Easter 2011

Easter is one of those favorite days of the year that we look forward to all year. It comes and is gone all to fast. I'm grateful for my testimony of our Savior and His resurection, the reason for the season. I also love every holiday that brings the family together and for all of the wild goings on that 12 grandkids bring. I love it all. Here are 11 of the little darlings. Tim, brandi and Elsie weren't able to come this year, so we did miss them. Our friends, the Kapapas, (from our ward in Hawaii) have been with us this week, so we enjoyed their company for the day also. John prepared us a lovely meal (as only John can do).

Welaxing the Waikiki Way

In keeping with my wishes to always be in Hawaii, we went on our annual winter trip with our friends. We left Friday, March 11, the day of the earthquake in Japan and tsunami in Hawaii. They delayed us a few hours but we were just glad that we made it at all. There was quite a bit of damage in Hawaii but none where we were.

We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki. We have stayed here the last 4 0r 5 times, so we feel very at home here. It is very nice and really is a small village with everything that you need. It is right on the beach, has multiple pools, spa, lots of restaurants, lots of stores, beautiful gardens and even a chapel if you decide to get married!

We of course love to go visit all of our favorite beaches and places on the Island. We were with four other couples so it was fun to always have someone to do things with. The guys got in a lot of golfing of course. Every evening we all met for a wonderful dinner together and ususally ended the evening with games.

We got to go to our ward that we lived in when we lived there and that is always wonderful to see old friends. The shrimp truck, the shave ice, the weather, the ocean, the beautiful full moon, everything works together to make the Hawaiian experience addicting. It draws me back time after time.

Goalllllllllll

For Deskin's birthday, a bunch of us went up to Salt Lake to a RSL soccer game. That Rio Tinto stadium is so beautiful and the enthusiasm of the crowd is quite exillerating. The game was really exciting, Real won 4-1, which is a lot of goals in a soccer game. It was fun to be with the family and we missed those of you that couldn't come.

Transforming a lamp

I've had this lamp that belonged to my mom, nobody really wanted it so I brought it home and kept it for awhile to figure out what to do with it. It was a pretty blue, but did not go with anything in my house. So today I spray painted it black, topped it with a new beautiful shade purchased at Hobby Lobby, and wow, I love it!

Temple Square Lights

As always we so enjoyed our visit to Temple Square to see the lights and loved the spirit there.

I need to catch up

We love to get together and we love to eat, but even more we love to play games. Well no maybe we love to eat more. I guess it is a toss up.

I love Christmas time but it seems to come and go so quickly. Especially this year we packed so many fun family times in. In looking back at my pictures however, I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures so that I can have a permanent reminder of each event. I'm usually better at that. I must be slipping!

I so enjoyed all of the family dinners, the company that came into town to visit, the birthday parties, the spirit of Christmas and all. Thank-you to everyone who made the season so special.

Thanksgiving at Brian Head

Tim made this fun video of our fun in the snow at Brian Head. Thanks Jerry and Kris for lending us your amazing cabin. It was such a fun relaxing way to spend Thanksgiving. It was a little bit of heaven being there with all of the kids and grandkids.