Playing with the Gottfredson's

Today we were supposed to have left for our trip to Utah, but our friends the Gottfredson's decided at the last minute that they were going to come into town...so we delayed our trip a day so that we could play with some of our favorite people. Here is Jesse and Jocelyn sharing a ride-on toy. Though they wouldn't look at me, they were all having a great time pouring water and watching the wheel spin. I love that they are all wearing their hats here.

They were all really excited for popsicles. Here is Jesse, Renae, Jocelyn, and Kylie. Thanks to Grandma Gottfredson for jumping around behind me so that we could get them to all look in the right direction.

Jesse loved playing with Corey and the little water torpedo...I was very impressed with how great both Kevin and Corey were with all the kiddies...thanks guys.

Here is Jesse holding a baby for his first time. This is baby Liam, the newest addition to the family born in May...isn't he adorable?!?

Thanks for letting us come over to play. We can't wait to play with you again soon! I am now packing the car and getting ready to head out to Utah in the morning with the twins and my niece Fallon.

July 4th Celebration Weekend

I love July 4th...the fireworks, the singing of patriotic songs, bbq's, spending time with family...I have so many fond memories of the 4th from my childhood and want to create those same things for my children. Colette came down and spent the night at my parents so that she was able to be here with her children for the weekend. Here is an attempt at a picture of the four children. I wasn't able to resist getting July 4th outfits for the children...in fact, I got Jocelyn's dress back in February...so I was glad that it fit her.
Jesse, Zach, Madison, Jocelyn Jesse and Jocelyn were being so funny when I was trying to take some pictures of them. I loved this one because Jesse was laughing at something and Jocelyn is just looking at him.

My little Patriotic Princess

Sweet Jesse man

On July 3rd we went to Addison so we could watch the airshow as well as the Kamboom town fireworks. Jesse loved watching the airplanes take off and land. Here he is climbing the fence, he was so excited to be so close to the airplanes.

Jocelyn wasn't too sure about the loud noise of the engines at first, so she stayed pretty close to her Grandpa. (As a side note, she refused to wear her dress to the fireworks...so she ended up in a watermelon outfit...it works because you eat watermelon on the 4th right?!?)

Part of the airshow

On our blanket ready for fireworks to begin. Fallon, me, and Jesse

On Saturday morning we went to the ward pancake breakfast. The twins loved playing with the water cooler...pretty neat to push a button and have water come out. They were really well hydrated.

After the pancake breakfast we went to the wards annual softball game. It was about 102 degrees and we were dying. I didn't play too long, but it was fun while it lasted. Me and my two cheerleaders, Jesse and Jocelyn.

We had a great 4th

Will Work For Food

Today for dinner we needed to have some corn shucked...I decided to let the twins help and they actually really enjoyed it. Jocelyn loved to rip off the outer layers of the husk and Jesse would pick off all of the little "hairs" left on the corn. They made a great team. Here are some fun pictures from them working...for their food.
The before picture...
Mommy had to step in and give a little bit of coaching...

Jocelyn was quite happy to be outside "working"

Here she is with one of her finished products...

Jesse working to get the little "hairs" off of the corn...can you see the concentration going on here??

Happy little corn boy

After we were finished shucking the corn, we went inside to make our kabobs. Jocelyn and Jesse thought it was pretty neat to be able to put food on the skewers...

Happy Helper Jocelyn

Jesse working on getting his pineapple down... Having the twins help out in the kitchen is always a lot of fun, but it is also always a lot more work and clean-up...I think they really enjoy it though, and so do I.

Church and Sand Fun Sunday June 21st

On Sunday we had a relaxing morning. We made some yummy french toast and then got ready for church. The church was next door to the temple so we went over there afterwards and took a picture or two. Here is me and my favorite cousin Casie. A picture at the Kona Temple after church. It's a mini temple.

After Church we rode around on the golf carts to better familiarize ourselves with the property. We wound up down at the beach. Here is a cute pic of Casie and her husband Derek. You might remember that I went to their wedding last September in Las Vegas.

Such a pretty sight..waking up next to this each morning...paradise!

The three amigos hanging out in the blue chairs...

Something must have been funny...i think we were constantly laughing during the week!

Getting our jump on!

The boys had to out-do us. Derek and Aaron

We went a bit off the road and got the golf cart pretty stuck in the sand. After 20 minutes and a bit of sweat, we were back on the road.

Cool jumping shot of me and Case with the sunset in the background.

My infamous name writing in the sand...

A group shot of us...pretty good pyramid considering none of them had ever done anything like this before! Good times....

