Spring Break in Panama City, Florida

 We just got home from a wonderful Spring Break to Florida. We LOVE the beaches in Florida and this trip was awesome. We left Saturday morning and drove about 10 hours to Montgomery, Alabama. Then on Sunday we drove the remaining 3 hours to Panama City, Florida. We got in around lunchtime and immediately found a place to eat. 

We decided to eat at "Pineapple Willy's" and it was yummy. Both Tucker and Bailey ordered fried shrimp po-boys and they were massive. Shockingly, both kids actually finished them as well. I couldn't believe it. They were so big!

After lunch we decided to head to our resort. We used our Bluegreen points to stay at "Bayside Resort & Spa" and it was so nice. We were a little too early to check in so we went straight to the private beach and played until our unit was ready. Around 3 pm we were able to check into our room and get unpacked. Then Chris ran to Wal-Mart to pickup our grocery order. Our unit at Bayside had a full kitchen and it was so nice. We saved so much money by eating most of our meals in our room and not eating out. 

When Chris got home we unloaded groceries and I quickly put together dinner. Then we changed and walked down to the beach. I couldn't get over how beautiful the sunset was each evening. It was such a treat each night to see the beautiful sunset over the ocean. 

The kids happily played in the sand and relaxed until it was dark. Tucker and Benson worked together to make a sand chair for Bailey. They were so determined to create it and Bailey humored them by sitting on her little throne for a bit. 

 

Then we walked back to our room. We took showers and then everyone snacked on their own individual pint of ice cream. This was a big treat because we don't usually let everyone have their own but I decided it was okay this one time- since we were on Spring Break. 

Monday morning found us sleeping in and snuggling up because it was rainy and overcast. So we had a lazy morning. Chris made a yummy breakfast and we played for a bit around the resort. We had a short break in the rain and the little boys desperately wanted to go to the playground. So we went over there for a bit. They had a great time playing together and making up different obstacles for each other. 

Then we went back to our room for lunch. We watched a movie and ate grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Then the sun decided to come out and we made a break for the beach. We drove over to "St. Andrews State Park" and while Dad and Tanner explored the jetty, the rest of the kids and I played in the sand. Tucker and Benson even got into the water.

The sky was so pretty because of the incoming storm. It was like an ombre effect going from blue to green. It was gorgeous. 

After playing for a couple of hours, rain moved in really quickly and we all got caught in it. We ran back to our van but we were soaked. We couldn't help but laugh as we looked at each other. We looked like drenched cats. 

From there we started our drive home. On the way we passed a seafood market and decided to stop. We bought some crawfish, shrimp, stuffed crabs, calamari, clams and mussels. We also picked up some potatoes and corn. Chris had planned a big seafood boil for us. 

When we got back to our room, we unloaded everything and got cleaned up. Then Chris prepared a big seafood feast for us. It was a little spicy for me and Tucker. Everyone else thought we were big babies. But otherwise it was delicious. Benson really wanted to keep one of the steamed crawfish as a pet. I had to convince him that he couldn't and that it would stink in only a few hours. He finally gave it up. 

After getting dinner cleaned up, we decided to go over to the pool. The storms were over and while it wasn't hot, the sky was clear and we were pretty happy about that. The kids played and had a great time. Then it was back to our room for dessert and we watched some TV together. 

Tuesday morning we woke up early, packed the car and headed off to the marina to rent a boat for the day. We had reserved the boat weeks ago and we were super excited about taking it to "Shell Island". However, on the way we decided to grab donuts for breakfast. I looked up donut shops close to us and we drove straight to "Parlor Donuts"  They were delicious and basically ruined all other donuts for us for the rest of our lives. 

After devouring our donuts, we drove to the marina and we got checked in and loaded onto our pontoon boat. We boated around for a while looking for the best place to anchor. We found a spot and unloaded. Then we set up our spot on the beach and settled in. Tanner and Chris immediately went off together to go fishing. The younger boys, Bailey and I played and enjoyed the beautiful day. 

Bailey and I both brought the same book to read on the beach together. We had picked out a book called "Beach Read" and we were excited to read it together while laying out on the beach together. It was a pretty cute book. 

We had the best time playing on the beach together. We shelled for hours and found some pretty cool shells. Tucker and I both found sand dollars. 

The younger boys also really enjoyed boogie boarding. They caught some great waves and had so much fun. 

