Newport Beach, California, Part 2

While we were here we went to church. It was fast & Testimony meeting because the week before was General Conference. I've never been to another church that I was visiting family at so I was a little nervous. I know the Gospel is always the same so that helped. I was more nervous about how Hunter would do going to Primary with people he didn't know, but he did great!

Testimony meeting was quite entertaining. There was a kid passing the sacrament and right in the middle of passing he got a text so he pulled his phone out and checked his text...all while passing the sacrament.

The executive secretary (I think), jumped over the pew instead of walking around to get in and out of his seat. It was very odd.

The funniest thing though was this lady bearing her testimony. Her testimony wasn't funny but while she is in the middle of a sentence she spots someone in the audience and says, Dan is that you? and is pointing to someone in the audience. Then she proceeds to have a conversation with this man. They apparently had both recently lost their dads and she talked about how heaven gained to spiritual giants. Maybe this is a California kind of thing to do but in Idaho, we don't have conversations over the pulpit. The funnier thing was...she was visiting from I think Texas.

Newport Beach, California

We were able to go on a vacation and it was FANTASTIC!!! I want to go back already. I loved being with my family 24/7 and not having to worry about life too much. These pics are not in order. We went to Newport Beach for the first few days of our vacation. We left Meridian the night of Oct. 7th and headed to Burley to pick up Mom & Dad Alvey. Dad got a suburban from his work and we all rode together. (Mom, Dad, Josh, Me, Hunter, McKenna, Krystal, and Reed) It was a tight fit but we did it. We drove all night thinking that the kids would sleep for most of it. My kids are good in the car and usually sleep, but not this time. They were still very very good but didn't sleep much. They didn't want to miss out on being in so many states! Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. (I think that's all) Thanks to Brad & Andrea (Josh's uncle & aunt) who we met in Newport, for hooking us up with a sweet room for all of us to stay in. We were here til Tuesday.

McKenna was exhausted from going to the beach. She loved the water and thought it was so much fun.

Hunter likes being close enough to see the water but not close enough that it touches him. The first day we got there we went to the beach and the wave came and he fell down and is a little nervous about those big waves now.

We had some extra time before we could check in to our hotel and we all really wanted to see the San Diego temple, so we made a pit stop. It's even more beautiful in person. We want to go back and do a session!

My cute, tired, dirty children at the temple. We had been in the car for about 15 hours or more at this point. They just wanted to run around and stretch their legs.

The hotel had a basketball court, golf course, playground, hot tubs, pools, and tons of other stuff. This place is actually a time share so it has lots to do. Hunter and Josh went and played basketball one morning. He loved it!

Hunter said a ton of funny things on our trip and of course I didn't write them down and I sure don't remember them all. But here are a few.

*On the drive to CA, Krystal let Hunter listen to her I pod and then he started singing his own songs. It went something like this: I know you and you and you and you're a dump truck...

*When we were packing the car to head to Disneyland, Hunter was in the car up front while we loaded. And a lady came out and Hunter asked her where she was going. She replied, home. Where are you going? We all thought for sure he would have said Disneyland, cuz he was so excited to go, but he said NUTS!

Hunter's 4th Birthday

Josh and I decided that Hunter could have a friend party this year. In the past we have done family with a few friends. I was feeling guilty too because I was doing the St. Luke's Women's Race, on his birthday and didn't want him to feel left out on his birthday. We invited a few friends to go bowling with us. I made a cute bowling pin invitation (that I didn't take a pic of).

This is the whole group that came to spoil Hunter at his party. L-R-Landen, Hailey, Hunter, Cole, Ali, and Dylan. (I hope I got the twins right)

Hunter bowling

These are supposed to be bowling pin cupcakes. The book looks much better than the real thing. It was kind of hard because the cupcakes and donut holes I used are not all equally proportionate. And the fruit roll ups that we bought were not regular ones, they were design ones so they don't have straight lines like they are supposed to. They started melting on the way to the bowling alley, so they were kinda messy, but the kids loved them!

Hunter opening up his presents. He loved everything he got and he definitely got spoiled!

In the group picture, Hunter is holding a bowling pin. Yes, it's a real pin. The guy at the bowling alley, Ron, knew it was his birthday (and it was the same day as Ron's brothers). He said he wanted to give Hunter something for his birthday and wanted to know if I wanted the party date on it or his actual birthday. I had no idea what he was giving him so I didn't know what would be best, so I told him to decide. A few minutes later, Ron comes back and has his hands behind his back. He told Hunter he wanted to give him a present and to hold his hands out. Then he put the bowling pin in Hunter's hands. Hunter was right up against me so I didn't see his face but Heather and Lisa said it was priceless. Hunter loves his bowling pin and thinks he is the coolest kid on the block because he has it.

P.S. those pins are heavier than you think!

Hunter had family over on his birthday to help celebrate his special day. He had Grandpa & Grandma Alvey, Grandma King (we missed Grandpa King), Krystal, Reed, Great Grandpa & Grandma Mathews, and Becky. The girls all did the race that morning and then we came home and had sandwiches and chips for lunch and he got to open his presents from everyone.

