Family Vacation!!

First up is the Winters...we went to Havasu with Donovan's family and family friends the Burtons. It was my first time in Havasu and I loved it. We got to go out on the boat, sea doos, inner tubes, and my personal favorite the wake board. I have now made it my goal to go wake boarding the next time were out at the lake...it's not as easy as it looks. 

We arrived home from Havasu Saturday night, rested up for church the next morning, then headed out to Las Vegas to relax with my family, the Lyons. We had a great time in Vegas as well. We did some shopping, ate a lot of food, walked the strip and, went to the Hash House a Go Go for breakfast! It has been featured on Man Vs. Food and their food is amazing! They serve very interesting combinations but if you can have an open mind about the experience then you will love it! Donovan and I also got to go to the Bodies exhibit in the Luxor and the Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay. My favorite part about the trip was getting to touch sting rays and baby zebra sharks. 

Time for a  Change



Donovan and I decided that we were due for a change. After much thought and prayers I left High Steppers Studio of Dance and Joined The Talent Planet's teaching staff. Katy Varner is the owner of this new studio and she was my teacher when I was younger. She taught me so much about dance and I am so excited to be teaching for her now. She is an awesome boss and her studio is exactly what I needed! Right now I am teaching Jazz and Lyrical and I am loving it!! Come take a class if you're interested :)

Here are some pictures from my last Recital with my High Steppers family. I am missing my dancers and fellow teachers very much but I am so happy that I was able to dance with them one last time!

Birthday Celebration!

Yes that would be my Father-In-Law in the back lol. Since there are so many family members in the Winters family we combine birthdays. So I was able to celebrate with Jay and Paul. We had a great time laughing, playing board games, and eating the best chocolate cake I've ever had. I need to get that recipe from Kam.  

That's right ladies my husband actually wrapped my gifts...that's true love right there haha. He did awesome! He bought me the cutest yellow heels! They were so bright that I got a little too much attention at church. A random lady came up to me and said "I have no idea what your name is but I'm gunna call you sunshine because of those shoes." It was a great day in our new ward and probably the most fun we've ever had at church. All because of a pair of shoes...who would have thought? 

Great fun at my parents house! My mom made her signature cake, white with raspberry filling.

Recitals Coming!!! Time to Panic

Whether we're ready or not recital is coming. I just wanted to show this cute picture of all my dancers practicing.  In this dance they portray jewelry box dolls. They do a great job!

Let's Celebrate an Honorary Missionary!

For most missionaries a one year mark home from the mission isn't exactly the best day of their life. It's a time for them to reminisce about the life-changing experience of serving Heavenly Father for two years. It sounds great, but if you think about it it's probably hard to have all those memories and not be able to experience them ever again. Donovan, I knew was going to have a hard time with this day. He loved his mission and misses Portugal every day. Sooo...let's turn this bittersweet day into just a sweet day!

I decided to throw a party for Donovan. We had the whole family over for homemade Portugal style Francesinhas. They are sandwiches drenched in cheese and a heart attack waiting to happen, but incredibly delicious! Donovan also made a picture slideshow of his mission and got to show his family some of his favorite pictures.

I think we'll keep this a family tradition for the future. It's a great way to honor a mission well served! Enjoy the pictures of our fun day :)

Mother's Day Can Always Use Some Creativity

I found this cute idea when I was trying to decide what to do for my mom. She loved it and it came out super cute! It was also very simple to make. All you need is a vase ($0.99 at Walmart), tissue paper, ribbon, styrofoam for your base, Kabob sticks, strawberries and chocolate. It's inexpensive and a delicious treat for your mom!

Meet Drake!

Our cuddly Boston Terrier is the newest addition to our family. Everyone kept telling me that puppies are like babies...man we're they right!! Before we picked up our little guy I told Donovan that he was not allowed in our bed. He made it into our bed by the second night. Choose your battles in a marriage, I can either keep my puppy off of my expensive down comforter and perfectly fluffed pillows or get some sleep at night? Needless to say we all sleep soundly throughout the night.