Cruising-Key West

Our first port was at Key West.  Dave and I did some research and found that we could save $140 by not doing a cruise excursion to go parasailing, but by going directly to the company. We were glad we did it!

Here we are waiting for our turn.  You can see our cruise ships "tail" in the far distant background.  

Please note our AWESOME burns on our arms...we are really cool.

And going up...

...getting dunked...

 ...enjoying the BEAUTIFUl view...

 ...the landing...

Seriously, so fun.  It was even better that we got to go up together. It was cool to see where we were and the beautiful water that surrounded us.

After parasailing we walked around Key West.  We debated going on a number of tours, but after looking at lines and price decided to just enjoy the town.

Here we are at the southern most point of the United States.

Then on to get some Key Lime pie.  Dave and I are big fans of Key Lime pie (it was served at our wedding luncheon).  So we were looking forward to it.  Dave got the classic pie, which was pretty darn good.

 And I got the Key Lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate...it was amazing.  

We walked back to our ship, had lunch and enjoyed the afternoon basking in the sun reading books.  

Before dinner we went to change and found the "housekeeper" dude had left us this little towel creature...wearing my sun glasses.   

Growing Up and Getting Away

It is so sad to see Aliyah grow up.  She is not a baby, at all, by any means, whatsoever, and yet...we still call her baby.  Here she is eating an apple like a big girl--just picked it up from the fruit bowl and started eating--and she loved it.  (and she'll pick up a new one without getting very far on the other, so I have to watch her!)

Here's Aliyah playing with Dave.  She told them where they were supposed to hide and then just laid their and snuggled together.

The Monday before Easter we had our Easter FHE lesson (Dave and I would be gone on Easter so we wanted to make sure we taught Aliyah a little something!)  I filled some plastic easter eggs with scriptures and candy and then "hid" them around the living room for Aliyah to find.  After explaining just once she knew what she was supposed to do and found all of the eggs (except one that even I had forgotten where I had hid).  She loved finding the eggs and putting them in the basket.

                    

                    

After she found the basket we opened all the eggs and read through the scriptures and talked about Christ's last week before His Resurrection.  At the end I asked Aliyah if she would follow Jesus and she said, "No."  We asked her why.  She said, "Because Jesus was crucified."  Uhhh, what! That's a pretty good reason.  We then explained about how Christ was resurrected, perfect, and all better, then asked once again if she would follow Jesus example so she could live with Heavenly Father again.  She said yes!  Whew...

On to the Getting Away part...Dave and I had to get away.  So over Dave's short spring break and in celebration of our 5 year anniversary, Dave and I went on a west Caribbean cruise.  We left Aliyah with Dave's sisters family. We were so sick to our stomach that morning we dropped her off!  We knew she would be fine, but she was out of our control...terrible feeling!  We got over it soon enough.  The 8 hours of flying/layover was even a welcome retreat as were able to relax, read, talk, watch a movie.  The hotel we stayed in not so welcoming.  The room was tiny, had tile floors (so we could hear people rolling their luggage down the hall at 3 and 4 and 5 pm) and thin enough walls to hear people talking on the other side! It was a rough night...but made the cruise itself even that more wonderful!

Here we are on the cruise ship with the Miami skyline in the background.  Do you see how happy we were!  We didn't even leave the port for another 4 hours after this...we just were on the ship, eating food, reading books, and getting burned...it was awesome!

More of March

Aliyah went to her first friend birthday party.  It was for our neighbor with a Tinkerbell theme.  The invitation invited the girls to come dressed up as a fairy or princess.  So we used the ballet costume Aliyah got at Christmas...she was a hit.  Aliyah loved the party and was thoroughly entertained with the  activities, entertainment and food.  I had to do some choreographing so Dave went with her.  She looks all grown up trying to carry the present!

 

We also did a little shopping with some Christmas money (3 months late...we like to lengthen it out and enjoy Christmas longer!)  And by we I mean I bought stuff while Dave and Aliyah played.  They went on the train that rides around the mall.  Aliyah LOVED it and cried hard and loud when she had to get off.  Dave and I are learning how parents can spoil their children so easily--it is purely to see the joy and happiness on their faces.  Unfortunately it only last while she was on the train.  That's the other thing that we learned...happpiness you can buy only lasts as long as you're doing it--at least in a 2 year olds mind!

We also saw the Easter Bunny!

We then went to dinner at Chuck-a-Rama (another Christmas gift!)  Aliyah loved the ice-cream.  She saw Dave's bowl and wanted it for herself.  She ate the whole thing and wanted more.

