the Graham Cracker House

Bjorn had one of the best kind of birthday celebrations- a four day event!  Last year his special day was sort of overlooked in all the wedding planning madness, so I was eager to give him the birthday he deserves this year.  Thursday in between my night shifts he opened his presents (thanks parents!) and Friday I made one-of-a-kind cake and we went out to dinner. While at dinner, all our Utah County "family" (steph, mick, erin, alex, kc, maren, chris) drove up to SLC and snuck into our house.  Bjorn had an idea something was up- but was genuinely surprised at the people and balloons that greeted him as we walked inside.
Here is some photographic evidence of our unique cake and fun familia party.

Our entertaining story of the month comes from the Murray clan.  Of course.  Because now that 7 of the 11 B. H. Murray's reside in Utah, we are together and causing laughter whenever we can.
Erin, Kacy, and roommate Maren came up to SLC for a date with the Grahams.  We took them to "our" pool, then donated blood together.  I know that may sound strange, but Bjorn and I have gone on more than one date to donate blood. Weird, I know. But it is nice to know I have saved a life or two.  Especially because the blood goes to local hospitals, like Primary Children's, I can say to my patient "that's my blood you're getting!"I digress.
So the five of us are donating blood.  Erin and I have had problems in the past (i.e. throwing up, almost passing out, low iron, etc.).  Kacy and Maren have never donated before. Bjorn, of course, is a pro.  He RACES when he donates.  (to see how fast 1 pint can come out).  So Kacy is naturally nervous, but I hold her hand during the scary parts (needle stick) and she and Maren do great!  We're sitting in the food area gorging ourselves on their assortment of snacks when Maren states she doesn't feel so great.  She is quickly wheeled (in a wheely-office chair) over to the beds again and lays down while they take her vitals.  Kacy starts to think "glad that wasn't me" then realizes she DOES feel sick.  Before she can get the whole sentence out she has completely passed out in the chair.  Her head leaned back and she started breathing funny.... it was scary for a moment. I was helping Maren on the other side of the room, but came rushing over with a few other staff when Erin said "she's sort of freaking out".  The staff had Bjorn  pick Kacy up (I guess the no heavy lifting after donating rules don't apply to him) and lay her on the floor.  They had towels and cold packs all ready and surrounding her quickly.  By then it was just humorous.  She started to wake up after about a minute and said some funny things.  I was laughing so hard!  And trying to keep from laughing at the same time.  It was great.  Kacy was soon taken over to the beds as well and she and Maren spent another half hour recovering together before we could go home.
She says she's still considering donating again.

One of the longest road trips of my life- probably because the stay was so short- but definitely worth every minute.  Mick and Steph had a reception the next week in Arizona, where she grew up.  Being the kind, loving, family members we are, three siblings and our parents made the trip down, along with a spouse, ex-roommate (who's more like a brother to us now), and another roommate.
I have to say the 3+ hours in the hotel pool was by the far the highlight of the trip.  Though the beauteous green and purple reception (in a cute, old,  church hall) was perfectly put together.  I even helped Madeline win the quiz (but there were no prizes).  enough rambling.  I'll let pictures finish the story.

Three weddings in 14 months! I think my parents are ready for a break.  Kacy and Gavin say they will GLADLY comply with that request.  

Michael and Stephanie's marriage at the Oquirrah Mountain temple was joyous.  I spent several seconds deciding on the right word and JOYous does describe the day well.  With lovely colors, a hot sun, fun family and friends to hang out with all day, spiritual moments, and a yummy luncheon at Gardener Village.  I was able to get to know Stephanie and her family more during the weekend and am truly excited to have a sister in law!

Second to the Murray Wedding was Madeline's 10th birthday.  The whole family saw  Toy Story 3 together on opening day.  Quite funny!   Right on par with the other two.
The most traumatic part of the day was discovering I had lost my wedding ring after we went swimming!  I was becoming depressed about it, but Bjorn and I went back to look in the grass after the movie, and after 15 minutes of searching I found it!  What a miracle.  We are so grateful.

Third momentous event of the weekend: KC moved to BYU!  I actually moved her into her dorms, and with Erin's help gave her a tour of campus the next door.  Erin took her to get all her books, etc., and Mom finally took her grocery shopping.  I think she'll do just fine living on her own.

On the last day of the family gathering I took Madeline and Gavin to 7-peaks.  They had no memories of the park, so I enjoyed showing them around around and rushing from one slide to the next.  Bjorn showed up in the late afternoon and convinced us to do the BIG rides.  With only slight sunburns and the wave pool breaking down only once we considered it a highly successful day.