Six Years

Today is our anniversary! We were married 6 years ago today in the San Diego Temple. It was an amazing day, and I am so glad we decided to do it.

This picture was taken last week at Landon's office Christmas party. It was at this fabulous restaurant in West Hollywood. The pictures don't do it justice but my dress was soooo cute (thanks Chrissy!) and my friend did my hair and makeup. It was a very glamorous night, and so fun to spend it with my sweetheart.

I want to share a few things about why I am so lucky to be married to Landon.

1. He always makes me feel good about myself. No matter how fat I feel or how bad a hair day I am having.

2. He is a "trier." As we like to say, he is seriously the hardest worker I have ever met. As cheesy as it sounds, he is my inspiration in that way.

3. He helps me constantly. It seems like no matter how hard his day was, he always helps with the dishes, bathing the kids, playing with them. As far as I am concerned, that is romance to me.

4. He is the best father ever. Sorry girls you may thing your husband is the best but you would be wrong.

5. He loves to take a screaming baby from me and make them happy. And he is so good at this! Even when we watch my friends' sick baby, he can always make that baby feel better.

6. He makes me laugh EVERY DAY!

7. He couldn't be cuter if he tried.

8. He loves to just hold my hand.

9. He encourages me to better myself every day.

10. He is such a great provider for our family.

These are just the things I could think of right now. I know I could make a crazy long list of things I love about Landon. He is the best man for me. I am certain of that. Thanks, babe for everything. I couldn't live without you. XOXO.

We have been busy

This Christmas season.

Jolie was in the nativity play at our ward party and stole the show.


Lucy met Santa and loved him! (yeah, we were all shocked.)


We have been to party (at school)


after party (ginger bread house decorating at Emma's)


and we finally managed to get a Christmas tree put up.


We are having so much fun! And I hope you are too.

Jolie's Jungle Animals

Here's one of Jolie's more recent drawings. The second elephant is my favorite.

Could These Girls Be Any Cuter?

I think not.

(Please excuse the yellow fruit roll-up in Lucy's teeth.)

Holiday Fever

It has finally hit me. We pulled out all of our decorations today from the garage. The girls have had fun smelling all the candles and playing with their Playschool nativity scene. We played Jewel's Christmas album in the background. The season can officially begin!

We had a nice Thanksgiving holiday at my parent's house this year. All of my mother's side of the family was there. My parents even had a jump house for the kids to play in. The highlight for my girls of course. The dinner was delicious. My dad made the turkey as usual. This year he made 2 recipes from two different food network stars. They were amazing. One was even made on his grill. Yum. I was in charge of the pie and made 6 pies that morning. 2 cherry and 4 pumpkin! Wow. It was a lot of work but so worth it.

Now I am working on the Christmas cards and shopping. There is much to be done but I am really looking forward to this holiday season with my girls. They make everything so much more fun.

I am in need of ideas for exciting new toys or gifts for my girls. If you have any ideas that you have come across let me know. I feel like I have run out of ideas. My girls have so much already! Also if you know of any fun Christmas ideas to do with my nursery kids I need to think of something for them too. Thanks friends.

Lucy Scaring Monsters

Hey, this is Landon. I've hijacked Katie's blog to post a video we took of Lucy this evening.

Now let me explain what you are about to see.

In the beginning, Lucy is pretending to see a monster. Hence the wide eyes, screaming, hiding, etc. Then she scares the monster away with her terrifying growl.

Towards the end of the video, she realizes I am taping her, and she begins showing off for the camera. Hence the posing, smiling, and general adorableness.

Enjoy.

I Confess

I am a total blog stalker. I read the blogs of friends of friends all the time. I even find myself considering these people my friends. I check their blogs weekly and just get lost in their lives. It is so fun to see different families and the things the do together. I am still too shy and embarrassed to comment on these blogs. Maybe someday I will. The thing is I am pretty sure that most people would love to hear from me. I know that I would love to know more about those who happen upon my blog. Are you a blog stalker? Do you feel guilty or snoopy? Or do you just figure that as long as their blog is not set to private it is free game?

P.S. What is up with the Bachelor last night? I mean are you kidding me? I watched the whole season for nothing! I am so bugged.

I Love My Girls!

We have fun together!

Jolie the New "Ratchet-Jaw"

When Landon was a kid his Grandpa named him "ratchet-jaw." He could talk and mile a minute and just wouldn't stop!

