Back to REALITY

Well, we got back really late last Monday night and after doing all the laundry and re-organizing and cleaning our house, I got sick. So now that I am feeling better, I can rejoin the living and post something.

This goes out to my sister Kara who has bugged me to update. So here you go Kara!

We were so spoiled by going to Hawaii in the first place. We did so many fun things while we were there. Being gone for 12 days really made us miss our kids. And they missed us too. Braeden still tells us he misses us. He has been so cute by kissing Mark and I and coming up to us out of the blue and saying "I love you." It is too cute! I am going to give a quick recap of everything we did. But this is mainly for journal purposes so I don't forget where we went!

Day 1: Flew in and drove straight to the North Shore area. We stayed at such a nice hotel. But once we got there, we were tired from all travleing and being 3 hours ahead of Hawaii time, so we just ordered a pizza, watched American Idol and "Hung Loose"

Day 2: Spent the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. That was a great experience. We had a tour guide and that made the day go smooth because we wouldn't have known where to go or what to do without his help. Basically everyone who worked there were LDS students from BYU and they even had a part of the center with couple missionaries. It was cool to go through the PCC. I learned more than I thought I would.

Day 3: Drove around looking at all the different beaches like Sunset and Pipeline Beach, but then we ended up at Laniakea Beach and watched Mark do some surfing.

Day 4: Mark and I watch LOST and knew they filmed it in Hawaii. We had no idea we would be staying so close to where they filmed it though. Almost everything is filmed on the North Shore and one of the hotel workers said they just had a photo shoot a couple weeks before we were there and some of the cast went to the Turtle Bay restaurants for dinner. So we just missed them. But since this day was Sunday, we decided to do some driving around and take pictures of LOST spots. One guy told us where to find the crash scene of the airplane, but we didn't have time to go to it because we wanted to make it to sacrament meeting. But we did get some pictures of some scenes.

This is the infamous Banyan tree that Charlie was hung on.

This is the waterfall that Kate and Sawyer swam in when they dicovered that dead body. This is called the Waimea Valley and it was beautiful. We had to hike about a mile to get to this waterfall but well worth it.

This is what the entrance to Waimea Valley looks like.

We also had time to stop by Sunset Beach to watch the sunset!! Kind of cool!! Some of my favorite pics we got!

Day 5: Packed up and headed to Wakiki for the day until our 7:30 flight out for the Big Island (Kona) On our way to Wakiki, we stopped at the Pali Lookout. Just as we park, a bus full students get out and make their way to the same place we were going. Well, you know the stereotype of Japanese with their cameras. It was hilarious because these girls saw these American guys and asked to take picture with them. They were all giddy and laughing and we couldn't stop laughing at them. So Mark went over and decided to take a picture of them taking a picture with these guys. So classic. You have my inlaws in the background laughing at them, another girl (on the right) checking to see if her picture turned out and the other girls being cheesy and flirtatous. It was quite comical. Anyway, we did get some pics of the lookout and it was beautiful (as usual).

We walked through some shops in the heart of Wakiki and then had to head to the airport for our flight to the Big Island.

Day 6: An old friend of Mark's family lives in Kona, so he told us some really neat places to go see and he also took Mark surfing one day. So we spent most of the day at the beach!

It is so hard keeping track of one person is the water when they are surfing. The sun is reflecting off the water and everyone's swimshorts look the same. Sometimes you can tell who is who, but this day, I couldn't tell which person was which.

I took this picture thinking it was mark, but it clearly is not him. But since it was the only picture that turned out, I am posting it anyway!

Day 7: We really wanted to go snorkeling and Mark's friend told us where the best place was. It was an awesome beach with fish and turtles everywhere. We had so much fun there.

You can barely see the turtle, but I am touching a turtle. We bought one of those underwater cameras and it wasn't the best camera. But at least we got something.

It wasn't snorkeling in the Caribbeans, but we saw some awesome fish! Unfortuneately, we didn't get any good pictures with the fish!

Day 8: We had been staying in Mark's uncle's condo and it has a really cool lagoon next to it. So we spent the day there and did some snorkeling there. That water was so clear and we saw a lot of fish too.

This is the condo, our room was on the other side.

And this was the little private beach that actully belonged to the hotel next door but we went there anyways. The condo is to the right of this picture.

The waves crashing by the power of Almighty Mark!

I just thought this picture was cool with the blue water.

Day 9: DO's and DON'Ts of going to the beach!!

DO..... come with someone you love!

DON'T.... come with someone squeezing into her friend's size 2 swimsuit.

DO.... have fun in the water with a decent swimsuit with the one you love!

DON'T.... leave the beach without a cover-up so when you have to climb those rocks, nothing falls out or is exposed.

