New York City...

Who: Me, Ruth, Nana, Ash, Ashley, Ellie, Kate, Emily, Whitley **Dane was with us too, he is getting trained in the city for his new job in SLC! They were so gracious and let us crash at their place.

What: Annual Girls trip to the Big Apple

When: May 19-23

Why: Girls just want to have fun!

This is us at the airport! We were so excited...

This is the group of us, hitting the town for the first time!

We were picked to be on the Today's show with Kathy Lee and Hoda! The little girls and I asked a question! So fun. When we left Ellie asked me if people will want her autograph! Definitely a highlight!

Then it was off to the "Happiest Place on Earth"...for little girls. The American Girl store. We had lunch in the cafe. So cute.

They give the doll a highchair and some tea to drink. DETAILS!

Ruth earned money to spend at the American Girl Doll store. She bought Lanie. She is the doll for 2010. I thought it fun, since that is the year she visited the Big Apple.

The girls with their bags...

That night we took them to Wicked. We had dinner reservations afterward for 11:00 pm.! The girls slept through dinner, but we did have them out on the town till 1:30! Party animals.

Norma's. The BEST breakfast in town.

Grey's Papaya! Yummy hot dogs.

Silly twinner girls.

Yummy Pizza in Greenwich Village. Thanks Dane!

Ground Zero

Lady Liberty. There were several times on this trip that Ashley or I were brought to tears by these girls. So sweet and innocent, they were so excited to see each new thing we did. This one in-particular was fun for me. Ruth couldn't wait to see the statue, and when she did, I cried! Most fun I have had in a long time. Thanks Ruth.

We went to the most fabulous Chocolate restaurant. Ruth's sauce for her noodles came in a syringe. She loved that. Still dreaming of that hot chocolate.

Riding the subway. We did that a lot. The girls loved it.

Brooklyn Bridge.

Hot Dog cart

Twins watching some street performers at Battery Park.

These girls were so much fun. We drug them everywhere and they never complained. They never argued, or cried. I had the time of my life with these sweet girls.

Church

Breakfast at Cafe Lalo, yummy waffles.

Temple

Central Park. Ashley was excited to see lots of green.

Pond in central park.

After that it was off to the airport.

I am giving a shout out to the Ladies who went with us. The influence that they had on these little girls was priceless. These two girls were the center of attention. These ladies played games with them on the subway, danced with them, made secret handshakes with them, and most of all laughed with them! Thanks to my dear NYC friends for all you did with my Ruth. She will always remember the City, but especially you!

She loves you , and so do I!!

Boston 2011, BABY!!!

To all the mothers I love!

Every time that I read Stephanie Neilson's blog I am inspired. I don't read it nearly enough, because I know I could use that inspiration a lot more. Colin showed this to me, and the kids, this morning and BOTH of us stood there in tears. She is amazing, she is sent from heaven for every mother to hear her voice and heed the call. We are blessed to be mothers, to be given these sweet children, as our own, to love and raise. There are moments everyday that I feel heaven touching my soul through my children. Inevitably everyday I feel anger, or impatience tugging on my soul as well. I am thankful for those moments of inspiration to get me through those tough times as a mother. And I want to shout from the rooftops that I know that I have the greatest job in the WORLD! Here is some inspiration for you:

My New Life

**Warning, you will need a box of tissues, but I promise you will want to shout from the rooftops that you are proud to be a mommy!

Hank and Colin in the BIG apple!

A couple of weeks ago, Colin took Hank to visit my brother in the BIG apple! They had a great time. Colin and I LOVE NYC! We are trying to instill that in our children. I think we were successful with Hank. Ruth goes with the Ladies in a few weeks. He was really excited about the Natural History Museum, Colin was really excited about 5th Avenue. Who's child is Hank? (MINE!) Anyway, here are some photo's of their big father son outing!

The first stop was Colin's Alma Mater! Columbia.

Manhattan Temple

The NBA store on 5th Ave.

The Subway. Hank really enjoyed this part of his trip. It was so adventurous.

The BEST bakery with uncle Dane

Time's Square

Yankee Stadium!

Wall Street

Statue of Liberty

Natural History Museum

NYC pizza

Central Park

Top of the Rock

Yet again, we have the greatest Dad in the world. He loves you Hank! You are a lucky kiddo...