Hunter Happenings

It's A.......

2012-01-25T12:03:00.000-08:00

.....Little Dude :)

Yesterday was "THE" Dr. appointment, the one we've been waiting for. The one where we find out who's right & who was wrong; team pink vs. team blue. Well I'm sorry to say that little Miss L was wrong....we will not be getting an "Aila", we will be getting a "Jeter" (NO that is not his REAL name...like this girl would EVER allow a Yankee player name in my house!). And we are thrilled! Honestly, deep down I knew it was a boy I never told anyone just for the fact I didn't want to jinx myself :) I felt the same way about Lilianna, I just knew! So we are excited! Now we can really move forward on what we need, the nursery decor (my favorite part!), and getting ready for a boy?! Who would have thought a little man would be running around in this house besides a little princess?!

FINALLY!!

2012-01-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

I have slacked on the blogging lately, I'll blame it on the holidays :) Anyways a few new posts, BSU Game, Christmas, & the New Year. We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season!!

Ring in 2012!!

2012-01-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

2012 is filled with BIG changes in the Hunter House. A new baby, a wedding, & some one's a getting bigger! Lilianna went to Primary yesterday for the 1st time. I cannot believe that she is a Sunbeam?! It was so cute to watch! Although when she 1st got up Sunday morning, she did not like the idea of not going to Nursery anymore & seeing Sis/Ms Tina (she is also her preschool teacher). But she did great once we got to church. We asked her how class was & her report went like this, "I colored. My new teacher is my friend & throwing-up is gross!" Apparently a little guy in her class got really sick yesterday & Lilianna was able to witness it! Haha I just laughed! Poor little guy!
We hope you & your family have a rocking new year!
Yea for 2012!!

Christmas Time

2012-01-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas came & went way to fast this year. I cannot believe that our crazy schedule resumes tomorrow...and I'm kind of dragging my feet about it! We had such a great relaxing winter break that was filled with friends coming into town to visit, as well as family.

We started the break off by going to see the Alvin & the Chipmunk: Chipwrecked movie. It was such a cute movie & Lilianna really enjoyed!

Christmas Eve day I was able to meet-up with a girlfriend from high school. We hit our usual spot, Town Square, but we couldn't do sushi this time so we ate at Tommy Bahamas.....yummy!! Lilianna opened her traditional Christmas Eve gift, aka new Christmas PJs.

Christmas morning was filled with opening presents, playing with our new toys, going to brunch at our friends' house, followed by attending church. I really enjoy having Christmas on a Sunday, it just sets the tone & reminds you of why we truly celebrate this holiday.

"My new castle!!" She loves this toy :)

Riding in her Mini Cooper with Chippy (her homemade Elf on the Shelf).

Opening gifts with Daddy & Mommy. Of course Lilianna had to help open EVERY single gift :)

Christmas Time is usually filled with Cannolis....well I should say when Nana & Papa come to town=Cannoli Time! Yummy!!

At Bucca Di Beppo waiting for Daddy & our table. This is a request of Papa's every time he comes to visit.

Sisters :)

The Muppet Movie was on the list of things to do while Papa was in town & can I just say that was the funniest movie I have seen all year! It was awesome & the music fantastic...who doesn't love the Muppets?!

We also made a quick trip up to St. George to visit family, eat at the Honolulu Grill (Kalua Pig & Guava Cake!!), as well as take Tia's wedding dress to the alteration lady. Only 6 more months to go! Lilianna also picked out her new "Purple Princess" dress for the wedding since little miss will be one of the flower girls :) We cannot wait for the big day!

BSU Time

2012-01-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

The past few years BSU has made it to the Las Vegas Macco Bowl. Good for Taylor since he spent a moment at BSU, but it also gives his crazy Bronco cheering family a chance to come visit ;). Last year Lilianna & I went, but it was just too cold for these girls so we opted to watch the game from home. Taylor got to spent some time with his family.

We got amazing tickets to The Blue Man Group!

At the Bellagio looking at the amazing flowers & here is a shot of my 14 week prego-ness :)

Steve & Stef & their lovely lady friend who wanted to be a part of the pic ;)

Part of "The Crew"

Oops I Almost Forgot!

2011-12-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

I totally forgot this lovely, lovely picture of Taylor the red bearded Elf & "Grandma. "We were invited to an Ugly Sweater Party & luckily I scored some killer stuff at a garage sale from a cute little grandma. She had boxes & boxes of quality sweaters! Now this was not quite like the Annual Kenny G Sweater Party but it was still entertaining :)

Christmas Time is Near

2011-12-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Las Vegas, to me, is a lot like Christmas time in Hawaii. Palm trees are decorated with lights, it is always sunny here, & there is no snow. The only thing missing is my 80 degree weather & the ocean breeze.

Mele Kalikimaka from the Hawaiian Santa

Christmas Las Vegas Style: on the Strip

Two weekends ago, we finally got our Holiday decor up. My little helper did a splendid job decorating.

Our Version of Hanukkah: Since Lilianna receives quite a bit from so many wonderful friends & family, we've incorporated a "Hanukkah" like-idea before Christmas. The Monday before Christmas I have allowed her to open 1present a day. I think this helps alleviate the overwhelming feeling of opening so much Christmas morning. It also has allowed her to enjoy something special each day, which takes her mind off of the rest of the presents under the tree. She never touches them or asks about them until the next day. So Happy "Hanukkah" Hunter Style :)

One of her gifts, a brand new Pink Sox Hat. That's my girl!

Here we are at the Ward Christmas party "meeting" Santa.....yeah that was a complete disaster! She made one look at him & it was over! Haha better luck next year!

We made a quick little trip up to St. George to help celebrate cousin Taylor's 8th Birthday. We got to feed the ducks with Auntie Sue.

We had a sleep over with Cousin Alec. Two silly little monkeys!

Little Bambino #2

2011-12-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

Being prego, to me, is not fun. I don't feel well at all, my face makes me look like i warped back into time to my sophomore year of high school, & I'm big. Just down right big! But I am excited for another addition to our little ohana (family).

I was finally able to have a Dr. appointment last week. I not only received 1 but 2 ultra sounds! With Lilianna we only had 1 to find out if she was a girl. So I was kind of excited to receive an addition ultra sound. The 1st one was done while at my Dr. appointment to determine how far along I actually am & our due date. We were farther along that I had calculated making me excited :) My 2nd ultra sound was done on a volunteer basis. It was to determine if our little bambino has any birth defects. Taylor did not want me to get the 2nd one done, for some reason I felt like I needed to. I know that certain health issues run on his side of the family, as well as mine, so I wanted to be positive that everything was going well. Everything on the ultrasound looked great, but they did determine that I have placenta previa (read about it here) & told me to take it easy. Placenta previa could potentially cause complications later on in the pregnancy & is fairly common. I've had the opportunity to speak to many friends who have gone thru a similar situation, but luckily their placenta seemed to corrected itself, which makes me feel less worried. We just hope & pray for a healthy little bambino to join our family!

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-12-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was interesting to say the least. 1.) I did not feel well at all. Being prego, this time around, has really kicked my butt! Whoever called it "morning sickness" was so wrong; its All Day Sickness for this girl making it really hard to function on a daily basis. 2.) We had a shmorgishborg of people staying in my tiny hale (house). But it makes Taylor happy, (for once in his life), to have his family in town so I am happy for him. 3.) My beloved "Charlie," aka "Pearl," aka the Subaru received a bruised bum on Black Friday & she won't be coming home till next year. Basically, in lamens terms, we were rear ended. But luckily no one was hurt.

