I love this picture.

Sipho & I being sent off on our Wedding Day.  So many lives coming together to celebrate us.  Everyone is all smiles, clapping & cheering.  It truly was a highlight of our Wedding Day.  I love how you can see my dad's mouth giving a big wahoo!  Sipho & I are off into the unknown territory of married life.  So many things I didn't know about him then that I do now.  So many new adjustments, transitions, lows, highs and so much more love shared.  When we received our wedding pictures I put this one as my background.  I thought oh, that's a good one but as I've looked at it time and time again these past months I've really fallen in love with all it captures.  I love the influence we get to have and give in each others lives.  This is just a small representation of the sphere of influence that Sipho and I have.  I love the sparklers they just shout fun times.  I love that our nieces and nephews got to share in something fun on our special day.  I love the lighting, I know that seems silly but it captures the beginning of the setting sun on a summer day.  I love the smile on Sipho's face - I love it when that man gives a genuine smile it lights up any room.  I love the smile on my face - it shows the joy Sipho has brought to my life.  As I sat across the table from Sipho tonight listening to him tell me of how he asked for my dad's permission to marry me the Spirit bore witness to me of the great blessing he is for my life and that I shouldn't be afraid to share.

Ice Castles

A few weeks ago we made a trip to up to Midway to see the Ice Castles.  They were really quite amazing.  It was freezing cold but nice to get out of the inversion for an evening.  Sipho and I really love the Midway/Heber area.  We spent our Wedding Night at the Invited Inn in Midway and fell in love with the scenery & small townish feel.  Maybe one day we will settle there for a time.

I'm ready for Spring/Summer or Fall but SO done with Winter!

Aunthood with an Uncle

One of the greatest joys in my life has been cultivating relationships individually with each of my nieces  & nephews.  Turns out that my joy has increased watching my husband become an uncle & observing the ways he creates relationships with each of them as well.

Taylor didn't want a picture so she got the next best thing:)

Sipho has already realized that if he ignores me I stop pestering.

 This video proves he's got that mastered. 

We had a great time with Jack & Emma sliding down the stairs.  

I think we made Jack's night.  He even personally invited us both to his birthday party:)

We love to have dance dance dance parties.

Our favorite song is "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
I know this picture is blurry but I just love the joy you can see on the girls faces.

Oh, and we are still planning a time when Miss Leah can stay the night.  When everyone is feeling 100%.  We miss playing with Sonora Jane but we'll have to make up for lost time next time we get to see her…and her parents.
We often feel the presence of our Sweet Angel Nephew Sam.  He is deeply missed.
I guess you could say we love being an Aunt & Uncle!!!

Our Wedding Day

On July 20, 2013 Sipho and I were sealed in the Mount Timpanogos Temple for time and all eternity.  I honestly could not have asked for a more perfect day.  After a long, tiring, challenging day I think, oh I'd love to go back and do July 20th all over again.  Wishful thinking but I'm so grateful we have our memories!  It's been five months since we wed and it's so hard for me to remember my days before Sipho.  I couldn't ask for a more supportive, genuine, kind, loving man.  He sees me for who I'm striving to be.  I love him.

Here is some photographic evidence this event really took place.

Engagements
We cropped the one we sent out uhemm please excuse the boob grab:)

Introducing Mr & Mrs Sipho Gumbo

Just a few people came out to support us.  Just kidding we were so overwhelmed with the outpouring of
love everyone showed us!

All the Arnells

Sisters

Here's to Forever...

Cutting the cake so delicious, thanks Di Harter

First Dance to I've Found the Masterpiece in You

My Mom suggested having these frames at our dinner to take pictures of all our guests.  I didn't really care one way or another.  Hindsight:I love looking at pictures of all our guests as a way to remember our special day!
Way to go Mom, Thank you!

Brooke shared an incredible tribute.  I'm pretty sure 1/4 was true.

Sipho wanted to have an official send off at our dinner.  This was SUCH a highlight.  Thanks everyone for sticking around to make this exit a great one!

The Best Day...

July 20, 2013


More to Come.

Double Digits

10 years ago something changed my life forever.  Taylor Rose you were that something.  So glad we got to spend some of your special day together.  I love you!

Highlights:

-Learning ALL the features on your new watch

-Teaching you how to use the massage chair

-How excited you got over the nail polish names

-Watching you admire & protecting your nails from any damage long after they were dry

-Learning that double digits especially even ones are cool because they 

are easy to divide (You little math wizard!)

Can't wait for 10 more Taytay.

Happy Birthday!

Family...It's about Time!

The Arnell Clan Labor Day Weekend Deer Valley, Utah  

Weekend Highlights:
Sleeping with Taylor
Riding the Alpine Slide with Addi
Emma shouting Natalie's here
Watching Leah jump off the diving board over and over again
Taking Jack on the "Big" yellow water-slide
Brooke's Baby Shower-She's gonna be an awesome mom to Bianca or will it be Brandy?!?!
Playing Wallyball
Having the entire family together...exhausting, but totally worth it!