We had so much fun at this beach, Kua Bay. Except that everytime we looked up, this couple kept walking by us and the girl was obviously proud of her swimsuit. Had to take a picture to capture this beauty!!

We spent all day at the beach since we knew this was our last day to be at the beach. After we were done, we took a shower and headed to the shops that were really close to the condo.

Day 10: This was probably the highlight of the trip. We were able to go on a helicopter ride around the whole island.

It was cool because there was actually an active volcano that had erupted. So our pilot flew us around that volcano. Pretty fun since we have never seen an active volcano before.

This is the lava flowing into the ocean. You can actually see a stream of it heading for the water. And if you look close, you can see a boat really close to land. The pilot said they have been out there twice to rescue that guy. He just gets too close to it then has to rescued and even after that, he still goes out there. I would tell him he was out of luck if I had to rescue him again!

Then we flew to the other side which is where Hilo is and there are way too many cool pictures to post for that. But here is just a sample. Lots of cliffs and waterfalls!! Way too beautiful!

We took so many pictures but that I don't want to post them all. But this really was a fun day and we were just way too spoiled for that!!

Day 11: Well, this day was Sunday so we decided to take a drive over to Hilo, which is the other side of the island.

This is Waipio Valley Lookout!

Akaka Falls

Forrest saying "hi" to Lieutenant Dan

We found some caves on our way over that were so cool. Kuamana Caves. One view is from the top of the stairs and the other is obviously from inside the cave.

Just standing on some old "Hot Lala" (as Braeden calles it)

Day 12: Packed up again and dropped off at the airport. Spent all day either in a airport or on a plane. Didn't get in until midnight. Got to my parents house and smothered our kids with hugs and kisses. I can't believe how long we left them. My sweet mom who decided she would take them 10 out of the 12 days we were gone. WHAT A SAINT!!! She knows how Braeden is a homebody and always wants to be home, so she stayed at our house and let Braeden go to school. I can't believe she survived, but she did and I can't thank her enough!! Thanks MOM!! Braeden had some of "his best days ever" with you!! (from the mouth of Braeden) WOW, what an experience! We had too much fun! And thanks to Dianna and Bob for taking care of us! We didn't expect much, but you did more than we could have asked for! Thanks for it all!

Aloha from Hawaii!!

Well, Mark and I are lucky enough to be in Hawaii! Thanks to Mark's parents! We got here yesterday. We flew into Honolulu and drove around for a bit. Then we surprised Mark and are staying at Turtle Bay Hotel in North Shore. Mark is a big surfer and wanted to visit the North Shore for a day, but his Mom told him it was too expensive to stay there. We were only going to stay here for 2 nights, but canceled our other hotel in Wakiki to stay here for 4 nights. It is absolutely beautiful here. Our view from the hotel is just gorgeous. I am sitting on the balcony right now enjoying the sunrise. It is 3 hours behind AZ time, so it was 5:45 Hawaii time when I decided I couldn't sleep anymore. So this is what I am doing until everyone else wakes up. But I can't believe how beautiful it is here. 

 This is the view from our hotel room.

We are really close to BYU Hawaii and the Hawaii temple. so today we are going to visit the temple and then go to the Polynesian Cultural Center the rest of the day! I am way excited to do that. It sounds like fun! Then on Saturday we are spending the whole day at the beach!

This was after a 6 hour flight here, then who knows how many hours in the car. Being pregnant just my whole body swell up. I can't believe I posted this, but enjoy!

My Little Mermaid!

One of my favorite things to do before I make dinner is to go outside and watch my kids ride their bikes and to release their energy!! Well, Elli decided to go acroos the street and get on this rock and she told me, "Look Mom, Im Little Mermaid!" Then she continued to sing the "Ah Ah Aaaahhhhhh" song Ariel sings when she loses her voice. Everything she does has to do with Princesses.

Braeden's cousin got a bigger bike so he gave his old one to Braeden! I think it was about time Braeden got a new bike. I didn't even think he could be big enough to ride a 16" bike. He's still so small. But here's a BEFORE pic....

And here's AFTER

He calls this bike a motorcycle because it is the size of a 50 motorcycle. I really don't know where he got this info but that is all he talks about. "Mom, can we go outside and ride my motorcycle?" He loves having a new bike! Thanks Trevor for giving Braeden a "motorcycle"!!

2 Cute Babies

Elli didn't want to let Baby Tyke go. She loves the baby! I am in for it when we have our baby. She is never going to leave the new baby alone and will always try to HELP OUT, but not when I am wanting her too! But it is still adorable!

WOW!!

Well, this is the view from our back porch! I love it! Last year the Superstition Mountains had a huge down pour of snow and I didn't get a picture of it. But if you look beyond the rainbows, you can see the Superstiotions with snow on it. What a fun day! I love the rain!

My Favorite Prophet!!

