Highlights of May...now that it is almost July!

The Family Garden

We have always enjoyed planting a small garden... but after moving into our condo space got a little too tight. I did plant a bit last year, but got a scolding from the HOA president :) So this year we combined with Tino's sister and planted a great big family garden in her backyard.

It really does feel so good to work outside in the dirt. I'm sure those of you with yards wish for a break...but for us with no yard, it was great fun. I am excited for the kids to work along side us and reap the bounty (I hope) that is already growing. Thanks Sondra for sharing your yard!

Our California May Get-away!

A tuckered out Zach and Samara share a horsey ride on Balboa Island.


We Never miss a chance to ride the Balboa Island Ferry, it is part of our family history, and just a fun slow ride.

A sister picture... minus one. Carrie, Amelia, and me.

The girls getting up close with a sea lion on the beach. The extra child?... That is Luana Eliaba, We got to see Jolene on this trip as well!

A better view of Nani, Kea, Luana, and Samara's head.

May Birthdays...

A Birthday Party for Austin at the house that we use to live and work at, the Alpine House.

Nothing makes a kid smile like cake and icecream!

Kea's new closed mouth smile...

And we had a birthday girl of our own! Samara is now a big 2 year old. She is s much fun, and just makes us smile with her words and ways...Nothing like a 2 year old!

April Antics

Always a fun month, April brought us warmth, Nani's dance recital, Easter Holiday fun, and family time with the Havea's and Grammy.

We bought the girl's matching hawaiian dresses on our trip and they looked so adorable I wanted to take a picture... 13 shots later, and literally CHASING the girls around the house, I threw them on the floor and captured some of the sweetest, sincere smiles ever. Love it!

NANI'S TAHITIAN DANCE RECITAL

Nani joined a Tahitian dance class led by my friend from BYUH, Gaylene, a sweet and talented woman. They held their recital on the Saturday befor Easter, and they did so well. The girls are ages 5-11, and are some of the prettiest girls I have ever seen!

The little ones... Pisila, Lupe, and Nani.

It was real fun as a mom to see my little girl dressed up so beautifully. As a BYUH alumni, I could just see the future... my little girl dancing at the PCC and such...

Pisila and Nani, buddies from preschool 07-08.

Nani girl! (Nani means beautiful in hawaiian) We were especially proud of Nani this day, as she overcame her fear of performing infront of people, and actually did it happily!

Nani, Kea, and Mela following Nani's performance.

Everyone wants to be like Nani now!

EASTER TIME!!!

An all-time favorite, dying eggs! I did let Samara in on the fun as well... she colored one egg, spilled the yellow dye, crumbled up three hard-boiled eggs, and declared herself DONE.

Cup stacking with cousin Dallin after the easter egg hunt.

FARM TRIP WITH HAVEA COUSINS

Dallin was very brave about feeding the goats... but wasn't too keen on goat drool.

Cow-girl Kea.

Tino, Drason, Samara, Nani, and Dallin

Samara on the pony with her handsome helper.

Nani always likes the biggest horse on the carousel.

It took him a bit, but Drason got to feed the goats as well, with a little coaching from Nani!

Dallin's horse looks a bit tired hmm?

Haha... this one just makes me laugh.

Drason was fun to watch... you could sense he was a bit scared about riding the horses... but he wouldn't let on to it. He sat there telling himself and others that he wasn't scared, and was real excited about it. I was impressed, I wish I could coach myself through my fears like he could!

This is just a personal addition... look familiar to any of you?!?!

Mom came at the end of April for Women's Conference at BYU. I got to go with her, and was really rejuvinated by the spirit, girl-time, and the uplifting talks. The girl's love their Grammy,and enjoyed the time they had with her. Samara loves her Grammy too, but cracks me up as each time she sees her she says "Where Papa?"

Our stay at the CRIP-INN

If you asked my girls, 'the happiest place on earth' is not Disneyland, but California. They love to visit their Grammy and Papa, the Olsingchs, and the Southwicks. Go ahead... try and spot a picture where they aren't happy...

A night in the Spa, just me and the girls. We sent Tino back to Utah, while we stayed and played for a bit.

Disneyland has Mickey Mouse, Crippenland has Autumn Cat. She is very popular with all my girls.


Samara LOVES animals... but she is VERY afraid to touch them. She really wants to, but her fear often stops her. Well here she is being BRAVE!




Samara stealing all of Papa's Broccoli... she loves that stuff!

Grammy and Nani baking a treat for Daddy

My little nephew Dallin... what a cute little guy!

Our BIG FHE at the Southwick home

Rockin' out after FHE... I am giving my father a warning " You better be dancing too!"





Papa's truck, one of the attractions of Crippenland.

Grammy and Papa Crippen and their Island grandbabies.

My favorite spot in the world... the porch swing outside my childhood home.

Smoothies at Grammy's Place. Samara is a counter sitter. It allows me to get stuff done, while keeping track of this little one.



Our grown -up time, I think it started after 10:30 pm, and lasted into the early morning! We ate junk food, played a game that accountants like ;), and talked the night away. Good times!