First Days of School

As fast as summer came and went, the first day of school seemed to come even faster. I was not prepared, not in anyway. I was excited about the fact that I could get a consistent schedule and have some free time everyday, but that was bittersweet, I miss them terribly when they are gone. Its quiet around here, very quiet!

Colton goes to first grade, alone, unassisted, bye mom, I can do it myself! No fear, nothing! Off he goes on his bike.

Kaden on the other hand started almost 2 weeks later at the same school, he is going into kindergarten. He wanted us to walk him in, stay there, and if he could that was the first and last day he ever wanted to go to school. He would much rather stay home with me, shopping, eating out to lunch, getting treats at the store to keep him from bugging me, relaxing watching Dora or simply being with his mommy.

Well school has been in session for just a month now and I find myself busy with my household jobs, but I still look forward to 3:30pm when my boys rolls in the driveway for a quick hello and they are off, to play, visit friends, afterschool activities, etc. Colton likes to stay homebound more than Kaden but its Colton who is off, to his friends house, I swear my friend must think she got another child overnight, as he always wants to be at their house. Well then Kaden is lonely, so he leaves too and goes out to play. Alone again, this house is so big, it echos and its just me breathing....LOL. I think come winter months, I will wish for them to be able to go outside and play again but for now as usual, I accept what is and work with it to the best it can be.

Summer fun happens too fast!

Campinland sitting around the "family room" aka fire pit.

Kaden jumping off diving board in St. George
Colton doing it after he saw his brother, he felt it was safe to try it!

Love the skater look

Or the biker look?

Or the no fear I can do any ride look?

Over the July 4th holiday, the boys and I got into the van for a road trip to see Grandma Barbara in Santa Rosa, California. We spent a week there, had lots of fun, shopped, ate good food, and enjoyed the entertainment California provides. We went to Six Flags, Discovery Kingdom, the little boys wanted to go on rides that they clearly were much to little to ride. So the ones they could ride, they rode and rode and rode. I was dizzy watching them. Colton is much to big for his body and brain. To say the least, we got our moneys worth there. We celebrated Kaden's 5th birthday in California as well, he got to go mini golfing for his party. He was a hacker but didn't know the difference, he was thrilled with a hole in 203 strokes...who is keepin score anyway?

Austin played baseball for what seemed like 12 months, and had a pretty good season. Grandma and Grandpa were able to watch him play a bunch of times, and he "girl" friends in the neighborhood and buddies also watched him play, of course those games he was not playing his best, those dang nerves. His brothers loved going to the games and many days they would dress up as a baseball player and emulate him at the park. They truly idolize their big brother.

Grandpa and Grandma Hallows embarked on a journey we never saw coming from them, they went on an LDS Mission to Independence, Missouri Visitor Center and Carthage Jail. We are so happy and proud of their sacrifice to serve. They left on July 6 for the MTC and left for Independence a few weeks later, all when Mom was sick with Pneumonia and didn't even know it. She is trooper. They were supposed to work in the Mission Office but after training in the Visitor Center for a while, their true specialties came out and Mom really has the knack to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, no really they thought that it was a great fit for them to be there and the Mission President changed their assignment, they of course were thrilled.

We made it home in time for Dad's 38th on July 13th! He said this one was a hard one to digest. I guess we aged a lot this year with the loss of Avery and all that we had been through, although I still feel like 29, oops did I mention I turned a year older on June 4th. Moving on.....our anniversary of 8 years was on July 28th. We celebrated it somehow, just can't remember...oh ya we went somewhere fun right....honey help, what did we do..this is when my calendar comes in handy and that aging thing takes over.

We went to our St. George condo a few times this summer oh yes, that is what we did for our anniversary, see its all coming back to me...with the kids but we sure enjoyed them. Steve bought us concert tickets for Def Leppard and Nickelback for Mother's day and Father's Day this year but he tried to say they were our anniversary present as well, I didn't buy it...he always tries to stretch the gift, pretty soon is was gonna be my Christmas present too!

