Deep Thoughts.... by Ella

Ella often throws me for a loop with her deep thoughts or questions. I just hope I can respond with the right message at the right time!

Last night, I went to tuck her in and she was very upset. There was a picture of Jesus next to Dylan's bed. She was frustrated and yelled out "You and dad have all seen Jesus, but I just haven't!" I said, none of us remember seeing him, but the more we live like him, the more we see him with our heart. Oh I hope that made any sense to her! I testified to her that Jesus loves her and knows her very well.

Then one day I heard her ask her friend, "Do you think you'd rather live here on earth as a 4-year-old or be up in heaven with Jesus?" Um, not the usual chit chat among friends at her age, but a good thoughtful question.

For awhile, Ella was really fighting us about going to church and so on Sunday Eric said, "We need to do something about you and church." Ella quickly responded, "DADDDDDDDD, don't worry about that. I like church. Just stop worrying!" Well, OK...

Zach and Alex's Wedding

Eric's best friend and youngest brother got married May 15 in the Salt Lake City temple. I always knew I'd better like Zach's wife because we'd be chatting lots while the boys ran off together. Luckily, Zach picked Alex! Whenever Eric and Zach are together, nobody else exists. They have so much fun together and have been a wonderful support to each other over the years. We have loved having Uncle Zach come to visit and now look forward to having Aunt Alex with him.

My kids think Zach is their hero, always bringing with him good food, visits to amusement parks, the ability to fix or improve any computer and lots of laughter with their dad. So, it was no surprise they were a bit sad to see Zach get married and have to share him. But, luckily we love Alex just as much. WHEW!

Thursday we had the blessing of going through the temple with Zach and Alex. Their wedding celebrations started with the boys heading to shoot arrows and hit a sushi bar... Steve, Eric, Greg, Zach and some friends. I have no pretty photos of that activity to post!

Then Liz hosted an amazing dinner Friday night for both families. Everyone enjoyed adult conversation. Becky found three great babysitters for us. Dylan fell in LOVE with one of them, begging her to come back the next day. He still asks for his babysitter Kristen. So we will have to visit her next time we are in Orem too!

Saturday was a perfect day with their wedding sealing in the SLC temple and beautiful weather. My sister Katie and her husband Scott watched Dylan and Ella outside the temple, so they are in lots of our photos too! Zach was cool, calm and collected the whole time. I've never seen him happier. I'm so happy for you Zach! After the temple, we had a nice Lewis kids brunch at the Joseph Smith building.

Saturday evening was a beautiful backyard reception. It was a cool evening near the beautiful mountains. The atmosphere was perfect. The kids had plenty of room to run around and play while the adults enjoyed yummy food. Alex's family owns a catering business so there were lots of yummy foods to sample. The Lewis cousins had so much fun, even while all dressed up.

During our Utah visit, we got to catch up with Derek and Mary in town from Switzerland.And we also got to meet Karly's main man James.
Besides seeing the sealing in the temple, one of the best parts of the trip was how much fun the Lewis cousins have together. They are all so close in age and had several sleepovers. Bernice and Ella are only three weeks apart, so they were together 24/7. They dressed up in makeup and had so much fun together. Ella thought she was in heaven. In fact, she cried all the way to the airport!

Dance Queen

Ella's final dance recital was so fun to watch. She loves to dance and grew in her confidence this year. She was in three dance performances, her favorite being the hokey pokey! Two of her best friends came to watch, Alexa and Claire. And she had her family and grandparents in the audience. Ella, you put on a great dance show!