Glitter Balls

Have you seen these? The kids came home from school one day after Christmas break and were begging to have a glitter ball. They wanted me to take them to the store so they could buy one. They said ALL the other kids at school have them...ok ALL the kids? My friend and I looked and looked...none to be found...but after a couple weeks of looking in Target, my friend Becky found them back in stock. I recently asked the kids if they are still the hot item at school and they inform me no...the NEW rage...SKY BALLS! Go figure!

Hawaii - Spring Break 2009

For spring break this year, we made plans to take a trip to Hawaii to visit cousins. They live on Oahu in the town of Kailua. We had a blast playing at the beach, going to a swap meet, taking in the sites, watching baseball & soccer games, and hanging out.

A few things we did...

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Pearl Harbor - USS Arizona

The view when we were driving to Kailua. When it rains hard, a waterfall starts to cascade down every crevice in the mountain. We didn't get to witness it on this visit. I am sure it is breathtaking.

Hiking In Hawaii

After spending all day at the beach Friday, we decided to go hiking since some of the kids were sunburned and miserable. Jared's brother Mori, took us to go hiking on his day off. We went looking for a hike and couldn't quite find it. We were up in altitude and didn't even think we were in Hawaii...a little too cold and windy. (except for the beautiful blue ocean peaking out from the clouds)

The Maunawili Trail

We found another trail to hike after we left the scenic overlook. We left Bailey behind with her cousin Marissa who had a soccer game. We were trying to hike to a waterfall but started from the wrong end (the long way) and decided to turn around after we hiked for an hour or so. We thought it would be fun to swim in the water but there was a big sign that read...

NO THANKS!!!!

Sunday after church, we went on a walk to a lighthouse that overlooks the ocean. Bailey is not much of a hiker. We began the hike with her telling Jared that her legs were getting tired. I thought to myself "this is going to be a long walk..." but then we encountered the first of many dogs. Bailey and Naomi basically ran up to the top where the lighthouse was looking for their next dog to pet. We spotted a whale poking up out of the water a couple of times but they were more interested in dogs than whales.

The Beach

Hanging out at the beach was by far the favorite past time. Boogie boarding, snorkeling, digging in the sand, burying bodies in the sand, soaking up the sun and playing with our cousins.

Easter

Easter day, the kids get to look for their hidden baskets. Madison was the first to find hers. After looking for a few minutes she found it behind the pantry door. Than Bailey found her basket in her bedroom closet. Next, Kelsee found hers in a cooler. Abby ended up finding her basket last. She told me she was secretly hoping the basket was hidden really well. She finally found it in a cabinet in the master bedroom.

MADISON

ABBY

KELSEE (gotta love the chocolate!)

BAILEY

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Madisons Baptism Day

Madison chose to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saturday, March 28, 2009. We had a few family members down to join us for her special day. We appreciate their support and love. We love Madison and are so proud of the special girl she has become.

Mom, Madison and Dad

Madison, Gretchen and Lindsey

These three girls are all in the same primary class and were able to be baptized on the same day. Our ward had their own session from the Stake.

Abby, Grandma L, Madison, Kelsee and Bailey

Today was bitter sweet. I felt a void not having my dad to celebrate this

special day with us. I sure do miss him.

Aunt Robin, Casidy, Madison and Uncle Kelly

Great Grandma Elswood, Madison, Grandma S., Grandpa S., & Uncle Matt

Aunt Karen was also not able to come to Maddy's baptism. She had gotten really sick while we were in Hawaii and spent almost a week recovering from pnemonia and ARDS. She is getting better each day and will be returning to work soon. We missed her.

Madison's Baptism Pictures

A friend of mine took these awesome pictures of Madison. Before her baptism, I wanted some pictures of Madison in her dress. I asked her if she would take some pictures for me because I have seen her blog and the pictures she has posted. They are amazing. She was so nice to meet us on a Sunday evening and take time away from her family. She is very talented as you can see by the pictures.

Madison looks pretty cute too...Thanks Julie!