Our Mexico trip

I'm just so thankful for the company Jacob works for, his wonderful coworkers and their fabulous
spouses and a few days to truly relax and enjoy some downtime. Also so grateful for my handsome
husband, my darling kids who are just so amazing and good to each other and especially our Campbell,
who selflessly took multiple days off work to take care of his siblings and make the time happy and fun and
safe--and far more enjoyable than if those pesky parents had been around. I really am just so very blessed.

This very day

Jacob and I just returned from Mexico (a trip so kindly gifted by his company and with many of his coworkers) and it was beyond wonderful. I definitely want to share more photos tomorrow. But in the meantime, this picture touches my heart.

Because just this morning, Jacob and I attended church in this building. Alongside the most incredible and light-filled brothers and sisters of ours. And I was just overwhelmed with happiness.

But what made me get emotional and start to cry toward the end of our meeting, was the thought that we were worshiping our Savior, taking His sacrament, hearing testimonies of Him and singing about His incredible goodness...in the same language as our Annie was this very day.

Oh I love our missionary girl. And the gospel of Jesus Christ. And Spanish and Mexico and good people and my husband and a wonderfully generous trip that meant a lot to me.

But mostly my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I just really, really love Him.

Always my reminder...

...of just how much God loves His children.

Memorial Day

Just so grateful for these fabulous people. They are kind and funny, athletic and happy, caring and brilliant.
And just plain good. As I’ve mentioned once or thirteen times, being an Allen is a really great gig.

Also so thankful this Memorial Day for those I know who have died serving our country. I’m just so
overwhelmed by their sacrifice for each one of us. They are heroes in every sense of the word.

Dance recitals and darling girls

Grace had her dance and musical theatre recital last Saturday and honestly, I was not prepared
for how much Grace has progressed as a dancer. It made me emotional watching how she
lights up when she performs. I'm grateful for this beautiful girl and what brings her joy.

Track meets and speedsters

I loved watching Nate run in his track meet a few days ago This boy is crazy fast,
works so very hard and has the most incredible heart. Being his mom is seriously the best.

He did it!

So ridiculously proud of our Matt. Tonight was happy and good and lovely and perfect. At least in my book.
So grateful for this incredible-boy-turned-man and the honor of being his mom. He's truly just tremendous.

Matt's senior pictures

It's quite a big week for this handsome, hilarious, brilliant, athletic, kind, hard working,
adventurous boy of ours. He's so wonderful and good. And more full of life and genius
information than anyone I know. When I think about this fall, I feel so sad for me.
And so incredibly happy for him. That University of Utah is one lucky school.

I was so thankful to be able to take his senior pictures. And while I partially wish they had
been taken by a professional photographer, I loved this time with my boy. And always want
to do my best to listen to my kids when they express a preference and I can make it happen.

Love this Matthew Davis more than I could ever put into words.
Being his mom (and amateur photographer) is truly the coolest job ever.

Seminary graduation

This fabulous group of kids graduated from seminary last night. They are tremendous
and good, every single one of them. But that guy all the way on the left is my favorite
for sure. I'm so proud of him and this really wonderful accomplishment.