I can't believe we didn't take more pictures on the golf carts, we spent so much time on them each day! Here is a pic from the end of day on Sunday.

Swimming & A Movie Monday June 22nd

The residence that we stayed at is in the Four Seasons Resort area. One of the really neat things there was this pool/pond that they created. It is a man made salt water body of water that they put tons of fish, eagle rays, etc into. This way you can snorkel in this little body of water and be able to identify and see a lot of fish etc. It was pretty cool but the water was so cold! Here is a picture of one of the eagle rays...they made me a bit nervous but I tried to be brave. Me and Casie in the freezing cold water in the saltwater pond area...we have lovely mask marks on our faces. Can you see my pink fins under the water??

After swimming in the salt water we took the golf carts to another part of the beach. Here we saw a bunch of large sea turtles hanging out on the sand resting.

A cool picture...in Hawaii it will rain for about 5 minutes and then it is finished. This photo was taken just after the rain clouds passed by.

Scott with Aaron and Celena's baby girl (7 weeks old)

Me and Casie striking a pose when the sun was starting to set. We were standing on the ledge of the pool...awe it was such a pretty place! I miss it already!

A sunset picture taken from a lounge chair in the pool.

On Monday night we decided to go into town and see The Proposal...such a fun movie and a great FHE activity! Here is Derek...who knows what he is doing, Casie and me.

Pool & Kona Temple Tuesday June 23rd

On Tuesday I was insane and decided to go on a LONG run to the beach. Such a pretty sight to see in the morning. I decided that since running there wasn't too bad, I would try running ON the beach. Ha, ha....I went maybe 200 yards and decided that I am way too weak for that! At any rate, I started the day off with a fun run and then worked out in the workout facility.
Here we are catching some sunshine by the pool. I loved that the chairs are in the water...pretty cool idea. For lunch Scott and Debbie made some yummy hot sandwiches. Here is a bunch of us..well minus me of course because I was taking the picture. Eating outside was so nice and the weather was always perfect.

After catching enough sunshine we cleaned up and went to the Kona Temple. Here we had planned to attend an endowment session...turns out we would have had to wait 90 minutes...so we got lucky and opted to do sealings. The Kona Temple was so pretty both inside and out.

Me, Scott & Casie afterwards

Side view of the temple

Me, Derek & Casie

After the temple we went to Outback for dinner.

Golf and Manta Ray's Wednesday June 24th

On Thursday we went up the road on the golf carts (about 100 yards) to the driving range. We spent about an hour or so hitting the balls. In my case, I spent most of my time teeing up balls and trying to hit them. I had never been golfing other than putt putt so it was quite the experience for all involved. Here is Derek and Logan showing off how cool they are. Oh, and never mind our attire, we were getting ready to go to the beach so we are in swimsuits and flip flops...not the typical golf clothing. Casie and her daddy Scott

Teeing up the ball...if you look to the far right of the picture you can see the house's pool and the grey that looks like the sky is the ocean.

In action...well kind of...I sure had a lot of fun, but my skills weren't too impressive.

After we played golf, we went to check out a beach downtown. There was a couple of surfers out there so we thought it would be a good place to body board. Turns out there were tons of rocks so needless to say we just sat on the beach and watch the surfers for a bit. Here is me and Derek, ready to hit the water...but it didn't quite happen.

Derek and Casie...I loved all of the black rock.

My favorite cousin

After our beach day, we went into town and found a great little shaved ice shack. The man was overly helpful and let us sample all of the flavors that we wanted to. Afterwards, we headed home to get our snorkel gear together for a night dive/snorkel. Casie and I were pretty nervous about doing the night dive because black water is a bit scary...plus the point of the dive was to see the Manta Rays...they range from a 4 foot span up to 16 feet...a bit scary in the dark water...we decided to brave it and I am so glad that we did. It was incredible. Again, I'll have to get the underwater pictures from Scott. Here is me, Derek, Casie and Scott ready to board the boat Kona Honu Divers.

Waiting for it to get dark and for the rest of the group to show up.

A cool photo of the sun behind the clouds

A Titanic moment...

Us being cute...

Aaron, Chris and Scott listening to the instructions about our night dive.

Derek, me and Casie in our wetsuits ready to put on our masks and fins and hop into the black water...they gave us these pretty powerful underwater lights...but it was still scary.

We were able to see a couple of manta rays. They are called the gentle giants and they were so cool to see up close. They could come and spin around in circles for us. They would get within a few inches of you which made you want to scream...but it was oh so cool! Pics to come of them later. Afterwards we went downtown and ate a late dinner at Pancho and Lefty's.

