On the way to Nana and Grampa's house

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...

Christmas Eve 2008

Today/Tonight was so much fun. I hope we made mountains of memories that will stay with the kids forever.

The day started with Matt taking the kids sledding. There is a great area just up the road from us. Devon got there and couldn't wait to get started. Matt was still getting stuff out of the car when he heard Devon yelling for him. He was stuck on a fence, hanging by his snowpants, that were pulled down to his ankles from the force. Yes, he is totally fine, but his snowpants weren't. They got a huge tear (or should I say battle scar). The kids had a blast and tackled hills bigger than what they were used to. After a couple hours of fun, Matt brought them home and we had some lunch and watched a Christmas show.

Christmas Eve dinner was yummy. We had our Martin family traditional menu. Ham, mashed potatoes, Nana's yams, corn, olives, pumpkin bread and Shirley Temples.

When dinner was over we opened up our Christmas Eve gifts. New jammies from Mommy and Daddy and new slippers from Nana and Grampa. The kids were thrilled with their gifts.

This year we decided to make Santa, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

All showered and cozy in their new jammies and slippers.

It's time to drive around and look at Christmas lights. The kids always take warm apple cider to drink as we ooh and ahh over all of the creativity we see.

This year someone got extremely creative. They made a Santa and Rudolph out of snow. We were definitely impressed.

Every Christmas eve, right before bed, Daddy reads, Twas the Night Before Christmas. The kids were so excited when we tucked them into bed tonight. I love the magic children bring to our lives.









And finally, merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Goodbye until next time...

Time to start our long drive back to Utah. We love you Mom/Nana and Dad/Grampa. Thank you for a wonderful visit!

Our annual trip to the beach

Each year when we go to California we take a trip to Pismo Beach. This year was no exception. The weather was better than any of our previous visits and we had Aunt Jeana with us. We had a wonderful time.

Devon got really brave and went out deeper and deeper in the ocean. It got to the point that we had to call him into shallow water.

Makenna was no different at the beach than she is anywhere else. She was in constant cartwheel mode.

All three kids brought money to spend on the pier. Apparently they saw necklaces last year that they liked. Lucky for us, they must be regular items at the shop on the pier.