We also enjoyed our Campinland a lot this year as well! Although someone broke into our trailer this year, not much damage, took our surround sound, a bunch of DVD's and ruined the door but that didn't stop us from catching lizards and bringing them home to our kitchen floor for further enjoyment and entertainment. We did some geo caching with some friends for the first time and I loved it. Its hiking with a purpose.

It seemed like every weekend was filled with some activity that kept us truly entertained, engaged and exhausted. We loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade our craziness for anything in the world. Well Steve might, but not me. Enjoy and I promise, I will get better at this blogging thing.

Colton is 6 going on 16!

Wow time flies by, the last time I wrote on this blog was Austin's 15th birthday, almost 2 months ago. I think I might combine Avery's blog and this blog together, so I only have to do one update not 2.

Colton got a scooter for his birthday, I was trying to read the directions to put it together and he practically had it all put together before I was done reading. He is so mechanical it amazes me. I ask him to do things that I can't do. He is brilliant in that department. There is a skate park by the baseball fields where Austin plays and we took the scooters there today for the boys to play....yup this is the going on 16 part. He was riding that scooter like he has done it many a times before. He was even dressed like a skater, much to my dismay. He had on Austin's black football jersey, black pants, black sneakers, black helmet, with a purple and white shell necklace. A sight for sore eyes in my opinion but he thougth he looked cool. As Kaden would say, I want to wear my "dude" pants that have rips in the knees. They hang out with their older brother too much.

I told the boys to not go in the skate park without me....Colton obeyed me for once but Kaden didn't...I go over there and he says, "I went in the skate park on accident Mom!" We told the boys we were filming a skate movie so they were showing off with their best moves, Kaden did a wheelie high, he called it!

As we were trying to watch Austin play baseball. Austin is playing left field and pitches. He had a great day hitting today, a single, a double and a triple but no outfield action, he said he was bored out there. They won both games though.

These boys make me a very happy mommy, they give me something to smile about everyday, it makes life so worth it!

15 years ago today.....I had my first son, it makes my eyes fill with tears as they grow up so fast.

Today, my eyes are filled with tears of joy for the wonderful young man he has become!

Kaden is a dad in the making....this baby Jario might have to be added to the will, she is so permanent a fixture.

He is so proud of the fact that he has lost a tooth!

Happy Birthday Austin! Austin is 15 years old today.....Oh my goodness I feel old too then! Actually I am very proud of my son and all his accomplishments and the young man he has become. As I am preparing to birth my 4th child any time now, and I can remember oh so well the eager anticipation of being a first time mom. Austin has taught me so many lessons in life and has brought me so many blessings in life as well. I can't believe the qualities this boy has and how each day he stresses me out but yet can turn that around with his charm, humor, and Witt! At 5'7 1/2" tall, 138 lbs. and size enormous feet, with a head full of thick brown hair (that he tried to dye black at swim party) he is simply gorgeous and I am not just saying that, he is a looker, no mother could be prouder! He finished out his swim team being an alternate for the state championship, but never ended up needing to swim, however the boys took 2nd in the State of Utah and their coach won Coach of the Year. I think next year will be a big year for him swimming wise. He is now trying out for the High School Baseball team. He is doing well academically in school but sometimes that teenager attitude in him gets him into some trouble in the mouth department. No his braces are finally off, but he can debate and argue and lip off like the best of them. But his mom is no sissy here and will take on his challenges any day....and I always get the final say! Colton oh Colton....As many of you know...I have restricted his diet to eliminate artificial flavoring, coloring and high fructose corn syrup...not entirelly but very small amounts! And with Colton's personality, much like mine...He likes to take matters into his own hands...I was cleaning his room this morning and looked under the bed to find....a half gallon of vanilla ice cream, scoop and all, and the Klondike bars I bought for myself melted. There was GRATEFULLY no mess...it was all in the containers thank goodness. He finds ways around things which as a parent scares me. He is going to be the one to watch. Colton does have a very sweet and loving side which he shares with me often. He and I have a very special bond together and I hope we can keep that nurtured and strong as he grows to be a teenager! Last week he lost his first tooth, it become loose on Monday and he had it yanked out by Thursday. Now he has another one loose but he hasn't fussed with that one much, he got a $2 bill from the tooth fairy which he was quite pleased about. Kaden for the past month has been carrying around this baby doll from my niece she was getting rid of it at at garage sale and Kaden pulled it out of the discard pile to put in his own pile. Well about a month ago he pulled it out and Jario has been a permanent fixture in his life. She is changed, diaper and all daily, feed and taken everywhere he goes. It has gone to show and tell 3 weeks in a row, the teacher said two week ago that he told the kids they could "pet" it but last week he said "no one can touch her, she is special to me"! I am so touched by his nurturing and loving side but it makes me wonder what he is thinking. Maybe this is his way of preparing for Avery, whom he calls Avery Ann, not just Avery. Steve and I are anxiously awaiting the new addition to our family with much anticipation and anxiety. We know things will be different but not sure how, when, etc. I have put my real estate license on inactive status and don't plan to do any selling/buying for a while. Life and things have taken on new meaning to us. We hope that life won't change too too much in a negative way but are willing to accept all that our Heavenly Father has in store. I hope that I can keep this blog updated as it is a great escape and I am sure someday when I look back on it...I will be glad I did it. Until next time....

