Botanical gardens

hello turtle! We spent the afternoon at the gardens with Aunt Natalie.

I found a wild blueberry bush loaded with berries! yum!

Olivia loved this scarecrow representing The Office.

Well here I am a week later and no updated pictures! Sorry about that. this week was fun. I cleaned a lot. Jaron and I went on a date to the Adult session of Stake Conference and then out to eat at Macaroni Grill. We haven't been on a date for at least 2 months so that was nice! Thank you for all of the Birthday wishes! You are the best!

news, news, news

Well a lot has happened in the last couple of weeks. First of all, Jaron and I painted all the red and brown spots on our ceiling that we missed when we first painted the house in February. Very exciting.

I turned 30. wow. I was really excited to be an even clean number. I always, like 22, 25, 16, 22, etc so I thought I would be happy to have a new one but I have to admit it threw me for a loop. But I feel like so much has been accomplished in the last 10 years that now I am or should be on to a new phase. That much hasn't really been figured out but a few goals I accomplished during my 20's include: (I know I am copying you Chelsea but it was a good idea!)

Getting my bachelor's degree.
Going on a mission to Paris, France
Dating and marrying Jaron 9 months later.
Graduating from Physician Assistant School with a Master's degree.
Having Olivia!! yay!!
Working a little.
Having Ellie!! yay!!
oh and I forgot fixing up 2 1/2 houses, moving across the country with my beautiful husband and girls and learning to be more independent all by myself. aka not stealing toilet paper from my mom's house when I run out. I used to be really bad. sorry mom.

I have been blessed with a great life, family and husband. He make me my favorite cake while he let me take a nap and bought me the best spa massage package I have ever in my life had. I had 20 minutes in a jetted massage tub and then a 90 minute, perfect massage. I have never felt better in my life. what a man. I want to turn 30 again.


We also went to St. Joseph's Peninsula in Florida last week for Fall break. We spent a day in Montgomery on the way and toured the Civil Rights Memorial, White House of the Confederate States of America and the State Capitol. It was very educational. We stayed a night in Panama City at a hotel cuz it was pouring rain. We then camped for 4 days and had a great time roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, swimming at the beach and fighting mosquitos. I'll post some pictures tomorrow! I promise.

It's good to be back home but it was a wonderful experience I hope the girls will always remember! Take care, love you all!

Riding the teacup at the lamest Northern Alabama Fair that was actually a carnival. I had high hopes of an authentic fair with tiger ears, booths, fair-rats, animals etc. no it was not the Blackfoot fair like I expected. We did have fun on a few rides. That one cost 9 dollars. what a rush.
Anyssa, Olivia and Ellie riding in a race car.
My sleeping beauty...


Ellie Bellie boo boo.

well, things have calmed down quite a bit here. After 10 days of late nights playing X-box, watching movies, playing Settlers of Catan, (I won of course!!), and showing Ryan and Natalie the sights, we are finally getting more sleep!! We had a great time and are sad that they had to go back to real life in a Hurricane zone.

an update on my family: Anne's house was destroyed. She lost all of her belongings except her scrapbooks, kids, husband and dog. She is staying with my family in Idaho for a few months till the Island and (her house) are cleaned up somewhat.

Meredith is staying in Houston working at the House of Blues. She lost her car but is getting a good insurance check so she's been car shopping.

Ryan and Natalie are staying with her parents in Southeast Houston and probably will for a while till they get back on their feet. Natalie is back to school and work and Ryan is working for an Electrician till school and his job on the Island restarts.

Thank you for your prayers and concerns. love you all.

Hurricane Ike

Well, most of you know that my sisters and one of my brothers with their spouses and families live or did live in Galveston, Tx. Last Thursday my brother Ryan and his wife packed their TV, X-box and a few more belongings and headed to Alabama to visit us in case the Hurricane hit the Island. Anne and her kids headed to College Station with her in-laws which is about 4 hours away from Galveston. Her husband Jay had to stay behind and work in the ICU. Meredith went to Arkansas with her boyfriend and is staying with his family. Thank goodness she left as she almost stayed. Well, so far everyone is doing okay. Anne's house had 4-5 feet of water inside. A couple of homes on her street burned down from electrical fires. Her in-laws house has 1 foot of water in it still. We're not sure how Ryan and Natalie's apartment is yet. Anne is supposedly going to check out the damage tomorrow with Jay and then will most likely go North to Idaho and stay there until the power and water is back on. It has been a bit stressful for me worrying about my family and their homes. So far, they have been blessed with safety and their lives and that is the most important. I just thought I would give a little update on that. Thank you for your prayers and your concern.

Camping at Lake Guntersville

This was the view from our campsite. great sunsets!
Olivia posing on a rock during our hike.
Ellie with her Daddy! saying cheesecake! Jaron does the best pictures!
Olivia chillin by our fire!

Ellie Bellie Boo Boo

Well, Ellie started ballet this month. I know I am a crazed mother but she loves it!! She goes for 30 minutes once a week with Miss Susan. She loves it!! Her little shoes are so cute!



We get to watch the entire time and Ellie kept running to give me kisses during her lesson. She is so sweet and spontaneous. She loves Miss Susan and gave her a big hug after dance as well. As you can see, her class is really small which is nice. She gets lots of attention and love!!