One of the primary motives for coming to the Valley was to see my wonderful parents. I miss them every day. The sense of whole, and belonging that I always feel when I am with them, in their home is undeniable. They are human and flawed just like all parents. But they are exceptionally kind, generous, and loving. All the best parts of who I am are because of my loving and supportive parents.

MOM:

School teacher, mom, wife, animal lover, and so much more. I love this picture of her. She is so silly and so serious. She gives and gives without even thinking.

Here we are on a walk after work on the Friday that we were home. This is Mom’s dog, Lizzy. Mom loves her so much. She also has a trio of tortoises, and a fish she lovingly calls fishy fishy that she has nurtured since our wedding 5 years ago. My mom taught me how to look beyond myself, to empathize with others, and to love with you whole self.

She is my role model and hero.

DAD:

The rock, and glue that ties us all together. My dad seems to have all the answers. Sacrifice of ones self; that is the legacy of my father. He is deeply spiritual and his faith defines him, I am so blessed to have a father that loves and knows his Savior. He taught me to understand and love the scriptures, and how to find revelation from God for myself. He taught me to work hard and save. He is also completely generous and taught me about giving everything that I am with out reservation or hesitation. Although he is a serious man, he loves to laugh and has instilled in me a love of all things musical, video games, movies, electronics, and gadgets.

A perfect example of this is the new soda making machine that dad bought himself for Christmas. Karl and I had been eyeing the exact same one, and of course my dad bought it!

Oh man, I am so jealous. Dad you ROCK!

Every time I go home there is always one thing on the list of things to do, “go out to mexican food with my parents.”

It is always between La Hacienda and Celia’s. I love them both.

This time it was Celia’s.

I love this painting, it is in the corner where we always sit.

Dad and Mom. Dad here, trying not to smile. Mom looking adorable as always!

After dinner we went out for a movie. I waited to see True Grit with my parents.

Pose!

It was a super violent movie, but we all enjoyed it.

The next day we all got up and drove up to San Diego.

Mom and Dad had ward temple day, and we said good byes there. We wanted to maybe do a session but there wasn’t time. It was cool to just be there though. It is the first time we have been back since we were married.

Love you mom and dad. Thank you for a great couple of days. I love you both so much!