Bridget's Blessing

We blessed Bridget the Sunday after graduation while we still had family in town. It was so nice to be able to share that special day with some of our immediate family members. My Uncle Gregg, Aunt Michelle, and my cousin, Brice, also made the drive from Michigan to spend the day with us. We are so blessed with great families and wonderful friends, they all helped to make the day a memorable one.

Bridget was blessed in the blessing dress that both my mom and I wore, so it was pretty special. She was beautiful and was so good during the blessing. We are just so grateful that she is here with us; she is simply a joy to our little family.




Look alike? I think so!





This picture just makes me laugh. I'm the only one looking at the camera amid the chaos!


Much better...

Graduation-Finally!

Here is the official graduation post. It was a wonderful weekend with family and full of celebration. Here are the highlights:

*The week before we attended the Senior Gala. It was a great evening and we enjoyed dressing up (I did anyway), no kids, great friends, and delicious food.

*An awards dinner the night before graduation.

*A visit from Richard's parents, my mom, and my Grandpa Yancey.

*We took our families to MCW so they could see the school and we took pictures of Richard in his cap and gown.

*Graduation, LONG, but very good.

*Dinner at Le Reve. Just about my favorite place to eat.

*Lunch at Mader's. My Grandpa's favorite German restaurant.

Here are the pics...

I Love The Mountains And BYU

I have absolutely loved the four years we have had in Milwaukee. I am delighted that we will be in Milwaukee for five more great years. There are so many things I love about the Midwest and Wisconsin. Yes, I do get homesick at times. Mostly, I wish that we were closer to our parents so they could see our kids grow up and just be around more. But, other than that, when I am in Milwaukee, there is not much that I miss about Utah.

However, I do get very excited to see the mountains when I know a Utah trip is coming up. It makes me so happy to see those big mountains as the plane gets ready to land in Salt Lake City.

Anyway, after arriving in Utah we spent a week in Vernal with Richard's family. After that we drove to Centerville to spend time with my family. We decided to make a stop in Provo (of course) before heading on to Centerville. As we drove through Heber and turned into Provo Canyon I was just so happy to see these big beautiful mountains. Love them, love them, love them. As a side note, can you believe all that snow? I took this picture on June 1st!


The second thing I love, BYU. As we were driving down Provo Canyon Richard and I began talking about the possibility of ever moving back to Utah; the pros, the cons, etc. Right as we came out of Provo Canyon and turned left onto University Avenue Richard said, "You know, it really would be great to come back here. This is where our families are and of course all BYU sporting events". I agreed and then said, "And if we moved back here Bridget could take dance classes at BYU!" As soon as I said that my voice cracked and I got a lump in my throat. I told Richard I was going to cry, he told me I was crazy, and than I really did start to cry! It completely caught me off guard! I really do love Utah, and especially BYU. I had five wonderful years there and it is a great university. So, whether or not we ever make it back to Utah, I will always love those mountains and my alma mater. And now here's a picture of my three favorite Cougars. :)

Marshall and Marshall

While we were in Vernal Richard's best friend growing up, Marshall Paxson, was also in town and stopped by for a visit. It was great to see him. Richard and Marshall enjoyed a good visit and our Marshall sure enjoyed playing with him.

Vernal Wrap-Up

Just a few random pictures taken while we were in Vernal, and there are actually more pictures of Bridget than Marshall, shocking!

All The Things Boys Love

Marshall's week in Vernal consisted of lots of time outside enjoying two tractors, three snowmobiles, and a riding lawnmower. He was in heaven.

Grandpa Bob took him for tractor rides, Richard took him on lawnmower rides, and he just enjoyed climbing on the three snowmobiles sitting in the backyard. What little boy wouldn't love this?!

Bowling

Before we left for Utah we asked Marshall what he wanted to do in Utah. His answer was bowling and golfing. So, while in Vernal we fulfilled one of his Utah dreams and hit the bowling alley. Marshall was so excited. We opted to let him use a ramp instead of bumpers and he did an excellent job. Grandpa Bob was great at lining the ramp up just right to give Marshall the best shot. It was a delightful game and Marshall had a ball. Here are some pictures to document the event.

How did this kid grow up so fast? He looks so big, maybe it has something to do with the tie. :)

I love this picture of the three Leake men watching the bowling ball.

Bridget and I spent most of our time on the sidelines being the cheerleaders.


So focused. Marshall owes his 102 bowling score to Grandpa Bob and his precision.


Grandma Becky and Bridget.

With Marshall's triple digit score we had to take a picture of the scoreboard. Two years old and already breaking 100. What talent. :)