Having all of these experiences, plus many more through out this year, has allowed me to reflect on the many blessings the I have received. I have truly felt blessed this year! Our family has been very healthy; I have literally had jobs fall into my lap which has allowed me to "contribute" to my family not only being a part time stay at home mama, but a part time employee as well. And safety. That car accident could have gone either way & I am so glad that we walked away with only a beat up bumper. I'm truly grateful for this time of year & how it allows us to reflect on our own lives & give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Dinner at the kids table.

Bye Bye Charlie, see you next year :(

"Nap" time

Playing at the park

Choo-choo time!

Salt & Pepper :)

Guess What?!

2011-12-03T19:48:00.001-08:00

Stationery card

2011-11-18T09:21:00.001-08:00

Retro Stripe Frame Christmas Card

Turn your favorite family photos into Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Look Who's Potty Trained?!

2011-11-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

So I haven't posted in a month due to the fact I have a GHETTO old Mac that I love so dearly, but has no memory left in her. Yes its very much time for a upgrade, but she is my little miracle baby (literal) & I just cannot part with her just yet :) Anyways on to my long & over due post......Look who's potty trained?! This girl is! I am so totally pleased & so proud of her. She honestly work up one week after her 3rd Birthday, jumped out of bed & shouted at the top of her lungs, "Today I go pee in the potty!" And it was the truth. The first 4 days were a complete breeze & luckily for me we started on a Friday that I did not have to work on. We used a very cool Potty Chart that we found here, totally loved the reward system. Hardly any accidents, except an occasional #2 accident. After the first 4 days, we digressed a bit which I read is completely normal. After two weeks of doing so well on the little potty, we migrated up to the big potty & she has done so amazingly! I'm so proud of this girl, seriously & I couldn't have asked for a better experience with potty training. I honestly thought that this was going to be a complete nightmare, but I was surprised, thank heavens! So since little miss did so well she earned not only 1 prize but 2. She earned a Strawberry Shortcake toy for going #1 in the potty and she earned a scooter for going #2.

Halloweenie 2011

2011-11-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

Halloween is probably one of my favorite holidays. Who doesn't like dressing up & acting like a fool, while its acceptable, one night out of the year? I do! Lilianna has known for months what she wanted to be this year. Not Perry The Platypus again, dang-it, nor some other ideas I had. She was determined to be a Princess, her favorite Princess Snow White. It makes sense since she is a self-proclaimed princess ;) So I went along for the ride. My awesome mom made her extraordinary costume, seriously she did a phenomenal job! And I'm so glad my mom volunteered to make it, because it was above & beyond my basic skill levels as a seamstress. Also, it is a tradition for Ellis' Girls to be Snow White. I was Snow White when I was 7, my sister Tia was Snow White as well (she was the more authentic looking out of us two, since she had yet developed the afro!), and now my baby girl was carrying the tradition on. She was such a cute Princess, glittery light-up heels & all. I decided to join in on the fun & be the Evil Queen. We had a great time, being the Snow White duo.

Friday we invited some friends to our ward Trunk-or-Treat.....seriously never been more disappointed in my life.. Vegas has yet to do a great Trunk-or-Treat & some folks missed the memo on not wearing masks to church functions. Lilianna was freaked out! I really did not enjoy that experience.....

Saturday our awesome babysitter invited Lilianna, as well as some other little girls that she watches, over for a Halloween Party. It was seriously the cutest little thing & just love our babysitter for doing that! Lilianna had a blast partying with her little girlfriends.

Monday we were invited to a big block party pot luck in the famous cul de sac. Kids everywhere, awesome food & then off to Trick-or-Treating. We met up with some of her classmates, whom she absolutely adores & went around the neighborhood. This little Miss made bank in the candy department! We also made one last stop in our little neighborhood, to visit the Famous Max the dog. Halloween was a great time this year, minus the weird ward activity & all the creepy mask :)

Updates, Updates, Updates Galore!!

2011-10-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

Holy Canoli we have had a TON go on in the past month & I blogged ALL about it :) There is a post on our Boise Trip, Anniversary, Our New Pet, Girls Day & of course Lilianna's 3rd Birthday Parties in 2 post. Hopefully you don't get to bored reading about our crazy lives! Enjoy!

Happy 3rd Birthday Lilianna!! Part 2

2011-10-13T23:16:00.000-07:00

The Saturday before Lilianna's actual birthday, I decided to run in the Vegas PBS 5k. I was actually quite nervous since I hadn't really been training. Ever since the Poky race I've been slacking off on my runs...so that morning came & I made my way down town to the start. It was really quite a great race! Fun vibe, a guest appearance from Elmo, DJ, & lots of families. The weather was perfect as well. I ended up doing better then I thought I would & I took 3rd Place in my age group & 65th over all out of 305 runners. I was pleased & it really made my day :)

The rest of the day was spent running errands & preparing for Lilianna's Birthday Bash the following day.

Here are the party favors that we put together for the Little Princesses.

Lilianna's Birthday gifts from Mommy & Daddy. The lovely dress is from her friend Ellianna.

Lilianna begged, & begged, & begged for an Ariel cake. We asked around at the local bakeries & no one made one. So I did a little research & found a Barbie cake idea & decided to make it an Ariel Barbie Cake. It was quite the task but the Birthday Girl was pleased with the turn out, which made me happy :)

Princess Snow White & her friend Keeley.

The Baby Band: Lilianna on the symbols, Logan on the guitar & Keeley on the maracas. It was the most beautiful music made that night.

It was so sweet of her little friends to get her Doll House accessories. She hasn't stopped playing with them!

Happy 3rd Birthday to my sassy, yet sweet, self proclaimed little princess Lilianna! Life is so much better with you in our lives! We love you to pieces xoxo Mommy & Daddy

Happy 3rd Birthday Lilianna!!

2011-10-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

October 9th was Lilianna's 3rd Birthday. This petite self-proclaimed princess had not only one Birthday Party, but yes two Birthday Parties! I know two is quite a bit for a 3 year old, but the reason being was that not everyone could attend one party so we had 2 :)

On Friday, Sept 30th, Lilianna & I drove to St. George to meet up with my Sister & Mom and stay at my Aunt Sue's beautiful new house. We wanted to visit with family, watch my cousin Nicole & Sue run in the St. George Marathon, as well as celebrate Lilianna's Birthday. It was fun filled weekend! We started the day with Lilianna waking up & opening some presents from Nana & Papa.

Her princess shoes were 2 left feet :) We had to take them back!

After presents, we made our way to the Marathon course to cheer on Sue & Nicole at the race. I jumped in the last few miles to run with Nicole. It was such a cool experience seeing the crowd cheer on all those runners. They came from all over the US!

After the race we ran all over town, getting things ready for the Birthday Bash. But before we got anywhere, we had to make a pit stop at the Honolulu Grill for lunch....yummy! And they had the best Guava cake!

And our last stop was the Bridal Shop. My sister is engaged, by the way, & we had to take advantage of all of us being in the same town. So we made an appointment & guess what?! She found her dress! Here she is in it...I probably shouldn't post this picture so shhh don't tell ;) PS I love her dress! I got a little teary eyed when she walked out in it.

It was finally time for the Birthday Bash! We had a great time with friends & family who came. Lilianna loves playing with her cousins Alec & Taylor.

