A Fiesta for mi Madre

I got to go to Idaho and Utah last weekend! My mom has been teaching preschool for the past 20 years and finally decided to take recess. She taught so many kids and has influenced so many lives in so many ways that we decided we needed to honor her in some way. So we thought to ourselves "How would Mrs. Joni want to celebrate?" and the answer...a party of course! My mom is the ultimate party planning queen (I mean she plans, designs, and puts together weddings for one of her many jobs!) but it was time for the party to be about her! After a few dozen/hundred lies escaping the lips of just about everyone she knew she made it to the party believing she was eating dinner with family in town from Arizona. Hence the salad under her arm. Yes, leave it to her to bring a salad to her own party!

The best part was that my mom didn't know I was coming so we ended up providing her with a double surprise! First she arrived and was surprised by everyone crammed into my grandparents house waiting for her. Of course it had to rain the day of the party so 100 people and 6 church tables were crammed into my grandparents house. After she settled down a little from the initial shock my grandpa asked for a volunteer to say the blessing on the food and I just happened to volunteer and walk around the corner! Mom's reaction was priceless and we both shed some tears. The picture below is our hug after she first saw me. Even though it is a little blurry I think you can still see the happy look on her face as she was reunited with her long lost favorite eldest daughter...

The party was full of fun visitors, lots and lots of Mexican food (oh yeah, did I mention we are going to Mexico in less than 2 weeks?!?!?), and even pinatas! Kyrsten and I over estimated the food a little bit...we had sooo much left over. We appreciate everyone who brought food and came to show your love and support for our mom. We love her so much and are so proud of everything she does!

My cousin's little girl Lyndi seemed to enjoy the food too! Is she not the cutest? The little kids loved the pinata and little Chandler knocked the cute Mexican donkey's head off in one fierce swing. Notice my "little" brother Jace standing next to me?? He really isn't too little anymore and will be turning 18 soon...crazy!

I love this picture! The Calls are some of our greatest friends. Their mom, Nedra, actually taught preschool with my mom for a few years. We all grew up together in the same neighborhood and have some great memories together. We have all changed quite a bit- the girls are all married (well, not Taigen...but she did just finish drivers ed...so beware!!), the boys are a lot taller, and Cami even has a cute little boy. We may all be different, but it was great to see each other again!

Of course I couldn't go home without seeing my great in-laws who were also kind enough to come to the party and even bring food to share! I crashed the cheerleader sleepover at their house the night I go into town and hung out for a while on Saturday before the party. They are always so accommodating to me and I just want them to know I love them and we miss them!



The next day was spent in the mountains with all my cousins attempting jumping in the air pictures with the gals, dirt biking for the boys (and some of the more adventurous girls), and lots of left over nachos and chit chat. This weekend helped remind me why I love my family so much and how much I miss doing fun things with them on a regular basis. Love you all and I can't wait to see you again soon!