kaul & jewls

Baby J

2011-09-01T14:13:00.000-06:00

This is my sweet little baby boy!

Ohh how much our lives have changed. It revolves around this little guy. (Sorry Mr. Bentley!) They completely turn your lives upside down and teach you to forget about yourself and you wouldn't have it any other way! :)

My sister is amazing. She took all these pictures and was SO patient. She is just amazing with babies. Check her out at One Memory at a Time.

The first time we tried at 5 days old, it didn't work out. He cried the whole time. At 9 days he was a lot better. He was just so aware of his surroundings and very sensitive to things going on. She was so good to just cuddle and hold him until he was ready.

Thank goodness she was patient because it made for some adorable pictures!

Thank you lish!! I love them!!!

Warning: This Might Make you Squimish.

2011-09-01T13:56:00.001-06:00

This story begins on a Wednesday night. My due date had come and gone, and I was 3 days over. You see, this little "home" I had made for our little baby must have been super comfy. Why? Because he hadn't shown even a centimeter of coming anytime soon. NADA. Not dilated, couldn't even strip my membranes because this little "home" was rockin' and he wasn't ready to say hello.

I was a little freaked out that I would need to be induced, so that night me and Kaulin did every thing we could think of to make the baby come. Clary Sage Oil, jumping, walking curbs... and finally around 11pm that night... the contractions started.

I hadn't ever had a contraction before. Not a braxton hick or anything during my pregnancy. So I didn't know what to expect. The only thing I knew is that I didn't want to be sent home. (Silly, I know... but it would have made me cry!)

They came on slow so I just tried to go to bed and sleep it off. Was this the real thing? I didn't know... Around 3am, I woke up thinkging I wet myself. But still not being sure, I went back to bed. Sorta... Finally 5am and I couldn't take it anymore. I showered, got ready and we went into the hospital around 6ish.

And sure enough, my water had broke, the contractions were getting stronger and the little one had out grown his love of his little "home" and wanted to come play. (Kaulin looks so calm....)

They got me all hooked up, and then it came to the waiting game. (Yes, I was sporting a purple manicure. That was about the only thing I could control and reach by that time. So I was a fanatic about making sure my nails were done before he came.)

Happy as a Hippo, Rueben... Then it came time to PUSH.

The thing about pushing with drugs pumping through you... You can't feel a thing. So you were exhausted, sweating and breathing hard but you couldn't feel or tell why. But because of it, I really enjoyed the whole process. I didn't want to hit or kill anyone like people had warned me about, and I got to watch the whole thing. It is amazing.

So when someone tells you to grunt, what kind of push would you assume? When I grunt I am exerting myself. Like a tennis player that grunts whenever they hit the ball. They hit it hard and a grunt comes out. So when I was told to give a "grunt" I gave one REAL big push. WHOOPSIE. I guess the version of grunt I was supposed to give was more like a sigh. I gave a big heave ho grunt and thank goodness Tracy was ready because my little guy literally popped out and she caught him.

Note to self: Grunt smaller.

My amazing aunt and my OB with baby J as he took his first breathe. Love this picture.

He was 7'11 and 19 inches long.

Cuddling with my sweet baby J for the first time.

It's amazing.

Make Way for DA HOUSE!

2011-09-01T13:18:00.003-06:00

Ok, that is a little mean. But that is how you feel when you're pregnant!

Below is NOT to do if you are decide to take maternity pictures.

Well, as many of you know, my sister is an amazing photographer. (Click the link to see her stuff). So when it came time for maternity pictures, I wasn't too into the whole idea. Who decided it was a good idea to try and get your fat swollen house of a self ready and smiling in front of the camera? Crazy people. But with a little coaching I decided to go out. Problem is, I didn't go out when I was a cute pregnant. NO!!! I went out when I was almost due. I look at these the cringe a little, but I'm glad I get to look back at them now.

Isn't my hubby the hottest?

And of course Mr. Bentley had to get in on the action.

So although I am large and in charge, I really do love to look back at being pregnant. There was something comforting about it. And I loved that people always held doors open, carried my things and that I got to part in the expectant mother parking at Harmons.

NOTICE: NO BABIES WERE HURT IN THE TAKING OF THIS PICTURE

I just really wanted to belly bump with Kaul. :)

Thanks lishie for taking us out and convincing me I needed to do them!

Eternal Perspective

2011-06-15T13:15:00.000-06:00

It doesn't seem like I don't get to teach as much as I used to in church, and I've missed it! I would rather teach and give talks all day long rather then pray in front of a big group. (I know, weird. It's an issue I need to work on...) Anyway, I get to teach this week and the lesson is on Eternal Perspective. I love it when you get to study a lesson that really hits home and makes you reflect on your life.

It's also neat that I am reading "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey and I am just to the chapter about having the end in sight. It all seems to go together just when you need it.

This is the little reminder I made the girls to remember to reflect on the were we want to be.

I thought this story by Dieter F. Uchtdorf was amazing and I wanted to share it.

(Full story at lds.org.)

The Story of the Lightbulb, or Losing Sight of What Matters Most

"On a dark December night 36 years ago, a Lockheed 1011 jumbo jet crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing over 100 people. This terrible accident was one of the deadliest crashes in the history of the United States.

A curious thing about this accident is that all vital parts and systems of the airplane were functioning perfectly—the plane could have easily landed safely at its destination in Miami, only 20 miles (32km) away.

During the final approach, however, the crew noticed that one green light had failed to illuminate—a light that indicates whether or not the nose landing gear has extended successfully. The pilots discontinued the approach, set the aircraft into a circling holding pattern over the pitch-black Everglades, and turned their attention toward investigating the problem.

They became so preoccupied with their search that they failed to realize the plane was gradually descending closer and closer toward the dark swamp below. By the time someone noticed what was happening, it was too late to avoid the disaster.

After the accident, investigators tried to determine the cause. The landing gear had indeed lowered properly. The plane was in perfect mechanical condition. Everything was working properly—all except one thing: a single burned-out lightbulb. That tiny bulb—worth about 20 cents—started the chain of events that ultimately led to the tragic death of over 100 people.

Of course, the malfunctioning lightbulb didn’t cause the accident; it happened because the crew placed its focus on something that seemed to matter at the moment while losing sight of what mattered most."

It's so easy to get stuck on the little mishaps and things that don't matter. They keep us from taking in the whole picture and realizing what matters. This week I want to work on not sweating the small things and focus on what really matters.

baby j's room.

