Cruise 2010

We have been very fortunate the past few years to be able to go on a cruise through my husbands work. This year we left out of Puerto Rico so we were able to go and see the sites first with Jed's brother and sister-in-law (they used to live there!!) We had an incredible time in Puerto Rico eating the food (beans, rice, and chicken) and seeing some of the island. After our two days it seemed like we should head home but instead we boarded the cruise ship for 7 days of relaxation and fun! Our trip this year took us to Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maartan, and St. Cruix. The beaches were beautiful and being 6 months pregnant that is where I spent my time! I was lucky that my sister-in-law was pregnant too so she was willing to be a beach bum with me. My favorite stop was St. Maartan. The water was crystal clear and the beach we went to was so nice with the white sand and beach chairs. Of course I had a cabana boy bring my a pina colada (virgin of course!) and sipped it while soaking up the sun. It was fun to learn a little of each of the islands and experience the culture. English is the predominant language at the ports, except St. Maartan which is half french/half dutch. The ship was incredibly beautiful. Our favorite place was Johnny Rockets where the Apple Pie was the best I had ever eaten. We visited there several times during our cruise. On lobster night I ate 3 lobsters and was quite proud of myself for it. Yummy, Yummy! All in all it was an incredible opportunity and I loved the time to just be with my hubby and enjoy our time together.

Make a Smilebox picture slideshow

Ashlee's Birthday

Ashlee just turned 5 years old!! She was extremely excited to celebrate her birthday and actually went to bed early so it would come faster. Her actual birthday was during the week and as her friends are all in school we decided to wait for her party until Saturday so they could come. She wanted a "dress-up" party so her friends could all dress-up and come play. Each of the little ones looked so adorable when they showed up. Of course Ashlee was Cinderella, we had to get her a new dress as her old one looks like the one the step-sisters ripped up! We played games, ate hot dogs, and broke a pinata. Her friends were all very generous and her room is now full of Polly pockets and my little ponies. She really had a grand time and just loved being the center of attention soooo much! That night my local family came over to celebrate and my mom helped me to once again create her cake. We did a makeshift Cinderella cake. I know that the "Ace of Cakes" won't be calling anytime soon, but she loved it and that is what matters. My mom helped me throw it together so quickly and I am really proud of how it turned out. Ashlee was once again spoiled with more toys - we may have to rent a storage shed for them all!! My little one went to bed exhausted after having such an exciting day. She has already started asking when her next birthday will be coming and when she gets to start school. Ashlee is such a strong girl who knows what she wants and works hard to get it. She is also so loving with her little brother and is so excited for the new baby she can hardly wait. I am so glad that we were blessed to have this wonderful little spirit in our home and I know that she will do great things with her strong determination and dedication to things! I just love my little girl!!!

Thanksgiving

For thanksgiving this year we met up with Jed's family in Colorado. It was so much fun getting together for the holiday and enjoying the time we got to spend together. I think this was the first holiday his whole family has been together in quite awhile. Ashlee loved getting to spend time with her cousins Jett and Luke; and Hyrum and little Tommy really seemed to play together well too. The other cousins arrived a few days later and it was fun to watch Ashlee get to play with girl cousins around her age. Her and Lola had a lot of fun. We really enjoyed our time there and the kids got to go to the dinosaur museum and dinosaur hill again. Of course us ladies enjoyed our time Friday morning out shopping. Even when I have nothing really to buy I just LOVE going to Black Friday. We were done by 7:30 and went and had breakfast with just the girls. I am blessed to have such wonderful sister-in-laws!!! We did end up staying there for a long time (I just could not face the Vegas traffic so we went early and stayed late) but we truly had a marvelous time (thanks for hosting Carolyn!!! You made it amazing for us all.) Anyway here are a few pics from the trip. We hope that you all had a fabulous holiday and are looking forward to Christmas as much as us!!!

We took the kids swimming at Uncle Adam and Aunt Liz's hotel so much fun!

The kids loved jumping on the trampoline with Aunt Anna and her friend (who is headless in this pic for some reason Sorry Dave!!)This is part of the dinosaur museum. The kids LOVE it here.On Thanksgiving day we drove up to the colorado monument and hiked around.

The whole gang gathered together!

We're Pregnant

We are excited to announce that baby #3 is on its way! This new little one should arrive around May 31st, 2010. Of course we are all very excited. Ashlee is very protective of my belly. She was even worried that the baby would be covered with food when I ate so I had to explain a little bit more than the typical "the baby is in my tummy" stuff. Anyway all is well so far although I was surprised to learn that I am now considered high risk because of my age...honestly??? Me??? The good thing is that means I get more ultrasounds so I won't complain too loudly. Here is the ultrasound picture. It was so fun to watch the hands move and the heart beating.

Disneyland Trip

This year we decided to take advantage of the Disneyland free on your birthday event. We went for mine since Jed is down there for the fair in Los Angeles this month. It was such a blast. They give you a button to wear that says it's your birthday and every single worker wishes you a happy birthday. My kids loved that part and kept saying Happy Birthday Mommy!!! The kids got to wear buttons saying they were celebrating too. We had such a wonderful time and even got my mom to ride SplashMountain. I just love that place...truly the happiest place on earth.

Make a Smilebox postcard

New Moon

So, I liked Twilight. I realize I was in the minority, but I thought it was a decent movie. I have been a little nervous for New Moon since I saw the first trailer. It seemed mediocre at best. Well a friend of mine posted this trailer on her blog and I have become converted again. Honestly my heart was pumping watching this. Take a look and tell me your thoughts. (Especially Anna. Can this convert you again????)

What it's been a month and a half???

I can't believe it has been soooo long since I last blogged. The only defense I have is the lack of pictures to post. For some reason I think I can only blog once I have some terrific pictures. Sad, I don't feel that way about other peoples posts, but they always seem to have something interesting to say. Myself, I just love to have pictures to go along with the event I am talking about. It just makes the post so much more enjoyable and easy to do. So I apologize for the neglect oh blog of mine and look forward to many more posts yet to come....(still waiting for the pictures though :( Sometime this week hopefully!