Yesterday at the pediatrician's waiting room Jolie cornered a woman and her 18 month old son. I overheard this very one-sided conversation.

Jolie: Hi, I am Jolie, this is my sister Lucy. She is a big baby. Not a little baby anymore. That's my mom over there, her name is Katie. Is your baby a little baby or a big baby?

Woman: I guess a big baby.

Jolie: Yeah, cause he walks, huh? What is his name?

Woman: Dillon.

Jolie: That's my Uncle's name he lives in New York. He lives with Aunt Angela and he has a baby too. He is a big baby. His name is Miles. Do you live in California?

Woman: Yes.

Jolie: Me too. Nana and Pops live in Colorado. It snows there. I haven't seen the snow before. It is very cold there. (slight pause) Why is your baby crying? Is he sick? My sister Lucy is sick, she has a bad cough. I am not sick, I am just here with Lucy. My mom brought us here. I love to come here. The fish tank is my favorite.

and on and on and on.

The poor woman was clearly trying to get away from Jolie. Her son was very upset. I was basically dying laughing inside.

Jolie does this same trick every time we go to the park as well. She always latches on to some poor adult and talks their ears off. So funny.

In fact, Jolie is sitting right next to me as we speak talking about who knows what. She barely even pauses for a breath. You know, I realized that the things I love most about that girl are the things that she gets from her father. I guess it just goes to show I love him a lot.

So far it has been an insane week. Lucy has an ear infection in both ears, not to mention a really nasty cough she has had for almost a month! Today Jolie had her first ever cavity filled at the dentist and was such a trooper. I was a wreck and was tearful up until she received her shot. She didn't even flinch at it. That child always amazes me. And as soon as she got home she told me that she wants to go again sometime! Hopefully the rest of the week will be less eventful.

Halloween Thoughts

We had an action packed last week or so. Last night as Jolie went to bed she wisely said to us, "Today was the last day of Halloween." For her it did seem to last for several days.

It all started on Friday night for our ward Trunk or Treat. Very fun. Then on Sunday we had a major party at my Grandparent's house with all of the cousins. Then yesterday of course we had Jolie's school party and trick or treating on The Strand in Hermosa Beach. We have more candy then I know what to do with, and lets be honest, who do you think is going to eat that candy? I'll give you a hint: this is her blog. Maybe I'll share with Landon, we'll see.

Okay so Landon started a new job this week! Hooray for him! He is thrilled at his job change. He is switching over from PR to more of a marketing advertising firm. He wants to be able to do it all. So now he works 10 minutes from home. (Adding almost 3 hours at home to each day!) We are loving it. His new firm is great. They are very into employee morale and doing fun things together as a group. For example, in the summer they have a softball team. This month they are having a mustache growing contest so pretty much Landon can't shave this month. Yikes! And yesterday they made everyone dress up in Halloween costumes. Silly!

I am a believer that Halloween is for kids. Dressing up as adults is just ridiculous. I am sorry but I just think once you are a grown up (out of college and in the real world) it is time to give it up. I mean how strange is it going to an adult party and everyone wearing weird clothes and after the initial, "haha, that is a great costume" it just becomes uncomfortable talking to the gang banger and his sexy nurse girlfriend. And speaking of, I went to the mall a few weeks ago and they had a store devoted completely to sexy womens costumes. Sexy gypsy, sexy clown, sexy animals. So bizarre. I am sorry Halloween for adults has just become an excuse to wear slutty outfits and feel socially accepted.

So that's my soap box on Halloween. I love it for my kids. They have a ball. Lucy wore her kitty costume all day yesterday, complete with tail and ears, even during her nap. She was the cutest black cat ever. And Jolie was a very adorable "beautiful and nice" witch. I will hopefully get a little video of them up soon.

Don't Worry About Us

The good thing about living in such an overdeveloped beach town, asphalt doesn't burn. We are not close to any of fires. I guess the Malibu fire would be the closest. Even though that is at least 20 miles away we are still have raining ash all day. Kids are not allowed outside for recess and the sunlight has a very orange tint to it and a brown smoke ring around it. Nasty. It makes me very glad none of us have asthma.

The Irvine fire was right over the 241 highway from my parents but they were never evacuated. It ended up going to my Aunt Suzi and Uncle Jim's house in Santa Margarita. The fire department actually parked outside their house to fight the fires. The fire was literally in their back yard. But I hear their house is safe!