2011-04-19T12:42:00.002-06:00

It was so much fun working on our little guys room before he came. Everything just seemed to come together.

So, I'm probably a little too picky when it comes to baby room decor.

I looked and looked for little boy bedding and didn't like a thing I saw. So off to the fabric store me and my sister Andee went. I found these combos of super cute fabric in navy, apple green and aqua and decided, "Hey, I'm feeling ambitious. Why don't I make it myself?"

That thought will probably never cross my mind again... It took forever and cost just as much as buying one by the time you buy fabric, batting and all the foam for the bumpers. But I'm happy with how it all turned out! It might be a little girly for our little boy, but it's a baby, right? :) haha.

Here is a view of the overall room.

I love this crib. It was a gift from Kaulin's parents for all our future kids.

I also love the picture of Jesus with the kids over his crib.

It is something pretty special to our family since it is all my brothers and sisters in the picture. They stopped printing the picture, but luckily my grandma has the original and my sister Lisha is a pro at the camera and photoshop. I think I want to add some sort of vinyl quote later on under the picture about being a child of God.

We really lucked out with the glider/recliner. I really wanted one that wasn't wood and had a good look to it. I found this green one online, but they still wanted a lot for it. Well one night, me and Kaulin were just sitting in the living room surfing the web for rockers, and here the chair was again, but this time 50% off for 3 days only! WOOHOO! Luckily Kaulin's sister Kierston lives in Vegas where it could be ordered in at the promotional price to avoid the crazy shipping costs.

The curtains were store bought ones with matching fabric sewed on to match the bedding. The rug was from Target and seemed to go with the room perfect. And of course, a pillow owl! What would a room be without a pillow owl. :)

On the other side of the room are his dressers. One is for changing, one is for decor (thank you mommy for hooking a girl up with some dressers to re-finish. They work perfectly!). The bookshelf in the middle is just a $25 bookshelf from Wal-Mart with the back painted blue to go with the room.

I haven't had a chance yet, but these are the knobs going on the dressers. I love how different they all are. I know, the blue rose is REALLY girly. But again, it's a baby. I figure by the time he's 2 he will have something he is really into and I will want to change his room again to go with what he likes. :)

These cute sayings and frames were made by my super creative sister Reese for the baby. They are adorable and go with the room so well!

I can't wait to put these up on the wall.

We have such an awesome family. It seems like everyone had a little piece of the room they helped us with. We feel so blessed to have them around us!

Secrets Out

2010-09-14T15:21:00.000-06:00

The secret is out! Yes, we've given into peer pressure and decided to have a kid.

We've told our family so it's safe to tell people. We are having the little one at the end of March. Waiting to tell everyone has helped make the the first trimester go so fast. (In my opinion) And we'll see what part 2 will be like.

(Hopefully the holidays will help it go by faster too!)

Mr. Bentley is going to have some major competition! :)

Top Secret

2010-09-14T15:11:00.000-06:00

When you first find out you have a little one inside of you, it almost seems unreal. I didn't feel much different other then just being tired all the time. Even when we went to see the my Aunt Tracy (Our O.B.) for the first time and saw little flutterbugs little heart flutter, it still didn't seem real. (Especially since I don't think I've been that bad. Maybe Kaulin thinks different! :)

We have decided not to anyone in our families yet. We figure, what's the rush until the first trimester has gone by. But it's been really hard! We always tell our families everything!

People just start to think you're a flake, your never want to hang out and are always eating foods you usualy would never touch. (Yes, I try not to eat fast food, but now when it's all that sounds good and I'm never hungery, I totally give in!) I've even had a few family member say something about what I was eating. ha. I'm sure they are catching on, but not saying anything. We will see soon. There just seems to be certain foods that no matter how much you want, you can't eat. Chicken and salmon are on the top of that list for me!

Things I can look back at and laugh one day:

Crying over the milk being gone.
Getting up to pee every night. I used to have a blatter of steel!
Getting upset at church and not being able to stop crying the WHOLE sacrament. It was like I had a leaky valve. I honestly couldn't stop. It was aweful.
Rushing to the bathroom at Kaulins parents house to spill everything i just ate, and then waltz back into the room and start back up with the converstation. Yuck.
Trying to keep myself busy all the time so I don't have a chance to feel nauseated. Really, only at night.
Lossing weight (Not good), but noticing I am getting a tummy pouch now.
Being at Lake Powell with 20 people on a house boat and trying to keep a secret...

Me and Karli at the Lake :)

Half way though!

2010-06-16T17:57:00.000-06:00

This week I am half way through my 90 day workouts. YIPEE!

I've learned a few things about myself.

1. I was SO out of shape!

2. Bangs are no good when you sweat.

3. Eating is boring now.

4. I can actually do a hand stand! (with help:))

5. I don't need mid-day naps anymore.

6. I actually have stared to crave working out and am sad when I miss a day.

Most of all

I miss sushi and crave it all the time!

Thank goodness for cheat days!

All in all though, I'm kind of enjoying it!

My Adorable Family!

2010-06-03T23:22:00.000-06:00

Aren't we just the cutest. ;)

The Boys

The sisters

And what is a family picture with out our little gigolo, Mr. Bentley!

I love you family! MWAH!

Oregon Coast

2010-06-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

We left again! To the Oregon coast to deliver a car to Kaulins cousins in Portland with Kaulins parents.

Depoe Bay is one of my favorite places. This was the view from the hotel. I think I could just sit here for hours eating claim chowder from my favorite restaurant there Gracies Sea Hag and trying to spot whales. (No whales this time, maybe next?)

I already want to go back!

(More pictures coming soon:)

Staying fit, IMPOSSIBLE!

2010-05-03T15:02:00.000-06:00

Staying fit. Holy Smokes! That is a chore all in itself. I some how avoided the freshman 15, but what about the marriage 12... on good days 10, on really bad ones 14. (Hey I'm a girl! My weight is a roller coaster depending on what day it is!) And when it's time to have a kid, what about the baby 30-50!!

This scares me more than any of them. Since one day I think I might want to have one of those little bundles of joy people keep trying to convince me to have, I've decided that I need to get fit now. (Easier to bounce back right?) Plus, I want to look good in one of these little numbers before I do....

Having the supportive husband I have, he saw an add on Craigslist for a 90 day fit challenge and quickly forwarded it onto me. No better time than now I guess. So I gave them a call and what is done is done. I had before pictures taken and I am now on my way to becoming fit at CrossFit in St. George.

So here is to day 1!

I think day 1 is the easiest. No sore muscles yet, it doesn't bother me that I am eating like a cave man.

