Flamenco Sisters

A few weeks ago, Emery and Madison were playing dress up and both had on their Flamenco dresses. They were very cute.

Emery is a very good big sister. She demonstrated to her little sister how to properly twirl.

Madi watched and learned the technique!

I am thankful for moments like these and for these little people! We are extremely blessed...

Oui Oui Paris! (pronunciation= We We Paree!)

We went to Paris for the weekend. Oh the perks of living in Europe!


Shelby, Claire, Madison and Emery feeding the ducks behind our hotel villa.


The kids on the teacup ride at Disneyland Paris.


Five girls in a car. (In a few years this will be very frightening!)


At the Louvre Museum.


Shelby and the Mona Lisa. Who's smile do you prefer?


We enjoyed spending a little time with our good friends the Halls. John and Renee and their 5 kiddos are always fun to be with!


We saw the Eiffel Tower all lit up! Obviously, our camera did NOT do it justice.


CREPES!!! (Danny and I both gained two pounds in one weekend. Blast that delicious french food!)


By the River Seine.


In front of the Hotel D'Ville. There are some really beautiful buildings...


The kids chasing pigeons in front of Notre Dame. (It looks like a huge one is chasing Claire!)


Danny and the kids with the Chateau of Versailles behind them.


Us with the gardens of Versailles. Beautiful.


We rented bikes and rode around Versailles. It was so much fun!

We loved our French adventure. The weather was nice and no one was even rude to us! We still never made it to the Sacre Couer and Montmartre- oh well. Maybe someday. We had some typical Carrell moments. Didn't pack enough diapers one day and Madi had to go diaperless for about an hour (things got a bit drippy...). We got to the airport a bit later than optimal, took the wrong elevator that only went as far as the restroom floor. (Why would they even have this???) The girls were very good in unpacking- but not so good in repacking. They put the DVD cases (with most of our favorite movies) in a nightstand drawer without their mother's knowledge. So, when I double checked the room- I neglected to look in the nightstand. Oopsey. Oh, and Shelby's homework and books were in the same nightstand. (I hate telling teachers bad news. I hate feeling like an inept mother. However, this mistake will NOT happen again. Sometimes the learning process is painful.)

Au revoir Paris! Thanks for the memories!

Highlights of Hawaii

Ah Hawaii... Even though it has been over a month ago... I never want to finish this blog because it means the vacation really is over. Thankfully we still have the fun memories.

Danny and the kids at the beach.


Jake playing tennis. (It's blurry- but such great form.)


Kailey looks great in her tennis outfits!


Kailey, a sleeping Madi, Diane, Cheri and Dawn- Don't forget a good book.


Jill challenged Danny to a 5K race. Here is our running man. He looks great.


Dawn and the girls followed the runners in the golf cart.


Jill and Ben as they won the race. Danny finished well- just not quite as fast. (Will there be a re-match next year?)


Cute Claire with one of her funny faces.


Claire in snorkel mode (Dawn is enjoying a good book in the background.)


Emery is getting herself an ice cream bar. (Ice cream is a definite highlight!!!)


Madison is enjoying her ice cream.


Isn't this beautiful? The surroundings are gorgeous and I get to be with some of my favorite people...


We got to watch the tagging of sea turtles. It was really interesting.


Like I said, ice cream is a definite highlight!


Emery was practicing her floating starfish. (I love how her forehead, nose and mouth are the only parts that are not submerged!)


Grandpa and Emery in their chairs- both reading...


The little girls on their sun chairs- Madison is listening intently to everything Emery is telling her.


Shelby is perfecting a new talent!


Grandma and Emery reading. Grandma looks a little tired- probably because of us.


Four cute girls by King's Pond (you can snorkle here- lots of fun fish to look at)


Emery, Kailey and Claire at the kiddie pool- enjoying some creative sand time.


Jake chatting with Madi while Kailey and Shelby are having their tennis class.


Claire, Kailey and Shelby enjoy time in the water with Dad and Grandpa.

Thanks Dawn and David for letting us stay at your home in paradise! Time with family...priceless!!!