{Fort Worth Stockyards}

Today a big group of us all went down to the Fort Worth Stockyards.  Michael had never been, and when you come to Texas its a must see.  I mean when you think of Texas don't you think of Texas longhorns, cattle drives, horses, and cowboys?  You can see all of those things here.  We got caught in some heavy construction traffic on our way so we missed the cattle drive which only happens twice a day at 11:30am and 4:00pm.

So we decided to eat lunch a Joe T Garcia's.  We had 16 people with us so they put us in a room all by ourselves which was perfect for our family.  The menu was simple we had two choices, fajitas or enchiladas.  They served us rice, beans, nachos, and homemade guacamole family style.  The tortillas were homemade and their nachos were to die for.  They basically fried a corn tortilla then covered it in cheese and some green tomatillo sauce, they repeated this with each tortilla and layered them all on a plate it was delicious.

After lunch we headed over to the stockyards.  It still has a lot of the original charm, brick streets and lots of old brick buildings.  You can still see some of the original train tracks that were used to bring the livestock here from all over the U.S.  We found some ponies on our way to see the longhorns, Michael found some hay and let the kids take turns feeding them.  The kids loved it.

We saw this old round about used to turn the train engines around.  You don't see these very often and they still use it today.  We were hoping to see it used today but we left before the engine came.

Next we made our way over to see the longhorns that were used in the cattle drive.  They were all so mellow and they just laid there.  I had Sydney and Michael pose in front of them.

Can you imagine carrying around horns like that on your head everyday?  I can't stand a headband for too long.  I can't help but feel bad for them.

They all were just laying around watching us.

After we left we found this longhorn that you could sit on and take a picture with.  Zoe wanted a picture.

At the stockyards they had these huge warehouses that must have been used to store cattle and horses back in the day.  I would love to open this one up and use it for wedding receptions just like the building we had Sydney's reception in.

The last building we went to had horses, cattle, and a camel that thought he was a goat.

The kids enjoyed petting all of the horses.

This white horse had the prettiest blue eyes.  I wish you could see them in this picture.

Here is the goat camel.

See he wanted to eat Rowdy's coat.  His neck was so long and you had to make sure you stood back because he would get you.

Elliott and Garrett also took pictures with the longhorn.

Kaidee's arms aren't even as long as a longhorns horns.

As we were leaving we passed by one of the cowboys.  The kids all took turns petting his horse.  We had a great time taking Michael hopefully next time he is here we can see the actual cattle drive.

{BYU Bowl Game}

Last Thursday we went to the Poinsettia Bowl to see BYU play SDSU at the Charger Stadium in San Diego.  Tickets were a little pricey but Michael said that if we could get 15 people our tickets would only be $40 each.  So after lots of texts and phone calls we were able to get 15 people.

Sydney and Michael took Cole for his Christmas present.  Cole loves BYU but he has never been to a game.  He was so excited and as soon as we got to our seats Cosmo came to see him.  Talk about perfect timing.

Danny had two extra tickets so Chloe was able to come too.

Michael Sydney's husband is a junior at BYU.  They have been to just about all the home games this year.

Chloe did this cute pose after they scored a touchdown.

When BYU came out onto the field Danny was one of the first players out.  Danny is the youngest of 6 kids. All 4 of his older brothers have played college football.  Danny grew up in our ward and I was their babysitter.  I still remember when he was born and now here he is playing football at BYU.  His parents are still in our ward so we get to see him when he comes home.

This was the view from our seats.  We sat directly behind the band.  We thought that it was going to be bad but they never really got in the way and the noise wasn't bad either.

Danny plays safety and he made several great plays.  The first half was pretty much all defense so we got to see him a lot.

Here he is trying to make a tackle but this guy got away only to be tackled a few yards later.

Danny's brother Cody and his son Kaden came over to visit with us.  We got to see Cody on Thanksgiving in Texas.  It was fun visiting with him again.

Here is some of the group.  Were missing Darian, Garrett, Will, Michael, Cole, Chaz, Chase M. and I.

Cole at his first BYU game!

Now here is a funny story.  During halftime I was looking at Instagram and my friend Shaila (whom I have never met in person only on her blog) posted a picture of her ticket.  I could see her seats so I decided to walk over and see if I could find her.  As I was looking in the seats I noticed her boys and her husband but she wasn't there.  As I turned to leave she was coming up the stairs.  I finally got to meet her all the way in San Diego and she only lives in Moreno Valley.  So funny.  Other than BYU winning this was the highlight of my night.  I can finally say that I have met her in person.  I snapped this picture in the 4th quarter from my seat so that I had proof. You can only see her hair here well I'm assuming its her blond hair next to her husband.

Can you see all the Sorensen's?  We only sat a few sections over from them.  I am so glad that we were able to go to the game and see them win!

