Moab

We spent the last weekend of Spring Break in Moab, Utah. Brian ran the Moab Half Marathon with our friends Krista and Stephen and I ran the 5-mile race earlier that morning. The weather was perfect for running and the scenery was breathtaking. The course ran along the Colorado River and ended in town. We enjoyed a hike down Millcreek Canyon and the kids loved playing in the pool at my brother's house. Spring hadn't arrived in Moab and the trees were still in their winter phase, but it is always refreshing being down in the desert, whatever the season.

The kids love desert hiking, Maggie was up ahead and missed out on the photo op.

Hiking in Millcreek Canyon with my brother and Dad

Nicholas enjoyed the Baby Bjorn and the hike

Beavers are a big problem at the river, they dam the river with logs and make a mess of the trees

Spring Break in Review

Because the kids have two weeks of Spring Break in early March we decided to take our family vacation early this year and enjoy being home this summer when the weather is pleasant and warm.

We took the kids to Oahu for a week and explored a few unique places. We took the kids to Pearl Harbor and out to see the USS Arizona Memorial. My grandfather Fitzgerald lost his cousin K.B. Fitzgerald on the Arizona on December 7, 1941...the memorial has always been a solemn place for me and there is a special spirit there. Before we left, the kids were able to learn about Pearl Harbor and the attack and what this meant for our country. Oil still leaks from the Arizona and is called the "Black Tears" of the soldiers. I think the kids felt the uniqueness of this place.

The kids enjoyed snorkeling, playing on the beach, and exploring the little lagoon. They loved snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, eating at Roy's and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. The performance, The Breath of Life at the PCC was one of the highlights of their trip...Sam and Maggie loved the fire dancers especially.

Sam found this sea slug on the rocks, he eventually let him go.

Maggie is such a fun, big sister.

Baptism and Birthday

Not very many people can say that they were baptized on their birthday, but Samuel can. Sam enjoyed a perfect baptism day and birthday. I have no greater joy then to see that my children walk in light and truth. I have always liked that scripture and it definitely rings true when I see my children grow and learn and progress in the gospel.

Before Sam's Baptism

After the Baptism

#8 Cookies

Sam's Baptism

Plans for the week: Sam's birthday party on Friday and baptism on Saturday! We are gearing up for a busy and special weekend.

I am coming back...

I'm coming back...give me a few days...
For now, here's a sixth month photo (one month ago) of Nicholas and a 3 year old photo of Sadie. Right now, Sadie is sitting on my lap as I type. Cool, Spring rain falls outside from gray clouds. Upstairs, Nicholas cries in his crib to tell me he's awake. My stomach is growling, my hair isn't done, my laundry sits in piles.