New Year.. 2015 is going to be great!

How excited I am that this year has, finally, come! 2015 is going to be a big year for us, even though 2014 was a pretty big year as well! In 2014, Sam was accepted into Tufts SDoM, which was a huge blessing! We were still waiting to hear from ECU with high hopes, but at least we knew he had a place to go. I was accepted into the highly competitive FNP program at ECU. When I was initially accepted into the AE program at ECU back in 2012, I was under the impression that an concentration that I desired to choose would be open to me as an already admitted AE student. That was a stretch of the truth. Any concentration, BESIDES, FNP and AGNP would be open to me to choose. Therefore, I had to apply, along with hunderds of other applicants, to the FNP program and hope and pray for a miracle. We needed two miracles, for Sam to be accepted into ECU as well. Once I received my acceptance letter, it was bitter sweet. At this point, still no news from ECU for Sam and for me, it was the best news. On top of it being this competitive, it was also the last cohort of the Master's FNP, they were moving to a doctorate starting in 2015. So it was now or never.

WIth lots of prayer and fasting, Sam and I decided the best situation, along with the help from Heavenly Father, was to seperate this year and Sam go to Boston while I stay here to finish my manditory clinic hours in NC along with the didactic portion in Greenville with the kids. It was the most gut renching decision we have ever had to make during our marriage, thus far. The decision boiled down to the fact that if we all decided to go to Boston, which would have been a no-brainer, Sam needs to go to dental school, then he would need to apply and hopefully get the armed forces scholarship, which then, in the future, could possibly end up being a deployment. We both agreed that if I finished my degree, which I was SO close to being done, we would not go that route. I would continue to work full-time, increasing my salary from a RN to a FNP, which is almost double in some states, and get him through school and work longer so that we could avoid the other option. We both felt confident in this decision, and felt that we would be taken care of. 

Bristol turned 4 this year. I was thrilled to get her out of her 3's, because lets just say that the 3s were much more difficult than the so-called terrible twos. She is such a smart little girl that it makes things more difficult because she understands too much. The conversations we have are very adult-like and the things she comes up with amaze me every day. She is a daddy's girl, through and thorough, and has definately had the hardest time adjusting to him being gone. The monthly trips and daily, sometimes three times, facetime calls are truly a blessing. 

Burke turned 1 this year. He is growing so fast, and is actually taller than Bri was at his age. He FINALLY started using the sign language I have been trying to teach him over the past year! He can sign all done, more, and milk. That is about it, but it is better than nothing. Mind you, he has been expanding his vocabulary and can say some of those words, too! We are trying to teach him spanish, just like we have with Bristol, but since Sam has been gone half of this last year, my vocabularly is limited. He does say gracias, leche, NO, and his english words include bye bye, Bri (which also happened to be his first word), duck-duck, woof woof, dog, cat, and he waves when he says hi. He is walking and running very well, actually him and Bristol play tag all the time. They are becoming good buddies which has been fun to see!

This past year we also found out, about a week before Sam was set to go to Boston, that we were surprisingly expecting our third. It was almost a joke at first. I remember in my prayers to Heavenly Father that I knew this next year without Sam here full-time was going to be hard, but I knew that I could handle what was going to be placed in front of me. I vividly remember saying I could handle full time school, 4 days a week of clinic (unpaid work, essentially), mostly single-motherhood, and working some shifts at the hospital here and there. I felt confident in knowing that Heavenly Father could help me thorugh this year, but I definatly felt I was pretty maxed out. Then.. this happened.. One night back in August, as I was working night shift in Labor and Delivery, I was laboring a patient. I'm not one who gets grossed out by smells, hence my job, but when I'm pregnant, that ALL changes. That is usually the first sign. Well, that night, it was bad. So bad that I had to hand over my laboring patient to the other nurse and take her patietns for the rest of the night. I knew that this meant, but was boggled how this could happen. Obviously, I know how babies are made, but I had been breastfeeding Burke for over a year, we were careful and using contraceptives and I had only menstrated once since his birth (TMI, I know.) I came home that AM, which was a Saturday, and told Sam he needed to run to the store and get a pregnancy test. He was shocked, to say the least, and I knew what it was going to say. When the results came back pregnant, all I could do was laugh. He just stood there in silence. It was crazy! I knew that this year was going to be hard, but this just pushed it to another level. I felt as if I should be wearing a super-hero costume around, because in no humanly way was I going to be able to take this on, on top of everything else. 