Sadly, Chris and Tanner didn't catch anything and lots most of their rigging in the rocks off the jetty. However, they had a good time together. 

We ate lunch on the beach and hung out until about 3 pm. Then we had to load back onto the boat and return the boat to the marina. 

We were all pretty worn out at this point and we drove back to the resort to shower and rest for a bit. 

After dinner, which we ate at our resort, we loaded up to go shop for some souvenirs. I found the cutest starfish santa christmas tree ornament and I was so excited about it. Then we drove back to our resort to again eat treats and watch tv. We stayed up late because there was no reason to wake up early on Wednesday morning. 

Wednesday was our last full day and so we tried to make the most of our day. We voted to head back to the beach and play for a few hours. 

We went back to St. Andrews State Park and set up our "camp". We only planned to stay until about 1 pm but we were enjoying the day so much that we ended up staying until 3 pm. 

The sun was shining and the weather was perfect. Chris did try fishing again, but was unsuccessful. The kids boogie boarded and shelled some more. Tucker and Benson spent hours digging massive holes and then digging a tunnel to connect the two holes together.

After the beach we headed back to our room to get cleaned up and showered. Chris made another delicious seafood dinner for us and then we got changed to take some family pictures on the beach. The sun was setting and the lighting was beautiful but it started to lower quickly. We got a few cute shots though. 

After pictures we got changed and went to the pool. We also put a frozen pie in the oven to eat afterwards. The kids played in the pool and hot tub for about 45 minutes  and then we went back and snuggled up in our pjs, ate pie and watched tv. 

 Tanner discovered that he loves watching "The Office" and so we watched that almost every night together. It became our nightly ritual. 

The next morning we had to load up the van and check out of our resort. We were all sad to leave because we love Florida. So we decided to console ourselves by stopping by "Parlor Donuts" one more time and treating ourselves to some more delicious donuts. 

Then we started the 12 hours drive to Mtn. Home. We had originally planned to just go home, but then we discussed the idea of going to Mtn. Home to see Nanny, Papa & Aunt Laura and we all agreed that we wanted to spend the rest of our break there. 

Surprisingly, I didn't take a single picture while in Mtn. Home. We were just too busy relaxing and hanging out to take photos, I guess. We had a great time. We played laser tag, jumped on the trampoline, played cards and ate all the yummy food. 

Even though we didn't have any church clothes, we attended sacrament meeting in casual clothes. It was nice to just be there and take the sacrament. 

We had a wonderful time with family and we were grateful for the short stopover in Mtn. Home. 

Now we are home again and school starts tmrw. I don't know that I will be ready, but I keep telling myself that we only have two months of school left. The school year has flown by but it's been good. 

Spring break was wonderful and we would happily go back to Panama City beach again!

Quick Life Update

It's been a busy March and I wanted to do a quick update before Spring Break. Both Tanner and Bailey have been busy with band. At the end of February both kids had assessment concerts, during which they were judged and told what things they needed to work on. Then this month, each band performed again for the judges for a final time and got their final scores. 

Both bands got straight "1's"- which is the best they can get. They did great and the concerts were awesome. I sure love my little band geeks.

I also recently got into making sourdough bread. I went over to Stephanie Lanoy's and she taught me all about sourdough and gave me a starter. Since then I've made about 7 loaves. It's been really fun and delicious. We've also used the discard to make sourdough brownies and sourdough pancakes. I love learning new skills, especially when it's something that yields such delicious things. 

Another first this month, Bailey attended her first dance. Tanner went too but it wasn't his very first one. He's an old pro at this point. Bailey's sweet friend, Ashlyn, came over and got ready with her before the dance and then all three of them arrived at the dance together. The dance was  western themed and the kids looked so cute in their boots and hats. Bailey had so much fun. She danced the night away with her friends and even danced with a boy. Although she did say that the boy gave her "the ick"-whatever that means. But she had a great time. Tanner said it was a lot of fun, if not a little hot in the gym. He got to see one of his good friends that moved away recently, but came over for the dance. That was really fun for him. I just can't get over how old my kids are getting. 

