Santa Monica Get Away

Travis and I were able to slip away for 2 days to Santa Monica. We found a little bed and breakfast there by the beach. We had such a fun time. We went to downtown LA, the Fashion district, the movies, The Ivy, Hollywood Blvd, Santa Monica Pier, 3rd St Promenade, jogged on the beach, and lots of eating.

This was at the Ivy. I know it sounds cheesy, but this was SO MUCH fun. The Ivy is a restaurant where celebrity's go to be seen by the paparazzi. We got there right when it opened and got to sit at the edge of the gate. I guess later in the day the paparazzi are everywhere but we were too early. It was fun being able to see all the cars pulling up and dropping off. We did see Janice Dickenson there(a supermodel that is known to be rude), so that was fun. The back of her head is in the picture. Travis kept teasing me that I had never eaten so slow in my life (trying to stay longer and see if anyone else would show). The food was good and a bit pricey, but such a fun day.

Next was the Hollywood sign. We hiked up a short trail to see it this close.

We walked down Hollywood Blvd and saw all the stars, and the Kodak Theater. While walking on the street we passed two hip hop choreographer from the show "So You Think You Can Dance". They are husband and wife (Tabitha and Napoleon), Travis stopped the lady and told her how much we like the show, and she smiled and said thank you. So that was fun too.

The second day we went into LA and shopped at the Fashion District. You can get things super cheap there. It is a mess with booths and shops of clothes, toys, and shoes. After realizing Travis did not have the patience for it we took off, and caught a movie.

3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Very festive for Christmas.

I loved enjoying the sights of LA with Travis, we have lived here for 5 1/2 years and have never done this. All the uninterrupted one on one time was so refreshing. It's not something we get to go do everyday when you have 5 kids, so we cherished every moment. I miss you already Trav.

ThAnKsGiVinG 2009

This was such a fun Thanksgiving. My sister Liz came out with her family, along with my parents. We hit Disneyland, the beach, ate lots of yummy food, hot tubbed, and visited our Aunty Ann and her family. I am so grateful that I was able to have some of my family down here to share the holiday with!

The kids and Davie with Minnie Mouse

Liz & I at "Play House Disney" with the little ones.

This is on Small World where there is tons of SPAZ happy music. I had to put this one on so you could see Clint. He must have been in such a good mood because this is how we caught him smiling in the back round!

Kennedy had a soccer tournament on Saturday. Two games back to back. It was super cold and even started to rain on us. I am so glad my mom was such a trooper to suffer with me. I love spending time with my mom, because of her the night was really enjoyable despite the weather!

Disneyland Double Date

If you have never done a double date at Disneyland, you have got to try it! We met up with some of our close friends and had a great night. We went on lots of fun rides, and told lots of stories. We tend to always leave these guys with another funny "inside" joke.

Krissy, Brent, Meredith, and Travis

Trav and me at Disneyland

At the top of Tower of Terror!

Krissy and I at CA Adventure

Travis and Brent

This is us on Pirates of the Caribbean. This flash went off right as the announcer said "no flashes please." That's what the big smiles are about. Thanks Brent and Krissy, we are always in for a treat when we go out with you guys.

Happy Birthday Drew

Drew's Birthday morning 4yrs old

Drew at Disneyland

Drew and Kamryn

Drew had a great day. He woke up and opened his family gifts. Went to the park with his two friends and ate happy meals. After the siblings got home from school we took off to Disneyland to enjoy the rest of his special day! Drew you bring so much laughter and happiness in to our home. How did I get so lucky to call you mine!

Answer to Prayer

For those who know me, know I really took serious my job as a mother and how many kids I should have. I have always wanted five kids, and never felt as passionate towards any other number. After I had Kamryn I never had the big dream telling me I was done, but I had a few little promptings letting me know my family was here: One Sunday evening I was cleaning up the kitchen, and all the kids were really excited to watch a movie. They had to get the upstairs clean before they could put it on. I could hear them all working together and then this feeling came over me that all my kids were here. That moment brought tears to my eyes.

A couple years before the I was stressing about how many kids I should have and it was in church during a sacrament primary program. We were singing the song "Dearest Children", and the line said "dearest children, holy angels.." and the spirit said to me "take care of the ones (kids) you have now and I will take care of the rest". I never forgot those comforting words.

I had had those small confirmations, but not a solid one. The night Travis got called as Bishop to our ward, it all came together and made sense. I knew I was done. I was done and my family was here. On the Sunday Travis was to be called as Bishop we sang "Dearest Children" and I just smiled. I knew Heavenly Father was thinking about me and letting me know my feeling was right! I love answers to prayers and when it finally comes, how it ALL makes sense and falls into place.

A New Journey.......

Travis, a tithing envelop, and me!

It is official, I am now a Bishop's wife! No worries, it does not mean I will be wearing big blazers and shoulder pads. All joking aside, today was a really wonderful and emotional day. Seeing Travis sustained and sitting on the stand was really touching. Both Travis and I had to go up and share our testimonies. Of course I was already tearful when I walked up to the mic. I said" I don't know if I am more emotional about feeling the spirit, or knowing I will be sitting by myself with five small kids at church for five years!" I know this is where he is suppose to be. He has so much to offer and I cannot keep him to myself anymore. I have all the faith in the world in him.

We decided we better take the pictures at home instead of the church foyer......that would have been a little too obvious.

Travis's parents flew out from Washington to support him on this big day. Thank you Mark and Sherri, that really meant a lot to Travis to have you here!

The night before at Big Cheese Pizza!

Hot tubing was fun. This is when we told the kids about Travis's new calling. They were excited they wouldn't have to walk all the way up to the stage anymore to give their tithing to the bishop! Fun night.

Funny Drew

So Drew was asking me questions about Christmas and how we do it:

Drew: "Mom, how come we have to sit at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning?"

Me: "Because Dad has to go down first to make sure Santa came to our house. Then if he came, dad will call you."

Drew: "But I don't have a phone!"