Pregnancy Photo Shoot

Since this is probably going to be my last baby and its a special little girl, I had some pregnancy photos taken and wanted to share them with you.

Kaden and Colton are so excited to have Grandma Barbara here...Kade keeps saying, "I wonder how her hair is?" He heard me telling my mom she needed a new hairstyle and they never miss a thing do they?

Only a short time before she will be here and we are so looking forward to having this special little spirit in our home.

Winter Break

We are a little out of order here but at least I am posting right? Christmas was delightful this year...the boys loved each and every second of it. The tree was huge but gorgeous, we went out into the forest and cut it ourselves. A few days before Christmas the sunset was so beautiful I rushed to find the camera as they go behind the mountains so fast...I am grateful I was able to capture it.

The little boys, Steve and I went to St. George over New Years and went hiking the Red Cliffs National Park...The boys were in heaven, we saw Indian ruins, someone gave us some arrowhead shards, they loved those. Colton was especially interested in the Indians and how they lived and such. He keep saying Dad be quiet, Mom lets talk about the indians.....so we came home and research the Anasazi Indians on the internet, he was particularly intrigued with them talking about them the entire rest of the weekend.

Some funny quotes the boys said to me this week...

Colton saw his play but real (no service) cell phone not the charger the other day and he grabs it from the drawer and says ugh its so irritating when my cell phone is not charged.

Kaden was making mac and cheese for lunch today and I tried to put in the milk and he says....don't mom that is not cool.

