Trip for two

Me panning for gold!

Scott at the Mormon Battalion exhibit

Inside the Mormon Battalion Center
Nothing says Valentine's Day than actual time away with the one you love to reconnect. I sometimes forget how important that is in the day to day shuffle of life. Scott and I spent the weekend (a rainy one, I might add) down in San Diego and it was a great trip. We spent time sightseeing and eating, but the best part (at least for me) was talking. Talking non stop about everything going on in life. Good, bad and ugly. It reminded me why I fell in love with him in the first place...of course his astounding good looks didn't hurt either. I think Valentine's Day is not about some huge romantic gesture, it's about being with the one you love. Of course some flowers and chocolate never hurt anyone...

Freedom and war

I found out today that my brother is heading off to Afganistan again in a few months. My heart is heavy with this news, not just for myself, but for his family. He will be gone for six months from his wife and four children! I wonder at the courage of the men and women who set off and sacrifice so much of themselves for the rest of us. Do we appreciate it? Do we care? Do we even think about it? When I see a bumper sticker or hear a song that reflects the current tide of anti-war, I get angry. Not because I want us to be at war, but I feel angry that instead of showing support for those who are fighting we are spending so much time debating the merits of war. Freedom is not free and someone has to protect us. To all the soldiers out there who leave their family and friends to protect my family and friends...thank you. A million times thank you and it will never be enough. We can't afford to be apathetic or anti-war. If we want to hold onto the freedoms we enjoy we need to care.

I bring you good tidings...finally

The Von Trap Family children

The nuns

Maria and the children (My favorite things song) Suzanne and Lacey

Tada! Here it is....drumroll please! I recently read that a blog is a vain attempt to have people interested in what you have to say...well duh! We have had a busy couple of months in the Hunsaker household! In November the girls were the the Sound of Music play at Norco High School. Suzanne was the housekeeper (Frau Schmidt) a nun and an award winner at the Festival. Lacey was Brigitta, one of Von Trap children. They did a fabulous job! Suzanne is also going to be starring in a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater production in February, when I have more info I will pass it along! She is very excited to be heading off to New York City in the Spring with the performing choir. (Ala GLEE for those of you in the know) Taylor will be celebrating his 14th birthday tomorrow! He is very excited to see what he gets for his birthday and Christmas presents. I hope he's not disappointed. Carter has been avidly riding his bike around the neighborhood and I have anxiety every time that he is going to get hit by a car. He has no fear! He is a kamakaze on that thing. Lacey rides too, but is much more subdued. My friend let me borrow a beach cruiser so Zanna and I take turns going on bike rides with them. The kids are all eagerly awaiting Christmas to be here already. I am looking forward to the holidays not for the gifts but for the company. It is going to be so fun to spend time with family. I can't think of anything I would rather do. I am grateful for my family and the birth of our Savior. Joy to the World and Merry Christmas to all!

Preview of coming attractions...

Lacey the Pirate and Lourdes the Go-go Girl

I haven't uploaded all my Halloween pictures yet but I thought I would leave a little taste of what was to come. Lucky for Scott, I didn't subject him to the agony of dressing up this year...well really he was working the Spook Alley with the Young Men the whole time, but that's besides the point. Anyway in honor of Roller Derby Girls everywhere my friends and I chose to be Glamazons of the Roller Rink, Dervishes of the Dueling Derby, the Unstoppable, Incredible Team of...Candy the Crusher!!! Molly Mayhem!! And Brawlin' Britney...you don't want to meet us on roller skates...no really, you don't. But we had a fun time dressing up despite our lack of skates (not for lack of trying to find them...but skates are scarce!) Can't wait to see whats up for next year!!

Love, love me do-you know I love you!

This year we didn't dress up-but the kids look adorable!

Zorro and his consort!

Harry Potter and Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee

I just realized while looking through old Halloween pictures that I have really made Scott wear some interesting costumes. I love Halloween and dressing up. It probably stems from the fact that my birthday falls near Halloween. I have always enjoyed dressing up and eating candy, it is so fun! Scott has good naturedly gone along with my shenanigans, in fact he seems to actually enjoy it sometimes. I admit that he is not always on board with my ideas, but since he probably knows that dressing up is not optional, if he doesn't like my idea he comes up with his own. Sadly I was unable to locate a picture of his "Gansta rapper" from a few years ago...complete with a foil grill. My point is that since he realizes how much I love it, he has embraced it and doesn't rain on my parade. It reminds me how much he really does love me, enough to put up with dressing up and dancing (yes dancing) even if its not his favorite thing to do. Thanks sweet pea, I love you too!

P.S. And I can't wait to dress up again for Halloween!!

I love to see the Temple...

Me and Amy Sue!
Shirley Ann (mom) and Aunt Linda

Before school started we made a girls trip to the Redlands Temple. It was so fun to go with my mom, sister and aunt. There is nothing better than a peaceful day together with some of my favorite girls! It was a fun trip that I think we should make a tradition and hopefully next time we can get some more of the cousins to go too! Before the next wave of babies is born!

School is in Session!

School is officially back in session and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It's peaceful and quiet around the house...maybe too quiet. I did get my work done this morning on the computer for perhaps the first time all summer. We ended the summer with a bang going to the Newport Coast Villas which were beautiful and amazing. I would love to own one someday. (But I want a house first!) I will post pics soon, I can't find my camera cause I haven't finished unpacking yet. The kids were excited to be back in school, Zanna is driving the new car to school...I have trepidation about that but will remain hopefully optimistic. Taylor seemed happy to be starting 8th grade. Carter and Lace have been in school for a few weeks and started soccer and Lace starts dance soon. Busy, busy. But it is really nice to have another willing driver. Zanna is very helpful, don't know how long that will last. Cemetary....I mean seminary starts next week so we'll see how exhausted she is with her extreme workload this year. She passed AP European History and has 3 college credits to her name. This year she is taking even more. Her determination astounds me...she didn't get that from me!