Making Memories Manis Style

Seattle trip

2011-04-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

We decided spur of the moment, that we needed to take a little getaway trip. So we choose to take the kids to the Seattle Aquarium. We were able to stay with some family friends and saved money on not having to pay for a pricey hotel :) We just visited the water on Camano Island where I used to live and the kids absolutely loved it. It is pretty cold still, but they didn't seem to mind at all. We also enjoyed some fantastic Italian food at Jimmy's Pizza and Pasta. It was so delicious! It's nice living close enough to be able to take a trip like that, even if it is a long drive with kids. It made us feel a little more at ease when taking the kids for a long car ride. We even stopped at Miners and had burgers on the way home. That always makes a trip worthwile :)

This man....

2011-02-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

This post is a very simple one. I love this man. I love him more and more every day. I love the silly imperfections of him and the way he smiles. I love that he has no rhythm while dancing. I love the way that he tells me everything will work out on days when I am worried. I love that he is kind and thoughtful. I love that he is honest and true. I love that he loves me unconditionally. I love that he is a great dad. I love that he washed years of pain and loneliness away from me. I love his hugs and kisses. But most of all, I love HIM.

Thank you for giving me the best 2 years of my life...

What a great way to start the new year!

2011-01-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

January 1st turned out to be the start of a wonderful year for our family. Kiley was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. We were so grateful to have almost all of our family there present for her special day. We even got to celebrate at Fiesta afterwards.

I am so proud of Kiley's choice to be baptized and confirmed. I just can't believe that she is so old, or that I am so old either ;) I remember when she was born and how far away 8 years seemed. It just proves to me that every day is new and that life goes by so very quickly and we should treasure each moment that we have here in this life. I hope that I can be more diligent about doing that this year. Hope everyone else enjoys a great 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Christmas Fun

2010-12-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

The kids went to Toys R Us and got to visit Santa today. I wasn't sure how Aiden would act towards Santa, but he just stared and babbled, no crying this year. The kids had fun, they decorated gingerbread men and got their picture taken with Santa. They also got to meet Geoffrey the Giraffe. He was even better than Santa! At least I thought so :)

Christmas is coming.....

2010-11-30T20:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, Thanksgiving has come and gone! We have been busy chasing after kids and preparing for the Christmas holiday. Daren has definitely had some health challenges with his ankle and we pray that he will find some relief soon. Our family has so many blessings to be grateful for and even though we struggle we know we always have each other. We are so excited for all the new arrivals coming to our extended family members! Girls, girls and more GIRLS :) New babies to love are always welcome.

The snow has definitely arrived. We look forward to warm nights and lots of cocoa this winter. We hope that everyone has a Very Merry Christmas!

There is beauty all around when.......

2010-11-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is amazing how fast the days are flying by. Before we know it the year will have come and gone. It just makes me want to pause for a moment and take it all in. My goal is to enjoy all the "little moments" and not take them for granted. I know too soon all the craziness of having young children will pass by. I want to be able to look back and laugh and cry and remember happy times with an amazing husband and children who never stop touching my heart.

Pre Halloween Fun!

2010-10-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

The kids recently went to our old ward's Halloween party. They were all super excited (except for Aiden) to dress up in their costumes. We had a good time and they had way too much sugar. But it was an enjoyable evening :)

Love that guy!

2010-08-17T21:55:00.001-07:00

Aiden is so funny and cute, we just love him!

Little Kids Gym

2010-08-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Today we dropped by "The Little Kids Gym" for some fun. It is basically a huge complex with mats, trampolines, balance beams, rings, climbing wall and soft "pit", tons of toys and a huge bouncy house. This is a great place to let the kids loose and really get their energy out (mommy likes this :). As you can see, everybody really had a great time.

A Wake-Up Story, by Healthy Child Healthy World

2010-07-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

A Wake-Up Story, by Healthy Child Healthy World

Summer Fun

2010-07-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

Summer is just flying by and before we know it Fall will be arriving. We have really enjoyed getting our Family Time in. The kids have loved their swimming lessons and their teachers, they have learned and improved so much this year. Kiley lives for the water and has mastered the diving board and slide. Ethan enjoys playing with the pool toys and fake bugs some of the other kids bring. The little guy enjoys hanging in the shade and taking in the view. He is growing up so fast and he can't wait to catch up with the others.