastic and so much fun to make together. There wasn't a day in the 5 days we were in Utah where the food was not good.
The wedding was scheduled for 2:40 in the afternoon so it was less rushed. Everyone woke up, had a nice breakfast and got to work on hair and nails. My sister wanted me to do her wedding cake so that was what I focused on. I didn't want to wear myself out so this was the best a pregnant woman could do for her sister's cake. She liked it and that was the highlight for me.
With every wedding so far my kids get a nice pretty flower girl dress. Thank you aunt Thanh!
The Day After the Wedding - Seeing extended families
I called up Grandma Evans to tell her we were heading down to Utah. We've been meaning to meet up with her sisters and their family as well and it seemed to be the perfect occasion. We got to meet Auntie Cheryl and Janet. They are some of the sweetest people on earth! Talk about a loving and warm hearted people. Embrace and kisses right from the start! We love them. We met up in Logan, which was a 2 hour drive from our rental home in the south part of Salt Lake, but it was worth it. They made a ton of food and we got to share stories and pictures. Aunt Janet wanted to make some cute baby stuff for our baby boy with her amazing fabric collection. Seriously such cute people!
Amazon Party
We got back in time for the Amazon party which was held at the big football field this year. We had game day type food and the kids got to play on bouncy houses. They got some free toys and we got free t-shirts. We figured with the 90,000 + full time Seattle employees Amazon has, they must've spent millions of dollars on a party like this and to do it twice a year! Geesh!!
When I got back into town my 2 girl friends threw me a baby shower. I had quite a few friends that were able to make it and some sent in gifts and gift cards. Lots of presents for our baby boy and his closet is full of clothes, blankets, and shoes.
Perry the Platypus birthday party
One of Reena's best friends had a party and his mom hired me to make some cupcakes and cake. I'm loving all the practice on cake making!
Happy 10th Anniverary to us!
We celebrated our 10th anniversary this month. It's crazy to think we've known each other for that long. Here we are 10 years later. 2 little girls and a little boy coming in about 5 weeks, a beautiful home to live and grow in. Here's to a happy eternity!
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