Austin's Swim Meet

As you most know Austin is on the high school swim team, his coach called me during winter break and asked me why Austin wasn't coming to practice anymore? I said he was getting very burnt out and tired of it...They practice 2 hours in the morning and again after school for 2-3 hours. Then he comes home falls asleep and doesn't have time for homework or chores. So he was failing in his AP Geography class and needed to make up a bunch of assignments is why he wasn't going to practice plus he had to do some volunteer work on the Polar Express Train in town that last week. Well the coach told me that was too bad because Austin was one of the top 5-6 swimmers on the team and he was only a freshman. He said Austin has natural talent that he can't even teach some of his other swimmers to do and Austin does it without having to be taught. He said it will be a shame if he doesn't at least finish the season and then not come back next year would be a sad story. I talked to Austin about it and he agreed to finish the season as they have a chance on going to state finals in the next few weeks depending on how they finish in the next couple meets.
Well, Austin had his last swim meet at the home High School this week and I went for the very first time. Wow it was HOT up in those bleachers and all those bodies around. I survived though, it was my first swim meet I was ever at in my life, strange but true. I was SO proud of him and his accomplishments I decided to brag a bit about him and show off some pics. He raced a relay with a team of four, all of which were older than him...He is 14 and his team mates were 16 and two that were 17...he was swimming the 4 by 200 relay..he was also the anchor (the last swimmer)....meaning he is the fastest of them all. They were behind the whole time and Austin dove in and swam so stinking fast I couldn't believe it...that would have taken me 10 minutes to complete and he did it in about 25 seconds..phew I was floored hence, the reason the team came in second place.
Then we waited for another almost 2 hours for his next heat that is what they call them and boy was it appropriate that day cuz I was HOTTER than I cared to be and with being pregnant I was feeling it! So this heat he was swimming the 100 yard freestyle and he came in 3rd again he was the youngest swimmer at 14, with the others being all 16 and 17 years old. I was such a proud mom.

Happy New Year 2009!

Well everyone has asked me to send them a pic of me pregnant, so here it is. I am pretty much all belly with a bit of arm flab and back sag. I feel great and everyone tells me how good I look but as you know (those who have experience pregnancy) you always feel so big. I have gained over 40 lbs. so far and still have 2 months to go. I go see a new Dr. in a week and a half and I will know more of what is going on as far as delivering, then a week later we go see the cardiologist again and tour the hospital so we know what to expect when Avery arrives. We will keep you posted on what we learn in the next few weeks.

Christmas was awesome this year, my husband spoiled me and got everything I asked for....the boys got a slimmer Christmas and it was just as delightful as they weren't overwhelmed with loads of stuff, I think that is the way to go. I am going to keep that up for the years to come. We really enjoyed the white christmas that we were blessed with as well, haven't seen one of them in years. Austin is getting so big I can't believe it..truly he is growing like a weed thank goodness the style is to wear your pants half way down your but so his pants look longer than they are or else I would be buying new shoes and pants monthly. He is now 5'7 1/2" and size 13 shoes were the last pair I had to exchange for size 12 from Christmas. He is very into his body these days...some older high school girls were working with him on the Polar Express this year and one of them must have grabbed his arms and told the other one feel his muscles! That made his day as now he is constantly posing around the house with no shirt on lately saying in a mature, deep voice...."hey mom, how you doin?" Teenagehood is a strange time of kids lives.....I know its survivable as I made it through but wow its so weird.

We are in St. George for the New Year, its so warm, yesterday at 5:30pm it was 59 and I was so happy....I love to see the snow in December then I am ok if it leaves us. I am going to go for a walk and enjoy it while I can this week.

We hope you all have a wonderful new year!

Halloween Fun!

Enjoy the halloween pics as my life is so darn busy these days that I can't even seem to get them off the camera and onto the computer but I have managed to do that so here they are!

Colton was a race car driver by night and Batman by day, Kaden was Big Bird the entire time even before Halloween started...Austin waited until 5 minutes before his party to get his costume together...I asked him everyday for weeks what he wanted to be and he couldn't decide so he threw on a wig, some glasses and a referee shirt!

Steve and I were invited to a party but Steve got sick so I went alone but I still had a blast. I was a nun and my priest stayed at home. I won the most original costume prize....well obviously I would as there seems to be so few pregnant nuns these days.

Colton is not liking Kindergarten, he says its too many days and lately he has been saying that he is feeling sick and gonna throw up so he can't go! Kade on the other hand can't wait to go and wants to go even if its not his day. I couldn't have more opposite boys. Austin is doing well in school and loves the swim team however, he is never ever home anymore. He leaves at 6am and comes home at 5 at night five nights a week. He only eats and sleeps here but his rooms seems to show much more wear and tear than that.

