Atlanta Aquarium

The Atlanta Aquarium in Atlanta, GA is by far one of the most amazing wonders in the world. The day we flew out, Mom, Dad, and I all went for a quick trip to the aquarium. Seriously, I would've loved to have spent hours, and hours in there. They had different themed rooms with exotic fish, Antarctic fish, and anything and everything in between. By far the best part was the room that had a tunnel you could go through with all the water and fish over the top. It was such a crazy feeling knowing that there were thousands of lbs of water above you. Everything was so gorgeous though. I would go back there in a heart beat. If you ever get the chance to go down South, make sure you hit up the Aquarium!

One of the many stingrays that swam above us. These things were huge! They were constantly doing flips all the time. So beautiful to watch.

Dad thoroughly enjoying the tunnel with the whale swimming right over him.

Absolutely gorgeous!

Horrible picture of me but it just shows you how up close and personal we were with the sharks!

This is a replica of a whale that was in the tank. Huge!

I am absolutely terrified of sharks, and yet at the same time I'm so transfixed with them. There's always been this fear of them but for a strange reason I love shark movies, and learning as much as I can, I bought several shark tooth necklaces when we were in Florida. I seriously just can't get enough of them, but at the same time they're one of my biggest fears. Strange right? Exactly.

Eels freak me out but they were one of the best parts also.

This was one of the several albino alligators that they had on display there.

Dad secretly misses his old job, but shhh, don't tell him that.

I don't know how many of you have seen Sphere, but I watched that movie at a very young age. Remember the scene were the jellyfish come and attack that lady and she ends up dying. Ya, that's not exactly child friendly so from then on I've always been a little nervous about jellyfish. And yet they're so beautiful and it was fun to watch how they moved in the water.

Freaky Seahorses.

They had pools were you could touch the sea urchins. Not quite as cool as Canon Beach Oregon though....

Piranhas!

This was another of my favorite attractions there. They had a huge pool filled with the sting rays, and two different kinds of sharks that you could touch. They were all incredibly smooth and soft. It was such a sweet experience! They'd swim right past you and you could dip your hand in and run your hands over their backs. So we got to touch some sharks and sting rays! Sweet!!

Catch those Rays and Waves

The next day our family had our annual beach day! I'm so jealous that the Wilson's and the Bluncks live so close to one! But hey that's why they live there, it's so we can come visit and use their beach. It was such a gorgeous day and it was so warm that day actually. The kids had their sand fights and waded out into the surf a lot and had a blast. I caught some ray, Amy and grandpa flew a kite, Kacey dug a hole, Bradly and Kim went for a beach run, it was a great day.

This is what makes our family so stellar! This picture right here explains it all. Seriously, who can say that their family member has actually dug a hole to China. Not many.

Papa and I enjoying the feel of the sand and waves on our feet.

I absolutely love this picture.

I think the entire day Joel had sand caked all over his face. This picture gives you the perfect idea.

Trouble Maker.

How do you think the sand got on his face in the first place?

The After Party is Where It's At

After Amelia's Birthday Party we all headed on over to the Blunck's and had our own shin-dig!

Mom thought she was so funny because she had that rag on her head. Oh it is funny now huh Mom?! Love you!

Family togetherness right? Kim I'd appreciate if you'd watch where you're putting your hand. Thanks

The girls had so much fun dressing up and they definitely entertained us.

This is what L.A. does to ya! Turns our little Joely into a stone cold gangsta! (With a BYU hat on of course)

Amelia Jane's Birthday Party

Yes I know that Amelia Jane's birthday is well past. But here's the pictures! Kimberly made so many cute party decorations and invited so many of little Amelia's friends, it was a blast. She made the prettiest flowers and party streamers that were so sweet. Hopefully these pictures can show off to you some of the decorations. The party was held at a nearby park and we decorated a few of the amenities there. Kim made the best rainbow colored cupcakes ever, oh and they weren't only awesome looking but delicious! I think Kim has by far earned the ranking of world's greatest cook! She's surpassed her "mix by hand" phase.

Momma-sita!

Amelia Jane opening one of her many presents. There were so many, I don't think she knew what to do with herself to be honest.

Enjoying one of the many park toys before the opening of her presents.