He had a fantastic day and we are grateful for our friends and family who got to share in his special day.

McKenna's 1st Hair cut

I know I am way behind on blogging but we've been busy.
McKenna had her 1st hair cut and did GREAT! She sat there and let Candice cut her hair without fussing once. We did bribe her a little with goldfish but I say whatever works.



I didn't really get any after shots for some reason...

Change sucks!!!

I am all for change, when it benefits me. Right now, I'm not liking change. I got released from Young Women's today! This has truly been my FAVORITE calling in the world. I love young women's and we have AMAZING girls. I wasn't warned this was happening until after Sunday School right before Sacrament Meeting, so of course all through sacrament I was bawling and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna bawl for another 2 weeks. I've been in since Feb. and I truly can't get enough of my Young Women. I love them and they taught me so much in my short time that I was with them. I know this is all part of Heavenly Father's plan and I hope he has something good in store for me, cuz if not I might become inactive (not really but still). I fear it's Primary and I really don't want to go there, but I guess if that's where I'm needed I'll do what I have to (but I can't say I'll do it happily) I have a few bones to pick with Heavenly Father right now and I just hope I can get over it sooner rather than later.

Girls Camp

Back in February I was called to be the 1st Counselor in the Young Women's. I was definitely not expecting it but was super excited about it. I love the Young Women's program and had a blast when I was a Young Women. I love having the MiaMaids! They are such a fun age and amazing girls. When I was called to be the counselor I knew that meant girls camp too. :) I LOVED girls camp growing up and I couldn't wait. Although, we do have some city girls so it was a little differnt. But I had the TIME OF MY LIFE!!!! I loved being a leader at camp instead of a girl. It was so amazing to watch our girls gain testimonies of their own about our Savior. It was stake camp and I always liked ward camp better growing up, so I was a little nervous. But the stake leaders did a FANTASTIC job with it. The them was Testimony-I know for myself. I was a little worried to because, of course, as a leader I had the itinerary and they had us scheduled for something every hour. NO KIDDING! We started with flag ceremony and breakfast at 8 and had something every hour until about 10 each night. We only had 1 hour every day for free time. We played different games, did service projects, had a testimony hike, and all sorts of stuff. Our girls we always in bed no later than 10:30 every night but the last night. We didn't have any fighting and bickering, which from a leader stand point was very nice. One day they had an activity of rock climbing. I have never done rock climbing before and have never really been interested in it either. I am TERRIFIED of heights! I have a MiaMaid who isn't as outgoing as some of the other girls but she said if you do it, I'll do it. As a leader, how do you back out of that? So she tried it and then I held true to my word. I did it! I was scared to death but I did it and hope I never have to do it again. :) The stake had several firesides and devotionals throughout the week, that were always amazing and I think really helped the girls. Through the week they focused a lot on trying to help the girls recognize the spirit speaking to them. And tried to explain that not everyone feels the spirit the same. Some people have a pounding heart, some have thoughts come to mind, and such and such ways. How just because one person feels the spirit one way, doesn't mean another person feels the spirit the same way. And that we may not feel the spirit at the same time as another person either. It was truly an amazing experience to be a leader and to strengthen my own testimony and feel of the spirit in MY own ways and to watch our girls grow in the gospel. I absolutely love my calling and really wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life in Young Women's.

walk walk walk

McKenna took her first steps on July 2. Then since then she has not really been to interested in walking. She would do 3 or 4 steps here or there but only if it was her idea. :) Well this last friday (29th) she decided it was time to walk for reals. She has been walking all over the place and that's all she wants to do now. I'm hoping it will make her life a little happier now that she can do things easier. I hate that she's growing up so fast but love that she's my baby girl.

McKenna's 1st Birthday

We went to Burley this year to have McKenna's party. Her birthday is May 27th, so it falls right at Memorial Weekend. Since we had an extra day off from work (okay Josh had an extra day) we thought it would be easier to have the party in Burley. (That's where most of our families live) We had it at my parents house in their shop. We kept it simple. We had a bbq and everyone brought their own meat and a salad to share. We opened presents and ate and had ice cream sandwiches for treats.

This was a Disney princess plate, cup, bowl set

Here's some of the cousins playing together

I wasn't going to do cake this year because I didn't want to make my dad's shop too messy and I didn't have time to make one and I refuse to buy a cake that is gross and cost $25 or more. Well my sister got wind of this and didn't think it was fair, so they bought a little mini cake that McKenna got to keep all to herself. My camera died or was full and I couldn't get an after shot but she had it everywhere! She even had pink boogers. I told my sister to remember this because she has twin boys and I'm doing the same thing for them. :)

She got a tea set from Krystal and she loves to play with it.

I took McKenna in for her year check and she is doing great. A little on the small side but otherwise healthy. She is 27 3/4 in. long and 16.75 lbs which is the 1% for weight. She just long and skinny. The doc said not to worry too much as long as she is eating.

We had a great weekend and are so grateful our families could be there to celebrate with us.