Lilianna had been requesting a Doll House ever since she laid eyes on the one from Target. Every time we went into that store she would ask, "Can we go see the doll house? I'm getting it for my birthday." So we surprised her with The Doll House. Its just too bad Taylor wasn't able to join us in St. George to watch her reaction...which is why I recorded it. She did not know what to think!

Daddy putting the Doll House together. Quite the task!

Girls Day

2011-10-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Lilianna, myself & two of our friends had a Mommy-Daughter plus 1 girls day. We went to lunch at Chilli's, followed by Lion King 3-D, and ending the day with a bike ride to the park. We had a blast! We were the only ones in the theater so the girls could laugh as loud as they wanted & dance their little hearts out. I forgot how much I love that movie & all the music!

Keeley & Lilianna waiting for the movie to start. I love the glasses!

Lilianna is finally big enough to ride her bike all by herself. She can not only petal backwords, but forwards as well! Such a big girl I've got!

Love & Marriage

2011-10-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

A wise person once said, "Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life." Amen to that! We celebrated our 4th Anniversary last week & it was a good little bash. We kept it low key with dinner & dessert at home. I brought home the most amazing Vegan Red Velvet Cake from the Red Velvet Cafe. Oh it was to die for & I could eat it! Bonus! I have been having health issues & have come to discover that gluten & dairy, as well as refined sugar are my enemies, so I'm headed towards the gluten free, dairy free, Vegan path....another post. Anyways, we exchanged gifts & Taylor received his 1st pair of TOMS which I thought looked great on him. And I received a new ring! It is my birth stone & it is beautiful. A few years back my ring was stolen by workers who were in & out of our house doing repairs. I always felt so horrible that it was gone, because that was the symbol of our promise to each other (corny I know). I also think Taylor was a bit jealous of the guy who hit on me at Zac's wedding :) Hey whatever it takes right?! hahah anyways Happy 4th Anniversary to us!

Waiting for the yummy dinner daddy cooked us.

The most amazing cake I have EVER eaten.....oh makes my mouth water just looking it it!

Mr. Turtle the Desert Tortoise

2011-10-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

We got a new pet and his name is Mr. Turtle the Desert Tortoise....ok actually he's not ours, but we decided he was. While on our morning runs, for the last week, we have encountered Mr. Turtle the Desert Tortoise. He seems to move from neighborhood to neighborhood, doing what? I'm not sure, just putting his way. I had never seen a wild Tortoise up close & personal, so I think that's why I got excited when we met him. Lilianna loved him & we still talk about Mr. Turtle the Desert Tortoise & that we hope he finally made it home to his family :)

Cousin Love

2011-10-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

A few (like last month) weekends ago, we watched Cousins Taylor & Alec. Their parents went & celebrated their Anniversary at Mt. Charleston & they asked us if Lilianna wouldn't mind playing with her cousins for a few days. Her answer, was of course, a big " YES!!" So for about 24 hours we got to entertain these two. We went on a hike to the park, & I about killed Taylor.....oops! I guess 5 miles is a bit much for a 7 year old :} We played, we swam, we ate, & played some more. It was a fun filled weekend!

Les Bois

2011-10-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Les Bois, well that's what we always called it during my soccer days, the land of many trees, a.k.a. Boise. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that great city and yes I would moved back to Idaho in a heart beat if the location would be Boise. Such a great vibe to that town, full of Bronco Pride :) We had a fabulous trip & I have no idea when we will EVER be back that way, but I'm so glad we FINALLY made our way. We saw many wonderful friends (some old, some new; some lost, some not so lost); we saw lots of family members and met a few new ones as well, lovely Miss Ava. And of course Lilianna had quite a time playing with lots of little friends her age: Cousins Ava, Jack, & Riley; Friends River & Ellianna. Nana & Papa came to visit, as well as Grandpa Hunter. And the main reason for why we went was to whiteness Mr. Jocko actually go through with it and marrying his lovely lady. He is Taylor's bestie from like age 5, whom he talks to more then me and plans to one day reunite on a their very own cul-de-sac :) Taylor was also the Best Man and had to be there.

We left Tues night after my volleyball game and traveled along the 93, in the pitch black where it was just us, the night sky, wildlife and semi-trucks. It was a weird and eerie feeling driving on the one-way in the absolute middle of no where! But quite nice at the same time. We left that night and came back Sunday. Here are a few of our adventures in Boise:

Cousin Ava & Lilianna at Tucanos (YUMMY!!!). We had a great time & they even sang Happy Birthday to Lili.

Cousin Ava & Breana.

We were fortunate enough to see our good friends the Hoopes'. Lilianna & Ellianna are only a week apart, with a very similar name ;) I guess great minds & great friends think a like! These two were cute together!

Nana & Papa game to visit, as well as Grandpa Hunter. Lilianna loves seeing her Grandparents!

The rehearsal, which was a beautiful location on the Banbury Golf Course.

These guys....enough said!

While Taylor had Best Man duties to attend to, we ventured off to the Boise Zoo with Nana & Papa.

The Wedding. I didn't take hardly any photos honestly I don't know why?! We had a beautiful setting, with a beautiful sun sets. Another perk to living in Idaho :)

Taylor about to give his Best Man Speech. Oh was he nervous! I had heard about this for months & how he dreaded doing it. Well he did great & it was funny, so well done Taylor!

Our last day in Boise, we visited cousins Jack & Riley. We had so much fun spending time with them & their family. Lilianna has only played with them a hand full of times, so it was great getting to spend the whole day with them. Cute kiddos & wished we lived closer!

Cousins me & Anne.

Here is Lilianna with her new friend River. So thanks to Facebook, yep that's right Facebook, I was reunited with a Jr. High bestie and was able to meet up with her while we were in town. We seriously hadn't seen each other in YEARS!! Her little man is a doll! These two were quite the pair :)

Lots of New Updates

2011-09-17T08:38:00.001-07:00

Lots & lots of NEW updates!! Family Pictures, Preschool, The Poky Race. I also forgot to mention that I got a new job: I'm teaching a weights class at the high school I coach at. Lots of new & exciting things going on at the Hunter Home. Enjoy!!

Preschool

2011-09-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Lilianna's started Preschool & she couldn't be more thrilled to go. Everyday she asks, "Am I going to Preschool today? I love Preschool!" We were fortunate enough to be accepted by a private little school that only takes 6-8 kids and is ran by Lilianna's Nursery Teacher. She is also going with a few little friends.

Making silly faces with her "Best Friend" Kianoa.

Running the Gap 2011

2011-09-17T07:21:00.001-07:00

Its over, wahoo!! Two weekend Lilianna & I drove up to Pocatello so that I could run in the Running the Gap Pocatello Marathon. Again, I'm only doing the 1/2 NEVER a full....I'm not that crazy, well not yet anyways!! But leading up to the race everything wrong that could possibly happen, happened. I almost debated not to even go, but I would have been so disappointed in myself for not even trying. All those months of training, injuries, more training & time; I had to see if my body was ready to handle it & shoot I run with my cell phone, if I can't make I'll call for a ride :)

Two days prior to departure, I had been having major pain going on on my ride side of my body. To be quite honest, I've had pain on-and-off for a year now & when I partake of certain foods or seem to be really stressed out, it flares up. The pain was quite bad that I made a Dr. appointment. So test after test was ran, for two days, and results were never given to me. I thought, "Well no news is good news" & I made the decision to race. I'm so glad I did! It turned out being a great time and I set another PR of 1:54:13; plus I took 6th in my age group!! I was so excited!! I ran with some great people, all family members, and we all did really well. Way to go team & I hope we do it again next year!

