National American Miss

I got a random invitation in the mail from National American Miss to an open call for this pageant. It involved a free photo shoot and we could keep the photos, so I figured that if nothing came of it, at least I'd get some nice pictures. So I took Eliza to the open call. She was invited back to participate in the pageant as a finalist, and we have decided to put her in the pageant. Here are the photos from the open call.

More Random April

Westley at a band competition at Sandy Lake.  Caleb also went to Sandy Lake, but I didn't get any pictures.  I wasn't there either time, but Westley's chaperone knows me and sent me this picture.

Travis went with his scout group (Webelos) to the police station and learned about SWAT.  His leader moved at the end of the month and was able to get him done with everything for Webelos and Arrow of Light before moving.  Now Travis is done but he doesn't turn eleven until September!

The Family Back Home

While we were gone,Nana came to babysit and so did Aunt Kaori.  Aunt Kaori sent me several pictures from her time with the kids.

She made the cinnamon rolls one morning for breakfast.

She had them take baths.  Nathan did not like the bubbles.  Who knew?

Jonah drew his toy drill.

Unfortunately, we missed Jonah's first school program.  Aunt Kaori went to it and took some pictures.  She also videoed it, but I haven't watched it yet.  Jonah is on the front row in the cowboy costume.

Hawaii with In-N-Out

In-N-Out sent us on another fabulous Hawaii trip.  Corey has the chance to earn this trip every three years by hitting 95% of his goals for that three year time period.  It includes things like keeping profit margins, being burgers up by so many, selling a certain percentage of fries, and putting people through management.  Of course, there are more things than that, those are just the things I can think of right off the bat. 

This time we went to Maui.  We were able to participate in three different activities.  We chose kayaking and snorkeling, a helicopter ride over the island, and a spa day.  I cannot find the picture of the kayaking, though I know I have it somewhere.  I've included some pictures from the whole trip.  We didn't take a lot of pictures, which I'm a little annoyed with myself over, but new technology prevents me from wanting to take many photos.  I just need to get a good digital camera and use that instead of my phone, but the phone is definitely more convenient.

We also did a scavenger hunt with other people from different divisions and regions.

One of the fancy dinners that we attended.  I can't remember if this was the first night or the last night.

Corey participated in a performance with a band comprised of former members of famous bands.  In-N-Out gifted him with this electric guitar signed by the band members.  They also paid the several hundred dollars it cost to ship it to Texas.

These pictures above were all from our helicopter ride over the island.  It was really quite amazing and I wasn't quite as terrified as I thought I would be (of the height).

Some of the beautiful view from our hotel.

We spent little time on the beach--Corey is not so into sand and ocean, but it was beautiful!

This is us on our last day while we were waiting for the shuttle to take us to the airport.  It was a wonderful trip and hopefully the second of many more!

Randomness

 I got my ring re-sized and cleaned.  It was too tight after seven babies.  I can finally wear it again!

Eliza got glasses.  Isn't she cute?

Getting So Big

I have really enjoyed snuggling Nathan, probably because I know he is my last baby.  I know I can't handle another pregnancy and with the finances what they are, I think it's time we are done.  He is just such a sweetie and loves to snuggle up to me too, so I snuggle him when I can.

And here is Nathan feeding himself some applesauce.  He is a really picky eater and applesauce is one of the only fruits we can get him to eat.  But at least he is learning to feed himself!  A glorious day in my book (feeding the baby food is not one of my favorite things to do).

Easter 2017

We went to our neighborhood HOA Easter Egg Hunt and party the Friday before Easter.  They had a balloon artist there making things out of balloons.  My boys requested guns.  Jonah's in the only one that survived the evening.  It didn't last much longer though.

Easter morning traditions.  Here they are lining up on the stairs to come down and do the jelly bean hunt.  Nathan is enjoying some of his spoils.  (Actually, he spent the hunt cramming as many jelly beans in his mouth as he could, then not swallowing them.  Yep, half chewed and wet, sticky jelly beans all over.)  And here are the kids helping to make our "Resurrection Rolls"  that became a tradition about four or five years ago.  They are a marshmallow dipped in melted butter and cinnamon sugar and then rolled into a crescent so when they are baked, the marshmallow has melted and they represent the empty tomb when Jesus was resurrected.

More Easter traditions.  I like to have fresh strawberry pie for our Easter dinner.  We also like to have homemade rolls for every holiday dinner, Easter included.  They just looked so beautiful this time that I decided to take a picture.  And of course, we have to have the obligatory family photo in our new Easter garb.  I made the girls dresses.  I also made myself a skirt, but it didn't fit, so I didn't actually wear it to church.  I have to take it in a little on the sides.  I bought the boys new ties too.  I like this tradition, but I'm not sure my family is so keen on it.  Maybe I need to start looking at individualizing it a little bit.  Something to think about.