Family Reunion x 2!

We were lucky enough to get to go to California a few weeks ago for 2 family reunions. First we met up with the Frederiksen clan and spent the week at Bass Lake and Yosemite. Then we headed down the mountain to the airport to welcome home Elder Rozier and spent a long weekend celebrating with him and the rest of the family. Here's documentation in pictures, (and there are plenty, so don't feel obligated.)


The adventure started when we picked up Andi, Olive, and Harrison at the airport and headed up the mountain.

Our first day in Yosemite we hiked around Mariposa Grove. This was one giant tree that had fallen.

We finally made it to the Grizzly Giant!

A cool tunnel tree

Clara loved hiking with Daddy.

Day 2 was spent relaxing at the lake.

Liam loved splashing around and playing in the dirt.

Olive loved to explore as well.


Owen and Ella were quite the adventurers, taking the tube out for long excursions.


The kids all wanted a turn on the kayak.

Like mother, like daughter.

Day 3 was back to Yosemite for more hiking and incredible views.

Alisa and the kids enjoying the view.

Nana and Papa attempting to get all the little kids to cooperate for a photo.

This was a common sight throughout the week. If we couldn't find Clara, she was probably attached to Olive.

Yosemite falls

All the way at the base of the falls where we enjoyed the cool mist before the hike back.


We went on a tram tour and saw lots of other amazing vistas.

Some of us didn't appreciate the views as much as others. :-)

This was my attempt at catching a shot of the mama bear and 2 cubs before they ran back into the woods.







The boys went back to Mariposa Grove for more hiking.

This was the famous "fallen tunnel tree" that you used to be able to drive through.

Clara's new favorite toy from the Bass Lake gift shop. It makes a weird squeaky noise and she thought it was the coolest thing ever.

Our family Pinochle champion. He only lost once all week and that was when I was his partner!

Best friends.

Onto part 2 of the trip: waiting at the airport for Uncle Nick.



A joyous reunion.


Our neighbor and good friend Kelsie got married while we were there. Clara loved dancing, especially with the bride and groom. As soon as she saw Kelsie from across the yard she pointed and said "Dress!" Yup, she's all girl!

She danced the night away with her new little friend Trent.

And no trip to California is complete without lots of walks with Grandma and Grandpa!

*Congratulations if you made it to the end of this marathon post!

Quick trip, a wedding, and an anniversary

A couple of weekends ago we were lucky enough to go to Utah for Nate's brother's wedding. Clara was a champion road-tripper and it was a fast, but great trip!

We were lucky enough to catch these munchkins at home. These are Clara's second cousins Sam and Tom, and yes, this was the best shot I got of them all together.

Here is the happy couple.

Frederiksen men: those are some good genes there!

Proof that we were all there. I think this shot will be a finalist for our family Christmas card this year.

All of the kids with the bride and groom + Papa because Clara would not cooperate without him.

Siblings shot, minus Alisa

These two became fast friends and were often seen holding hands.

Their new favorite game

And of course there was a big party with cake,

and dancing!

The big exit

The getaway car (didn't we do a fine job?)

The next day we had a little extra time so we went to the new children's section at the Church History Museum. It was pretty cool!

They had dress ups and a video to learn a little dance.

And this truck was the highlight of the day for her!

Cute cousins holding hands to cross the street.

Once we got home, these became the footwear of choice.

And this is where we spent our anniversary...in an alleyway.

There was actually a really cool and yummy restaurant at the back of this alley. Happy four years to us!

4 years!

Four years ago today I was headed to the temple. Everyone, including myself, was waiting anxiously for me to freak out and be afraid to go through with it. But I was uncharacteristically calm. In fact I really only remember feeling calm and happy and then eventually excited and relieved. It was seriously the best day ever. The weather was beautiful, the temple was perfectly serene, the food was delicious, and the company was delightful. I had no idea how happy married life would be. The last four years have seriously flown by. I thank Heavenly Father every day that I have such an amazing life. Nate is perfect for me in every way imaginable. There is no one else I can imagine spending my forever with. Here's to many, many more years of happiness!