Anniversary Weekend- 11 years

After church today we walked to the park.  It was one of those times when your happy and your family is happy.  One of those times you feel lots of joy in your heart.  

We took Ella's butterfly kite and enjoyed the spring winds. 

 One of my favorite things to watch is Darren playing with his kids.  Tyler loves to give hugs and was giving his dad a great big one  (Tyler has his hood on)

 Ella on the other hand was climbing all over her dad being a monkey.

This weekend Corie and Nolan took our kids so we could enjoy our anniversary weekend.  

It was a refreshing weekend, a stay-cation. 

We went for a long walk every day. We ate great food.  We went skiing then came home and went biking. We stayed up late watching loud movies. We slept in until 7:30.  (sad but true) 

But mostly Darren just gave me time and attention.  Two things I like the most. 

It's surprising how fast 11 years go by. 

Then we walked home--- well the kids rolled part way home down the big hill.  

It was a great weekend.  

Magic Kingdom

Our last day was spent at Animal Kingdom.  It was a relaxing day compared to others.  

I loved the Safari ride because I plan to take my family to Africa one day. 

I want to climb a mnt there and go on a cool Safari.  

The animals were so close.  

 We got to learn about a few animals at a little show.  Tyler was brave and touched the snake.

 Ella was so quick on her touch that I don't know if I could call it a touch.

 They had a fun 3-D movie about Bugs Life.

 And of course the day ended with Ella being carried to the car.  Her legs were tired!

Our extra time...

It was a great trip.  The kids loved playing at Cousin Jacks house as much as anything else.  See... Jack got a new car for Christmas from Santa.  And my kids have been dying to drive it.  

This video makes me laugh so hard.  Ella is a riot.  and a very crazy driver.  

After our long days we always finished the night with a story and a family prayer.  Then the adults could stay away and talk for a bit.  Those were some good memories. 

Here poor Jack just wants to get out of that car.  Seriously what girl drives with no hands!

Lego Land

On Saturday we went to Lego Land.  We had such a nice time at DisneyWorld the day before Lego land didn't quiet compare.  But here are some of the highlights...

Ella and Jack got to drive cars.  They really enjoyed it. 

 There was a whole area with buildings and famous places built out of Legos.  Jack and Tyler loved looking at it all.

 Tyler was still traumatized by Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom he didn't want to do many rides.  But Ella.... or dear sweet 3 year old hit them all.  This is ride that goes up and drops you down fast.  She loved it and had her hands up in the air the whole time- SMILING!

 I took this picture for my sister Jenny whose nickname is Jonnn.  Totally built out of Legos.

 Our hosts- Whitney, Jason and Jack.

These were Tyler's favorite parts. 

1. He got to build a car out of Technic lego pieces.  Then race it against other kids cars. 

He was so proud of his car because he had built it so well it didn't fall apart at the bottom of the this hill like all the other kids cars.  

He also had to take a drivers test to do this ride.  He had to obey the traffic signs and lights.  

Then at the end he got a drivers license which he likes to show people.  

Lego Land was... fun, but I would rather spend the day and the money at DisneyWorld next time. 

We all agreed on that!

Disneyworld- Magic Kindgdom

I have to preface this great day with... I knew that this day would make or break the vacation.  I have thought about it for a long time and knew that I needed to be relaxed, not rushed, low key.  

And it was.  We were in the park for 12 hours and it was really nice.  

The only long line we/I waited in was for Rupunzel.  Ella was so nervous she didn't smile at all. 

 But she was so excited as she walked away with her autograph!

 Ella loved the castle and wanted to go in and see the Princesses rooms!

 Our cousin Jack came after he got out of school.  It was so fun. 

We made it.  A nice pleasant, tiring day.  

There is something magical about that place for sure.  

We wouldn't want to spend more than a day or two there but it is happy, enchanting and so exciting for the kids.  

 Ella--- at 10:30 at night.  It took all of 5 seconds of her daddy holding her to assume this position.
Tyler was such a trooper.  He walked that whole park all day long. Never complaining about tired legs.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

We loved our trip to Florida.  It was nice, relaxing and fun.  

I noticed so much how different my kids are.  

Tyler is content to play, dig, QUIETLY!

Ella on the other hand is a firecracker!

We got to start the day off with a huge burger at a place that overlooks the beach.  

  It was a great way to start our vacation. I even got a couple of good chapters read from my book.

Regardless... these two are good friends.  

Tyler's eagle of the month

I thought I posted this but I couldn't find it. So I am posting it again.  

Tyler is such a sweet boy.  

He helps his teacher clean up. 

He helps take care of kids who need help. 

He is a such a nice brother.  So carrying to Ella. 

 Tyler is in the front row on the left. 

Moments that make you smile

Darren and I went on a double date the other weekend.   We ate at a great restaurant and was told of another great one to go too.

K-Rico is supposed to be amazing.

We went to a wonderful Puerto Rican Restaurant here in Sandy.  It is called Adobos Grill.  Try it out.  you won't be disappointed.  Click on the link to see the restaurant.

Then on Saturday I got to go skiing all morning with one of my girlfriends.  The last run of the day we finally found a great powder run. (Ang on telemark skis)

Then my kids came up with Darren and we skied the rest of the as a family.  The day ended just as great.  We went home : showered, ate pizza, popped popcorn, and watched a good family movie.

That is a good weekend!

Bethy turns two

As we were cleaning up I remembered to take a picture... alas... it was already all taken down.  

So I am taking my sisters pictures from her blog. 

My niece turned two.  I loved the party but the food was what was so fun. 

It was all age appropriate food. 

1. mac and cheese

2. pbj sandwiches (with yummy meat ones for the adults)

3. pretzels

4. fruit

5. hot dog baked in a yummy dough

6. lemonade 

7. (salad for the adults)

8. CUPCAKES THAT WERE AMAZING!

And my sister Renee who has lost over 30 pounds in 3 months.  

Thats what happens when you don't buy processed/junk/sweets.  

She eats fruits and veggies mostly. Healthy stuff!

She looks amazing! 

Great party sis!