Seaside

Our weekend in Seaside was a lot of fun. The first day we got there, the town was overcast and the beach was covered in a blanket of fog. Even though it was cold, the kids had a great time exploring the shore. I love this picture of little Ella facing the ocean.

Ethan and I were excited to go crab hunting, unfortunately we didn't see a live crab but Ethan was just as happy with fragments and empty shells.


Our hotel was walking distance to the beach. We had two balconies with beautiful views. We could hear live music being played from the pier.



We just happened to be in Seaside the same weekend as "Bike Week" so there was a lot of activity around town, which made the atmosphere even better.
There were some great places to shop, but with the kids we didn't have time to really dive in. I was hoping to get myself some leather chaps- maybe next time.


Look at the adorable lamps! Teapots and teacups- they are so unique.

We had a good time on the river in the paddle boats. As you can see, the sun came out and the weather was great.




For dinner we decided to skip the restaurant scene and have a bonfire on the beach and roast hot dogs and make smores. It was one of the best memories our little family has made together. We had a perfect night, bundling up next to the warm fire, feeding the seagulls and then watching the kids play and splash in the ocean.





My cup runneth over.

Seaside Pictures

Here is a sneak peek of pictures that I took of my friend's family at Seaside.

New Camera

Kent bought me a new camera that I already LOVE LOVE LOVE. I just got it two days ago and I am off to Seaside to take pictures for a friend of mine. I had to get outside and take some test shots. Thanks, Ella for letting me use you (not that she had a choice)! We didn't have much time, and Ella wasn't really "feelin' it" but here are a couple cuties

Dr. Kent Copeland, D.M.D. Partner

I had to borrow a friend's camera for this special event so I am still waiting for pictures. I couldn't wait any longer to post the great news that Kent is now officially a partner at Community Dental Care. He has been working very hard over the past two years and July 1st it paid off. I was able to be there at the signing meeting to see all the paperwork and hear about all the items that had to be in order to make this happen. I am so proud of Kent and happy that another one of his goals has been accomplished. We feel very blessed to have this opportunity and thankful for the hard work that Kent has done to be where we are today.

4th of July

On the 4th of July we were invited to our Bishop's house for a BBQ by his lovely wife Jeanie. She is one of the most gracious, beautiful, and classy women I have ever met. I love spending time with her and getting to know her better. The decorations were amazing and the food was delicious. We had so much fun spending the afternoon in their backyard with them. Later that evening, our ward rented out the city pool so we went swimming. After that, we went up to Gary and Katie Martin's house for our own little firework show. It was a great day.

Orphan Ella

Last week, I left the kids with a sitter. Ella was still asleep when I left so the babysitter was left with the task of dressing her for the day. When I got home, this is the adorable fiasco of an outfit they had managed to pick out. I'm still deciding what part is my favorite, the bows that look like they were put in while Ella was making a run for it, or the tights (with a hole in the toe) under her jelly shoes.

Birthday Girls

Last week Ella and I celebrated our birthdays together. I was surprised by my dear friends with a morning brunch in my honor. It was beautiful and wonderful. I didn't have a memory card with me so the pictures are on a friend's camera. I will post those pictures when I get them. After the brunch, Renae and Reagran helped me ALL DAY LONG to get ready for Ella's "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" birthday soiree. I was so excited to set up a canopy and have a princess dinner under it with diamonds and butterflies everywhere. Well, my luck would have it that the wind picked up as we were all sitting around the table. For awhile we sat comfortably underneath as the walls of the canopy were rocking. Next thing we knew, the canopy caught flight and flew up and over, hitting my friend in the back of the head before hitting the fence. So we scrambled to get paper plates, cups, food, etc. inside before the wind took off with it. As some were singing songs with the kids, others brought the party into the very unprepared house. We made the most of it, but it was nothing like I had been planning and dreaming about all month. Oh well. I did get ONE picture of the canopy before it blew away.



The very talented Renae helped me make this Barbie cake. I'm so glad she was there to help me with that (mostly I watched...oops).

There were mini barbie cakes for each of the guests to decorate her dress with sprinkles and candies. Don't judge- I know they are not the most attractive of dolls... get over it.

Erin helped me make these headbands to give each one of the girls to wear to the party.

At their place setting, the girls got a mirror with their names on the back of it.

While the mom's got personalized compact mirrors.

On the way out the door each little princess went home with a notepad and pens.

And each Queen (mom) went home with one of these bracelets.

Suncadia

Kent and I went with some friends, Kathy and Jory, to a mountain resort to celebrate my birthday and Jory's birthday- we are only two days apart. We had a wonderful time taking in the view. I fell in love with it there. I decided that is where I want to have Ella's wedding weekend and reception. The whole family will have a weekend full of activities and then a beautiful reception at sunset. I hope Ella is okay with that. :)





We rented mopeds and took a nice ride through the trails. The view was gorgeous and we couldn't have ordered better weather.