Well, ever since I was 15, Hinckley has been the prophet. What a powerful man he was. I really was too little to pay attention to the previous prophets even though Benson and Hunter were great presidents too. Hinckley has been the one I have listened to and enjoyed for so many years. How lucky we were to have such a spunky, well learned, and spiritual giant for a leader. I will miss his cute humor. I remember going to General Conference in April of 2006 and when he walked out to take his seat, he stopped and raised his cane to wave to everyone. It was the cutest thing. He was so happy to be there and sitting so close to the podium, I could feel such a sweet spirit from him. We all know how much he has impacted our lives and how much he will be missed. How great his reunion was with his loving wife. I wish I could have been there to witness that. But, I received and email with this video and it was an awesome tribute to his life. It was made to celebrate his 96th birthday and will bring tears to your eyes. It is well worth watching and I hope you take the time to watch and share it with others!

A Day at the Park

Well, we went t the park and the only picture I got was this one of our cute Elli! I'm sure she wouldn't mind her bum crack showing for everyone to see. Too cute not to post!

Happy Birthday to Our Elli!!

Today is Elli's birthday!! She is 3! Everyday for about a week she has been asking every hour, "is it my birthday yet?" Nonstop asking. She has been taking the pink frosting out of the pantry wondering when it is time to make her cake! But we love her and am so excited for her BIG DAY!! We had a little get together with my family last night and had cake and ice cream for Elli, Crew and my Mom. There are so many birthdays in the month of January. But last Friday, Mark got 2 tickets to the Suns game and took Braeden with him, so Elli and I decided to get manicures. I took her for her birthday and she totally got the hang of it. She figured out that she gets her nails done and they look "beautiful!" She got flowers and just thought she was in heaven. She walks around the house saying she got her nails done! OOOhhhh she's cute! It was quite fun taking her to get her nails done!! Anyway, didn't get any pictures from last night but she is having another little birthday party with Mark's family and my camera battery has been charged for the party this time!

2 New additions

Well, my brother Ryan and his wife Melissa had a baby boy on January 11. And my brother in law and his wife had a baby boy on January 9th. Making 7 birthdays in January for both of our families. CRAZY!! January and June are crazy birthday months for Mark and I! But we love it and I am way jealous that their little babies are already here! I am so baby hungry and ready to have another little boy! I cannot wait! But we are so excited for our new additions! Congrats guys!

Ryan and Melissa's little boy Tyke Hunter

Brig and Camille's baby Elijiah "Eli"

I Have Been Tagged!

So I have never been singled out before and tagged by someone, but I told Steph I would do it! So I did and it wasn't that bad! Here it is!!

Getting to Know Me A-Z

A- Attached or single: Attached to my handsome hubby Mark

B- Best Friends: Definitely have the coolest friends, Mark, Braeden & Elli

C- Cake or Pie: My homemade cake with yummy ice cream!

D- Day of choice: Definitely Friday because we usually get a sitter and GO OUT!!

E- Essential Item: The many glasses of water I drink and baby wipes (I have to keep a stack in my purse everywhere I go… with or without kids!)

F- Favorite Color: It use to be blue but now it is dark green

G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms

H- Hometown: Mesa, AZ

I- Indulgence(s): Breyer’s Mint’n’Chip Ice Cream and snuggles with my kids!

J- January or July: July- I actually like summer because of swimming, but then again, I like January because I can drive with my sunroof open…it’s a tossup!

K- Kids: Braeden- 5 years, Elli- 3 years on Monday and another little boy in April!! Gotta love the kids!!

L- Life is Incomplete Without: Kisses from my husband and kids, GOOD FOOD, GOOD MUSIC, The gospel and family get togethers!

M- Marriage Date: October 20, 2001

N- Number of Siblings: 2 sisters, 2 brothers and I am right in the middle of them!

O- Oranges or Apples: I could eat oranges for every meal, but apples are definitely good with caramel

P- Phobias or Fears: Fear of not being the mom I want to be or the wife I should be!

Q- Quotes: “This too shall pass.” (It helps get me through annoying days and hard situations!)

R- Reasons To Smile: Andes Mints, random phone calls from Mark saying he loves me, and when all the laundry is clean, folded and put away!!!!!!

S- Season: My favorite time of the year is the Christmas Season (if that counts) I love the feeling Christmas brings.

T- Tag Three: Traci Fernandez (let’s see if she does it!), Amy Miles, and everyone else on the side of my blog! Come on guys…I did it!

U- Unknown Fact About Me: I am VERY stubborn. Believe it or not. Mark can attest to it too, but in my defense, he is stubborn too!!

V- Valentine’s Day or Easter: Valentine’s Day because even when I didn’t have a boyfriend, it was my birthday and I still got to celebrate!

