Life From the Passenger Seat// Sunset Drive

Family night... A sunset drive in the VW up the canyon for a picnic and movie on the laptop--Perfection.

Life From the Passenger Seat// VW Makeover// Project Life

One Saturday morning in August, Danny and I were daydreaming about the carefree adventures we wanted to take as a family.... Somewhere in the conversation the idea of buying and restoring an old VW bus came up...  Before I knew it, we were test driving a few old Transports around town. Within a few weeks, our little daydream was a reality. 

 Danny has been working on our sunny little bus in his spare time ever since, and hopefully 2014 will allow us a chance to set out on the road for an adventure. We've got some pretty fun plans for this baby. 

My Danny brings out the adventurous side of me, and I like that. 

L

Life From the Passenger Seat// Day of Rest?

Sunday is supposed to be the day of rest, but somehow it's always one of the busiest days of the week. Last Sunday, in between sessions of General Conference, we took the opportunity to go for a little drive. It was lovely! The sun was shining and the trees were all in bloom. It was so nice to enjoy a slow paced, leisurely afternoon together. On the other hand, life kind of feels like one great big busy Sunday right now... I'm supposed to be resting as much as I can--but staying down seems like the last thing I want to do.

We had a little fright earlier this week, and it looked like Baby Max was on his way the other night. If things continue progressing as they have, he may indeed be coming sooner than his expected due date. We have five weeks to go until May 18th, but the doctor said to be prepared for anything from a day to three weeks! Yikes! We're trying to prepare for any scenerio. We want to be ready for an early delivery, while still remaining open to waiting out the entire five weeks--so as not to drive ourselves crazy if three weeks pass and he still hasn't come.

So, yes. It's getting very real, and it hit us just how much we still need to do before Max's arrival. Yesterday we purchased a diaper bag and a coming home outfit for the baby. (Hello cutest tiny outfit ever!) Tonight we will be getting our whooping cough vaccinations, buying a car seat, and putting together our hospital bag. We're getting ready, nervous, and very excited all at once. (Insert squeal of nervous excitement here.) Ready or not...

I'll keep you posted!

L

Life Through the Lens// Sunshine

I'm itching to take some photos with a bit of color and life in them!! Spring is coming, but everything is still a bit drab and lifeless around here.

I was looking through my recent photos for something that had a bit of sunshine and cheer to it, and I found this one... the last shot I took as we were leaving Las Vegas back in January. The sunny colors and leaning palm trees make me want to ride a bicycle to the beach, drink lemonade, and breath in salty ocean air... daydream much? (Ironically, I took this photo in a pretty slummy part of town--not at all like the lovely daydream I just described. Reality is overrated sometimes.) 

Be back soon with some scrapbooking pages to share...

L

Life Through the Lens// Chinese Gardens

Just a few pretty shots from the Chinese gardens at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I've always loved the Asian culture... it reminds me of home. There's a lot of beautiful Asian inspired artwork and decor in my parents home, much of it inherited from my Nana and Papa. Dad served a mission in Hong Kong in the 1960's and Nana and Papa visited many Asian countries in their travels. I just loved every bit of these beautiful gardens! It was seriously a tranquil environment even amidst the crowds of people passing through. Simply lovely.

Gong Hey Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year!!  (2013 is the year of the snake--I hate snakes, but I'm sure it will still be a great year.)

L

Life Through the Lens// Papa and His Boy

Before Christmas my family rode the Front Runner train to Salt Lake City to see the lights. It was quite the adventure! Turns out everyone in Utah County had the same idea that evening--which meant for a very full train without enough seats to go around. We were left standing for quite a while, and very grateful when seats finally became available. Little Lincoln quickly fell asleep in Papa's arms. Papa knows just how to rock the littles to sleep. He's and expert! I love seeing my parents as grandparents. They love their grandkids so much! They even adore Miss Dolly and spoil her like a grandchild--Dad calls her his "grand-dogger." I can't wait for Max to meet his Nana and Papa soon! He is so lucky to have so many people who already love him and are anxious to meet him!

L

Life From the Passenger Seat// Winter Sparkle

Sometimes I'm editing photos and I just have to share my favorites right away. The couple with the oversized umbrella, the shiny wet pavement, and a smattering of sparkly bokeh raindrops... these captures just make me happy! Reminds me of Paris, and a rainy evening on the Champs Elysees. Oh, I want to go back and wander the streets snapping photos to my hearts content. SOMEDAY.

Looks like the sun is making an appearance today, so I can finally shoot my latest pages... Those sparkly raindrops are quite lovely, but I'll take any ounce of sunshine I can get!

PS: I spoke too soon yesterday about finally getting over being sick. Coughing all. day. long. sigh.

L