Lava Hot Springs on a whim

The Drive:

The River:

The Pool:

Palisades State Park

The Evan's family reunion was held at Palisades State Park this year. We had ton's of fun and the pictures will prove it...

From Drop Box

Belle and Brook climbing tree's

From Drop Box

Swimming in the lake, jumping and being thrown off the floating dock, playing in boats

From Drop Box

Relaxing, sleeping, playing on the shore.

From Drop Box

Camping the night. Makeshift fire pit, playing in tents, hanging out in the truck while the grownups set up.

From Drop Box

Random picture of family, from top left: Tre waiting for Grandma and Grandpa to blow up the raft, Jeff and Tre at the makeshift fire pit, Braden and Jer eating 'Cheesey Poofs', Grandma and Lisa Evans, Steph and Brook.

From Drop Box

Heading Home: Tre super tired and Belle with "Moosey".

Dancing

I loved this video I caught while waiting for the fountains to start in Vegas. (turn up your volume)

"That's Classic"

Jeremy took the kids to Classic Skating for a throwback night with his friends. They used to go every Thursday back in the day. There are many memories made at Classic. I am sure you have a few, too. Good times!

What is skating without cotton candy?

Amy and Christie and kids

Belle and her scooter (this was much easier than holding her up while she tried skating)

Tre and Jeremy...those rollerblades Tre's wearing are mine. When did he get so big?

Elle, Belle, Scott, and Parker

Belle is trying to get the hang of it

Chels and Elle

Belle

Twelve Great Years

Jeremy and I have been married for 12 years as of yesterday. I love to think back on our lives and how we have changed over the years.

We met 13 years ago when we were set up on a blind date. Mike Heaton and Julie Granger were dating at the time and wanted to plan a double date. Mike, a long time friend, invited Jer and Julie, a new found friend, invited me to go play croquet at the Taylor's. Jeremy was not happy because he though I was another Lisa he knew from high school and didn't think was very cute. But when they picked me up from my house he told Mike that I was not who he had pictured. In fact, his first thought was that I was sexy.

The date was pretty good. I was nervous and Jer was different from anyone I had known. He was strong in personality knew exactly what he wanted and who he was. I was still finding myself since I was only 17. This was the summer of 1995 just after I had graduated from high school. We dated all through the summer. We went hiking, played with friends, took walks and drives, went to church a couple times, and just got to know each other. I was sure that this was the one I would be with forever and it scared me. I was so young and had only dated one other guy. I pulled away by fooling around and playing games, which didn't sit well with Jer.

Sometime during that summer I went to Lake Powell with my friend Julie and while we were there she convinced me (unknowingly) that Jeremy was a great guy who would do anything for his friends. She gave him high marks and also let me know that she could tell that he really liked me. I returned home from that trip and basically went straight to his house. I had to tell him that I didn't want to play games anymore and wanted to be with him. I wanted to tell him that I loved him but that seemed a little early. I wanted to be with him all the time and thought about him all the time when we couldn't be together.

Fall rolls around and I am scheduled to go to Utah State for college with some friends. I really didn't want to move away from Jer but knew I would see him every weekend. He ended up quiting his job and moving to Logan to be closer to me. We lived off his savings for a couple months while I went to school (okay, tried to go to school) and he golfed and did yard work. We had an adorable teeny tiny apartment with a front yard. It was the closest we had to having our own place.

Jeremy proposed on Christmas night at the Salt Lake Temple under those twinkling lights. It was cold and romantic and TOTALLY unexpected. I had no idea he was going to do it. Which made it all the better. Of course I said yes, there was no question in my mind that we were made for each other. Even now we disagree about "the one". He feels that there isn't just one person out there for you, but a few possibilities depending on your choice. I feel that there is one person out there at a time for you and right now (and hopefully forever) it is Jeremy.

We have had our ups and downs. Some have even been really bad and really good. Either way, we are stuck together whether we like it or not. I am too stubborn to let him go and he is exactly the same way with me. Who wants to start over after 12 years and 2 kids? I am so happy we found each other and have been together for so long. It seems like forever and it seems like 5 minutes. It's hard to explain, but I like it.

My Sweet Gimp

You'd think that you would have to worry about your kids getting stitches, breaking bones, getting concussions, etc. You'd think that if they play as hard as they do some sort of injury is inevitable. You'd also think that if they have yet to take a trip to the emergency room, your in the clear.

Enter Jeremy. Since we've been married he has broken his thumb and his ankle and his jaw. These are only the broken bones confirmed by an ex ray but I am sure there have been more. He has torn ligaments and tendons aplenty, received stitches (with serious prodding on my part), and has been concussed twice. He has had two surgeries-one for his jaw and one to remove his appendix and this is just what I can remember.

His latest is a broken ankle and partially torn ligaments. While playing softball. And I thought when he gave up football the doctors could take a break! I still love you my sweet gimp!

Clearly he is not excited that I have a camera pointed toward him. He really isn't as miserable as he looks in this picture. In fact he finished out the game (they won BTW) after he had messed up his ankle. Tough or stupid? Your guess.

My Husband

I talk a lot about my kids and myself but I don't talk nearly as much as I should about Jeremy. Jeremy is my rock. I know he will always support me, he will always be there for the kids, and he will always put us first before himself.

Other things I love about Jer....he is a leader. We are complete opposites in this field but that is why we work well together. Whether it is at work, home or with complete strangers he knows what he wants/needs and won't back down if he knows it's right.

The kids love to have him around. I know that I can go to work, the store, or to get my hair done and the kids will not only be taken care of they will have a great time. He plays baseball with them, he plays the tickle game, he watches their favorite movies with them. He also encourages them to be responsible for their actions and for their stuff. He teaches them leadership and how to go for what you want. In fact the only time Jer and the kids clash is when they are all being headstrong and no one wants to give in.

I love the way Jeremy treats marriage. This is what he decided to do so he will stick to it no matter what. Family and our marriage is important to him. He works hard to get along with me. Even if he has to listen to my incoherent babbling sometimes...okay, all the time.

I love that he is strong. Not only physically but mentally too. That is why I call him my rock. No fickle behavior for him. Speaking of strong, I also love that I feel small next to him. His (rock hard) legs are almost as big around as my waist. His shoulders are broad, his neck is thick, and his chest is bigger around than mine! I love to try to wrap my arms around him and barley be able to. No skinny twigs for me! I like 'em thick and strong like the tree trunk.

The best part about being married to Jeremy? I get all of the things above but when it comes right down to it he is sensitive, caring, and vulnerable too. I can take care of him just as well as he can take care of me. He is my rock and my loving teddy bear, a leader and a committed spouse. He is strong and sensitive, and the best daddy our kids could have.

I love you Jer. Thanks for being the best thing in my life.