Mission Memories

I know this is a silly post, but my former mission companions may appreciate this. I have a problem with keeping everything, I have a hard time throwing things away. But we live in a 1 bedroom apartment and I'm starting to feel cramped for space. I have a very nice friend, Allyson, who is very good at throwing things out. She came over and helped me clean out my closet. One thing she said had to go for sure was the shoes I wore on my mission and the two last skirts I'd been holding on to. They really were cute 7 years ago!

RSA outing to Annapolis

The end of summer outing for the firm Kent works for was to Annapolis. We went for a boat ride around the Chesapeake Bay then went to a park for dinner. Annika liked the boat ride, she got to steer, and Kent helped hoist the sails!




















Annika safe in her little life jacket

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

The first time I met Kent, he said he was from Pennsylvania. I told him that I had been to Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. He told me that Valley Forge was not in Pennsylvania. And he wondered why it took me so long to admit that he was my boyfriend! Since we were in the area, I had to prove to him that in fact Valley Forge is in Pennsylvania!



Kent posing as George Washington



Washington Chapel



Inside Washington Chapel



EB & Kestra

Labor Day Weekend in Philadelphia, PA

Kent, Annika & I spent Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia with our friends Kestra & Todd Kelly. (Kestra & I used to work together at VIKA engineering). I had visited Philadelphia when I was in highschool, but Kent, who went to highschool in State College, PA had never been there. So, we figured it was about time for a visit. Plus we wanted to see our friends!



Kestra & EB in front of Independence Hall



Kent, Annika & EB with the Liberty Bell





Independence Hall



Annika, just happy to be walking around



An outline of Ben Franklin's home



Buildings that Ben Franklin owned or worked in

Annika's 2nd Birthday!

Annika turned 2 years old on August 25th! We celebrated for a few days, first on Saturday with our friends the Ringels, Ryan, Noelle, Zach, & Andrew. Noelle's parents were also in town, Neal & Judy Busk. Then the Christensens, Tiana, CJ, Ches & Ellie came over for dinner on Sunday. On Monday, her actual birthday, the Christensens & Aunas came over to swim.

Annika with her princess castle cake - She looks so grown up!

Blowing out the candle at the Ringel's house

Family photo

Ches, Annika & Elise



Ches, Tiana holding Ellie, Elise, EB, Annika & Elijah

Annika, Elijah, Jackie Auna, Ches, Tiana with Ellie & Elise

Yeah, Cupcakes!




Annika's Birthday Presents!


Train from Mom & Dad


Puppy from Robyn & Eric. Annika told me "He so cuddly!"

New outfit from Grandma Karen. The shirt and pants have sequins & beads on them, Annika calls them "sprinkles"


These photos were taken by Annika - her new puppy, bear with a new princess dress & Mom.

Old & New

We finally bought a new car! I got the jeep in 2001 and it has been a great car. We loved it and were sad to see it go, but it was a 1996 and it had 160,000 miles on it. Plus, the week before we sold it the A/C started to go out, so it was time to sell. The guy we sold it to loves jeeps and was so happy to get it, A/C problems and all! The plus side is we have a new car, a little bigger than the jeep and a lot nicer. The main reason we wanted a bigger car is because I am pregnant with twins! These pictures were taken the day we took both cars to the car wash for a good cleaning and transfer of stuff from one car to the other.

Pool on the Roof

This summer we have had so much fun swimming at the pool on the roof of our apt. building. Annika did not want to have anything to do with her baby float from last summer instead we bought her a suit with floats in it. She started kicking and paddling the first time we tried it and didn't want us to hold her anymore in the water.

The water was a little icy this day, it didn't seem to bother Annika, just Kent! Annika can swim without the arm floats, but her friendChes had some, so she thought she needed them. I know it has been awhile, but I am still getting used to seeing pictures of me with short hair! A picture to show the pool really is on our roof. That is the National Cathedral in the background. View of the Washington D.C. Temple from our roof. Just a few of the fun stores across the street!