Curacao

We spent a long week-end at Breezes in Caracao (part of the Netherland Antilles in the Southern Caribbean) to celebrate our anniversary. Mostly we just enjoyed relaxing on the beach and reading. Pictured here, enjoying a good dinner of fish, chicken, noodles, and shrimp at the onsite Japanese restaurant.
Carrie discovered pedicures! She's wondering what she was missing all these years.
Me in my dork hat, but hey, I didn't get sunburned after 4 days! Carrie got a nice tan, though.
The view from the beach, looking towards our room.

Love of My Life

I thought I’d dedicate a post to the love of my life. No, I’m not talking about creating some snazzy new excel model to explain in dollars and cents some world phenomenon. Neither am I referring to either of my dear, sweet boys. Of course, you know this is about my sweetheart, Carrie. When we first met, it didn’t take me long at all to fall in love with her. I remember going home to my roommate after our first date and being on cloud nine. Carrie was smart, beautiful, and talented. I loved the fact that she took her studies seriously and we really enjoyed spending time together. Plus, she made me want to be my best self. As the years have gone by, I’ve realized that my initial love for her, although genuine, was only small and not so very deep. Including our engagement, she has graciously shared nearly 10 years of her life with me now. We each have our weaknesses and we’ve certainly survived some tense periods in our marriage, but through it all I’ve come to appreciate her for the qualities of her character. She’s completely dependable, fiercely loyal, and unfailingly disciplined. She’s only become more beautiful to me as I’ve come to know the person she is on the inside. We see life as having a new adventure around every corner. Continuous learning is ever present in our routines and we are each other’s best friend. She’s given me the gift of two precious boys and molded them to be the well-mannered boys they are. I am, indeed, grateful and blessed to have such a noble woman in my life. To these wonderful years we’ve shared together and many more.
Un beso mi amor!

Los Roques - Island Paradise

Aerial view of the archipelago from the 14 seater plane we flew in on. We definitely weren't expecting such a loud and dinky plane, but it did the trick.
Peppy is a walking machine now. He loved strutting around in the sand and finding people to say hi to. He was partially dressed here, but actually spent most of the time tanning his behind.
The shallow waters are completely clear and turn the most beautiful shades of blue you can imagine. Peppy and Carmen taking a dip.
Just us two relaxing in the water. The shallow waters went out some 100 yards in some places. Me, Mr. white monkey of course, and Carrie getting browner by the minute. I'm so jealous!

Wedding Bells!

Congrats to Alison and Micah! Another brother - I knew I'd eventually have a bunch of them.
Married in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple June 27
Nicholas having fun with all his cousins! It was fabulous to be together with all the family.
Nicholas was a Daddy's boy for this moment.

Peppy's 1st Birthday!

He can't contain himself! And Cheerio, is like, hmmmm?, what's all the big fuss about!
Peppy proudly demonstrating his new toy to all the girls.
Bust that pinata!
My only desire...touch that candle! Okay, so he doesn't appreciate a sinfully chocolate cake yet.