Temple Lights December 23, 2011

We tried taking the kids to see the temple lights last year, but failed miserably. It was really crowded and we had no idea where to park and it was late already for the kids so we ended up just driving around the temple.

We still didn't know where to park this year, but we decided no matter what we were going. It turned out amazing! The kids loved the lights. We would have taken pictures like this first one all night, but it seemed people were in the Christmas spirit. Whenever we tried to take a picture by ourselves someone would walk up and say get in the picture and take our picture for us. This happened about 3 times. We couldn't help but smile and walk on feeling so happy and wanting to do the same. We found a couple of families and took pictures for them. It was awesome seeing people so friendly, Christlike, and full of love!

Our pictures aren't the best, but they captured the moments I want to remember.

Great Grandma and Great Grandad Sapp July 14, 2011

Before heading to the family reunion we made a quick stop to Phoenix to visit my Mom's side of the family. We were able to visit with my Grandma and Grandad for about 2 hours. It was so good to visit. My grandma recently had her 4th shoulder surgery, this one finally being a partial shoulder replacement. They are both such troopers through it all and are such good examples for me. I love them both so much and we were all so grateful for our visit even though it was so short. The picture is quite silly but all things considered the kids had just driven for 12 hours in a car and then were trying to play. It was a long day.

After visiting with my Grandparents we took a nap at the hotel and then headed to my Aunt Cindy's house to visit with the rest of the extended family. It was a really quick trip because Derek wasn't feeling well and our kids were plane exhausted. We are so grateful again we were able to just see people though. 

I'm so grateful for my family and I love them so much! Derek and I are both so blessed with wonderful extended families. We love you all so much!

A visit from a cousin.

Ellie came over for a visit. We had TONS of fun. The kids all played so hard that they all took a nap at the same time for about an hour. I didn't know what to do with myself. We love having friends and family come and play! Can't wait until next time.

Family Home Evening Gingerbread House

Kael loved decorating as much as he loved he loved eating the candy. Eden enjoyed the gingerbread tree. We sure had fun, and it only took about 20 minutes total. We do everything SUPER fast around here.

What we do for fun when Dad is Home.

The video of them driving around the house is so cute. I think I'll put it on You Tube.

The Big Snow Storm

Phoenix AZ

We were able to drive to Phoenix over Memorial Day weekend. The kids did pretty good in the car. We were able to visit with most of my family that lives down there. We haven't been to a get together this big down there since Derek and I were married, so it was so much fun for us, and it was so good to show off our amazing kids. :)
Friday morning we drove down really early. We left the house at 5 am. When we got there we dropped Kael off at my sister Shannon's house and went to lunch with my Grandma. Then, we were able to go to our hotel, and we took a nap. It was SO nice. Ya, we went on vacation and took a nap. What could be better? That night we went to my Aunt Cindy and Uncle Stan's house and they put together a pretty awesome party. We were able to see all of my cousins except one, but his wife and kids came, so it was all worth it.
Saturday we got up and headed to my sister Shannon's house and then we proceeded to the Phoenix zoo. It was so awesome. This zoo is a lot bigger than Hogle Zoo, and it had a splash pad for the kids. I was impressed. We went back to Shannon's and relaxed and made kabobs for dinner, then the kids and I went swimming. It was a fun filled day, and we were all exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel, but wouldn't have changed the day at all.
Sunday we packed up the hotel and then headed to my Grandma's for one last visit, so we could visit with my Grandad too. It was so much fun. Kael was on his best behavior. (I was a little shocked, but grateful) Then, we were on the road again. The kids were a little worn out, so I spent over half the ride home in the back seat squished behind 2 car seats, but we made it home safe and sound, and only had to stop once to feed the baby.

We had such a great time, and miss everyone already. Sharice, Kael, and Grandma at the party.
Derek and Grandma at the party.

Cousin Curt holding Eden at the party.

Cousin Christine holding Eden. She held her for most of the night. Eden loved it!

Uncle Roy and Uncle Stan

Phoenix Zoo. Kael and Dad. (Kael loves getting his picture taken lately.)

Sharice, Kael, and a squished, sweaty Eden.

Rafiqui(The monkey from Lion King), Kael, and Derek.

Kael on the splash pad.

If you look close you can see his eye on the right is SUPER swollen. He rubbed sun screen in his eye and couldn't stop, and then he was over heated, so the kid was ready to head home before this picture was taken, but the water was so much fun.

Niece Cassandra at the zoo. She did GREAT.

Kael being silly at the hotel.

Kael at the hotel.

Grandma Sapp and Eden.