{the wedding by instagram}

Instagram has got to be one of the easiest and funnest ways to share your pictures with friends.  At Sydney's wedding we did something really fun using instagram.  Chase created a hash tag #struvewedding.  Then we had a sign at the reception letting people know that when they took pictures with instagram to add the hash tag and then all of the pictures would be found under that hash tag.  It basically replaced the idea of having a camera at every table and allowing the guests to take pictures.  We had so many pictures and it was fun to see the reception from someone else's point of view.

This can be done for so many events for example family reunions, birthday parties, class reunions, vacations, baby showers, etc.  All you have to do is create a hash tag that hasn't already been used.  Then after you take your picture you type the hash tag name under comments.  Remember to always put the pound  (#) sign first and no spaces.

What have you hash tagged?

We included the bachelor golf tournament, getting ready the day before, and Sydney's sisterette party. (this was in stead of a bachelorette party)

{who watches sister wives?}

I love reality shows, I know big surprise.  One of the shows I like to watch is Sister Wives on TLC.  I am sure you know about the show.  As most of you know they recently moved from Utah to Las Vegas.

So I am sure you are probably wondering why I am posting about the show huh?

My sister Sydney called me today and said that these two went through her drive thru at work.  She was the one that took their order.  I asked her if he was flipping his hair around acting dingy and she said yes he acted just like he does on the show.  Robyn was in the passenger seat putting on her make-up it figures that he would be with his new wife.

I asked Syd if she talked to him and she said that they aren't allowed to start conversations with customers but if they talk to them than its ok.  So I guess he only likes to chat on TV.

So in other news the play is less than two weeks away.  The costumes are all done except for a few small fixes.  I never thought that this day would come.  I will say this the play sure gets here fast when your in charge of costumes.

If you haven't gotten your tickets you really need to this show is going to be so good, plus you can see my costumes :)

{its official}

Sydney is engaged!  My little sister is getting married!  July 20th she will be getting married to Michael Struve in the San Diego temple.  I am so excited for both of them he fits into our family perfectly!

He proposed in a little book store in Park City.

Isn't that ring gorgeous!  I can't wait to see it in person.

Their first picture as an engaged couple.

{whats up with Sydney?}

Everyone is always asking me how Sydney is so I thought I would give you all an update.  She is still living in Utah and working at in n out.  She is cutting hair on the side (mostly for the football players) and having lots of fun.  She just recently moved out into a house with girls from her work.  She is loving it.

In other news Sydney is in like.  His name is Michael and he is the brother of my good friend Melissa Jay.  Michael is attending BYU and wants to be a dentist.  His father is a dentist in northern California.   I will keep everyone posted on how this turns out.

{21 can't be}

Today Syd is 21.

It seems crazy to me.

I sure do love that girl.

I just wish she was closer,

so that I could spend the day with her.

Happy Birthday Sydney!

{sisters}

I love having sisters.

It's just too bad that we all live

in different states.

We don't get together very often.

But when we do it's a blast.

I can't wait until next time,

which will probably be at Sydneys wedding.

No she is not engaged.

It's just hard getting together with everyone's schedules.

And I am pretty sure Syd will be getting married

within the next 5 years.

I have amazing sil's too.

I am a lucky girl!

{guess who has a blog?}

Syd! She has started a blog Called Life is Good. Now it is easier for everyone to see what she's up to. Please stop by and say hi, she loves comments!

Little sister update!!

I'm in "like" I'm in "like" and I don't care who know's it!!

Steve and Sydney

We have cool Shoes!!

Hey everyone, just a little update, this is Steve!! Well just a little bit about him and how we met and things... He is in my ward here in Provo. For my calling I am an FHE mom and I plan FHE for the people in my group. Well Steve is one of the FHE co-chairs and is over me and my group!! So he was "texting me" to try and talk about FHE stuff... (and he still says that's all he was trying to do... but we all know that wasn't true!!) So, since we started "texting" and talking more we decided to hang-out and go on a date.. Ever since we have been inseparable, well it's only been a few weeks, but last weekend we went to St. George together for his spring break with a bunch of friends, it was so much fun!! That was a big test for us to see if we could handle being around each other, for the whole weekend with out being sick of each other. And guess what...? Were still in like with each other :)
So, about Steve, he is from Alpine/Highland Utah. He is 24, he is 6 foot tall, loves sports (always wants ESPN or some sport on)!! And he served his mission in Samoa!!
Well, just thought I'd share, let me know what you think!! :)
Love you all
<3>

{Congrats Syd!}

She passed her test this morning and now she is a licensed Cosmetologist. Sydney I am so proud of you!

PS Hurry and come visit I need a haircut!

{love #10}

This is Sydney.
My youngest sister.
Lives in Utah.
Just finished Cosmetology School.
Looking for a job.
Looking for a husband.
I love her to death.
Tomorrow is a big day for her.
She is taking the written test to get her license.
Good luck Syd!