Dance pictures

Getting ready for the photo shoot...


Waiting...


Picture for the studio's window


Shooting some personal pics...


Team pictures. They take a few girls at a time and then Photo Shop them in together.

Jayden's 4th grade State of Utah program

Jayden's 2009 Baseball Team

Jayden is on the bottom row, third from the right.

Taylor Swift Concert

Makenna received Taylor Swift concert tickets in her Easter basket. To say the least she was thrilled. When the day finally got here it was like a dream to Makenna. Taylor Swift is Makenna's favorite singer. The concert did not disappoint Oh, and the Easter Bunny was awesome too! We had seats in the third row! Waiting for an autograph... Taylor Swift's bus...

Memorial Day 2009

Visiting Matt's Dad/Grampie

Devon at 3rd Grade Espanolandia

Our school's annual 3rd grade Espanolandia was rich in Spanish traditions and culture. It is meant to simulate entering the country of Spain, tasting the foods of their culture, and making purchases. Each student was allowed to bring one parent with them. Lucky for me, Mommy was the chosen one. Sampling some Spanish food... Making a purchase... Devon with one of his classmates...

Jayden's 4th grade field trip to the Utah State Capitol

I was able to join Jayden on another field trip. This time we went to the Utah State Capitol and the Beehive House.


We rode the Front Runner to get to Salt Lake City.


We watched a live press conference while at the Capitol. Jayden and I were on Fox News together. We called Lena and she turned on the TV so Makenna could see us live.


Jayden took pictures of the inside of Utah's Capitol building...






Jayden in front of the Utah Governor's office

Mother's Day Gifts

After finally arriving home two days after Mother's Day, the kids were really anxious to give me their presents. Thank you guys I will love and cherish these gifts forever!

One missed flight and a hotel stay

After calling Matt and having him take Monday off of work because of a full flight, I had to call him again. This time we missed our flight out of Las Vegas. He emailed his boss and took Tuesday morning off. We took a later flight into Long Beach. Then found a hotel to stay in for the night. We got up at 4:00 the next morning to check in at 5:00 for our 7:00 departure. After taking off, we breathed a sigh of relief. We were on our way home. Then came the announcement 15 minutes into our flight. We were landing immediately. Not sure what is going on, I say a quick prayer. We have a rough but safe landing. They announce that the computer system had failed. After looking they had us change planes. I called Matt and he rescheduled his return to work for the third time. Finally around 1:00 we landed in Salt Lake CIty. It felt so good to be home.


Makenna and Baylie in the hotel room...

Extra time with Nana and Grampa

Makenna and I were flying stand-by on our flight out of Las Vegas. The day we were supposed to leave was Mother's Day. The flight filled up and we were unable to get on. It turned out to be a huge bonus. Nana and Grampa extended their stay an extra day. We relaxed and played in the pool with them all day. I was sad to not see my own kids on Mother's Day, but it was nice to spend it with my mom.

Las Vegas Dance Spectacular 2009

Makenna and I met Nana and Grampa in Las Vegas. Grampa said watching his little grand-daughter dance brought tears to his eyes. Having Nana and Grampa there made the trip even more special. We are so glad you guys made the trip.


Makenna waiting to perform her solo...



Nana and Grampa watching Makenna dance...


Makenna placed as "Second Attendant in the Intermediate Kindergarten Las Vegas Dance Spectacular competition". She struggled the most with her solo this competition. She forgot/left out three of her biggest moves. We were still thrilled with her confidence and grace as she kept going and acted as though nothing happened. Way to go Makenna!!!


Makenna and friends...

Makenna's first time flying

Makenna and I took a trip to Las Vegas so that she could compete in the Las Vegas Dance Spectacular competition. It was her first time flying in an airplane. She was very excited. As my stomach would drop and I would grip the seat, she would say "whee" with excitement in her voice. Flying Jet Blue helped to make the flight for me. Each seat had personal TVs that were independently controlled. This was a great distraction for me.

Here is Makenna ready for take-off out of Salt Lake City...


We flew with our friends, Baylie and Nicole. The girls had no trouble keeping busy through our layover in Long Beach...



Leaving Long Beach for Las Vegas...

Mattie Martin Graduates!!!

Matt received his MBA today. This is a huge hurdle by itself, but Matt did it while working full time, being a loving daddy and a helpful, wonderful husband. He was also promoted three times at work during this period. His last promotion was to Squadron Director (which is the civilian equivalent to the Squadron Commander in the Navy). This Air Force base employs civilians in many of the areas that the Navy solely uses military personnel. Matt supervises both civilians and members of the military. At 34 years old this is quite a feat. We are very proud of what he/we have accomplished. Thank you Matt for being the focused, driven person that you are. We love you and appreciate everything you do for our family.