Disney Cruise

My amazing father-in-law paid for the whole family (that's 30 of us), minus the much missed Matt, to go on a Disney cruise. It was great having everything targeted towards kids. Afton ate it all up and loved every minute of it....... Hudson on the other hand was a monster the whole time. He got sick the first night there which meant no sleep for our family or the family members who roomed next to us..... Sorry Adam, Angi, Seth and Megan.

Highlights of the trip were;

Princesses galore and Minnie & Mickey a plenty.

Warm sun basking weather.

Delicious food!

Spending time with my much cooler sister-in-laws.

Watching all the kids having so much fun together.

ALL of little Bill's kisses.

My charming husband rocking the shuffle board tournament.

My charming husbands awesomeness on the volleyball court.

Aunt Niki keeping the kids entertained in the shows with her stashes of candy.

Watching Clare dance

When Cassidy (who is only 3) was talking on the phone and he says "I'm a mean son of a B***h". Love that kid

The Cowboy eating half a farm each night we were there. (Maybe that should go in the category below.)


Lowlights, or frankly things I would rather forget all together;

When Hudson ran out of the elevator so I had to run out and get him. Meanwhile the doors are shutting on Afton and being the sensible mother that I am, I froze. I could hear her crying hysterically but it was getting quieter and quieter as the elevator moves farther and farther up. I finally "unfroze" and realized that if I run up the stairs the elevator is bound to stop at one point. Apparently I reached the floor she had stopped on just a little too late (no thanks to the couple of minutes I sat there with my hand over my mouth as I stared at the elevator in awe). Luckily I saw the girls husband that had found her. She told me her husband had taken Afton to the child care center, but when I went to pick her up, she was gone. They told me that a guy with curly hair and earrings had come and got her. The panic set in again since I don't know anyone of that description. Long story short, my hero brother-in-law Seth was the one who found her. How that girl thought he had curly hair and an earring is a mystery. Maybe she was awe struck by his handsomeness and lost all sense accuracy.

When Cowboy pulled a stunt not mentionable on the beach and my husband spent the rest of the night gagging and scrubbing, scrubbing and gagging.

My charming husband NOT rocking the ping-pong table.

When Hudson threw up all over the dinner table.

When Hudson threw up in the elevator. (Between Afton's elevator experience and this one, I think our family will be taking the stairs from now on).

When Hudson threw up in the middle of a show. I feel just a little bit bad saying this...but at least it was Miah who was holding the kid every time he barfed.

When I challenged the Cowboy to a ping-pong game and I thought I was doing really well until he said, "Oh don't get too cocky, I'll switch to my RIGHT hand before I let you beat me". How did I not notice he had been playing with his LEFT hand???

When I ran into my bro-in-law Luke while looking for the gym and he laughed. It was then that I realized that we were on day 5 and I had not moved a muscle..... except to eat.

When we spent All day in the airport while the rest of the family made it home in a comfortable couple hour flight. We had 3 cancelled flights and 1 delayed. I ended up missing one of my best friends weddings:(

I wish I had a really cool talent........but I don't. At least some of my friends do!!! Check out julieburtonphotography.blogspot.com. She is SUPER TALENTED and takes the best pics around....... and she is super cute too:) Also check out the very fashionable rachellidesign.com. Rachel's baby/kids clothes are so ADORABLE and very AFFORDABLE.
Rach that should be your new slogan!

Phuket, Thailand

We finally got internet at our new house so here is a bit of what we have been up to.........

We just got back from beautiful Thailand! We loved every minute of this vacation and feel so grateful we were able to go with Miah's work. We met so many wonderful people and life long friends. I am going to miss my daily $12 massage by the beach, the always yummy sticky rice and mango dessert, our ever so wonderful sunset dance parties, the friendly Thai people, and of course the beautiful beaches.

We took a speed boat and spent a day at this beautiful island.

This was the reflection pool that was in the middle of the lobby of our hotel.





We had so much fun hanging out with our great friends from Mexico. We really do consider them family and we love that there is never a dull moment with them!!!!

My other favorite part of the trip was this guy! As hard as it was to leave the kids I had so much fun hanging out with Mr. Bradley. I fell in love all over again!

Oh and a HUGE thanks to everyone who helped with the kids (too many to list you all)!!!!! They had a blast!

More pics of beautiful Thailand

Christmas 2008

I loved today for I got to be a mother and wife.

I loved today for I got to live in such a beautiful world.

I loved today for I got to wake up to a smiley boy and a sweet girl.