On top of the 3 days a week training with Crossfit, I need to still use my other gym pass. So if anyone wants to go to Zumba, Yoga or any other fun class at Golds let me know! I would love to have a workout buddy!

Casa Nueva! HOORAH!

2010-02-03T21:47:00.001-07:00

We are so excited to be a homeowner out in the middle of nowhere!

After waiting months and months and jumping through a lot of hoops everything finally closed on our home by the lake. We couldn't be more excited to get everything settled in.

We get to see this every morning. The views couldn't be more beautiful. Mountains to one side, sand dunes to the other.

We just have to be careful that Bentley doesn't become coyote or hawk bait! He is the same size as the jackrabbits and I'm sure even more delicious. He seems to like it out there though.

Don't you just feel like this some days?

2010-01-11T16:44:00.001-07:00

Some days I wish I could just collapse and sleep where ever I fall like Mr. Bentley my little Yorkie.

The last few weeks have been spent staying up late into the night trying to get everything in line for the wedding expo coming up the end of January that my business will "Debut at."

I am SOO excited, but so exhausted!

It you haven't seen it yet go to Middle Aisle.

It's in the small victories

2009-12-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

I feel like today
that small victories were made.

I chose to read a Dale Carnegie book instead of turn on the TV

I chose to have oatmeal for lunch. And actually stuck to the serving sizes.
(Who really only eats that much? news to me.)

And spent my whole evening with family frosting cookies instead of being wrapped up in my own things.

Picture credit

A small but victorious day.

Ohh Mexico!!

2009-12-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

Mexico was a blast! We did alot of great things and did alot of relaxing.

We went with Kaulins parents and Andee and Steve. We stayed at the Grand Mayan in the Riviera Maya. It was a blast!

We took a day to boat over to Cozumel and rent scooters to tour the island.

It was great to get a tour from the stake president in Cancun who runs a tour company Laminate Destination Services. (LDS). It was great to see the Mayan religion from an LDS standpoint.

We first went to Coba. The pyramid is larger than the one in Chitchen Itza and you are still allowed to climb it. Kaulin, Steve and Richard ran on up while us gals took pictures of them. :)

We also got to see Tulum. This place is worth going to!

Some of the best snorkeling we've ever done was in Yakul. It was a lagoon by the ocean, but doesn't get any waves. So it was clear and calm. No swallowing sea water and the fish aren't afraid to have you get pretty close. It was a blast.

Riviera Maya, WOOHOO

2009-12-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

This vacation has been in the planning for a LONG time. We were set to go in May, but the swine flu was scarey then. Not so much anymore.... So we are going for it! :D Mexico here we come. It's nice to get away when it feels cold here.

Things I'm looking forward to most:
Sitting on the beach thinking about nothing...
Going to see Tulum
Swimming in a Cenote
Having people yell out "Honeymooners special!" as we walk down the street
Scooters in Cozumel
Hanging out with Kaulins parents and Andee and Steve

New Wedding Blog

2009-12-01T22:12:00.002-07:00

Middle Aisle

I've started a new wedding blog for Southern Utah to feature all the unique and trendy weddings

and vendors. Make sure you check it out. :)

Southern Utah Junior Miss

2009-11-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Junior Miss! We has adorable girls, a great Emcee Jan Broberg and judges who couldn't have been better. All the girls were so equally good that we had 5 ties that had to be broken! We have 4 girls going to state in March.

The girls waiting for deliberation.

Me and Jealin

I'm thankful for great husbands and brothers watching the ticket and flower sales.

The first year doing this was def. rough learning the ropes. But I'm so pumped for next year.

November 6th 2010 Hurriccane High School! Mark your calendars! :D

Last Days on our Adventure

2009-11-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

When we first got into the redwoods at the Avenue of the Giants, it was dusk. Try driving through the trees as the sun is going down.. IT WAS DARK! I was a little freaked out. There is something about being in the redwoods at night that is mysterious. Plus, we had been driving 9 hours that day and we didn't have a hotel scheduled.

We pulled up to this bed and breakfast, Fort Myers. Luckily they had an opening and it happened to be the only "hotel" in all of the redwoods. HOORAH! The breakfast we awesome, the hostess was eccentric and they welcomed little B-stain with open arms. It felt like it could have been better!

This shows how shallow there roots are, but how big around these trees are!

We drove through the tree. (Of course, we had too!)

And took a little hike through the forest before heading over to San Francisco.

By the mid day, we made it to San Francisco. If you follow the 101 all the way down, you drive right over the golden gate bridge. Be ready at the end to pay a $7 toll. We weren't ready for that. I beat everyone behind our car hated us! hehe. Thank goodness of GPS's or we would have been lost in this city! So many one way roads, impatient people and steep hills.

We slept the night in a hotel in a yucky little town. I was nervous to leave anything in the car and little B kept growling at things outside as we were trying to go to bed. After our not so good sleep, we drove the last day home. Bentley was all tuckered out. Driving non-stop the last 3 days is something i never want to do again! But I'd drop anything to drive down the 101 again! It was amazing.

Day 6: Depoe Bay, Sea Lion Caves and 8 hours of driving down the 101

2009-09-28T09:20:00.000-06:00

We are behind so we have to make up alot of time driving.

This is Depoe Bay from outside our motel room window. Last night we ate at Gracies Sea Hags. SUCH GOOD SEA FOOD! I tried osters for the first time. Not so good. But the clam chowder, and kaulins staple fish and chips. I had the sea food pasta with crab, shrimp & prawns. It was amazing.

There are supposed to be 12 grey whales that always live in the bay. This is as close as we got to one though. They cleaned out the river 2 days ago that drain into the bay so they were MIA the last couple of days.

So we went to the SeaLion caves so we could as least see a few wild animals. Kaulin took this picture right as B-Man went to yawn. It looks like he is a hand puphet I carry around with me to keep me company. He looks really creepy!!

On the drive down the 101 we ran into herds of elk.

Lots and Lots of Elk!!!

Day 5: Portland

2009-09-26T23:02:00.000-06:00

We have been so lucky this trip because the sun has shown the entire time! No drops of rain once!

We spent the whole first half of the day in Portland with Beau and Kim. They went out of their way to make sure we got a great time in town and ate in the right places. First thing in the morning (After they made us a killer breakfast) we went to the Multnomah Falls outside of Portland.