Stef the best running partner :) Here we are at the beginning of the race freezing our buns off! Yeah 50 degrees is a tad bit cold for a girl from Las Vegas.

Gotta love this guy, every year stands on top of the UPS truck to make announcements.

And we're off. Yes Stef & I literally were the last to start since we waited FOREVER in the potty line!

Uncle Richard & Stefanie.

Tradition to get a goofy pic at the beginning of the race, while we're still feeling good :)

It was my Uncle Richard's 60th Birthday that day so he was on cloud 9 & you could tell. He ran great and took 2nd in his age group. Way to go Unc!

I thought this picture was cool because the train was coming around the corner and my Uncle, who just retired from the Railroad, raised his hat up & the conductor honked the horn. It was awesome.

The Hill of Hell I've named it. At mile 7 this is what you face & it seriously hurts so bad...dang you hill, dang you!!!

My family cheering me on & love seeing them after the horrid hill! Just the boost I needed to finish the race.

My Uncle Mark & Richard. Yes I caught up to them, ha ha!

Last mile baby!

The finish wahoo!!

I love this picture with all the girls. Congratulations Penny for taking the Women's portion of the full marathon race & for setting a new course record, seriously inspiring!

Playing at Ross park at the end of the race.

Now I think we are pretty darn funny, but other's seem to not agree. Lilianna feel in the back yard & scraped up her knee, something she's not used to since we don't get outside much. Anyways, Nurse Tia had bandaids & not just any bandaids Mustache ones. So we had to take pictures & we did. I still laugh at these poses!

Creepy Hitler family picture .

Doing exercises with Papa.

Lilianna & her bandaids :)

CPK!!!

On our drive up we picked up a friend, Mr. Miyagi, also known as Mr. Diyagi. He needed a ride up to Poky and we decided we had enough room for the little guy. Best dog ever!

COUSIN TIME

On our way up, we stayed the night in St. George so we could visit with Alec & Baby Taylor. At 3 a.m. we had a nightly visitor, Mr Alec. It was so funny watching these two & listening to their late night conversation.

Alec: "Lili light."

Lili: "No Alec, that's not a light....its a fan!"

Alec: "Lili light!"

Lili:"Alec, I told you its a fan!"

Hahaha too funny!

We were also able to visit 2 out of the 3 little renegades. Sorry Kaybrie next time!

FRIENDS

We were also able to see the Eastman's & I'm so glad we did. The two little girls were very funny. Here they are being monkeys.

It totally looks like Bry kicked Lili in the face! But she didn't!

On our long ride back to Vegas. Anything to entertain herself.

The Reveal

2011-09-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

We got our Family Pictures back & I'm very pleased with the results. I cannot believe how big & beautiful my little girl has become. She's almost 3!!! Her personality really shines through these pictures that our amazing photographer took. I recommend her to EVERYONE because she's willing to go anywhere you want & do anything you want. You can find her here at Allyson Kaye Photography.

My Little Girly Girl loves to make a pose. Here are her 3 Year Old Pics:

Here are some of our Family Pics

I just laughed at this one. Look at that face! Typical Lilianna

Sneak Peek

2011-08-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

We had our family pictures done on Saturday, as well as Lilianna's 3 year old pics. I had this idea that I had schemed in my head, but it didn't turn out like I had envisioned it. That seems to be the case quite often ;) Anyways here are just a few pictures & I love my sassy, little model!

Yeah not really digging my hair....I was seriously having issues with the fro that day. It would not cooperate!

This is my favorite of Miss L. This is so her!

Last Days of Summer

2011-08-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

As of today, my summer has officially come to an end :( I have absolutely loved this summer! Its been busy filled with travel, guests visiting, swimming at the pool, working on our tans, and doing a whole lot of nothing. I love summer time!

Last week I started my way back to school. The week was filled with meetings, substituting, more meetings, and volleyball practice. I cannot believe it is that time of the year again! Time has just flown! So here are few last pics of our last days of summer.

Dress Up

Lots & lots of dress-up! These days Miss L is very much into dressing-up, always requests to wear a pink dress on a daily basis, & coordinating her outfits with loads of accessories! She is a girly girl for sure!

Zebra hat is a favorite around here.

The other day Miss L saw me doing my make-up and wanted to do her own. What a great job she did! Lovin those luscious pink lips

Soccer

This summer I joined an indoor soccer league with a few old friends from Poky. Taylor & Lilianna have come to a few games to cheer me on. Miss L decided that she wanted to do soccer just like Mama, so we signed her up for a trial class just to see what her true feelings were about it. It melted my heart watching her play & she did so well! What can I saw I think soccer is in her blood!

Visitors

Like I mentioned earlier, we've had LOADS of visitors come our way & more to come. We had Auntie Britnee & Uncle Keegan come to hang out with us for a few days. Miss L had a great time getting to know them & we hope they back again soon.

We met Britnee & Keegan in St. George to watch The Little Mermaid at the Tuachan Theater. Taylor & I haven't been in quite some time & we knew Lilianna would enjoy this show. We were right! Every time Ariel left the stage, Lilianna would turn to us & ask, "Where did Ariel go? Is she coming back?"

Camping the Hunter Way

We did a little indoor camping in our living room. The tent was up for almost a week & Lilianna loved it. She ate breakfast in there while watching her morning shows :) This is by far the ONLY way to camp, in the comfort of your own home with access to your kitchen, the bathroom & TV :)

We found a toddler bed at the D.I. & Lilianna helped me paint it lavender. She does very well at nap time in her new bed, night time is a whole different story... Please notice Miss L's stylin get up, accessories & all.

More Visitors

We have had many visitors head our direction this summer. Just last week Grandma & Grandpa Hunter came to visit, as well as Auntie Kelsi & cousin Kree.

Playing "Ready, Set, Go!" with Grandpa.

Two Little Ninjas

Kree in his "pretty" shoes

Our last Friday of summer we joined a playgroup at the Lied Children's Museum. Lilianna had a great time playing with her friends.

Blowing bubbles

Flying the airplane with Keeley

Putting on a play

Grocery shopping

Her bestie Keeley

Changing a tire

And sitting at the desk in the Berenstain Bears classroom. This is great practice for her since she will be attending pre-school in a few weeks.

4th of July

2011-08-14T16:53:00.001-07:00

For the 4th we had a great fun filled day that consisted of a parade, or in Lilianna's words the circus, swimming at our pool & fire works with our friends.

The Summerlin 4th of July Parade was really amazing! It reminded me of a mini version of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade filled with gianormous character-shaped balloons. They had every character possible!

Lilianna & her friend Keeley at the pool before the fire work show.

Sparklers!!!

Our final days in Hawaii

2011-08-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Ok I PROMISE that this is my LAST post about Hawaii. It has seriously taken me a whole month to blog about our trip!! I'm so behind on all of our summer adventures...one day I'll catch up, one day. So our last few moments in Hawaii was spent at the beach at Lanikai, Honolulu staying at the most amazing hotel, the Aquarium, and just one last time at Waikiki. I have seriously had the best summer & I'm so grateful I got to go back to the Islands & experience it with my family. I hope we get back there sooner then later so Aloha for now....

Waikiki Aquarium

Looking at the Hawaiian Monk Seal

Holding a Sea Urchin

Lilianna was obsessed with Jellyfish while on our trip & she finally got to see one. She was so happy!

