Consider this the answer to your request!

Welcome back! I have NO idea where I've been for the last 5 months but apparently I haven't been on the BLO double G!!! Every few weeks RJ would remind me that I haven't written anything publicly since his birthday...which I think he secretly takes as a sign that nothing is more important than him (you got it baby!). Today, Stacey sent out the guilt inducing email though...short and simple and to the point! So, this one is for you Stace!!!




Happy Anniversary STACEY AND DREW!!! 4 years?! What? Time flies when you're married to one of the greatest people EVER! You both deserve all the greatness that is uniquely you and definitively your Greenland union. I have very vivid snapshots of your day!

A-what the crap Stace!!! Don't EVER agree to let your sister do your hair for your wedding!!!
B-were you both trying to look like royalty or did it just happen that way in my mind?!
3-that's all I remember (yes, I purposely put a "3" instead of "C")


Seriously though, I remember everything about your wedding. So many firsts and lasts. New and old. Smiles and tears. Dancing like I didn't care anyone was watching (NOT a good thing). Dad singing like the PRO he is!!! Mom challenging the bride for hottie of the day! Casey worrying about her hair...smart CASE...you actually had a professional do something that day!!! Marveling at the man that is MY husband and sneaking kisses in the hallway (YEP, this happened). Standing so proudly beside my sisters and so eager to accept Drew into the fam officially! Dancing with Grandpa for the last time! Taking pictures with Grandma and watching Amy try to get her to put her purse down for the pictures. Watching Grandma and Grandpa Greenland together for one of their last dances (incredibly touching). Hanging with the "girls" for the last time...any of you that KNOW this group KNOW it somehow includes RJ...he chilled in the Brides room with Pattycakes, Pengy, KP, Kracka, Amers and I ALL DAY (gotta love a man that can do this on purpose and without restraint)!!! Feeling something was missing that day but knowing the room was acutally FULL where there seemed to be space (Grams, Gramps, Curly, the bros : ) ).

Stacey and Mommy

The Sissies (Casey, Stacey and Chels)



Grandma and Grandpa Greenland (Joe and Laurue), Stacey and Drew



Drew and Cadi (his sister)



The little daddy and Stacey



Little Mommy and my great husband cutting the rug...HOW TOUCHING?!?!?!



Little mommy and RJ (maybe a cuter couple than RJ and I are)



Drew and Elaine (his mom)



The living LEGEND...my pops!!!!

Possibly the coolest picture ever!

I could really go on and on, but I'll save you the time! I do love this day and the memories it will always carry for me! What an honor to have memories of both sisters walking down "the Isle" regardless of current circumstances!!! I have the greatest sisters in the Universe! I have the greatest parents that created this bond for me! Much love to you all!!!

My Very BETTER Half

RJ's birthday was on the 8th. We had a great "birthday WEEK" as he likes to call it : ) !!! We got to spend time with his parents while they were in town and the rest of his family. We went to dinner and played games-which are ALWAYS a great time!

With my dad we went to dinner at the Rio Grande Cafe. The sisters and brothers, Amy, Dad (Chesley) and our Uncle Michael and Aunt Marilyn all joined us. It was one happenin' party! It's always so great to spend time talking and watching the family grow together. Here are some pictures from that night.

RJ and Casey (my sis)

Drew (my bro-in-law) and Stacey (my sis)

Awww...

On his ACTUAL birthday we went to Lambs Cafe for lunch. He had never been there and it's such a great part of Salt Lake that I couldn't resist his request. Later that night we went on a little "drive" to a surprise party at Fatcats that Stacey and my mom had planned. RJ was kind of bummed that day and it was SO hard to keep it a secret!!! When we got there my mom-Patrice, Stacey, Casey, Kristi and Hayden were all waiting with a bowling lane and Pizza ready. He was super excited and loved the surprise!

I wish I had taken my camera : ( !!!!

I've known RJ since 7th grade...it's almost impossible for me to think of what life was like before he was in my life. He knows me better than anyone and sometimes even knows my memories better than I do! He is the most caring person I have ever known. He reminds me so much of my Grandfather Dwain in the way he cares for people, the environment, nature and his overall presence. His spirit and mine are old friends and will continue to be forever. I am grateful to walk side by side with him and honored that he would choose me above all others. He may be just as embarrassed as I am to post these pictures...but these are our past baby...we are now in this moment and I SO look forward to the future! I love you! Happy 32!!!

You've gotta love the "dance pose!"

This is on our Senior Trip in Mexico! OLE!