Never did we question Sam needing to leave in a week, but we did wonder how this was going to work out. We of course prayed and realized that this was all in His plan and timing. My pregnancies are not hard, thank goodness. I have the usual first trimester yuckiness, but other than that, I'm great. That was never my concern. I was worried about the birth, and whether or not Sam would be there. I was worried about the 2-3 weeks of adjusting to a new baby, which still, pretty much, having a 1 year old baby, and a 4 year old. With the emotions and hormones running rampid, I was concerned.  I was concerned about finishing out my clinical rotation in the Spring, with a newborn, a toddler, and a 5 year old, while being on my own. I was concerned about summer term where I would have to be in clinic full time. I was worried about not having any family near by to help when something came up. But, more than ever, I have felt comforted that I could do this. This was not a mistake, this baby is supposed to be  here, and be here in April. Not September, like we had wanted. 

So far, things have gone just as planned. First trimester yuckiness lasted a little longer than expected, but no unbearable. Nausea with some vomiting. The worst was the 2 week straight headache, that I have never before experienced, but found it to be a common symptom some women experience. The fatigue is undeniable, but something I am used to with my pregnancies. My ability to be as active as I would like is hindered by the lack of time, but I am doing the best I can. The rest, well, its really not in my hands. We are prayerful that the Lord will make it all work out, that Sam will make it here for the birth. Our families have stepped up and are going to come out here to help us out, which we are beyond bleesed to have them! 

On Christmas morning we found out were were having a boy. Initially, we were not going to find out the gender. Sam had told me that once we had one of each we could be surprised with the gender at the birth, which is what I always wanted. However, with this being such a shock and a surprise, I felt the need and desire to bond with this baby as much as possible, which I feel guilty for admitting this, has been hard. So, we went to the floral shop, just as we did with Burke, and gave the the ultrasound and had them put colored balloons in a box. We opened it on Christmas morning and we were pleasently surprised with blue balloons, a BOY! We are thrilled, mostly because Burke and this new baby will be so close in age that to have another boy is perfect. Bri, however, was a little upset. She had been telling people that she was going to have a baby sister. I felt for her, but know that we will most likely have 1 more child and we can hope to give her a baby sister then! 

All in all, 2014 has been a year of ups and downs, of joys and triumphs. But, we are thrilled that 2015 is here because it means we are that much closer to being done with this 10 month seperation and we are moving forward with our lives. I have never wished away time in my life, but these 10 months, now 6, that we have left to endure I am praying will go by fast. Thus far, time has flown, and we are so grateful for that. The time we have been able to spend together as a family when Sam comes to visit is quality time that we cherish. He has been able to visit almost monthly which has made this bareable. The kids definately notice his absence and we all miss him dearly. We are so very proud of him and his accomplishments. Burke refers to the ipad and Daddy and when Sam gets home, it takes a few hours for him to realize that Daddy is actually home and not on the ipad. We are grateful for technology and that we have the ability to FaceTime whenever we need to. That has definately helped a ton!

We had a laid back New Year's Eve with our friends the Smiths. They came to our home for a little party and some games. Bri really wanted to stay up for the party, but we decided we would have another little party on New Year's Day with the kids. We re-watched the ball drop, toasted to the new year, at yummy snacks and treats and did the little streamer fire works. She loved it! To 2015, we are beyond extatic that you are here and we are hopeful for another amazing year of adventure for the Kelly family. We know you wont dissapoint!!

