Going Boogie

Going Boogie is the best way to go! We spent a lot of time testing out the waves of Kauai.... and let me tell you, they didn't disappoint!

This was my favorite picture of the entire trip!!
















The video is a little grainy, but it still captures the massive waves we got to ride and the great time we had in the ocean!!

Napali Coast

The next day we all boarded onto a boat to explore the Napali Coast by way of sea. It was spectacular!!

Zander wasn't able to go out on the front deck of the boat. He chilled out with Grandma and asked a million questions.

The kids all had a blast on the front deck. Within 5 minutes they were soaked from the the splashing waves.

There were some incredible views to behold. Even the kids were astonished by the views.

I didn't take any pictures on the way back because I got sea sick.... along with Grandma J, Lisa, Camille and John. I can't believe I got sick!! It was a beautiful site to behold (not the sea sickness, but the amazing mountains).


After a long day of fun, sun, and boat riding it was time to go back home and soak in the hot tub.

My little Snorkler

Zander wanted to snorkle just like everyone else. But if anyone knows Zander, he isn't like anyone else (laugh). I got a kick out of watching him try..... I hope you do as well!

First Day in Paradise

The second day in Kauai was spent relaxing and settling in. It seems like every time my eyes would look around I saw beauty everywhere. The clouds were beautiful, the sky was the bluest blue, the water was so clear, the mountains were green,... every sight my eyes looked at looked like a picture taking moment. It was incredible!

In this picture below you can see the fluffy clouds and clear blue water.... and also you can see two little sticks in the middle of the ocean. Those two sticks are Niel and Grandpa J. They are walking out to the reef..... yes, that is reef out there. The entire family joined them. It was like we were standing in the middle of the ocean... like walking on water. Even me, the person who is deathly afraid of the ocean went out there! We could see coral, little fish, crabs, and plenty of sea creatures.

Stockton bumped into a large coral castle out there. He got scrapped up pretty badly on his chest and foot. He didn't complain about it too much. I got a tiny scrap on my knee and every time I got into the salt watered ocean you would here my say, "Ouch... it stings!" What a tough little Stockton! He was an true ocean kid. I think Stockton fits perfectly in Hawaii. He didn't have a care in the world.

We spent most of the day testing out our secluded beach. We made sand castles, went snorkeling, boogie boarded (on no waves), played, relaxed, and played some more. I will have to say, it was the best relaxing day of my entire life.

We pulled ourselves out of the water for a short time to feed ourselves. We headed down to t he North Shore for some tasty lunch at Bubba's Burgers!
YUM!

Do you see the little lizard on Stockton's chest? These little critters were all over the place. The kids liked to catch them and keep them for pets.

After lunch, it was back to the beach. Conner buried himself alive, with his head just sticking out. Grandma J has that picture. Megan, Conner and I made an attempt of a sea turtle made of sand. Very fun!

One of the many beautiful sunsets we got to see. But for me, this was the first one I got to see. What an incredible sight.... and an incredible day!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

We picked up the boys with just enough time to drive all the way home from Montana, get a little rest, and head to the airport. It was so good to see the boys!!
They were excited to get going on our adventure to Hawaii! For Garrett and Zander, this was their very first airplane ride. We were all excited!!

This is a picture of us catching the shuttle bus from the parking lot to the airport.

The kids did pretty well in the airport. The anticipation of boarding and getting going made for some anxious kids. But they did well. Zander just kept saying, "We are at the airport! We are going to fly on a BIG airplane!"

"We are flying! We are flying!" I wish I got as excited about flying as Zander. He was really cute!

We landed in Honolulu airport and jumped on another flight to Kauai. It was a really long traveling day, but everything went really well. We made it to Kauai with just enough time to jump into the ocean. It was a beautiful sight!

John, Joyce, Megan and Camille all flew in a day before us. They got the house all ready for us... stocked with tons of delicious food. The house was incredible. Just enough room for everyone. The best part was the beach right outside our back door. It was like we had our own little private beach. It felt like we were the only people in the world. The ocean stretched for miles!! It was perfect and our adventure was just beginning!!

Montana Road Trip

We have been on vacation for the past 11 Days. I have so much to post!!! I am sure this will take me several days... we had such a great time!

To start the trip off, Niel and I headed to Montana to pick up the boys. Niel and I love road trips. There is so many beautiful creations to see, plus we enjoy the time together. Montana marked some more wonderful memories in our book. The sites were incredible. The pictures don't even do it justice.

We stayed at a quaint Bed and Breakfast in Missoula Montana. The Gibson Mansion was a very historical and Victorian place to stay. The people who owned it were super nice. We really enjoyed the experience!!

Niel and I took the scenic, less traveled road just for a little fun. We didn't realize that the roads were dirt roads and there was no towns, gas stations, or even cars and people. It was me, Niel, the open roads..... and no gas. We drove in panic for about 45 miles when we realized we might be stranded and have to walk quit a ways.... luckily we landed in a small town, with one gas pump. How long as it been since you have seen gas pumps like this? The lady who was running the place had to get her binoculars out from inside the store to read the dollar amount we owed for gas. Talk about a small town.

It has been ages since I have seen a phone booth like this! Where does Super Man change into his super hero clothes these days? .... I guess Montana. The place was very historical in many ways!!! We had a great time!

Strawberry Days

One of my most favorite things in the summer is Strawberry Days in Pleasant Grove. Our most favorite activity is the Strawberry Days Rodeo. I love to watch all the cowboys, cheer on the bulls, watch all the interesting rodeo fans, and eat the delicious strawberries and cream. This year we even took a few of our favorite people to experience the event with us! They were such good sports!!!

