ooootah. or utah, whatev.

well, i am here... again.  Why you may ask? Because Utah is lots of fun in the summer months, being away from our families for longer than a month was too hard to bear (just kidding), Becca was leaving to Jerusalem (just left yesterday--sob!), and Em was going to have a killer awesome birthday bash.  So, instead of coming up in October like I had originally planned, we decided to push it up a bit.  Thus, here I am.  And here's what we've been up to. (I decided I better post these before I get home, b/c all the pictures are on my family's computer).

Enjoy!  

Hot and sweaty Tillie.  I didn't want her to be cold on the airplane, so I dressed her in a long sleeve/pant outfit---but little did we know that it would be so hot upon our arrival!  Sorry, dolly! 

curious to know how she did on the plane? let's just say, when she was asleep---great! 

When she wasn't asleep---not great, AT ALL!  I never knew so many people could give me crusty stares,

 or that I could get SO sweaty in such a short amount of time.  

Cheers to a new chapter of flying airplanes in life.  Who knew it was such an experience!

Tillie Mae loves her Papa Snyder.  I love it when she looks up at who's holding her.  

Becca loves zucchini (or likes to pretend that she does).  Remember how the "Snyder Family Garden" NEVER produces things other than tomatoes? Well, Becca has apparently has a green thumb and resurrected our garden.  It now grows foreign things like basil, rosemary, peppers, strawberries and more! We are all SUPER impressed with her skills.  Who knew you didn't have to BUY things like that?  Not I.  

We hosted a bridal shower for one of Becca's friends and had WAY too much fun with frosting the cupcakes.  

When I get back to Tejas, I am going to invest in meringue powder.  That's the secret to beautiful frosting!

Who knew?!  Becca and I had contests on who could create the most beautiful swirly roses.  I'm sure I won. 

 Although, Becca thinks she did.  Whatev. 

Then, with the leftover frosting, we made wrist corsages applied directly to our skin.  It looked beautiful enough for the prom.  Oh, wait... did we eat it?  Yes, we did get sick.  Gag.  Just thinking of it makes me want to...

beautiful paper lanterns provided by our next door fabulous neighbors, the Gundersons.

 We used them for the bridal shower and then two days later for the next shin-dig.  Keep reading.

Ahh, yes... the next big THANG.  Em's 30th birthday bash.  

I decided to block out the specifics of the party with address and sorts, b/c you never know what kooks are reading.  :)  It was REALLY REALLY fun.  That was the invite.  And here are photos of the event decor.  I've included a few with people, but most of those pictures are on Em's blog.  Special thanks to our neighbors who provided paper lanterns, serving platters, flowers, etc.--not to mention helped to restock the food!  THANK YOU!

we totally think we are Martha worthy.  Whatev.  We know it rocked.

the party princess... miss matilda mae herself, made an appearance.

mom's face says a million things.  "i really don't have time to pose for your picture, but b/c I am nice, I will humor you."  Thanks, mom.

this is how I felt about all the fun!

this is how Lizzy felt about all the fun.  Posin' it up with Maddie Wheadon.  Remember how tall Lizzy is?

And, this is how Becca felt about all the fun.  Going with the flow.  All's good in the neighborhood.  Love this picture.  Love her shoes too.  Oh, and love this girl.  Remember how she is in Jerusalem right now?  Cool/uncool.  (thanks, jesse for the phrase).  Cool that she is having the experience of a lifetime, uncool that she is not here with me now.

incredible cupcakes made by the lovely Jana Gunderson.  She has more talent than we know what to do with!  

And, the cookie jars turned out pretty cute too---if I do say so myself.  :)

let's take a close-up of those cupcakes!  Awesome, right?!

the lanterns all a glow with the pretty twinkle lights.  We were in love with it all.  Special thanks to Becca, who hung most of the lanterns on her own while I was feeding Tillie, and then, per my request helped me re-hang them for the non-clumped look.  She wasn't too happy about that idea, but did it anyway.  You are a trooper and a champ.  In the end, we did like it much better, but it was a bugger to hang them all.

There's my grandma walking and K' holding Tillie.  Good times.

ok, another shot.  Here is a shot of part of the yard and "Joshua Creek" in the background.  Remember Mr. Hinton in Jr. High?  The French teacher?  Yes, that is him and his band doing a sound check.  They were really great!

Tillie loving her other grandparents!  They came early to help with the rest of the setup (and to hold the little diva!).  Thanks!

Us with the beautiful Craig family.  Remember how I have been friends with Sarah forever? And room-mates twice? OH!  and remember how Sarah had her baby hours after this event? What?!  I know!  She had been having contractions for the last few days, and during the party they were 8 minutes apart!  WHAT?!  And remember how gorgeous she is?!  Who looks like that at 9 months?!  No one, but beautiful Sarah.  Golly, she is great.  And, remember how she almost had her baby in the car??  Yeah.  CaaaRRazy!  

p.s. it was cold, so I bundled Matilda up. That is why she looks so strange.

I got to hold lil' Nina Mae!  Ok, she is a total doll face!  Look at her!  I can't decide who she looks like more... Whit or Billiam??  A perfect blend, I say!  It was SOooOOoo good to see Whit (another GORGEOUS forever friend--how did I get such pretty friends?!!) and catch up!  I was THRILLED to meet the infamous little Nina.  She is WAAAY too cute for words.  

Loooved every second of it.

and last but not least, the party queen herself!  Yes, the guest of honor, Miss Emily!  She looked so good!  There were lots of pictures to choose from with her and her guests, but this is my favorite one of Em.  She is awesome and totally deserving of an awesome party.  I am so glad I got to be here and help out with the fun.

Here's to 30 years, Em-dawg!  Lots of love.  Good times ALL around.