Kaulin, Julie, B-Man, Beau and Kim

So, Beau and Kim warned us it is a bit of a hike to the top. When we got there, I under estimated how tall this thing actually is. IT KILLED ME. I got so dizzy hiking up, but i tried to be cool and tried to press on until i had to stop because i thought i was going to fall over i was so light headed. It was over a mile straight up hill. But so worth it. :)

(View from the top down at the parking lot the picture above was taken from)

We have the hardest time getting around with this little lady killer in the blue polo here. (and the guy in the green polo, but people don't stop what they are doing to pet Kaulin). Little Beanie is quite the little show stopper. Probably doesn't help that i make him wear little clothes. haha.

We've now made it to Depot Bay just in time to find a hotel, dinner and an internet connection. Bentley B has been great in the car this far. He has his favorite places he perches or just sleeps on our laps. It has been super easy to travel. Plus he's learned that if he just stays in his bag he gets to go inside. Dinner was so nice tonight because he came inside, but just stayed in his bag and slept. No one knew he was there and it was nice to not have to worry about him being cold in the car.

Day 4: Long Beach, Astoria, Cannon Beach: Indian Beach, Portland

2009-09-26T22:46:00.000-06:00

We stayed in Long Beach, WA for the night at the Trend West. 2bd full kitchen for us! hehe. Long beach was super small and quiet. There signs say they have the longest beach in the world. I believe it. Although no on gets into their beach or really hangs out on the sand because the wind is so strong there! We took a walk down the board walk and check out a grey whale skeleton they have on the beach.

Then back to more driving. From long beach we went over the longest bridge I have EVER been on that crossed the Columbia River from Washington to Astoria, OR. Astoria is adorable. They are cute little homes all built up on the side of a hill. This is a place I would have really liked to stay in long.

We crusied on down to Cannon Beach and stopped into Ecola State Park and check out Indian Beach.

Indian Beach

Our drive through Ecola State Park. Kalynn told me its like faries would jump out and touch you. She was so right! :) It looked alot like Olympic National Park with the tall green trees, winding roads and moss dripping from everywhere.

After checking out Cannon Beach we drove a few hours to Portland to stay with Kaulins Cousin Beau and his wife Kim. They were so great to us! They took work off just to show us around town. That night we ate at The Grilled Cheese Grill. Yup, you eat outta a bus. They serve only different kinda of Grilled cheese and tomato soup. I'm glad we had the pro's to show us the ropes on what to order. Who would have thought brown sugar on a grilled cheese would be good?

Day 3: Port Angles, Olympic National Park, La Push

2009-09-26T22:27:00.000-06:00

The PCH has been beautiful to drive down. Sometimes you are right on the ocean, and other times you are in the middle of a green forest.

We stopped into Olympic National ark. It is beautiful covered in green trees and moss covered trees. It is considered the only rain forrest in the US.

Kaulin and Bizzle on an overlook in Olympic.

From Olympic we went out of our way about 40 minutes to La Push. IT IS BEAUTIFUL! It is on a reservation and is just a small fishing area. But the beaches are gorgeous. And yes everything in this area of Washington seem to want a piece of the Twilight mania. This town had alot of references to Jacob and wolves.

Just down the road was Forks. We weren't about to waste our time with a Twilight tour, so we used their bathrooms in a grocery store and went on our way. Forks is a small town right on the 101. Everything was "Twilight Headquarters" according to businesses signs.

We stopped to get gas and a run on for the little b-stain on the beach and found this cool beach with all these tree trunks. It also has a ton of crab shells! I had no idea crabs lost their shells.

Day 2

2009-09-23T23:02:00.000-06:00

So little Bentley and I dressed up this morning and waited for Kaulin to hopefully bring back a car.

And he brought us back this!! A Lexus SC430 convertiable with 20 inch chrome rims.

I love it! It is probably the prettiest car we have owned.

First thing we did was head over to Seattle for The Underground Tour.

In down town Seattle there are under ground walkways. After Seattles big fire in 1888, they needed to rebuild the town but needed to raise it so the tide would stop washing everything out. Well the businesses owners didn't wanna stick around and wait for the city to build up the land, so they built there businesses anyway. The city still went with the original plan and built up these tall retaining walls around each block and filled it up with dirt. They had to use ladders to get to the first floor of businesses. Eventually they got covered up because ppl kept dying falling off now they are abandoned walk ways.

Then to Pikes Market Place where they throw the fish.

We had lunch and had to get some shrimp, fish and chips!

Then off to Lake Washington Ship Canal and Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to see where the fish swim up the ladders and a nice walk in the gardens.

Tonight we are in Port Angeles staying on the Harbor. We had a great crab dinner and are now relaxing.

Day 1

2009-09-22T20:04:00.001-06:00

We made it to Seattle!! I didn't feel honest about sneaking little B-stain onto the plane for the first time, but now I know we should have. We paid $75 (more then our ticket) and no one even asked if we have a proof if the dog could be with us. It def. wasn't needed. But its good to be honest right?

When traveling with a dog, everyone wants to be your friend! He is one popular little guy. Everyone wanted to talk about their dogs, when they had a yorkie etc etc.

We are now just hoping he doesn't get discovered at our hotel (Which was supposed to be dog friendly!) Oh no, they hate dogs! $250 if they catch you with one in your room. So we are just crossing our fingers he behaves tonight.

First thing we did tonight was order dinner, then walk 4 miles to take alook at the auction cars going through tomorrow. It look about an 45 minutes to walk 2 miles there and 2 miles back on a busy industrial road. We're exhausted now and are just watching TV since we are carless till tomorrow.

Adventure Here We Come!!!

2009-09-17T12:38:00.002-06:00

Here we go! We finally did it and booked a 1 way ticket Sunday up to Seattle so we can drive home on the coastal highway. We decided to let little Bentley come along since we will be going to lots of national parks and we don't think there will be many places he won't be allowed. Airfare if a different story though. His ticket cost more then ours!! Crazy huh? He costs more to sit under my seat.
I hope the little guy enjoys this. :)

I'm so excited to just get away for a little bit. We have nothing planned other then some great suggestions on what to see from family and friends.

The scariest part of the trip is that we have only 1 night of hotels booked and no rental car booked. We are getting there in time for the seattle auto auction where Kaulin is going to buy us a car to drive home. (I'm secretly hoping its a convertible, but lets be realistic, I need to cross my fingers that we just get a good car without any mechanical problems.)

Isn't it beautiful!! I can't believe I've never been there before even though we live so close!

We're taking our computer so hopefully I can post pictures of our adventure as it happens.

