Emery's First Day of Preschool

Emery started preschool on September 8th. She LOVED it. She couldn't wait for it to actually start and loves going every week still! I cannot believe she is old enough for preschool. She's growing up too fast.

I called my mom on the way home and told her it is a good thing Jill is her teacher or I probably would have bawled. Emery was so excited she didn't have any reservations about going!

(Side note-Kenzie came 4 days after this picture).

We went the night before and bought her backpack and let her choose it.

Enjoy the Journey.

Emery's First "Fieldtrip"

We joined Jill's preschool class for a fieldtrip to also help drive. We went to a pumpkin patch and it was fun! E was a bit crazy & so ready to be done by the end but it was one of the only "Halloween-ish" things we did this year.

She loved playing with the kids since they were older and thought she was so big!

Jared's cousin Kara's little boy Nigel is in Jill's class so Emery especially enjoyed getting to play with him there!

Enjoy the Journey.

Three Years

I have no idea where the last three years went. I'm so happy that I made the decision to marry my best friend, it is the best one I have made. Jared is there by my side NO. MATTER.WHAT. He truly is my better half and makes me want to be a better person every single day.

Here are a few of the life changing events from the last three years. I'm so glad I got to go through them with him.

A trip to San Fran. and a move from Rexburg to Lehi.

My completion of student teaching and being officially done with college.

First anniversary, we were both sick in bed and 7 months pregnant.

June 11, 2012 Emery Kate was born.

First "holiday season" as a family of 3.

Second anniversary.

Jared's Graduation from BYU

First "real" job.

The girlie's first birthday!

A move back to Lehi.

Granma's funeral.

Christmas 2013

March 2014

 I'm so thankful for the memories that we make together everyday and his support in all that I do. I'm thankful that we don't have to ever say "goodbye" again. I'm most of all thankful for the decision we made to get married in the temple and that he is mine for eternity. I'm truly blessed.

Enjoy the Journey.

The Little Things

When I went to college Granma gave me the majority of her jewelry as it has always been a favorite of mine. Whenever I went to her house I got to get it out and play with it, put it on, rearrange it, sort it by color, etc. She had an abundance of clip on earrings that I knew I would never wear. I took them and made them into rings and now I go through phases of wearing them (I wore them all of the time then and just pulled them out again the other day for the first time in a year and a half). I'm so thankful for the little things in my life that show up and remind me of her. Sometimes it a look from Emery, a piece of jewelry that she gave me, her picture in our living room, little decorations throughout our home that were things in her home-not important or prominent things-but hers. I'm so thankful for all that she taught me. For the love that I always have felt from her, her support, and for the promises that she made me in her final days on earth. All of these things have made her passing and the months since easier. She'll always be one of my absolute favorite women and greatest examples. 

I love you Granma, and miss you everyday.

Enjoy the Journey.

Graduation

Jared graduated from BYU! He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Economics with a minor in Business. I'm so proud of him!

It was just too long for her to stay awake. And the entire time my parents were here that weekend she only wanted my mom. [bittersweet]

After leaving Commencement we ran into my cousin and his wife! It was fun to see them!

Thursday evening we had a BBQ with family to celebrate. Kathy left her water bottle and it was the favorite toy for the rest of the night.

Alumni Pres

President and Sister Samuelson

Right before convocation

Emery walked across the stage with her daddy [barefoot and all]. Everyone thought she was adorable.

We had lunch at the park.

When we met the president we got coupons for free ice cream at the creamery! It was yum-o!

We felt extremely blessed by all who supported us during our time as college students! It is weird to think that chapter of our lives is done [at least for now...]

Saturday morning we went yard selling and my dad had Emery from 7:30-11ish. She did awesome with him! I was so thankful not to have to take her out and put her back in all morning! We found some good things too! :)

Enjoy the Journey.