Empire Experience

I had a great week. It started with a sweet night in the city. Our friend Shannon Aldrich (in the pink), and her family got moved to Hawaii and we went to the city to have a farewell night to her. It started at a deliciously overpriced restaurant named Islero. We then walked over to Serendipity ( famous for their Frozen Hot Chocolate) where they all had delicious desserts and I partook in a tasteless herbal tea (I'm doing no sugar, don't ask. Marie we have to talk). We then decided to do the Empire State building. Anything goes when you don't have kids. It was amazing...the view is breathtaking. I love Manhattan!! It was a spontaneous night which led us to catch the 1:30 a.m ferry.

A Week Worth Blogging About

We had a funfilled adventure in upstate New York. It started with all the Church historical sites in Palmyra and ended at Niagara Falls. We had 4 funpacked days. I am so grateful to have seen all the sites where the restoration of the Church began. It strengthened my testimony so much more. I loved every bit of it and learned so much. Thank You Mike and Shirlene for sponsoring our trip, it was an unforgettable one!

Ian's favorite part of Niagara was the rainbows.
The Horseshoe falls of Niagara.
Getting ready to board the boat. Thank heavens for the ponchos.
Atop the Hill Cumorah.

Colton kicking it on Alvin Smith's grave.

Peter Whitmer's house where the organization of the Church took place.
Desk where some of the translation of the plates happened.


E.B. Grandin press where the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were printed.


The log home which the Smith family lived in.
This would be the room that Joseph Smith had his first visit by the Angel Moroni.

This, besides the Sacred Groves, was one of my favorite sites.

This is the home Alvin Smith began building for his family. He dies before it was finished. Joseph Smith at one point kept the plates hidden in this house.
It was really special, as soon as we started walking through the Sacred Groves Ian kept shushing us. He almost knew it was a place to be reverent.
Two cute boys loving being outdoors.

Guess Who's Walking?

Colton is finally walking. He started walking a few weeks ago when he found his black patent leather church loafers in the closet and insisted on me putting them on. As soon as I did he stood up and walked several steps. He's then been walking here and there, mostly when Taylor and I bribed him with fruit snacks. This last week he proclaimed himself a walker after getting up each time he fell. Now, it's only walking and he's doing a pretty good job.

My Big Kid

We are continuing to enjoy nice weather. After the longest, coldest winter I have ever experienced, I am definately realizing I am a warm weather kind of girl. I love seeing the change of seasons, but it definately doesn't compare to enjoying blistering hot days in Arizona. I took this picture of Ian as we were loading up to go to preschool, and as I was walking behind him I realized how big he's getting. He is such a good kid, and so sweet. He is the best brother to Colton... you could see they really just have a good time together.

Abbey's Birthday Shout Out

Happy Birthday Abbey! Hope you had a great day. Thanks for being such a good cousin and friend to Ian and Colton. Can't wait to see you!

One of the Many Reasons I Love Colton

Instead of being whiney and crankey until I figured out what the matter is, Colton is a problem solver. He doesn't wait around for things that he is perfectly capable of doing himself. In this case, Mom was reading a book, and he just helped himself to some milk. Luckily, it's the whole milk that only he drinks so everyone was happy. He is a very independent 14 month old. Back to that book thing, is anybody else on board that it will be revealed that Bella is a werewolf?

Spring Has Sprung

We're so happy that the weather is finally above 55. This particular day was actually like 70. The boys had so much fun being outdoors and enjoying the nice weather. It has been a long winter for us. We are thrilled that Spring has arrived.