Thursday, August 20, 2009

"My Best Friend's Wedding!"

My friend Brad, who I grew up with in Maine got married last weekend! We have a long history as friends since he is only 5 days older than I am and we were "betrothed" to be married! My family actually lived in his families' basement apartment when we were 4 years old and we were the best of friends! I of course, spent my days chasing him as I was "in love!"

We had so many fun times as we grew up and our families are like family to one another.

Needless to say, I got married young while he was on his mission and I've been waiting for the day when he too would get married! His new bride, Tanja is a wonderful girl who I can't wait to get to know better and it was a beautiful day at the Logan Temple, where Chris and I got married a little over 6 years ago!!!


I love the architecture of the Logan Temple and it's castle-like appearance. It's so beautiful and grand yet simple and stately at the same time. It was the second temple completed so there is so much history there!


I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity of being present at their sealing and witnessing the love and joy that they have for one another. I couldn't help but feel so much happiness and the reassuring peace of knowing that we have both been able to find wonderful spouses. It was one of those moments where you feel everything is as it should be.


The Dalton Family:
Steve, Anne (Mom), Brad, Tanja, Greg (Dad) and Andrew (Missing: Logan- on a mission!)

Brothers-Looking sharp!!!


Mother and son


Father and son

Proud Parents of the Groom
From the temple we went to a luncheon at the Firehouse Grill and enjoyed some delicious salad and breadsticks, pizza, pasta and dessert. We were so busy eating that I failed to get any pictures and I didn't realize that we were literally eating for like 2 hours!!! Before we knew it the Reception was beginning so we hurried on over to that only to see that there was MORE food! I can safely say that WE ATE GOOD!!!
The Reception was held at the Logan Country Club and was absolutely beautiful. Everything was attended to perfectly and it was so elegant yet simple.



The scenery was gorgeous as the sun was setting against the mountains and the golf course.





I couldn't get a good picture of Brad and Tanja cutting and eating the cake but I did get the cake prior to being cut. We were also so full that we didn't even get any cake!



And last of al, as we left I snapped a picture of their honeymoon get-a-way vehicle!!! Right now they're currently basking in the sun somewhere in Hawaii!!! CONGRATULATIONS to a wonderful couple!!! We look forward to many years of continued friendship!!!!


Family Reunion and City of Rocks

Our annual Jones Family Reunion is always the first weekend of August in Almo, Idaho (about 1 1/2 from where we live). It's a tiny little town on the outskirts of the City of Rocks where Chris' mom's family originates from. We woke to a dismal morning and left bright and early at 6:00 a.m. to get there in time to help with breakfast.

Chris was nice enought to pull off to the side of the road a few times so I could take a few pictures:


Although it was a gloomy, cloudy morning I was able to get a few nice pictures. Some of my favorite subjects for photography are old buildings and vintage objects. I love the barn boards below in this old shed.


At the reunion Brady had a blast riding the "train" and on the buggy pulled by the ponies. He went from one to the other for about 2 hours!!!


He was such a good big brother and let sissy have a ride with him too!!


Olivia and I went for a ride on the buggy as well, which she liked but thought was pretty cold! It was the coldest day of the summer!!!

When we weren't busy taking rides, Olivia played pass with her cousin, Ella.
It was a fun day with delicious ducth oven cooking, fun times mingling with family and watching the "young guys" get beat by the "old guys" AGAIN in a softball game!!!
On the way home we took the "picturesque" ride and went through the City of Rocks. I was able to take some great shots which I hope to frame!!!

























What a beautiful ending to a nice family day!!!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

"Minnie Mouse is so beautiful I could almost kiss her!" ~Brady Graf

Olivia got a belated birthday gift in the mail from Aunt Nickie, Uncle Nick and cousins Lexi and Chloe. She loves her new p.j.'s and puppy!!!!