We are going to be spending the holidays with Steve's parents in our condo in St. George hopefully with warmer weather, although we have only had one snow storm this year. I am sure grateful for that.

The Elk Hunt was successful!

Well I won't say he is a mighty hunter just yet but he sure enjoyed it! Austin wanted to tell me all about it but I couldn't shoot an animal no matter what it is so I dont' have details on it...all I know is he got it in one shot from 375 yards away with a big gun, scope and some guts.....He was on a high for quite some time.

Maybe he will add to my post when he wakes up this morning or afternoon, dang teenagers can sleep...I think I was like that myself. Not the little ones they are up at the crack of dawn wanting to eat, drink, play outside in their jammies and then there is the cat who wants me to feed her, let her out or turn on the faucet so she can drink some fresh water...she won't drink from a bowl, spoiled.

Fall is coming here and really I can't believe I am saying this but its a refreshing change of scenery and weather...still warm but nice outside to do chores, walk, play with the kids and the rain seems to come at just the right times..when we need it most. I like to be inside and work around the house when its raining...I love to hear the rain even more but our ceilings are so darn high we can't hear it.

We are diligently trying to finish the 3 rooms and bath in our basement. When we bought the house it only had the family room and storage room finished....we are thinking about moving the boys down stairs to make room for the new addition to our family that is due in March. Yes, don't fall off your chair...I too never thought I would be the proud mommy of 4 children but I am happy to say we are all excited...Colton and Kaden are really excited...they will make great big brothers we hope.

I thought our new little girl kitty would be enough for my craving to have a girl baby but it wasn't. We are hopeful for a girl but expecting a boy of course...We will not be finding out what it is either so don't ask....Kiki is also pregnant as well for those of you who know her...so we will be pregnant at the same time but she is only 2 weeks along and I am 4 months.

I am not trying to brag but my super talented husband has done it again......But I will!

Yes, he has won yet another trip the 3rd one this year....however this time its different, we get to take the money and go where we want to go, so we are going to take the kids with us somewhere. We have to go within 2 months and we are leaving for a Mexican Cruise in a week....so its gonna be hard to plan something that fast...I would like to get a winter cabin somewhere who knows we haven't really found out what we are gonna do...maybe go see my mom??? Hadn't thought of that one yet, MOM?

School has begun!

Well it was a week ago now and we are all finally adjusting to the new schedule and life. Austin started high school oh my gosh I have a high schooler...I don't look like I am out of high school yet!!! Hehe He is on the swim team at school and loving it...they are doing water polo now its a work out he is pooped all the time. He couldn't play football cuz his wound on his leg wouldn't heal completely and it might have gotten ripped open and he or me didn't wanted to chance that. I think he just wants to wear a speedo wink wink! Well he is liking school after changing his schedule 3 times I think we got it...It was a bit too easy for him and we wanted him to try to get a bit more rigorous schedule to help him with his future schooling...so that is finally done now, he is taking Spanish so I am excited to be able to communicate and practice with him when he finally can say something other than hola! He is going hunting next week with Steve they got a Bull Elk permit which I hear are hard to come by and they have a hunting guide on private property which should mean they are guaranteed some form of elk. They are starting shooting practice so he doesn't hit Grandpa Fred or Grandpa Hallows on the trip. I think it is going to be a memorable male bonding trip...I will post again when the hunt is over.

Colton is in Kindergarten at Jolley Kids and he goes 4 hours a day and then a full day on Thursday and I love that...He starts Karate today too...he thinks he is a ninja and wants the uniform only. He is so sweet and the new food and herb regime we have him on is working wonders, he is new and improved for the better. Its Kade now that is giving us a hard time...He is a complete Klutz he falls, slips stuff, runs into things multiple times a day its constantly a cry for help from him. He is really sweet and loves his new cat he holds her like a doll and she just lets him until she has had enough then she bites him and he lets her loose till a few more minutes pass and he has forgotten she bit him. He is in nursery school and wants to go everyday and wants to do his homework all the time. He is a bit bored at home with me alone since all his friends are in school full time now. He is gymnastics so at least he has some other activity to entertain him.