Nana, Lilianna, & Papa

Waikiki Park

Hanging out at the Park

My view

Marriott

Our last night we stayed at the Marriott. It was a beautiful hotel & resort filled with some great things like a waterfall.

And entertainment from BYU-Hawaii, they also taught Hula lessons.

The view from our room

Diamond Head

One last time at Lanikai

One last sand castle

A "sleeping" Jellyfish

Papa & Tia boogie boarding waiting for the "perfect"wave.

One last nape on the beach

Our mermaid

Battle wounds

King KAMEHAMEHA Hula Competition

2011-08-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

On our 2nd to last day in the Islands (makes me sad thinking about my trip being over), we went to the 2nd day of the King Kamehameha Hula Competition in Honolulu. I guess the 1st night is incredible, and by incredible I mean the boys compete ;) No but honestly watching the men chant & dance traditional Hawaiian Hula is so awesome that it gives you chills! One reason why we attended was the fact that Tia & my Kumu (Hula instructor) was competing in the competition and we wanted to go and support her. We also were privileged enough to train under her Kumu for 1 week at a Hula workshop Tia & I attended in Rexburg, Idaho. Unfortunately, our Kumu was unable to make it due to family reasons, but we still went any way. We saw ladies of all ages from both the Islands, as well as Japan, compete & they did a marvelous job. It was really incredible watching the Japanese ladies & how the crowd supported them & cheered for them. Some of their halaus could not attend due to the tragedies that have hit Japan in the last year. Those dancers from Japan were so crisp, clean, smooth. Lilianna & I really enjoyed it & I hope to go back again one day.

Kumu Rich's Halau

On of the Japanese Halau

Blaisdale Stadium

The Aunties from Maui

Lili playing outside before the competition started.

Kaneohe

2011-08-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Kaneohe is a great little town in between Kailua & Laie. It is where we went, while attending BYU-Hawaii, to go shopping, see movies, & play Putt Putt. It is a family tradition of ours to always go mini putt-putt while on vacation. Can I just tell you we have been to many different places & we always have a great time. This was Lilianna's first time golfing & it was entertaining. She started doing a wind-up swing, put her finger in the air & swing! Hilarious! We had a wonderfully, competitive time playing golf. Lilianna won, of course, while papa & I tied for 2nd place, followed by a tie for 3rd with Nana & Tia. Winner bought Malasadas :)

We also did a little shopping at the Kaneohe Mall where Lilianna & Nana took a train ride around the mall. She could have road on that thing all day long! It was cute.

On our way to the mall, we drove around the coast to see Kaneohe Bay. Just beautiful!

We also made one last stop to say goodbye to Aunti Gert, Uncle Joe, & Nana. The grave next to my family had left some mementos to their loved ones: plate lunch & beer. Gotta love the Hawaiian Way!

Laie & North Shore

2011-07-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

We had to take a trip to Laie to visit our (Tia & I) old stomping ground of BYU-Hawaii. As we pulled up, I remembered how much I loved & missed that place. BYU-Hawaii is such a happy place to be & the vibe that you feel the moment you step foot on that campus is a happy one. The campus is small, but unique. I love that just a few blocks away the Laie Temple sits & to me it is one of the MOST beautiful temples! When I took Taylor there for the 1st time he mentioned its beauty. You see I secretly wanted to get married there, but unfortunately that idea was vetoed. Well when he finally was able to visit this beautiful temple he commented about how amazing that would have been.....um duh!! Anyways, by far the most beautiful temple EVER!!! Down the street was my old house, the "Ninja House" & yes it had changed. It no longer was green they painted it yellow & the "Ninja" sign was long gone. You see they named certain houses & I was fortunately enough to live in the Ninja house with some wonderful roomies :) From there we made a stop at the Hukilau Cafe....mmmm best banana pancakes for $1.99....we arrived just in time for lunch and yes Lilianna made another boyfriend named Logan. He was a doll & they even held hands! It was so precious her 1st BF (boyfriend). We also made our way back to North Shore to get one last shaved ice from Matsumoto. I miss that place.

Hukilau Cafe yummy!

Lili & her BF Logan #2 (she already has a girlfriend named Logan so he was #2)

So stinking cute!!

BYU-Hawaii

McKay Building

Circle of Flags

Laie Temple

Ginormous Banyan Tree behind the temple

The girlies

Laie Temple

North Shore

Shrimp Trucks

More shaved ice from Matsumoto

Haleiwa suffering town

Turtle Beach

Waimea

Macadamia Nut Farm

Sea Life Park

2011-07-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sea Life Park was a blast! I think I may have had more fun then Lilianna. There was so many great things to see & do plus we got to experience the Hawaiian rain...so warm you don't even care you're getting wet :) We saw Sting Rays, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, Seals, Penguins, Dolphins, and a Wolphin. Yes I said Wolphin. What is a Wolphin you ask? Its is a cross between a Dolphin and a Killer Whale much like a Liger... Idaho folks know what I'm talking about ;)... Hahaha Liger.....Anyways Sea Life Park was a blast & where ever we went Lilianna always walked away with a new friend. Such a social little bug she is & every one she meets is her friend.

Lilianna's new friend...funny she always met new boyfriends, never girlfriends....mmmm..starting young I guess!

Dolphin show #1

Playing at the playground

Her giant sized lucky charm (Phineas & Ferb reference)

Seal

How we rolled seriously so much better then a stroller!

Dolphin Show #2

Lilianna's new dolphin Fred :)

Out spectacular view from the park... doesn't get any better than that!

Lighthouse

Wolphin

Feeding the Sea Turtles

Sting Rays

Adventures continued in Hawaii...

2011-07-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Can I just say I'm a tid bit behind on blogging?? Just a bit...Shoot! We were able to do so many wonderful things while we were in Hawaii, which equals a bazillion pictures! So my goal is to get through Hawaii this week & hopefully be up to date....one can only hope!

Taylor's last day in the islands we took him to the Swamp Meet, something I think everyone should experience. Best shopping EVER & at sweet prices. Yeah Taylor will NEVER admit that he liked shopping but there I KNOW he did! He spend a bit on the little one, which tells me he enjoyed himself ;) From there we celebrated Father's Day a day early but going to the Hula Grill. It was the best seafood we had on our whole trip & the view was spectacular over looking Waikiki. Did I take pics, nope totally forgot!

Father's day Sunday we woke up, beached-it-up and dropped Taylor off at the airport. We were sad to see him go, but excited we got to stay a whole extra week. My parent's rented a beach house in Kailua, a part of the island we've never really experienced & is said to have the best beach on the island. It was true! Lanikai was amazing! Crystal blue waters, sea turtles swimming, warm waters with the perfect amount of wave that did not scare Lilianna. It was beautiful!

While we were in Kailua, my father discovered CPK, also known as California Pizza Kitchen. Kid you not we went there 3 days in the row & had the same server! Embarrassing but hey I got to try everything I wanted on the menu! CPK good times :)

LANIKAI

Lainkai Beach Aloha!

Seriously breathtaking...I miss it!

Auntie & Lili trying to build something....

KAILUA Beach Park

Sitting on their logs thinking :)

Kailua Beach House

Spent many moments on this swing

Lili LOVED the sand. I think I'd rather have her play in the sand then the dirt

Waikiki one last time with daddy

Kailua Beach House

It was such an amazing house. Typical Hawaiian Style & I loved it!