Then this week we got to visit with the Drake cousins. They were in NWA for their Spring break and because Uncle Joseph had to work at his corporate office here. The kids were so happy to be together and it was so cute. We spent on afternoon at their hotel, swimming with them. The next day the cousins came over to play after school and then we took all the kids to "Cici's Pizza" for dinner. This was a huge hit. The kids loved sitting at their own table, laughing and joking together. We didn't get to see the cousins on Wednesday but then on Thursday they spent all afternoon and evening at our house and the kids had so much fun. They played "Smash Bros" and went outside to play freeze tag and soccer. They went to the park and just had the best time. It was such a great visit. We miss our cousins. 

What else? Benson lost his other front tooth on the top, so he's currently toothless. Both Tucker and Benson had wonderful parent-teacher conferences. I've been busy with my calling in the stake Relief Society and we've been visiting many wards in our stake for their ward conferences. We are teaching about ministering and it's been so great. I have developed a great love and passion for ministering and I love getting to teach about it. 

Last night I got to attend a special women's conference with Elder Dale G. Renlund of the quorum of the twelve apostles, his wife, Ruth Renlund and Sis. Kristin Yee of the General Relief Society Presidency. Because I serve in my stake Relief Society, I was able to help as an Usher. Our  entire presidency drove down to the Springdale stake center together and we all helped. 

The devotional itself was so good. Elder Renlund, Sis. Renlund and Sis. Yee all spoke and their testimonies were beautiful. The first thing Elder Renlund spoke about was Jesus Christ. He testified that he lives and that he loves each of us.He talked about experiences he's had as an apostle and with his wife on different assignments around the world. He also spoke about the infinite worth of each person. He asked us how to define the worth of something and then taught us that worth is defined by how much someone is willing to pay- in our case, we are of infinite worth because Christ paid infinitely for each of us. He did this for everyone. Even one. Even me. 

Sis. Yee spoke about the character and potential of women. She talked about how when we help another human being reach their diving potential we are fulfilling our roles as mothers- whether they are biologically our children or not. Sis. Yee is a single woman and so this was a sweet message from her. She also talked about how although God does ask much of his people, he does not ask us to do it alone. I loved that thought. 

 

Sis. Renlund spoke about the power we have access to through our covenants. Both her and Elder Renlund were so funny and it was so interesting to see the humor and laughter they must share in their marriage. 

After all their talks were over, there was a question and answer session. This was really interesting. After it was over Elder Renlund and Sister Renlund stood at the front and shook everyone's hands that wanted to. Sis Yee was placed in the Relief Society room and while she did shake everyone's hands, she also spoke, comforted and hugged every sister that came by. I think this was my favorite part. Because we were the ones who were asked to give Sis. Yee a ride back to her hotel, we had to wait until she was done meeting all the sisters. But this was my favorite part of the night. I don't know that I've ever witnessed more Christlike  ministering than I saw last night with Sis. Yee. She personally spoke to each person. To some she gave directions on doctrine, to others comfort and some just wanted to hug her. All the while, her face shone with the love of Christ for each daughter of God. It was the most beautiful thing. I was so touched by her actions and her obvious love. 

After she met each sister, which took almost two hours of her time, we gave her a ride to her hotel. Sadly, the drive to her hotel was only about 5 minutes but we got to visit with her a little more. She taught us more about how we should view each person as a son or daughter of God and work to love them and treat them the way that God would treat them. It was inspiring because it was clear that this is the way she lives her life. It was so great. 

I got home very late but it was completely worth it. I got to shake Elder Renlund's hand as well and he looked right into my eyes and thanked me for being there. I, in turned, offered my appreciation to him and his wife for coming and speaking with us. He also exuded the love of God in his face. I was so very grateful to have been there and been able to learn from such powerful witnesses of Christ. 

I just love the ladies I get to work with in Relief Society. I've been so blessed to learn from them and I feel like I've grown so much over the last two years. It's been amazing. 

That's it for life right now. We have our spring break trip coming up and we are all looking forward to some family time at the beach. So stay tuned for that!

 

My 38th Birthday

                 

We just celebrated my 38th birthday and it was wonderful. I actually took off work on Friday so that I could have what I have dubbed an "Emily day"- which is a day when I only do things that I want to do. It I want a nap, I take one. If I want to watch tv and eat snacks all morning, I do that. It's fantastic. I only do this on days when the kids are at school so they aren't neglected. But I do neglect any and all housework and it's so nice. This year, the stake relief society president, Gaylene Teshima,  brought me lunch and that was super sweet of her. She stayed and ate with me and we had a great time. I also indulged in lots of snacks and I worked on planning our new England trip for this coming summer. This may not sound like fun to everyone, but I do enjoy it. 

