Freeport, Bahamas

Freeport was the first stop on our cruise and I must say that Freeport was also breathtaking. It gave us a good feel for the Bahama culture. Nassau was large with lots of money and more developed. Freeport was poor but gave us feel for the Bahamian Culture. I love to see the culture of places we travel. When we got of the ship we thought it was kind of a dump. We found a taxi which I swear was going to fall apart and just told them we wanted to go the beach. Jared and I was in the front seat with the driver and we were packed in that taxi like sardines. I am pretty sure that it was supposed to fit 8 people tops and we had 11 people. They drive on the opposite side of the street and it was a bit scary sitting up front with no seat belt. I feel like I could write a book about the taxi rides I have taken. I took one every few days for 4 months while in San Francisco. Anyways we got to the beach and it was so beautiful. It was warm and so great to feel the sun. I am such a summer girl. We laid out and then Brent and I got bored so we went for adventure. We walked down the beach and gathered see shells we walked quit far and we found this lagoon. We crawled over all this coral and was able to see sing rays and have a killer view. As we were searching through the coral I found two huge sea shells and I was pretty dang proud of my self. The one weighed I bet 5 lb.s and I packed that massive shell all the way back to Utah. After the beach we headed across the street to do some Bahamian shopping. I love shopping in foreign countries and bardering for goods. I got Chloe a darling hand made purse and Ty a wooden turtle. Jared was waiting for a Bahamian lady to sew Chloe's name on back and the lady in the shop was hollering names to like "baby" and "muscle man". Every where we go on vacations Jared gets a lot of attention for some reason. It always gives us a good laugh...

Nassau

Nassau was incredible! I think its beauty topped all the places I have traveled (Oahu, Maui, Mexico, Caribbean). I loved it! We spent the day at Blue Lagoon Island. It was pure relaxation! In the AM we swam with the dolphins the the rest of the day we laid in the hammocks and soaked up some rays. What more could a girl ask for? The lagoon is must see if you ever visit Nassau. It is a secluded lagoon in the middle of the ocean.

Lisa and I started this tradition several years ago that we would jump and take pictures. After we realized how cool they looked we have since taken them on every vacation from San Francisco to Maui to the Bahamas. Most of them turn out quite funny. We have so much fun together.

Swimming with the Dolphins

Here is the beginning of many posts from our amazing vacation last week. It was everything I needed sunshine, relaxation, food, hubby to my self, laughs and of course best friends to enjoy it all with. I had to split the post up into different section because we took over 900 pictures. Yes we love pictures (that is Lisa and I). The boys were tried of all the pictures but I am so glad I have them.

We loved the Bahamas and would defiantly visit Nassau again. It was beautiful. We visited Blue Lagoon it was this cool little tucked away Lagoon in the middle of the ocean. We did the Dolphin Swim. I had swam with the dolphins on my graduation trip so I was a little skeptical about doing it again. It was on my BFF Lisa bucket list so we decided to do it again and was so glad we did. Dolphins are such fun playful animals. I was actually surprised of everything we got to do with them. We got a kiss and hug from the dolphin. We got to dance with the dolphin which was super fun. We got to feed the dolphin and do many other things. I did expect the ocean water to be a bit warmer though. It was quit cold, especially when the dolphin would splash all over you. It was fun to be able to have this experience with Dolphins again.

Today Marks a Special Day!

3 Years ago today I had Fetal surgery on Tyson. It was a emotional day. I remember being scared but also feeling a overwhelming sense of calmness. I knew heavenly father was with me. I remember being wheeled down to the operating room for the surgery at UCSF in San Francisco. I looked at Jared trying hold back tears. I remember my mom coming to the OR and both Jared and my mom giving me hugs. Then I remember the OR room I remember the nurse Rachel telling me how brave I was and reassuring me.

It was defiantly the lowest point in my life. My world was turned upside down. I was excited to be having my second child and after hearing his devastating diagnosis the excitement wore off. I was upset, mad, angry, scared, you name it I felt it all. I felt guided to a experimental surgery that not many knew much about. I researched and decided to fly out for evaluation. After receiving more devastating news about Tyson diagnosis when we arrived we knew we were supposed to do the experimental surgery. We decided to do it, we were randomized to the pre-natal surgery. We put are faith in Heavenly Father. We continued to hope that we would have success. It was a begining of a journey for us one that we did not know where it would lead us. 3 Years later we are extremely grateful for the journey. It taught us many lessons and we witnessed many tender miracles. We learned who the most important people were to us. We felt many peoples prayers and know those prayers are a big part of are little miracle. I love Tyson so much! He will forever share a special bond with me something I will never be able to explain. He is my little buddy! Some times I look at him and am amazed as I see his little legs march around the house. I am so greatful for his success and fetal surgery.

3 Years Later on February 26, Tyson

Walks and Runs

Is full of life. Tyson has a very lovable personality

Loves to make messes.

Makes a lot of people laugh.

He says about 40 words.

He can climb on most anything.

I feel so lucky to be his mom, he is very special, sweet kid and I know he has a special purpose on this earth.

St. Simons Island, Vacation Part 1

We took the red eye flight to Jacksonville, Florida. We flew all night which is why we look make-up less in most of these pictures. We arrived in the morning and Lisa's family "Dee" picked us up to head to St. Simon's Island Georgia for couple days before are cruise. It was a first for Jared and I to be in Georgia and the South. We must say we were very impressed and the food was amazing! I am still drooling over a restaurant called BarbaJeans. We stayed at their adorable beach house. The Island we very pretty and felt tropical with the moss on the trees.

We toured the Island all day. It was fun to visit the shops and try a few different restaurants and go on tour with "Dee". Lisa and I thought this Pelican on the pier was crazy huge and scary so we kept taking turns to see who could get the closest. It would look at us like it was going to eat us. It made for some good laughs. It was great to have my best friend to vacation with. We have so much fun!!!