 Good family, good fun, good food!

Family Home Evening Flop

Our ward has been given an invitation by the bishopric to have each person over the age of 12 find an ancestor to do their work for in the temple.  Dave and I have taken this quite seriously...well, maybe me more than Dave since I have a bit more time on my hands than he does.  Anyway, in one of my family lines we have a good chance to do a lot of work, but I definitely needed to use more resources than what I can get my hands on.  So for a family home evening we decided to go to the Family History Center in SLC.  We invited my parents to come since they of course would be interested in what we found.  We drove up there, found THE best parking spot, and realized that it closes at 5 pm on Mondays!  Of course.  I was a bit disappointed but we made the most of it by visiting the Visitors' Center. 

Nothing like teaching Aliyah about Christ and having all of those wonderful resources...to try to keep her from climbing on…

We've also had the joy of being sick for the past couple of weeks.  It took a good solid 2 weeks for all of us go through it.  Here's some pictures of an exhausted baby who wanted to "snuggle with mama."  (That's one of my weaknesses...and she knows if she says it she gets it!)

But we're all better now (knock on wood!) and are enjoying life much more!

February

This month has seemed crazy, busy.  We've been able to have a number of fun outings...none of which, we got pictures of, but to be mentioned nevertheless.

We went to a BYU game at the beginning of the month.  Our niece was supposed to do a halftime dance with her Cougarettes, but it got cancelled.  We still cheered on.  Aliyah did pretty good; she loves the Cougar Fight Song and the BYU Creamery Ice Cream.   

Each Wednesday for the next few months we get to watch our friends son.  He and Aliyah play pretty good together.  Here are some pictures from a couple of different days...

        

 and add in our cute neighbor friend!

While getting some lunch ready for these two, I heard them talking about hands and look up to see them reach out and hold each others hand.  Aliyah looks a bit more excited about it, but they were in on it together!

Every year CES employees and wives are invited to go to a fireside in SLC.  Elder Oaks spoke--it is always amazing to be so close and hear the words of our prophets.  Then we had a nice dinner afterwards.  It's nice to finally (after 5 years in the system) to be getting to know other couples well enough that I don't feel completely awkward!

I got to go to lunch with my Nauvoo sisters.  It was a refreshing afternoon.  

A family in our ward from Brazil invited us to their daughters first birthday party.  It was impressive how well done everything was--apparently first birthdays are especially celebrated in Brazil.  Dave loved the conversation and food...and I loved the food.  Mmmm nothing like maracuja and paver--both of which were desserts!

A recent thing of ours is to have avocado shakes (another Brazilian thing).  Aliyah had a mustache of it but by the time Dave and I had got ours on too, she'd licked hers off!

Aliyah and I went and had lunch with Dave at work for Valentines Day--it was fun to surprise him.  We didn't see each other that night because of me teaching dance and Dave having appointments.  When my dancers commented on how sad it was that we weren't together I told them that we'd had lunch and that he was with other women!  They didn't understand until I told them he was the bishop...we all got a pretty good laugh.

Aliyah loves drinking the milk out of her cereal bowl and licking her plate clean...especially when there is ranch leftover.  Will she ever be clean in eating!?

We had stake conference where our stake was split.  It was an exciting time with everyone guessing what would happen.  Our little ward was untouched and we are grateful!

This weekend we went to dinner and then the Cougarette Concert.  Our niece was pretty amazing--it's hard to watch the rest of the dance! 

And lastly, this month I got new glasses--I have had my last ones for the past 8 years.  My eyes haven't changed much in all that time!  But here I am sporting the new glasses.  They are basically the same shape as my last ones just bolder frame.

Yeah for March coming soon.  I am ready for warmer weather!

Make-up

I'll do two this week because I didn't do one last Sunday.

Aliyah's hair is quite long and a bit thin.  I never know exactly how I should be doing it.  One day I decided to do her hair in pigtails but not pull the hair all the way through.  When I finished, Aliyah kept saying something I couldn't understand...and then I realized she was saying "cute bear ears."  So here are her bear ears.

I've since had to give other hair styles names so that she will let me do her hair: a half up is Cinderella's hair, pony-tail is Belle's hair...etc.  I'm slowly learning some tricks to motherhood!

Last week we watched Dave's sister and her husband's kids for 5 days.  We had a 6 year old a 2 year old and a one year old (and then Aliyah who is two).  We had lots of dance parties and played dress ups.  It was a fun week.  Here are some pictures of Aliyah and her cousin snuggling and playing dress-ups:

She was so good to play with Aliyah and Aliyah LOVES it.

