I bet you can hardly believe your cute little eyes–YES, I’m finally posting something on my blog. 
That is, if there is anyone out there still reading this thing. With the weather being oh so nice and school getting out soon and playing with kids and friends and organizing and photographing and wedding stuff, I haven’t found much time to be on here. I’m neglecting my poor little bloggie. A measly TWO posts for the whole month of May–sad. I hope to be better at updating though, because while we’re out making fun memories, I do need a spot to jot those memories down afterwards, right???
Memorial Weekend 2009 was delightful. We wanted to get outta town, so that’s what we did! Road trip to St. George with Grandma Judy, “Crandpa” Judd, Uncle Jordy, Aunt Amy, and cousin Hendrix (aka “The Big X”–Brandon’s nickname for the kiddo). We missed our Texan branch of the fam. (xoxoxo to you.)
The kids were excellent on the ride down. We stopped in Beaver to get the requisite photo in the huge chair–we always did this growing up, and of course we’re keeping the tradition ALIVE with our kids!
One of my favorite things about the drive down–in Beaver Brandon asked, “Are we still in our country?” We had to explain to him that we were still in our same state AND country. Then as we stopped at Wendy’s in Cedar for lunch, he asked “Do they speak our language here? Have we left the country yet?” I think this long of a drive makes Brandon think we should at least be halfway into Mexico by now.
Ahhhh, beautiful St. George. I love the red rock and the blue skies and it was pretty mild temperature-wise the whole time we were there. Perfect. As soon as we pulled into the house the kids hurried into their swimsuits and were off to the pool. Happy kids=happy mama.
One day we checked out the fun swimming pool at the Washington Rec. Center. It was awesome!
Little Hendrix swam so hard that he had to take a poolside nap.
Brandon was like a fish–was in total heaven in the water.
Haylie wasn’t so sure about the whole thing, and then she got cold and her little lips turned purple, so she was happiest snuggling on Daddy’s chest. 
Look at that cute face. And that double chin. Love it.
And you know I can’t resist baby feet. Squeeze!!!!
I love this one of Haylie. Check out her two teeth!
I know. I know. Will you still be my friends even though I’m hideous?
This is Annie’s “go-to” silly face. Seeing that she has a mom who is an expert at making funny faces, she needs to work on her repertoire. Brandon likes this signature move as well.
So cute. So glad we’re related.
This is Amy’s sister Julie and her hubby Balta. And of course, The Big X. They were awesome to join in the fun.
Grandma Judy gets the award for creativity.
Like father, like son. What a cute combo!!
We only had a little bit of time, so we did a fast and easy jaunt to the sand dunes. I told the kids to pretend that we were on Mars. So they did.
Here’s the gang.
The sand was really cool. I mean, it was HOT, but so cool.
I captured the play-by-play and was laughing my head off. You can click to enlarge a little bit.
So awesome. Sand in every nook. Not awesome.
The hot red-orange sand was so romantic.
I love this one. Nature’s Giant Sandbox. Makes for a pretty happy little boy.
And a pretty happy (albeit toasty!) little girl.
I love all the colors. We will visit you again, Snow Canyon.
It reminded me of “THE NOTHING!!!” (Neverending Story, anyone??) It was sure nice to see the light at the edge of the darkness. This photo brings to mind a lot of spiritual applications, don’t you think?
After the rain, a beautiful sunset.
And large strawberries driving down the road.
We simply had a great time! The boys got their golf games in, and I got to visit with one of my faves too. Of course it got crazy at times, but so good to be with family and to get away for a few days. So fun! Let’s do it again soon. THANKS Grandma Judes and Grandpa Juddles!
Now this week begins the final countdown–only 4 more days of school left!!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE the ugly faces – you guys are hilarious.
I love the post but it makes me miss all you guys so much. Janson and I are working on our ugly faces – we should have a contest when we see you in September
I love the riduculously long post with massive amounts of pictures. Fun. I could use a getaway like that. Haylie is getting so big.
Dude, we need to have an ugly faces dance off because the Herways can pull some crazy ones.
I love St. George and I think I would love it even more if I could take pics like you.
Yea! It was my peptalk, wasen’t it? I love reading your fun posts – they always make me laugh. And the photos of course, are always inspiring.
I love the uglyies and the reference to the nothing. I remember how scard I was of that wolf…. Jadyn would now balk at the ghetto robotronics… and she is a wuss.
Thanks for the chat the other day- let’s do it again. We shouldn’t have to resort reunion longings.
Jaden rolling down the sand hill…very impressive! You always seem to be having so much fun as a family. Love your pictures!
Congratulations!
Your blog has been nominated for the 2009 Utah Baby Guide Blog Contest. The blog that gets the most votes wins! Voting ends June 30th, 2009.
Congratulations! You have a great blog!
Kindly,
Jessica Taufer
Editorial Director
Utah Baby Guide
j.taufer@utahbabyguide.com
http://www.utahbabyguide.com
so glad that you are alive & doing well! sounds like a really fun weekend! i love the pic of brandon half under the water! & the ugly faces…
Looks like you guys had a great time. How fun!! Joshua sure missed Brandon while you guys were gone!
Wow! I didn’t know I was reading an award winning blog!!! I feel so honored to be your friend. Congratulations for sure!!!
Anywho, what a fun trip! I love that 4 hours away is like a whole new country for the kiddos. So true. Isn’t the Washington pool great? We definitely need to plan a trip for all of us to go down together sometime. Wouldn’t we have a blast?
And, I love the hideousness. . . you are woman after my own heart.
Sounds like a good time! You are such a cute family…even in your UGLY pictures. We saw the same strawberries when we drove down there in April. That guy must just drive the country seeing what kind of looks he can get from people.
I kinda love your family and the cuteness.
The best pictures are when you can be yourself and look totally crazy, or ugly, or slightly insaine.
Brooke you totally brought the “represent” out of slightly insaine. HAHAHA jk loves. (please tell me you can sense my sarcasim)
Keep up the rockstarness in you!
WOO HOO!
wow, i always love your post. probably the most adorable pictures ever. and funny, too. i'm still smiling at the UGLIES.
sounds like you got a great family.
SOOOOO cute. I'm glad you posted the ugly pictures of us at Pizza Factory, those were some good ones. And the pictures of jaden rolling down the sand hill are AWESOME. You're the best. I wish I could spend every waking moment with you. =)
I love ALL the pictures. It's not fair you still look cute pulling an ugly face!
What a fantastic trip, you award winning blogger, you! I think your pictures are splendid. The uglies as well as the beautesques. So much visual stimulation in one post. I love it. Please don't go two weeks again without posting your lovely thoughts. I miss your face…especially the ugly one. Love ya.
I found your blog off of craftingchicks, your pictures are amazing! Would you mind telling me what kind of camera you use and if it is hard to get pictures like yours? Your pictures are so clear, they have totally inspired me!heatherdejong@comcast.net
ok so I love the chair in the first picture-we had pictures theree when we went to disneyland last year! Also glad to see that the great ugly face made another appearance!
You guys are too funny. What UGLY faces you have!!! Looks like a FUN weekend!