Hauntings 2009

I think I was most excited for Halloween this year. Being home was probably the main factor in my excitement {that's obviously an understatement}. I found this onsie and it made me think of a little strawberry. With Connor's generous consent in lending us his beanie (knitted by my aunt)--we added some felt details and voila! She's a sweetie! I thought I'd be clever and be some grapes. Corey didn't want to be a fruit--so he was nice to throw on the carrot costume for me. :) Thanks Corey. I probably took at least ten pictures of the "Elsie" jack-o-lantern carved by Mimi Crowell. We found it all lit up as we walked up to the Crowell's door. It was wonderful to trick-or-treat to our grandparents' homes and share the Hallow's Eve with family! Happy Haunting!

Miss Elsie Jayne turns 1

It is hard to believe Elsie was born a year ago! Elsie is nothing but smiles. She's really easy-going and LOVES to be around people. It's often hard to go down for naps because there is just so much to see and be a part of. It's amazing how this little soul can bring so much joy and purpose into our lives. How we love you, Elsie Jayne.

Our Hmoob {Hmong} Missionary

California Fresno Hmong-Speaking Mission here we come!

From Summerings

Kyle left for the MTC on August 19th and just flew to Fresno, CA last Wednesday. He called the day he left for the state and it was incredible to hear him speak Hmong! We also heard from him yesterday through an email saying he LOVES his area. He says the Hmong people are some of the sweetest, most genuine people. The Hmong language has 8 tones, so the First Vision Lesson kind of sounds like a song. I really am amazed at how fast Kyle has learned the language. There is no doubt an extra ability--aided by the Spirit--is pronounced upon those missionaries called by the Lord to share the message of his gospel to all the world.
We love you Kyle!

Island Park

This is the first time in a long while Corey and I were able to go up to Island Park with Corey's family. We love it up there. It's so quite and beautiful. There's nothing like eating, playing some golf, and just talking all together.

SuMMeRinGs

Well, Summer flew by. Obviously. Here it is November and I'm posting about summer events! My parents were so sweet to host a family birthday gathering for my 25th birthday. The trifle was DELICIOUS! It was nice to finally be home for the 4th--one of my very favorite holidays. What would the day be like without running the Riverdale 5k, having a BBQ with family, and watching parades & fireworks all together! Ben and Kendra came to town and introduced us to darling Graham--the cutest little guy with the biggest blue eyes I've ever seen. It was sure nice to be home with family and have some good times.

Five & Forever

Corey always sweeps me off my feet! This time he took me to Hawaii in celebration of our 5th Anniversary! Maui was our first stop. Corey's aunt and uncle who live on the island treated us like kings! Hiking, snorkeling, and biking down a volcano were a few highlights of our stay on Maui. We ate at one of the most DELICIOUS restaurants--Mama's Fish House. Highly recommend it. For dessert: Banana-crisp with a macadamia crust--Oh so tasty. :)
One short flight hopped us over to Oahu where we paid tribute to the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor. We made our way to the North Shore and stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort--another strong recommendation. This resort is equipped with almost EVERYTHING--plus, it is so close to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), Waimea Falls, and the North Shore beaches. It is also very close to the Laie Temple--we wanted to do a session, but found it was closed for remodeling--it will look so beautiful when it's all complete. Corey and I agreed the PCC is a MUST. We wish we would have had more time to explore each of the islands.
Corey has taken me on adventure after adventure since we've been married. He is the best travel friend you could ever have. I NEVER have to worry about directions, hotel stays, or lost keys with Corey around. Hopefully more of the thoughtful, selfless, and optimistic Corey will rub off on me throughout the years. Happy 5th!

A Visit to Nauvoo

One of our visits on the way home from Boston was Nauvoo. It had been a while since I'd been and Corey'd never had a chance to visit the beautiful city. We decided to take turns watching Miss E so we each could participate in a temple session. The Nauvoo temple is one of the most beautiful temples I've ever been through. We felt very comfortable in Nauvoo and felt such a strong spirit of testimony of the early saints. The Trail of Hope left both Corey and me without words. We have decided this will not be the last time we visit Nauvoo.