Captain Cook Snorkel Thursday June 25th

On Thursday morning we headed out early to catch the Fair Wind boat to go on an all day snorkel adventure. It was about a 30 minute drive from where we were staying so getting out of the house by 8am was quite the task. Here we are waiting to board our boat. Me, Derek, Casie, Scott & Debbie
Me and Casie

We had Logan board the boat last so that we could have him take a group photo. Here is most of us ready for our snorkeling day.

My cutie cousin Casie and her husband Derek

Casie and Me

Captain Cook Island...this is where we did our amazing snorkeling. The water was so clear and there was so much to see!

Here is a picture that Casie snapped of me, Derek, and Scott in the water. We took a ton of snorkel pictures but they were on Scott's underwater camera...so I'll have to post those whenever I get them...it could be quite a while.

After we got back to the dock, we went into town for some shaved ice...again...yes that's right, we had two each in the same day. Batman and Joker were my two favorite flavors.

Then we went shopping for a bit and Scott treated me to a fun new toe ring. We also found some luau attire and a few other necessities at the shops downtown. Thursday night we found ourselves exhausted after dinner and playing a few hands of blackjack.

Hawaiian Luau Friday June 26th

Friday was my last day in Hawaii...so it was kind of sad. We started the day off with Scott's famous cinnamon toast...it was so yummy. Then we headed out to do a bit of shopping. Here is a pic of Casie and I...I am in beach attire because we were going to the beach...but it didn't pan out. We found this really cool candle shop where they make them out of pure soy wax...the cool thing about that is that it doesn't burn the black smoke...so it lets off the smell but with no mess afterwards. We all picked one up in our favorite flavor. Derek was pretending to be licking the candles and the lady behind the counter kept giving him weird looks.

Not great lighting...but me and Case at the candle store

Getting a bit of sunshine on my last day at the house

Silly Derek thought it would be soooo funny to throw me in the pool...

After soaking up our last bit of rays, we hurried and got ready for the Luau at Kona Village. I was pretty sad because I wasn't going to be able to stay for the whole luau because I had to catch my flight at 9:30 pm.

Debbie, me, Casie

Logan, Scott, Derek

Scott insisted that we all have on luau attire so we went shopping the day before...luckily we all found something that met his standards. Here is Casie and Derek

Pulling off the banana leaves so they could pull out the piggies

getting ready to put the piggies in the serving pan...it was kind of gross to see the little snout still on the pig...but it tasted great!

Casie and me ready for the luau to begin.

me and my cousin Scott Bleazard

My yummy plate of food...I especially loved the purple sweet potatoes and fresh pineapple

I had to leave the luau a bit early to catch my flight. I had an incredible time in Hawaii but was oh so glad to see my babies once I landed in Dallas. I am looking forward to next weekend with the kiddies to see how they like the 4th of July this year!

The Zoo Yet Again

So I haven't blogged in quite a while because i have been out of town. But here are some pictures that we took at the zoo the day before I went out of town. Here we are on the monorail train at the zoo...Jesse and Zach thought it was pretty cool...the rest of us got pretty hot and bored. Here we are dying in the 100+ degree weather! Fallon and Jocelyn looking in on some animals...i think the turtles

Jesse and Jocelyn at the entrance looking at the birds...can you tell how tan they are already getting and summer is just starting!!

Addison Circle Park

Yesterday we went to Addison Circle Park and the kiddies loved it. There is a bunch of little pools that the children were able to play in. The deepest one was about 2 feet and a lot of them were really shallow. They weren't too excited about running through the water spouting out of the ground...who knew? We have loved having Fallon here to help us. The twins both LOVE having her play with them.

Mom Finally Came Home

On Saturday my mom flew back to Dallas from Utah. We were so excited to have her come back home. She had been gone for about 5 weeks and we missed her so much. The twins didn't even hesitate to run up to her and jump into her arms. Here they are helping her out the door of the airport. Constantly since she has been home they are asking for grandma and they get pretty nervous when they see her leaving or near the front door.

The twins were so happy to see grandma! And to think that she was nervous that they wouldn't remember who she was.

My mom had a surprise with her. My niece Fallon flew down with her for a couple of weeks. The twins love playing with cousin Fallon.

No butts about it....

...we miss our Grandma! Here is a picture of a few of your favorite people...maybe not your favorite angle of them, but a cute one nonetheless. Booties LtoR: Madison, Jocelyn, Liam, Jesse, Kelyn, Zachary, Addison

Visiting Grandpa at Work

Yesterday we went to visit grandpa at work. The grand kiddies all love to see grandpa at work and look out of his office window. They loved to see all of the cars down below passing on the freeway. Here is my dad with 5 of his prized possessions. Jesse helping grandpa crunch the numbers

After we saw Grandpa at the office we went to McDonald's for some lunch with him. Here is Addison coming down the slide.

