day three. your parents.

 i believe every child deserves to be proceeded by a love story. 

but sometimes, things don't exactly work out the way we had hoped or thought that they would. 

mom & richard

my mom and richard dated for 9 years, and were married march 3rd, 2002. 

mamma mia. everyone loves my mom. seriously. i get it all of the time. she is fun- loving and caring. she has the ability to make anyone laugh and feel welcome. she is the life of the party and is the best at taking care of someone when they are sick. she has the ability to laugh through any challenge or disappointment. she's a fighter when she's mad and a lover when she's lovin. she is the kind of mom that will drive you and your friends to vegas on a whim. she is the kind of mom you jump into bed and cuddle with if you have had a bad day or just because. with my mom there is no need to explain yourself, you can just sit. i know that she knows that the church is true and she is accepting of others faults. we have never fought. not about anything regarding us. or something that either of us did. we have never gotten on each others nerves or gotten sick of each other. looking back, i don't ever remember my mom and i not getting along. ever. our personalities have always just kind of meshed. she is beautiful and understanding. i miss her... i wish we were as close as we used to be. i know that she really does love me and wants the best for me.

richard is one of the most generous people i know. he is always willing to share his knowledge, wether it be a math equation or life experience. there are so many precious memories that i have now that were made possible through him... visiting lake powell every summer, stadium of fire every fourth of july, and simply growing up in the neighborhood i did and all of the experiences i had there in that house.

dad & lora

my dad and lora dated for 6 months and were married june 30th, 2001

i have the best dad ever. some would say he is quiet and intimidating, but you just have to know that, that is how my dad is. he isn't a man of many words, but he is genuine. he is soft spoken most of the time, but also can take control and step up as the leader in any situation. he is an influential, looked up to voice of reason; not only in his workplace, but in political service, church callings and in the home. it is not unusual for me to hear things from others such as "your dad is one of my favorite guys in the whole world." he is the kind of guy you want to be around when tragedy strikes. he is rational and dependable. he is everything a boy scout ought to be. trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean & reverent. he is approachable and comforting. the kind of man who's approvable and advice i seek. he loves the lord and teaches his children to, too. when he drags us all out of bed as 6 am every day i am grateful i have that kind of  father. one who wants the best for me, and teaches by example. he is a worthy priesthood holder, and a good husband and father. on top of all of that, he is SO FUN to be with. he makes me laugh so hard and is always willing to play with his kids. i only hope to be more like him.

lora was the puzzle piece that finally matched perfectly with my dad. she is incredibly loyal and steadfast. she has a good work ethic and is always honest. she is a talker-- which works out well with my dad and i being generally quiet people. she has taught me how to communicate better. she genuinely just wants her children to be happy. i have never seen someone who has such a concern for others and their well-being. she is a worrier, but it is just because she cares so much. we clash sometimes, but she is the first to walk down the stairs into my stubborn environment and say sorry. she loves the gospel of jesus christ. she really does. she is such a good mom and all she wants to do is just be a good parent and raise faithful children. she doesn't give herself enough credit... or maybe it's me that doesn't. she is the best friend anyone could ask for, she will stay up till unknown hours of the night and talk to you until you feel better. she is always willing to listen and try to make you feel more at ease. when you get her laughing she has the heartiest most genuine laugh ever. she is beautiful.

i am so blessed to be surrounded by such fabulous people.

 i wish we could all get along.... maybe someday we will.

all you can do is all you can do, and all you can do is enough.

i love you all.

lake powell 2009

my papa took me on a hot air balloon ride for my sixteenth birthday

 my dad-- the outdoorsman 

 this picture looks like it should straight up be a mormon ad for FHE

us just gardening away... 

 daddy daughter date, painting my nails for me :)

babe city!!

headed to jamaica! 

lora & i at the olympics 

 hiking

 beauty!

she is so talented

SLC temple 

"dad quick smile! these flowers are TOO good to pass up." 

 SUCH a cute mommy! totally candid.

 thanksgiving 2010!

up at sundance 

mom and richard--orange county!

 eagle scout

when we went shooting last winter!

 nyc for my sixteenth birthday!

WW2 memorial in nyc

the three amigos....

p.s. i love pictures. get used to long posts.