Happy 4th of July

Centerville Parade

July 3, 2010

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!

Adam's County Report

This year in school Adam learned all about the state history. At the end of the year, Adam was able to put together a county report. He got Piute County. They had to write a report and make a float. They did this all at school so I was really surprised when Adam brought home what he had made. I think he did an awesome job! I especially love the little details on the frog in the water and the seagull "flying" in the air. Great job Adam - you are so creative!

Snow in May?

Today, May 24th, we woke to find a winter wonderland outside our door. My first thoughts were "You have got to be kidding me." Alex, however, thought this was "Awesome!" With the help of his grandma, he made his first snowman.

The snow didn't last but his cute little smile was priceless. Now, that we have made our snowman can we PLEASE have some sunshine?

Congrats to the Graduate!

It's official... Alex graduated from his first year of preschool! Alex has learned so many things this year and has really enjoyed going to preschool with Mrs. Jackson. He says his favorite thing they did this year was singing. He can often be heard singing "I took a lick of my peppermint stick and I thought it tasted yummy! It's supposed to be on the Christmas tree but I liked it better in my tummy!" But I think my favorite thing he learned at preschool this year is the Pledge of Allegiance. I make him say it to me at least once a week because I get such a kick out of hearing him say it. "I pledge allegiance to the fwag of the United dakes of America. and to the repugric to which it dands, one nation, under God, indivisibowl, with liberty, and just us for all." I love it! Congratulations Alex! We love you!

Andreapalooza

Andreapalooza (n): A week-long birthday celebration of Andrea's 32nd birthday.

It all started on Sunday, April 18th when Aaron and I substituted Alex's Sunbeam class. The primary presidency somehow knew it was my birthday that week so they invited me to stand in the front so the primary could sing "Happy Birthday" to me. When I sat down I jokingly told Aaron "I guess this is the start of my birthday week." I had no idea he would actually take me serious. So, here is how Andreapalooza played out:

• Monday (the 19th): Aaron came home with a single rose - How sweet!
• Tuesday (the 20th): Aaron came home with 3 more roses and a coupon book filled with lots of coupons for me to redeem. One even included a dinner without the (cell)phone. I am definitely going to be using that one!
• Wednesday (the 21st - my actual birthday): I woke up that morning to find several handwritten post-it notes placed strategically around the house. I was then given an envelope and told to go to a destination at 2:30. I dropped Alex off at the office and headed to my secret place. It ended up being a day spa where Aaron had booked me a wonderful 90 minute massage followed by a pedicure. It was heaven! After being relaxed and pampered for 3 hours, Aaron picked me up (he even lined up a babysitter) and whisked me off the Flemings for a delicious steak dinner and chocolate lava cake for dessert. When they rolled us out the door, we headed home where I had yet another surprise waiting... 2 dozen red roses, and a beautiful heart-shaped diamond necklace! Aaron had picked it out himself and let me tell you, he did a great job!

• Thursday (the 22nd): I thought Andreapalooza was over seeing as how my birthday was over, but Aaron had other plans. He brought me home a bouquet of my favorite candy bars.
• Friday (the 23rd): My favorite treat in the whole world is chocolate covered strawberries, and this is exactly what Aaron brought me home. They were delicious!
• Saturday (the 24th): Aaron gave me a box of Cummings Chocolate Truffles.
• Sunday (the 25th): The final day of Andreapalooza was spent celebrating with my family at our house.

Whew! What a birthday week. I don't even want to know how many calories I consumed and I am not ashamed to say I ate every last one of the yummy treats Aaron surprised me with and didn't give in to the whines of my children to share with them. I did, however, share the chocolate covered strawberries with Aaron because I am nice like that! Thanks Aaron for making me feel very special, very loved, and for being the best husband ever! I think 32 is going to be a great year!