Both Landon's Uncle Dennis and his cousin Cove are firefighters in San Diego. They have been fighting the fires and are so far safe. His Aunt Kathy and family were evacuated but I hear their house is okay so far.

Scary stuff. I wish it would just rain and knock those fires out! I read an article in our local paper today about how proud we should be at a time like this of our country. It is one of those times when we should be very thankful for our government programs and proud of those brave firefighters risking their lives for the people. Without them the damage could have been unthinkable. I am just glad so few have died in this mess.

On a lighter note, here are some pictures of our girls that Chrissy took this weekend. We took them to enter the girls in the Gap casting call contest. I just couldn't resist putting my gorgeous babes in it, they are the cutest in the bunch! But I am not biased or anything.

We Love Nana and Pops

We had a fun visit from Landon's parents and his brother Chase. Since I am still camera-less they were kind enough to share their pictures of the week with me. Enjoy.

We had donuts



A trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific



A real girls only slumber party complete with makeovers





And a fun beach trip



Thanks Nana and Pops. We miss you!

My Brother

and his roomates made this silly video for an Apple contest. Watch it, rate it. It is very funny.

P.S. The Russian is my cousin Brad.

Star Struck

So now that I have lived in LA for more than 3 years, half of that being in Beverly Hills, I have now seen my fair share of celebrities. Landon has seen even more since he works at Century City where the stars often eat and shop.

The best stars I have seen so far include Bruce Willis with his daughters, Diane Keaton, Teri Hatcher, and as of Saturday, Adam Sandler with his family. Those were all great. I generally just look and move on, I am definitely not the type to approach anyone and bug them. But it is fun to see the human side of these people. Diane Keaton was wearing an all black outfit complete with turtleneck in 95 degree weather. Teri Hatcher literally has the skinniest legs I have ever seen, if I were her I would avoid skirts like the plague. Adam Sandler's little baby girl, very adorable in a I look just like my dad kind of way. It is nice to see that these people are just regular people like us. Only with way nicer clothes.

Also on Saturday at this charity event we went to, we saw an actor who is one of my current faves. Landon and I both adore him. Me, because he is super cute. And Landon because he plays one of our favorite characters on one of our favorite shows: Heroes. He is none other than the fabulously adorable Greg Grunberg. And since I am lame and don't know how to post a picture of him here you will just have to look him up. He plays Matt Parkman, a new FBI agent who can read people's thoughts. If you haven't seen this show, you must. It is my favorite show this season other than the Office of course. Every episode is action packed. Seriously, there is no boring down time. I love it. Every week I am sad when it is over and I can't wait until next week. Kind of like 24 back when it used to be good.

For those interested the event we went to was a shoe drive put on by The Children's Place. It was at the Santa Monica pier. There was a band playing children's music, bubble machines and free t-shirt decorating. Very fun, the kids loved it. Just another reason I love LA. There are always fun things to do around here.

New Word

Jolie's new word is, "Dahlish."

A cross between darling and stylish I think.

Day Trip

This is about as good as it gets trying to get a photo of us all together.

Here we are in San Diego visiting Landon's Grandparents a few weeks ago. We had such a fun time spending the day with them. The girls love Grandpa "Beach" and Grandma Lois. I love that they are not in the least bit shy. It makes me happy when they get to spend time with their family. It is important to me that the girls know everyone who loves them. I still remember some of my great grandparents and I want my girls to do the same. Grandparents are an important part of who we are. And the larger the love and support group for children the better, don't you think?

Wow.

I am shocked. And a little sick.

Oil Change Confessional

I had an interesting conversation with a nice about 19 year-old ethnic (I couldn't tell which one!) girl working at the EZ-Lube the other day. It went something like this:

(My girls crawling all over the waiting room, getting into everything, being cute little monkeys.)

Girl: Are these your only kids.

Me: Yes, for now.

Girl: You mean you want more!?

Me: Yes.

Girl: Why?

Me: Because I love being a mom. It is wonderful.

Girl: Do you work?

Me: No.

Girl: Your boyfriend lets you stay home?
(My ring was on.)

Me: Yes, my husband lets me stay home.

Girl: Your married?

Me: Yes.

Girl: How long have you been married?

Me: 5 and a half years.

(long pause)

Girl: Well, how is that going?

