The Big Day

Sorry for the long posts.
Our family doesn't get to be together as we are spread across
Utah, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and soon California.
It is not an easy task to get us all in one place.
Thanks to Patrice for planning a great weekend.

Elder Winterholler.
He has been my long lost twin since the day he was born.
Just 3 months after me.
He is a special kid that one.
He is the most brilliant clever boy I know.
Together we have thrown Top-A-Raman (as we called it),
pounded on toilets,
road countless "planes" down the stairs in sleeping bags,
built forts,
hid in the back of cars,
brushed our teeth with sour gu,
hunted down giant spiders,
dated each others friends,
been through the channel on a wave runner 1 million times,
ate chocolate until we were sick,
and on and on.
I am not going to miss him - because he is where he is supposed to be.
More than anything I have realized how blessed I am to have the family I do.
We are quirky - that is for sure - but I wouldn't change them for anything.
What other person has a nephew her same age - that is her best friend?
Good Luck Elder Winterholler!
Bill Gates awaits you in Seattle.
The whole clan.

The little ones.
Special three - Michael is sure blessed to have these two for grandparents.
And these two are sure blessed to have him as a grandson.


Strike a pose.
Staples 7 (minus Tiff) and Michael.
I think we had quite the showing.
Winterholler family.
Aren't they adorable?
Picture perfect!
Katie took this picture.
It is so perfect.
It cracks me up.
Just chatting, eating Michelles amazing cookies, and calling baby names.
(I don't like this game - it's not fun for the unmarried sister)

Michael had one last request:
Grandpa had to play the piano.
My Dad (as always) refused because he doesn't know hymns.
So - he went with the rock-n-roll.
My Dad has left the music mark on every one of us.
There is something about him playing the piano that makes ALL of us happy.
I want to remember these moments forever.
My Dad is the quiet leader of our entire family.
No one could be a better Dad and Grandpa than him - it just doesn't happen.
He is always there to offer advice when you need it.
But only when you need it.
He is simply thee best.
Told you she was talented!
Kate and her point shoes.
Ouch!
The brother-in-laws.
How is it that 3 out of the 5 sisters married guys who like to cook?
That is one happy boy!
Derek, one question.
Why are you looking at pictures of yourself on your phone?
Just wondering?

Now if that doesn't make you smile - what does?
Wild pigs - GROSS.
They were just barely over the fence from the Winterholler home.
We were all entertained.
Like Mother - Like Daughter.
Love it.
We spent a lot of time reading genealogy this weekend.
It looks as if I haven't been doing it enough.

And at the end of the day - pooped.
Absolutely pooped.
Again.

Day Three

Michael speaks 9 a.m.
The Staples make a world record by being on time.
Michael gives an amazing talk.
Dylan sings Called to Serve like a champ -we all cry.
Michael is set apart.
I sob.
We all do what families do best - just be together.

As for you Elder Winterholler

The best things in life come in pairs -
and this is one of them.

See ya in two.

Day Two

Dylan loves the pool - and Shammy!
Love this photo!
Dylan is such a sweet boy.
He connects so well with his Mom.
It made me so happy to see their interaction.
Sharisa understands his personality so well.
Being the youngest , I have watched my older sisters become fantastic mothers.
As I watched Sharisa laugh and kiss Dylan I couldn't help but appreciate the example they have all set for me.
I look up to them more than they will ever know.
If you haven't already noticed - Ryan is a model!
His eyes resemble the precious moment statues that sat on my Grandma Staples shelves.
Grandma Staples and Natalie always had a special relationship.
I like to tell Nat that Grandma Staples sent him to her - precious moment eyes and all.
Nat wanted me to take a few shots with my Dad's nice camera.
Here are just a few from his photo shoot.

Ryan talks so much for 1.5 years old.
He makes progress every time I see him.
He can say ANYTHING you tell him to.
But he particularly likes:
to count to 3
to say outside
Papa
Karly
Mom
Again
Nana (Banana)
And No.


Beth is one fireball.
She will be getting baptized this year.
She hates it when people tell her she is small for her age (I do too!).
She is SO grown up.
She is a little flirt.
She has to buy something every time she is in the store.
She loves target.
I just can't help but adore her.

Beth was so nice to her cousin Ella.
Ella literally followed Beth EVERYWHERE.
Except when Beth was "frustrated" as Ella would put it.
My sister Natalie is the queen bee of french braids.
Naturally the girls had to have them for the party.

Ella LOVES the camera.
Elder Winterholler.
Ella is 4.5 - can you tell?
Ella is miss personality - but I still can't quite crack her.
She is one tough cookie - just like her Mom.
After the long drive from Texas to New Mexico where they spent the night - Ella asked her Mom...
So are we going to the airport now?
She was SO over driving.
Oh how I love this little one.
Beth - the wonder girl!

Getting ready for the party.
Moments later - as Natalie and I were preparing food we heard screams from outside.
Little Ryan (1.5) had decided to take a little swim.
This isn't the first time this has happened to our family.
Luckily little Ryan was pulled to safety by Uncle Scott.

D and M
Sharisa and Michael.

Nana and Michael.
These two have a special little bond.
When my sister and brother-in-law were in dental school my parents would take Michael during finals.
Michael dubbed my Mom "Nana" and it stuck.
I will forever be grateful for my sister Patrice - and my Mom for allowing Michael and me to build our friendship.
He is the twin I never had.

BFF...forever....and ever
Kate and her twin.
Lauren is Chris' niece.
We just adore her fun family.
Yummy food - of course!
Mar - just bein Mar.

Ryan loves Papa
Michael and Michelle.
Michelle is adorable and such a good friend to Michael.
Not to mention she makes AMAZING cookies.

Not only is my niece Kate turning into this gorgeous teenager -
but that girl has some hops.
She is a stunning dancer -
and would knock your socks off if you saw her long beautiful dancing legs.
But more importantly Kate has the funnest personality -
the older she gets -
the more fun she is.
But she is also brilliant.
Straight A's for this girl!
I just love ya Kate.You may have guessed Kate has the hops.
But 5'1 Mary gave us all a run for our money.
Once again - the coordinated kid on the play ground.
Note I am taking pictures - I am deathly afraid of tramps.
And by the end of the night we were all pooped!

Cute couple!
And Scott - the ultimate baby saver!

Day Two:
Temple (for some)
Swimming, swimming, swimming.
Party preparing.
Last chance (wahoo!)
Party of the century.
Loving my family.