I loved today for my husband woke me up with a kiss.
I loved today for I got to dance with little miss Afton.

I loved today for I got to clean up Hudson's barf after he ate dog food.

I loved today for I could give to someone who showed up at my door asking for a donation.

I love today for I will be able to laugh when my husband gets mad at me for that "donation" and say's it was a scam.

I loved today for I was able to wake up before the kids and read my scriptures.

I loved today for I got to kiss my kids "ouchies" better.
I loved today for a clean house.

I loved today for my gratitude for the Savior.

I loved today for I got to live another day.

High School Memories

My fabulous friend, Holly, and I went to see High School Musical 3 last night. Our friend Carlee's famous little sis, Hailey, is in the movie. We tried to act like that was the only reason we were going. But I think Hailey, or no Hailey, we were both going to see it. Not only did we make sure to walk real close to the youngins (so it looked as if we were taking our little sisters) but we giggled like little school girls through out the whole movie. With us being friends from high school we found ourselves talking about all the wonderful (and not so wonderful) memories. I guess I thought once I graduated high school, I would never think about it again. But really that is not the case. I have so many great memories of my school days and all the great people I met and the many lessons learned. Here are just a very few of those people and memories.

Julie: Oh where do I start with 20 years behind us? I remember the first time going camping with your family, and you, Jade, and myself running from the rangers. They finally found where our camp was and told your parents we were throwing rocks at cars. Whoops:( I remember the first, and every sleep over after, your parents had to come in and tell us to be quiet because we were being too loud. I remember first grade when we became instant friends. I remember getting ready for my first high school dance at your house. I remember the first time your parents left you guys home alone and the boys snuck into your house and lit candles every where so when we got home we thought your house was on fire. Even though we got many pay backs in, they were always one up on us:0(

-Laura: Remember when we got in a car accident? I should have milked that more... I remember that if anyone messed with your girls, you had our back no matter what. I remember you would do anything for anyone. Oh and tell the parents thanks for all the free meals at hidden valley!

Lindsey: Do you remember going power boxing with Julie, Ashley Bringhurst and myself every school night for like three weeks in a row until Blake caught us and our under cover car was revealed. We thought we were the biggest rebels.

Hols: I remember spending every day together and my brothers being so nervous we were going to grow up to be lesbian lovers. I remember laughing so hard on several occasions that one of us (don't worry, I won't tell who) would end up peeing their pants:) Cheesecake factory, Vegas, sledding, and baby motorcycles ring a bell??? I remember sneaking out of your house and me being so scared we were going to get caught.

P.S- Mom & Dad that was the one.....okay, maybe twice and only time...s, I ever snuck out. I never did pick up on your son Cortney's habit where he would come home and check in and then leave again.

joci- Remember all the bon fires at your house? Remember how we would always get dressed up and take pictures. Remember when your nanny would take us toilet papering? Remember when your dad took a bunch of us to Lake Mead and in the middle of the night the boys got all of us to believe there was a murderer walking around the camp grounds??? Oh the nieveness....

- Ashley Engar: Remember when you, Julie, Carlee and I went to Flaming Gorge and we accidentally walked into someone Else's camp and you kept falling. We couldn't stop laughing. I am sure they all thought you were drunk. Were you???

-AshLee: Junior Basketball. You were FIERCE!!! I remember you almost got in a fight with a girl because she fouled one of our friends.

-Rach: Do you remember when your parents rented all of us a limo for your birthday and we went cruisin down town with Lacey singing ghetto cowboy (still don't know how she got that down word for word). Oh and who could forget us getting pulled over by that stupid swear word of a cop because I stuck my head out the top of the limo.


Lacey: I remember you driving Holly and me down the St. George Blvd. for spring break and..... we will end there. I remember you always being the voice of reason (and singing ghetto cowboy).

-Carlee: Remember when I told my mom I was sleeping at your house and you told yours you were sleeping at my house and instead we went up to a cabin for a co-ed slumber. My mom called your house to ask me when I was going to be home and that's when the (insert explicit word) hit the fan. Typical high school story, right?. I always loved talking to you about stuff because you always had good advice.


-Shanna: Do you remember us getting all decked out in army gear to go toilet papering way too often?


-Brooke: Remember having math together??? We would grab every assignment out of the basket and copy it. How did we ever pass that class? Oh wait..... we didn't.

Remember in St. George all of us girls got matching shirts with different numbers on them and walked the Blvd. Laaaaaame......... But so FUN!

