Vote for Parker

Vote for Parker

Hey friends and family. Go to this website and vote for Parker to win the Gap contest.

http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/KindaSnack/

Thanks!

Celebrating Ten Years

Bill and Susie were so cute. They gave us slippers to wear around the house. (Bryan said he felt like a mariconaso, but he was a good sport, and wore them too.)

One of our yummy breakfasts. Waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, ham and orange juice. And we had the best hot chocolate every morning.

Jordanelle Lake

Mirror Lake

It was our anniversary. We had to have a kissing picture!

For our ten year anniversary, Bryan wisked me away to the beautiful town of Midway, Utah. We had gone out to Utah for my family reunion which we do every summer, but he surprised me with an extended stay to celebrate. Our anniversary isn't until next month, but it was perfect because my parents could take our kids, and I had no worries. It was such a nice surprise. It was the best getaway we've had (next to the cruise we went on once before.) We stayed at a bed and breakfast called Invited Inn. Bill and Susie (the couple who own it) just spoiled us. Breakfasts were fantastic. The rooms were beautiful with awesome bathrooms. Midway was beautiful. We did things we'd never done before: mountain biking, kayaking down the river, a couples massage and a swim in a crater. Mountain biking was our first adventure. I haven't ridden a bike in forever, so I felt a little unsteady just riding through the town. Once we got to the trail, I did my best to stay on the bike, but it was difficult once we started going downhill. I had a couple of falls, but was thankful that each prayer I muttered as I was falling was answered and I had no serious injuries. My bum was seriously sore. We rode about six miles! We went down the river later that day. I'd never done this, but thankfully Bryan had. I wasn't that nervous until I heard that a lady had died in that same river the week before. But it was actually a very nice ride. We went in a kayak for two, so I sat in the front and pretended to paddle sometimes, but Bryan pretty much had it covered. The scenery was awesome. The next day we took a scenic drive further into the mountains and stopped at a lake and at some falls and got out and walked around. In the afternoon, we went for a swim in the local "crater." I don't really know how it formed, but it's a big hill that has warm mineral water like a hot springs underneath it. It was like swimming in a cave, pretty cool and was so nice and warm. Afterwards we had a couples massage that was so very relaxing. Pretty much the whole trip was fantastic. I loved spending alone time with Bryan. Everything was just right, yummy food, fun activities during the day and then he rented movies and brought them with us, so we snuggled and watched a movie at the end of every day. It was perfect for me. Thanks Bry. I love you!

My-Daughter-Cut-Her-Hair-Club

You guessed it. Carly cut her hair. I am now officially a member of the "My Daughter Cut Her Hair Club." Last night we were finishing our Father's Day celebrations at my in-laws by watching a movie (Forever Strong-which was a great movie by the way) when I noticed Carly wasn't around. London was sleeping, so I was kind of curious as to where she'd gone off too by herself. But I didn't investigate. She came to me soon enough. It was dark in the room, so I couldn't tell at first. But then I noticed and started freaking out inwardly. Outwardly, I was trying to stay calm. I went to find the physical evidence. I needed it. It wasn't real to me until I saw the huge clump of hair. She had gotten little sewing scissors and cut strands one at a time placing them neatly in the little stroller she was playing with. I was devastated. I suppose the Lord was trying to humble me. I take a lot of pride in my kids. I have fun dressing Carly cute and especially doing her hair in fun ways and putting fun accessories in her hair. Everyone who knows me should know this. Anyhow I asked her repeatedly why she had done this. After a few minutes of me asking her and Jenn, Kim, and Sarah staring at her and touching her hair, she realized it was not a good thing and started crying. Chloe was so cute to her. She took her off to play and help her feel better. She brought her back wearing one of Sarah's sweatshirts with the hood on her head and a lovely crown on top. It was sweet. Jenn had some tips for me since London had given herself a half mullet three months ago. Later that night in bed, I had a good cry over it. (It's ridiculous, but it is that time of the month for me too, so you can understand.) So thankfully today my hairdresser, Deneen, fit us in and chopped off the back of Carly's hair making it into a bob. She looks cute. It's not nearly as bad as it could have been, but she basically looks like she did when she was one. I will miss some of the cute ways I could put her hair up, but I'm coming to terms with it. Life will go on.

Disneyland-We Finally Made It!

Disneyland was the best. I nearly cried our last night in the park. I felt rather silly, but I couldn’t help myself. I felt like I’d waited years to get there and we’d saved for months, and now the adventure was ending so quickly. We had such fun though. The first day was a bit of trial and error. I felt a bit overwhelmed, and learned I do better with a plan, and agenda in mind. And we learned how to better cope with Parker who couldn’t take being in the stroller for so long and then waiting in lines for 30 minutes on top of that. I’m so glad my parents could come with us. They were very helpful with watching Parker sometimes or taking turns with us on rides. And it was fun to be with them. Some of our highlights: Riding Indiana Jones twice (it was my favorite); meeting Mickey Mouse; standing in line for an hour so Carly could meet three princesses (Jasmine, Cinderella and Ariel) (my parents took her on rides while I waited); eating a huge turkey leg and dripping juice all over my pants—it was worth it!; seeing the Aladdin show-amazing, my kids were mesmerized; riding California Screamin’ by myself—what a blast; enjoyed the parade and watching my kid's faces. There was much more, but you get the idea. Can’t wait to go again!

Newport Beach

We hit the beach after our three days at Disneyland. That was the first time Carly has ever tolerated her feet touching the sand. She actually had fun. We all did. Then it was time to say a sad good-bye to my parents.