Somewhere OVer the Rainbow :)

Polynesian Cultural Center

2011-07-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Polynesian Cultural Center(PCC) is one of the most amazing places on Earth! Every summer that we would visit Hawaii, while growing up, we would always make a point to make it to the PCC. It is located on BYU-Hawaii's campus in Laie. It is there were you learn about all the different cultures of the Polynesian Islands, such as: Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, etc. And the feeling that I get, when I go there, is a since of belonging, as well as feeling proud to be a part of such an amazing culture.

We were able to see the Canoe Parade, which is where all the different island dance on a canoe while a band is playing their specific song. It is fun to watch & see. Following the Parade we took a trip on the canoes as well.

Hawaii

Tonga

Tahiti My dad's favorite :)

New Zealand

Samoa

King Kamehameha

The Samoan Boy climbing the coconut tree

Chief

On the canoe

Where Elvis once sat singing "Blue Hawaii"

Baby Shaka

Taylor & Lilianna

From there we were able to visit some of the different Islands, followed by the Ali'i Luau. Can I just tell that the pig at the luau was the BEST I have ever had & I have been to my fair share of luaus :) At the luau we listened to music, watch some dancers perform & stuff our faces with some amazing local style food....YUMMY!

Hello boys ;)

Hula show at the Luau

The blessing of the food

Nana, Papa & Tia

Lilianna FINALLY passed out.

After the luau it was time for the Night Show, "HA Breath of Life". Now in the past the Night Show consisted of the different islands dancing their different style Hula to music. No story line, just dance. This time around they tweaked the show so that their was a story line & it was amazing. And of course they ended with the theme song of our trip, "Aloha Oe."

You were not allowed to take pictures during the performance, so I snapped a quick shot of the end.

Nana

2011-07-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we preformed Nana's Memorial Services. My dad wanted to make sure that each one of us wore a lei, so off to Foodland to get more leis....gotta love Foodland :) From there we went to the Kanehoe Veterans Cemetery. My Uncle Joe, who used to live in Waianae was buried in that cemetery along with his wife Auntie Gert. Nana's wishes were to have some of her ashes spread with them. My dad found a little ipu (gourd) at the Hula Implement store in Chinatown, and we filled it was some of her ashes. He then buried them in the ground. Now in Hawaii things are little different there with such things, a little more laid back. People are there everyday visiting their loved ones who have passes. They leave fresh flowers weekly, along with beer cans, plate lunches, etc. Not something you would see elsewhere which gives it a uniqueness. After we dug a small little whole & buried ipu, Tia & danced "Aloha Oe." I have NEVER seen my dad cry, NEVER, but that song & dance brought him to tears. It was touching & moving & it was so refreshing to have a bit of closer for Nana since she did not have a viewing or a funeral service, none that we could attend. This was our way of saying goodbye & I hope we made her proud.

Auntie Gert & Uncle Joe's grave

June 14th, 15th, & 16th

2011-07-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

So I'm probably cramming a lot in one post, but sheesh I've got WAY too much to blog about!

June 14

We took our sweet ride back to the car rental. It was bitter sweet letting her go, she was such a good time! We decided to check out a different part of Waikiki beach so we start our trek from the car rental office. This part of Waikiki was beautiful, a lot more real estate & less crowds. Some people were having a volleyball tournament, which was cool to watch.

June 15

Since Nana, Papa, & Tia were arriving we decided to not go to far from home. We went to the Honolulu Zoo & later the beach (of course). That zoo was really awesome with some many exotic animals. We saw lions, zebras, giraffes, baboons, hippo. It was really fun & I know Lilianna loved it because she still asks to see pictures of the "monkey's with the red bums" :)

June 16

Nana & Papa finally made it! Lili was so excited to see everyone. Since we finally had transportation, we were able to take investigate the island even more. We first made a trip down to Chinatown, an area I've never been to nor has my family. We heard that Chinatown was where you went to get beautiful, handcrafted leis & it was true. So many lei shops, so many to choose from it was hard. But we finally narrowed it down to some pretty incredible leis. (we were using the leis for our memorial for Nana Dorothy). We also found an extraordinary Hula Implement store. It was heaven for Tia & I! We both bought new pau skirts to dance hula in, as well as flowers & other implements. Lilianna got a pau skirt as well.

From Chinatown we drove to "our family's side" of the island, Waianea & Makaha. We ate plate lunch at the local L&L, we explored the Waianea beach, & then drove up to Makaha. Apparently the beaches have really been cleaned up; cleaned up from the homeless. The homeless live in these tent cities in the forest. They were once overtaking the beaches, until they enforced them to go elsewhere & they did. It was such a humbling experience to see that people were living under tarps. It made me truly grateful for EVERYTHING that I had & have been given.

Later that night, Lili & I went back to stay with Nana, Papa & Tia in Kailua. Tia & I needed to practice our hula for Nana's memorial. Can I just tell you how incredibly rusty I am?! Aw it was embarrassing, but with a great teacher I was "better" & I learned the hula to "Aloha Oe" in one night.

Chinatown Tia & my dad are picking out the leis.

I don't know what happened to this picture...anyways the flower & lei stands were beautiful!

Tent cities.

Makaha Coast

Waianea

playing with Tia in Waianea

Here is the cliffs at Waianea beach park. This pile of rocks is some one's house. crazy!

Pokai Bay

June 12&13

2011-07-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

June 12

We decided that we needed to rent a car, for at least a day, so that we could go grocery shopping. The closet grocery store was almost 2 miles away. Don't get me wrong I love walking and all, but carrying back groceries, no thanks! So Lilianna & I went to the beach while Taylor rented a car. And what car do you think he came back with??? A convertible!! At first I thought he was ridiculous but I have to admit it was a blast! Lilianna didn't like it one bit.

We decided to hit of Walmart of course & then we took a drive to Chinamen's Hat, Laie & the temple. It was a fun little drive, with the top down, until it decided to rain! Awesome just awesome.

Our Car

Chinaman's Hat

The park at Chinaman's Hat

Raining on the car :)

Laie Temple

June 13

Since we had a car we could go ANYWHERE! We decided to hit up North Shore: Waimea, Haleiwa & the Dole Plantation. It was fun to spend the day at the beach in Waimea. From there we took a drive to Haleiwa to get shaved ice of course from Motsimoto's. I love that place! As we pulled up to Motsumoto's a truck pulled up. People started gathering around it. I had to see what was going on & low & behold a dead bore was on the roof top of the car. Hahaha gotta love those local boys! It was quite the site to see. After we ate some shaved ice we headed to the Dole Plantation to learn about pineapples & take a little train ride. Lilianna fell asleep on the train.

Waimea building a sandcastle

Malasada's for breakfast...Yummy!!

Matsumoto's shaved ice

The boys & their prize. A dead pig.

On the train at the Dole Plantation

Baby pineapples so cute

June11

2011-07-03T20:45:00.001-07:00

June 11th

We woke up after a long flight over & decided to of course go check out the beach. We stayed in Honolulu the 1st week we were there & we were in walking distance to Waikiki Beach. It was wonderful being able to just walking around. That weekend was also King Kamehameha Day so many festivities were going on, like the parade. King Kamehameha Day is a weekend of celebrations paying tribute to King Kamehameha the Great, who unified the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810 and was its first monarch.

The first King Kamehameha Day, proclaimed by King Kamehameha V to honor his grandfather, King Kamehameha I, was held on June 11, 1872. It’s now a state holiday — one of the first holidays proclaimed when Hawaii became a state in 1959 . So there's a little bit of history for you.

