fresh citrus...one of life's greatest joys

squeezing the oranges....one of Aidan's most favorite things to do. The oster... this juicer is a champ. We were given this juicer 14 years ago by my mother-in-law. It has gotten much use during the years it's been ours. I have no idea how many years it was Irene's, but judging from the color I'm guessing it's been around for quite some time.

SWEET, BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY FRUIT! Our neighbor, Nick, has been so kind to share his bountiful crop of oranges with us this winter.

This is the way Aidan eats an orange...doesn't even bother to peel the thing...just bites right into it and devours it. If he's at home in the kitchen he usually breaks it open with a butter knife before biting into it...still, he doesn't believe in peeling. I think he just gets so excited about eating it that he doesn't have the patience to take the time to peel it.

Picking...

Good Luck Elder and Sister Karren!

Some of my favorite pictures of Mom and Dad.

With their posterity...all the grandkids!
I LOVE this picture of Mom with Penny for a couple of reasons...first. it reminds of hanging out and relaxing with the family, dogs and all, after one of Mom's big Sunday dinners. I also love it because it shows how much Mom loves her family. Knowing her troubles with allergies and her reactions to animals I know it can't be easy for her to have dogs in her house. But she has accepted that the dogs, all three, are now a part of her family. Not only has she let the dogs in, but she has let them LIVE in her house. Here she is with one on her lap AND with a big smile on her face.

Enjoying a hike up the Rattlesnake Trail with Dad on a cool, fall day in search of Aidan's crystals

Dad's big, contagious smile

My parents left for the MTC this morning, where they will train for a couple of weeks before beginning their service in Chicago, Illinois with employment resource services. We know this won't be an easy assignment, but they are sure to have rewarding experiences. My parents are setting such a wonderful example, as they always have, of putting others' needs before their own with their desire to serve. I am so happy that my children have the opportunity to see the importance of missionary work in their grandparents' lives. Grandma and Grandpa Murray also served a mission several years ago in Wyoming at the Martin's Cove Visitor Center.

When Jason I and were prompted to return to Logan for the 2007/2008 school year, we weren't sure at the time why we felt such strong inspiration to do so. Looking back, I know why we were supposed to go and I am glad we heeded the promptings.

We didn't know then that our precious days with my nephew, Christoph, would be so short numbered and I am so glad we had that time with him. We were also able to spend time with my Grandma during her last months on earth and I was fortunate to spend one of her last nights with her holding her hand and trying comfort her. My Grandpa passed away shortly after we left Logan...after we were able to visit him regularly in the nursing home to give him hugs and kisses and much appreciated back rubs.

Another reason I know we were meant to be in Logan AND in my parents' home was for the four months we got with them that we had never planned on. When my mom got so sick in China we were VERY concerned. As a family, we all fasted and prayed. Even the little ones desired to join in and willingly fasted in Grandma's behalf. This was a powerful experience in my life. I know that through our combined faith and efforts Heavenly Father helped my mom and my parents were able to come home early from their teaching assignment.

As we all lived together during those last months in Logan my kids were able to bond with Grandma and Grandpa Karren in a way they wouldn't have otherwise. It wasn't planned, but it was meant to happen and I am grateful for the year we spent in Logan. Jason and I are very blessed with wonderful parents and family members. Each one is an example and we continually feel love and support from all of our family.

I hope my parents will feel our love, support, and admiration as they serve others for the next year in Chicago.

It's a baby!

Those funny black and white photos are pictures of our baby! On Tuesday Jason and I got our first peek at our new baby...it was moving all around and it's heart was definately beating. So it's real!! From the ultrasound...the due date is July 28th. YEAH!!! a summer birthday...finally! We are all VERY excited!!! I have had all of those fun first trimester symptoms, but Jason and the kids have been very supportive and helpful.

Aidan Makes Seven!

It was a beautiful and fun day for a beautiful and fun boy.

We LOVE you Aidan!

Nathan and Ocean came over to spend the afternoon celebrating Aidan's Birthday....they spent most of the time playing nerf guns, ziplining, and putting new Lego sets togther. The Happy Birthday Boy...that's martinelli's by the way

Aidan loves jerky and for some reason he calls it buffaloe meat. He must have gotten a taste of it from Jason since I can't stand the stuff and have never bought it in my life...except for Aidan's birthday...boy did it make him happy! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Murray!

Birthday Dinner....it was one of the better dinners we have had in the last while and it took a combined effort to make it happen...thanks Jason for the excellent grilling! YUMMMM

Aidan's camping wish come true

For Aidan's birthday we had a fabulous family camp out at Hanalei Bay where we camped on the river AND the ocean. We had good times and gorgeous weather. Every time we go to the North Shore I am amazed by the beauty I see there. I love the south shore too, but to me, the north shore is magic.

ONE HAPPY CAMPER filling air beds

Jason made dinner each night...what a treat!

It was cheerios and milk for breakfast...we kept it simple

Sadie found a friend....

then her brother put him to sleep...if you rub their bellies they go to sleep

Fun on the river

Yes, they DO like each other...they even share a towel

Yes, after a full day and night of camping, swimming in the ocean and river, no flush toilets, and a quick hose down we got dressed up...a little...and went to church at our favorite branch. We love Hanalei!

The boys admiring the Bird of Paradise

THE BOYSSadiegirl and Daddy

Sillyness

admiring beauty

Mo, who was injured in a car accident several years ago, paints with his mouth. We liked his paintings and even bought a couple....copies of course.

Sadie STILL thinks she's our puppy...this phase might never end

Cole enjoying the surf

Sadie enjoyed her bike and riding back and forth on the Hanalei Pier

It's not as easy as it used to be....but I can STILL hold Aidan

We had a great game of early morning kickball at the beach park

I can't believe Jason can actually kick his leg this high

Aidan riding the waves

I don't know why this picture is sideways.

Cole catching a wave

My three beautifuls on a beautiful day!

(Sadie is still the begging puppy dog)

Shanghai Circus comes to Kauai

We treated the kids to an eye popping show of Chinese acrobatics to help celebrate Aidan's birthday. Their eyes were glued to the stage for over two hours...if only they could be that attentive at church. The stars let the kids get some photos with them afterwards. Jason told me the show wasn't quite as impressive as the show he saw in Beijing last year. I can't imagine what he saw because I was truly amazed at what these people have trained their bodies to do. If the Chinese circus ever comes to your town...I highly recommend the show to anyone.

Did you ever wonder what the missionaries do on P Day?

My kids LOVE the missionaries and are very much looking forward to being one too someday. They were very excited to join the elders in their slipping and sliding P day fun at the church over Christmas break. Aidan and Cole were all smiles and giggles as they slid and slid and slid.
Sadie gave me a scare (you can hear my shriek in the video) when she took off down the slide without any warning...crazy girl.