At the end of the party, Amelia gave everyone there a present. Everyone got a package of chalk and had a good time after graffiti-ing the side walk. Kacey and little Emma enjoying the chalk.

Me and my boys. In most pictures this is what Kacey's face looked like because it was his poking his face and right when this picture got taken I can feel his finger in my ribs! Thanks Kacey!

Emma was so sweet and helpful during the party. This is her enjoying the anticipation of opening the presents also.

Joel was having a good ole time! He couldn't get enough of the cupcakes and entertainment!

The hats and flowers were made by Kim, Amy, and Grandma. Don't all the little girls look so cute in their party attire?

Kim did such an amazing job with the party. She did so much work and it turned out great! Don't those cupcakes look great!

We opened up a few presents from grandma and grandpa before heading over to the park. So this picture is the party before the party!

California Aquarium

Yes I know but this is a little late but hey at least the pictures are going on right? Better late then never! So this past Spring, me, Momma, and Daddy all headed West to the Golden State commonly known as California. We visited the lovely Bluncks and Wilsons and had a fabulous time. To start off here's some wonderful pictures of the Aquarium in L.A. that we visited the first day. It was so pretty and blue. But we chose a great day to go..... It was every 4th grade's fildtrip day to the aquarium so it made things interesting but still very enjoyable.

Amelia Jane and I had so much fun! Probably because I matched her maturity level on most occasions while visiting... Miss that little monkey...

Joel was so sweet! He was so happy and loved seeing all the fish. Pretty much he was like this the entire time, all happy and smiley.

Daddy and Me trying to keep an eye or two on those Wilson kids. There were scuba divers in the background trying to feed the fish and I think it brought back a lot of memories of when dad used to go diving all the time and his many adventures.

Grandma and little Joely became great friends too. I think it's their lack of height that made that special bonding moment...

Yes we are of varying heights here and yet we still all look the same and act the same. It was so good to see Kimberly again and have some good sisterly fun!

Update

I am so sorry for the lack of posts as of late. I will solemnly swear to do better and hopefully live up to the avid blogger's standards from our family.

To update you on what is happening as of recent, I have started a new job at The Ready Project. It's a better job then I could have hoped for. I am the new receptionist/marketing consultant. When there is a little bit of down time at work I type articles about emergency preparedness and try to promote our products throughout the article. Everyone who works there is incredibly friendly and chill. I feel like this job has a lot of potential for me. Hopefully I'll be able to do much, much more there, especially once I get my Business degree. I work Monday through Friday 9-1 then either finish the day at school or Allyse's bridal.

Recently I got promoted at Allyse's to a shift leader so when the big boss isn't there I'm in charge of everything and deal with all the big problems. It's really nice to be able to get things done and have a little bit more input on everything. All of the girls who work there are absolutely fantastic. Can't say I love the job too much but the girls are so fun and probably my best friends. Couldn't be more grateful to work with them and in such a great environment.

School started up a month ago and as much as I love school, homework, and tests it's actually already turning out to be a great semester. I am currently a Sophomore at Utah Valley University. For all of you who don't know (or don't remember) I'm majoring in Business Marketing and minoring in Graphic Design. Working at The Ready Project has solidified my decision and I can't wait to get started on my major and done with the generals.

No, I am currently not dating anyone at this particular time. Just dating lots of different guys and having some fun while I'm at it. But that's just a little bit about what has happened in the last month.

Hopefully I'll keep ya'll updated a little bit more and get some more pictures up of what has happened recently.

Continuation of California 2010

We made multiple trips to the beach that week. This is just one of those joyous moments there.

Korbin and I learned how to Boogeyboard. Best thing ever! Loved it!

Even more California 2010

Same old Kacey. I don't think I can remember a time where we've gone to the beach and he hasn't dug a huge hole only to let it get washed in later. Makes for a great time.

More California 2010

Splash Mountain Baby!

I think dad was the most excited out of everyone. Disneyland definitely brings out the kid in everyone.

California and Disneyland 2010

Black Market shopping district downtown L.A. You can literally find anything and everything here. Korbin and I had fun looking at all the cheap $5 sunglasses and clothes. Made for a fabulous time looking for all those knock-offs.

Kacey, Korbin and I on the tram riding into Disneyland. Yippee!

That expression was on his face all day at Disneyland