Matt and I renewed our vows!

Makenna was our flower (bubble) girl.
Matt and I were married 13 years ago on February 28, 1998.


We wanted to renew our vows as a way to focus on each other and share our love with our children.


13 years later, Matt's kiss still makes my knees weak.

It was a very special night for the 5 of us.

When we got married in 1998, we had no idea that we would have three children within the next three years.

Matt, 35, Kim, 35, Jayden, 12, Devon, 11, and Makenna 8.

We renewed our vows at "The Little White Wedding Chapel" in Las Vegas.

This past year, Matt and I have focused on each other in a way that we have been unable since we started having children. We go on a weekly date night no matter how busy our schedules. We spend lots of time snuggling and sharing our feelings for each other. This might all sound completely obnoxious, but after putting all of our attention towards so many other things in life, we realized the importance of putting each other FIRST. Yes, we love our kids, and they are a priority, but one day they will grow up and have their own families. Matt and I will need to stand strong on our own. With the foundation we are building, I feel confident in US. We are also showing our kids a great example of what a husband and wife can be. I have always, and will probably always, mourn my kids getting older. By putting focus back into my marriage, i also feel the excitement of life to come when they are grown. This may sound small to some, but is a huge thought changing milestone for me.

From the ceremony, we rode the limo back to the hotel. The next day, we dropped the kids off at my parent's house in Lemoore and left for our "honeymoon". We were off to Hollywood, Florida, Carnival Cruiseline and the Bahamas!

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...

On our way back to Utah, we stayed the night in Las Vegas

Makenna was so happy to get out of the van and expel some energy.

We enjoyed a night out on The Strip. It was a different experience from previous years. Matt and I were trying to figure out the cause. Was it because in the past few months both boys have become very aware of "girls" or that Vegas really did think the "family-friendly idea" did not work and they were going back to the "Sin City plan"? Whatever the reason we found ourselves explaining a lot and encouraging other goals in life.

Leaving Las Vegas

Nana is heading back to Utah with us for an 8 day visit. Grampa is driving the motorhome back with the puppies to

California.