Our Carribean Cruise

We left from Miami, but we had about an hour before we were kicked out of our hotel, that was on the beach, before we had to make our way to the ship. So we decided to go out and play in the ocean for a bit. I have never really played in the ocean. As kids we would play in the Galveston area, but it scared me so bad I would mostly stay on the beach. Anyway, we were on South Beach in Miami and it was beautiful. After the water we walked along the boardwalk for a couple of miles. We heard a lot of Spanish and even got to see a model shoot (pictures). No, it was not being that was the model! Silly!





To start off our cruise the weather was very windy and by the time the sun went down it was stormy. At this time, neither Austin or I were feeling sick, so I thought we would get away with no sea sickness, I wish! Early, early the next morning Austin woke up really sick. He stayed that way all day. He couldn't even get up to leave the room. Finally at 2 I convinced him that he HAD to come up stairs and get some fresh air. He made it, then stayed in this position for about 5 hours. By this time we had already missed our Elegant Evening dinner, I was quite sad since I worked very hard on my dress! That is okay, I was mostly just happy that Austin could stand up without having to run for the bathroom.



Grand Cayman Islands was our first port of call. The weather was still crummy, in fact we almost didn't get to stop here because the waves were so bad. But they found another place for us to port and then we had to take little boats to get to the island. We were really hoping to be able to snorkel, but didn't want to try and get thrown into the rocks. So instead we walked along the Seven Mile beach and found some great shells. We also body surfed on the waves for a couple of hours. I am glad that I have a husband who is patient with me. I was still quite scared of the ocean, but he helped me overcome my fears and I found that the ocean can be very fun.






This beautiful place is Roatan Honduras. It was by far our favorite place to visit! We just loved it. Maybe it was because it was our first nice day, or we finally got to snorkel, or just that it was BEAUTIFUL! When we got off the ship there was this gorgeous beach. We were able to go out and teach ourselves how to snorkel for a couple of hours, another this I was a bit scared of. In fact, at first sight of all the grasses on the bottom of the ocean and not knowing what could be down there I started to hyperventilate, but Austin just grabbed my hand and took me out. I got a lot more brave, and learned that snorkeling was awesome! I wish that we lived by an ocean so that I could go again!!! We saw many cool fish, it really was awesome!





Austin told the girls that in this picture of me snorkeling, my fin is a shark chasing me. They are still so nervous for me.



Just a picture of our ship. Pretty big. They said that there were 3,500 guests on board, 1,200 were children. Plus 1,500 employees. A lot of people!



this is the only picture we have of Belize, we were actually not impressed with that port at all. It was a twenty minute little boat ride to the city, and we got there, stayed for about 45 minutes and got back on the little boat back to the ship and took a nap. I had had gotten sunburned a couple of days before and needed some aloe vera. We saw this shop that said it sold RX so we stopped. They weren't kidding. It was an over the counter Pharmacy that sold all those drugs you need scripts for, but not there! Austin thought it was funny, and the prices were pretty cheap, so he needed a picture.



Our last port of call was Cozumel. We really liked it there too. We went to a beach called Chankanaab. We practically had the whole beach to our selves for a couple of hours. We snorkeled a ton here. We went off to places no one else was and dove for some great shells. Austin had found a ton, and when I finally got brave enough I dove down and found a lot too. On this beach we saw lots of animals. We saw dolphins, an iguana, lots of crabs, and tons of fish. Some were the size of my kids, but I did not freak out when they swam by me, maybe the first time, but definitely not after that!





Michelle had told me how amazing the waiters were, but I just didn't realize what she meant until we got there and met them. This is Benjamin (from Honduras) and Luis (from Costa Rica) They were the BEST!!! They always had a smile on their face and were just so kind and fun and funny. Most nights Luis would have some trick for us to figure out. They had performances part way through our meals that were so funny. (It was always singing and dancing, and usually on the tables) They really were great!