Me: Just great!

Should I have been offended? Worried? I don't know. I am just glad we were the only ones in the room.

Pre-Schoolers At Play

Does your child have a friend that they just can't get along with? Mine does. It goes like this. She begs to have her over. Counts down the minutes until she arrives. Gives giant hugs that lead you to believe they haven't seen each other in years. Begin to play. Ten minutes later- screeches and cries coming from their direction. They fight over toys. Who gets to wear what dress-up. Who is the prince and who is the princess. Who is in charge of what game.

Basically I have a very strong willed (okay, bossy) child. And when she gets together with someone else who is used to being in charge it causes problems.

Not only that but this child I am thinking of plays differently than Jolie. She is younger yet she likes big kid stuff. She loves to watch Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. She talks about boyfriends and being cool. And she is 3 years old! And no she does not have any older siblings to show her this stuff.

I feel a little snobby that I don't like Jolie to play with this little girl. I just can't handle the fighting and the things this little girl talks about. It's not that it is naughty. It just somehow seems inappropriate for kids their age. Is it bad that I try to avoid playdates with this child as much as possible?

I guess the question is am I really opposed to the friendship because they argue, or is it really just that I don't like this little girl? I think she is kind of mean.

Yesterday I heard her tell Jolie they weren't friends anymore because she wouldn't do what she wanted her to. Jolie was so hurt! I just don't like that kind of manipulation in a 3 year old. Is that wrong? Why do I feel so guilty?

Oh well, I know I will probably let them play again sometime anyway. I am just not good at saying no. And I really don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

The Goings On

I hate labor day! It means to me, the end of the summer. And I love summer so much! This week was full of fun and barbecues. We had one with some friends here at our house. Then yesterday there was a big party at my Uncle Doug's house and also at my Grandma's. Busy busy. But I think that pretty much concludes our summer of fun.

I got Jolie registered for pre-school last night, or this morning I guess it was. Registration opened today so I had to stay up so I could get her into her class at 12:01 am. And those of you who don't know me Landon and I are early to bed kind of people so it was a late night for me. But my very sweet husband stayed up with me and kept me company while we watched Commando on TV and played Yatzee. Very silly. I felt 19 again.

We did the funniest thing last week. The girls share a room. They have bunk beds. Every night we bathe them, read to them, all that stuff and then we just put them in their beds and expect them to go to sleep. They do, eventually. We hear them giggling and playing for at least a half hour, sometimes more, before they eventually get back in their beds and fall asleep. Sp last week we set our video camera up on Jolie's dresser on a little tri-pod and taped them for almost an hour. It was the funniest, cutest thing I have ever watched! First they go into the closet and Jolie reads books to Lucy. Then They both climb into Lucy's bed where they talk and Jolie sings lullaby's to her sister. Finally Lucy yells at Jolie to "go up a bed." And that is pretty much it. You have to see it. It is so silly and cute. I had tears running down my cheeks as I watched it. So I will have Landon put a shorter version of it up here soon so you can see it.

Have I mentioned I am the new nursery leader in our ward now? It is a great calling! Very fun. I have a class full of little boys, and Lucy. She loves having her mom in there since she used to make her dad stay anyway. It amazes me how much little people respond to me. Before I had my own children, little kids were pretty much scared of me. I love it. I guess I must just have that maternal aura around me.

That is all for now. Happy September!

Tagged

It is my turn. So here goes:

4 jobs I've had:
babysitter
toy store cashier
hostess at TGIFridays
waitress at TGIFridays

4 movies I can watch anytime:
Anne of Green Gables
Moulin Rouge
Best In Show
Groundhog Day

4 Places I have lived:
Irvine, Ca
Provo, Ut
Beverly Hills, Ca
Redondo Beach, Ca

4 t.v. shows I love:
What Not to Wear
The Office
Arrested Development
Desperate Housewives

4 favorite foods:
Chocolate
Pesto
In and Out Burgers
Mexican food

4 places I'd rather be:
At the beach
Mexico
Sleeping
With all of my family

4 websites I visit daily:
blogger
youtube
hotmail
flickr

4 people to tag:
Everyone! I love learning interesting trivia about my friends.

