Maui 2012

I am not even sure where to begin!  We literally just got home this morning at 1 am, but I wanted to at least get some pictures up!  I have 120 pictures and the slide show website I have used is no longer, so I am thinking I will write a few different posts and post most of the pictures that way.  So I guess I will start at the beginning...
We went to Maui this year instead of Oahu.  Mostly because we decided to go with some friends, the Shirzad's, and they had been to this particular resort.  They raved about it and I had never been to Maui, so hey why not!  Well I have to say that it didn't disappoint!!!  We stayed at the Honua Kai, and wow is all I can say!  For literally the same price as the hotel we stayed in last year, we got a room with two pull out couches, a master bedroom, a HUGE bathroom, a full kitchen and a washer and dryer!  Talk about vacation.  (I came home with one small load of laundry after 8 days...that in itself is paradise!) We bbq'd more than we ate out which was awesome because with 4 kids it gets tricky to expect good behavior at a restaurant.  Not that we ate so healthy.  I am sure Dr. Hilton is going to have a little talk with me on Wednesday but it was well worth it!  It was a long flight there last Saturday but the kids were troopers and we immediately hopped in the pool before dinner.  It rained a bit which was kind of annoying (I guess Hawaii made the national news from all the rain and storms) but we made the best of it and it forced us to do things we probably wouldn't have done if it was hot all 8 days.  Chris boogie boarded and had a blast! (Unfortunately, I don't think that is what Dr. Hilton means when he says "stay active" so I didn't participate.) We went on a glass bottom boat, took a little train ride into Lahaina, went to a Luau and had so much fun!  It was just what the Herzog's needed to unwind and relax.  The kids seemed to have a lot of fun so that made me really happy!  Seriously, cannot say enough good things about this resort especially if you have a family.  VERY family friendly and I saw no less than 10 pregnant ladies there so I wasn't the only one letting it all hang out in my bikini!  Here are some pictures to get you started!

More to follow...

Anniversary Dinner

Yesterday was our official 8 year anniversary!  Chris worked of course but then we went out to a nice dinner at Wild Sage and ate a kid free meal (well technically we had to bring Sparky but he was quiet and well behaved!!) We stopped at Nordies to pick up Chris' pants and enjoyed adult conversation!  I gorged myself on appetizer, salad, dinner and dessert...let me tell you that I ate ALL of it!  Not a crumb left:)  If you haven't visited Wild Sage, I highly recommend it!  It is really delicious!  Last, Chris bought me some chocolate covered strawberries from Sherries Berries and they are DELICIOUS!  He always knows what to get me!  I guess that is partially why I married him:)  He knows me so well!  Anyway, gearing up for our big trip but it was really nice to have a quiet night just the 2.5 of us!!

The waiter was kind enough to take a couple of pictures!

Baby Bennett

We had the privilege of baby sitting Baby Bennett last week.  Seriously, Matthew is in love with this kid and wants to hold him all the time.  I actually needed to cook dinner and Matthew patiently held him for 15 minutes!  It was a bit chaotic knowing that this will be my life soon, but happy to know that Matthew was a least somewhat up for holding him!  Adorable!

Auction 2012

It is over! It is done! I am super excited and I had a lot of fun!  I am happy and relieved that I made it through the STM 2012 Auction!  Don't get me wrong: I had a lot of fun working on it but it is A LOT of work!  Of course Chris is annoyed with me because I said I was going to help next year but I can't help it!  It is in my blood:)  My parents came over and we got all dressed up.  It was so much fun to see people get into the dressing up (20's theme).  Also, the cake dash that I was in charge of raised $1625!  Not too shabby for the first year!  I was really proud of it and so thankful for all of those who helped and donated cakes:)  (If you read this THANK YOU!) We managed to capture and few pictures of the night!

Shane and Kelli

My Parents

We didn't bid on too much.  We got something small for each of the kiddos including this hand made baby blanket that I wanted for Sparky!  Bless Chris' heart he bid and won on the black forest cake to get the dessert dash rolling!  I think that was plenty:)  Anyway, already looking forward to next year and how to improve the dessert dash and a fun theme (not that I have a huge amount of say...)

8 years...

I know it is a bit early for this post but I am happy and excited to celebrate my 8 year wedding anniversary with Chris on Feb 28th.  Sometimes, I can't believe that it has gone so fast!  Let's see we have moved across the country twice, have 2 kids with one on the way, travelled to countless places, and made so many awesome memories!  We have our travel list all ready for the next few years with one big trip in particular that I have been hinting to Chris that I want to take for our 10 year:)  I am very lucky to have my husband as my best friend and the fact that after all these years I would still choose him over anyone else.  He has given me some amazing gifts like love, patience (especially when I am pregnant!) kindness...just like the reading at our wedding!  Anyway, a few pictures of us through the years:)  We just get better looking!  Haha!

Whew...Where Has the Time Gone?!

I apologize to the 5 people who read this and are getting annoyed at me because I haven't updated in so long!  The truth is (and Kelli can vouch for me) that I have been belly deep in auction volunteering with Matthew's school.  Little did I realize that I have SUCKER tattooed on my forehead in invisible ink but I do and the principal could see it through my bangs:)  The good news is that it is almost done and shortly thereafter we will be travelling to Hawaii for 8 blissful days.  Also, I think it has taken my mind off the fact that I am pregnant and made me wake up today and think "holy moley I am almost 20 weeks!"  I had my "big" ultrasound today, which if you ask me she got better shots last time but whatever.  The important thing is the baby is healthy and a whopping 11oz!  I know I am going to have a big boy again...and yes we confirmed it is a boy!  I wanted to schedule the date but the scheduler was on lunch so I will have to wait until she calls me or if I get impatient, which I will, I will call her tomorrow.  Could July come a tad faster?!  I don't want to wish this away but I want to meet my boy who has a thing for his hand in his face.  The bugger was all nestled toward my back and not wanting to cooperate with his hand in front of his face.  The pictures are not great but the good news is I will be back for another ultrasound in 8 weeks so maybe I will get some better pictures then. 

Plus side he is not flipping me the bird yet:)

Hard to see but this is his face with his hand right up to his cheek.

I finally did a couple of cakes last weekend!  It had been a bit of a break (which was fine) but I was happy to have the challenge and creative outlet.  Made me feel like old Siri again.  I did a Strawberry Short Cake house for a friend from college (well actually his 5 year old daughter) and my goddaughter, Charlotte's, 2nd birthday cake!  Sarah want simple under the sea theme which was cool!

Beau, Char, and Maggie after the party

Kelli agreed to take some belly shots this weekend so that will be nice!  Stay tuned:)  Also, Valentine's Day was sweet and simple just like I like it!  Matthew's class had a party and then I made breakfast for dinner.  Love that!  Chris and I celebrate our anniversary (Feb 28th) instead of making Vday a big deal so I have something nice and romantic to look forward to after the auction!  Hopefully, I will be back more often and I do apologize!