A Place of Perfect Bliss

Wonder why there aren't very many pictures of me in Hawaii! I'll tell you why. Hawaii is stunning beauty everywhere you turn. But me.... Crazy in Hawaii. Serious crazy curl hair. It can't be tamed it can't be fixed, it has to be hid! Seriously:)


We had so much fun exploring in Hawaii. This reminded me of the Dominican Republic sans the paranoia for food induced sickness...

A definite trip highlight was an evening sail on one of the "America's Cup" sailboat. If you ever land yourself in Maui. Skip the sunset cruise and go for this. It was fast and adventurous, unlike our previous San Diego sails with the kids. I can't wait to take the kids back!

Darin in the "wet zone"

We also sailed on a big catamaran for a snorkeling trip. I much prefer this to swimming out on our own. I hate to say it, but it kinda creeps me out. I am so afraid I am going to really see something. This was awesome because we were on a "guided snorkel safari." I should note here, Darin likes exploring on his own. I like the peppermint cool towels they give you at the end of the snorkel safari...

Four Seasons next to the Grand Wailea. There isn't a resort there that's not amazing, but I think this was the nicest...

Yummy Food. I think it's garnished with micro basil. I want to grow some and put it on all my dishes. It would even make mac n cheese look good!

We woke up at 2:30 a.m. to see the sunrise at the crater. It was beautiful and it was COLD!
I have the hotel blanket around me and several layers. Not enough....

They let the crew members help with the sails. It definitely felt
"Gilligans Island."

Did I mention we loved the food!

35 "words of affirmation"

For my Birthday my sister Shauna posted this on her blog. I think it should be a new tradition. I think it may have been my favorite present. Look at me loving "words of affirmation." I do love those!

Happy Birthday, Lori!
As a tribute to her I thought I would do a post on Lori. She knows how much I post, so this is BIG! 35 things I love about her 1. She is a happy person2. She trys really hard at everything she does3. She loves her kids4. She is intrested in the world around her5. She is motivated6. She is immune to chaos7. She is not a "yeller"8. She is good at debating her point9. She is a peacemaker 10. She is a devoted wife 11. She doesn't speak ill of her husband or kids 12. She loves that I live by her 13. She makes efforts with her family 14. She loves the Lord 15. She teaches her children the gospel 16. She is a good daughter 17. She knows how to be a good friend 18. She has compassion for others 19. She is thrifty with her money 20. She teaches her kids the value of work 21. She packs 3 sandwhiches for the whole family 22. She is easy to forgive 23. She doesn't care what other people think 24. She always trys to do what's right 25. She is a good example to everyone 26. She trys to better herself 27. She is a good sister 28. She never runs out of things to talk about 29. She's healthy 30. She set me up with my husband 31. She is good to me 32. She is savvy 33. She's fun to shop with 34. She is like our mom 35. She's beautiful! Happy Birthday!

Easton's Baptism

Madeline and Lily sang "I am a Child of God". I am sure it rose to the Heavens...

Mema and Pepa and "us" outside the RS room

Easton couldn't wait to receive his scriptures that Nanna and Papa brought. He kept asking all weekend when he could get them. He has been reading everyday and stayed up until 10:30 last night reading them. He "gets" it....

Easton with Allison Whitten, the primary president. She was so great to come support our family and offered some very kind remarks...

The Bishop's wife who took Ava out during the confirmation. This is how I got my Angel back...

Jake and Jarica. Thanks again for making the trek. They came straight from a funeral. They were an amazing help!

4th of July

Lily and my Mom getting ready to watch the fireworks. There was a live band performing. All the kids had a blast dancing...

John, Shauna and Claire (funniest kid ever) not sure what she's thinking here?

My Dad and Lincoln next to the really cool wall in Breckenridge

Easton couldn't get enough of this little guy. I think he sensed his "man ness" in his girly world...

Ava and Darin at the parade. We only saw about 15 minutes which in the mountain heat was PERFECT. I love the home grown parade in Frisco because they actually still throw candy. How great is that?

Bless the Jensen's heart for ohhh sooo many reasons, but here, for saving us seats for hours at the firework show...

Enjoying the show from really far away. Next year we are going to move a little closer to the "works."

The kids couldn't quite make it to the end. I was happy to be the one holding them both when the fell asleep. I love that. I love the Fourth of July. Besides it being close to my Birthday there are so many other reasons to love it. One being it's just good ole fun without to much commercialization...(is that a word?)

I had a Birthday!

I turned 35 and got to celebrate with all of these people! How lucky was I??
My day was so great with so much family around for Easton's baptism. Darin surprised me with a new slr digital camera with hd video. Finally we should get some video around here. I am so excited!! My friend Debbie and my friend Leslie each gave me beautiful necklaces. I love them both... Darin made an amazing cake. We picked my sweet sister Jarica up from the airport. It was a long drive from the cabin, but it was worth every second. It was so fun to see Jake, Jarica and Lincoln. I wish we all lived closer!

My Mom

Tomorrow is my moms birthday!
THE BEST FIVE THINGS ABOUT MY MOM
1- fun... not many moms are but my moms the bomb!
2-she just gets it she knows what a kid wants and needs.
3-not only is she responsible but shes also organized
4-she cares about us a lot!!!
5-AWESOME
pics of-My mom with my dad after his surgery,my mom with Madeline before her competition,My mom after Madeline fixed her hair,and me my mom and Paris on a hike.
written by:savanna Allred
I Love You Mom Happy Birthday!!!

Photo Shoot

I saw this Amazing Barn on the way home from church at the reunion. Impromptu photo session... I love the colors!

More of the Toad and Family Pics

Four Amazing, Fathers, Son's and Brothers...

We left all 11 grandchildren with the grandparents and went out to dinner. I think mom and dad got just a little more than they bargained for. I should have pictures of them here. We had a great time!

Janene and Beth being crazy...

Family Reunion

Chef Jared came up with the fabulous idea to grill our burritos...

Janene and sweet little Brindles.

Toad catching... This is an actual toad on his head! Count me out...

Easton's Birthday

Easton turned out last week. He had a great birthday! We had a pool party then we watched a movie on the big screen in our driveway. The only thing he really wanted was to watch a movie outside with the cul de sac. For one of his gifts I told him I had acquired a projector (thank you craigslist). He got tears in his eyes and gave me a big hug. Man, I love that kid. It was nice to have all the kids out of school so we could really make him king for a day. Happy Birthday favorite son of mine!