That night we just had a relaxing friday night with pizza and movies. Then yesterday  was my actual birthday. I woke up to breakfast in bed and that was so yummy. Then Chris took the boys biking and to Sam's club with him. While they were gone, Bailey and I went shopping. When we got home, the kids and I snuggled up on the couch to watch a show and then I took a little nap. Then for dinner, Chris and I went out to "Siawok" and got pho and it was so yummy. When we got home I got to open presents and we had birthday cake. Chris had bought me a lemon raspberry bundt cake and it was so delicious. I got some great gifts, including a headache mask that I put to use immediately. My friend Melinda also sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She is a florist and she designed and made the bouquet herself. 

Today I had to go to another ward for a ward conference so I didn't get to attend with my family, but when I got home I got to take a quick nap before having dinner with everyone. Chris made the most delicious Alfredo sauce with seafood ravioli. Tanner made yummy garlic twists and we had some amazing green beans. It was so good and I was completely stuffed.  My family definitely spoiled me rotten. It was a great weekend, filled with  loving phone calls, texts and lots of yummy food. I'm so grateful for loved ones who make the effort to make me feel so special and so loved. Two more years until I'm 40!!!

A Special Night at the Temple

Tonight Chris and I got to take Tanner & Bailey to the Bentonville Temple. (It will never get old saying "Bentonville Temple") It's just so cool that we have a temple just 15 minutes from our house. We've been to the temple many times with the kids but this time was special because in January Tanner was ordained as a priest and so tonight at the temple, Tanner was able to perform the baptism ordinance for the dead. He baptized his friend Caleb, Bailey and me, before Chris baptized him and then took over for the last three youth baptisms. 

There is a special kind of joy watching my son worthily perform his priesthood responsibilities. Tanner is such a good kid. He's a great teenager and older brother, but tonight at the temple I got a little glimpse of Tanner the priesthood holder and maybe a glimpse of him as a future missionary. I couldn't help but hug him after his finished baptizing me. He did such a great job and it was so encouraging to watch him overcome his nerves and perform the proxy baptisms with confidence. 

We had a wonderful time at the temple and I was grateful to have that time with my kids and husband. I'm so grateful for the gospel and the joy and direction it brings into my life.  

Snow Week

 Turns out the weather man was right and we got snow. 

However, school was canceled on Tuesday even though there was hardly anything on the ground. It was outrageously cold but most of the snow just swirled around didn't really stick. 

But by Tuesday evening, the snow starting sticking more and flakes got bigger. By Wednesday morning we had about 7 inches on the ground. 

This time the snow was more like powder and it was great for sledding but not great for packing. 

Wednesday it was about 7 degrees outside so we did not really play outside at all. But by Thursday it was a bit warmer- in the upper 20's- so I took the kids sledding. 

We decided to try a new place to sled because we always just sled down our driveway, we were wanting a bigger hill. We went over to a nearby retention ditch and it was so fun. 

We played for two hours and I think the kids could have played longer. 

At one point during our sledding some kids from our ward found us and started playing with us. They had so much fun making sled trains. They were laughing so hard and they had the best time. 

I took the younger boys back to sled again on Friday. They played for another hour or so and then we came back home to snuggle up and eat pizza. 

We've literally been out of school all week and it's been so fun. We've been staying up late watching movies and sleeping in late. It's been so fun. 

It's going to be so rough when we go back to school on Monday but until then we are going to live it up and enjoy our "snow week". 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Chris and I were actually gone for Valentine's day this year so we celebrated when we got home. We had to attend a military conference in Little Rock and sadly it fell right over Valentine's day. 

This was pretty sad for me because I love Valentine's day and I love being home for holidays with my kids. But we decided to just delay our celebrations so today we had a little Valentine's day party. 

I themed the party around "We need s'more love this Valentine's day" and I made a huge s'mores platter. It was simple but perfect. 

We ate dinner and then watched a movie together and everyone made their own s'mores. I had cookies & cream bars, milk chocolate bars and peanut butter cups for the sweet part and then we had graham crackers and fudge striped cookies with marshmallows. 

It was a super chill party but just what I needed after a long military conference weekend. 

Also, after our movie  tonight we got an email saying that school was premptively cancelled the next day because of an incoming snow storm. So I guess we will have another snow day tmrw. 

Happy belated Valentine's day everyone.