Why did I wait 30 years to go on a cruise?

I honestly can't find words to describe how wonderful our 7 day cruise was! Rich and I went to the Mexican Riviera, along with our friends Em & T. We had a perfect time...basking in the sun (yes I said sun, not snow), reading and napping, working out, rapelling in Puerta Vallarta and eating the most delicious, gourmet meals I've ever had! Seriously I'm speechless. Sorry mom, but I've never tasted such amazing flavors in my life! :)

After the 2nd day, Rich finally admitted that he really, really liked the cruise! Which was a plus since he wanted to go to Europe instead. I think we might be planning our next cruise in a couple of years! Wahoo, I can hardly wait.


Enjoy the photos!

A typical day with the kids!

On a typical day, we are usually out and about running errands after 'gym school' in the mornings or going to my sisters to do "Baby Chicks" stuff. We're kinda a busy bunch - but the other day we just hung out at home and played. It was wonderful! I just love it when I can put Hank down for a good nap in his crib and he wakes up so happy. Or when Avery goes outside and plays with her friends in the afternoon because we don't have anywhere to go! Some days it's just so nice to stay home.

Well, I captured some moments from this day we had together at home and here are some pics! Enjoy!

This is Hank at his best - a loud scream, a little giggle, throwing his food and some cute smiles! What a ham.

While Hank is hanging out in his high-chair, Aves is on the couch watching a little cartoons and eating her favorite snack - grapes, pb&honey and juice.

Last week, we had some amazing weather - lots of sunshine. I was sooo happy! Here are some pics of the kids playing outside on Avery's Princess Sports car she got for Christmas. Our driveway was finally clear enough to pull out her car. They were so excited! I just love how Hank loves to ride with Aves and she actually lets him! It'll be a different story I'm sure, when she turns 16 and has a real license! Gosh I can't think about that, it seriously scares me!

The craziest, biggest sale I've seen lately!

Hey everyone! If you didn't already know, I'm a huge Osh Kosh fan. They seem to last the longest for my kids! If any of you like a good deal and you love to shop for years in advance...then you can't miss the Osh Kosh sale going on right now! I went on Friday to the one in Draper, then up to Park City on Saturday (I know, I'm crazy!) but it was well worth it. They have all of their winter on clearance - all marked down like crazy (coats, long-sleeved shirts, jackets, vests, sweatshirts, hoodies, snow boots, gloves, hats, anything winter!) Then they take another 30% off the lowest price, then you get a 20% off your purchase of $50 or more. It's absolutely crazy! I seriously bought clothes for Avery & Hank for the next 3 years of winter...so when you see Hank wearing the same cute striped shirt until he's 3, just remember that it's probably not the same shirt. I pretty much bought 3 of everything! It was so fun! I think it's going on until the end of the month - but obviously if you're serious about going, you might want to book it up there since it's a clearance sale! Good luck & happy shopping! ;)

An Answer to Prayer

This entry is probably more serious than you would ever expect from a sarcastic person like myself, but I thought a 'spiritual' blog was needed!

I had an interesting day today, waking up feeling underslept and overwhelmed with just everything. I pretty much had a crappy day, and at lunchtime I told Avery that we needed to bless the food. We both sat at the table and I started the blessing - first I blessed our lunch and then I started asking for guidance, patience, support and help with Primary and everything else going on in my life. I finished the prayer and took a bite of my sandwich when I heard the doorbell. I reluctantly got up and answered the door, still chewing my lunch and thinking about how I could deal with my feelings of anxiety! Then I opened my door and saw a close friend standing there. She was holding a 6 pack of Diet Coke and a cute card. It's amazing how fast a prayer is heard, isn't it? Later this evening, as I drove into my culdesac, I was surprised to see a member of the Bishoprics car in my drive way. He came by to offer me a blessing. I'm just so thankful for people who are in tune with the Spirit. I have felt the love of my Savior through these kind acts of service and love. I'm just so grateful to have had these experiences today and I already feel 'relieved' about the stresses I have felt lately.

Live in Las Vegas - Miss America!

This is Miss Utah - Jill Stevens. My sisters and I drove down to Las Vegas for the Miss America pageant and watched Jill compete for four nights! We had so much fun! Jill was voted as "America's Choice" by the public - winning by 1,000's of votes! We are so proud of her. Winning the "America's Choice" made her #16 in the Top finalists. She didn't win the Miss America crown, but hey at least the nation was all rooting for her! ;) We love you Jill!

Nicole, Ashley, Me and Wendy

This was our third time going to the Miss America pageant. It's definately a fun event - lots of short dresses, crazy people and 'old and young' cleve! I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to watch the pageant live just as I dreamed when I was a little girl!

Me, Ashley, Jill, Nicole, Mom and Wendy

Our fun-filled trip! We got to Vegas on Monday. The first preliminary night was Tuesday. My mom (as many of you know) is the Executive Director of Miss Utah so she was in meetings a lot of the time. The Miss America board was offering seats on the risers on the stage. My mom requested 4 seats so each preliminary night me, Wendy, Ashley and Nicole got to sit up on stage (my mom had pretty good seats and wanted to sit in the audience.) It was so cool!!!! We also went to the trade show and to a Miss America breakfast where we could meet the former Miss Americas and Lauren Nelson. They are all so gracious and nice. Lauren is very sweet. We had backstage visitors passes and we got to go back and meet all of the contestants and talk with Jill. She is so awesome - so real, so normal. On Tuesday she was very upset with herself because she stumbled a little on her on-stage question but after many people (not from Utah) came to tell her that she was their favorite, she felt better. On Wednesday she was a whole new person. She stumbled in her swimwear too but looked amazing. She also did everning gown that night and probably won it.

On Thursday she did her talent. It didn't go as well as hoped but she did great. On Thursday night after the pageant, when we were waiting for valet I saw Clinton Kelly from "What Not To Wear." Can you believe it? It was so awesome! He was way nice. On Saturday night, we arrived a little late to the pageant. It was like cattle trying to get into the auditorium. We finally got in just in time to hear the girls announcing themselves. We were bummed when she didn't make top 15 but we knew she was the 16th contestant. I just loved her reaction! How great were her push-ups too???? I just love her. Of course we were sad to see her eliminated but what a way to go. After the pageant, we went backstage and we had a build a bear for her with army fatigues, a crown, and a blonde wig. She also had a dogtag on with "team GI Jill" on it. She loved it.

Here's Jill and her GI Jill bear with my sister, Ashley