Carving Pumpkins

Halloween is our favorite time of year! We grew all of our own pumpkins this year! We had lots to carve! Thank goodness for Jay and his power tools! Nothing like a Dewalt to cut the tops off! The kids had a lot of fun this year. Both of the pretty much did their pumpkins all on their own!

Happy Belated Birthday Kyrsten

The 11 Things I LOVE about Kyrsten:

11. I love how cute Kyrsten is with little kids! She will be an awesome mom some day!

10. I love that Kyrsten keeps her room clean - drawers and closet included!

9. I love that Kyrsten is such a Tom Girl!

8. I love that Kyrsten is such a Girly Girl!

7. I love that Kyrsten will try anything especially in tumbling!

6. I love to watch Kyrsten water ski and wakeboard - she is amazing!

5. I love to snuggle Kyrsten - she is the best cuddler around!

4. I love that Kyrsten likes to look in the mirror making sure she is all put together!

3. I love that Kyrsten is so helpful - she is a gem!

2. I love watching Kyrsten mature into such a beautiful young lady!

1. I love Kyrsten's smile! She is always smiling - even in her sleep!

Happy Belated Birthday JAYDEN!

Happy Belated Birthday JayDawg!

I love you!

My 9 favorite things about Jayden:

1. I love that he runs up to me everyday and gives me the biggest hug and kiss - even if his friends are around!

2. I love his smile and his mischevious eyes!

3. I love the imagination he uses when he plays!

4. I love that he loves his big Sis! He is always thinking of her and others.

5. I love his laugh! It is so contagious that I am always laughing either at him or with him!

6. I love his choice in friends. He has the best little bunch of buddies!

7. I love that he likes to look in the mirror and make sure he looks "good"! Not many tuff little boys really care.

8. I love that he is such a good kid. He loves to read. He heads right to the table to do homework right after school. He gives every sport his best and never gives up. He listens and does what is asked. He is quick to help anyone out. He is not afraid of work. He is amazing! He is willing to try new adventures and even new foods (sometimes)!

9. I love that he is a momma's boy and lets me spoil my baby with love! I love your squishy faces!

You are the BEST Jayden!

Aloha!

We went on the most amazing family vacation to Hawaii! ALOHA! We had the best time. We started on Oahu and then went to the big island. Jayden celebrated his 9th birthday there. He was kinda bummed that he could not be with his friends so we made sure to make it a great day! We were able to go to Pearl Harbor. We had been there a few years ago but Kyrsten & Jayden didn't remember. Last time we were there, Jayden had lost his shoe in the harbor, and Kyrsten made such a fuss that we were escorted out of the memorial. I must say, this visit was much more peaceful.

On Oahu, we tried to take in as much "touristy" stuff as possible as we really don't plan to head back to that island again. So, we went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation where we ate pineapple everything. Jayden was in heaven! We also went through the world's largest maze! We then headed to the North Shore to watch the surfers. The waves were incredible. The kids and I were barely at the water's edge when we were sent further back up the shore as the waves were so powerful. After that we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. There we celebrated Jayden's birthday in Samoa with a coconut juice toast! The luau there was awesome!! We also hiked up Diamond Head. The view from the top was spectacular. The blues of the ocean were so beautiful and endless. We of course spent time at Wikki beach and snorkeled at Hanauma Bay.

Off to the island of Hawaii! There we went to see the volcano. We could not get very close, but were able to see all the smoke billowing out. It never stopped. We were able to see some "hot lava" on the hillside but it was way in the distance. The black sand beaches near the volcano were incredible. Watching the white waves crash against the black sand was fun! We stayed at an amazing resort on Hawaii and spent a lot of time snorkeling and playing in the pool. We saw a ton of sea turtles and even an eel! Here we mostly relaxed and took in the sunshine and beautiful sunsets! I love my family and being able to spend such fun times together!

AMAZING!

Heidi Jamison is an amazing photographer! We asked her to do a photo shoot for Kyrsten and love, love, love it! What more can I say??

Wishin' we were back on the cruise we took this past summer with our best friends the Johnsons. Roy and Donna Bennett were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and we joined them and all of their family for a week in the Mexican Riviera! We had the best time and can't wait to see them again! Better yet, can't wait to go somewhere warm!

Tis the Season

I am so grateful at this time of year. I am thankful for the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful that I have 2 beautiful children that I can teach the true meaning of Christmas. I love all the hustle and bustle of the season and seeing family and friends. I am always excited for a New Year - a new beginning to set goals to better myself. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!