How much does a gallon of milk cost in Hawaii?

Well, after two days in S. Cal. we have successfully and finally made it to our beautiful state of Hawaii. The family is adjusting well to the time zone difference. We are six hours after our beloved east coast. I think the stop in California was a great plan to help everyone adjust better.

"I must memorize this map of Disneyland"

"I knew I could do it"

While in Cal. we spent a day and a half in the great Land of Disney. We had a blast. Here are a few pictures of us at Disney. Jackson was able to go on Pirates, Peter Pan, Snow White and Pinocchio. Pinocchio was his least favorite.



This is what a man in need of a vacation looks like on vacation.

Look how well behaved my kids are on these sacred temple grounds.

Today, Saturday, we headed over to the other side of the island. Our plan was to visit the temple grounds and then go the the Polynesian Cultural Center. As we arrived at the temple we reminded our boys of the reverence they should show and the nature of the sacred grounds. They were a little warm and the wind was blowing the water from the water fountain onto the sidewalk, so I told them they could stand in the misty water and cool off for a moment. Blaine and I began to visit with a sister missionary, as I turned to check on my children Zach had the whole top of his head in the water and Dylan was on his way in. I even think that Austin's judgement was impaired on this one. So much for our little talk just moments before.


We later headed for the Polynesian Cultural Center, we enjoyed a canoe ride, They also enjoyed a ride on this floating plywood. Just like a bunch of boys tormenting girls, they were rocking back and forth and nearly tipped this makeshift boat over. I was on edge the entire time.

I love this picture of Dylan. He turns to me and says "Mom, I'm just like the man on this picture". I think he makes a great imitator.

Sunday we made our way to Maui, we checked into the condo and relaxed the rest on the evening. Today, Monday, we played in the pool. Then we headed to a nice bay to snorkel a bit and to get a few rays. We are having a great time here. We miss all of our wonderful friends. We also bumped into a friend of Casey's from school. There family was seated at the table next to us at dinner tonight. It sure is a small world.

By the way, a gallon of milk costs $9.19. We only bought one.

Creating My Own Sweet Escape

To all of you that I could not fit into my luggage...I will think of you when I'm not sunbathing or riding the rides at Disney, or surfing, or eating, or sleeping, or relaxing (maybe we could say relazing), or eating, or playing or eating fresh pineapple, or snorkeling, did I mention anything about eating good food.

WHAT AM I???

"My baker had great intentions, but I didn't quite turn out the way I was suppose to. So, what do you think I am." First person to guess me correctly just might get a prize. Here are a few clues to help you out. I might be a dessert. I might have blueberries baked inside. I might be thick and substantial. I might have a beautiful crumb topping. I might be a main course at your last Sunday dinner.

For those of you interested, when I photo shopped this picture I used...

J/K- that would really be bad if this was a photo shopped picture.

Dylan and I just hung out today

Sometimes Dylan and I just like to hang out all day long. Today he was so excited to show me his new way of hanging out. You would think that after 5 boys that I would be completely comfortable seeing Dylan's acrobatic display. I have to admit that it did make me a bit on edge. He was thrilled. I enjoyed sharing in his excitement.

Why is it that I always get phone calls when I want to video?

Towels to Towers

This is what happens when you ask your seven year old to help put the groceries away.

Zach was asked to put the paper towels in the cupboard but of course he had to build his tower first. I would love to see the thought process of my boys. Who new that a few rolls of paper towels could make such a wonderful tower.

Take the Challenge

My friend was telling me of a Guinness World Record contest that she saw on TV. The record was set for eating mini powdered donuts. Three donuts in one minute, I know it doesn't sound like much. On the show that she saw there was a new record set at five donuts. Some of the rules are, no licking lips and no drinks. We thought we would give it a try.

I should forewarn you if you don't know about my eye. I have this crazy wink jaw thing. When I eat, chew gum, yawn, basically anything that causes my jaw to stretch open, well then my eyelid also stretches open. Sounds bizarre I know but I was born with it and the next thing you want to know is if it bothers me. No it doesn't. Actually it use to make me money. My dad would pay me if I would show his friends. The pay was minimal but it was a living for a five year old. Someday I will give a full demonstration.

As I prepare this blog and the videos I was remembering all the things my friend Amy jokes about, so maybe this was all a big joke. Nevertheless we had fun eating powdered donuts.

"The Rules"

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Now because I fell off my chair, licked my lips and basically hosed the contest we had to do it again. So, here is take two.

"Take Two"

Part One

Part Two

Our Anniversary Week

This song "I can hear the Bells" is from the movie Hairspray. The words of this song is about how Blaine and I came to be.

Have you ever been set up on a blind date? I was once...I will never do that again...Well actually that's because I ended up marrying that blind date. Here is our story.

I had a friend named Melissa, she worked for Blaine. One day she called me and asked if I would go out with her boss, Blaine. Well, it had been a bit since I had been on a date so honestly my first thoughts were "great free dinner". So, Blaine didn't want to seem desperate so he waited a couple weeks to call. I am glad I didn't starve in those two weeks. He finally called and we set up a dinner date then a movie. He had about four first dates set up over those couple weeks so he was going to impress the ladies. Blaine had gone out and purchased a shiny white 1996 Convertible Mustang GT, and yes it had to be a GT. It was a sweet ride and he knew it.

We headed to Olive Garden for dinner, I had soup, salad, bread sticks. To this day that is my favorite meal at the Olive Garden. We chatted and had great conversation. Then the moment happened .........he asked me "what things do you enjoy"? My first response would change the rest of our lives. I answered "I really enjoy baseball". The man's eyes lit up with great interest, he continued. "Do you have a favorite team?" I responded, "I really like New York." If you know Blaine you can imagine the thrill that was racing thru his body. He had one more question to ask. "Which NY team?" I thought for a moment, and then with some hesitation, because I could tell there was a right and a wrong answer here, I answered slowly "the Mets". WRONG ANSWER. This man is a true Yankee fan through and through. I was easily converted. It took all Blaine's strength to keep from proposing right there on the spot.

After dinner, we headed to the movie theater. We were in my neck of the woods so he was relying on me to get us around town. I must have been nervous because I was giving poor directions. I think I might have even got us on the Belt Route headed the wrong way or something. Maybe I just wanted to take that GT for a spin. We finally made it to the theater and chose to see Multiplicity. I love that show and we still make reference to some of the things #4 says in the show. Don't know what I'm talking about? Rent the movie, it is funny.

After the movie he took me home. We chatted for a bit in the car and there was NO yada-yada-yada. He walked me to the door, shook my hand and said good night.

We knew just a few weeks into our dating that we would be getting married, however it wasn't for six more months that we actually tied the knot.

Then

Now