Engaged & Planning a PARTY

Big day in June!

She Said He Said

Inbound!

I like that Dean is coming to see us. I have dearly missed being a part of the relationship that is blooming between him and Emma (but for being a noisy spectator). Having an in-person hands-shaking (possibly awkward-hugging, be warned) relationship with him will make us a part of what is happening to her.

And now I have someplace cool to show him if we go by my office (instead of, you know, driving by a prison or something).

Seeing stars.

He knows what I like and what makes me happy.

He gives me the best birthdays!

He sneaked into my room and puts glow-in-the-dark stars all over!

It helps me go to sleep knowing that he loves me.

He gets me flowers!

He sends me pictures when he is away and when I miss him.

He talks with me and sends me texts- even when he is busy.

He goes on dates with me!

One of my favorites this semester: we went down to Provo Lake to skip rocks.

Then got our favorite shakes at Stan's - a blackberry cheesecake.

It was simple and fun.

Good to enjoy nature and a nice day.

I had an amazing time in California!

Explored the aquarium in Monterey.

Saw sea otters, penguins, the octopus move!, jellyfish, seahorses, an albatross!, sharks, and so many cool fish! Awesome touch pool.

Went to the tide pools in Santa Cruz!

I found my own star fish!

And was then promptly swallowed by a sea wave!

Best sushi I've ever had.

Hid easter eggs for the primary kids.

Went to Big Basin with Dean's two best friends from kindergarten.

Saw lots of amazing Red Wood trees!

Had a wonderful Easter dinner.

Looked through baby pictures!

Saw lots of CA poppies.

Saw some stars w/o light pollution.

Very hard to leave and come back to Provo.

We took pictures on Dean's camera- I still have to get them from him.

But will try to post when I have them!

Trains

photo credit

I learned that Dean really likes Thomas the Train, the way Emmalyn really likes elephants. And there just happens to be a red train named "James" #5 engine, friend of Thomas.

It is good to have an icon theme/collection.

Fasting

I like that Dean fasted with me for Emma's headaches to go away.

One thing I have considered an important virtue my entire life is to find commonality with others. Where I work, where I worship, in the neighborhood. There is always *something* we can have in common, something to build on.

I am glad to have that thing in common with Dean. I hope we can build on it, come to see one another as allies in pursuit of the common good of Emma's health and happiness.

Photos Collected, Part 1