Tiki Land Around the Deck

Scott added Tiki Torches to our deck last night.


Of course it started raining a little bit just as he finished but at least we got to do the first lighting without any problems.

Annual Zion Trip

We're just back from our trip to Zion Ponderosa where we do lots of fun activities and spend lots of time together as a family. Here are some of the highlights.

Horseback riding is always a favorite for the girls. Ameya is very excited because next year she'll be old enough to ride on the "Adult rides".


Scott and I went out for a ride one day, while the girls went to Kids Camp. Kids Camp is awesome too - the girls get to ride horses, zip line, bungee trampoline and rock wall climb. I don't think they missed us at all. Scott also played paint ball during that time and I just enjoyed the sun and read my book.


A daily activity for Ameya was the zip line. She is a pro and we heard a rumor about them adding a 3 miles zip line for next year.


Ava went on the zip line last year but she wasn't too excited about it this year, so we got her on the bungee trampoline. She was very nervous but with Scott's help, she had a great time.


We did some fun hikes in Zion and loved all the beautiful views.


Here we are on a hike to Emerald Pools. As you can see, the weather was perfect.


Though Ava is riding on Scott's shoulders here, she walked most of the way, which amazed us. She was running all over the place and loving the "hiking girl" roll.

We didn't have too much shade on the trail and Ava kept telling us how hot it was. When we got to a shade spot towards the end, Ava just stopped and fell face first into the Shade. All she said was, "Shade" and dropped. I was laughing so hard and dang it, missed the picture.

Here is Scott giving her some water after she flipped over.


Zion is an amazing place with so much to see and do and of course great picture posing spots!

Ameya's New Hair Cut

Ameya and I have talked all year about cutting her hair before out annual trip to Zion.


Her long hair is beautiful but takes us so long to do each day and makes Ameya very hot. So we said "Good-bye" for now.



We decided on a Halle Berry cut.


Ameya was very excited not only for the haircut but to go to the same person that does my hair - very grown-up!


And here is the final result - we both loved it and I think she looks adorable! It was a big hit during our trip as it was very easy to maintain, kept her cool and added some cute new hair bows and accessories.

Thankful for a Thank You!

I received a card in the mail the other day from someone that I admire.
The card was a Thank you card and it made my day and much more.
It inspired me to try to be the person that was outlined in the card because I'm not her at least not 100% of the time.
But I'm so grateful that I have moments that are "good" because many are not.
I was reminded of how important it is to say "Thank You" not only for you but for the other person, so that they can be strengthened and continue on doing "good"; that they too can be inspired.

Ava's First Dance Performance

Ava had her first dance performance not too long ago and I was a very proud mom. It was so much fun to watch her and see how cute all the little girls looked doing their performance. That is Ava on the end - the teacher is bringing her to her spot.


This is Ava's first year in dance and she is having a lot of fun. She is very social, so I am always surprised when she pays such good attention to what is being taught and not distracted with the other girls.


Their big performance is at the end of May and they get to wear fun costumes. I'm sure Ava will love it.

A Great Caribbean Vacation

We started the year off with a great adventure! We took a 7 day cruise and had an awesome time!


The weather was great and the places we visited so beautiful.


But my favorite times were when we just played on the beach and enjoyed the warm sun and water....OK, the SoCal girl coming out in me. I miss sharing that with my girls and know a few more California visits are in our future for 2011.

My Streiff Sisters

I'm so missing my Streiff Sisters and hoping we can all get together soon!