Family Pictures

When we were in Hawaii, Chris' mom hired a photographer to take family pictures. The photographer did a great job. It's not very often that you can get professional family pictures taken in Hawaii.

Hawaii

The day after Christmas, we had the wonderful opportunity of taking a trip to Hawaii. Chris' parents took their whole family. The plane ride there was long, but our kids did really well. Coming from freezing cold Utah and stepping outside into perfect 80 degree weather was wonderful. It was great being able to wear shorts, t-shirts and flip flops.

Our hotel was on Waikiki beach. It was absolutely beautiful. We a few times playing in the ocean and building sand castles. We also went snorkeling, we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and took a hike to a waterfall. We also visited the north shore and watched surfers on like 40 foot waves.

Carson chilling on the beach.


Hanging out on the north shore.


The Polynesian Cultural Center.


I just loved getting pictures of Carson in his stroller.

Cool boat.
Cool statue.
Hang Loose.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. This was so much fun because the fish were so bright and colorful and we got to swim with a sea turtle.



Kelli and her cousin Porter
Just chillin'.
Beautiful scenery.

Hiking to the waterfall. The hike was a lot of fun and also treacherous because there was a ton of mud which was the most slippery mud I have ever been on. We were constantly slipping and sliding the whole hike.
More beautiful scenery. The mountains in Hawaii are incredible.The waterfall. This picture didn't turn out like I thought it would. The waterfall was a lot prettier than it looks in the picture.

Kelli on the beach.
And I just loved this picture of Carson with his grandma.
We flew back home the night of the 3rd and got back home the morning of the 4th. We were exhausted, but the trip was well worth it. We came from beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains and wonderful weather to freezing weather and 2 feet of new snow at our home. One extreme to the next. Thanks again Kory and Darlene for such a wonderful trip! We had such a great time!

Oil Painting

I started this oil painting a few years ago. It has been a tough painting and so I have slacked. There have been days where I have been so frustrated with it, but I feel that I have pulled through and got it to where I am satisfied with it. I painted this picture from a photograph that was taken on the day of our wedding. As you can probably tell that it was a beautiful morning that day. Soon I will get it framed and hung up in our house.

Look What I Inherited!

This piano was my grandma's when my mom was a little girl. My grandma gave it to my mom probably before I was born. Just last month, I inherited it. My dad loaded it into his truck with some help from some strong men and brought it up to my house. Then he unloaded it with some help from some more strong men which included my husband, brother and brother-in-law. What a ton of work. This piano is a beast, but I love it in my home. It is great being able to play the piano again even though I am not very good. Kelli sure loves it too. This month has been especially fun because I have been able to play Christmas songs.

My Little Princess is 4!

On Saturday, Kelli turned 4! I can't believe how fast time flies. She is growing up so fast. Well, this year she wanted to have a princess party. The last time she had a party, she was 2 years old so we figured it would be a good idea to throw her a party. She has been so excited for the last month that it has driven me insane. She keeps asking me how many sleeps until her birthday. If the answer was more than one, she would get all upset.

Finally the big day came which I had worked hard preparing for, for the last week. Since the party theme was a princess party, I thought it would be a cute idea to draw a frog and play "kiss the frog." Instead of "pin the tail on the donkey," it would be "kiss the frog." So I drew a frog and a bunch of lips. We blind folded them, spun them around and had them stick their paper lips on the frog. This is Prince Naveen from "The Princess and the Frog."



Here is how our home looked before the party started. Not that great of a picture, but you get the idea. Once the guests arrived, they put on princess skirts, crowns and jewelry. They looked so cute.


To add to the party theme, Kelli wanted a pink castle cake. I am not a cake maker, decorator, or stacker. So I did the best I could. It took me all day to make, because Carson was very upset. Probably because I wasn't paying very much attention to him. I would have decorated the cake more, but I was tired of decorating and making frosting. Which brings up another thought. I have never made frosting before. I know, kind of lame. I was impressed when I made it, because it tasted really good. Kelli loved watching me put the food coloring into the frosting and watching it turn colors. Here is my masterpiece.


After the kids played "kiss the frog," they started to decorate wands. I found the cutest glitter foam paper stuff and some glittery foam stickers. Then I bought some wooden dowels and cut them into equal pieces. I cut the foam paper into hearts or diamonds. Once the kids decorated their hearts or diamonds, I wrapped ribbon around the dowels and glued on their heart or diamond. They looked pretty awesome. This kind of gives you and idea of what they looked like.



After the wand making, it was time to sing happy birthday and eat cake and ice cream.


Then open up presents.


So, one of the gifts that Chris and I gave Kelli was a pillow pet. Have any of you seen them advertised. Kelli has been wanting one since she first saw them advertised on tv which was several months ago. Kelli was pretty excited when she got the bumblebee from us. Then at her party, one of her friends gave her the unicorn. They seem to be the top gift this year. When Chris and I were at the store picking out her birthday gifts, there were 3 other kids that flipped out when they saw us carrying around. They would shout to their mom that they wanted one and then they would start singing the song. It was pretty crazy.


Thanks to all of you who gave Kelli such wonderful gifts and brought your kids to her party. She had a blast and enjoyed having her friends there.

The whole bunch squeezed tightly on the couch. I just love this picture!

3 Months Old

I can't believe how fast time flies. Carson is already 3 months old. He turned 3 months on the 1st of this month. It makes me sad how I already put away all his 0-3 month clothes and how the 3-6 month clothes fit him so well. My little boy is growing up so fast.

Carson has now found his thumb which I can't keep out of his mouth. He is such a mamma's boy. He loves when I hold him which is probably his favorite thing. Carson constantly stares at me. I'll turn my head for a few seconds and look back at him and he is still staring at me. Then I smile at him which he immediately responds to by smiling back. And he has a smile that makes me melt. He also has a cry that is the saddest cry I have ever heard. He is a healthy baby which I am so grateful for and he is an awesome sleeper. Carson sleeps from about 9:30 pm to 6:00 am without waking up, but he eats every 2 hours during the day and he's a cat napper, but he won't go to sleep unless his mommy is holding him. But I don't mind, because I know he won't be a little baby for long. I am just so grateful to have him in my life.