Church then drive

We attended Mark's ward this morning and then headed on our way to Florida. We didn't leave Mark's apartment complex until 11 and then traffic was horrible. We only went 65 miles in 2 hours and after those 2 hours, I called Chris and changed my plans. I had initially told everyone that we would not be stopping to eat at a sit down restaurant, because of us leaving so late. But after all that stop and go, I called Chris and said, "I'm done! Let's stop at Cracker Barrel and eat".

We arrived back safely at 1:30 a.m. and are super glad that we did our trip. Now, let's rest.

DC Temple

I almost don't want to say anything after that picture. It represents more than words can convey.

Chris and Nancy were inside doing a session and the kids and I walked around the outside of the temple and enjoyed the visitors center. I can't wait to go back and go inside myself.

That evening, Joey and Wynn came up to visit too while we relaxed, ate pizza and watched football.

Here are some cute shots we got from the night.

DC Day

We rode the Metro(DC subway system) into DC today and had a wonderful day walking (A LOT) and seeing the sights. The weather was perfect too!

After getting to the city, the first stop was lunch at Union Station where we ate at Johnny Rocket's and LOVED it!

Why are we upside down? I'm so glad that we got to experience DC with the kids. They all thought it was great. So great, in fact, that they didn't even complain about all the walking. Many, "oh wow" and "that's cool" were heard throught our trip.

Kerstyn is 13!

Kerstyn's birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year. We celebrated and ate and ate and ate.

13! Wow! How did that happen?

My baby is growing up! She is about 3 inches taller than me already and wears a size 10 shoe. Help!

Thanksgiving DC style

We made it up to DC last evening and enjoyed the day today spending time together, eating good food and looking at some DC sights...

Faith, Family and Friends - I'm so thankful!

Family Pictures 2011

We did our annual pictures and here are a few of the shots. The kids are really growing up!

Aislinn
Kerstyn
Brennan
Lauklan
Greyson The Shipley 5!

In January, we celebrate 18 years of marriage.

Do you have a favorite?

A tough girl!

Today was our 3 month follow-up renal ultrasound. Aislinn is a tough, tough girl! Luckily, we have been through MANY of these, and it is the 'easy' test. The doctor will have the results in a few days, but I don't expect to know anything until our appointment which is scheduled for November 30.

I have had a lot of time to ponder her situation. Chris and I have had many sleepless nights and I know a few things. I know that in the pre-existance, Aislinn stood up and told our Heavenly Father that she would take this body. She said I'll go and do it! I'll fight that fight. I'll go and do as I need Heavenly Father. I'll do it! I'll have many tests. I'll go through the pain. I'll be sick, oh so sick, every 3 months for over 3 years! I have 2 major surgeries. I'll fight.

And that is what she does. She fights. I'm so thankful! Maybe one day, I can be as tough as her.

Because

Because I ate junk, junk, and more junk this past weekend, I got my "junk" self to the gym this morning and took a cycle class.

Well, it has only been 5 and a half hours and I am already sore. This isn't looking good for me at all. Not good at all.

Hopefully, I can get some relief with some Motrin. Tomorrow, I have personal training and want to cycle. I'm going to get this body back in gear!

The end

The weather today was even better than before, and that is hard to believe. We attended the Olympia Ward this morning and then just spent the rest of the day enjoying the weather and the company.

We didn't arrive home until 9 or so tonight and everything was well. The kids were kinda sad that they didn't get to see us before bed time, but we brought home treats and look forward to the morning to give hugs and kisses.

This weekend was just what the doctor ordered!

Hollywood Studios

Chris and I slept in as late as we wanted, and took our time getting out of the room this morning. I don't think we left until after 11. We left Disney property and ate breakfast at Perkins then had to stop at a convenience store to get some cold/sinus medicine for Chris. Of course, he started feeling poor on our trip. :( We don't have time to get sick. After getting back to the room with the medicine, Chris and I got on the bus to Hollywood Studios. We spent the entire day there enjoying each other's company. We even waited in the 90 minute Toy Story Mania line and yes, I beat Chris! Yea me!

We rode the Rockin' Roller Coaster and I looked as though I was dying in the picture that they took. It was quite comical except for the fact that the expression was sincere.

Fantasmic was great! Star Tours was way better than before and the weather was perfect!

It was a wonderful day.

Veteran's Day

The office was closed for Veteran's Day and the children had off too, but I put a sitter in for the weekend and Chris and I went away to Disney. We stayed Friday and Saturday night at Port Orleans Riverside. We started at Animal Kingdom and ate dinner at Rainforest Cafe. I snapped the picture below before we went in to dinner. It was quite chilly today, which was nice.

Following dinner, we headed over to The Magic Kingdom for The Very Merry Christmas Party. It felt very Christmasy with the chilly weather and, of course, Disney does it right and we had a wonderful time together. Too bad we didn't get a good picture. But, we did have fun trying to get a good shot. Oh well.

Young Women in Excellence

Tonight was Kerstyn's Young Women in Excellence program. It was very sweet and we enjoyed getting to spend time with all that were there.

Kerstyn talking about her goals

Eustis Ward Young Women
We are proud of you Kerstyn!

Saturday was busy!

Kerstyn and I had a Beehive and Mother Activity from 11 - 1 this morning. I was having a wonderful time until they mentioned that there was a craft that we were to do. I couldn't let Kerstyn down, so I did my best!

I had Kerstyn take a picture of me doing the craft, because I believe that it will be the only one I ever do.

I have on 3 inch heels and you can see that she is just as tall as I am.



Following the activity, we all loaded up and headed down to The Magic Kingdom. It was a beautiful day outside and we all had a wonderful time. We ate and laughed and rode rides. Grandma even joined us and we stayed until the fireworks were over. It was a good thing that we gained an hour tonight.

Sharing

We had a Relief Society meeting tonight where I was asked to share some information about the Carters and their mission. The theme of the meeting was being thankful for our missionaries.

Well, first off, I was humbled that they would ask ME to talk/share information about the Carters. Who am I to know and be able to share about such amazing and special people that have touched SO many lives? But, they picked me, so I pressed forward.

Debbie gave me such neat information about their mission. She told me all about the food and the people. She shared some of their experiences and some of the things they miss about here. I read from her email and shared with all that were present. I cried. Of course.

To say that Doug and Debbie are special to me would be an understatement. I love them. I admire them. I look up to them. I love their daughters. I love all of them and their examples. I feel so blessed to be able to know them.

When I grow up, I want to be like them.