STEVIE'S BIRTHDAY WITH THE BACH'S

 We LOVE the Bach's.   We were happily surprised when they showed up to take Stevie (and us) out for her birthday.  It's was a double celebration as Dave Bach was celebrating his birthday as well.

The birthday girl (with ketchup on her nose) ordered a BIG burger with extra fries.

 I kept busy with Brady...he wanted to eat EVERYTHING, including the table.

 Brother Bach is always so generous, he let Bubby have his free birthday dessert.

 Knowing that there was still birthday cake at home, Stevie opted for a 'petite' birthday dessert.

 When we arrived home, Stevie was greeted by some cute friends.

 They made her 20 chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

 And THEN we moved into the kitchen for some cake.

 Stevie's deciding what she wanted to wish for...

 And then dove right in for the traditional 'Hutchins Bite'.  

 A true Hutchins through and through...

Thanks again Dave and Ann for making Stevie's birthday extra special.

STEVIE'S BIRTHDAY WEEK (part 3)

Day 3 Stevie opened an elephant ring.  She loves anything elephant because it reminds her of Ben.

 (something relatively inexpensive but of SIGNIFICANT value)

STEVIE'S BIRTHDAY WEEK (part 2)

For the second day of Stevie's birthday week, I kidnapped her from school and took her out to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants. :)  I reserved the table inside the 'vault'.  (The restaurant used to be a bank)

 Brady loved being in a big boy highchair and eating their bread.

It was fun being in our own private room.

 And because Brady can be busy and sometimes loud, I didn't feel bad because no one else could hear us.

 Stevie picked out her birthday dessert...

 Too bad it was SO huge that she had to share with her mom.

 Making a wish...

 It was really good.

 I love this daughter of mine.  I'm still trying to process that I have THREE teenagers now.

Happy LUNCH Stevie...I love spending time with you!

STEVIE'S 13! IT'S HER BIRTHDAY WEEK...

And to start off her FUN week, she got BRAND.NEW.BASKETBALL SHOES!

 I took her to the gym today to play some ball.

 It's fun having kids who can play competitively with me.

 And her new shoes?

She LOVES them!!!  

(and so do I)

GOODBYE UTAH

It was a fast trip, but worth flying out to see so many good people.  It was beautiful and sunny as we were saying our goodbyes to Ben and his family.  We gathered on their porch for a group picture.

 Thanks for hosting us Ben and Joy!

 I packed Brady up and hugged them all goodbye.

 THEN we headed to In and Out with Tina!

A trip to Utah wouldn't be complete without a few trips to some GOOD eats!

Even Brady enjoyed some In and Out goodness.

His favorite though?  The WATER.  Figures. :)

After lunch, Tina took me to the airport and we said our goodbyes.

 And THEN we endured TWO LONG FLIGHTS home.

When we arrived in Chicago, I was paged to the airline desk.  You can't imagine the thoughts that were running through my head.  I have NEVER been paged like that and usually it's not a good thing. Come to find out, there was a young mom with a small baby on the plane that needed some diapers and wipes because she had run out or didn't pack any?  Not sure, but I was more than happy to help out.  I gave the stewardess more than enough diapers and they were SO grateful that they let me be the first to board the plane and pick where we wanted to sit.

We arrived home safe and sound...and it felt really good to be back in my own bed.  It's always great fun to travel, but there is no place like home.

CALEB'S MISSION FAREWELL

I was so privileged to have been able to attend Caleb's special day.  The church was so beautifully decorated, April did an amazing job with all of the details that went into the celebration of his life.  I was so moved when April (during her talk) said that "I'll never get to plan a wedding for Caleb, but I WAS able to plan his 'mission farewell'."  I love her perspective, and I love her!

 It was such a tender day for April and her family, but they were so brave the whole day.

SO many people were there to show their support for the Moody family.  The place was packed.

 Directly after the viewing and funeral we headed down the road for the burial.

This is my FAVORITE picture of April from that day.  It shows that in the midst of HARD things...we can still have joy.  I love her contagious smile and beautiful soul.

Right before the balloons were let go...

Beautiful white balloons floating heavenward.

Emily, April and I...

And some more amazing mom's of special needs children.  What a wonderful circle of friends I belong to.

I'm forever grateful for this dear friend/sister of mine.  

 And I will be eternally grateful that she shared her sweet son with me, especially when I was missing mine so much.

I love you Caleb!

*WINK*

RUTH'S BLESSING

Ruth is the newest grandchild on the Hutchins' (my) side and Zach and Alana's fourth child but first daughter.  Zach was kind enough to wait until the majority of family was present so that he could have us there for the blessing of their child.

It was a sweet occasion, watching Zach bless his beautiful baby girl.  Hard to believe that it wasn't too long ago when I was taking care of HIM.

When the Hutchins' men get together, things can get a little bit irreverent, especially when Drunkle Aaron is present.

At least they held it together for the blessing...

and for the family picture.

(I love how Brady is eating Uncle Zach's shoulder)

We did a couple more pictures,

said thank you to the bishopric member that let us in the church on a week night...

rounded up the kiddos and headed back to Zach and Alana's for some dessert.

 I laugh because Ben (and a lot of other siblings in my family) is SUCH a baby lover.  Both times I have brought Brady out, he tries to convince Joy that they need another baby.

 It so happened that my last minute trip coincided with Aaron's trip out with his daughter Emma.  It was fun seeing Meg and Emma hang out.  (they are Stevie's age)

 I can picture the dialog here..."Joy, PLEASE can we have another baby?"  "Ben, we are DONE!"  :)

 One last picture with the boys...of course Aaron has to be naughty and pull Zach's pants down for the picture.
Oh BROTHER(s)!!!

Family...how I love them!