San Diego Get-Away

My pictures are a little backwards because let's face it I still don't know what I am doing. So after our trip to San Diego we drove to Cedar Break. It is very pretty up there, we missed the leaves by a week or so but it was still fun to go up through the mountains. I love living here and being close to such amazing sites. If you couldn't tell it was very windy and chilly.

Look who we saw that also took a little stop to Cedar Break. Kim forgot her camera so I snapped a quick family photo. (Lucy in the car asleep and Emily not excited about the detour.)

The views were AMAZING!!

Our first day in San Diego we went to Sea World. The last time we went was when Courtnie was 5 months old. It was a hot day but everyone loved it. Our favorite being of course seeing Shamu up close and personal.

Notice the different size animals that everyone got. Small, medium and LARGE!

The last ride of the day, Shipwreck Rapids. I knew that I would get soaked and I didn't want to do this at all. I was hoping Tyren or Dad would have gone with Chandler but they didn't want to and Chandler was very sad that he wouldn't be able to go on it. Well Courtnie and Mom stepped up to the challenge. The sacrifices we make for the ones we love.

Before the game we went on a tour of the USS Midway an air craft carrier that last sailed in 1991. It was way cool! These boats are HUGE! This is us standing way out over the boats edge where the planes take off. A little on the freaky side!

The cute little Faldmo family is so nice to always drive and meet us when we go and visit California. We always look forward to anytime that we can spend time with them.

Paul and Tyren were the most fascinated by all the planes and helicopters on top. Did I mention that this boat is HUGE!?

Inside Tyren, Colby and Courtnie sleep in the bunk beds. Very tight quarters, I don't know how anybody could live in such tight spaces.

Friday night we drove to the San Diego Temple. The kids LOVED this temple and its unique structure. It is beautiful at night.

Fall Break and an away BYU football game make for a perfect little family road trip.

We had a great trip and to top it off BYU won!!!!

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY TYREN!!!

I love this kid!!

This is what happens when you have a 3 second down time between games that you are playing. I think the boys at Tyren's party would have just been happy with wrestling on my furniture all night long.

Tyren is a great big brother. He probably won't tell you but he really does love his sisters. Always willing to play a game with them, carry them on his back, and give them encouraging words.

Tyren LOVES to play football. His dream someday is to play football for BYU. He was going to sign up for tackle football this year but after trying on Chandler's helmet and getting a little claustrophobic he decided he would do one more year of flag football. I love to watch him play, he gets REALLY into it!

Tyren earned his Arrow of Light last week. WAY TO GO!!

I was reading in Tyren's baby book last night about how happy he always is, what a great sleeper he is and what a good natured baby he was. Well, in eleven years he is still that same sweet kid. Tyren I love you very much! Thanks for being such a great kid!

Random Happenings from Carters!

For Labor Day we decided to go up to Park City and ride the Alpine Slide. Unfortunately for us everyone else had the same idea. We waited in line for 50 minutes for the Alpine Slide. Yuck!

But we waited in line for the coaster for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Yes, you read correctly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Was it worth it? No, but if you ask the kids they would do it again and again, with the wait!

Meagan off to her first day of preschool! My little buddy off to her adventures.

Happy 38th Birthday to Paul!

Happy 24th to Annie!

Happy 64th to Dad Carter!

38 Reasons I love Paul:

1. Are you kidding me? I have seen this done for people's birthdays, anniversaries etc. Don't get me wrong I love the idea, BUT I am a busy lady, it is a miracle I am blogging today. I just don't have the time to list 38 reasons, so just know that I love Paul very much and he is a great husband, father and friend!

Chandler's 8th Grade Football

He loves to play and has made many friends. What a great bunch of kids! They have only won one game but they sure give it their all.

FUN in the SUN!

WOW what a fun vacation we had to Lake Powell! We were invinted again by the Brodericks and the Bently's and a couple of there friends Jessica, Jake, Allie, and Wesley. These were some of our pictures of what a great time we had at Powell.

Chandler and Allie hanging on for dear life and Tyren slipping of the back.
Tyren and Sarah taking a little swim behind the houseboat.
Meagan keeping her balance on the kneeboard.
Tyren showing off his skills on the tube.
All the teenagers trying to make a pyramid on one Tube.
Meagan and Tyren waiting to be pulled.

Youth Conference LAKE POWELL

LIKE A ROCK!!!!!

Thanks Garrit for the cool design on the shirts and thanks Aunt Cathy for printing them for us!

We were so LUCKY this year to be able to take our youth to Lake Powell. Thank you everyone that made it possible. We had such a great time! Minor bruises and sore muscles and minimal sunburns. All in all a huge success!

Me wake boarding for the first time. I wasn't up for very long but it sure was fun! I don't like crashing because you sure crash hard!

Heather and I taking our turn! We were just like the kids, always wanting to try everything. Never a dull moment. I love Heather and am so glad that I get to work with her. P.S. She also makes the long tiring ride home not so long and tiring. Thanks!

Chandler wake boarding for the first time. Getting up is the easy part it is the balance that he has a hard time with. Way to go Chan!!

Chandler and Shauna knee boarding!

It was so much fun to have Chandler there with me! Of course he got a really bad sunburn on his face, I should have been a little bit more attentive.

Hansen Happenings!!!

Hello it's me!! Has anyone missed us? Lots of things going on so here are just a few:

When my brother and his family come into town it is 10 days of craziness, lots of activities and fun times together. Just a couple include...

LAGOON!!!

and BOONDOCKS!!

Trust me there were many, many more things we did!

Thanks mom for planning a great week to spend with each other. We were all exhausted but it was worth it to party hard.

A WEEK IN REVIEW!

Lots of happenings at the Carters.  This is just a brief look at some of the highlights!

Draper Temple Dedication-Chandler was a little sleepy due to the late night with Gramma. (need I say more) Tyren that it was really cool!  I just enjoyed being there with my boys and experiencing this special event with them.

Cousins Erin and Lindsey were in town so Gramma Watters planned a little lunch gathering at her house.  So fun to see everyone! (even though most of us live only 10 minutes away from each other)

GOODBYE to the Stanleys!  Our good friends moved this week to Ohio, we will miss you terribly.  Joni has been such a great friend, you will not find anyone more sincere, caring and loving than her.  And I know that Paul is really going to miss BJ as his golfing partner.  Of course plans are already being made to go and visit them and watch Tiger play in a golf tournament.  Can't wait!

We went out to dinner on Monday with the whole Carter Clan.  I haven't seen them forever so it was good to sit and chit chat.  I just love this picture of Meagan and Beckett.

Chandler...I mean Elder Carter had missionary month this month.  What a great experience for these kids to have.  It is so fun to watch your kids grow up and do things that challenge them, especially when it is something that they can really learn from.