Because I Hated Waiting . . .

Ben and I had to wait a long time to see our engagement photos. Then, the day we did get them, I cried because I didn't like them.

And then my brother backed into my car. In the driveway.

A few months later, he backed into my sister's car. In the driveway.

So, because I hated waiting, I'm giving Felix and Eliana a sneak peek at their pictures.

I would like to reiterate the I am not a professional photographer. Like you don't already know that! This couple is much cuter than any image I could ever capture.

Here ya go kids! Hope you don't cry and Adam doesn't back into your car.

3 Years and A Dude

Ben and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary today. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. Just ask my dad. According to Paul, Ben pulled me out of the gutter. In celebration of my salvation, I thought I would share so of the awesome things have happened in the last three years.

Our cutie first born arrived and changed our lives forever.

We had lots of time for fun trips to Idaho, California, Florida, Vegas and "The Cabin" (We love the Earls). Six Disney trips in 3 years? Not Bad.

Ben acquired his very own ATV helmet that we call the Dumb and Dumber Helmet.

We've only had to spend 6 nights apart, 4 of which were when I was in the hospital recovering from my C-Section.

I finished up my BA at BYU. Finally.

Ben is inches away from finishing his PhD at the U! Finally again.

We got a king size bed. Truly a monumental event.

We got a king size SUV. A monumental gas bill.

My brother lived through a horrific accident thanks to Ben. :)

We acquired 2 new nephews and 2 new nieces. Only 20 kids total. Holy birthday parties!

I left Ann Taylor and got a job at BMW. An awesome job.

I quit BMW to stay home with Sam and got 2 awesome part time jobs.

Ben grew facial hair. I love it. Sigh.

I found out Ben was an antagonist and let him live anyway.

Ben found out I was crazy and stayed married to me anyway.

Now I'm going to go snuggle with my husband. We both have colds.

P.S. Kara- Marriage is the best!

I Can't Wait For Fall!

Ok, so we just watched "Glee" on Fox. I think I'm in love. I can hardly wait for it to start. Let me tell you why.

First, Jane Lynch. She is seriously one of our favorite actresses. Ever. It all began with "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Two and a Half Men" Every time we see her we love her more. As the hard-core cheerleading coach, she promises to be a show stealer.

Second, Lea Michele. Is she Tracy Flick from "Election"? Is she Gabriella from "High School Musical?" I don't know but I can't wait to find out.

Third, Kristin Chenoweth.  Yup, I IMDbed it.  She's scheduled to be on.  Yippee!

Finally, the music.  Amy Whinehouse?  Grease?  Kanye's Gold Digger?  Oh, my.  And my favorite: "Don't Stop Believing."  Why is it my favorite?  Because at our house we sing "Don't Stop Ben Leaving." I challenge you to not think about that now when you hear the song, especially if you are a fan of Ben. 

Poor Sam.  He's never going to know the correct lyrics to any songs. 

Anyway, here's a musical clip.  I wish the video worked.  You should got to Fox.com to watch the full pilot.  You won't be sorry.  

Camping

We took Sam on his very first camping trip this weekend.  (By camping, we mean sleeping in the trailer and taking daily showers)  

We went to Fremont State Park with my parents, Adam and Giana. Everybody but Grandma, Sam and I went and checked out the Paiute ATV trail while we hung out at camp.   Sam got plenty of outside time which he loved.  He also made a couple of important discoveries

1. Streams 

2. Rocks - Note to mom:  If the bink comes out of the mouth, the rock goes in. 

3.  Sticks - See note from above.

4.  And my favorite

DIRT

Digging.

Sometimes digging leads to falling which leads to this. 

Engagement Photos

For those of you who haven't heard, Adam is getting married. Her name is Giana.  She's adorable.  We love her.  Sam flirts with her.

For some crazy reason they asked me to do their engagements pictures. I'm not sure if they were trying to save money or if they are just plain crazy. Luckily, they were very cooperative subjects and we got some good pictures. They narrowed it down to 25 choices tonight. That must mean they were satisfactory

I'm not sure if I am ready to share them with the world but since many of you will be receiving an invitation anyway I guess a sneak peak won't hurt.  I think. 

Drum roll . . .

Thoughts anyone? 

*** I know Adam's shirt looks crazy online.  I promise the pixels are fine and the pictures should be clear.

I Love This Face.

Sam and I had lots to do last week.  This week we have just hung out at home and played a couple of days.  He is so mobile and busy! He's getting more and more interactive everyday. He's also starting to do funny things on purpose.

Today we played on the bed. I took everything off of it and let Sam engage in some supervised rolling. We had so much fun. The little cutie is learning that when Mom is taking pictures it pays to pose.  I start laughing and clicking more pictures so he just keeps on posing.  He's such a happy dude and is always willing to flash me a cute little smile.   

I love his little face so much that I kiss it a million times a day.

Especially when he's sleeping.

Sigh.

NOTE: You'll see a little mark on his right cheek.  That is evidence from unsupervised rolling. Needless to say, Sam is no longer allowed to sleep on the bed by himself.  Grandma Barlow warned me that this day was coming and she was right. 

Adam's Graduation

So Adam graduated last Friday from UVU in Accounting.  We were all very proud and happy to attend.  Ok, Sam may not have been happy to attend and Ben may not have been happy to have Sam attend.  Ben said it was like holding a bag of cats.  Oh wait, everyday holding him is like holding a bag of cats.  

Anywho.  Adam.  

Here are some pictures of the event.  I think a couple of them support my argument that I need a telephoto lens.  (Please Ben?  Please?) It was also at this event that I was informed that I was taking Adam's engagement pictures.  Say what?! This will be an adventure. 

Back to Adam.

Here is little bro walking.  

Here are my parents playing on their phones because heaven forbid a Dannelly have to sit still and wait

Kent and Bethany being Kent and Bethany

Kent being punched by Bethany

Giana, future wife of Adam.  Ben calls her the little Ecuadorito.  She's super cute and we are thrilled to have her join our crazy family.  

And finally, here is the bag of cats himself.