Well now that school is back in session life may have some more structure and I will keep this blog updated much better. Enjoy!!

Trying to update this more frequently

But as you know its not always easy to sit in front of a computer with 3 boys needing something from you all the time. Plus the internet is a time hog, if I don't take control of it...So updated some things to make it more aesthetically pleasing....Any and all feedback is always welcome.

Well we had a very eventful last week! My sister came to visit us, great fun....then we left for Campin' Land with our friends. We had a great time...the boys love being outdoors...Steve built them a sandbox on the property under a huge tree, we made a bench on one of the fallen trees it was so perfect our friends suggested it and its so cool. Our property sits at the top of the hill and we have a view that goes on and on it seems, so we make this bench to sit on and watch the sunset...of course I am so exhausted at sunset time that I didn't get to see it...But next time.

On Saturday, Austin was riding Steve's ATV, a powerful, big machine, and went down a much to steep hill and rolled the ATV over him and his passenger (a 10 yr. old boy with NO helmet on) and we ended up going to the ER for 50 stitches. The Doc on duty said you are so lucky the stick didn't penetrate deeper because it was right over his main artery in his leg. He was scared and worried, but it wasn't bleeding a lot so I felt like it was gonna be ok. He is doing well despite scratches and bruises all over his body.

Kaden turned 4 on Monday, July 7th....My baby is growing up...He said if I turned 4 that means I am still little right? So you still have to wipe my butt....and no more sippy cups right? That kid is so funny. We rented a inflatable castle jump/bounce house and it had a water slide attached to it as well...It was a huge hit literally...Then I made a snake cake, the boys thought that was so cool. It was a busy and exhausting day! Everyone had a great time, including daddy and mommy going down the water slide. Oh course Austin had to sit on the side watching because he couldn't get his stitches wet yet...too high of a chance of infection.

Steve's birthday is this Sunday....good ole 37th birthday....Wow we met 8 years ago in September.

We have been doing some fun stuff on our home lately...stamped a patio in the front area to sit on with our chairs and relax...which we don't do enough of....and then we are building a pergola over our existing deck in the back, that should be done next week...we are really looking forward to that since we face West at night and early morning is the only time we can use our deck in the summer because its so hot and sunny. We want to eat dinner out there, so this pergola will allow us some shade finally. I will send pictures when it complete next week. I have been painting all the wood this week so that they can start framing on Monday.

Life is never dull and always full, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Cowboy Colton and Kaden

Are these not the cutest boys you have seen...Their bedroom now that they share a room is cowboy theme. So my sister made them each a scrapebook page for their wall and so we had them dress up in their cowboy duds and we took these photos from our backyard. It was perfect time and the scenery was fantastic....The gods were watching out for us...since it took them forever to get dressed. Yikes that was a nightmare they hate to be told what to do!

Cut off all my hair!

Everyone has been asking me about my new haircut, which I love by the way....My hubby does too and Austin said you look HOT!

We are enjoying the summer its finally here, spent last week in Arizona at our neighbors house from Heber, it was amazingly gorgeous after the ride there and back it was all worth it! The pool had a lazy river, slide, rope swing, hot tub, fire bowls....It was like a resort out side with the mini golf course, outside kitchen/bbq area and they had a full theater with a big popcorn stand. My kids had a great time so did I. Austin went to spend the week after with his dad, he came to pick him up from there. He looked so different than when I last saw him 8 years ago. Austin had a great time and he really misses his dad in his life.

We are working on our house and yard a lot it seems like lately. There is always something to do. Steve and Austin built the boys a sandbox under our deck and put up a basketball standard when I was in AZ with the little boys. We are trying to finish our basement completely we have 3 bedrooms and a bath to complete. We are in no hurry as its only more space to clean and keep track of but we have no space to house a guest....so when we do, like my sister who is coming over on Monday will have to take route in Austin's room.

