Back from Paradise!!

What a vacation! We returned yesterday from the Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. It was amazing! The secret is not yet out about Dominican Republic, so it wasn't as "touristy" as Cancun.
This was our view from the water. We spent everyday at the beach laying in the sun or under our little thatched umbrellas. The weather was perfect, sunny with even a cool breeze. The water was refreshing...not too hot...not too cool!We had a great time with our friends the Elliotts from Colorado. We went to dinner at a place called "Passion" this night. We had lobster tail, salmon, and Eric even ate escargo!!

What a vacation!!

(Thanks Southern Living at HOME for picking up the bill!!)

Adios! Leaving for home...this was the airport in Punta Cana.

Packing, packing, packing.....

Well, it's only 67 hours until Eric and I fly off to the Dominican Republic!

I have earned, (not won:) ) a free trip for Eric and I to the all-inclusive Paradisus Palma Real Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

www.paradisuspalmareal.travel/

(I truly do love this about my job. This is my 9th free trip! )

Of course, when the two of us get to get away...we leave behind 4 boys! This means...packing, packing, packing. The boys are headed to grandma and grampas. It's amazing how much you have to pack! Clothes, Food, Medicines, Toys...I think we may have to rent a U-Haul to get everything over there!!

Then there is us...well...I guess you could say me...3 outfits a day...shoes to go with the outfits...just in case outfits...swimsuits...oh, and not to mention the 10 lbs of magazines, books, and sudoku that I have to bring! It'll be a miracle if I can fit it all into 2 suitcases, and not get charged extra for the weight!

(Please tell me that I am not the only one who packs like this!!)

It'll all be worth it though...when we're sitting on the beach...with a nice cold drink...and no bill at the end of the vacation! :)

Bon Voyage!!!

Celebrating Georgia!

It's a GIRL!!!

After 7 boys in the family, my sister-in-law Sara, is due with a precious (soon-to-be very spoiled...and loved) baby girl!!

April and I threw her shower last night, and it was so much fun! (Did you notice our matching shirts?) We were not sure about having the shower on a Thursday night, but we had over 20 people! She was so surrounded with love...and pink! :)

The colors of the shower were pink and brown...the colors of her nursery. The favors I did with pink and white polka dot boxes, brown ribbon, and a polka dot label that said..."Sweet as a Peach...Georgia Karlson". Inside was peach flavored jelly bellys.

Yummy Cakes!!

The cake that looked beautiful, and tasted amazing!!

Sara's shower cake was done by Stacie Mueller. Her cake business is called Whimsy Cakes. She has done 2 cakes for me, and I've been so happy with her!

She has a ton of flavors. The shower cake was a tropical cake, with pineapple cheesecake filling! The boys cake was chocolate and whipped peanut butter...AMAZING!!

If you are wanting a special occasion cake...she's your girl.

Whimsy Cakes by Stacie Mueller

(559) 903-3907

whimsycakes@hotmail.com

http://www.selfservebaker.com/whimsycakes

Here is a picture of Colton and Zack's cake from their Lazer Quest party.

Memories

Today was a bittersweet day. 18 years ago today, Eric picked me up from work, and took me to Tice park. We climbed up the swirly slide, and he asked me to be his girlfriend. He also told me, that he was going to marry me, and 3 years later, took me to that exact spot and proposed. I still in love with my highschool sweetheart! (I was only 15!) It's hard to believe that I have spent over 1/2 my life with my best friend & love of my life!!

(Yes, that is Eric and me!)


Today, 18 years later, we buried our friend Tanya. After struggling with cancer, Tanya passed away on the 4th of July. After, what had to be one of the hardest days of my life, all I have left are memories to treasure. We will miss you, and love you Tanya Knee. Thanks for the friendship and the memories. You will be in our hearts forever. Live, Laugh, Love, TK.

Bye-Bye Curls!

Well, Dawson is now 19 1/2 mos, and it was about time for his first hair cut. (Although I loved the curls!!!) We set up "shop" where I cut all the big boys hair, and got ready. He was pretty good through most of the haircut. Afterwards he kept looking at himself in the mirror. We then spiked it up like his brothers, and immediately became a "big boy"! It's so strange to see this little boy walking around instead of a baby. Bye Bye curls!! Hello big boy!

Fireworks at the Shaver

We had a great time Saturday up on the Karlson's boat! I was a little scared, having 6 little boys on one boat, but everyone had a blast, and was safe! Sara decorated the boat with a patriotic flag banner (cloth of course...no plastic:) ), and we were in the boat parade. They also broke out the 3 man tube. What fun! I even tried it, Eric K tried to knock me off...maybe next time EK! :) At dark, they shot fireworks over the lake. So much fun! Thanks Karlsons!!

"Supremium" Superior Dairy Ice Cream Treat!

Ice Cream, Ice Cream...we all scream for Ice Cream! Eric needed to take a trip to Hanford, so what excuse to get Superior Dairy! (Or Supremium Dairy, as Zac calls it) We loaded all the kiddos, plus grandma and Aunt Pam, and headed for ice cream! I just love this place. Not only is the ice cream the best...it is a real ice cream parlor. It feels as if you've stepped back into the 60's! The boys had to get the S.O.S which has about 3 lbs. of ice cream, every sauce, whip cream, nuts, and 3 cherries! We also got a 4 scoop sundae with rocky road (the best!) cookies and cream, chocolate chip, and vanilla topped with caramel, hot fudge, whip cream and a cherry! (Can you say insulin overload?!?!) Obviously, none of us finished. I'm sure we all gained a couple of pounds...but it was fun!!