Capitol Adventures

^^ The gorgeous view from the stair of the Capitol. ^^

^^ I was watching close and stepped away to take a quick picture, but Brooks was a sweet worried brother of Ava on the stairsBaby Ava!! You be care-foo!" ^^

After running some errands in Salt Lake last week, we stopped at the Capitol building on our way home. Goodness that building and land around it is gorgeous! It makes me happy to see autumn linger in the city, especially in such a charming area. Loved walking around with Brooks and Ava (chasing after them too), catching them share kisses, getting cozy with Ava in our sling, standing with Brooks in awe as a helicopter flew over our heads, and then watching our Nation's flag whip in the wind...and as a mother myself, I couldn't help but think of the mothers (and fathers) who have said goodbye to their sons and daughters who leave to serve in the United States Armed Forces.  Makes my mama heart ache and feel inspired at the same time! It's incredible, the sacrifices the veterans of our country have made. I know Veteran's Day was last week, but and Thank You Veterans--you and your families.

Far better things ahead...

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Yesterday was a historic presidential election. It's bitter-sweet to confidently cast your ballot, and then not have it turn out the way you had hoped. Yet I know many people reading this are ecstatic with the results...just another reason I love the United States, we can have different opinions and political parties, state those openly, and still get along and gain from our relationships with each other. :) All that being said, no matter the outcome, and under any president, Adam and I will still be the leaders in our home. Together, we are teaching our children good morals, to work hard and have integrity, and to follow in the Savior's footsteps by treating others with kindness.  The future is as bright and good as we make it. I know that I have the choice to make every day better than the last, for myself and my family. Like the brilliant C.S. Lewis said, "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."  President Obama has quite the responsibility on his shoulders...and you can be sure we'll be praying for him to be guided as he makes crucial decisions that will affect this and future generations.

I'm so grateful to live in this beautiful country! God bless America. 

freedom

Last night we were lucky enough to go to Stadium of Fire at BYU! We went with some of Adam's family and celebrated Scott's (my father in-law) birthday, Happy Birthday Dad!!!

It was a gorgeous (and ridiculously hot) night...the performances and firework show were all phenomenal. I'll share more about it all tomorrow :)

But one of the parts that really struck me was the fly over by four armed forces jets. It was AMAZING and so powerful!

I'm SO grateful for the men and women that serve our country today, and for our founding fathers who sacrificed so much to give this beautiful country its freedoms.

I'm proud to be an American. And I'm grateful we get to raise our family here!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!