Check back for the next week!! :)

Flirty Pink, Black and White Wedding

2009-09-03T13:42:00.008-06:00

Who: Jensen and Yardley Wedding
Where: Minersville Utah in their Uncles backyard
Colors: Black, white, & hot pink
Photographer: Jenny Hollaway
Cake: Heidi Smith
Floral: Dolly

This was the beautiful back yard I got to work with. I love seeing a space for the first time and envisioning what can be done with it.

From there I created a site map scaled to the measurements as close as I can get. I like to do this with each wedding to help with all the table, tent and dance floor placements.

And here is the finished product! It is so rewarding to see what you've designed on paper come together on the big day.

There were 9 white tents in all. Each had a custom Hot pink damask flag made to match the custom linen.

All the hot pink and black and white stripe linen was custom made for this wedding in California.

Cute as can be, flower girls.

There were 4 food stations around the perimeter of the event. There was an ice cream sundae station (which had some technical difficulties), a cotton candy station, drink and sandwich station and a fondue station. Each had the custom black and white stripe linen, which was one of my favorite things of the wedding.

4 types of crystal chandeliers hung in each of the 9 tents.

The cotton candy station had hot pink rock suckers.

The guests got to pick a sucker and have the cotton candy rolled onto it.

This massive beauty is there wedding cake done by

Heidi Smith with Icing by Design in St. George.

Favorite parts of the Events:

(1) The custom linen!

(2) The bride and groom and there families had to be the sweetest people ever! I loved working with them.

Here's when you wouldn't hire a wedding planner ...

2009-08-13T10:29:00.005-06:00

I was so excited to hear from out of state weddings planners about this article. Its been up for a day and I've already recieved emails and comments on The Spectrum. Its always exciting to know people are reading and enjoying. :) Photo by One Memory at a Time with Alisha Shaw

Why you wouldn't hire a wedding planner

Check out the article in The Spectrum neighborhoods

In these economical times we are all trying to cut back. This concept even applies towards your special day. Weddings that used to be lavish events are now turning to simplistic trends.

One thing still rings true: whether you are trying to conserve or splurge, there is a long list of to-dos before you can say, "I do." These lists can sometimes feel endless and take away from the excitement during your engagement. This is where a wedding planner eases the pressure.
Is a wedding planner right for you, your budget and your overall event?

Do not hire a wedding planner if you want to spend more money. You heard me right, you can save money with a wedding planner. In the past, planners have been perceived for only indulgent couples with money to spare. This is not the case these days.

Wedding planners are becoming affordable and can even get you discounts and special rates by consulting through them. Wedding professionals build up relationships with each other and will sometimes give benefits for referring them.

On multiple occasions I have seen free services thrown in by a vendor or a price even deducted in half because they went through a wedding planner.

Planners can also help you get more bang for your buck. They know how to cut back on certain expenses to make your event look like a splurge even though you might be on a tight budget.

Another reason you would not hire a wedding planner is if you can be in two places at once. Brides have a large roll. That is, of course, being the bride. On a wedding day it is not uncommon to have a 16-hour work day, a mop in one hand and an iron in the other.

The last thing a bride needs to do is to be steaming linen or polishing silverware before she is about to walk down the middle aisle.

Finally, don't hire a wedding planner if you already spend eight or more hours a day reading, writing, researching and dreaming about weddings.

Wedding planners are professionals that obsess over weddings, daydream about wedding and are always scheming new trends for weddings. They are full-time wedding guru's that have been doing this for years, not just for a few months of engagement.

By tapping into their skills and involving them from the beginning of your initial planning, you will be amazed at the creations that will come to surface giving you the wedding you did not even know was in your reach without breaking the bank.

Montgomery Wedding at the BellTower

2009-08-05T14:55:00.005-06:00

Our friends over at RB Studios the Broadheads, sent this DVD highlights video over of a fun wedding we did over at the BellTower. It was one of those weddings that was handed off to me after the initals consults to finish the rest of the wedding day, rehearsals and ceremony. I was so impressed, this family actually danced at the wedding! wooohoo! Sometimes when theres time for dancing, it doesn't always happen, but with them it did. It made it alot of fun.

Thanks RB Studios for the video.

Fresh or Artificial Floral?

2009-07-17T14:05:00.002-06:00

It has has been alot of fun to write for The Spectrum every month as a free-lance writer about weddings. So I thought I would start posting a little piece of them every month.

This article was about artificial or fresh floral. Latley brides have been leaning towards artifical floral... I still don't know how I feel about it. I am a fresh flower girl myself, but I will say I have seen some really pretty artifical floral arrangements lately.

I'm torn!! Which do you think is best?
Photo from Orchids and Company of a fresh and
artifical bouquet. Can you tell which is which?

Dusty, coarse, frayed edges and great-aunt Gertrude all come to mind when thinking of those taboo words in wedding floral: fake flowers. Many reception venues even state in their contracts that artificial flowers are not allowed to cross their thresholds.

Fake floral has received a bad name for not being used correctly, being poor in quality and being just plain outdated. Fortunately artificial flowers have come along way in the past decade.

"The sad muted flowers with frayed edges and weird leaf centers are not the only choices available for event designs anymore," said Lindsey Madsen, owner of Orchids and Company. "By using a variety of fabrics, fibers, specialty dyes, UV coating, hand painting and numerous other techniques have made it beautiful and easy to incorporate artificial flowers. So the dreaded fake flowers have become fabulous fauxs."

A question a bride needs to ask herself when deciding to go artificial or fresh floral is which will fit her look and event best. Professional floral designers can help you know which works best for you.

If the florist is asking numerous questions, almost to the point that you feel like a guest on a game show, then take a deep breath, that is actually a good sign," Madsen said.Getting to know the nature of the event, where the flowers are being used, the timeline of events, and if children or pets are in the bridal party, will help determine which look will work best for your event.

A misunderstanding about artificial floral is that it is more cost effective than using the real thing....

To read the rest of the article go here!

Rustic Wedding Ideas

2009-07-14T23:06:00.005-06:00

So, We've had a request for a rustic wedding down in Las Vegas. I've taken some of the pictures the Bride has sent and added a few touches to make the idea complete. She really likes globe lights, Chinese lanterns and subtle fall colors. I'm thinking we also might want to add chandeliers outdoors, mason jars, long guest tables, wooden benches and lots and lots of candle light since it is out doors.

Cali-For-Nia

2009-07-13T13:18:00.004-06:00

California!! Me, Kaulin, Jeff and Mr. Bentley went down to Oceanside Fourth of July for a little "Working Vacatoin" with Andee and Steve.

