This past extended weekend, Cadence and I took a trip to Maryland & Washington D.C. for the wedding of my older brother, Allen & his new wife Martha. Their family was so kind and just opened their home to us! It really felt as if we were all one big family. It was kind of fun talking to all of them and finding common interests and even friend we didn’t know we had in common! 
One of the best parts was learning how much their family 
loved music (I can’t think of music without thinking of my family). We spent some time on Sunday evening singing hymns while mom played. Music has such power to bring the Spirit, especially the hymns. Even more than that, it always brings unity to our family. 
We were planning to go to the capitol on Monday, but everyone was so exhausted (and we had some wedding prep to do) that we decided to have a chill day in the hotel. The kids all took really great naps (my 2 nephews and 2 nieces, plus Cadence). Cristina and I took our little boys down to the pool. They both love to swim and it was fun spending time together! Here is Cade helping me feed Holly (my niece) a bottle).
Funny story – I ended up driving through the middle of Washington D.C. in a minivan full of kids and sisters! That was intimidating (a big city, a big car I’m not really used too…oi!).
The van itself was a blast during the trip! It was HOOKED UP (DVD player, audio/visual hook ups, backup camera, ind. temp. control, power doors, etc.)! Maria and I kept laughing (she always rode shot gun) and pretending we were driving a spaceship. We’d pretend to press a bunch of buttons and she’s say “re-entering earth’s gravity”. I still laugh just thinking about it. We affectionately named it the “party van”. I love my sisters! I laugh more with them than anyone else.
One of the happiest parts of the trip was seeing my family interact with Cadence, especially his grandparents! I always wanted grandparents (growing up I only had 1 living and she lived across the country). Being on this trip made me wish we lived closer to them, especially now that Cade can play with them. It was a tender memory for me watching my mom chase my son!
There were lots of friends, ward members, etc. supporting Allen & Martha so the sealing room (room where couples are married in the temple) was full (standing room only). Yet my sister Cristina and I were the only two in the sealing room. I’m hoping my other siblings will be there with us someday soon!
I love my family and nothing makes me happier than to think I can be with them forever!
