STARS

once a year, all of the ladies on my moms side of the family get together for a big event called STARS. (its an acronym for "sister time and retreat.") over the years it has evolved into one big sleepover. each of my moms sisters takes turns planning the event and this year my aunt nancy and her family, ashley, jessica, kallie, lindsie, and kelsie, were in charge and they arranged for us to stay at a cabin in fairview, ut. there are about 40 of us that attend and it is craziness in the best way possible.

its the same every year: we eat too many sweets, we play games (spoons, idiot, hand and foot), talk, talk, talk, stay up late, wake up early, eat, and then talk some more. this year we had the theme of hunger games and so we got to participate in some fun, non-deadly competition, like whistling the mockingjay song with 5 saltine crackers in your mouth. we put on silly makeup and arranged our hair into weird hairdos like we were at the capitol, too. we also got to go on a really beautiful hike. it was a blast and im always so grateful for such a fun and awesome family! im so glad i got to spend a lot of time with my mom, my sisters adriane and alicia, alicias cute babies, my sister-in-law paulina, and her sister romina, who also comes with us to STARS. 

while in ut i was lucky enough to go flying with my sister adriane and to check out the fall leaves up spanish fork canyon, around strawberry, and down through provo canyon. it was such a beautiful day. i was so glad to see my grandmas, to be in town for a family dinner, to be able to spend precious time with my sweet parents and siblings, and to have a chance to really reconnect with family. and, as always, it is such a joy to come home to my sweet husband! i sure am a lucky girl to be surrounded by so many wonderful people in my life!