Life is a Highway!

In preparation for our trip, we were deciding where to rent a car and what kind. After comparing the different costs from different companies, I suggested that we see if anyone rents a Dodge Charger. Mike has LOVED these cars for awhile and I have wanted to take him on a date to test drive one or rent one for a day or something. (I didn't make it happen when we lived in Idaho, and now that we live on the opposite side of the island as anything else, it hasn't happened.)

There was only one car rental place that even had Chargers and luckily for us, they were the best deal too. So we decided to upgrade to the bigger car and request the Charger. It was well worth the little extra money. I was grateful for the extra space and Mike loved driving it! He didn't even share much. He has really missed driving since we moved here. He walks to work everyday and I often make our Honolulu trip during the week. He is lucky to drive the car once a week. (And it's a minivan.)

Once again, I didn't take any pictures of us with the car, but found this one on my phone. I took it to show my friend in Hawaii the snow.

The drive up to Montana was absolutely GORGEOUS! It is a beautiful drive any time of the year, but the fall is especially pretty. I LOVE fall colors and thoroughly enjoyed not missing out on them this year! Everyone will have to send me pictures of next fall. I love the cool, crisp weather and the beautiful colors. It is one of my favorite seasons. I don't know if I have told this story on here, but for lack of time to research if I have, I will tell it again. (Do you want a blog post or not?)

My mom, Peggy, loved the fall and as we would drive around each fall she would rant and rave about the beautiful colors. And every time we (the kids) would hassle her about it. I do really enjoy the colors, but as a way to teach my family about my Mom and to remember her, I rant and rave just like she used to and tell them about her.

This was the only picture we took inside the car, on our way up to Idaho. Please note-the hairdos are a result of having spent all night on an airplane.

Idaho

I didn't take near as many pictures as I wish I had! But in my defense-we flew the Wednesday overnight flight. Everyone started showing up on Thursday for the Saturday baptism. It was a little crazy getting all the last minute preparations. And to top it off, Bryn and I got so sick! I didn't even have a voice for the baptism. I am sure it was caused by the stress of preparing for the trip and the baptism, coupled with missing a night of sleep on an airplane. But here are the best I have.

Thank You, Burtons for letting us stay with you!

Melinda and her kids came over to hang out while I packed our stuff to leave Idaho. The girls (and Cal) had a fun time playing games and bowling on the Wii while Melinda and I packed.

Mickey Mouse Pancakes at Burtons. Jill is the BEST!

My Buddy, Caloway! He is just the CUTEST thing ever!

Schroeders came to Dale and Melinda's house for a BBQ.

Monday after school we had some friends meet us to play at Whitney and Kenna's old school. Fun was had by all and it made it possible to get to see more friends since we didn't have time to visit them all individually.

Britnee was like a big sister to Whitney and Kenna. They LOVED seeing her at school and would run and hug her. I don't think she minded much (she only has brothers).

As a bonus I got to spend some time with some of my friends too while the kids played. We left some great people in Idaho. We miss you all!

Johanson Fun in Idaho

The whole Johanson Family was able to come for the baptism. It was so great to have everyone there! Friday night (before the baptism) we all met at a beautiful park for playing and dinner. It was fun to visit and catch up and the kids enjoyed playing together. The weather was gorgeous! I was a little nervous because in past years, we have always gotten a "last weekend of September" snow. (Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures at the park.)

Some of them had to leave on Saturday and Sunday morning before we met for church.
PS-Kenna is in a dress-up. I did NOT let her wear that to church! :)

Thank you everyone for coming to Whitney's Baptism!

My Baptism Day

When we moved here, baptisms were done in the ocean. Whitney thought that was pretty neat and had her heart set on being baptized here. But then in March our area general authority decided that it is best for them to be moved to the church and font for reverence. So Whitney decided it would be better to go be baptized in Idaho with Savanna so everyone could be there.

Grandma Jones made their blessing dresses and also their beautiful baptism dresses. Thank you, Grandma!

Since we weren't there for the stake baptism day, our previous bishop made arrangements and we were able to let Whitney and Savanna have their very own day. It couldn't have been more perfect. They sang a duet that I sang at my baptism and made everyone cry. It was very sweet.

There were so many people at the baptism! Bishop Burton, in his closing remarks, had them both come up and turn and look at everyone that had come to support them. And pointed out that all those people were there just for them-two loved little girls! I loved that. Thanks to all who came and made great sacrifices to be there. It was a perfect day! (If only Bryn and I hadn't been sick and I had a voice-that would have made the day complete.)