The Smith's and us on New Year's Eve

27 weeks along, but who's counting?!? (I honeslty forget how far along I am and when people ask I am embarrassed that I don't know.. is this what they mean when they say when the third one comes along there will be no pictures or rememberance of anything? Sad.. )

Disney on Ice: Frozen, and Daddy is Home for the Holiday!

We have been anticipating this day for quite sometime. Sam came home last night and will be here for just over 3 weeks! We couldn't be more thrilled. This semester has definitely been trying and difficult, but we made it! Sam and I are both relieved to have this semester behind us, for me to have 2 semesters left in this FNP program and for Sam to have his first semester of dental school in the books. He is doing great, really excelling in his classes. I feel that we would barely see him if we were there, he leaves for school around 6-7 am, gets home from school around 7-8, eats dinner and then studies till 11-12. Its amazing how much time and effort he is putting in and it makes me so proud because his grades are definitely reflecting all that hard work. We are so proud of him and grateful that he has gotten to this point in his life. I had no doubt that he would succeed and only see him continuing on. As for me, my first rotation this semester was in Geriatrics, which is defiantly NOT my forte. I love working in Women's health and peds, which will come next semester. But, I succeeded and made it through the clinical and didactic part of this program for geriatric care. I am excited for the next 2 semesters and then being done July 31st.

We surprised Bristol with tickets to Disney on Ice: Frozen and her and Sam were able to have a much needed daddy-daughter date. She was thrilled when they arrived inside and said the cutest thing to Sam. Sam asked her "Did you know we were going to see Frozen tonight?", she replied "Yes.", he said "How did you know that?", she replied "I have been dreaming about this!." That girl, she is just too much! She had a blast watching them skate on the ice and perform, she loved the princess dresses and Sam treated her to a snowcone with a special souvenir cup! (only cost us $16!) It was great, though and I really think it is a memory she will have forever. I still remember my experience going to see Beauty and the Beast on ice, getting a snowcone in a souvenir cup and using that cup whenever I had the chance.

Father's Day 2014

We had a wonderful time celebrating Father's Day this year. I am truly beyond blessed to have been lucky to marry the man I did and to share this life with him. He is not only the best husband (I get foot massages almost daily!) but the best father to our children! I have never had a man in my life who is more devoted and loving to his family then our Sam! We are blessed beyond measure! Thank you for all of your sacrifices and all you do for our little family. We are grateful everyday for you! 

And a little spoiling on his special day.. I know you're surprised as to what he wanted.. 

Summer Time at the Pool!

Our summer has begun and we have thoroughly taken full advantage of the pool! Bristol started the summer off being hesitant to jump into the pool with Sam catching her.. It took about 3 trips to the pool before she decided to try and jump by herself. After that, she has never looked back. She can now not only jump off the edge, she has mastered the cannonball, thanks to daddy. She has also mastered the mermaid and the twist. Love that girl!

Burke, on the other hand, has decided that he loves snacks and the shade WAY more than the floatie and water! 

Memorial Day

Since we have been here in NC we have had the chance to visit many of the beaches around here. We go to Wilmington as often as we can because my cousin Bryan lives down there with his cute family. Most of our friends fromGreenville  go to Atlantic Beach because it is the closet to home, about 2.5 hours.

 We decided to make a day trip out to Atlantic beach with the cute Given family. Their daughter Allie is the same age as Bristol and they had too much fun together! It was fun to watch them build sand castles, run in the waves, watch the fish and fly the kite! Burke absolutely loved crawling around in the sand and climbing on the beach chairs. He is starting to get over wanting to eat the sand. However, he forgets he has it on his hands and puts his hand into his mouth.

It was a beautiful and sunny day. We loved being there and enjoying a perfect day!

(Burke and I tried out a new carrier, ergo.. Didn't love it as much as the moby, but he did fall asleep!)

