Goin' to the Temple and We're Gonna get Married

"We're" being my brother-in-law and new sister-in-law, Ben and April. I am sure there are plenty of people out there that could say the same thing, but I couldn't be happier for them. They are seriously (as far as I can tell) one of the best made couple for each other. I told April's parents, that if I could of conjured up a wife for Ben, I think I would have thought up April. They are perfect for each other and it so fun seeing him with his new wife. She is just darling and I am so glad she can now call herself a Humphrey.

Ben and April right outside of the temple doors.
The Siblings. (l-r) Emily, Ben, Phillip and John

The Humphrey clan (minus the kiddos). This picture was important to my in-laws because all of their children are now married. So, this was a picture with their family and all the spouses.
Me and Phillip taking the pic ourselves...there is only so much you can do when you are holding the camera at arms length...
Phillip and I were able to fly to Utah, with Ella in tow, and make it to their wedding on January 2, 2009. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was so much fun for me to be able to go inside the Salt Lake Temple for the first time. It is such an amazing temple! It is absolutely beautiful. I can not believe what the early Saints had to go through to build something so breathtaking. I was truly amazed.

The Salt Lake Temple

I was super lucky 'cause Whit and her family were visiting Spence's family for the holiday's so they could watch little Ell-Bell while we were at the temple and taking pictures afterward. Thank you Whit and Spence!! You are lifesavers...and speaking about lifesavers...I have to thank my parents publicly for watching my boys while we were away. Not only is that a huge feat in itself, but they were both quite ill the whole time. Really we couldn't have planned it worse for them. I am so grateful that they were willing to take them even though they both felt like crawling into bed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We wouldn't have been able to make the trip without your help.
After the ceremony we were able to go to the Lion's House for the wedding breakfast. It was so much fun! I had never been able to eat at the Lion's House before and boy was I in for a treat. The food was amazing and so yummy! We were a bit late walking in because we had to travel to get Ella, so we were saved a couple of seats with Ben, April, April's parents and my in-laws. It was so fun to get to know April's parents. They are such sweet, good people.

A picture of the mountains. Aren't they breathtaking?

After the luncheon we were able to visit one of my best friends from high school. I don't get to see her very often and so I was super excited. We decided to hang out at her house and eat some pizza for dinner. I was able to meet her little Brixton and see her oldest daughter, Ashlyn. They are both amazing little people. Her little guy is only about 6 weeks younger than Ella. He is such a mover!! I couldn't believe how quick he is. You can tell he is all boy. Her Ashlyn is such a doll, as well. Her hair is so long and beautiful and she was so sweet to Ella. We had a great time and I just wish that we lived closer. The whole while we were chatting big beautiful flakes of snow were falling. It was so beautiful. It really hasn't snowed here in Stillwater this season so I was excited to see it...little did I know that snow, a little rental don't mix...oh, and I super-steep drive. We were all ready to go home and had my verrrry tired Ella packed into the car and we couldn't get out...seriously. Phillip tried and tried. Finally after many failed attempts we called for Michelle's wonderful husband, David, to bail us out. He even had to try upwards of about 6 times. Finally, we were on our way...slowly but surely.

Me and Michelle in the snow right before we left.
A picture of Ella in our hotel room. She insisted I put on her hat and gloves. She thought she was so funny.

Our next and final stop was my grandparents home...after a tiny bit of Utah shopping (for those of you who live out of Utah but love the shopping know what I mean). It was so much fun to be able to visit my grandparents...even for a tiny bit. My Grandpa and Grandma B (as they are affectionately called by my sister's and my kids) were so welcoming and we hadn't been to their house for a few years so it was such a treat. My Grandma was able to show us parts of her newly renovated kitchen (it looks beautiful Uncle Nate!), watch a movie (of course!!...but I think Whit and I were the unfortunate two who blew out her infamous popcorn maker), and just visit. We also were there to go to church with them and see my Grandma in action in the Nursery. She went from the RS pres to the Nursery leader with my Grandpa and they are both fantastic. My Grandpa couldn't make it due to a cold that won't leave him alone. It was so much fun and they were so hospitable. I just wish that we could have stayed longer and could visit more often.

A picture of our little Ella. She loves the camera and will walk around holding it saying "cheese".

We were able to caravan down to my grandparents with Whit and Spence. We invited Ez into our car and he was super excited...this was his cheesy grin.
Grandpa B and Ella playing on the floor (isn't he a good Grandpa?!)Georgia, Ella and Ezra taking a bath at Grandma's. Mmm-mmm they love to drink dirty bath water.My Grandpa and Grandma Blanchard and Ella. I decided I had to have a picture with them and Ella...even if Ella was so tired and angry.
We then flew out bright and early the next morning (a 6:00 a.m. flight...eek) and were able to pick up our boys who we missed dearly.
The next Saturday Ben and April had an open house at the Noble Library. My mother-in-law had it decorated beautiful and can I tell you about the food?!! It was amazing!! My mother-in-law really outdid herself. There were the yummiest appetizers and desserts. Mmmm-mmmm!! My mom was able to ride down with me and my family as well, and that was fun. She is always so great to support my other family. Again, I was able to visit with April's parents and it was such a treat to be able to introduce my mom and boys to them. We had a fun night and it was great to be able to celebrate a beautiful marriage. Congrats Ben and April!! We love you!!

Cooper at Ben and April's open house

Greyson and Phillip at the Open House

Miss Ella on the run. She decided that she didn't want her picture taken that night and was being a bit of a pill. :)

My family with Ben and April after we were all ready to go home.