Happy Birthday, Bart!

Bart was home this year for his birthday, which is always fun! It was a busy Sunday and between our callings didn't get to see each other much, but the kids loved singing to him. Bart chose caramel brownies for his "birthday cake" and they were super yummy! The kids sure love their Dad and I'm so grateful for the wonderful man that I'm blessed to be married to! Love you, Bart!

Sisters Weekend!

Every couple years, or so, my Mom, 4 sisters and 5 sisters-in-law get together for a Sisters Weekend! It is always awesome! (Yes, our husbands are awesome too). We do it when no one is nursing so that it is just the Moms...no kids! It is always amazing! This year, we stayed in UT at my brother's house. He took the kids to stay somewhere else as we descended upon their home... Very late nights, lots of giggling and chatting, good food, awesome company, fun outings, shopping, pedicures (tradition), play/musical (Brigadoon), session in SLC Temple (tradition), frozen custard, chocolate fountain (tradition).. I was wasted by the time I got home. :) But, it's always worth it! I love these ladies SO much. I don't take for granted the wonderful relationship I have with each of them! Until next time, my sweet sisters....

Thanks, Mom and Dad!!

SO grateful to my parents for coming and watching the kids so Bart and I could go on our trip! It was such fun to see them! We all love you!!

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Last weekend, Bart and I got to go to a little piece of paradise...Kiawah Island. It was an amazing few days! It was a fall partner retreat, something we never could have afforded on our own! We stayed at The Sanctuary Resort and it was SO beautiful. The decorations, painting, murals, landscaping.... We were so relaxed by the time we left. They took such great care of us. The food was divine! I let my diet go out the window and I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful of scrumptious bliss. First time for shrimp and grits...what better place to have that than in the South! On Friday, Bart was in meetings all day and the "significant other" had a variety of choices to keep them busy. I opted for the cooking class. It was at "Charleston Cooks!" downtown. We got split into 5 groups, each of us made a dish and then we came together to eat the meal. SO good. I can't wait to make the recipes for my family. Afterward, we went on a horse drawn carriage ride through old Charleston, which was really fun and informative. Our guide knew all kinds of tidbits regarding her city and made the tour even more fun. We finished up by heading to the market for some shopping. That night, we went to a oyster roast, where I tried my first (and last) oyster. Not for me, but the "roasted in a pit all day" pig...that's my style. The roast was held right on the water, letting us enjoy an incredible sunset. On Saturday, we got to choose how to spend our time. Bart and I did the "Island Medley"..kayaking, hiking, biking. I was nervous about the biking part...haven't been on a bike in 15 or 20 years. Good thing I didn't make a spectacle of myself by running into a tree...hehe Good thing I wasn't going that fast! We saw an alligator during our bike ride and some dolphins while kayaking. Pretty awesome morning.... That afternoon, Bart went golfing and I got a facial at the spa. Need I saw more? Sunday, we had some breakfast and headed to the airport. On the way, we stopped at the "Angel Oak Tree". Of course, the gates were closed until 1pm on Sundays, but we took pictures through the fence. Spectacular! It is the oldest living oak tree (1,500 years old)..covers 17,000 square feet... So grateful for my parents, who stepped in last minute when our babysitting plan didn't pan out... Bart, thank you for the great weekend! You are an amazing man! It has been so great to watch you work hard and be successful in your career. I love you! The drive to the island was magnificent. The trees and Spanish moss covered the road, making a tunnel to drive through.

"The Sanctuary Resort" where we stayed

My view of the ocean while reading a book

Super gorgeous shell-lined mirror

Floor to ceiling murals

One of two grand staircases

Mingo Point for oyster roast

Fabulous Sunset

Right before kayaking

Self portrait right before leaving. The sun was SO bright. My eyes watered for 15 minutes after taking this picture...

Out on our room's veranda

The Angel Oak Tree

Sweet Sisters

At the store yesterday, an older man came up to me and said he thought it was cute that I had sewed matching shirts for my girls. I informed him that I couldn't really sew, but also that I had bought the matching shirts for my two older girls when they were little. He scoffed...couldn't believe that I had FOUR kids!! I laughingly told him that I actually had 5. He snorted in disgust and walked off without a word. I went on my way, with a big smile on my face. Of course, I had to come home and take some pics of my cuties. I'm happy and grateful to be Mom to FIVE (gasp!) kids! :)

Happy 1st Birthday, Makenna!

Wow! Where did the year go?! Reflecting back on this day last year... had first contraction at 10:45pm..Makenna was born at 1:15am, no epideral, face up. Awesome. Good thing she has been a wonderful baby and worth the horrible pregnancy and pain of the delivery! :) We had a great day today! Started with opening some fun gifts, went apple picking at the farm, and ended the day with Makenna's favorite...mac & cheese. We served up some chocolate cupcakes, which Makenna had a couple bites of, then was done! But, she loved making a mess! We love you, sweet Makenna!

Gymnastics!

Kelsey has been waiting for a long time to start gymnastics. She started this week and is SUPER excited! We love this happy girl!

Montpelier Farm

We went with some friends to experience Montpelier Farm and had a great time! It was super hot, but there was lots of fun things to do...hay ride, lassoing, corn crib to play in corn kernals, pedal carts, cute area to watch "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" movie (which my kids love)... and everything is better ending it eating ice cream! They also had a cute store where we bought fresh cider, freshly picked apples, homemade apple butter and raspberry pancake syrup. Great company, great farm, great day!

Makenna

Can't believe this little munchin is turning 1 this month! What fun she is! We just love her. She is definitely walking more than crawling...climbing...laughing...dancing...play hide-n-seek...hugs and kisses...loves story time