Spring Break

Spring Break started a little early for us when the Fontano's came into town for their spring break and the boys missed a couple days of school. It's one of the first times I played tourist in my own city taking the kids to the Ethel M chocolate factory and the Mirage Secret Garden. Of course a trip to Chuck E Cheese's, lots of jumping on the trampoline, and way too many of Nana's cookies were in order too.










Last week, Samantha was baptized and it was great to have the whole family together. It's amazing that Traci's youngest got baptized and even crazier that the twins will get baptized next week! That same day, all the cousins got to attend the Summerlin Egg Hunt which my mom, dad, and Traci worked at. Kim got to stay an extra few days and all the kids had a great time together.





There's a couple more fun events, but I'm going to give them their own due post...

Fish

Just had to give our fish some props for staying alive for over 13 months now! What goldfish stay alive over a year? My dad asks everytime he comes over, "Are those the same fish?" They are, I can't believe it either. I find it hilarious I've spent probably over $100 on two goldfish that cost me $7 total. Keep on truckin' Goldie and Cinderella!

Elle's Birthday

Elle's 4th birthday was last Monday. Sorry I'm so late in posting, but last week was crazy! Family in town, spoke in sacrament, birthday party, Silver Beaver banquet for Bud's dad, Relief Society at my house, yada, yada, yada. ANYWAY, Elle's party was really fun and easy. A friend of ours dressed up like Belle and came over for an hour to sing, dance, face-paint, do makeup, and take pictures. Those little girl's faces were priceless! They just stared at her in awe the whole time. The only thing that overshadowed her just a little bit was when they jumped on the trampoline at the end. So cute to see all those little princesses jumping up and down in their dresses.

Oh, my little Elle, you are so loved, but boy are you a handful! We are so happy you're part of our family though. You keep us on our toes and give us plenty to laugh (and sometimes cry) about!

Long Weekend

Ooo, look at me! Two posts in less than a week. We were lucky enough to get a four day weekend and packed it chock-full. We headed to St. George to visit our friends, the Lofgrans. The kids had a great time playing and we all loved exploring Snow Canyon. Thanks for having us Megan and Adam!








About 24 hours later, we headed back to Vegas because my sister, Kim and her kids came into town to surprise my dad for his 65th birthday. We had a birthday dinner Sunday night (gotta love my mom's meatloaf!), followed by a cousins sleepover and a birthday lunch at Chevy's on Monday. Happy Birthday Dad! I love and appreciate you so much!

2009 Holiday Review

Ready for the longest blog post ever? We had wonderful holidays with lots of family around. Here's a very condensed review:
- It was our first year back to two Thanksgivings, which I had forgotten is not that bad a racket!
- I celebrated my 31st birthday in early December with a very fun, relaxing, selfish day.
- I got called into the Relief Society presidency and was initiated by hosting the Christmas party.
- My parents got the cutest golden retriever puppy, Nani Wahini Nui (Beautiful Big Girl) to give my dad lots to do.
- Our first Christmas in our own house was terrific. It was one of those rare, pretty nearly perfect days.
- The day after Christmas, Bud and I had the funnest spur-of-the-moment anniversary night out.
- For New Years, after a "Nertz" tournament and partying with the cousins, the boys actually stayed awake until midnight and we had fun playing games and yelling "Happy New Year" off our balcony.
- The family left, school started back up and we got back to real life, which for some reason was a little bit welcome. But it really was a terrific holiday season!

Below are tons of pictures of the past month or so:

Practicing with my new camera:









Relief Society Christmas party which helped get my house in check:









Cousins, Cousins, Cousins (and Nani)!:










Christmas morning:









Anniversary:









New Years (check out our antique TV stand that I re-tiled):

SERIOUSLY?!?

I am so LAME!! I got a new camera, have had a TON to blog about, but just haven't. It's not even a resolution of mine to do better, but I will try!

Happy Veteran's Day!

My entire life, my father has always made it a point to hang the flag on patriotic holidays. I loved it. I've always thought it was very important to hang the American flag whenever possible, and couldn't wait to start the tradition with my own home. Unfortunately, we live in Las Vegas where all the houses are made of stucco and I missed two major holidays because I didn't have the right equipment. I was bound and determine to get the flag up today for Veteran's Day. We purchased a new drill with more power and today I finally succeeded. I was so proud to hang that flag! I'm so proud of my Dad, Mike, the grandpa's and their families who have all sacrificed so much for our country. I'm so proud to finally be able to show my support and respect for all those who have served and our serving our country with a flag outside my home.