Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween



Hope you enjoy this spooky holiday. For those of you that live in the great state of Nevada

HAPPY NEVADA DAY!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Did I mention....

we are having a girl.

Friday, October 10, 2008

October Greetings

My how times flies. I'm totally bummed as I sit here watching the snow fall. I'm just not ready for it this year. The leaves haven't turned enough and are still green, the flowers are still blooming. I don't want to turn on my heater, but it is chilly. I thought I would share a few of our September adventures to warm me up.

We had a great month hanging out with my family. Whitney and Ryan were in town for several weeks as they made the transition to Santa Barbara. Cami came to town due to hurricane evacuations, so we all had a great time together. It was great having everyone around to help celebrate my birthday, I love a good party. It was really nice just hanging out we ate lots (as per the usual), shopped, sewed, and just sat around and chatted. It was so fun being with my sisters. It was really nice because I had a lot of help throwing a baby shower, which was super fun. We had a great turn out and it was great to get to help Jenny celebrate her upcoming baby. Unfortunately I was busy working and I didn't get any pictures on my camera, my sister and mom took some so I hope to get those soon. All-in-all it was a good time had by all.

Our highlight of September had to be our vacation to Hawaii. It was much needed and very fun. We left on the 18th and got to spend about 10 days at my grandparents home on the Big Island. We went with our good friends Dan, Steph and little S. We couldn't have asked for a better time. It was great to relax, play, bask in the sun, eat yummy food, and just get away. It worked out to be able to attend the wedding of our friends Jeremy and Adar on Kauai. What a beautiful event and fun to explore another island. It was such a nice trip and as I write I am wishing to be sitting on the beach in the warm Hawaiian sun rather than hunkering down to stay warm from the snow. I have a few pictures on this computer I will share, I will look at Chris' computer and post more if there are others that are better.

Chris is officially entrenched in school and work which is keeping him plenty busy. I'm back to work and finally feeling a little better. Still very tired, but not as nauseated, which is a blessing. We hope all is well for you.


Out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Brown's


The beautiful sunrise ceremony


Chris at Waimea Canyon, Kauai


The last nights sunset, SPECTACULAR!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

A Few More Details

Thank you for all your comments and well wishes. We are very excited for this new chapter in our life. A few quick details since many of you asked. I am about 13 weeks along, and so far everything looks good. We've been given a due date of February 21st. I feel pretty lousy most of the time, but I am hopeful I will begin to feel better soon. Thank you for all the prayers and so much support. We are enjoying our remaining few weeks before Chris starts school in September. We feel like many new and exciting changes are ahead.

I have to share with everyone, one of Chris' goals before school started was to run a marathon. He did it. He and a buddy went to Vegas over the weekend, they ran the Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathon at Area 51. It sounded painful and difficult, but they had a great time and both finished. I'm so impressed by their determination, it is quite an accomplishment. Chris is walking a little pained this week, but thinks someday he will run another.

As for me while Chris went to Vegas, I went to Northern California with my parents. We stayed with my grandparents and went to a party my cousin was having. They live on a beautiful farm outside Santa Rosa, Phoenix Farm. It was fun to see all they have accomplished in the two years they have lived there. They now have 21 horses they take care of, goats, miniature donkeys, dogs, cats, etc. It was great to see my family and their beautiful home. Unfortunately my camera battery died, I will have to get photos from my mom

Monday, August 04, 2008

Top Ten: June to August

Summer is my favorite time of year, I love the weather, food, activites, etc. This is just a sampling of some of the activites we have enjoyed so far. Instead of boring you half to death with all the details of everything I haven't shared for the last two months, I'm counting down the top ten things we have been up to:

10. 50 Mile Hike
Chris was in charge of organizing a hike for the boy scouts in our ward. They spent 5 days hiking around Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe. He put a lot of effort in to this, it was a huge success!


Chris and the boys after the 50 miler

9. Family Reunion
We drove to Altamont, Utah to meet up with Chris' family for a great reunion. 4 full days of playing, talking, eating, sleeping, and a lot of relaxing. The O'Neils always seem so spread out, it is so fun when we can all come together.


Chris learning to play video games with his nephew

8. Fourth of July
For years we have been going up to Lake Tahoe for the fourth. This year we decided to enjoy the water closer to home. We had a nice afternoon, hanging out with friends and family at my parents pool. Chris enjoyed hiking so much with the scouts he and some buddies went for an overnight hike in the same area for the fourth. We really live in a beautiful area.


Beautiful views from the second hike

7. Police Concert
Chris has always wanted to see Sting in concert. This seemed the best of both worlds, a one time reunion tour and Sting. We had a blast. We went to Roseville, CA for the concert, met some friends for dinner then we all headed out to the ampitheatre. It was a great evening. We had great seats, but the screen was so big you could have seen it from miles away. Chris was in heaven, I think it was better than he ever expected.


Rocking Out

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Two years ago Chris got a gift for a balloon ride in Napa. We've been meaning to do it, but haven't found the time. After the concert we headed to Napa. We had to be up EARLY, but what a fun experience. Unfortunately, it was too foogy in the Napa Valley, so they drove us about 45 minutes away where there is more farm land and no fog. It wasn't quite the same as over the vineyards, but it was a great morning and beautiful views. So quiet and peaceful.