Wayne and Autumn are always willing to try whatever! And Wayne makes the best potato salad ever!

My dad's least favorite music is country music, and I would bet he isn't too keen on cowboys either, but both mom and dad came along and left with big smiles on their faces!!

Yee-Haw! Niel and I are almost real cowboys.... we just need the boots, the big buckle and a horse to ride around once and a while.

Grandma J and Megan had a great time too!

This is my favorite part... watching my favorite cowboy, enjoying strawberries..... with me!

You better watch you.... next your I might ask YOU to come with me. But don't worry, I promise you will have a bull of a time hanging out with us crazy cowboys.

What a Great Fathers Day

I had an incredible Father's Day this year. First of all I was at one of my favorite places, the Green River, doing one of my favorite things, Fly Fishing, from one of my favorite toys, the drift boat. But most of all I was doing it with my favorite person...Amy. She was such a great sport and showed me a great time. It was one of the best Fathers Days ever.

Spring hasn't been at the river for that long, we saw a lot of baby ducks...and one fawn that could barely walk trying to cross the road. We think he made it, at least that is what I keep telling Amy. But he would fall every 3 or 4 steps, and his mom stood at the side of the road looking very anxious.





When I talk about a what a great sport Amy is...this is what I mean. Anyone who has ever rowed a drift, especially down a rocky river like the Green, knows it is not an easy task. Amy has been determined to learn how to handle the boat so she could let me fish. She is really getting it. This year she rowed about 60% of the way down and gave me plenty of opportunity to throw my fly around, which I willingly did. She is incredible and she made the whole weekend so much fun for me. Plus, she rowed me right into this fish: (and several others)

She not only rows, but she is a good fisher woman too...this was one of her nice browns. She has always been able to hook fish, but it was playing them to the boat that could be an adventure. Now she handles them like a pro, and I have a great time watching her catch fish.




The Green River is a beautiful place. I loved every minute of our weekend. Thanks Amy, you are an incredible wife and friend. You went out of your way to show me the time of my life. I love you.

My Dad is better than your Dad!

It is a true fact...

My Dad is cooler, more fun, nicer, more charming, funny, more creative, extremely talented, more honest, has more integrity, is more polite and friendly, helpful, more respectful, service oriented, delightful, smart, strong, warmhearted, and more thoughtful then your Dad. He really is the best dad ever!

A few days ago I went to his store in Provo where he was working. He was busy helping customers. He would greet each person who came through his line and even make light conversation with each person. I have always admired that about him. He can make each person, each stranger, seem like they have been friends for a long time. I watched him for a minute and realized I needed to let him work. I walked around the store for a while, just browsing about. Then, over the intercom system I hear his friendly voice... "Amy Oscarson, if you are in the store will be please come up to registerd 4 so I can sing Happy Birthday to you." Mind you, it wasn't my birthday, but I came running up to register 4 with a BIG smile on my face. He sure knows how to make me laugh!

I love you Dad. Happy Father's Day!!!!

(Grandpa likes to jump right in and do whatever the Grandkids are doing. How many Grandpa's do you know who would play Rock Band.... and be good at it?)

I will also have to say I have the greatest Father-in-law!! John is an incredible Father and Grandpa. Do you see that smile on Zander's face? Well, he is doing his favorite thing with one of his favorite people!! When Zander was a baby he was pretty shy. Often times he would cry if he couldn't find me. There were very few he would let hold him.... Grandpa J was one of the few who could comfort him. Grandpa J holds a very special spot in my heart. From the moment I met him he treated me just like I was a member of the family. And what a treat it was for me to marry Niel and become a real Oscarson!!! I love being a part of the family!!!

We love you Grandpa J! Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Flag Day!

The 14th marks a very special occasion.... it is Flag Day! Well, that is what my mom likes to celebrate. The 14th also marks the day of my mom's birth.

Mom has never really liked all the attention on her birthday, but it is hard to not celebrate the life of such an amazing woman!!

(don't tell her I posted this picture.... she would kill me)

My mom has always been on my side. I know I can always count on her to be my cheerleader. She has offered much needed support at many times. She works hard and has taught me to do the same. She is a great example of honesty and integrity.... an example I have seen through my years of life.

My mom has turned into the most incredible Grandma! I think it wasn't until I was a mother myself that I truly understood all the things my mom did for me. I still have that same support I did as a child, but now I have that support from my mom as a Grandma. How lucky am I?

Happy Birthday Mom! ... 'er I mean Happy Flag Day!

Bike Ride

The boys are still gone, but I got a little behind on posting. We went on a big bike ride. It was just over 5 miles!! We rode along a busy road up to the Canal Road.

Everyone kept up pretty good. It sure was a lot of fun! Garrett and Zander greeted us at the end of the trail with Grandma and Grandpa J.

We treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream afterwards. YUMMY!

More Remodeling

We made another attempt to make our house our home. Below are the before and after pictures of our new floor and new additions.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Another picture of the Great room on the other side... before:

After:

This remodeling thing is getting addicting.... and expensive! I think we are done with the big stuff for a while. Now was are just sitting back and relaxing it all!!

Eyebrows

The boys are gone and of course I am missing them.

Also, Conner wouldn't let me post this while he was here, so I guess I am making good use of this time. Yes, Conner is only 10 and he is getting his eyebrows waxed. I guess that is what happens when he has a cool aunt who is a beautician. Conner didn't like his uni-brow, so with Brooke's magical talents it was gone.... just like that! Conner was so brave!