This was how the first few hours went.....
But then we started smiling
And this is at midnight....shew!
All the girlies with their Minnie purses.
Drew doesn't look like it, but we were all so thrilled to have Todd join us the second day.
The girls went to lunch with the princesses.
And my freshman roomie Larson dropped by the park to say hi. Love you, sister.
And this is on the way home....they were done!
The next weekend we went to Denver to visit Todd's sister Erin and her husband Sverre - we don't have many pictures of our activities...but let it be known that we went on an 11 mile bike ride that was "downhill the whole way".....and my legs almost fell off. Does anyone know where I can buy some leg muscles?
We came up with some sweet costumes for their ward Halloween party. Sverre was a used car salesman from Alaska.
Audrey was a "fancy lady" but I think she looks a little like a "lady of ill repute".
Then we returned from our western US travels and celebrated the actual Halloween with our friends the Allemans. Drew was a cowboy this time around and Audrey was a lovely butterfly.
The next event was Audrey's FIFTH birthday. Holy Smokes. I can't believe she's 5. She is full of it and we love her so much. She wanted a butterfly party and the dollar store came through for us.
Isn't she a beauty?
We had a little science lesson and had the party goers go through the life cycle of a butterfly.
Eggs
Caterpillars
Chrysalises
Breaking out....
And.....BUTTERFLIES! (This picture made me laugh....I thought it was a really good silly face pic)
They worked really hard on decorating their wings and they turned out really cute.
Happy Birthday, big girl.
Audrey started "real" ballet this week. It makes me feel like such a novice because I know nothing about real dance. She loves it and looks adorable in her uniform.
We went to This Is the Place Heritage Park a few weeks ago with my little brother Clay, SIL Steph and their kids. The leaves were SO beautiful.
If you know our girl, you know this is a huge accomplishment....she's petrified of animals.
Parker and Drew...it was an emergency.
And here are a few unrelated pictures that I found that I have never posted on here.
The Dimonds, Wrights, Thompsons and us on our last night in Ann Arbor....loving up Washtenaw Dairy. We miss you, Ann Arbor people. Love ya.
Audrey and her adorable friend Jade . Look at those cute faces. 
Last visit to the farmer's market.
Park City Outlets with the Nelson cousins...$0.47 hats all around.
We've been practicing for the cover of Vogue....what do you think? Her nostrils kill me.
Raking with Daddy.
A hike to Cecret Lake at Alta. So pretty.
Lizzie pulling a trick on her dad. Good one!
Audrey taking pictures of us at the Alpine slide.
We love you, Lizzie girl!
One more update on our emotional state....lots of people have asked me how Audrey and Drew are coping. My best analogy is it's a little bit like they lost their favorite toy. Every once in a while they remember she's gone and they say cute things like "How many days until Jesus comes so Lizzie can come back alive?" and when we pass the cemetery where she is they always say "Hi, Lizzie!" The other day it was "Hi, Baby! Have fun with Heavenly Father!" I love it. They are so sweet about her. Drew was looking at a picture of her on my nightstand and he said, "I wish I could get in that picture with her." And then he skipped away. So, they remember her and they miss her, but I think they are too young to be heavily grieving. I'm grateful for that.
Todd and I continue to be amazed by the support we have all around us and the service and love that people have shown us. Seriously in awe. The "wagons" I mentioned in a previous post are still tightly around us and we only hope we can remember to be those "wagons" for other people in the future.
My heart still aches and oh how I miss my baby, but due to everyones prayers we are doing ok. Thank you all, we love you.