Easter

Easter was pretty fun filled this year. I'm not really sure if you can get alot from the few pictures I took but it was so great to spend time with my family.

RJ had this day off..rare, I know...which made it even more special. We had a brunch at my Dad's that morning and were provided with the usual entertainment by Corey and Ashton (now 18 months old). I SERIOUSLY can't believe how time flies!!!

Below you'll see the original Erickson maffia...minus the godfather (RJ) and me...I'm probably a henchman or something.

Casey, Drew and Stacey...



This is sweet little Corey in his "newsies" hat. That's really his mischievous look but can you even begin to resist??? I certainly can't.

This cute picture is of Ashton (with his new headband on) playing patty cake with "daddy." They are the best pals ever!!!

Once again Corey is showing off his new look...

This is one of my favorite pictures of the day! Ashton has a smile that lights up the room and he is so entertaining! Stacey put this headband on him and he just went with it...what a cool dude!!!

The new kids on the block checking out there new stash of goodies from the Easter Bunny.

That afternoon we were able to spend time with my mom at a movie and dinner. What a great way to round off a wonderful weekend. I AM BLESSED!

I have been so humbled lately by the International news. Events that test the fabric of nations and neighbors. Events that take lives and spare others. The earth is shaking in every way possible. The horizon has changed for so many.

In all ways possible, I feel lacking...lacking of my abilities to reach people. I feel, especially tonight, the desire to comfort, to hold hands. I don't have the knowledge or the resources to do much other than that. To offer a hug, a smile, a warm shoulder to lay on and I want to so bad. I am also logical and know this is not really possible in the capacity I desire. So, I turn to you and ask that you reach inside and send the love you can. Together we can create a space that will fill with love and ripple to those in need. I can not do this alone.

Smile at your neighbors and strangers. Call your friends. Stand out in the crowd and lead by examples of love and generousity. I am a big believer in love and prayer and the healing nature they create. Send out a prayer and meditation of love to someone who deserves to know that YOU care about THEM.

I LOVE YOU!!!

L O V E

I've been thinking about something to post for a couple days. I have a lot of emotions and thoughts to share but it seems so much easier to sit here and listen to music. So, this is my post...just listen to the music for now. Try not to skip the ones you don't know but see if you get something new out of it. It's all about love. Love for self, others, nature, progress, memories, passage of regret, love for letting go...you tell me what you think/feel.

Sit back and enjoy, smile, cry, laugh...you deserve a break!

Much Love!!!

Mahalo

Wow...what a day! Waking to the the sound of the palm trees swaying just outside my window, the smell of the ocean breeze and the excitement of another day in Hawaii. Dad, Amy, Ashton, Corey and I hit the road early today to do a little exploring in the town of Kailua. It is a cute town right on the coast with lots of shops and restaurants. We watched the surf...and surfers as we ate lunch and then visited a local farmers market.

We also spent some time at Hapuna beach today where the waves were rockin' and the boys played in the sand. It seems that they have become accustomed to the feel of it between their little toes and they look so comfortable in this setting.

I have become comfortable here too. Everything seems so familiar that was once foreign...just in time to pack my bags and head back to Utah and the cold weather. I'm looking forward to seeing RJ...it seems like a year since last week in a way and to hear Ginger's husky song that she only sings for me : )

Of course I will miss the Hawaiian surroundings but take many good memories with me. I've decided that in another life...maybe after my Italian life...I might be Hawaiian. I have fallen in love, once again, with the culture, the history, the beauty, the language...all that is Hawaiian. In my dreams tonight I hope I dance the hula and surf the waves one last time before I leave the magical realm of the Aloha spirit.

Mahalo!

Fletch

Oh the waning moments of a vacation. I woke this morning to Casey jumping on my belly saying, "C'mon, get up! It's my last day here!" And so the day began.

Casey and I fell into our 5 day routine of snuggling the boys, feeding them breakfast, chasing them like lost boys and beefing up on our Disney Channel favorites. I will honestly miss the one on one time with Ashton and Corey. I think Casey and I have been very fortunate to have developed a bond with them in this way.

Then before I knew it I was once again lounging in paradise watching the waves roll in and feeling the sand warm as morning turned to day. We all spent most of the day at the beach at Mauni Lani. An absolutely incredible day!

There is the most serene bay there where sea turtles come up for air after feeding off the vegetation on the rocks. There are schools of fish swaying with the waves and once again there are the hammocks that line the beach where you can sit and wish and dream.

