Chasing family history...

This weekend we went in search of some family history. My mom has done a fantastic job of learning about her family history and has shared it with us over the years. It is amazing, the feelings that come when you learn about your ancestors and see where they lived their lives. My Grandpa Goodwin died 18 years ago this month. I have been missing him so much. It felt good to visit the places that he loved. We had the chance to visit the graves of 3 generations of my Grandparents on my mom's-dad's-mom's -dad's-dad side of the family...

Ephraim K. Hanks (my third great grandpa)
Walter E. Hanks (my second great grandpa)
Thisbe A. Hanks (my great grandma)
Glen Goodwin (my grandpa)
Kaye G. Nielsen (my mom)
Heather N. Adams (me)

The whole way home I thought about them & other ancestors that I would like to learn more about. I know that someday I will meet them all again. I hope to live in a way that would make them proud of the name and heritage they have given me.

My bride (...and her groom!)

Friday I spent the day with this beautiful couple. Brandon and Kat...I wish you all the best! Thank you for letting me practice my photography on you and share in your special day!

School Girl

I can't believe my baby is old enough to do such big-girl things...school clothes shopping, school clothes fashion show...and SCHOOL!! We are having such a great time with our "big" girl. We love you Krissy! (Isn't she too cute???)
*commenters...to protect her I don't want to mention where or when she goes to school...Thanks!

10 Things You Might Not Know About Me

This is my first official entry into the world of blogging. I was tagged by "Chambo", a member of our Bishopric, so I figure I better do what he says. I hope he knows that fulfilling a tag removes my name from the "to-speak-in-church" list for the next few years!! So here goes...

1. Only girl I have kissed is my wife. Oh, and Heather's Grandma Norma.

2. I was stupid enough to ask Heather's dad permission to marry her on a hunting trip, with nothing in between us but his gun...I didn't think that one through.

3. I am a graduate of Brigham Young University. Take that Miss. Greaves.


4. I hate to watch the news, but love to read US Weekly! I find it is a great way to stay informed on the most important current events.


5. Since February of this year I have logged enough miles on my Trek 2200 to have biked from American Fork to Washington D.C.

6. In 1994 I made it to the 5A State Finals in the 100 meter, 200 meter, medley relay, and 4x100 meter relay for the Orem High track team. Go Tigers!! Now look at me...

7. I enjoy crying through a movie more than the popcorn. I have to usually beg Heather to go to a chick flick with me. Hopefully this is enough information to get an invite to the next neighborhood "girls night out".

8. During my senior year of high school, I had an unfortunate incident at Lavell Edwards Stadium. My 30 friends and I were in the middle of a "tribute to the BYU Cougars" using fireworks when the BYU police department showed up and started hand cuffing our pyro-technicians who (I thought...) were doing a fantastic job. Fortunately, they didn't see me running out the south end of the stadium. All of those hours of track training did come in handy. Uumm...that was a close call...

9. I played arena football for about one month. That wasn't a good idea either.

10. My hobbies include (and I have the gear to prove it): climbing, showshoeing, hiking, camping, roller blading, skiing, golfing, basketball, triathalon, swimming, running, 4 wheeling, shotgun shooting, hunting, pistol shooting, crafting ;), fishing, football, boxing, volleyball, weight lifting, singing with my family, harmonizing songs, and my favorite... drum roll please... CYCLING!! And, of course, spending time with my girls!


Now, so I can feel like a real blogger...I tag Chris S., Greg G., Tom P., Mike T. and Erik, Kirk, Cam and Shane. Now, let's see if any of you will do it.

Food, friends & FRAGRANCE...

Here are a few pics from my Scentsy party...which was so fun! Thanks to all of you who dropped by, it is always fun to have an excuse to get together! I just wish I could somehow extract the scent "code" (Traci, any thoughts???) and paste in on my blog...today my house smells like Lilac & Violet and I LOVE it!!

the Hall's

I had the chance to spend the evening with my aunt and her family...seriously one of my most favorite groups of people! We always laugh and have a great time together. Bruce, Julie, Chad, Alba, Jordan, Irena, Austin, Marina & Desi, it was a pleasure to take these pictures of your family. I hope you enjoy them! It was so fun to be with you, hopefully we can do it again soon. Maybe, (just for Bruce), I won't bring my camera...but the chances of that are not very good! Love ya!

bridals

Here are a few shots I took of Kat today...this makes me so excited for her wedding next week. It's always fun to take pictures of a beautiful bride! Looking at these photos leaves me mourning the loss of MY waist...

Donut Day...and BIG surprise!!

Last week Grandma Dennae (Kyle's mom) had all the grandkids over for donut day. They read a story about Arnie the Donut, ate some yummy donuts, colored their very own Arnie's to take home & played with their cousins. (Can you tell she is a Kindergarten teacher??) Krissy & Kendall had such a great time. My favorite part took us all by surprise....Shane and Kristy announced that they are having a baby AND it is a girl!! We are so excited! Congrats Shane & Kristy...only you guys could keep a secret this long! We can't wait to meet her!

Sufferfest...as they call it

Sounds, uh...fun??? Ever wonder what 111 miles-in-a-saddle looks like in 100 degree weather??? Well, here it is & I think it looks pretty darn good. This was Kyle's third century (100 miles +) ride this year. He LOVES riding with his brothers and good friends. I am always excited to watch the race & thankful to see them all finish safely. Way to go guys!

City-girl's birthday on the farm!

Last night we celebrated my niece Emma's second birthday at Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country...as you can see we all had a blast. Thanks for the fun, Shane & Kristy & HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet, little Emma!