W- Worst Habit: Biting my nails and reorganizing the cabinets (Mark complains he can never find anything because I move things around)

X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds when finding out if it’s a BOY or GIRL!

Y- Your Favorite Food: Anything Mexican- Abuelos Mexican in the Chandler Mall area!! Excellent food!! Oh, and Taco Bell! Don’t ask me why, it’s just my favorite Fast Food!

Z- Zodiac: Aquarius

My Sweet Little Braeden!!

I just have to write this down for memories, but our Braeden is one amazing little boy. He surprises us how smart he is everyday. Everytime I talk to his Kindergarten teacher, she tells me how smart and what a fast learner he is.

At the beginning of school, Braeden learned the alphabet in sign language, not from his teacher, but from a chart his teacher has hanging on the wall. Now he is always asking me different signs for words. Braeden is very observant with everything. He notices details of things I don't even notice. We have to watch what we say around him because whether we think he isn't listening or not, he is. Pretty soon we won't be able to spell words around him.

She told me the other day that she had each student go to her desk to practice reading. She said Braeden was so bored with it. He told her that it was easy and read all the words. We have a book at our house that when he read it the first time, he had a little trouble with some of the words, but the next time he read it, he knew all the words. He has a photographic memory and remembered how each word was pronounced. I was so proud of him. I know other kids are smart like him, but when it's your own kid, you are so proud and obviously I don't know where he got his brains from. Not from me, Mark says he was smart as a little boy...BUT...no, I'm just kidding, he probably got it from Mark.







Anyway, asisde from being such a smart little guy, he is a sweet brother. He is so kind to Elli and takes such good care of her. I'm glad Elli will have a big brother to protect her in school. I loved having an older brother. Braeden still gives me kisses...although when I drop him off at school, he tries to kiss the closest part of my body to him. He'll kiss my arm, or if I am standing up, he'll kiss my belly. But I tell him he's not aloud to do that and he'll always kiss my lips after that. Braeden and Elli love "Curious George." And "the man in yellow hat" always tells George to be a good little monkey. So every morning I tell Braeden to "Be a good little monkey" and it always makes him laugh.







Braeden has a cute sense of humor. He says things that makes all of us laugh. My favorite is when Elli and him are alone and I hear them laughing together. It just melts my heart. I love how Braeden is a great artist. He is always drawing things and they always turn out looking like what he says it is. He's crafty and wants to make projects with random things around the house. He's very creative and is just like his Grandpa Harper. From very little, he loved being with Grandpa and tried to fix things and figure out how they work. Loves working with tools and will try to fix things around the house.







I also love hearing him sing. Braeden has been singing since he could talk. But when he just turned 3, we had just moved into our house and Mark had completely set up his recording studio. Mark had recorded a few songs of his own and we realized one day that Braeden had memorized his daddy's songs. So we decided to play songs in his room while he fell asleep and he learned those songs and we wanted to see if he would record them. So we are lucky enough to have some really cute songs of Braeden singing when he was 3. We gave CDs to my parents and Mark's parents for Christmas and then we made one when he was 4 for the next Christmas. We have a recording of Elli when she wasn't even 2 yet singing "You are My Sunshine" with Braeden. It is something I love having and worth every penny of getting the recording studio.






I love cuddling with Braeden. He still lets me kiss and hug him. He is a rock when he is sleeping. Ever since he was little, little, Mark and I will go in his room and cuddle with him while he's sleeping. It's my favorite part of the day. He is so adorable while he sleeps. When it's almost time for bed, he loves getting books read to him. Now that he is in school and gets to go to the library, he loves me to read those books to him.

I am so in love with Braeden and I tell him that everyday. He's my little buddy and even though it is nice having him in ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN, I miss him like crazy. Elli misses him too and she gets excited everytime we pick him up. We love you Braeden and am so thankful for all of your cuteness and sweetness!

Elli's Dance Recital

Well, this is a little late of a post, but before Christmas, Elli had a cute little recital. Olivia Slade is in her dance class. But their class was to perform very close to the beginning but when they got there, we found out they were 2nd to last.

Since we forgot our video camera... of all things... Mark decided to drive back home and get it. Well, it took him a bit longer to get it because good ole Queen Creek decides to close every road they can on the weekends and make traffic horrible. Well, he missed her little performance by 5 minutes. And to top it off, my snap camera's batteries died and I didn't even get to use the video camera on that. Luckily my parents came and they took pictures for me. And Emily Slade took video of it (both our husbands missed it.)

Braeden went with Mark so even he missed it. He was the most excited to see her perform. But it was so adorable to watch her dance on stage. She was so cute and she actually danced. While we were waiting for them to go on stage, Elli kept on asking when it was her turn. She couldn't wait. Anyway, can't wait for the big performance in May. So fun!!