This one is for you, Jared

So Jared is out of town and the boys (me actually) made a little video for him. We miss you! Just two more days!

Birthday Cake

Here is my latest cake. I think it turned out pretty cute. It was for a one year old girl, and it makes me very excited to do birthday cakes for Ellie! The other pictures are of Tyler and Brady decorating the leftover cake. The only way to hold them off while decorating was to promise them that they could decorate their own. They sure had fun!

Summer Vacation

I love the month of August when we can leave the heat of Florida and go visit family. Tyler, Brady and I went to Colorado for a week. We were able to go to my nephew Ben's birthday party, and go swimming with my other nephew's Kyan and Talon and niece London. We also went to Casa Bonita and much more. Then we flew with my Mom to Salt Lake to visit my sister Amanda, my grandparents, and many of my aunts, uncles and cousins. We were just there three days, but it was jam packed full of family fun. Next, my boys and I drove up to Jackson Hole, WY where we picked Jared up from the airport and we spent the next nine days in the Tetons. We had many adventures there including hiking around Jenny Lake, cruise on Jackson Lake, camping, Yellowstone. Jared and my brother Danny - who came to visit us there - went white water rafting and horseback riding as well. At the end of our time there, we had a little Alfred Mark Durtschi family reunion. It was really fun to be with Jared's family. We even had a celebrity siting at the Jackson Hole rec center - Harrison Ford and girlfriend. After saying goodbye to Jared, I headed back to Colorado for more fun with my family. We went to the zoo and spent a day at Eldorado Springs. It was a great almost four weeks. The worst part was the two planes it took to get home, the boys were DONE traveling by then. Though it is good to be back in our own house, we really miss our family and the mountains. Can't wait for next summer!

We're Having a Girl

For those that don't know - we are having a girl. And of course, we are ecstatic. The pregnancy has gone really well so far. I am now 22 weeks and feeling great. I seem to be having a bit more energy lately. The house is almost always clean, I made insane amounts of freezer jam yesterday and I am in the process of canning a few months worth of food storage. I am sure it won't last forever, so I better take advantage while I can. We have not decided on a name yet. Ellie is still my favorite, but we have a bit of time. I cannot wait to decorate for a girl - I love pink and brown together - and we are going to go with polka dots and stripes. Send any cute ideas you have - I can always use the help!

Tyler and Brady

We took this picture as we were walking out the door to church. They are growing up so fast. My little missionaries!

My Birthday

My wonderful husband and friends threw me a surprise birthday party. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for the party Jared and thanks for the great cake Mary Ann!

More Beach Fun

Before we headed back home we went to a marine park that had a fun dolphin and sea lion show, among other things. Tyler got to go up and help with the dolphin show - he made them dance and spin in circles. After that we went to an outdoor mall to grab some food and found the fun bungee trampoline. Tyler had a blast!

Beach Break

Jared had a break in between semesters - so we took three days to go to the beach before my Relay for Life event. Our hotel was amazing. It was right on the beach and had a little water park areas for kids. The room had an amazing view of the ocean. The weather was perfect - not too hot. We really had a great time. Our boys love the water. Tyler even starting swimming on his own (with a vest). We hope to visit here again before we leave Florida.

New Beginnings

After many hours of preparation, New Beginnings went very well. Better than I had planned. Our focus was on the temple and the evening really was great. Here are some pictures of our set-up. We did a skit based on the three little pigs and my amazing secretary made these awesome houses.

Life At the Beach

So I know I have been a total slacker and have not posted for a while. What can I say? I have been busy with Relay for Life and being Young Women's President and constantly running to keep up with Tyler and Brady. Fortunately, we did get a bit of a break when my parents met us in Pensacola for a beach vacation. It was very relaxing and lots of fun! We found this great restaurant that had a playground right next to our table - so we went twice. We spent more than five hours there and the boys did not even care. If only all restaurants were like that. Thanks Mom and Dad!