And here's my dress up job--mornings are clearly the most flattering part of the day for me! 

The true test of the week was having all 4 kids by myself during sacrament meeting that started at 8:30!!  We were on time and did pretty good with lots of snacks, coloring, and a helping hand by those sitting next to us on the bench.

Aliyah continues to pray for each of our cousins and their car (they have a DVD player and we would watch Tangled whenever we went anywhere...needless to say she LOVED going for a drive!)  We loved spending time with our cousins!

New Years Resolution....

So, I teach the 12 and 13 year old Sunday School class and a couple of weeks ago we talked about record keeping.  I am terrible at being consistent at writing in my journal; I am one who catches up every 3, 4, 5 or 6 months (as can be seen with this blog!).  I've never quite understood my relationship with record keeping: I believe it is a good thing, but my conversion to it isn't quite there. ; )  The manual suggested asking the youth different ways they could keep record of their life.  It then gave a list of ideas: journal, book of remembrance, scrapbook, etc.  This made me think of how this blog is a type of "scrapbook" and that it is a great way to document our family's life.  But I didn't really want to be putting in my super personal things for the world to see.  Then came the next Sunday's lesson on "How can I learn to see God's hand in all things?" One of the articles to read was that of Pres. Eyring's titled "O Remember, Remember." It's from the Oct. 2007 General Conference.  I love how Pres. Eyring was inspired to write in his journal every day and ask the question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” and then write about it.  I know that by taking time to reflect on my day I will see how God's hand is in my life.  

Here then, is my new years resolutions: I am going to keep up this blog as a way to document the going ons of our life--the adventures, Aliyah's development, etc.  Then every night I will be acting on Pres. Eyring's invitation to remember God's love for me daily in my own personal journal.  Will I be perfect?  Probably not, but I do hope to be better.

I'm going to quickly catch up on the year that has past and from here improve!

JANUARY

Not much usually goes on in January.  It is during this time of year where our bodies naturally gain weight to keep us warm during the cold.  Aliyah's body is very good at that.

FEBRUARY

Aliyah LOVES to watch baby movies of herself.  It's not vain; it's confidence.

MARCH

                       

My neighbor and I threw a baby book shower for our friend.

It was warm enough to go swing in the hammock!

APRIL

Aliyah is her father's child...she LOVES ranch...

and she is one happy baby!

 We also did some small home improvements like framing our 3 bathroom mirrors.  They look so much better than before.

MAY

 

Dave graduated from the U of U with his Masters Degree in Educational Technology! 

(please note blue BYU tie under his robes)

Aliyah doing an arabesque on command at 16 1/2 months (not walking yet thought)!

We had to take Dave to the emergency room because of this awesome bug bite...you can see the infected area on his lower forearm and then see that it had started working it's way up into the bicep!

We went to Temple Square and City Creek with our good friends.  It was a fun evening to see the new mall and be with good people!

 JUNE

Still loving to watch "baby movies."

Dave's Birthday..29!

My surprise birthday party that Dave set up for me!  

The cake reads:  "Yay, I'm 30!" (made by my sis-in-law!)

I thought people who were 30 were old...

Aliyah loving her cousin reading books to her.

And no picture to document this, but Aliyah finally learned to walk at about 17 1/2 months--still quite clumsy but walking!

JULY--big month!

We went to Thanksgiving Point's petting zoo with 2 of my old roommates and their boys!

The same day after a much needed nap!

We watched the 4th of July Parade with my family (always an event as we try to secure our spot!!!)

Then up to Deer Creek to go boating for the day with the Dave's family.

Aliyah LOVED the freezing cold water and didn't mind that Dave would let her float by herself (he was always right there by her!)

with cousins on the raft

And my little boy....

We also had a get together with my family.  We played at the Rec Center.

and then dinner and games.

Hugging Aliyah's cousin who is 4 months older.

My sister and I divvying up our Barbie goods from growing up.

We took our big trip during the middle of July.  Things had worked perfectly for us to see family and friends.  We started out in St. George...

Dave and I went to the Tuachan and saw Aladdin.  It's one of our favorite traditions!  Thanks to my brother and sis-in-law for watching Aliyah!

We found out that Aliyah had Hand, Mouth, Foot which made for some terrible sleeping nights and almost a total revamp of our plans.

During one of those sleepless nights.  Poor Aliyah.  

She was much better two days after we realized she had it, which allowed us to go to the beach in San Diego area.

           

 

She loves the water.