Bristol's getaway- The duck pond! And, other happenings around here..

Bristol is in love with the duck pond that is located on the medical school campus at ECU. It really is just a short walk across the street and it is a very quaint location. We love going there on nice, sunny days to enjoy all of the ducks and the nice walking trail that goes around the pond. She loves to feed the ducks and run around all of the gazebos. It really is just nice to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. This particular Fall day was amazing. Sam took the kids while I was working and the leaves were beautiful. There is one tree that had red leaves that almost looked hot pink! Just beautiful.

Bristol is growing up so fast, especially now with a new baby it seems like she is acting so much bigger now. She has learned how to climb a tree that is outside our town home. She wants to do it every chance she gets.

Burke is just as cute as ever. He is sucking on his toes all the time, riding around in his walkers and loving his sister like crazy! They really cannot get enough of each other, as long as she doesn't get too rough.

We are getting ready for the holidays around here and decided to make a thankful turkey. It turned out to be a really good activity to look at how much we really do have to be thankful for. Bristol loved making the colorful turkey!

Halloween 2013

One tradition that I started with our little family was a Halloween themed dinner. I have done it every year since Bristol was born and have loved it. During my high school days, I went to family home evening at one of my friends home who had 7 children. She did this every year for Halloween for her kids for the monday FHE before the holiday. I loved it! I knew that was something I wanted to do for my family and have enjoyed doing it. This year we really went above and beyond and bought dry ice to make a witches brew. It was a hit! Our menu included Jack-O-Lantern Quesadillas, Bug Salad, Pumpkin Soup, Mummy Hotdogs, Mummy Pizzas and capris (just cause we love it). It was very yummy and we had a lot of fun with Bristol who was very excited!

This year for Halloween we went trick-or-treating with our friends, the Smiths. It was a lot of fun to get out there with the kids and especially with Bristol because she loves everything about dressing up like anything (especially princesses, though) and getting free treats! She was Tinker Bell and Burke was Peter Pan. I was able to make his outfit in a jiffy and they were so perfect together! (Even though a lot of people thought he was Robin Hood.. grr..) Regardless, we had a great time out in the 70 degree weather going door to door in a really nice neighborhood here in Greenville.



Bristol also had a lot of fun participating in her preschool/daycare Fall Festival, which is really just a Halloween party for the kids. It was good to see her with her teachers and friends and to play the fun games and get more treats! Just what she needs. Either way, we enjoyed this holiday this year and it was really fun to see her enjoy it just as much!

Bristol started Soccer

We decided that we would sign Bristol up for soccer this year. 3 is a bit young, but since they offered it we thought we would give it a try. So, after registering and going and getting all of the equipment, we took her outside and played around with the ball. She took to it so fast! It was amazing that she could actually kick the ball and follow it, let alone get it into the goal. We were pumped! And, the best part was that she actually enjoyed it and kept asking to play again and again. So, we did!

She had 2 practices and then the third week was their first game. During the practices she would be somewhat involved, but found herself running around and not really listening. It was weird to see her act like this with another adult because in all of her other structured activities, preschool and nursery, her teachers would rave about how great she is and what a great listener. We were then thinking it must be because we were there with her and are not with her in those other activities. Well when game time came, she didn't surprise us at all. She decided that she would rather run around crazy and play princess castle in the goal than go chase the ball and score a goal. Regardless, we really enjoyed watching her and her imagination run wild.

After the 3rd week of her doing this we decided we needed an incentive program. The pink soccer fairy visited her room while she was sleeping each night before a game and delivered her magical pink fairy pixy dust. She was to sprinkle the dust on her before each game so that she would play the best soccer she could! Well, it really didn't work that well, but we tried! We also made a trip to the "Cow Place" (aka chick-fil-a) after each game to get a treat and play in the slides. That didn't work either. Thirdly, Sam decided he was going to go out there with her and see if that helped. Each time their team scored a goal she would run toward him and he would throw her up in the air. That worked for about 2 goals, then she lost interest again.