For anyone that doesn't know, my dad and some investors, have some vacation rentals down in San Diego in Oceanside on the beach and my whole family is working at remodeling them. They're called "A Strand of Paradise" because the addres is 412 south the Strand.

Andee, Steve & Ethan are living down there during the remodel managing and doing alot of the work. They should be all up and rentals this fall. I'm so excited! They are so much fun.

Mr. B-stain is great on road trips! He gets into his bag and passes out! Plus he loves the beach, so we don't leave him behind. :) Have we ever left him behind anywhere? i don't think so...

Eeee and Heffe on the pier. Ruby's resuraunt is right on the end of the pier walking distance from us. It was a rocky ride for little E.

At Ruby's. haha, I love this picture of little E.

This unit, on the top, over looks all the other units and the ocean (9 in all). Its so nice to wake up in the morning to cool breazes from the ocean and bright sunshine at 6am from the rising sun.

This is what it look like from our place down the strand.

Mr. Hinton.

There in a surf school in town that has asked to use our place to store their boards. So in return we are allowed to use their surf boards and they will give free lessons to anyone staying there with us.

Steven David

Heffe was a pro.

These beach cruisers on the beach are SO much fun! Andee and Steve bought their own to have down there. No better way to get around. There is a one way road right infront of the strand where everyone rides bikes, jogs, walks dogs etc. Andee with Mr. B on the cruiser.

Nanny and baby Eeeee!

Ruppert!

Addicted to Addiction

2009-07-10T14:20:00.005-06:00

So I am a big fan of So You Think You Can Dance. I also make Kaulin watch it with me. Poor guy.

Well every now and again there comes a dance that I fall in love with that just give me the chills and this is one! Its about addiction and how she can't stay away from him although hes bad for her. Its crazy amazing! Of course choreographed by Mia Michaels who is twistedly good. Check it out.

Nanny, this is the only one you would have been missing out on in Cali. :) But now you won't have too.

Let Them Eat Cake: Lots of Fallin Cake!

2009-06-30T15:29:00.005-06:00

All apart of the job! right?

Last weekend when I got done with an event in Cedar City I stopped by one of our events to drop off some napkins that were forgotten. Luckily I had my camera to capture what happens when you have a friend pick up your special cake on a hot day which is a heavy 4 tier three leche cake by someone who doesn't make cakes often. The layers toppled off during the car ride over and was all over the poor friend bringing in the cake. It was delicious though!!!!!

Maddie and Rosie from Forevermore Events.

So jo-jo with Forevermore Events went to work trying to fix the cake chaos before the family arrived any minute.

Smoothing...

Ta Da!! haha.

15 minutes and a few dozen roses later they had a small cake now.

So sad! But Rosie, Maddie and Jo did AWESOME with what was given. Just part of the job. You just gotta roll with whats given.

And I had alot of fun being there to watch. :D hehe

AJM Help Needed

2009-06-17T09:26:00.002-06:00

I'm looking for three more chairpersons to help this year with Southern Utah's Junior Miss. You can see details of the organization here: American Junior Miss. This is a non-profit organization that helps high school senior aged girls recieve scholarships to college. The competition will take place sometime the first two weeks of september. I am looking for three more chairpersons who are fun, enthusiatic and are organized.

Just leave you email in the comments if you are interested and I can send you more information. I could really use the help. :)

Thanks!

Beach Party in Zions

2009-05-20T00:46:00.006-06:00

This wedding was a major labor of love. I came home bruised, dirty, sun burnt and couldn't fully move for a few days after. Luckily, I had two hard workers by my side (bless their hearts, we pulled a 17 hour day and they didn't even get to eat lunch) and a crew of men at the end to help take it all down. Without them none of this would have gotten done.

Looking back on the pictures though, it was all worth it!
The end product makes every bruise, farmers tan and sore muscle worth it. :)

Custom bamboo canopies were constructed over the banquet tables with glowing capiz shell chandeliers. The wind and light rain made it a chore to keep them from blowing over all day, but when the reception started it was calm and perfect. Man, I loved these chandeliers. I am tempted to order my own for my house.

The couples first dance was to "Your Eyes Divide Me" sung live by Kalai. They're adorable right? They just fit each other so well!

Kalai was truly great to work with. I was amazing at how humble and laid back he was. He didn't want any special treatment and insisted on not having any introduction so it wouldn't take away from the bride and groom. He was there right on time and was so gratious. Now EVERYONE go download one of his songs. He is the type of person I want to support any little way i can.

They catered to the children at their reception by having a kids table with suckers, jelly beans, jump ropes, hulla hoops, bracelet making and coloring. It was a mess of kids all night. The brides mom came up with all these cute little things for the kids to do that the kids LOVED! It was a hit.

Cake by Heidi Smith with Icing. She is just always smiling and so nice whenever I see her.
I love being around people like that.

This was my first time working with Nick and Signe Adams. I'm not gonna lie...I was nervous. But I am here to tell you they were amazing. Signe is adorable. She has been so easy to work with, they are so professional and have a true passion for what they do. I would recommend them to everyone.

Bloomers did the floral for the events. When Bloomers is on the job I look at it as one less thing to worry about. Kathy just has the eye for design. Her floral is always full, fresh and flawless.

Always have, Always will love brides colored shoes!

Sparkler send off at the end of the night. Sparkler send offs are a little over done but boy, do they make adorable pictures and memories!

The bride and grooom where adorable BTW. So much fun to work with and so willing to do fun things! :) I love it when I get to do fun details! I'm just grateful they took a chance on me and my ideas. The whole Debenham family I met was great.

Martha Stewart Would be Proud

2009-05-10T19:02:00.003-06:00

This was such a precious wedding! The bride and groom are from out of state but had their wedding here in Southern Utah at the Cox's residence. We did the decor set up for the event. It had lots of pink and white everywhere. It reminds me of a wedding you would see in Martha Stewart weddings with paper lanterns, paper pomanders and market umbrellas. Such a gorgeous place for a wedding!

Square and round tables covered the yard with matching coral crushed linen and ivory market umbrellas.

Green kissing pomanders lined the head table with coral organza bows.

Different shades of pink pom-poms and lanterns covered the underneath of the tent for the buffet and were in the trees in the yard.

Heidi Smith with Icing did this adorable cake and cupcakes to match. She always does cute work.