- Adam Bradley: I remember you singing me a song in front of your whole class. I was so embarrassed. I remember having Keyboard class with you and Kevin and you getting in trouble A LOT. Who knew I would only be lucky enough to have you as my brother-in-law just a few short years later.

Cortney: Do you remember when we slept at a cabin (refer to the story above with Carlee) with all our friends and and mom and dad got mad at me and not you? Do you remember me tagging along with you every where you went because I had crushes on all your friends? Do you remember how my kids wont leave you alone because they are so obsessed with you? Do you remember when you made my day, year, life, by proposing to one of my best friends? Do you remember how I call you any time I need advice for anything? Do you remember how we have grown to be best friends?

Brandon: Even though we didn't go to high school together you played a big part in those days, mainly scaring all the boys away. I remember you teaching me how to ride a bike. I remember you were so protective of me. I remember being a cool sister because I would cover for you all the time. I remember being scared to death when you would drive me places. I remember us laughing so hard on our cruise that mom, dad, and cort were so embarrassed. I remember karate kicking you in the stomach when you broke my watch. I remember you coming to all my dance, cheer, softball, basketball, or whatever I was doing and supporting me. I remember that you have the most darling little family and are a great brother and friend!


Miah: Remember that I was just going to write cute things about you but you just splashed cold water on me for the tenth time today so now I'm not talking to you.....unless you go make me those cookies I have been wanting:).

HaPpY HaLloWeEn

My cute friend Julie took these Halloween pics of the kids. Thanks Ju for taking the time to do that. Your the best!

New Port Beach/Disneyland

We recently went to New Port beach with my wonderful family:) Cary and Diane treated us to a great vacation which included a house right off the beach. The kids were in heaven! We had a few beach days, girls shopping/boy golf days, and a Disneyland day. I wasn't sure how the kids would handle Disneyland, being so young, but after a few hours they came out of their shell and decided it was pretty neat. As for me. I loved it and can't wait to go back! Thanks family for such an amazing time!

Lake Tahoe

We just got back from Lake Tahoe with the Bradley family and are already feeling the need to go back. It was so beautiful. The Bradley's are such a fun family and I always look forward to our vacations with them. A big thanks to cousin John for all the hook-ups and to Seth & Megan for planning the much needed vacation. We missed you Mattman, Angi, Adam & family.

Convention weekend

So Miah's company had their big convention two weekends ago which is always super busy for us. It started with a dinner at LaCaille Wednesday night, then staying down town the three nights after that and then we headed up to Park City on Sunday. As always it was a blast.





Here is Miah on stage in front of thousands of people. I think I was more nervous then he was.


These are our cute friends from Mexico. Juan Carlos and Leslie. We are so glad they were able to come and stay with us a few days before and after the convention.


Leslie, Afton and Me up in Park City.


Juan Carlos and Me. Afton has a terrible crush on him. Can you blame her?

Summer Review

I have been such a slacker at this blogging thing so I thought I would post some pics of our most memorable summer yet!!!!

Half Marathon-Part two

Yesterday I finally ran the half marathon that I have been partly excited for and partly dreading. Surprisingly I enjoyed it (I know, the fact that I even finished it is surprising) and even finished ahead of my goal time. I must say though I'm pretty glad it's over. Those 4:30 training mornings were starting to get real old.



Thanks to my awesome bro. for being a good sport and letting me talk him into running it with me. Of course he kicked my trash but it was fun to train with him.

Precious gift of FaMiLy

Today has been one of those days where I am just overwhelmed with gratitude for all that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. Most of all the precious gift an eternal family. I absolutely love being a mother and wife. I am so grateful for a loving and wonderful husband and two sweet, beautiful, healthy children. I truly feel like I could stay home and play with my kids every day for the next million years and it would never get old. I cherish every moment with them.

Afton is the sunshine in my life! She has been the happiest child since she was born. I really don't think I have ever had a hard day with her. She is my little shadow and best little friend. She was born on my birthday and we have shared a special bond ever since. I am so grateful for her sweetness in my life!!!!!













Hudson is definitely all boy. He is very rough but almost impossible to get mad at because he starts giving loves or kisses as soon as he does something bad (usually biting). He makes me laugh everyday and is such a bright face to wake up to every morning. I have such a crush on this kid!!!







Poor Adley is usually at the receiving end of his biting obsession





Then there is Miah. He treats me with such respect and I truly have become such a better person since he came into my life. He is the kindest and most patient husband in the world (not that I ever try his patience:). We have so much fun as a family!!!