All in all, we decided she was probably too young to play soccer this year, but that we exposed her and that was good enough. We received a lot of encouragement from other parents who said they had been in our shoes in the years past and that it is just a phase and she would grow out of it. We also got a pep-talk from the best player on her team's mom who said it is just as bad when you have the child on the field who hogs the ball and scores all of the goals. She is right, we both feel the same way!

Regardless of our efforts, we really loved seeing her play and learn a new skill. I am truly excited for the soccer seasons to come!

General Conference and more..

We have been enjoying our time off around this house. It has been really nice being an official stay at home mom, with the exception of online school work. I have loved having these 2 months off to spend with the kids and to really soak it in before I get back to the grind of full time work and full time school. I feel like I am cutting Burke short of much needed time to adjust to this world before he is thrown into the thralls of baby sitters, but I realize my life is not going to get any easier and that I need to get my schooling down now, rather than later. I was able to spend 11 months, baring 1-2 shifts per week about 6 hours each, home with Bristol when she was born. Burke doesn't get that. But, he does get all of me when I get home and when he isn't sleeping.

Anyway, we thoroughly enjoyed conference this October and I decided to make a tradition of making cinnamon rolls for the occasion. They are one thing I love, but hate to make. So, for a special occasion I can whip them out. They were delish!

Other pictures include our hilarious daughter making herself laugh, happens on the daily; our chunky monkey Burke and all of his rolls and cellulite (this pic is a must of our children, did the same with Bris); Burke is sitting with a wide base these days!!; Bristol making Burke laugh by tackling him in daddy's arms; Burke watching football with daddy (he's starting him early); Burke showing off his Nike's from Tio and Tia (Steve and Chris) and his cute pouty lip.

Pitt County Fair

It's always a nostalgic feeling when we visit any fairground, considering my background in 4-H. Bristol is in love with animals right now so we wanted to take her to see them at the fair. She loved looking into all of the gates, seeing the animals and hearing their sounds. She insisted on naming all of them and making animal sounds. Burke enjoyed himself as well, sleeping the whole time in the moby! We of course had to dive into the overly greasy, but tasty once-a-year fair food that consisted of an elephant ear. Brings back childhood memories of the good ol' days. It was a great evening to spend with the family and even better was wearing shorts in October. This weather here is something else!

Our Little Babes

A little update on Bristol. She is so fun at this stage. She is learning so much and soaking every bit of it in. I have started school this month and she loves the fact that I am studying and reading books and taking tests. For some reason all of that intrigues her. So much, in fact, that she is enthralled in my pathophysiology book. It is pretty funny, actually, to see her interest pique when I have it out to study. She is all over it and for some reason drawn to the integumentary system. She love rashes! She loves the burns! I have let her look at it and tried to explain it to her, but also trying to sensor the information so that it stays basic. There are some things that she just doesn't need to know at this time and Sam and I both feel that she still needs to be a kid and to enjoy kid things! It is just fun to see her absorb the information and to enjoy it.

Burke is loving the bumbo. He sits in it all the time while I cook and he just giggles. Each night, after a bath, I give Burke a massage with some lavender oils. He loves it, but every time I massage his tummy, he arches his back. He seems to be pretty sensitive to touch and he does that every time, followed by a smile and a giggle. It is pretty cute! He has a new friend named Teddy, who is about 9 months. Teddy is the son of our new friends Stephanie and Scott, who is in dental school here at ECU. We've had fun getting to know them and spending time with them.

**Thank you Tio and Tia for the sweet nike baby shoes! Sam, I mean Burke, loves them! Also, thanks Gracy and Papa for the cute pink jean jacket. Bristol really does love it!

Labor Day Virginia Trip

We decided to make the trip to Charlottesville, VA to continue Sam's 30th birthday celebration. He and his friend, Ryan (who attended medical school at UVA), wanted to see BYU play UVA over Labor Day weekend. So, we made a weekend trip out of it and visited the school, went on a hike and traveled to Burke, VA and hit the Cafe Rio on our way home!