DSC Graduate

2009-05-10T17:01:00.004-06:00

Hoorah! I finally graduated with my Bachelor degree in Mass Communications specializing in Public Relations. It took a long time and I had to jump through a lot of hoops but it was all worth it. I now have a degree. :)

Kaulin and Julie

Nikki, Tiffany and Julie. Comm Majors

How awesome are they! :D very

2009-04-28T09:32:00.000-06:00

I just had to post this to my blog also because
You would never see most brides and groom on a trampoline in their wedding attire,
but this picture sums up how adorable this couple is!
Energetic, fun and so perfect for each other.

Nick Adam did an amazing job on these photos.
I'm so excited to do Krissy and Aaron's wedding this weekend.

Actions Shots

2009-04-01T13:53:00.004-06:00

How can i just pick a few when i have access to so many pictures of the wedding? hehe. These are action shoots we just got back from Jeff's good friends Josh Ferguson with flashinglightsfoto.com. He took all the action shots for the night.

Disney What?

2009-03-28T00:10:00.002-06:00

Spring break and Disneyland. Nothing greater. We went down to be with Kaulins family for a day in Cali.

Jeff and Lexie: Pictures Cont.

2009-03-26T18:01:00.004-06:00

Jeff and Lexie's Elegant Crystal Wedding

2009-03-26T11:35:00.006-06:00

The theme of the wedding was ivory and white with crystals. Very classy, with touches of blue and yellow. It was held at the BellTower in St. George. The place was packed all night!

The chandelier has 50 strands of crystals with 350 white orchids cascading down.

Robynn Wood with Marvellous Catering did the food for the night. It was delicious and looked amazing.

Angie Hoopes Cakes did there amazing and big wedding cake. Lexie picked confetti flavor. The best part was watching them cut it. Something they def. won't forget. :D

Alisha Shaw with One Memory at a Time did all the photography. They turned out great!

Congrats big brother! I couldn't be more happy for you! Lexie is gorgeous, adorable and fits into our family so well. You will both have an amazing life together.

Glamourous Hint of Ocean Wedding

2009-03-24T16:37:00.003-06:00

I have an ocean wedding on my mind. Crisp whites and ivorys with teals and corals. This will be a beautiful event. I am so excited to get started.

Here are just a few images that are running through my mind.

Bentley and Ethan

2009-03-11T16:54:00.004-06:00

I asked my sister Alisha to shoot a few glamour shots of Bentley at my moms the other day. Well Bentley loves Ethan my Nephew a ton! When he comes around he gets so excited and somehow knows not to bite Ethan but just lick him when hes close. I guess from this picture Ethan feels the same. :) hehe

Bentley is Dead!

2009-03-05T16:19:00.003-07:00

That is playing dead!! Sicko...you think i would really post a picture of my dead dog....

I've been really lucky that Bentley gets to come to the office every afternoon with me. He usually sleeps since we get to play all morning. He crashes next to me where ever there is a free space.

My Decree

2009-03-05T16:04:00.005-07:00

We were at the Jazz v. Boston game two weeks ago and the ushers started to hand out those long balloons. You know, the long ones that you can make balloon animals out of.

I started to think and decided when I rule my own country I am making a decree that we will all have a long balloon that we have to carry around and when someone does something dense or is rude we hit them on top of the head and scowl at them for exactly 2 seconds.

Then all has to be forgotten and forgiven....

Plus it would make me smile to see everyone walking around with a balloon. hehe...

All you brides-to-be, Mothers and Mother-in-laws

2009-02-16T09:32:00.003-07:00

This will be a pretty fun event at the BellTower this weekend. If you don't already have a pedicure time call! You won't want to miss out on all the complimentary pampering their doing.

P.S. (The dates are wrong. Its on Friday and Saturday the 20 & 21)

BellTower

2009-02-16T09:29:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for a great place to do your wedding or a gathering in St. George, this place is a great and inexpensive place!!

WOW Factor

2009-02-12T16:39:00.005-07:00

So, as i've been putting together my brother wedding i've been brainstorming a "wow" factor in his wedding. I think every wedding needs at least one that make it memorable to your guests. I got tipped off to this website which is just what i needed to complete the look i've been imagining.

http://www.shopwildthings.com/
It sells beaded curtains that can be cut up and made into whatever you need. Check them out! They have some pretty cool things.

I've ordered this "Diamond" curtain to cut up and hang from the huge chandlier at their recieption along with 600 white dedro orchids that will be wired to it.

I'm crossing my fingers it turn out as cool as my mind has it looking. I'm getting so excited!

Mr. Bentley

2009-02-04T14:45:00.002-07:00

Its official! His name is now Mr. Bentley. I even got it engraved on this tag so its stuck! (with his sweet black studded collar) Hes now 3 months! oh man. How time flies.

My Apology to the Carnation

2009-01-26T22:09:00.002-07:00

Since I can remember, i have disliked carnations. I guess you could say even loathed them. I refused to consider them in centerpieces, or even look at them. They are the cheap flower used in a kids science fair projects to turn awkward colors in food coloring or put in arrangements for holidays no one really celebrates.

But this is my truce! Its my own fault for not knowing how to use you right. I hope we can start fresh. You're really not so bad...

...friends???

8 Weeks Old

2009-01-09T14:18:00.004-07:00

So i am obsessed with my little guy! Hes now 8 weeks old. Its crazy what a different two weeks makes! He is so much bigger.

He feel asleep in my coat on the way to vegas.

He loves tennis balls. The funniest part is that he is too small and gets stuck on them.

A Baby of my Own!!!!

2008-12-28T16:50:00.004-07:00

On Christmas morning Kaulin suprised me with a baby of my own!!! Little puppy Boston. I couldn't have been more happy! Boston' Loves: pouncing, peeing when he thinks no one is looking, cuddling up on your neck for a nap and being the center of the Hinton Universe. We can't leave the house now without our new little guy.

Yous Hav tu Sea the Baebee

2008-12-18T09:19:00.002-07:00

A Baby!!!! No, it's not mine. Its Andee's little guy baby Ethan. Me and him were just chillen watching the snow fall. :)

Monogram Mania

2008-12-09T16:17:00.003-07:00

I love monogramed Themed weddings. I made a few monograms for Jeff and Lexie's wedding. Any thoughts on which one is the best? I want to show them only the best to see if they like the idea. I think i already know which are my favorites. :)

Shout out to Bloomers

2008-12-08T13:36:00.004-07:00

You can take any of them you want, and if you want a better quality in any of them, just let me know! :)

Floral from the Ronnow Wedding

New York Style Wedding

2008-12-05T14:41:00.006-07:00

This wedding had Great food, music and style at the Alumni House at Dixie State College. It had a New York club theme. It was sleek and simple. There was a spritzer bar serving old fashion sodas and cranberry and cinnamon spritzers. I had a blast being the planner.

