Baby Lily

My brother Brad and his wife Rachael had their little baby girl on August 4th! Lily Rae. And for real- she is the most adorable baby of all time. No joke. I am in love with this little girl! I wish I didn't live so far so I could snuggle her whenever I wanted to.

Lily was born while I was at camp in Maine. I was on a three day campout with the oldest kids. We were in Bar Harbor, this quaint little town with lots of fun shops (and the Timber Tina Great Maine Lumberjack Show- don't be too jealous). We had just got into town and I was checking my phone messages- I had terrible reception all summer. I had a message from Bradley that Lily had been born, and I started crying! I was so so so happy! But sad, too- she was due on the 21st, and I was scheduled to come home the 19th. I was sad I wasn't home with my family to celebrate with them. I was feeling a little sorry for myself that my family was all together, and that I was so far away and wouldn't be able to be with them for a few more weeks. But, then I remembered. The morning that she had been born, we got up with the kids at 3am and headed out to Cadillac Mountain. There is a beautiful view out onto the ocean- Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see the sunrise each morning in the United States. And it was SPECTACULAR. So, I felt like I had somehow been a part of that day with Brad and his new little family even though I was so far away. I was the first person to see the sun that morning she was born; even better was that she was born at the same time that I was sitting there watching the sun come up. I'll always remember that... Heavenly Father watches out for us. He gave me a little "Rae" of sunshine when I needed it.

Another one bites the dust

That sounds a little negative. Getting married is a good thing, and should not be compared to eating dust. Nevertheless, that is ALWAYS the song that pops into my head when I attend a wedding. Who knows why, but it is verily true. I went down to San Diego for a few days for my friend Michael Moffat's wedding. Michael and I met in Florida, where we were both missionaries. Did you know that Florida has beautiful sunsets? We got along well in the mission, but didn't really become friends until we had both been home for a couple of years. We ran into each other one night at a friend's apartment in Provo, and became the best of friends. He is one of the best friends that I have ever had. We BFFL's. Best Friends For Life.


He got married to Amanda, who is his match in every way. I adore her, and could not be happier that he finally settled down and... bit the dust. The wedding was perfect- it was very relaxed, which fits their personalities perfectly. I also got to reunite with some friends that I haven't seen in a while, and hang out with Steve and Merr who were perfect hosts. They got me a cake and sang happy birthday to me, and even let me eat cake for breakfast. They're the best. It meant a lot that they took the trouble to remember my birthday. Turning 28 wasn't exactly the highlight of my trip, but it was sure great of them to make it memorable.

I love the San Diego temple. A couple of years ago Michael and I road tripped to San Diego along with our friend Bex and had a lovely time. We were eating dinner at a place near the temple, and while we were standing outside in the parking lot, a homeless guy comes up to us and points to the temple, asking if we know what that building is. We smile kindly, and say "Why yes, we do. That's the temple, belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Would you like to know more about it?" just like good member missionaries should say. He shakes his head and says "Nope, that's the Truck Driver Hall of Fame." NO JOKE. It still holds the record for the best thing I ever heard a homeless guy say. So while taking pictures after the wedding I asked how they got the Truck Driver Hall of Fame to let them get married there. Lucky guy- he catches all the breaks.

Feb. 2008- Bex, Michael, and Andrea pictured with the Truck Driver Hall of Fame in the background.

Cowgirl up!

So the other day, I went to the mall with Haylie and the kiddos. We were having a lovely time, just bummin around and checking stuff out. Well, Emma finds this darling cowgirl hat and absolutely must have it. And, I mean, who can resist that FACE?! The whole time we were at the store, she wore the hat and kept her fingers in her belt loops and was dancing around. As we're checking out, I turn around to find the cherry on top of this ice cream sundae darling girl. She has found these glasses, and is standing there, thumbs still in the belt loops, rocking back and forth to the music, with the sweetest expression of pure joy. Haylie and I cracked up so bad! Emma is so stinking cute, it's not even funny. Simple pleasures- a girl after my own heart... Love her to pieces.

The Narrows

My ward went to the Narrows last weekend, which is in Zion's. Believe it or not, I had never been there. I LOVED it! The weather was perfect- the water was nice and cool, it was sunny but not too hot, and there was little to no wind. Best ever. There were probably about 40 people from my ward there, it was a blast. I really want to take some of my students there. My boss is all about getting the kids out and about; I'm going to make it happen.

We had a lovely time- my ward is really great, I have made some lifelong friends here.


The boys.



The girls.