Crusin' Together

Tyler and I went on a weekend cruise to celebrate Valentine's day and Tyler's birthday. It was a super quick trip, but so much fun and so very needed. We left on Thursday after work and drove all night to L.A. We stayed the night and then woke up early to board our boat. It seems like just a few months ago we were on a cruise... oh wait, we were! We boarded the ship and our first stop was to get ice cream and take a few pictures of L.A. before our boat embarked. This is the same boat we were on a few years ago with the kids, so it was fun that we already knew our way around the ship. We didn't feel like we had to do all the ship activities like ice skating or rock climbing or mini golf because we experienced that with our kids. Even though this was the same ship I feel like we had a totally different cruising adventure and we were loving it. 

I told Tyler all I wanted to do on this trip was to lay out by the pool and relax and that's exactly what we did. We splurged and got a balcony room in the back of the boat which provided amazing views. 

Dinners were so fun with just the two of us. We had great conversations about the upcoming busy months with our kids and talked about our future as our kids are getting older and growing up. 

Our only port stop was Ensenada, Mexico. We didn't even get off the boat. We sat in the sun and relaxed all day. Until it was time to get tacos... then we were all over that. 

Also, I think I have a drinking problem... not that kind... but I need my water, Diet Coke, and fun drink all at once. 

Tyler got a special dessert and a happy birthday song from the servers. Then it was like he was in the middle of the show for the crew songs. 

We loved the shows at night, the piano bars around the boat, and going to get midnight pizza. Tyler even convinced me to go to the club, but we quickly realized we are in our 40's now and left after 15 minutes. 

Sunday morning we woke up early to watch the sunrise. We got an amazing view of the ocean and even saw some pods of dolphins swimming. One of the many highlights of the trip. 

Dang! He looks hot! And he's all mine!! Can you believe he is 43 now? Tyler is literally in the best shape of his life. 

Oh look, he's in the show again!! 

We had so much fun celebrating together. Happy Birthday Tyler and Happy Valentine's day to my favorite person and my best friend.

 

Makayla Turns 15!

How in the world is Makayla 15? We love Makayla so much and are so proud of the amazing young woman she is turning into. We had so much fun celebrating her all month.

We started off with her family birthday party. Makayla did "This or That" for her game and it seems as though the Jones boys and Mason know Makayla the best. Then we opened presents and Makayla got a lot of gift cards, money, makeup, and fake glasses. 

For her family dinner, she picked Olive Garden. Doesn't she look so cute in her fake glasses? She looks so smart! Fashion trends, right? 

Then for her actual birthday Makayla wanted French toast. She had the most amazing birthday sunrise, opened her birthday outfit, and then went to school for about an hour before getting checked out to go to the DMV to take her permit test and guess what???

She passed!!! Makayla was so worried she wasn't going to pass so she has spent all of her free time over the last month studying for the permit test, and it paid off because she did great. When we got home we grabbed dad for a little drive around the neighborhood. Let me just give you a little warning... 15 year olds are scary to drive with... if I were you I would stay off the roads for a while. 

We ended all the birthday fun with lunch at Mo Bettah's and Crumbl cookies. 

To end all of Makayla's birthday fun, we did a friend party at the bowling alley. We had a private room and Makayla and all of her friends got to hang out with pizza, bowling, and games.

Happy Birthday Makayla!!

January Highlights

We have had a great start to the new year so far. We spent New Years at The Land. The cousins (and Tyler) found interesting ways to keep themselves entertained: 

Grandma Bonnie fell and has been in the hospital. She has been up and down with her recovery. We hope she will be able to get feeling better soon. Bill and Bonnie have the kind of marriage we should all aspire to have. They are the best examples to us of strength during trials, faith, and enduring to the end. 

Tyler and I went on our favorite date of the year. We went to Ruth Chris and talked about our goals for the year. We have some lofty goals, but I have no doubts that together we can accomplish them. We are building a stronger marriage everyday. I am so lucky to have him for eternity!

Caden was ordained a teacher by Tyler. I love my handsome boys. 

Costumes are starting to come in for the upcoming competition season. Brynn is doing a dance called Chernobyl... and yes, that is a gas mask. 

We have had a lot of fun going to Utah Mammoth games. Our favorite was going with all the cousins. 

If playing for 2 basketball teams wasn't enough basketball for Caden, he is also playing church ball and helping the younger kids learn the game. 

I couldn't figure out why Makayla wanted to come to Caden's game so badly... usually she comes up with every excuse not to go, but when I saw her talking to this boy suddenly things started to make sense. It took a lot to get it out of her, but this is Spencer and right now he is "huzz" (apparently in teen language that means hott). 

I must have worn out my mom on our days together. Bella was happy to have a sleeping buddy. 

Remember Caden' quest for the best cheeseburger. He gave 5 guys a solid 9/10. Speaking of Caden, Tyler and I have had so much fun going with Caden to the Jazz games. We somehow get a lot of free tickets... maybe because the Jazz are so bad this year. 

Tyler and Brynnli went to Color Me Mine one night. They had a great time chatting and painting their crafts. Brynnli made a turtle and Tyler made a shoe bank. 

I had the best time with my cousins for our CNO. It took forever at the restaurant, but we had fun catching up. I never had any sisters growing up, so I am so appreciative of great cousins.