We miss you Steven

As many of you know, my older brother Steven has been missing since Christmas time. Today marks six months since anyone has heard from him. It has been a challenging and humbling experience to go through something like this. Our family has truly been blessed by thousands of people (many whom we don't even know) praying for and helping our family during this time. We will never be able to properly thank everyone who has taken the time to think of us this year. Unfortunately no new leads have come forth, but we still have hope and know that our Heavenly Father is mindful of Steven and when the time is right we will know and find peace in the situation.

{Steven would kill me for posting this picture. He was very much a University of Utah fan and only when this was the only sweatshirt around would he ever wear BYU gear. =) }

(My dad, nephew Peter, and Steven at my wedding)

Those of you know Steven, know he is a kind hearted and caring person. He enjoys sports and being outdoors. He started playing the guitar a few years ago and even had a pretty decent voice to go with it. I admire his willingness to help others and his faithfulness to the Gospel.

{Me and the boys...}

We've had to find a new "normal" in our family. And even though at times it feels as if we've moved on, we sure haven't. My parents still tirelessly search for clues and travel many miles to keep the investigation active. We pray daily for him and our hearts are tender when we think about a brother/son/uncle/cousin/friend whom we miss.

{All five siblings at Moon Lake a few years ago}

We love you Steven and we miss you.

Memorial Weekend

Last weekend Andrew and I went to Dallas for a much needed mini-vacation. We hopped in the car Friday afternoon after work and made our way to Dallas. We found a great deal on a Marriott hotel in Las Colinas. Saturday morning after a leisurely breakfast and workout we headed for the Dallas Temple. I miss being so close to a temple like we were in San Antonio, but it is always refreshing to attend the temple when we can.

After the temple we had a nice afternoon walking around South Lake where we met up with my former roommate Mandy and her family at The Cheesecake Factory. YUM! (except for the raw chicken in my salad, but they fixed it and the cheesecake was still amazing!) It was great to catch up with Mandy and Matt too!

Matt, Maddy and Mandy

On Sunday we met up with my long time friend Katie and her family for church. Katie and I go WAY back. We grew up in Amarillo together and probably have known each other since we were 1 or 2. She now has two cute boys and will be moving back to Amarillo with her husband Scott in a few weeks.

Me, Katie and Elliot

We drove back Sunday afternoon. On Memorial day we had a great day relaxing at the pool and BBQ's with friends. I sure could get use to having Monday's off!