Huntin' Hinton' from Hurrican'

2008-11-11T16:51:00.005-07:00

Kaulin has decided to take up a new sport. Hunting. Over Halloween he went up to Jake Carlins in Logan and hunted pheasants. As you can see they got ducks instead. hehe. I don't know where this new found hobbie came from, but if he likes it, i like it. As long as I don't have to clean anything he brings home!

Baby Ethan is Born

2008-10-27T16:28:00.002-06:00

Hi Baby Ethan!

He was born on Thursday weighting 7'11 and was 20 inches tall. He really is the sweetest things. His cry is so soft and precious. And his mommy already dresses him well. hehe. Congrats Andee and Steve!

p.s. Alisha my sister took this picture. She is photographer. Amazing huh? She's really good at it.

HOLY SMOKES!

2008-10-27T16:23:00.003-06:00

Current me and Andee are the managers at Avalon Apartments. I wanted to let my friends know what they have just lowered the rent to $640 A MONTH! Crazy eh? There are a few rules to get the $640 price, but its a crazy good price.

They are all 3 bedroom 2 bathrooms. Currently we are trying to replacce the flooring and repaint all the apartments, so i would make sure you get one of those.

Why am i posting this? Because i want cute people to live in the same place as me! and if you're my friend, you're cute. And i want to live around you.

Call me if you want more details! Or i can show you an apartment.

ARGGG

2008-10-15T13:44:00.003-06:00

Every year on ambassadors we do a float for homecoming (along with 61 others at the college). This year we were pirates on a pirate boat! It was a blast. We dressed up and handed out pirate hats and swords. Afterward Me, Lindsey and Angie ran over to a power fair at town square and raced on the blow up toys and got ballon animals. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!

Christmas Open House

2008-10-10T09:10:00.004-06:00

We had a Holiday Open house on Thursday at Forevermore Events to let everyone know we do killer inexpensive christmas parties. It was really fun. Plus there was great lunch from Marvellous Catering. I can't wait till christmas! I think our home would already be decorated for christmas if Kaulin would let me. :)

Jo-jo and Crystal

Another Music goodie!

2008-10-01T15:16:00.002-06:00

This song gets to me. I think it sums up how i feel about life. I think that if i could stop time, it would be right now.

Family!!!

2008-09-24T21:56:00.001-06:00

This is the Gardner/Watson family. Aren't we the cutest?

Scrap Time

2008-09-22T22:03:00.003-06:00

I would suggest anyone who likes to scrapbook come to this! The instructor is amazing. Plus it will be fun. I'm hoping to make it there.

Andees Baby Shower

2008-09-21T00:45:00.005-06:00

On friday night we had a "girls night out" baby shower for Andee, my baby sister. She is excepting in 4 weeks!! Little Ethan Jeffery Ott. It was a blast hanging out with the girls and playaing bunco into the night.

Weddings Weddings Weddings

2008-09-21T00:36:00.003-06:00

Isn't this an adorable light canopy? I'd like to say i took part in it, but i only showed up at the end to set up a few tables and chairs. Its pretty cool though.

LOVE THIS

2008-09-11T16:55:00.001-06:00

This song is great! (Forgive the cheesie pictures someone did for it on youtube) But does anyone know where to get the sheet music for this? I'm clueless when its comes to this stuff.

Toquerville Falls

2008-09-01T22:16:00.003-06:00

Labor day we went out four wheeling with Jeff and Lexie to the toquerville falls.

This picture is a blue steel shot.

Jeff jumping off the waterfall.

Here Fishie

2008-08-28T22:44:00.003-06:00

Kaulin and Jake went bass fishing at SandHollow tonight.

Home Sweet Home

2008-08-17T12:13:00.004-06:00

So i was thinking the other day, Wow i don't have any picture of my current home. I want to be able to look back and tell my kids, "we were living and managing the Avalon Apartments, See life isn't so bad!" haha!

Pot-A-Dot Wedding

2008-08-17T12:03:00.008-06:00

I was the assistant on this wedding out at the Santa Clara town hall. It was a cutesy wedding that turned out really fun.

Julie and Laura Stagg

HAZA!! Tournament of the Kings

2008-08-17T11:50:00.008-06:00

We went down to vegas in July with our friends Jake and Megan Carlen. We stayed at the Venetian hotel and went to the Tournament of the Kings. Highlights: Watching a super cheesie knight tournament, eating full chickens with our hands, spending our money on trying to win carnival stuffed animals, Kaulin and Jake chasing two cops through the excalibur to see where they were going so fast.

Wedding at Entrada

2008-08-17T11:37:00.005-06:00

For over two years i have been an assistant for Laura Stagg at Forevermore Events. This was a decorating wedding I lead over at Entrada sometime at the end of July. Entrada is a gorgeous setting for a wedding.

Our Trip to Europe

2008-07-21T14:20:00.006-06:00

We took three weeks off in June and went over to Europe with the Watson side of the family. We started in London, England for a few days then went down to Paris, France for the day. Then we went off to Barcelona to board a cruise of Italy. After that Kaulin, Me, my Dad and his wife toured Germany and Austria for the last week. Then off to Paris again for 2 days to catch our flight home. It was a trip of a lifetime!

Paris, France. Def exciting to be there again but this time with Kaulin. We rode bikes, toured the Louvre and watched rats on the grass at night at the Eiffel Tower. Paris is a bit dirtier than i expected, but beatiful in its own way. The best though was going out to a family friends in Versi for dinner and hanging out with them at the music festival.

Leaning tower of Pisa suprised me. I expected something so much grander, but its actually totaly surrounded by city and museums. It was really interesting. Also in Italy if you buy any "fake" designer items you get fined 500Euros! And they were everywhere in Pisa. It was so tempting.

In Rome, Italy we saw everything we could in an 8 hour block. We ran like crazy. We went through Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. Then we just drove by all the other amazing sites there with the time we had left.

Amalfi Coast by Naples Italy. One of our favorite places. We hope to go back one day.

I love London, England! And it was so much fun to be able to share it with Kaulin and my whole family this time. We saw the Tower of London, went on the London Eye and hung out in Covent Gardens.

This is the Cinderella Castle in Germany. Just like a fairy tale.

For one of the nights in Germany we stayed at Shrute Farms. Not really, but it felt pretty close. Family pictures, certificates, stuff game on the wall. It was a highlight of the town.

Grand Casino in Monte Carlo.