My Camping Sleep Over

This last Saturday I was able to get my Sweet energetic niece Brinley and her sweet little brother Wyatt for a sleepover! I had been looking forward to this for sooo long!! Now, this was not just any ordinary sleep over... it was a camp out! Complete with a little tent, indoor fire and "roasting Marshmallows". :)

Brinley is such an intelligent, funny, adorable and sassy little thing! I absolutely love her!! And Wyatt, is such a fun, sweet, loveable, thick and hearty fella!! and I absolutely love him too!!

After I picked them up at Malachi's soccer game (Soccer post to follow!) we went home and set up camp. We then went to the Layton Duck Park, then to a park closer to home that is not so crowded on the slides. We watched about a million movies.... Cinderella, Toy Story, Madagscar... you get the picture. Oh and actually, I was surprised- she wanted to watch Christmas cartoons. So, we watched those too. When it got dark- we plugged in the fire (My Mom has these awesome lights that flicker like flames) and we roasted marshmallows. Now, Brinley probably hasn't roasted a marshmallow since last summer.... but she remembered to blow on them- and her's "caught on fire" a few times! It was hilarious to watch her slowly turn and move her marshmallow around- that was stuck to the end of a fork- over this strand of lights...... I will never forget how much fun this night was. So Precious!!

We played around in the front yard for a little bit. At first he did NOT like the grass. But after a while- he got use to it and was pretty content to hang out in the front yard.

The picture she is holding is a picture of Alicia when she was about the same age. Brinley refused to believe the little girl in the picture was not her. So this is Brinley's mean face picture.  ;)

Here it is!! Our Indoor Camp Fire!

Our Little Trip to Washington

Alicia and I flew into Seattle last Tuesday night. My sister Char, her hubby Scott and my niece Tami met us at the airport. It was soooo nice to visit and spend time with them. On Wednesday us girls went to the Space Needle and took the tram to the mall and goofed off a little. Had some lunch and later that evening when Scott was off work- we all went out to eat at Applebee's. Thursday morning, after Tami's school conference (she is an excellent student! She is years advanced in reading. It's amazing to me to see her in action- I don't see many adults that can carry on a conversation or multi task the way this little 9 year old does!!) We headed South! It was an alllllll day road trip- but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Not only spend time with my sister but to have our daughters, spending time with each other.... priceless.

And, because I feel inclined.... I will say.... Shun the non believers... Shunnnnnn  n.  haha!!

We got into Ogden around midnight or 1am. Slept in til about 8. Got ready then got the girls up and ready. Dropped them off at my Mom and Dad's and then Charlotte and I proceeded to VEGAS! We met up with some of Charlotte's girlfriends- and it was especially neat for me. I have never bee able to meet any of her close friends before (except when she lived at home). I feel like I was able to be a part of her world for a little while, and it was nice.  :)

I value my sisters and the friendships that we share. They mean so very much to me. I am so grateful for the time that we were able to spend with each other over the last 5 days. I Love you Charlotte!!!


Pics coming soon!!

Almost the end of the Year

I cant believe this year is almost over! It's time for reflection and new resolutions!! I know one resolution already.... post a little more often on our blog.  :)  And with that said... I'll get started!!

Vegas Fun!!

In addition to the U2 concert- we really packed a lot in our trip. Outlet mall, buffets, Dinner at the Excalibur "Knights of the Round Table", Hoover Dam, coke tasting at the Coke Factory, rollercoaster and haunted houses at Circus Circus.... we had a great time!!

The bridge they are building at the dam is insane!!

Me & Alicia at dinner.

Cheers!

Trying the 16 types of coke products from around the world.

At the Excalibur, there was a store that sold Pearls. The neat part is that you sort thru and pick out your own clam. You ring a bell and say "Aloha!" to welcome the pearl, and then you open the clam to get out your pearl. The clam Alicia chose- was hiding a HUGE pearl! It almost didn't fit the necklace! It was fun to participate in the whole welcoming event. I am sure she will cherish it always.

Waiting for the Bellagio Fountains.

U2 in Vegas!!!

Me, Alicia, Ryan, my sister Liz & her husband Brent had the awesome opportunity to go see U2 in concert- in Viva Las Vegas!! Honestly, the best concert I have ever been to! The lights, the sounds, the bass, Bono..... it was perfectly amazing! From mysterious ways to elevation ....with or without you.... it is an experience that I will never forget.



The stage. Our seats were pretty far back... but I think we had the best seats (other than being able to reach out and touch them of course). We could see all the lights. You have to understand that the light show they put on, is just amazing. The disco ball and lasers- it made it seem we were all inside a magical glass dome. And the bass... ohhh the bass. My heart was bouncing in my chest!