Dads

Lately I've been thinking a lot about dads. The other day Josh and I were watching a tv show and since then I've been noticing it more and more, but tv and the world don't give dad's and men enough credit. I know they have their weaknesses, but don't women too? This particular show we were watching the dad and mom were celebrating their anniversary. The mom had been talking about wanting a trash compactor for months, so instead of buying some expensive necklace or bracelet that mom might wear 2 or 3 times a year he purchased the trash compactor. Of course the mom wasn't very happy that dad gave her a trash compactor for her anniversary and then the show proceeded to make this dad look like an idiot who can't seem to do anything right. I know a trash compactor may not always be an ideal gift but personally I would rather get something that I'm going to use all the time rather than something that costs way too much money for me to only wear 2-3 times a year. I like the practical gifts. Although, I couldn't care less if I get nothing for a present! I'm happy to just have my family with me and hugs and kisses.
This past week I have been extra grateful for my husband. He never gets enough credit for what he does for our family. He goes to work 5 days a week to help support us financially, he helps with chores around the house, he plays with our kids, he loves me and likes to spend time with me (even if we're doing nothing), he honors his priesthood, is kind, loving, and compassionate towards others...the list could go on for miles. I am extremely grateful for his priesthood. We have some friends (and Josh also home teaches them) who have twin boys who just had their tonsils removed a week ago. Josh and his companion were able to go over and give them blessings before their surgery to help comfort them. Then on Wednesday the boys weren't doing very well and he was able to go over and give them another blessing. They've been doing so much better since then too. There have been a couple other times since we've lived in our house (2 years now) that Josh has been called upon with a moments notice to help with a blessing and he is ALWAYS able to assist in our Heavenly Father's work because he honors his priesthood and lives worthily to do so. I'm so grateful that he has a testimony of the gospel and for his willingness to serve.
I'm so thankful for all that Josh does in every aspect for our family. I know I couldn't do it without him. I love you Josh!!!

McKenna Update

Grandpa was nice enough to let McKenna golf a turn or two. She had a blast!

This girl LOVES food. She doesn't care what it is, if you have it she wants it. She can smell it a mile away, I'm sure of it. She will eat anything and everything. She can eat a whole strawberry in 2 seconds flat. Hunter was eating a banana and she was getting so mad that she couldn't get to it.

This girl loves bath time. As soon as we turn the water on she comes crawling as fast as her little legs can take her. :) She likes to watch brother play in the tub and she just has a grand time playing in the water.

Eating a pancake at my parents house. She ate a WHOLE pancake and enjoyed every second of it.

This little lady likes to be a stink bug. She sticks her but clear up in the air and tries to move. It's so funny! She loves to be in the standing position but she can't do it on her own yet. Although, dad is working with her seriously on this one. :)

McKenna is doing good overall as well. I just took her to the doc for her 9 month check. She has a head that is huge. She's 80th percentile for her head size. (it's an Alvey trait, they all have big heads) She is 27 3/4 in. which is about the 50th percentile for length and she is 15.1 lbs which is 2nd percentile, yes, I said 2nd. She is a petite little gal and I love her that way. They also checked her iron and it was borderline low. The doc isn't to concerned yet though. They will reevaluate her at 1 year old and see how things are and if her weight and iron haven't improved then they will address it then. She is pretty happy for the most part, unless you're eating and not sharing or brother is picking on her. :)

Hunter Update

My parents came up for a weekend and we went Black light miniature golf. It was a lot of fun! Hunter tells me at least a few times a week that he wants to go golfing again. And pretty much every day for prayers he tells Heavenly Father thank you for golf. :)

He loves to take baths with McKenna. They have so much fun with each other and he can make her laugh like there's no tomorrow.

Here is Hunter holding my sister, Jashell's, twin boys on Christmas day. They were born Dec. 3. They were so little. Hunter loved to hold Jackson and Jayden.

Opening presents on Christmas morning.

Checking out what Santa brought him at 11:30 at night! He woke up at 11:30 on Christmas Eve. Josh says it's because Krystal and I were being too loud but we're chalking it up to him being excited to see what Santa brought. :) So he got to check it out and then he went back to bed and we opened presents in the morning.

Hunter is doing good. Growing right on track. He's about 50th percentile for his height and weight so that's always good. He loves to play with his sister (until she doesn't do what he wants) and he LOVES going to primary.

My First Sewing Project

For Christmas this last year I decided to try and save a little money by making my own gifts. Well with the help of my friend Allie, she let me borrow everything I needed (which really was everything, cuz I didn't have my own machine or anything to go with it.) and to my friend Dorothy and her mother (who are avid sewers) and a phone call or two to my famous Aunt Ree (who inherited ALL of my grandma walker's sewing talents) I did it! I made centerpieces that go with the holidays. I did them so they are two sided to all you had to do it flip them over for the next holiday. It really wasn't as horrific as I thought it would be, once I figured out what I was doing. And most of all I was proud of my self for doing it on my own. Dorothy and her mother really didn't even help me physically do them. They talked me through everything and I did it on my own but they were sitting right there for any and all help I may need. I can't thank them enough for it either.

This is just the reverse sides to show them. They turned out pretty good if I ask myself. Just don't look to close or you might find they really aren't perfect. :)