Utah Trip

The kids and I had the opportunity to go to Utah suddenly and jumped at the chance. With the new baby coming, and the kids almost ready to start school (8/2!) we needed to go then or not at all. So we went. There are so many emotions going home; seeing all the faces I love so much, and then having to leave again is hard. We are so happy here, we love our new life, but we miss all of you from home.

We were able to get together with a group of friends right away. I have the best friends in the world who just planned stuff for me to show up to and set everything up for me so I wasn't scrambling trying to get ahold of everyone. There are still so many people I missed, but the pregnancy, jet-lag and morning sickness did not combine well and I did the best I could at the time. I'm sorry! Unless you live away from where you grew up and know the feeling of scrambling and trying to see everyone, please don't judge!

These are of my dear friends, Bekah, Jenna, Kayla, (all sisters), and Tasha. Tasha's husband is in medical school and she just happened to be in town so it was awesome. We used to get together for playdates and girl's night out. I  miss it so much! Love you ladies!

Bekah, me, Tasha, Jenna and Kayla (Sienna accidentally cut off half of Kayla while taking the picture. Sorry Kayla!)

All our rugrats. We started back in the day when we each had 2 children. 

 Aidan and his BFF "twin", Hunter. They share the exact same birthday.

We are so blessed to have so many people in our lives who love us and are so grateful for you all making the time to see us. We miss you more than we can say!

Aidan lost a tooth!

Aidan finally, at almost 6 1/2, lost a tooth. The second one was only about a week behind in falling out too. He got to lose that one while we were visiting Utah. Am I the only one that goes nuts about their smiles when they have missing teeth? I love it so much. It just makes me giggle about how cute they are.

can you see Mad sleeping behind him?

My sleepers

I know I'm not the only one with little ones falling asleep all over, but we can't help but take pictures every time and then I have to post them. They just look so sweet while they're sleeping.

More fun with Nana

We did so many things I am just going to make this a bunch of random pictures. We saw Spouting Horn, Menehune Fish Pond, the Kilauea Lighthouse, the Wet Cave (one of them at least!), tons of beaches, Sienna, Nana and I got matching slippers, and all of us girls painted our toes to match. We loved having Nana here so, so much. Come again soon, please. We love you!

Hanakapi`ai Trail

This trail is the beginining of the Kalalau Trail, but doesn't go to the very dangerous part. You can go 2 miles, to the beach or do 4 to the Falls. We would have liked to make it to the beach, but Mad wasn't having it. Next time, we'll get a better carrier for her. The older 2 were troopers, though and wanted to keep going. This trail is breath-taking. So insanely beautiful and we can't wait to go again!

A

The best way to cool down after a hot hike is by jumping into a nice cool ocean!

Baby #4...

is due February 10th!!! Since the last 2 came at 37 weeks we're thinking it might be the end of January, though. Everything is looking really well and the baby was moving so much even the Dr. commented on it. And no, I hadn't been binging on cookies or drinking caffeine. It's just a little jumping bean. We are all very excited and I will be very happy when my morning sickness passes, which seems to be getting worse the last several weeks. I am very grateful for it though, because I was never sick with the babies I miscarried. It has been reassuring in it's uncomfortableness.

Na Pali catamaran with Nana

My Mom was able to come and help babysit my kids for 2 days while I was in Montana and Spencer was on the Big Island for youth conference. Obviously after that, we played. She has been writing a book and going on a catamaran trip was part of the story so she needed to go for research. After the insanity of the trip we took with the kids a few months back, it was decided that just Nana, me and Sienna would go this time.

It was amazing. The weather was great and we actually got to see the Na Pali coast. So breath-takingly beautiful! The 3 of us got to snorkel in crystal clear waters. We even saw a white-tip reef shark (not to be confused with white-tip sharks). It was small and mellow, but still cool to see. I panicked for about 1 second when I saw the tail fin at the bottom, but then I realized it would be too small to do much damage. It was nice to know I wouldn't have a heart attack and die of fear. I can be rational and think. It was the perfect day.

We were so tired by the ride home!

May Day

I am forever behind, as always. Here in Hawaii, the Elementary Schools have May Day celebrations, but not necessarily on May 1st. It was on the 22nd this year. I'm not quite sure how it works, but it is a big deal. It was pretty chilly and rainy, but the kids did such great jobs on their performances. I don't have many pictures of Sienna because it was crowded and I couldn't really get to her. But she was beautiful during her dance.

Montana

I was very lucky to be able to attend one of my best friends' wedding in Montana on June 5th. Spencer was attending Youth Conference in Kona while I was there, so we helped my Mom come and watch the kids for the day and a half we would both be gone. Denise and I met while we were room-mates right after High Schoo, right before Spencer and I got marriedl. I am so fortunate to have her in my life because we have an amazing friendship and I don't know what I would do without her. We call each other 'sister' because there truly is no other word to describe our friendship.

Right after I flew in I was also able to visit with Shanna, my step-sister, who I hadn't seen in about 6 years. It was amazing getting to talk with her again in person after all that time and catch up. I am so grateful for it. The trip was a whirlwind, with almost no time to do anything besides attend the wedding, but I am happy I was able to be there for Denise's special day. I don't have many pictures of her and Shawn together, but he is amazing and treats her the way she deserves. I am so happy for her.

Me and Shanna in Wolf Creek

Denise and the Matrons of Honor

Old School friends/bridesmaids

I got to give the toast, which just means I made myself and Denise cry

Denise and Tyse

I thought it was cute how the little girls stood and watched them dancing.