Sickness

Layton got really sick on Tuesday night. Of course Austin was working that night so I had to stay up with him and clean up throw up all night! FUN!!! On Wednesday he acted fine all day, not even a little sick, except the 4 hour nap he took. Austin had the morning off on Thursday and we have really been itching to get up to St. Anthony and look at some land we are interested in. So after a good night sleep we all got up early and headed North. We were halfway there and Layton started crying, Pretty normal, he HATES riding in the car anywhere. Next thing I know, yep, throw up, everywhere!!! We had to pull over at the rest area and clean everything. GROSS!! Sometimes being a parent is not fun. We didn't have any extra clothes for him, except Dad's. It was quite funny. He knew they were not his clothes and he did not like them. We had a t-shirt and a pair of socks. I thought he looked pretty cute! He kept a pouty, crabby face on the whole rest of the ride, until we changed him into his own clothes.

Swing time!!

On Sunday we had some cousins over for a few hours and the kids had a ball playing outside. Layton stayed out there the longest though. After the others had come in he and Austin stayed out there. Soon I heard Austin yelling at me. When I went out he had Layton on the "Wee" as Layton likes to call it. Austin told me that he was pumping himself, and he was. He sat in the swing for about 5 minutes with no one touching him or the swing, and he kept it going the whole time. What a smart kid!!!



Now everytime we go outside he immediately runs to the swings. He LOVES them! Can you tell by the look on his face?

Our new cousin Aubrey

My sister Mel was taking pictures and caught Aubrey in a cute little smile. I am sure she was smiling because I was holding her! :)




Heather looks so good! Her baby is only 2 days old!



This was all that the girls talked about for days. They absolutely love babies and thought it was great that they have a new cousin to hold. I wish that we would have gotten a picture of Layton with the baby. I didn't have him hold her, but he would come up and pat her head softly, (surprise) and then talk to her in a cute little baby voice. It was seriously adorable.

Sadly, Tori's basketball season is just about over. She has had so much fun this year. I relaly hoped that when I signed her up she would get really excited about basketball and realize how much fun it is. We really worked with her on being more aggressive when rebounding... if only she would use the same attitude that she uses with Kennedy, every rebound would be hers! I am so glad that she loves playing basketball. Great job this year Tor!!!

Christmas

For Christmas this year I got Austin tickets to a Celtics vs. Suns game. He LOVES the Celtics. They have been his favorite team since he was a little kid. We got some pretty good seats and got to go to PHOENIX where it was WARM! He was so happy to get to see his team close up and not in the nose bleed section.
We got to the game as early as they would allow and then watched some of the players warm up. The game in its self was not the greatest, three of Boston's starters were out injured, but it was still fun. The rest of the time we golfed, played in the pools, sat in the hot tubs, ate out, and shopped a little. I have to say, although I hate to leave the kids, I love to leave the kids. It was such a nice and relaxing vacation. And they had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa for a week. I hope that we can do this again, and soon.

Oh wait!! I am going on a cruise in 3 weeks! I do get to have a relaxing vacation soon!! Yea!!!!!

My New High Heels Part 2

So I have had some requests for pictures of my shoes. I have not had the opportunity to wear these babies out yet, mostly because they KILL my feet still. But I am wearing them in so I can be ready for my cruise, that is the real reason I picked these ones out.

My new High Heels...

Because I am just barely shorter than Austin (1/4") I have never really worn heels, well, those of you who know me well realize that I have never really worn them, mostly because I am so freakin' tall. The other day I tried on a pair of 4" heels for Austin, mostly just to be funny, and no I could not walk in them! :) He asked me why I don't own any high heels. I informed him that I didn't want him to be uncomfortable around me when I am wearing them, because I would be taller. He sweetly told me that he didn't mind if I wore heels, and that I should get some to have when we go out. So what did I do? the very next day I went out and spent my birthday money from my parents and bought two pairs of high heels! Then, because my feet are not used to wearing them, I decided to vacuum the house in my heels. It was a fun half hour, but now I realized that I was giving my calves a workout. They are a little sore. I think I will wear them again tomorrow!

