Snow Shoeing!

Last weekend Jared and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went snow shoeing! We drove to Big Bear (approx. 1hr & 50min) where we rented snow shoes and an activity pass. We were told the best place to go and set out. Once we geared up, Jared and I went searching for the hiking trail. We were surrounded by the serene outdoors, tall trees, chirping birds, and a blue sky…it couldn’t have gotten any better! We hiked up many hills enjoying each other’s company. We also had a picnic on the rocks. I can’t wait to go back next year!

The drive up to the high elevations...so green!

Getting ready to begin our hike.

Jared hiking.



After our picnic.



View from the top!



Me!

Look at those cuties!

Family leaves cold Kansas and freezing Minnesota for sunny California!

Liz and Brent’s Visit

On Saturday, the first day of Jared’s spring break, we were thrilled to pick up his parents at the airport and begin their 5 day visit! We began by eating a late lunch in downtown Brea and spending quality time talking. That evening we watched a movie (I am Legend…pretty good). Sunday, we started our day by venturing to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. We saw a variety of sea species, Lorikeet birds, seals and sea lions. Next, we went to Manhattan Beach. It was a hazy, beautiful day! Monday was spent showing Liz and Brent Jared’s school. We then went to Ikea, where we spent way too much time…the boys were becoming irritated and were ready to go! Tuesday we made a great discovery…a new beach! Just outside of Laguna Beach, we explored Aliso Beach. It was gorgeous! The boulders made for a beautiful setting. We walked to shore and took many pictures. Then we drove to Newport beach to see the pier and eat lunch…this was my favorite day! Wednesday was more on the relaxed side. Liz and Brent spent part of the day pool side. That evening we ate dinner and walked around Downtown Disney.

Liz getting pecked at by Lorikeets!

Manhattan Beach


Laguna/Aliso Beach

Jenni and Chad’s Visit

When we took Liz and Brent to the airport on Thursday morning, we also picked up my cousin Jenni and her boyfriend, Chad. Once we picked them up we headed to Downtown Fullerton where we ate and got caught up. When we got back to the apartment we took advantage of the warm weather and took a dip in the pool and hot tub! Friday was spent celebrating Jenni’s 27th birthday! We played the day away at Disneyland! Happy Birthday Jenni….we are glad we got to celebrate with you!!! On Saturday we layed out at the beach (Aliso Beach….yes, the one we were just at). It was a warm beautiful day! We then went to Huntington Beach to eat lunch and walk the pier. Sunday was another warm sunny day, so we went to the pool. That afternoon we took Jenni and Chad to the airport.

The little green "creature" on the side of the cake was an experiment with a new tip...he was cute.

Cinderella's Castle

Jenni and Chad

Fantasmic...this was a really neat water and light show put to music! If you look closely you can see Micky on the stage.

Aliso Beach

Jenni and Chad...ahhh....cute!

While at Hunington Beach we were entertained by a kite show!

We were happy to have all of our guests and were sad to see them leave. Thank you for coming to see us!!! We love you guys!

I married a Smartie!

Jared just completed his 2nd quarter of optometry school and I am proud to say he received a 4.0!! Congrats babe! You deserve it!

This is a picture of one of the many new gagets Jared has purchased this year. He has fitted me with glasses using trail frames.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday! Wish we could have been there to celebrate with you! We love you and hope you had a wonderful day!

Even veggies need thunder and lightening

It's sad that the only thunder and lightening I get to see now a days is in the grocery store! When I want to feel a little closer to home I can go and stand by the veggies in the produce isle and wait for the rain to come. I am talking about the misters that shower the veggies, but I have recently noticed the added thunder sound effect and the flickering lights of lightening...ahhh...home!

Crafty Me!

I have recently, with the help and guidance of a friend, begun making cards! The cards pictured here are a few examples of what I have made. I gave them as a bundled set as gifts for Christmas to family members. This is fun, but it takes a long time to create one card because I lack creativity!

Elsie is sporting a lovely knotted scarf. This scarf was handmade by me using wool yarn and a ton of knots!

Christmas with both sides of the family

Just after our arrival into town I got to see my friends!

Christmas Eve was spent at my sister's house with family. Jared's parents were even able to join us. We spent the first part of the evening sacking and visiting and the last part getting our wii fit ages.

My mom helped me decorate cupccakes...yes...it took a while

Grandma, Allison, Julie, and David (cousins)

Liz and Brent (ma and pa-in-law)
Amy and Paul

Paul catching hula-hoops on the Wii.

I am running (it was a work out!)


Grandma working on her balance.

Christmas morning was celebrated with church, breakfast, and presents. We then spent the day in Topeka visiting my dad's side of the family.

Amy with Elsie, Macie, and Kenzie
Dad and his new bag

Christmas with the in-laws was celebrated Friday when Jason, Courtney, Jenny, and Josh arrived in town. We went to my favorite restaurant, Sol Azteca, for dinner, then home for chatting and gifting!

Brent with his new chair Liz

The boys playing with their new toys


Jason and Courtney