Transformer Camping Chairs

We were outside working last night in our front yard. (Okay, we've been outside working almost every night!) Eric & I were working away while the boys were entertaining themselves. I always love to see what they come up with on their own. It is always very creative! Last night was no exception. They uncovered our folding camping chairs in the garage and then next thing I knew, they had been transformed into machines and a battle of epic proportions was taking place on our lawn!

Here is the front view of these incredibly advanced machines:

The rear view:

And the side view:

Who knew that camping chairs had so many uses?

Life Goes On

We've had a few things happen this last week that have really reminded us how fragile and unpredictable life really is. Sometimes we go from day to day taking everything and everyone for granted.

Thanks to everyone who called to check up on us after the news of the tornadoes hit. We are just fine, thankfully, but we do know some people who lost everything. The closest tornado to us was 10 miles north. That really isn't that far away considering it took a 35 mile long path and was a mile wide. We got some pretty good sized hail while it was happening and the clouds were really dark and as Devin said, "mean looking".

There were many families who lost their homes and businesses. It has been interesting to watch the attitudes and morale of these people. The first day they were in shock and the tears came freely. The next day there was a lot of anger and bitterness. Now, there is an attitude of teamwork and neighborly love. They are helping each other salvage what they can and move on with life.

Then Friday evening we found out that some friends from another ward had been in a bad accident as they were driving across Wyoming to Utah. They hit some black ice and rolled their van. The 12 year old daughter was killed and the father was in a coma. The mother and other 2 children were banged up but would be okay. Very sombering news to say the least. But once again, the range of emotions have gone from shock to anger to pulling together.

These have both been major tragedies for sure. We never know what trials we will be asked to face. Some will be major, and others will be comparatively minor. What matters is that we know that we are not alone. We will be in shock and ask "why me?" We may be angry and doubt ourselves and our abilities. But I think the most important thing to remember is that we never have to be alone. We have friends and family who would sacrifice anything they have to help. And most importantly our Heavenly Father is there to comfort and bless us in ways that only He can. And through our darkest times, because we have the gospel and our testimonies, we know that life will go on. It has to.

Cancun!!

So I didn't necessarily become addicted to blogging, but I do have a good explanation as to why nothing has been posted for a while.... CANCUN! Eric & I spent 5 fabulous days together down in the Caribbean. We left the boys behind with my mom and embarked on a trip that was full of first-time experiences and experiences of a lifetime!

I'm going to post pictures a few at a time - for my benefit more than anything else! I still am listening for the waves at night, and waiting for someone to come and give me another Miami Vice. (A drink consisting of Pina Colada & Strawberry Daiquiri mixed together - virgin of course!)

This is looking out on our balcony at the Crown Paradise Resort that we stayed at. This is an all-inclusive resort, and we took advantage of that! All inclusive means all the food and drinks that you can handle at all hours of the day and night - and boy did we ever take advantage of that!

The first day we arrived, we just spent time out on the beach. I got a beach-side massage, and Eric rented a boogie board. Eric is working on touching up those photos, so I'll have to post them later! It was so relaxing to lay there and listen to the waves while working on one of the best tans that I've had in years!

On the second night we were there, we went on "Captain Hook's Dinner Cruise and Adventure". The crew was dressed up to the hilt in pirate garb, and had fun using their swords at everyone else's expense! They divided everyone onto 2 boats and then we sailed out on the water as the crew acted out a story. They served us a steak dinner down in the galley. Then as the cruise was ending, our boat silently sailed next to the other boat and our crew boarded it and rescued our captain's bride! YEAH!! There was so much action and crazy pirates all around us. Then we did some dancing on the boat as we sailed back. All in all- a fun, entertaining night! Not the best food we had, but definitely worth the adventure!

That's where I'll leave it for today. Stay tuned - still to come are the ancient Myan ruins, snorkeling, sailboating, and the best food ever!! (Did I mention that you can eat whenever and whatever you want to - no limits!)