Josh's Priesthood Ordination

These are all the men who stood in with Josh for his ordination. Bishop Smithson also stood in.Garth, Grampy, Josh, Wes, Jeff and Kashi

Proud Parents

Josh was blessed to have so much of the family still here from the wedding to be able to attend his ordination.

Josh and Wes

Precious Moment

This is February 1, 2009. Joshua Brian Gardner's Ordination Day.

What a special day. Next week Josh will pass Sacrament for the first time as a Deacon. I can't express how proud I am (also Wes of course) and the true joy that comes from your son worthily taking upon himself the Priesthood of God. I know Josh will live up to his duties and responsibilities and take them very seriously. He is an amazing young man with so many talents and endless possibilities. I look forward to the day when he will enter the temple. I'm sure the tears will again flow as they did today.

Side note: I wasn't able to see him pass the first time on Feb. 8th because I was dizzy and sick but Wes got to be there. On Feb. 15th when I saw him pass for my first time, tears came as I treasured the moment. I love seeing him up there and his big brother, Dallin, helping him. That's what makes it all worth it.

Reception

GRRR!

Jessica and Brookly

Princess Ashley

Our whole Crew

Mom and Dad

Funny kids!

Jeff's telling Camie

Me and Ben

Brennen and Me

Josh in the garden

Brookly outside in the garden

Ben and Brookly

Jarom caught the garter.Cake Fun

Ben was exhausted.
By the end, Ben preferred the floor.
Jarom, Ryan, Jessica, Brynn, AmandaLove the car!

Josh and Molly? That's what the photographic cards laid out on the table said!Going Away

The reception was held at the Regency Garden. It was elegant and there was NO tule! Such a wonderful day! Ben had a hard time with no nap and did eventually melt down, but the rest was wonderful! What an incredible day! I miss Julie so much but she looks so happy! I wish them the eternal happiness they deserve! Congratulations Julie and Jared!

Landmark Luncheon

Grampy and Lily

Brooky, Jessica and Brynn

Ben and Jeff

"The Bells are Ringing"

This is a long standing tradition! Dallin insisted he was too old!

We told him only at his own reception is he excused!
Yummy food and fun with friends and family! We were starving by the time we got there and started after 1:30pm! The little ones did pretty good!

Wedding Day

Jared and daughter, Jessica
Jarom and Ryan

Beautiful Bride

Elise, Kate, Brookly

My happy kids!

We're not done yet?! Here's my smile then! Please feed me!

Brookly and Julie

Our Gardner brood- Will we ever get a good picture of our whole family?

The family group shot being posed!
January 31, 2009

The beautiful Mesa Temple was the setting for this dream come true!

The sealing was inspirational! What a beautiful day and stunning couple!

Bachelorette Party

Carrie, Beth, Becca, Julie, Nicole, Elizabeth, and Tenesa
Here she is! The Bride To Be!

For Girls Night out before wedding, we went and saw Bride Wars and then hit Coldstone!

Good times!

Friday Family Fun

Has to be the winning team because Mom's on it!

Jarom has no shirt because of the countless stickers in his.
Mom, Garth, Andrew, Jarom, Brennen(behind arm) and Jeff

Mom, the Cricket Wicket

Doesn't she look great!

Uncle Jared was well loved by the girls!

Grampy and Grammy with Ashley, Carson and Ben and Kashi?

Random is a family trait that you inherit when you marry in!
Friday, January 30, 2009

What an adventure! We played the family game of Cricket, officially the "Sheppard Ice Cricket" rules. You've never seen such crazy antics! Who said you can hit anywhere you want and run as long as you want? How do you get out anyway? We had tons of snacks and pizza and met Jared's family. None of them joined us for Cricket. I wonder why. Julie's friends also got in from Florida. It was a great time! Ben only got lost twice! No worries! Too wrapped up in the intense Cricket match I guess!

Thursday Night Photo Shoot

Getting Julie ready!Me, Julie and Mom
Jared before he sees Julie in her wedding dress for the first time! We weren't allowed at the photo shoot but we glanced across the temple grounds and it was breathtaking! The pictures turned out beautiful!

Wedding Weekend-The Tux Shop

Love is in the air!Love these parents of mine!

Jared looks ready for the big day!

Playful time!

Here we go! It's the big wedding weekend and family is all coming

and here and the fun has just begun!