Iowa Trip

We went back to Iowa in Febuary for Grandpa Tilley's funeral. It was a good celebration of his life. We got to see a lot of friends and family and hear stories of Grandpa Tilley's life.

We decided to drive since the flights available would have taken about 18 hours of travel--the same as driving. The girls did awesome--except that Gracie had serious issues with staying in her seatbelt. I am so glad we made it safe! I started reading the Twilight books on the drive, but that's another story.

Eldon and his brothers, Jared and Travis, as palbearers with other cousins, ect. Grandpa Tilley had military honors at his funeral. It was a good experience for the girls. They asked a lot of good questions.

Eldon and his family with Grandma Tilley at her house.

Annalese, McKyla and Gracie with their cousins--my twin nieces, Madison and Morgan.

Is that Hannah Montana? We went shopping in Boone. Annalese and McKyla picked out Hannah Montana wigs. They played "pop stars" at the hotel.
McKyla as Hannah Montana--she will be so mad when she see's I took this pic. Sorry, Kyla, but you're adorable.

The girls LOVE swimming at the hotels. I didn't get any pics of us swimming at the hotel. These are actually from McKyla's b-day party, but I had to add them because swimming together at the hotel was one of my favorite memories.

On the way home we got to stop in Colorado and meet my new niece, Karlie. Isn't she gorgeous!

Annalese and McKyla with their cousins Justin, Westin, Bailie and Karlie at their house in Colorado. We didn't get to stay long, but I am so glad we stopped. We were all so happy to see them, if only for a little while. All in all it was a great trip!

The whole way home Gracie kept asking where here Auntie Bee was. Even last Sunday she asked if we were sure Auntie Bee made it back on her airplane. They love their Auntie Bee. Wish I got more pics.

Our Cruise

I am getting spring fever soooo bad! This time last year Eldon and I were staying in a beautiful, sunny resort in Las Vegas. I'm sooo trying to wish myself back there. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a conference to attend this year. Besides, we can't go anywhere this Spring break since we are building the new house and trying to get this house ready to sell :(

Idaho winters get kind of long. To cheer myself up I figured I'd post some pic's of our cruise to the Caribbean this past November.

Leaving Miami with my hunny.
In front of our ship, The Freedom of the Seas, in Labadee, Haiti.
Dancing with "Pepe" the dolphin in Jamaica. We had a blast with Jeff and Penny! So glad we got to hang out with them.
I think Pepe had a crush on Eldon. So jealous.
Eldon and I parasailing over Grand Cayman. Can you tell he's the one on the right? Lol. He's a full foot taller than me. Parasailing was very peaceful. The water's so clear at Grand Cayman, you can see the coral reef(s) even from the air. The best part was when the boat driver dipped us in the ocean then brought us back up. I think Eldon was a little nervous about being shark bate. "Shark-bate ooh-ha-ha" (Finding Nemo).
Landing back on the boat after parasailing. All fingers and toes accounted for.

Eldon took this pic of the Mayan temple in Tullum. We got an L.D.S. tour guide to take us through the ruins. It was amazing to see the ruins having read a first-hand account of the people (The Book of Mormon). It was pretty cool. It makes it so real, like I can see the people and stories come to life though they lived so long ago.
Getting ready to climb the rock wall. Don't we look awesome in our gear!
Surf's up! Riding the FlowRider on the ship. That ship was awesome.
Eldon knee boarding on the FlowRider.
My turn. It kinda looks like that guy is grabbing me--but he's not, Eldon. I swear he's not. :) This was my favorite show! It was so awesome. The scenery was amazing--the toy shelf in this background was 3-D and the dolls jumped off the shelves and started dancing. They put the fairytale stories to modern-day music. Cinderella sang "Rich Girl", Red Ridinghood sang, "I Need A Hero", etc. It was the best.
Dave and Terra in Studio B (on ship) waiting for the ice skating show to start.
The boys in the karaoke booth singing "Pour Some Sugar on Me." LOL! The girls sang "Don't Cha". If you didn't know us better you'de think we were drunk. Maybe it would have been less painful to watch the playback if I was!

Jill is a crazy girl! So fun!
Rob and Annette. The best neighbors EVER!
The Merrill's at dinner. So glad they invited us on this cruise. It was the best. Can't wait to go on a great vacation with our kids and family--come on you guys...!
Sailing off into the sunset. Well, I feel better already. I am so glad we went on this vacation--thank you, Annette, for talking us into it!