Uncle David

I love living close to home, this means that I can make quick trips to see my little (BIG) bro play basketball. It has been so fun to watch him this year, which is sadly his Senior year. Last Friday night was Senior night and so I decided I needed to go watch him. It was a good game and he did great. He ended up with many blocks (which he is awesome at, and the kids in the crowd love) and lot of rebounds and a few points! It was a fun game, and they blew Preston out of the water. Someone made them lifesize posters and hung them up around the gym. We had fun standing next to a HUGE poster of Uncle Dave. I wish that he still had one more year to play...college maybe?

our choice

This post is also really late, but it is because of the no computer situation the last few months. This might be really old news to a few of you, but in November we FINALLY made our decision as to where Austin would accept a job this summer (and hopefully forever). After MUCH prayer and MUCH fasting and then more of both again, we decided to accept the job in St. Anthony. This was such a difficult decision for us. For some reason we both thought that the answer would be clear all along, but it was not. Both places had so many good things about them, and we realy loved the people in Dillon. We even had to ask for an extension so we could have more time. One night after going to the temple for inspiration, we both came out knowing that we needed to go to St. Anthony. We are all very excited now that we know where and when we are moving. Austin is already making big plans for the clinic and how he will expand. We are exctied that we will still have family close, hopefully they are too!

Coupons...again

This is a week late, but last night we had an enrichment that focused on ways to save money, and so I thought what the heck. I was so excited about this shopping trip. When the total came up, it was 169.00 after all the instant savings, coupons and douple coupons my total was ... $32.71!!!
Isn't that great saving! I ended up with 30 boxes of cereal/granola bars 4 popcorn boxes (which I have never bought before but when you get then for almost free I think I will try them) 4 2-liter pops (free) apples, contact solution, I think that was all, but I think that was not bad!
Anyway, I was pretty excited so I thought I would share.

Kennedy's snowman

We got some good snow overnight and through the day on Monday and Kennedy was really in the mood to build a snowman. Her friend could not come over to help and she was really sad. After I laid Layton down for a nap I decided to get on the snow gear and brighten her day by helping her.
She had a cute idea for a non-traditional snowman. I think that he turned out really cute. Kennedy even donated her hat. We had so much fun together, just the two of us. Sometimes I forget that I need to sit and play with my kids, not always think of that list of things that I need to get done. Those days that I do remember, always turn out to be my favorite day.

Jr. Jazz

I signed Tori up to play in a Jr. Jazz basketball league this year. Austin is all the time trying to get the girls to go outside and shoot and dribble, but that does not hold their interest as long as he thinks it should. I thought playing on a team might help her see how fun basketball can be. I think that it worked!

Before the game Tori was so nervous she couldn't eat her lunch. but she was also so excited about it that she couldn't stop talking about her "1st Jr. Jazz game!" There are 9 players on her team so they have to rotate. Tori did not start, later she told me she was glad, but when she did go in she didn't touch the ball, not once. I just wanted to go out there and help her and encourage her. But I could not, I am just a mom.

Well, when she went back in the game, in the fourth quarter, they passed her the ball, she got to dribble, then the ref had her go to the hoop, and then there was no stopping her!! All the sudden she went after rebounds, got open for passes (instead of standing behind the guy guarding her) she took lots of shots in the last couple of minutes, and had a BLAST!!!

Seriously, she has not stopped talking about how fun basketball is. As soon as we got home from the game, she wanted to get all our neighbor kids together and play basketball, none were home dang it!!

When Austin got off work today, the first thing Tori said was, "Dad don't you love Saturday? " He said," It's Sunday." "I know, I just love Saturday because I get to play basketball!! "

How stinkin' cute is that!

I tried and tried to post a video, but it won't let me. If anyone knows and hints let me know!

It's been FOREVER!!!

Well, my computer crashed in October and I have not had one available to use since then. It was a little tough getting use to not having a computer at my becon call, but I got use to it, now I am afraid I might forget that I have one. That's right... I got a new computer yesterday! What a great birthday present! J/K Not exactly for my birthday, but Austin picked it up and brought it home on my big day. I am just so excited to have a reliable computer.

