Our 20th Anniversary Trip to Hawaii

Joel and I decided to celebrate a little early for our 20th Wedding anniversary.  We went to the BEAUTIFUL islands of Hawaii.  We mainly stayed on Maui, but did a day trip to Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a day trip to Kona on the big Island (lucky for me to the Ford Ironman World Championships).  It was the perfect trip...I loved the beaches, the water, the sun and being able to spend a week with just Joel.  It's nice to know we still like to be together and have stuff in common and know how to have a blast without our kids.  Sorry, guys.  Next time we plan to take you...

Seaside Aquarium

Our last stop was to the Seaside Aquarium which was right next to our hotel. We walked in a were able to feed the seals. They were so cute and funny. We had this little tray of stinky, dead fish to feed them...of course my kids loved that part. The seals would slap their bellies and "beg" for food. It you didn't feed them, they would get mad and splash you. It was so funny. My kids laughed and laughed.

The aquarium was dark and cool inside. It was a small, homey feel and the kids were able to "touch" almost everything. They touched sea urchins, crabs, star fish, hermit crabs, and all kinds of other stuff. They loved it. I have never seen them so fascinated with stuff. They literally had their hands in the water the whole time. When it was time to leave, I think they all had the "wrinkly raisin fingers". It was a highlight for the boys. I am a little more skiddish about touching live animals of any kind.

Seaside Oregon

For the rest of our spring break weekend, we went to Seaside, Oregon. We had never been there before, but surfed the net and decided it was the place for us. We could not have been any happier. It is the cutest, quaint, family-friendly place. We stayed in a hotel right on the beach. We fed the seagulls off our deck, we biked, walked and enjoyed the smells and sounds of the sea right off our deck, we swam in the pool (a little too cold for ocean swimming) and we ate lots of yummy food. It was the perfect spot. We couldn't have had any more fun.

Spring Break to Oregon

For spring break we decided to take the kids on a road trip to Oregon. Our first stop was hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls, Oregon. I remember when I was a teenager my mom and I went to Portland area at least twice a year for gymnastic meets. I was always so excited when I saw Multnomah Falls because I knew we were getting very close to Portland and we almost always stopped and my mom would let me and my friends run to the bridge and chase around for awhile. I always thought it was because we begged her to let us, but now being the mom myself, I KNOW it was because she was so sick of us in the car, she wanted the break. And to let us burn off some of that abundant, never ending energy that youth brings. Sometimes I wish I still had that kind of energy.

My boys loved the hike to the top. I had to run to catch Lance several times. He doesn't quite understand some of the dangers that hiking a tall cliff involve. It is a little freaky for mom and dad, though. We were all soaked to the bone when we finished, but our spirits were renewed and we loved it.

I love how free it feels to be out in nature enjoying the beauty that Heavenly Father has so richly blessed us with. I love seeing and feeling the world around us. And when it's such wide open spaces, my kids come alive. They are outdoorsmen to the MAX. I loved being here with my boys...all 5 of them. Thanks Joel for taking us to Multnomah Falls. Thanks for being a good sport on my "active/workout" vacation...and even enjoying it.

Bryce's BSU birthday

What makes my 11 year old TICK?? BSU of course! For Bryce's 11th birthday party we decided to surprise him and take him and 10 buddies on a "surprise" fieldtrip. We started out with a nasty joke, telling the boys we were going to Build a Bear at the mall...not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just not the funnest for these macho boys. We arrived at the mall and broke the news to them that we had won a contest at the Blue and Orange store...we were going to get 1st in line to meet Vinny Perretta of the BSU Broncos. The boys each got a new BSU shirt and hat from the Blue and Orange store--OUR FAVORITE STORE--and then they met Vinny and he signed all their stuff and was such a nice guy. They were thrilled! Both for meeting Vinny and not having to go to Build a bear.

Next, we were off to BSU to see the stadium and the amazing skyboxes! Joel has lots of great connections and was able to get us a personal tour of this beautiful new facility at BSU. It was so thrilling. As much for Joel and I as for the kids. We even brought along our trusty photographer/best buddy, Kevin. He was equally squealing with delight. To top of the day, we got to actually run and play on the blue turf. That stuff is so cool. I didn't realize that the turf is about 2" long and quite soft. The boys were in seventh heaven. We finished our day with posters and trading cards and were back home for cake! BSU of course made by my FABULOUSO sister Tia!! IT was a darling blue turf field with Bryce's name on it. I'll figure out how to load more than 3 pictures someday...

Bryce had the best birthday ever! He was walking on clouds the entire weekend. He was so cute. He now wants to put up the saying, "The only colors I see are Blue and Orange" on his wall in his bedroom. Someday that kid is going to be a BSU FANATIC FAN!! Like father, like son. Happy 11th Birthday, Bryce. We love you.

Rachel's Baby Quilt--in the workings

Running Rachel...

I love this fun quilt for my sweetest running buddy, Rachel. She is expecting her first baby in March--a BOY--and has been running every weekend with us during the whole pregnancy!! She is amazing. As per doctor's orders she is now done till baby comes. I miss her already and can't wait to see her little guy when he gets here. She is having a baby shower next weekend so I must get in gear and bind this quilt for her. It has aliens and spaceships all over it with the best green MINKEE on the back. Haven't tried MINKEE yet? Oh, you'll fall in love with it. OH, by the way the funky little triangle thing...it's supposed to be a rocket pillow. It isn't the best, but I thought it was kinda cute in a pathetic way. ONLY 6 WEEKS LEFT, Rachel!! You can do it.

Beautiful little Taylor's quilt

A New Quilt for Taylor!!

Here is one of my newest baby creations for my special new neighbor girl. She is so beautiful and this quilt has the cutest colors of pink, brown and turquoise. And on the back is the FABULOUS (my new word) MINKEE! It is the softest fabric to put next to baby. I wish every quilt I owned had this on the back. I now need to bind it and actually get it to her before her 1st birthday! Welcome to the neighborhood sweet little Taylor!