Sam enjoyed the game and had a lot of fun with the guys. I was able to spend time with Cheryl, Ryan's wife, and the kiddos. We had a lot of fun driving around the city and eating yummy food! 

Sam and I wanted to get a hike in before we left so we could enjoy the beautiful outdoors. It had been way too long since moving to NC and we knew we wanted to at least get one hike in. It was amazing! It was about 4 miles round trip. Bristol made it .9 mi before asking to be held. We were proud! Burke loved the moby and slept through most of it. It felt so good to get outside and do what we love to do! We miss it so much and cannot wait until we settle in next to the mountains in a few years.. 

We wanted to travel about 1 hour out of our way to go to Burke, VA and hit the cafe rio there. It was definitely worth the trip. It was fun being in Burke and visiting the small town, but Cafe Rio tasted great! We miss that, too!

Sammy's 30th Birthday

Turning 30! Crazy to believe that Sam turned 30 this year.. I am a little frightened for the big 3-0 but Sam handled it in stride. We had a wonderful day celebrating him and enjoyed the time with our little family. I took Sam out to Raleigh to eat at his favorite type of restaurant, Brazza, a brazilian grille. The meat was abundant and the servings unlimited. Yikes! Basically a self-induced meat coma. He loved it, of course, and wants to go back soon! We then came home and enjoyed a homemade chocolate cake, crafted by yours truly, and ice-cream (my favorite part!). It was a great day and we have a lot to be grateful for.

Oh, Summer!

Now it is finally summer around this house, and it feels great!! I have graduated from my first year of the program at ECU and I am so HAPPY!! Now begins the tough part.. studying for the NCLEX-RN exam to officially become an RN! My life consists of watching the kiddos every day and trying to fit in practice questions and studying. Note the picture below of Bristol combing my hair, Burke in the moby and me on the iPad doing practice questions.. the life! I love my life and wouldn't change it. This time is precious to me and I know I will look back fondly and remember all the wonderful times we had.

We have been able to go to a couple of the festivals, there is probably one every weekend, and enjoy the culture of NC. It has been a lot of fun experiencing what there is to offer here. Bristol started soccer this month and has had a lot of fun practicing outside. We have enjoyed watching her learn a new skill. She also has loved being around her brother and taking good care of him. I love to watch her interact with him when she doesn't see us.

All in all, this summer is off to a great start. I am starting to apply for jobs, but will not start until October 21st, if hired at the local hospital. That is probably where I will get my first job as an RN because they are most likely to hire new grads. I am going to thoroughly enjoy this long break with the kids before I have to jump back into work!

Burke is growing like crazy. Loving his tummy time and sleeping, a lot! He is defiantly growing up too fast and we are soaking it all in. He is so smiley now days. It is fun to see him grow and change. We love our blue eyed boy!!

Nana to Visit NC

Nana came from Oregon to visit us and to meet Burke! It was wonderful having my mom here to help us out and to enjoy what NC has to offer. We were able to make it out to the beach for a quick trip to Wilmington. We rode on the ferry and Bristol was elated with the boat ride. It was beautiful weather, a little hot, but wonderful. It always takes those who are not from here some time to get used to the humidity and heat. It can be pretty brutal in the summer and in July is when it really starts to heat up.

Nonetheless, we had a great time enjoying each others company. I had was still in my last clinical rotation, so Nana was able to spend some quality time with the kids while Sam and I worked. It was great having her here and we cannot wait until she comes again! We love you, Nana.

Gracy and Papa to visit NC!

We had a wonderful time with Gracy and Papa when they came to visit NC for the first time. Burke was just over a month old, they actually arrived on Papa's birthday. We went to a wonderful Carolina BBQ restaruarnt the eventing they arrived called the Pitt. It was very yummy! It was nice having them here to help out, Sam took some time off and I was in full swing of my capstone clinical rotation, which made it perfect for them to be here to be with the kiddos. Gracy always enjoys the newborn stage and loves holding the babes! She was enamored with Burke, just as she was with Bris when she was a babe. 