Waiting while they filled the balloons


You can see our reflection in the creek


Above Haines Nursery

5. Ad Hoc
For our anniversary Chris made reservations at another of Thomas Kellers restaurants in Yountville, CA. It was a little belated celebration, but it worked out for us to go the day we were in Calif for the balloon ride. Many of you know I am kind of a foodie, this restaurant did not disappoint. The menu changes every night and is a set four courses. We loved everything they served that night. It was a fun filled two days, but the best part was hanging with my husband. We hadn't been away together in a while, I had the best time.


Belated Anniversary Dinner


Mushroom and Leek Salad (First Course)


Duck Breast (Second Course)


CHEESE! (Third Course)


Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches (Fourth Course)

4. Hair Cut
I couldn't take it any longer (no pun intended). It has been warm this summer and I was getting tired of doing it every morning, and I was hot. I like it, which doesn't always happen after I get my hair cut. It is nice to make a change occasionally. (I know this isn't very exciting, but I've been talking about it for months, I had to report that I finally did it.)

3. Oshkosh
Chris and my dad, being the avid pilots they are, have always wanted to go to the big airshow in Oshkosh, WI. This was the year, they flew their plane out there and had the best time. The first night I talked to Chris when he was there, it was like talking to a kid in a candy store. They and their 600,000 closest aviation buddies spent a couple days together. I really think half the fun for them was flying out and back. It was a great week for them, I'm so glad the weather held ok and everything worked out so they could go. If you want all the details you will have to talk to Chris.


Chris and Dad were in heaven


They enjoyed a trip out to the Seaplane Base

2. New York
Well if the boys get to play so should the girls. My mom, Cami and I met up in New York to see Whit and Ry before they move. I LOVE NEW YORK. Cami came for three days so we packed in a ton while she was there. Then mom and I stayed to the end of the week while the boys were gone. We shopped, talked, went to museums, ATE A LOT, Statue of Liberty, did a concert at the Today show, packed a little, walked a ton. It was a fabulous trip, I can't thank my mom enough for getting the girls together. Unfortunately, Chris had our camera and I haven't gotten any pictures from my sisters or mom, so I stole some from my moms blog.


The Big Green Lady


Views of Central Park from Whitney's Office







drum roll please.....








1. We are pregnant!

Saturday, August 02, 2008

I haven't forgotten



I had the best intention of getting my big update posted, but then I left town. You know how it is when you are leaving, everything builds up and you don't have enough time to do all you hoped before you have to go. I enjoyed a fun filled week in NYC, which now gives me even more fun stuff to tell about. Get ready it is going to be good.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Dear Reader:

If there are any of you left, thank you for your patience. I have not completely abandonded the blogging world. On the contrary, I read everyones blogs almost everyday. I seem to suffer from an illness that doesn't let me post on my own blog. I fully intend to add something every few days, but something goes terribly wrong and it doesn't happen. I even have a post-it note on my desk with a list of all the things I need to write about, I just keep adding to it. The good news is that I have an awesome post with great pictures and stories coming, the bad news is I'm not really sure when this entry is going to happen.

I am offering my sincerest apology, seeking your forgivness and hoping you will check back soon for some really good stuff.

Thanks for your support,
N

PS I'm adding a picture for a little preview.

Monday, June 02, 2008

Time Slips Away



You post on May 7th thinking you are doing really good, then it is June 2nd and you realize you aren't doing that good. From then until now we've: gone to Calif for Mother's day weekend (had a great time), been to baby showers, wedding receptions, graduation parties, garage sale, Chris went camping, book group, gone to the movie (Indiana Jones), celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary (YAHOO!), Chris spoke in church, and I'm sure many other things I just can't think of.

Oh how could I forget, LAST DAY OF SEMINARY. It was bitter sweet, they were awesome kids, I really enjoyed getting to know them, but I'm really looking forward to sleeping in a little bit. We had seminary graduation last night, it was fun to see some of the kids I've worked with in the youth programs for many years graduating. It was a nice evening. I gave a feeling of closure for this year of seminary.

Now it is June and our schedule is already filling up for the summer. We've got BBQ's planned, a few short trips, and hopefully some pool time mixed in there. I hope you are looking forward to summer as much as me.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Recap



We have returned from our trip, just a little delayed in posting. We had a great time in So Cal. Great weather even better company. We loved seeing the fam and hanging out with friends. Chris got to go see UCLA as he gears up for school in the fall. We had a fun dinner out at our favorite Thai restaurant in Pasadena. Went to the beach on Sunday afternoon, with every person that lives in LA. Loved the sand between my toes, can't do that at home. Did two days at Disneyland. We had a great time with our friends and riding the rides, two days was enough. We hadn't been to California Adventure, loved Soarin' California, the Tower of Terror was new and exciting. We forgot the camera so unfortunately don't have any photos proving we were there, maybe next time. All-in-all it was so great to get out of town for a few days. Vacations are fun!



Highlights of the last week:
Saw Made of Honor with friends (chick-flick)
Desert at the Chocolate Bar- very swanky
Cinco de Mayo party- lots of food and good friends
Got my teeth cleaned- not a highlight, but needed to be done
My seminary kids are liking working on scripture mastery more- hooray!
Summary: It's been a good week.

Friday, April 25, 2008

The Happiest Place on Earth?



Is Disneyland really the happiest place on earth? I'm not sure, but I will let you know when we get back next week.

We are off to LA to visit the fam and go to Disneyland. We are so looking forward to a few days off and a little fun. Hope you have a happy and fun filled weekend.