Liam hanging out and looking cool in his converse shoes

Three of them enjoying their lunch

Grandpa and some of his little ones.

Dad helping Addison put her shoes back on.

Arbor Hills and Chuck-E-Cheese

We went to Arbor Hills park yesterday and the kiddies all loved it. More details later. Jesse, Kelyn and Jocelyn walking along the path. Liam and Addison were in the wagon eating goldfish. J&J on the playground.

Jesse going down the slide

Kelyn ready for a fun ride

Jocelyn loved jumping off of the rocks...luckily an adult was usually by her side.

Today we played at the Mall and at Chuck-E-Cheese. Here is Joc on the horse ride.

Madison riding in the car

Jesse with Stuart Little

Liam with Bob the Builder

Jesse and his best buddy Marc playing skeeball!

More details to come later...need to get the kiddies in bed but grandma who is out of town was waiting on pictures! :)

For Kim Part 2

Addi at Chuck-E-Cheese Addi at the mall playground

Addi napping

Addi playing with puzzles at church

Enjoying breakfast

For Kimberly

This post is for my sister-in-law Kim. Well Kim, she is sleeping soundly and was pretty tired because she was falling asleep in her little push car while we were going around the block...sorry no camera during the walk so no pictures..but here are a few cute ones from today...turns out she LOVES Blue Bell...
Loves her cousin Jesse

Loves playing with water

LOVES peanut butter m&m's...don't worry she didn't eat the whole bag...I think 2 or 3 fell on the ground and I didn't let her eat those ones...

She is a great Cheese pizza eater...not so great with a cup without a lid...see her milk in the middle of the table... :)

She LOVES to swing

Aren't you glad that i didn't give her a fudgsicle??

She LOVES wheels on the bus

Most of all she LOVES mommy!

Children's Museum

This morning we went to gymnastics and then we left there with our friends to go to the Children's Museum at Fair Park. We had only been here once before and the twins loved it again this time. They actually discovered some new things that they didn't try last time and I enjoyed getting to know my friend Stephanie's parents. We all had a great time chasing after the bundle of children and they loved exploring many new things with their hands. Here is Jesse milking the cow. Marc, Jesse, and Jocelyn...maybe they will start a garage band one of these days...hopefully it will be started in Marc's garage not ours. :)

Jocelyn really enjoyed these magnetic gears on the wall. She enjoying moving them around and watching them spin.

Here is Jesse and his best buddy Marc. They had on some smocks to help keep them dry...but they still ended up pretty wet.

Here is Stephanie's mom with Jocelyn. Her mom was teaching Jocelyn about the different colors and how to see the translucent liquid in them with the light.

Little Abby is such a good natured little bug. She was all smiles the whole time during gymnastics and the museum.

Here is a fun little sand play area that we didn't discover last time. Jesse really liked rolling the trucks in the sand and seeing the tracks it would leave.

Marc and Jocelyn are working together to load up the back of the dump truck with sand. We loved spending our morning and afternoon with good friends. We are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my sister Michelle and her two children who will be here for a few days.

Rain & First Bubble Bath

This morning we had quite the rainstorm and the twins were pretty excited to put on their rain boots. I put on their raincoats and gave them their umbrellas and was ready to snap some cute pictures them in the rain. Turns out they were too scared to leave the front porch...maybe they will be a bit more brave next time it rains. Tonight when the twins took their bath I added some bubbles. This was their first bubble bath...crazy I know. Jocelyn was very leery about the bubbles at first and wanted out of the tub. Once she saw Jesse playing with them, she got back in the tub and started to play as well. Sorry for the little baby booties you are about to see. Jocelyn playing in the tub.
Jesse

The two cutest little booties this side of the border

Feeding the Ducks

This afternoon we went to see our dear friends the Semones' and after we visited with them for a while we took the twins to go feed the ducks. Jesse and Jocelyn love feeding the ducks and this time they did a really great job of tearing up the bread into tiny pieces to make it last longer. During some of our prior visits they would chuck an entire piece of bread in at a time...thus making the feedings much quicker. The weather was so nice today and it was fun to let them explore the pond area and feed the ducks for about 2 hours this afternoon. Here is a picture of Jesse and Jocelyn holding hands while heading down to the water. Jesse boy

Jocelyn

Jesse feeding the ducks

Jocelyn running

We had a great time feeding the ducks and it made for a very enjoyable Sunday activity.