New Zealand

My sisters and I went to New Zealand to pick my mom up from her LDS mission. We had such a good time. We spent two week touring the north and south islands in a little RV. New Zealand is an amazing county--beautiful, peaceful, and friendly people. This pretty little spot is Milford Sound.

Hamilton Temple

Cathedral Cove

Cave rafting with glow worms

Rotorua Maori center

A whole new me!

Brown and short...its a whole new me!

VA Beach 1/2 Marathon

I look about as rough as I felt after running the 1/2 marathon in hot and humid Virginia beach. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to take a picture of my fun friend who let me stay with her and shuttled me to the race. Too bad the picture doesn't show the nice, bloody blister I had on my foot. Why do I do these things again?

OBX

This year's beach girls trip took a turn for the rainy. That gave us lots of extra time to eat, watch movies, read, and eat some more. Ultimately we had a few nice days of sun, which is a relief, because people start getting cranky when a beach trip involves no actual beach fun or sun. Frankly, I was just pleased to be with my friends and per usual, had the absolute best of times. Thanks girls. Miss you already.

Lindsey, JJ, and Caroline

This is just one of my favorite pictures ever of Amber. That smile on her face is because the sun came out and the Maui babe went on.

This was the house we stayed in this year.

Drunken sailor

I hope you can see this video of Soren learning to walk. Christian--I thought that you especially would enjoy seeing it.

Charles Dickens knows all

I went to church with my in-laws today and there was a great discussion in Relief Society. The teacher brought up Dickens' "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." I can't help but think that is what we are going through right now. It is great to be free of the responsibilities of a house, yard, school. It is nice to roam around and visit our family and friends. It's good not to feel tied down to anything. But...it is terrible being separated from your spouse. It's disconcerting not to have your things around you. It's hard being responsible for three little people ALL the time. It is good, and it is bad.

Air force blue

I was thinking of my guy while at the nail shop. Air force blue...maybe OPI should hire me.