Beach House Fun

Summer Insanity

I am sorry I have been so absent this summer. We have just been busy busy. With our trip to New York, Danny's return, Landon's vacation time, the annual beach house trip, I just haven't had the time to think up fun and creative things to talk about. I am sure when the school year starts up again, and in California that means not until mid September, things will be a little bit back to normal. I am bummed because without a camera I just feel like blogging is pointless! I am hoping to figure out a way to get a new camera, but for now I guess our video camera will have to work overtime. I took some fun movies at the beach house so I will have Landon show me how to put those up for you.

We have had such a fun summer! My tan is looking great. We live in such an amazing place, it is totally summer town around here. I love it. I hope you have all enjoyed this sunny season as well.

Rollin' Along

IMG_0167
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

This is a picture from a year ago. Right before Lucy turned 1. I cannot believe how the time has flown by. I miss my babies already, and they aren't even grown up yet!

I though I would clarify why it is that my girls have the same birthday. Lucy was in fact induced. I chose that day. The doctor could do it that day or 3 days later and I was ready! Selfish, maybe. But I don't regret it one bit. Hopefully someday they will enjoy the fact that they have a day that is special for the two of them. I hope that it may bring them closer. Wishful thinking? I guess we shall wait and see.

Today the girls had their 4 and 2 year doctor appointments. It was so easy because the doctor checked Jolie's eyes first, then Lucy's. Then Jolie's ears, then Lucy's. You get the picture. Otherwise Lucy would have thrown a fit. It was much better for her to see Jolie do it first. She was much more trusting of the doctor that way. Then when shot time came and Jolie didn't even blink (she never does) Lucy also didn't cry. I was so proud of them!

We are definitely in a groove these days. Things are pretty easy. I think it might be time to shake things up again. We'll see.

P.S. Did I mention my baby brother is home from Zimbabwe? Hooray! I will get some pictures of him up but I find myself camera-less again. I just can't be trusted with them!

Happy Birthday!

Swimming at Grandma Great's
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

It is the girls' birthday today. Jolie is 4 and Lucy is 2. Yes, in case you didn't already know they have the same birthday!

During the summer every Tuesday is swim day at my Grandma's house so today we will be having a little party for the girls there. I made strawberry cupcakes with marshmallow frosting, Jolie's fave. And for dinner I will be making her favorite, spaghetti and meatballs.

This is such a special day, not only for my babies but for me! Twice this day has brought amazing blessings into my life. I am so grateful for my girlies.

I love you Jolie and Lucy! Thanks for all of the happiness and pure fun that you give me everyday. I hope you have a special day today.

Jolie's Crayola World

"Mom, that brown girl just put that hat on that peach girl."

Brutality

Lucy Caterpiller
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

Lucy's new thrill in life is to torture and kill all insects she comes across. The girls have been finding a caterpillars in our back yard recently. Jolie always stays a safe distance away from them and enjoys watching them inch along. But not Lucy. She delights in stepping on them, squishing them with her fingers, and even burying them alive!

The other day we found a spider hanging on its' web in the garage. Lucy spent 20 minutes blowing as hard as she could so the spider would spin really fast. The poor thing didn't move after that that I could tell. Oh well!

I don't know where all of this aggression comes from. Every ant she meets is definitely going to be stepped on. And when Jolie chases the butterflies in the yard Lucy throws things at them. It is so silly. It must just be her way of learning about the world. Again, how did these girls get so different?

I finally...

finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! Loved loved loved it! I even cried during one very sentimental part. Wow. I just want to read it again. So great. I wasn't disappointed at all. J.K. Rowling rocks! What did you think?

Catch Phrase

boo
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

Jolie just might be the silliest girl in the world. She pays such close attention to those around her. She has been the catch phrase queen lately. As we were lounging around our little pool today, Jolie plopped herself down on a beach chair and said, "Ah this is the life!" Where does she get these things? Why TV of course!

She has also been known to say, "You are exactly right."

And yesterday she told me that going to the beach was, "a wonderful dream come true."

Thanks to Dora the Explorer she counts in Spanish as often as English. And she uses the Spanish words for the different colors instead of the English words a lot of the time.

Perhaps the best of all is her prayers. She takes phrases she hears at church and puts them in her prayers. She doesn't even know what they mean, and they usually are not meant for prayers. She says stuff like, "Jesus prepared the way..." And "I will be baptized."

I love her so much! It is so fun to be her mom. I just wish I was better at keeping a straight face! I need to work on that. I don't want her becoming self conscience any time soon and stop this adorable habit.

