Spring Break

March most definitely went in like a lamb and out a lion. Is that the saying? Weston's birthday was mixed in with our 2.5 weeks of spring break.

He managed successfully blow out 6 candles.

We opted for a "friend" birthday dinner this year.

His pick, Alex who really is the same age as him.

We ended the evening at a family friendly improve, Jesterz. The boys seemed to enjoy it.

But, I think the teens enjoyed it even more. It's very similiar to the show,

"Who's Line Is It Anyway."

After a week of staying home we decided to take a quick trip over to California to enjoy cooler weather and LOTS of rain. It literally poured the entire day we were at Universal, but that made shorter lines and hardly any people. I guess you take the good with the bad.

My favorite was the guided tour on the tram. I did have high hopes to see Desperate House Wives (or at least spot some of them), unfortunately they were "filming" and the guide had to keep moving.

This was day 2. Not that you really can't cover Universal in one day, they are running a deal if you buy one day you are automatically a season pass holder. The boys were impressed with the electric shark.

We couldn't pass up a photo op with Beetlejuice!

Luke and one of his finest poses.

Taylor riding a motor scooting in the city of Paris. Sadly, this is as close as she will come for a while....

And then it was on to Carlsbad, our favorite place aside from home. We did have one nice day of weather and couldn't pass up the beach! A little sun bathing and paddleball.

The water was much to cold for most of us, except for Jared.

After the beach it's always fun to hang poolside!

And have cannonball contests with your brothers.

Saturday we headed down to the San Diego Temple.

This just goes to show you how amazing it is up close. We look like ants! Now, it's on to baseball, Easter and soon warmer weather. It will be summer before I know it!

Spring Break 2009

I started our break with pink toes and even managed to get a little "pink" skin. (sadly my mini tan is now gone). Our weather has been absolutely dreamy! 50's in the evening and upper 70's during the day. If we could just stay this way (although I fear AZ would be a tad overpopulated). Anyways, this year our two week spring break flew by. Here are some of the fun things we did........

Weston learned to putt, putt. And was adamant not to get help. His technique wasn't the best, (it was more of a bat swing to the ground), but he had fun.

Luke and Weston

Thankfully some good friends DO have pools in their backyards. We frequented the Hunter's and Varvel's a few times. The water was freezing, but when you are a kid----let's face it temperature plays no factor.

Grandpa Dale and Luke

We hung out with Grandma and Grandpa Clouse. Luke even managed to get Grandpa to play toss up a few times (his favorite game).

Jared & Keston

Hung out with friends. Jared had a few sleep overs and finally mastered his rip stick. Although I was told the one he has isn't "real" (we bought the cheap version a few years ago). Apparently, the brand on this particular item is necessary.

We were entertained by Ms. Chloe Mae. She is just the cutest thing. I think Weston begs to defer on some occasions, after all he is bigger and he doesn't like the fact she just wants to be by him. Boys, anyhow. Thanks for sharing your playdough with us!

Heather, Jenny, Tiffany and Minnie

We celebrated a dear friends birthday. Not all could attend our birthday lunch at Paradise (we missed you Tishia and Amber). Happy Birthday Tiffany!!

I must have been feeling bright and cheery towards the end of break (I have never painted my toes yellow) I have gone from green, to pink and now yellow.

Buy Me Some Peanuts & Cracker Jax

Arizona is not only known for it's fabulous spring break weather, but it also happens to be the location that several Major League Baseball teams come each year for spring training.  The Germaine's invited us to join them for a Dodgers game.

With an hour drive ahead of us we came prepared stocked with sack lunches, water and candy.

It ended up being in the upper 80's, (hot to most, but my favorite weather)  that didn't stop us from having fun and rooting on the Dodgers (especially Ethier #16) who is Joe & Nat's family member.

Joe, Crew, Natalie, Jack, Doug and Jared

Thanks guys for a fun time!

*Sniff * Sniff*

This week has been a trying emotional roller coaster. Doug and I don't leave our kids EVER. Well, we did once last year thanks to Angie. And this year will be the second. Taylor boarded her first solo flight today. She was treated like royalty from the moment we checked her in at the ticket counter.

I didn't notice the time until we arrived at the gate and the entire plane had already boarded. She had only about 10 minutes to spare! When we walked up all I had time was to say goodbye. I know a month ago she was nervous about the whole "alone" thing. But, after we downloaded her a movie to her ipod that was all it took. Thankfully she is very confident and capable when it comes to being independent.

I sat and waited for the plane to taxi away. I am not sure if I looked like a lost puppy or just sad. The pilot waved to me from the plane with a thumbs up and the okay sign. (pretty funny eh?) I left a little weepy, but know she is going to have the best weekend ever with her very bestest friend.

Just a few hours ago I got this text picture and they were on their way to Chuy's!! (so not fair!) The text from Angie read, "Taylor made it and we may not send her back now that she is back in Texas." Love and miss you Taylor!! Have a fun weekend and we will see you soon. XOXO--Mom

I guess the bottom line is I just hate to see my little girl grow up! I can only imagine what college with be like. Sigh.

Life Doesn't Stop

Happy St. Patty's Birthday (3) Weston!

I sat and pondered about how I could recap my trip. So much occurred in such a short period of time. I thought about back logging by dates, but just couldn't find the time or energy to do so. (but still need to do that for personal reasons). My baby's 3rd birthday came and went. Spring break over. Easter gone. I sometimes feel like my life is flashing before me. I never believed my mom when she said time travels much too quickly. (And argued with her on numerous occasions about this subject matter) I am beginning to feel those pangs as my children are getting older by the second. Yes, I am still trying to recover from our 2 hour time zone change and get my groove back on. I am finding it hard to balance life right now and some how fit in my hobbies (blogging). Since we have been back I have frantically been trying to get our house ready to be placed on the market. I have been busting my tail (hence my lack of posting), and hopefully my sweat will be paying off. Photos seem to be my "easy" way of telling a story, so here it goes.....

I had the opportunity to chat with April (who is also in my inlaws ward) on two different Sundays.
I love reading her thoughts if you haven't checked out her blog you are seriously missing out!

Eating at Oreganos
Seeing how much weight Justin has lost (he looks so great!)


Going over to my best friend Courtney of 25 years home to chat.
Time may have passed, but our friendship has not.

Picking oranges at Grandma and Papa's house

Playing at Grandma Hughes' in the backyard

Grilling hot dogs with Dad C in beautiful weather


Spending time with my mom


The Easter bunny treated us well

soaking up tender moments


Realizing that trying to take photos on Easter of your kids proves to be challenging.
What is up with pirate Luke?

Is her hair really that long? Holy cow!



watching all the cousins grab over 200 eggs

Still trying to wrap my mind around buying this piece of dirt.

Celebrating our 12th Easter together, selling our first home and FINALLY moving back to our roots,
it really is surreal!

blessing: having a happy marriage