Pratt Family Reunion 2007

Hi everyone (aka just my family and Lisa). I was getting complaints that I wasn't writing in this often enough, so I will attempt at an update. We just got back from a wonderful trip to Washington to see my family and attend the annual Pratt Family Reunion. We had an absolute ball playing games, jet skiing, tubing, swimming, watersliding, movieing, shopping, laughing, fighting, and of course eating. I look forward to the reunion every year. We missed last years because we had just gotten married and were touring the country, but mostly visiting Detroit. =) It was very difficult for me when my family dropped me off at the airport. It gets harder and harder every time. I don't get it, since i have been away from home for a few years now, but it doesn't get any easier. Maybe I just love them more now. Just kidding. But they really are my heroes. Jason and I love talking with my parents and getting advice from them. We could talk to them about just about anything, and walk away from the conversation feeling enlightened and more at ease. They are both so smart and so caring, and they really watch out for us. I feel so lucky. I am so grateful for righteous parents whose roots are deep within the gospel, and who help me along the way no matter how many mistakes I make. Haley is doing great. She is getting more beautiful by the second, it kind of scares me! She is preparing to apply to college - probably all three of the "BYUs." She is going to visit and tour BYU Hawaii in August with my family - little jealous, but it's all good! I am so proud of her - she is really turning into such a beautiful, smart, wonderful girl. Eli is a little cutie, and apparently a "lady killer." Not really sure what this means, but he seemed to be happy about it, so I'm in full support. He is such a sweetheart, and Jason and I love the time we get to spend with him. He makes us laugh. Tiana is just the more adorable little girl - of course, she is looking more and more like me every single day. We'll see if that's a good thing or not! She has the cutest little personality, and she is so independent - my mom said that she can play for hours by herself. This week she had lots of playmates though at the family reunion. Watching all those little girls reminds me of family reunions past. All in all, I couldn't feel luckier. When I am with my family, I feel complete. They give me so much strength and make me feel like I can do anything. We can't wait to move back to Washington. We picked up a few real estate pamphlets, and are going to be perusing them shortly. If I could live anywhere in Washington to be closer to them, I'd be happy. I can't wait to raise a family there, and have my family all together again. I belong to an amazing family - immediate and extended. They have created such a legacy of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that I am so proud to be a part of.

BACK TO REALITY:

We got in to Rochester this morning around 7:30 am, and I went right to bed. I had not slept for quite a while, but I am still lacking in the sleep department. I will catch up tonight. Things seem to have gone pretty smoothly while we were away. We talked to our boss this morning, and he mentioned that he feels so lucky to have us, because he said this week was a struggle for him. We are so lucky to have such a great boss. It makes us have feel goods when we know that we are appreciated for the work that we do. This job has taught me so much patience and endurance, I cannot complain in the long run. I can't say I missed the guys terribly, but they seem to be happy to have us back. This job challenges me, but I believe that I will come out of it a better person.

I suddenly feel very optimistic about my future. I don't know what it is, but talking to my family, and seeing all of my cousins and their cute, new little families, really just makes me feel like everything is going to be okay. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have control of what happens to me and Jason. Don't get me wrong, my career goals are still a bit foggy, but I really feel that I can do anything that I put my mind to. My creative juices are flowing right now for sure. I feel like I am going to invent something or write something that no one has ever seen before. Sounds weird I know, but even if it is innacurate, I will enjoy this feeling of optimism while I can.

Also, we got to attend my cousin Levi Pratt's farewell yesterday. It was so wonderful, and I am so proud of him. His testimony is so strong, and it is obvious that he has prepared extensively for this time in his life.

Signing off....

p.s. Here are some pictures from the reunion...

It was so fun to see my little Lisa Marie while we were there. I love her to death, and am so proud of her! Turkey leg...