We took the opportunity to explore the Outer Banks. It was Sam's first visit as well. It was a beautiful 80 degree day that was just perfect. It happened to be my birthday, as well. No better way than to spend the whole day at the beach with family! It was nice to swim and for Bris to play in the sand. It has to be one of her favorite things to do

We also blessed Burke while they were here. He was just over a month old, but it worked out perfectly to have them here for that. Sam gave a beautiful blessing that spoke of Burke serving a mission and marrying in the temple. He spoke of his ability to be a leader to those around him and to help spread and teach the gospel. He blessed him with the strength and courage to stand up for what is right. What a beautiful day it was. We are so grateful to be members of this church and to know of its truthfulness. I am very blessed to be a mother and to have these two beautiful children that were sent from our Heavenly Father and put into our trusting hands.

And, last but not least. A trip to NC is not complete without a stop at the Dean Dome. I was a work that day, but the rest of the troops headed out that way to look around a purchase some Carolina gear. They had a great time touring the campus and the dome.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip for them to come out this way and see us and help us at this time. We had so much fun entertaining them and enjoying this time. I hope we can see them again soon and get back to the West coast as soon as possible! We surly miss home, and our family makes it that much more bitter sweet! Love you guys!

Aunt Kiki Came to Visit

It has been a whirlwind over the past couple of weeks, but I am so excited that my little sis could make the trek out to NC to visit us and the new babe. It was a relaxed week with her here, me being off for most of it! We were able to spend time together and she was able to continue to help me adjust to 2 kiddos. Since Burke was a week early, and Katie wanted to make sure she didn't miss it (with Bristol she booked her flight to come in on her due date, and she was 6 days late, so she missed seeing her!) she came 2 weeks after he was born. It was perfect timing, though, because Sam could feel comfortable going back to work and I was going to be starting my last semester of nursing school doing my capstone clinical hours. She would be home with the kids on Friday, and then head back to LA on Saturday while I was at the hospital for 12 hour shifts.

It was so nice having her here with us. Bristol loves her Aunt Kiki and had a blast playing with her. We even ventured out of the house a couple of times which was really nice to have the extra hands with our adventures!

Easter Sunday

We had a great Easter this year. It was a lot of fun because Bristol is loving all these crazy traditions we have. She loved coloring her eggs this year and only wanted pink ones, of course. She loved waking up to what the Easter bunny brought her. She love hunting for the eggs and obviously getting all the candy out of the eggs and eating it! She hardly ever has candy, so that was a big treat! I loved her little Easter outfit this year, thanks Mom! The only way she would keep the headband on was if I called it a "crown" and that she was a princess when she had it on. Funny girl!! Hey, whatever it takes, it made the outfit!! It was fun to have Cris and Tio down for dinner that night. Especially since we found out they were getting MARRIED! Yay, congrats to those two!!

Weekend in St. George with Tom & Trace

Tom and Trace took their Spring Break vacation to St. George. We decided to join them for a few days of mountain biking and playing! We had a lot of fun enjoying the beautiful area and spending a lot of time outside. It was great to watch Bristol play with Scout and her grandparents. We miss having them so close!

Living Planet Aquarium with Michelle and the kids!

Sam actually had a Saturday off, so we decided to make a day of it and go visit the Planet Aquarium in Sandy. It was great to take the kids to do a fun activity, and we all enjoyed it too! The best part was petting the sting-rays. We all enjoyed getting very wet while trying to catch one on our palm. Bristol loved seeing all the Nemo characters that they had "hanging" around! Reagan is always such a helper when it comes to Bristol. She is a great big sister. Hopefully Bristol is taking notes!! What a fun day to spend with the family!!