Lilianna loved the beach! I knew she would. As much as the girl loves to dig in the dirt, she had to love playing in the sand & she did. It was so fun playing in the sand, teaching her how to boogie board, body surfing, etc. The beach we went to had a jetti which was wonderful since it calmed the waves down, allowing for kids to just go swim & not be afraid of the big waves.

King Kamehameha Statue

The parade

Lili & Mama at the parade

Well Hello ;)

Hello again! Can I just tell you that these were some BIG boys!!!

Waikiki Beach

Lili with one of her MANY sand castles

Boogie boarding

I loved seeing beach volleyball teams practice. It was awesome! It the beach was my office I'd be in heaven :)

On our walk home we would see this Halau (Hula group) practicing. It was really neat to watch.

June 10

2011-07-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

June 10th

So our trip was kind of off to a rocky start. Taylor & I both had to work all day, plus I babysat my friends daughter for a couple hours. Well while the two little girls were playing, I hear Lilianna yelling for me. I found the little girlies in her playroom playing with her kitchen. She says to me, "Mama look at the big spider!" As I got closer I noticed that yes this little creature wasn't so little & that it wasn't a spider, it was a scorpion!!!! EWW!! I freaked out!! Luckily the girls did not touch & Taylor happened to walk in, with his co-worker (I babysit his co-worker's daughter during the day). Well Taylor was as big of a chicken as I was, made his co-worker discard the nasty creature. Eww!!! I still get chills thinking about it.....

Well we finally made our way to the airport, but we discovered that we were dropped off at the wrong spot. Apparently Hawaiian Airlines is considered an international airline (ok, whatever) & we had to walk to the international terminal with 5 suit cases, 3 carry-ones, a stroller, plus Lilianna in 100 degree weather! I just had to laugh at how ridiculous we must have looked trucking our way, but we made it. The funny thing was the same thing happened when we got into Honolulu. We went to the wrong baggage claim & had to truck our way through the whole airport. Got to love it!!

1st off I do not know why my picture is upside down...But this is the little guy who came out to play with the girlies. So creepy!!!

On the airplane

Adventures in the Islands

2011-07-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

Last week Tuesday we returned from one amazing vacation that I think everyone not only enjoyed, but really needed. It has been one very busy year, so it was nice going to Oahu & doing really a whole heck of a lot of nothing. Just going to the beach everyday & it was perfect.

I ended up taking, and I kid you not 700 pictures!!! Yeah that's a lot of pictures & the funny think is they are mostly of Taylor, Lilianna of course, & just scenery....go figure!! But what can I say its just so green & beautiful over there & I wanted to capture every single moment.

Now my dilemma is how to post about our many adventures...do I do it by day or by activity??? Remember we were there from June 10-June 27th & that's a LONG time, which is probably why I have 700 pictures :) and which will be easier on my little self?!?! I guess since, in some ways, this is my journal I will do a day to day series of posts. So here we go!!

We're BACK!!!

2011-06-29T17:24:00.001-07:00

We just returned home, yesterday, from an AMAZING trip to Hawaii. I'm bitter sweet about being home....I will miss the ocean, the sand, the humidity (I know I'm crazy), the temp of a perfect 85* degrees EVERYDAY, the warm rain that lasts only 5 mins, being outside all day.....It was one amazing time & I CANNOT wait to go back someday. I have TONS & TONS of pictures that I will post soon. Until then ALOHA!!

Let the Countdown BEGIN!!!

2011-06-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

10 days, 10 DAYS until Hawaii!!! Oh I'm so, so, so excited you have know idea. I haven't been to Hawaii in 3 years & the last time I went I was sicker then a dog, knocked up & unpleasant. But this time will be AWESOME! Lilianna has never been, nor has she ever experienced the beach & the ocean. I'm excited to watch her expressions on her face as her feet touch the sand for the first time & as she witnesses a wave. It was be so exciting!

Now the true reason for the trip, is that of the wish of dear Nana Dorothy who passed away last summer. It was her dying wish to have her ashes spread in the Islands, and since we never had a memorial service for her this will be it.

Last weekend we, as a family, reminisced about her & her corky ways of life. We remembered her funny sayings, & her Bostonian accent, but also the love she had for our heritage & culture. We decided on a few Hulas, as well as songs that will shared at our tiny little service the 6 of us will have. I hope we do her proud!

Aloha!!

Memorial Weekend

2011-06-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Last night we got back from a very, oh so long road trip to Idaho. The more I drive that "wonderful" drive, the more I despise it. It just seems to get harder & harder to convince myself to drive for 8 plus hours straight, but in the end its ALWAYS worth it. Lilianna gets to enjoy quality time with her cousins & grandparents, whom she loves dearly. It just ALWAYS wears our small little family out, being on the go, non-stop! But I love watching Lilianna have a blast with family. I really didn't take many pictures & always regret it in the end. I did however get a few of her playing with The Crew, which consists of Ellie, Kaybrie & Kree. The little rugrats, the 4 youngest & they are quite funny to watch. Thanks to EVERYONE for a fun filled weekend & we hope to see you again real soon.

The 3 Little Amigos

The Crew waiting for the movie to start.

Taylor playing, "Don't Forget the Lyrics."

Lilianna & her cousins playing "Don't Forget the Lyrics" singing Once There Was a Snowman.

Happy Birthday Taylor

2011-06-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

A few days ago was Taylor's 31st Birthday. Yep the BIG 3-1....that's SO OLD :) No its not, but I like to rub it in that he is a whole 3 years older then me & is no longer a 20 something, but is 30 something. Taylor didn't want much for his birthday, which is usually how he rolls. I am so the opposite! I consider my birthday to be 7, that's right 7 fun filled days of whatever I want them to be! A birthday week! Taylor, on the other hand, could care less. ...so boring he is! Anyways nothing much was planned. Lilianna & I attempted, (key word attempted) to make golf cupcakes & take them to his work on Friday. Yeah not so much like the picture at all, but they still tasted great & that's all that matters, right?! That Saturday we decided to spent it at the pool, followed by a low key dinner & presents. Later that evening we decided to check out the new Italian village, Trivoli. It was really a low key place filled with tons of shops,restaurants & or course a play area for the kids. I hope he had a great time, since that's all that matters. Happy Birthday Taylor!! Love Lilianna & Shantai

Trivoli Village

Opening up presents. Yep Perry the Platypus swim shorts :)

My little beach bum

Getting read for Hawaii ;)

Silly faces for daddy

The cupcakes.......

The Life of a Coach

2011-06-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know me (I believe most people who do read my blog do), knows that coaching runs in my blood. My father has coached every since I can remember & I've coached since I was 19. I did, however, take a few years off & recently got back into it last year. I coach at a Jewish private school, Adelson Educational Campus, as well as for a local volleyball club Edge. This year has been one of my greatest years, thus far! I had a great season with my varsity volleyball girls ending with a 5-8 (best EVER for their young program). My basketball girls threw many challenges my way, but I finished that season off as well. And last but not least, my babies, my 13 year old club volleyball team. Oh they were great fun & we had a very successful, very LONG season. I will miss those girls, that's for sure! At our last practice we had a Unicorn Party (an inside joke we created on our 1st day of practice), and I don't know about them but I sure enjoyed myself! I'm thinking for Lilianna's 3rd birthday Unicorn theme....mmm... Anyways it has been a great year of sports & I'm so in need of a break, so bring on the summer! Bring on the beach!! 10 DAYS till HAWAII!!!!!

