Kauai - 2010

When Aaron and I decided we needed a relaxing vacation, one destination came to mind... Kauai. We absolutely loved vacationing there last year and couldn't wait to return. So, in a matter of three weeks, we secured our lodging, booked our plane tickets, rented a car, got my sister and grandparents to watch the kids, and hopped a plane set for Kauai.

Our first full day in Kauai was spent hiking the Ne Pali Coastline. It was so beautiful. We hiked 2 miles in and came to a beach only accessible by hiking or boating. Afterwards, we picked up what was to be 1 of many Hawaii shave ice to cool ourselves off and went back to the condo and slept for 4 hours.

Throughout the ten days in paradise, we:

Played on the rope swing at Kipu Falls - Note to self: If your first swing was done flawlessly, don't be brave and try it again. You will only cause yourself bodily harm... just don't do it!

Kayaked up the Wailua River

Hiked into Secret Falls and swam in the waterfall

Visited Waimea Canyon and enjoyed the scenic views along the way

Cruised up and down the island in our convertible jamming out to the iPod

Snorkled, played in the water, and dug our toes in the sand

Aaron went deep sea fishing while I stayed back and relaxed by the pool. He brought home the catch of the day which we were able to take to a local restaurant where they cooked it up for us for free.

And on the last day, a sea turtle came to tell us "Aloha"

There is nothing better than vacationing with your very best friend! I enjoyed every minute together with Aaron. I can't wait to do it again!

Oh, by the way, here is what our kids did while we were gone:

Aaron's Birthday - iFLY Utah

Aaron is such a brat! I know, I know.... nothing you don't already know or haven't heard but it is especially true today. Let me start out by saying that every time I have tried to surprise him for his birthday or Christmas, he always finds out. Take the time I bought him a new guitar for his birthday last year. He hadn't asked for one in quite a while and I thought I would finally be able to surprise him. Nope! He went through my internet history and found out I had been to a few guitar store websites. Aaron is like a large child when it comes to surprises... he can't stand the not knowing and does everything possible to figure it out. This year was going to be different. I was finally going to be able to surprise him, or so I thought. I planned a date to go up to Ogden to iFly Utah. It is a skydiving experience without actually jumping out of the plane. I told only one person... my mom. Everyone else that asked what we were doing was told NOTHING! I couldn't risk it! So, last night he asks me, with a huge grin on his face, if leaving at 4:30 would give us enough time to make it up to Ogden. I, trying to play it cool, said "Who says we're going to Ogden?" To which he replied "So, we can go to iFly." BRAT! (Although I think I used a little more colorful language). I told him that was it, I was cancelling the date, we were staying home, and I was going to make him German Pancakes (his least favorite meal). To which, he gave me his "I know I'm a brat but I'm a cute brat" look and I kind of forgave him; At least enough to actually follow through on the date. It was so much fun. We were able to "fly" in the air chamber twice and we had a blast. I guess the next step is to actually jump from an airplane.... maybe! Happy Birthday to the biggest Brat I know! I love you!

Abbi's Baptism

Abbi Marshall

Baptized: June 5, 2010

Abbi,

Your dad and I are so proud of you for your decision to be baptized today! You looked so pretty as you went down into the waters of baptism and again as I helped you get into your baptism dress. You had so many family and friends there who love you and wanted to join with you on this very special day. I pray that you will remember the peaceful feeling you felt as you stepped into the font to be baptized. I also want you to remember always that we love you, your family loves you, but most importantly, your Heavenly Father loves you. You are his precious daughter and He wants only the best for you. He is always there to listen and help you... all you need to do is ask.

Always remember this special day, Abbi. Thank you for being so sweet, thoughtful, and loving. We love you!

Mom and Dad

Spring Recital

Abbi did another great job in her dance recital this year. I love watching her up on stage. She always does such a fantastic job! Way to go Abbi - you are awesome!

Eight is Great!

Turning Eight is a major milestone in a young person's life and Abbi was anxiously counting down the days until her eighth birthday. She had several ideas for her birthday party including Classic, taking some friends to the movies to watch "Toy Story 3", or going to Chuck E. Cheese. She chose the movie but due to the fact that Aaron and I were going to be out of town on the day of the premiere, she settled for Classic Skating. So, we started planning and thought it would be fun to do the waterslides. So, out went the invites and in came the bad weather. We watched the weather reports every night hoping it would warm up... It was June for crying out loud; it felt like March. The weather kept getting colder each day and finally on Thursday, the day of the party, it was downright cold. We decided to buy the pass that allowed us to do both the indoor and outdoor activities. They all had a great time playing inside on the bounce houses and running through the "jungle" and we even braved the cold and had a blast riding the water slides. It turned out to be a great day! Happy Birthday to our favorite daughter!