Winter 2011

Again, I'm playing catch-up, but here's a quick recap of some of the highlights of the last couple of months. First of all, Brady turned 16. So exciting for him and us. In the couple weeks following his birthday we were cramming in driving hours to meet the 40hr requirement in Utah so he could get his license. Now, he is finally caught back up with his peers, able to drive and able to date without a bunch of negotiations. This is one amazing kid!!

Kelsey started taking dance this fall and had a recital in Jan. She looked so cute! Unfortunately the group was moving so fast I couldn't really get good pictures while she was dancing so she agreed to having her picture taken after.

The beginning of February Dylan had his birthday and turned 6. He's such a fun kid and I so wish I could keep him little!! Since I can't, we celebrated his birthday at an arcade with some of his friends. He loved it!!

In February Kelsey, Karly and Dylan started taking ski lessons up at Wolf Creek. It was so much fun, and every night they would ski after their lesson was over at 6, until I made them quit so we could get home. All of the kids improved a ton, but mostly just loved having the opportunity to ski every week.

In case you haven't already seen a picture, Kelsey decided to dye her hair bright red. It's actually very cute and fits her bright fun personality. Here are a couple pics of Kelsey doing a silly skit with her friends at Young Women's.

Kelsey all dressed up and ready for the spring dance at her Jr. High. How can she be this grown up already?

As a junior offiicer, one of the big things that Brady and his group were in charge of this year was Junior Prom. They figured out everything including the venue, the theme, decorations favors etc...very fun!! The week of prom, the Jr. Officers put on an assembly where they did a bunch of skits in between the student talent acts. Somewhere our son got this ability to be silly in front of large groups of people and make them laugh. He invited us to the assembly and we were privileged to watch him do his thing.

And then, Prom! I was a little bummed that I didn't get to take a bunch of pictures of Brady and his date Nikki before the dance, but they did pictures with a photographer before the dance so I have those to look forward to. Russ and I got to help decorate and then also chaperone at the dance which was such a privilege! So much fun seeing all the kids dressed up and looking their best. I think I had more fun at Brady's prom than I did at my own.

This post seems to lacking in pictures of Karly. While she didn't have any big events the last few months, she continues to be such a joy! She's taking piano lessons and doing great. She's also taking hip hop with her friend and will have a recital in May. Karly worked really hard on a science fair project in Jan and Feb and ultimately won a second place ribbon. We think one judge was unusually harsh in his scoring, but at least she has something to work towards for next year.

Christmas 2010

I've been keeping a secret since last spring and I've been so excited to let the kids in on it. Christmas day was finally when they were going to find out. Here is the video of how it went down. Now, I know it's funnier to Russ and I than to others, but there were so many things that made us laugh about the kids reaction. I've watched it at least 10 times and it still makes me laugh. Enjoy! (P.S. I made sure it was ok with Kelsey to post this--she is sooo my daughter!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYQ1LhgR60o

Hawaii

So, our trip to Hawaii was almost two months ago but I'm trying to catch up a little bit so here are a few pictures from Dane and Leah's wedding and then the extra days that Russ and I stayed afterwards to make the most of this awesome opportunity.

The Laie Hawaii temple had been closed for quite awhile for extensive renovations and then re-opened and was re-dedicated just before Dane and Leah's wedding. They were actually the first wedding since the re-opening. The whole day was beautiful and both families couldn't have been happier for the cute couple. As Dane's big sister I was overwhelmed at how much Leah's family love him and how happy they are to have him in their family. It made me so happy because we feel the same about Leah. Not only is she cute and smiley, she is easy to be around and puts everyone at ease. I love that these two found each other and have brought out the best in each other. Leah, we're so happy to have you as a Watson!!

The reception was so much fun and Leah and her family did such a great job planning and creating a memorable experience!

After all the excitement of the wedding festivities, Russ and I stayed on the North Shore for a couple more days, we went to a waterfall, checked out the local snorkeling area and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you get a chance to visit Oahu don't miss the PCC, there is so much to learn, experience and see. We spent the whole day and didn't see it all.

Russ doing the New Zealand warrior march. So intimidating!

My polynesian souvenir.

This guy in the Samoan village was hilarious! I think he's been doing his thing at the PCC for quite some time and he is great at explaining life in a Samoan village and making it funny.

After visiting all the villages we went to the Luau. Good, but not a fan of everything they offered. (poi...eecchhh!)

The following day we were in Waikiki. We enjoyed the beach, the sun and a beautiful drive around the southern part of the island. I took a ton of pictures but chose just a few to put up here. It was just as beautiful as I hoped it would be!

It was such a great trip! So great to spend time with my family, celebrate with Dane and Leah and hang out with my best friend. We had a great time and I'm so happy that Dane and Leah are staying in Hawaii so I have a reason to go back.