Spring Breakn = Tons of Fun!!

Bryant and the Kids
Madi posing at the entrance sign

Maya had to pose too!

Me and Bryant - Max took the picture

Not quite too sure about Max's pose but oh well!

Whole family at the sign!

Kids at the sign

In a cool tree! It was so tons of fun!

For Spring break this year, we went up to the Grand Canyon. I have lived in AZ for 17 years and have never been there. It was a lot of fun and the kids loved it. Madi took over 100 pictures on her camera and decided that she wanted to be a photographer. We hiked 2 miles along the rim and saw people down at the bottom and the kids could not believe that people could go down inside it. We spent 2 nights in Flagstaff and enjoyed the cold weather and the snow on the ground!

Lehi Rodeo Days

The last Saturday - Kari, Madi and Maya (Max was at a birthday party and Bryant was at work) went to the Lehi Rodeo Days. The girls and I watched boys ride calves, ate cotton candy (yummy) and Madi and Maya rode horses. We had a great time. It was the first time for Madi and Maya on a horse. They did a great job! We can't wait for it next year!

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Me and bread

I have always enjoyed eating fresh from the oven homemade bread. I was spoiled growing up with my mom making cinnamon raisin bread, white and wheat bread. I loved it and to me it is one of the simple pleasures in life to truly enjoy.

Having said that, I have had a challenge making bread by myself. I have been told, well maybe you are not a baker and other assorted things. But I kept trying different recipes with the hope that one would turn out fluffy and delicious and light. I had friends give me a recipe and tell me that it always works for them. Well, not for me.

Well, that all changed last week. I borrowed a fantastic wheat grinder from my friend and I tried the latest bread recipe from my other friend. I waited to see if the bread would rise - and it started to and then kept going until I cooked it and it came out perfect!!!

I wish that I would have taken a picture to document this momentous occasion - but I was too excited to eat fresh bread. Maybe next time!

This may not seem like an exciting piece of news to some but to me - this is huge! Thanks to Traci for the recipe that finally worked for me!

The Last time of...

As Maya gets older, I am beginning to realize that now I will have more last times of certain things. Some make me very happy - the last time I will change a poopy diaper, or the last time that I will be pregnant. But others make me kinda of sad because it means that my kids are needing me as much any more or in the future.

Yesterday was one of the last times which made me a little sad. Maya has been riding her bike like a maniac with training wheels. She really does not need them but until yesterday, didn't want them off. But yesterday, her and I took them off and away she went. I didn't have to run after her holding on the bike, like I had to do with Madi or Max. She is the youngest which in some sense has made her the most independent or the one to grow up quicker so that she can keep up with Madi and Max.

So, Here are a few pictures of her crusing around with no training wheels.

Disney Pictures!

Bryant and the kids outside of Cinderall Castle! All decorated for Christmas- so pretty!

Kari, Maya and Madi on Tea Cups

Max and Bryant on the Tea Cups! Max loved these!

Mickey's Toon Town

Dumbo

It's A Small World - our first ride

Outside of the Park - So excited to go in!

Way far behind!

Things have been crazy and I need to get December posted on the blog. This post, I will tell what happened and the next one will be pictures.

On Wednesday, December 16th, we picked our kids up at school at lunchtime and told them that we were going somewhere. They had no idea where we were going. They guessed Chucky Cheese, Gameworks, the Wolfley's and they were all wrong guesses.

Bryant and I started giving them clues and it wasn't until we were in Tonopah that Maya guessed where we were going -- DISNEYLAND!!!! We had always told them that when Maya was 5 we would be able to go.

We drove over the CA on Wednesday and got to our hotel - which was right across the street from Disneyland. We were able to see the fireworks show that night from our hotel. It was AWESOME.

On Thursday the 17th, we were up bright and early and were ready to go to be park. We got through the gates at about 7:30 am and the kids were so excited. We went on a ton of rides that day, saw the Christmas Parade, ride more rides and had a total blast! We were really tired that night but Bryant and Max watched the fireworks again from the Hotel.

Friday, we were a little tired but still excited to go. We went on a few of our favorite rides from Thursday and then went over to California Adventure. We LOVED the Toy Story Midway Mania. It was a blast and we also loved going on the "tour" of the tortilla Factory - fresh, warm tortillas. Yummy!

At 2:30 we left Disney and began our drive home. After long traffic lines, a major accident near Blythe and near Quartzsite. We got home around 11:30 pm - Totally exhausted but still smiling after the best 2 days of our family's life.

The kids did great. They did not complain about all of the walking, waiting in lines and more walking.

Bryant and I are so glad that we surprised them, it is a memory that we all will have forever!

Pictures on the next post!

The rest of the Christmas Season flew by and we had lots of family time. Making Gingerbread houses, Christmas Eve at the Rapiers and Christmas Dinner at our home! We love Christmas!

My Amazing Husband

Max and Santa

I have always known that I am married to the most amazing guy. But yesterday, I was reminded of how amazing he is. We were in need of a Santa Claus for our primary party and Bryant came through with flying colors. He is someone who has an issue with germs due to his job but he sat there, Ho ho ho'ed for the primary kids and made quite a few jokes!

Maya and Santa - she thought it was great that it was Bryant. She didn't realize it was him until she got up there.

Madi and Santa! My only sad thing is that I did not get a picture with Santa!

Thanks Bryant - I owe you big time!!!! I love you