Kaden learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels a couple of weeks ago and now he thinks he is superstar on two wheels...trying to ride with no hands, lifting legs off of the wheels, that is just what happens when you have older brothers I suppose. Kade will turn 4 next Monday, he is sooooooooooooo excited he has been telling us all including Austin and Steve for the last couple of months, whenever we get mad at him, he says you can't go to my party then with the most serious face. Its hard to take him seriously when he looks at us like that.

Colton is Colton. Never wears shoes or shirts out anymore...he thinks he is a stud or something I think. He is now riding the same bike Austin uses, that is when Austin is not on it. Colton wants to grow up so fast I don't like it. He really likes to imitate Austin. He will be in Kindergarten OMG...where has this time gone.

Austin is backpacking the high Uinta Forest w/ scouts right now....and has been this week. I hope he did ok he was very nervous and thought he might get lost. They had to bring in all they needed by hiking up 6 miles and camping under stars....Yikes in my opinion. I will report on this next week.

I am couponing as usual...always looking for good deals as usual I have showed a couple of friends how to do it now so it been fun sharing things we find.

Steve is enjoying his job...he moved offices in the bank a month ago so now he says he is so much more productive because he doesn't have the distractions he had before. Now he works a full 20 hours a week! Just kidding those bankers hours are true ya know!

Well got to go and gather some stones for the landscape.

Caribbean Cruise Trip

We had the time of our lives. Steve won this trip too! We went to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Haiti and Cozumel. Sunshine, food and fun what more could anyone ask for!? The boys missed us lots but they are getting used to it now...we always come back to them but they are still so little they really miss us. We really did nothing but lay in the sun, eat, sleep, dance, relax and have a great time reconnecting since its so hard to do that with 3 needy boys at home.

In Jamaica we were told we had to go to Dunn's Falls. Its waterfall that end up in the sea that we started at the bottom and walked our way up to the top. It started to rain on us but it was so cool, nothing I have ever done before either. We went to Jimmy Buffett's place and danced while the husbands all watched...they aren't much in the way of the dancing machines.

Grand Cayman is absolutely gorgeous, the crystal light blue water and the white sandy beaches made you not want to get back on the boat. It was very clean, and very americanized if you will.

I could live there so could my husband because apparently that is where all the USA banks have their sweep accounts...They said there are over 500 banks on this not so big island.

Haiti was gorgeous...not in a bad section but our friends who did the zip line said that at the top of the zip lines was an armed guard with an machine gun ready to go...Yikes I am so happy we live in a free country.

The boat we went on has been the absolute nicest cruise line we have ever been on. Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas...It had a ice skating rink, a mall, a movie theater, a rock climbing wall, mini golf, surfing/flow rider. You seriously could not even have to get off the ship and be fully entertained 24/7.

We will be back there for sure..We highly recommend that ship to anyone even thinking of another line. Top of the line in our opinion.

Enjoy!

As usual time flies by to fast

Well summer or spring I should say has finally made its way to Heber Valley Utah. I was outside today and got an actual burn I was so excited. The boys played in the sun for hours on end. Colton was so excited to go outside and play that he forgot to put on some clothes, but thank goodness he remembered his helmet though.

Kade told me today to please put on his babushka/handkerchief over his head because he had to go and babysit the neighbor kids. He looked like a little old grandma! It was precious but I had no camera around. Kade loves to ride with big brother, he says he wants to ride with no training wheels now cuz he is a big boy.

Austin just spent a week at EFY which is the church based youth camp. He came home and said it was the most amazing and awesome experience. He danced every song at the dances he said, they had lots of spiritual classes, fireside, etc. He wants to go back again next year.

We are going on vacation to Arizona next week so for sure we are going to experience heat like no other..but I am not complaining its been way cold here for over 6 months.

Enjoy the post..I know they are few and far but at least I am making an effort.