Last weekend after a quick trip to Meridian, we also went to Provo. Spencer's side of the family meets up for BYU Homecoming every year. We get to see Grandma and Grandpa Ray and about half of his 88 cousins, with their spouses and occasionally a child or 35. It is a fun get together with all of the "graduated from high school" cousins. It gets bigger and bigger every year! We were lucky enough to stay with Jared and Tamara. It was fun and comfy. We love you guys!

One of the highlights was being able to do some work. I was able to snap a few shots of his cousin Jenica and her fiance Josh. I can't wait to post those. I dropped off my beads and supplies to a new BFF and they had a "Time to Bead" party on Saturday. Thanks Lyric for hookin' me up! I also got to see my work up in the new restaurant in Provo. It is called Pizza Pie Cafe. It is a chain from Craigo's in Rexburg. If you have been over to my site, you will be able to see all of the yummy food that they have. I was SO thankful to be on the maintenance faze of my diet while I took all of those. They have really yummy pizza, pasta and salad buffet that is delicious! I also took some candid shots for them and they have them printed all over the restaurant. I am probably the world biggest nerd because it lit an excitement in me that still has me beaming. It wasn't like they are amazing and stunning shots, they are just what I was able to produce. My favorite is the 3 foot by 6 foot canvas that they had printed up. I love it and am so excited to have been able to be a part of their decor.

Thanks to my little brother Kent! You are the best. Thanks for the opportunity and life time supply of pizza. MUAH!

I just had the MOST fabulous weekend in Meridian! I had 4 bead parties, a craft show and 5 photo sessions, it was exhausting and exhillerating! I can't thank my friends enough for being so supportive of me and my family. I don't have words that will do justice to have much I love and adore my Meridian friends. I love you SO much that I am coming back on Thursday. This time is a quickie but don't worry! I will be doing a wedding during the day on Thursday and that evening at Hayley Horning's house we will be doing a bead party! This is a fun time to get together, socialize and poke fun at our OCD friends. If anyone has any questions or requests, get them in now! timetobead3@gmail.com

If fells like we JUST got back from California but it has been a week and a half! With everyone getting so sick, it feels like we are finally getting into the swing of things. Funny thing is, I leave tonight to go to Meridian for 4 days BY MYSELF. You should all start praying for Spencer now.
So, our reason for the trip to CA? Jared married his adorable sweetheart Tamara. I was lucky enough to be able to be their photographer. When I first met Tamara, she walked into a house of 20 people she had NEVER met before, 2 days before her wedding. She was super shy and didn't say much. Well, she is NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL! She is just as funny and crazy as Jared which makes it very easy to fall in love with her. She was so fun to take pics of as a bride. I didn't get any serious bridal shots because it just didn't seem to fit. She isn't very good at not smiling, I love it!
So, here are some of the highlight shots, aren't they adorable together?

As promised, the pictures you have ALL been waiting for. I don't think I would have gotten around to editing these but I kinda have a HUGE crush on my hairdresser Angela. We even stayed in Meridian an extra day so that we could all get fabulous via Angela. Seriously, I love her.
She was brave enough to take on Ethan the heathen. Luckily she just had to get rid of a few whispy hairs and tada, he looks like a little boy now. By the time he was done, I was in NO mood to get an after picture so you will just have to check out my little big boy in the Disneyland pics that I will post soon.

I am alive and kickin'! The kids start school next week and we are all very excited. The schools here are different, K-4. That means that Carson is the second oldest in the school. It feels kinda wierd but we will get used to it. I would just rather be back in Meridian before he attends middle school as a 5th grader.

I wanted to post this pic of my boys. This was a few days before Ethan's first hair cut. Those pics will be posted next.

I have a new project. I know, I know, it is shocking! I am not very busy here in Rexburg and NEED to fill by days full of duties so I have started up a business with my sisters. We have a few examples of what we are making on our new blog (i have the link in my sidebar.)

I am going to be in Meridian this week and my dear sweet friend Hayley is letting me have a Time to Bead party Thursday night at her house. I have sent out emails, if anyone reading this would like to come, I would LOVE to have you. Just leave a comment or email me at timetobead3@gmail.com

It is really happening. We have the most awesome Bishop and ward family. We couldn't do this without everyone's help. Hope to see you there!

Our new family picture! Thanks to Carson and his willingness to push the button and run. My mom needed one for a slide show that she is putting together. If she wouldn't have asked, I doubt that I would have taken the time to put it together. Thanks mom! You are the best!

I also had to get one of Spencer and the kids cause this is all he is getting for Father's Day. Don't you love the simple life?

My newest obession.........

Dresses for Mady! In the last few weeks I have made 5 new things for Mady to wear. Until yesterday, I have used all of the material that I have here at the house. My BIL is getting married in September and their colors are brown and aqua. While using these colors in picking out Carson's suit, I decided that Mady needed a dress to match on his baptism day. So it is a little early and I DON'T have time to be doing this, but who needs sleep? I will sleep after we move.

So, for the dress, I used three ideas from different patterns that I have done lately. I did a peasent top with 4 tiers and ruffle fluff at the bottom so that I could hide the hem. I love how it turned out! I am going to be making matching ones for the other girl cousins. I can't wait to take those pictures!

To all of the Ray cousins:
I have a sneak peak of Tiffany and Tyler's engagement pics on my photography blog.
While I have your attention!!!! I am blocked out of a lot of your blogs, LET ME IN! Please email me an invitation before you make me cry. scrappinskills@gmail.com
LOVE YA!