Time with my darling boy

What our oldest said in passing two weeks ago:
“I wish one of my friends was available to go to the AJR concert with me.”

What my mind heard instead: “My darling college-age son wants to spend time with
his old lady mom in a few days, so I’d better get purchasing us some concert tickets stat.”

Even if Campbell had to send me four or five AJR songs so that I could learn them
for Saturday night, we still had the best time. At least I did. Because there is no one that
I know that is more hilarious, more full of energy, more in love with music or has a more
incredible voice than Campbell Allen. Boy did I love being with him on Saturday night.

I’m so grateful for that oldest boy of ours and that I get to be his mom. I’m forever the luckiest.

Another year of magic

It was my second year in a row of doing the photography for @illumedancecompany and
their magical production of Narnia. It is one of my favorite jobs the entire year, hands down.
Oh I love capturing photos of talented people and stunning live art. This dance company,
these amazing performers and this gorgeous backdrop…I kind of loved it a lot.

 

Our Narnian elf

This most amazing little dancer is participating in our favorite @illumedancecompany’s production
of Narnia again this year and oh my I love it. It is just beyond magical. As is our Gracie girl.
Seeing her pure joy on stage makes me teary every single time. I’m so grateful for nights like tonight.

Amusement park fun

I had the best evening last night with these brave little loves who rode roller coaster after roller coaster.

First round of braces for this little darling done

 

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.