We were honored that Grandma and Grandpa Bowman came all the way to be at the baptism! What a special treat!

Grandpa, Grandma and the Jones grandkids

I love it that my girls know and love my grandparents! They are so wonderful!

Peek-a-boo!

As I mentioned before, Brynlee is a Mama's Girl and wants to be everywhere I am. When I am in the kitchen, this is her new favorite spot. I have some tupperwares, egg cartons, measuring utensils, etc in there for her to play with. Her newest trick is now to get IN the drawer. Funny Girl! She is typically so happy-this picture captures her personality so well.

Three Adorable Girls

Brynlee isn't climbing the plumeria tree with Whitney and Kenna yet, but it is only a matter of time! I thought this was an adorable picture of our three angels.

Beach Birthday Party

Whitney's birthday party began with our traditional breakfast of "Rolly" (Swedish) Pancakes with friends. Then . . . to the beach!

The beach is a FABULOUS and FREE place to go for a birthday party! I am continually surprised how long kids can be entertained by jumping the waves and playing in the sand. They had a lot of fun!

I was recently talking to a friend about hobbies and wondered if I really have any hobbies. I don't scrapbook or read or any typical hobbies, but I've have decided that I am not completely boring. I do really enjoy making the girls cute cakes and I do enjoy doing their hair. Those are hobbies, right? Not so much relaxing, but enjoyable-especially the final product. Mike once asked me why I spend so much time on their cakes to just have it cut up and eaten. Well, it' the girls can tell you every cake they have had so far-that's why! And they love it! That makes all the time worth it!

Morgan came at the perfect time and was able to attend the party.

They were sure to include Morgan in all the party festivities (except for the wave jumping). Unfortunately, there was a small accident with a shark where she lost her foot, but we saved her and decided she was safer to just stay on the sand. :)

Flat Morgan

Flat Morgan came to visit us all the way from Colorado! It was fun to have her with us for a week. It is kind of a challenge taking a life-size flat person around with you everywhere, though. We had some fun with her. The few times we drove in the car the girls insisted that she be buckled in.

The morning after Morgan arrived, I put her right outside the girls' door to greet them when they got up. They thought that was pretty funny.
The beach is always windy-and it was quite a challenge to get Morgan to hold still for the picture. Crazy girl!

Making a sandcastle with Morgan.

Morgan came to church with us and she couldn't walk past the temple without a picture to show her friends in Colorado.

She especially loved the "little circle" at BYUH where 70+ flags fly showcasing all the countries represented on the campus.

A trip to Hawaii wouldn't be complete without visiting the PCC!

Happy Birthday Whitney!

Can Whitney really be eight?! When did that happen?! She is such a blessing to our family! Thoughful, Kind, Happy, Helpful, Smart and Awesome Big Sister are all words that describe our "Dub".

Whitney has been asking to get her ears pierced for about 2 years now. In discussing with Mike when to let the girls get their ears pierced, we decided that 8 was a good age. I didn't want Whitney to worry about it so I didn't tell her. (That's a trick my Mom used when she took me to get my ears pierced. I still remember the day she picked me up from school and took me to get them pierced.) Whitney's birthday fell on Labor Day this year so we went into town just for "fun". We stopped by the mall and went into Claire's. As soon as we walked in, she noticed the ear piercing sign and she said, "Mom, it looks like I can get my ears pierced here." I told her that that was why we had come. She was SO excited!

I told her that if we got her ears pierced, that was her present from us and we wouldn't get her anything else. She decided that was really what she wanted. We chose the earrings and when it came time to mark her ears she started getting very nervous. There was only one person working right then and I was worried that if she got one done, she wouldn't want to get the other one. Luckily once they were marked and ready another girl came off her break and they were able to do them at the same time. She wanted Mike's phone to distract her so she was watching Word Girl. As soon as they were done she got all worked up and I was waiting for the tears. A huge smile spread across her face and she said, "Can I see them?!" I wish I had gotten it on video, but I was too worried about keeping her still. It was priceless! I hope she remembers that day with me, like I remember my day with my mom.

All smiles with sparkly ears!

Our friends, the Kimballs, and my cousin Karenna came over for cake and ice-cream to end the day.

Music to my Ears!!

I LOVE the sound of laughter! Especially when one of my girls is making another one laugh. They seem to be able to make each other laugh more than anyone else can. I apologize for the shakey camera-It was so hard not to laugh watching Brynlee almost fall over laughing! What funny girls! So here's your dose of endorphins for the day!