Today was a great day for me and two particular sea turtles. One I named Fletch and the other Mr. Underhill (from the movie, Fletch). Fletch was the first turtle of the day and swam up right in front of me to the point of nearly taking my nose off. He likes the sun like I do and managed to work himself up onto the black lava rocks to sun bathe when I wasn't looking. I sat with him for a while and watched his eyes open and close as he tried to ignore me and get some sleep...sorry Fletch but you fascinated me! Instead I listened to him tell me all about his journey from Australia and how he settled here with his little sea turtle family because he learned the hula at a young age and was facinated by its origin...thus applying for citizenship and becoming a hardworking Hawaiian sea turtle.

Mr. Underhill on the other hand was a cool customer and stayed to the water games. He is GINORMOUS and has a sort of yellowish shell. He didn't really have much to say seeing as how he was in the water all day but he did look quite peaceful as he swam about his daily routine in the sea turtle world. I imaine it's hard working for so little and entertaining nosey girls from Utah who won't leave you and your colleagues alone. Either way, they were great and very memorable.

I don't have any pictures of my two esteemed friends because of the water/camera situation and the fact that I was "swimming" (aka transporting) Casey to and from Fletch because she didn't have water shoes on. I'm pretty sure the pictures wouldn't have turned out anyway if the camera was either at the bottom of the bay or on a towel trying to dry out the sand and salt water that would be corroding all its intricate software watcha-ma-call-its. So, please take my word for it and the next time you visit the Mauni Lani bay give them some love from their girl in Utah.

Casey insisted that we get a family vacation picture before we left the beach today so those are the cute little pictures below.

This is the sissies photo that dad took just before we left to take Casey to the airport. I had a lot of fun with her on this vacation and will miss waking up without her tomorrow.

Well, anyway...just two more days and one night left. The count down is on anyway you look at it. Much love!!!

Whales

Casey and I went on a whale watching boat tour today. I watched the whales and Casey watched the cocktails...Mai Tai anyone?

It was amazing!!! The humpback whales surrounded our boat and seemed to be so curious about what we were doing. At one point there were two whales close enough that their spray got on us...which we learned is really mucus...GROSS!

There is something very powerful and real about watching the grace and beauty of a whale. They really are large but I got a sense of connection, of equality and such excitement. I felt small and at the same time a part of something so great and enormous. This trip has opened my eyes in many ways...really about myself and the changes I have been able to make. I believe that because of those changes I am now able to see the world as I should see it...mysterious, beautiful, raw, real and precious.

I don't know what you would call the experiences I have been able to have internally...some may call them apifinies...AH HA momemts...I just call to them like a soft whisper that was there the entire time. I feel so much peace...more than I have in years.

I also got to spend time with Dad and Casey at the Golf course at Mauni Lani this morning. It was fun to watch their competitive nature come out and their love for a sport. The course is beautiful beyond words...even the sand traps look inviting.

We met up with Amy and the boys for a little shopping and lunch where dad swiftly ushered everyone away from the Louis Vuitton store and once again past Tiffany and Co. I wonder why? I got pictures of Tiffany and Co. because I love the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's and the L'Occitane store because it made me homesick for my mommy! The boys got to run around the shopping area for a while and show off their speed. I think they're loving the sun andI can't wait to see the time when they truly are little surfer dudes.

I'm super tired so all the pictures are kinda lumped together...but I'm really just doing this for myself...I don't know if anyone is even reading this.

Poolside

I LOVE these tiles in the pool...

Casey and I got to spend a lot of time with the brothers. Before hitting the pool with them, we tended them while Amy and dad went golfing. I only got a few pictures at the pool because I wanted to soak up some sun.

After the pool, there was a quick shopping trip with Casey, Amy and I and then back to the villa for chasing and playing with the kids so Amy and dad could spend a quiet dinner with their friend the Prestons, who leave the island tomorrow.

In all the running around and craziness that twins MAY create…I was able to relax and get a little sun in the process. I just can’t seem to pass up the opportunity to soak up the spirit here.

Casey, Dad and I have an early morning tomorrow since the golf clubs will be flying. I’m just going along for the ride and picture taking. Stay turned to my novice writing and very, very, very inadequate Hawaiian picture taking. I just can’t seem to capture what I’m seeing in a tiny little picture. I wish I was more talented…but don’t let that scare you away. I’m still trying.

Much love to you all my friends!

Love the secluded parts of the pool

and the little person pool for the boys to walk around it.

My favorite was the beach chairs on the tiles with about 6 inches of water unterneath...seemed to keep me cooler and it just was cooler all around!

Ashton, getting his splash on!

Casey getting the brothers ready for their diving.

Corey, ploting his next attack.

Corey

Corey