One of the purposes of going to San Diego was to see my friend be sealed to her fiancé.  I taught her family and helped them prepare for baptism while on my mission. The month after I had gotten home from my mission I was able to return and see them be sealed in the temple--one of the most powerful experiences I've ever had.  So when we were invited to my friends sealing we knew we couldn't turn the opportunity down.  It was so fun to have my eternal companion there this time!  It was a wonderful experience.

            

 

That night we stayed with the Dave's aunt and uncle and were able to go to Dave's cousin "farewell." We LOVED being there...and Aliyah loved their dog.  They live about 20 minutes away from where two of my sisters are buried.  They both died the day they were born and I hadn't been to see their graves since I was little.  It was another wonderful experience for us to go spend time with Kathleen and Juliet.  My uncle (who died when he was 2) was also buried in the same cemetery and just down the hill from my sisters.  There is such an incredible peace that comes as we know the Plan of Salvation.  What a blessing.

And on our way home...finally some good sleep!

This is one of Aliyah's favorite friends.  They are 7 months apart.  Aliyah may weigh QUITE a bit more than he does, but he's definitely more athletic!

AUGUST

We went camping twice with our good friends.  The first time was to see how our babies would do.  

                                This seriously happened in the first 5 minutes.  And she loved it.

Some of the crew...

                       

Aliyah did really well--despite the rain through the night.  

Since our first camping trip was so successful we tried again.  

 It was a great summer!

SEPTEMBER

Our day date with dad!

Played at the park...

and got an ice cream cone (Aliyah's first!)

She loved it.

We went to a BYU football game.  Aliyah can sing the Cougar Fight Song and do the end cheer.  

Aliyah got to go down on the field to see her cousin, the Cougarette!

Aliyah is a fast learner.  After the game that night Dave said "Go, Cougars!" to Aliyah before she went to bed.  And she has said it to us every night since (even with a fist pump)!

Aliyah is really good at zoning in on whatever show she is watching--especially Tangled.

       

 

With Great-grandma (who turned 95 in October!)  Aliyah loves to play with grandma's cane.

OCTOBER

 

    One of our family home evenings was to go visit the
    temple.  Aliyah loves to sing the song and points out
    every chapel we pass asking if it is a temple.  When
    you ask her what is on top of the temple? she says: Angel  
    Moromi!




 

This is at the luncheon from our cousin's baby blessing.  Aliyah is becoming Miss Independent.

Dave and the YM from our ward walked from Alpine to the Salt Lake Temple (about 32 miles) one Saturday.  They did it based off of the example of John Rowe Moyle--a pioneer who helped to build the Salt Lake Temple--walking from Alpine to SLC and back every week...the latter part of the time on an artificial leg.  Dave was sorer than he'd ever been, but it had been a great experience for all who were involved. 

Blowing bubbles with Dad...even though it was freezing outside!

      

One of our date nights playing Frisbee Golf and playing on the playground!

Aliyah reading books in mom and dad's bed. 

We got "spooked" (for the lack of a better word).  Dave's holding my favorite one!

HALLOWEEN

Aliyah was a pretty cute witch.  She loved wearing her hat.  She caught on pretty quickly to the whole concept, but in the end didn't care to say "trick or treat" and just wanted to eat the candy.

NOVEMBER

 We went to a BYU event for the Mexican holiday "Day of the Dead"  Dave's cousins and our good friends.

They got their faces painted! 

And dad and Aliyah "painted" a sugar skeleton head.

                   

 
Aliyah being creative!

Thanksgiving we spent with the Dave's family--incredible food, wonderful company, and very relaxing (besides my burnt rolls!)  It was one of the best breaks ever.

DECEMBER

                     

Aliyah trying to close her eyes and keep them closed...waiting for a kiss from Daddy!

Dad and Aliyah switch "necklaces"

             

Temple Square lights...in the bitter cold! 

 The Birthday Girl!!

             

                   

 

My attempt at making Repunzel's Tower...it's artistic!  And Aliyah had no idea what it was.

but she did like eating it!

                       

Opening presents...she got good practice in before Christmas.  She was so excited about her Tangled toy set.

                   

Christmas Eve was with the my family.  We had dinner, our talent show, the nativity and games.  Aliyah was our talent: she sang Santa Clause is Coming to Town (word for word).  She was an angel in the nativity scene.  

Look what Santa brought!!  She was so excited!  Whenever we would ask Aliyah what she wanted Santa to bring her for Christmas she would say a Candy cane.   He definitely brought her one of those too!

The cousins in their costumes from grandma and grandpa.

Love her dress ups...

And the loot!

What a wonderful year we have had.  There are always ups and downs but it is undeniable how blessed we are.