I also helped out with a basketball clinic at Adelson. We introduced basketball skills to 3rd graders.

The gift bags I made for our volleyball girls.

Love this quote :)

Our unicorn party hats

Lilianna had to help of course by decorating cookies.

Me modeling our lovely Unicorn Horns :)

Why Do You Run?

2011-05-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

I was scrolling through my newsfeed this afternoon on FB (facebook) & I came across this post by "Ben Does Life." It's entitled We Run & I found this to be so true. The funny thing was while I went on one of my runs this week, many of these thoughts were running through my head, especially the line where it says,"...We run because now we know what it feels to nod at another runner. We understand them, and they are us..." As I was running I passed a fellow runner & he gave me the nod, as did I, & it made me feel proud; proud to be considered a runner. I don't know, this is such a random post by my little self but I just really wanted to share this. So enjoy the words of wisdom by Mr. Ben & happy running to my fellow runners out there!

We Run

We run because we have to.

We run to go fast, and we run to go far.

We run to break the tape, we run just to finish.

We run for fun when no one's around.

We run to get inverted V muscles above our kneecaps.

We run to get the regular V above our hips.

We run to clear our mind.

We run because we're mad.

We run because we're ecstatic.

We run because now we know what it feels to nod at another runner. We understand them, and they are us.

We run to lose weight.

We run to keep it off.

We run to eat cupcakes.

We run to eat crabcakes.

We run to be lions.

We run two marathons in eight days.

We run for cancer.

We run when others won't.

We run and sometimes we hate it.

We run and we always love it.

We run up hills and we run through puddles.

We run because it's poetic.

We run because it's bad ass.

We run while people sleep and we run because it helps us sleep.

We run because once we have the medal, you can't take it away.

We run because some of you don't think we can.

We run.

And we run together.

Hula Honey

2011-05-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight Lilianna & I were going thru the adds from the newspaper & she found the Dollar Tree ad. Since its spring time, of course its Luau season & the whole add contained Hawaiian products, such as "grass" skirts. Lilianna replies, "I want to do the hula!" I informed her that she has her own little grass skirt upstairs in her closet just waiting for this day. So we rushed upstairs & put on her hula outfit. Oh my gosh I died laughing at how cute she was in it! I guess she's just gearing up for our adventures to the islands which is in 40 DAYS!!!! Aloha & Happy Lei Day!

Easter Eggstravaganza!!

2011-04-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!! I don't know about you, but we had a great family filled weekend. It was the first weekend that we were home, since the last two weekends have consisted of us traveling up north for multiple events. The Saturday started off with me headed off to work, a.k.a. volleyball tournament, & our girls did great! From there we decided to check out the Easter celebration at the Springs Preserve. It was crazy filled with tons of people, but we had a great time doing all of the activities which included: the petting zoo, going down slides, crafts & seeing the Easter Bunny from afar of course (Lilianna is still freaked out by large, dressed up characters). We then came home & decorated eggs. Easter Sunday was a great day, waking up to see what "Santa" had brought Lilianna (she's still confused about Holidays & informed us that the Easter Bunny wasn't coming, Santa was), attending church of course, & a lovely Easter meal catered by Roy's Hawaiian. Hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend as much as we did!

At the petting zoo.

Lilianna went down the big slide all by herself!

Easter Crafts

Decorating our Easter Tree

Dying Eggs

Look my hands are green!

Opening our Easter Baskets

Going on an egg hunt

Happy Easter!!

Cousins Love

2011-04-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

On our way home from our adventures up north we stopped in St. George to see some family. I knew Lilianna would have a blast since she loves spending time with her cousins Alec & "Baby Taylor" (who is NOT a baby any more!). We enjoyed the awesome weather by playing out side in the pool, on the slip & slide, & BBQ some hot dogs (Lilianna's favorite these days). We sure wish we lived closer to these two kiddos cause we sure do love spending time with them!

Alec being the gentleman that he is was helping Lilianna out to the car, luggage & all.

Taylor's driving skills....SCARY!! :)

What mama?! I'm not gonna do it, promise!

Alec strikes again!!

The Zoo

2011-04-25T08:48:00.001-07:00

While we were in the SLC, we decided to take a trip to the Hogle Zoo the same day as the race. Luckily I had brought my double stroller so that both Lilianna & I could be pushed around since I was pretty much worth less......NO!! But I so wished I had a wheel chair that day, my body was dead! Anyways, I forgot how AWESOME the Hogle Zoo was! I really wished we lived closer so that we could go more often. Vegas Zoo can you just say GHETTO & that's no joke! Here are our adventures at the zoo:

The naked gorilla!!
.

An Islander inside joke :)

Riding the carousal.

A little freaked out at first, but then she was yelling "wahoo!"

The New Elephant exhibit was really cool & the baby girl elephant was so cute.

Riding the Carousal. Lilianna was the Dolphin, Tia the turtle who didn't stand a chance :), me I just got to stand there while looking pretty.

Mr. Peacock strutting his stuff for all the ladies.

Very cool to see the Tigers awake & playing. Lilianna loved the Tigers so much she picked out a stuffed one & names him "Mr. Lion the Tiger"

More Islander inside Jokes :)

Train Ride Around the park

Salt Lake City Marathon

2011-04-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

We did it!! I'm so glad that the race is over! This past weekend me & some crazy friends participated in the Salt Lake City 1/2 Marathon & can I just say we had a great time together. Yes the weather was a bit cooler then us desert folk are used to, but it was fun getting together with friends & challenging ourselves . I'm pretty sure we all had our best times yet. I know mine was my fastest at 1:56! I was so shocked with myself. With that time it meant I shaved 6mins off my last race woot woot!! Thanks again everyone for a great weekend & I really hope we do it again soon. Next race: Pocatello Sept 3rd.

Here are some pics from the race. The first few are courtesy of SLC Photography. Classic faces I pulled :)

And they're off!! The begging of the race.

Cutest couple! Loves these two!

Rebbecca & I before the madness began :)

Oh Johnny.... :)

Waiting in line fore the potties

Lets do this thing!

Yes, again, I ran with my camera. I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't take more pictures.

State Street....almost the DEATH of me!! This is the view I saw the whole time. Bybee you rocked it girl!

Finished wahoo!!

Kirsten, Me, Rach & Rebbecca

The finish line which was insane! So many people at the Gateway.

BathRooms

2011-04-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have been DYING to paint & decorate the 3 bathrooms in our house, especially the guest bathroom. So, one fine day I decided that it was time! They had been bland & white for WAAAAYYY too long. I painted all three & have only finished decorated the guest bathroom & I love, LOVE, LOVE the outcome! So guests come one come all we are ready for y'all ;)

Here is a sneak peak at the master bathroom & my inspiration. I'm excited for the final product.

Visit from Nana & Papa

2011-03-26T09:13:00.001-07:00

Just yesterday we had to part ways with Nana & Papa. We had a great visit with them this week! We started off with a Birthday celebration at Joe's Crab Shack....oh that place is heaven :) Then days filled with lots of playing, park visits, & of course shopping. We were truly spoiled this week, but had a great visit. IT always seems to fly by when we're having fun! Lilianna just enjoys being around family, especially Nana & Papa!

Exploring at the park with Papa.

Nana & Lilianna in matching hats silly girls!

Lilianna & Papa having conversations.

My cute little Poser!

Girl time