book signing

Kazia, Kelsey (yes- they are twins) Linds, Aunt Marcia and Sini

 My cousin Kelsey told me about Markus Zusak, who wrote 'The Book Thief' (on my list of favorite books) and 'I Am The Messenger' coming to the Provo Library to speak. But it turns out that you had to have a Provo Library card to get tickets. Later Kelsey told us she got extra tickets and invited Linds and I to go! How exciting!

 The cards make sense if you read 'I Am The Messenger'.

 Five hundred people came to see this guy speak! And he flew in from Australia. I love an Australian accent.

 Anyway, he had some really funny stories and great advice to writers. He even answered questions from the crowd.

 We waited in line for an hour to get our books signed. (I know.)

I've never done anything like it- it was pretty fun! Thanks to my cousins for giving us tickets.

Afterwards I took Linds to her first Indian food excursion at the Bombay House since it was across the street. Yum. We got stuck in a late night traffic jam on the way home, but it was so fun hanging out with my sister that I hardly even cared. :)

Lincoln's 2nd

We had family over for Lincoln's 2nd birthday. He was very excited to have cousins there and everyone interested in him. And apparently I like to throw a party? I mean, it can get stressful, but I love planning it out and having everyone there and not cleaning until everyone leaves. And then I like to clean it all up and put it all away so I have my normal little tidy house again. Adam probably hates it. "Guess what? We're having everyone over AGAIN!" 

Here's an actual conversation we had late Sat night- it's hard prepping for a sunday dinner when you get out of church at 4:00! 

Me: "Do you want to be my assistant?!" (The false optimism was definitely in my voice.)

Adam: "No, I want to go to sleep."

Me: "Oh, okay."

And that was that. 

But Sunday he helped with whatever I asked when he wasn't in meetings. What a gem.

Brian and Adam

We had fish tacos with all the fixings. We actually grilled more chicken that fish because I know it's not everyone's fav, but I've been obsessed with fish tacos lately. And of course, the kids had cheese quesadillas.

Tanner Ham 

It seems I never cook Mexican, so it was fun for a change!

Estacia, Eric, Michelle, Baby Melora, Mike, Linds, Baby Will, Ollie and Elli

Elli drinking her bottled rootbeer.

Megs, Scott and Christie

Banana cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. 

I just love the hustle and bustle in the background...

Linc was so cute with his cake. 

Listening to everyone sing to him...

He seems too little to be two!

And of course we had to relight the candles... a couple of times. 

His first taste of frosting...

 ... then a couple more fingers to taste...

 (I showed Ollie his face in these pics and he said, "I know." Which means, I'm pretty sure he was posing for the cameras like this... stinker.)

 ...then both hands... (Ollie's face!!)

 rainbow cake

 This was pretty fun to make- lemon cake, with lemon frosting... sooooo very sweet. But fun right?

 

the happy birthday boy

 Adam thought a new scooter was the perfect present since he's always on the go. I wasn't sure if he could do it himself, but of course he can. How does Adam always know the perfect gift for them?

 party masks

 Linc hardly ate any cake, but he did steal a couple of cousin's mini chocolate bunnies.

What a great day!