Sister Sister

Sisters
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

Okay, I know I have said this before, but my girls love each other so much. This is a totally random example but for some reason I just thought this was too funny.

So whenever Jolie's nail tears she has to stop whatever she is doing and pick at it until it is straight again. Even if she notices it right when we are in the middle of the street she won't move until it is taken care of. I just consider this another example of her OCD.

Yesterday Jolie noticed that Lucy's nail was tearing a bit. She grabbed her sister's hand and wouldn't let go for several minutes until she had fixed it.

Not only that but Lucy just sat there and let her do what she wanted for as long as she wanted.

I just love how much they need each other. I never knew this before Lucy came but there is really no better feeling than watching your children become great friends.

Being a mom is the best! I am so glad Lucy was a girl.

Things I love (in no particular order):

Lucy in a hole
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

my family
my home
the beach
reading
laughing
watermelon
children
swimming
the smell of sunscreen
rich chocolate
giggling girls
purple
sudoku
dates with Landon
TV
shopping
In and Out Burger
blogs
naptime
a clean house
every moment spent with my family
Disneyland
cooking/baking
Costco
anything girlie
watching my children play with others
my church

Obviously my list could go on forever. I have to admit I get to have most of these things quite often. I was realizing today how happy I am. How many people can say they are living the life they have always wanted? I am. Wow. I am so lucky. And the best part is that if I had none of those things but my family (and my church) I would still be the happiest girl in the world.

What are some of your favorite things?

7-11

7-11
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

I hope you have all made your way over to 7-11 on this day 7-11. It is of course free slurpee day (squishees right now.) After nap time I took the girls to get slurpees and I learned that the free one here in our town was a tiny little dixie sized cup. You couldn't even put a straw in it let alone a lid. How am I to feed this to a 2 year old? So I sucked it up and paid for ours but it was a fun idea anyway! I remember in Provo you got the smallest regular size cup for free. Oh well, that's LA for you.

Speaking of 7-11 they have teamed up with the new Simpson's Movie and have made over a bunch of 7-11's around the country to look like the Kwik-e-mart. Check them out and see if there is one in your neighborhood. The one in LA is too far away to justify a visit even if my husband happens to be the all-time number one Simpson's fan. Let me know if you find one. I would love to hear about it.

I hope you are all staying cool. :)

Jolie Quote of the week

Jolie and Cherries
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

Jolie is always saying the silliest things. I know I need to write (or type) them down so I can remember what a funny little thing she was.

Jolie has a shirt that I got from Old Navy that is pink and it says on it "Pink is the new black." Jolie wore it on our trip home from New York last week. The security woman helping us get our stuff through the security check had this conversation with Jolie.

Woman: Is this your backpack?

Jolie: Yep

Woman: I love it, it is pink just like your shirt.

Jolie: Yep, pink is the new black.

This was especially funny since the woman didn't even read her shirt. She laughed and laughed and went around telling all the other security people what Jolie had said.

She is my little fashionista!

Let's try this again...

Our Family
Originally uploaded by cowanfamily

Okay, for those who didn't know this about me I am totally computer retarded. Little did I know when I was doing my iweb blog and dragging and dropping the pictures and adding videos to my heart's desire, I was seriously slowing down our computer. So I have decided to start this blogger account and I just hope that I can figure this thing out!

Just in case you have been wondering what we have been up to here is the update.

We just got back from a fabulous trip to Ithaca, New York to visit all of Landon's family. All of his brothers were there, his parents and his grandma. We stayed in the sorority house that his brother Dillon and his wife Angella are house parents for. There were rooms for all and it was such fun! We had good times seeing the church historical sites, playing games, and bowling, and cherry picking (Jolie's personal favorite). The girls had a seriously busy time playing with their Nana and Pops and their cousin Miles. I just wish we could see them more often.

The only bummer was the traveling experience. The flights were long and hard. Traveling with little ones is exhausting. And we are still all jet lagged.

We are gearing up for Danny to come home in a little over 3 weeks! Wahoo! I just cannot contain my excitement for this. I want to have him home safe and sound and out of Africa. Too bad we will only have him for a few short weeks before he is up at BYU living in Liberty Square! (Where Landon and I met!)

So that is what we have been up to. I have had many requests to restart a blog so I hope that my friends have not forgotten me in my brief absence from the cyber world. I will try to be a regular poster again!