Sometime soon I will load all my pictures on here and have a huge catch up blog, but not now, I have a house to get ready to sell.

Family Pictures

Yesterday was the first day that we were all together, when the sun was still up, in a long time. So we decided that since the leaves were changing we would take our family pictures. So after Tori got home from school we all got ready. We left the house at 4:00 to start our drive up to City Creek. At 4:01 it started to rain on us! I was so MAD!! Last time when we were going to take pictures it snowed! Can we not ever get good weather!!! Austin pointed out that the darkest clouds were over City Creek...nice. Oh well, we headed up anyway, at least we were spending time together, right? We drove around for a little while trying to pick the perfect spot, and let the rain die down. We took some pictures and the kids didn't complain too much. I have to say that I am not a huge fan of taking my own family pictures. I set everyone up in the positions that I think looks pretty good, try to picture me in there, set the timer and then run, at the same time I am hoping that no one moves and that they all look at the camera when it takes the picture. It rarely turns out. But I keep trying. Next time I will just recruit someone to come with us and take the pictures for me.

This is me running, I accidently set the wrong timer!

I am a little late with this post, but this wonderful snow storm happened on October 4th!!!! It was conference weekend and we were going to go to Rupert on Sunday to drop off the 4 wheeler we had borrowed, wish Austin's Dad a happy birthday and then drive dome through the mountains to get some fall family pics. When we called in the morning to tell everyone we were coming they told us they were getting snowed on, but still come because it should be gone when we got there. When we left they had 1" of snow. When we got there they had 3" and the power was out! So the kids grabbed all the winter gear they could find (and by kids I mean my kids, the adult men in the house, and Auntie Mel). Immediately John had to build a little fort for the snowball fight that he knew would come. And it did. They were even rude enough to throw snowballs at me, the photographer! How rude!The girls loved every minute of it, and were pretty upset when they had to come in to eat!Tori in Aunt Mel's face mask. Kinda surprising that she put it on and left it on.

Dad and Uncle John about to hit each other with snowballs.

Building Forts

I don't know about your children, but mine think that blankets have one purpose, and one purpose only... to built forts with. I guess that the same goes with the furniture, well, that and to jump off.

After weeks and weeks of constant forts in our family rooms (yes both, and somtimes at the same time), Austin and I looked for a way to solve this problem.

One day Austin came home and showed me this website! I was so exited.

Two weeks prior to the girls birthdays, there was literally a new fort built everyday. People would come to my house and I would just think, "my house is usually cleaner than this!!!"

I wanted to give the girls their gift early, just so I could have a clean looking house again, but I didn't.This is the last BLANKET FORT to be built in my house!! YEAH!

And of course it was on Sunday right before they got their "new fort."

Here is the Invent-a-tent! I love it. they have made at least 6 different forts since then, and they are all downstairs where no one can see.

Friends Party

Tori, Summer, Kennedy. This is at their birthday party. Summer is a wonderful neighbor who LOVES the girls, and they LOVE her! They both wanted to have her come over for their party.
Each of the girls made little pizzas, jumped in the bounce house and danced their hearts out in a Freeze Dance contest. It was a fun afternoon.

Top to Bottom:
Summer, Whitney, Tori, Seirra, Nikki, Kennedy, Allison.

Kennedy and Nikki on the bounce house.
Kennedy, Nikki and Allison

Tori is 7!!!

Let pretend again!! It is ...

September 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Tori!!!

Tori also got to open her presents in the morning of her birthday, because Dad, once again, would not be there. Next year he will! She was also given a jumper from Mom and a puzzle. Surprise!

What?!? That is not the same picture as Kennedy's is it! Well, when your birthday is only 4 days away from your sisters, and there are only four members of the family that will eat the cake, we cannot make two regular sized cakes. So they share. One day that will have to change, but for now, we celebrate the birthdays together.
Tori also LOVED testing out the bounce house. They didn't want to get out until it was dark.
Thanks Reann!