Our trip(s)

You've seen our Tahiti photos and some of our LA shots. That's only the beginning of our ongoing travel adventures. We've since been to New York, Cleveland, and Salt Lake City. We are currently in Idaho Falls visiting Rick's family. We'll be heading to their family vacation spot of Island Park, Idaho this week for some fun out there with extended family.

I think that Rick counted at one point this week that Piper has slept in nine different beds since we moved out of apartment in Sydney. And our little world traveler has been on something like 22 flights in her lifetime...so far.

So be sure to check in again soon for more photos of our journeys.

Los Angeles - Part 1

At the end of June/beginning of July we spent around three weeks in Los Angeles visiting my family. We did get to go for a weekend getaway in San Diego too. We had so much fun in SoCal. My parents had a ball and so did we. Piper would say, "go out in garden" all the time. She loved having all that space. Or she'd raise her hands up and ask "where Papa Allen go?" or "Amma Vicki" (that's my mom, by the way).

Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us stay with you. We loved it all! It was such a good time!

These two were so cute together. I'd say there's a love affair going on there.

Playing the piano and singing


Piper is modeling the adorable Tahitian outfit Grandma Vicki got for her.




What a beautiful girl in her new Sunday dress! When she puts this dress on
now she says "boo-ful."

Here we are celebrating Rick's birthday. I made him a flag cake if you couldn't tell.

Missing friends

I had forgotten that I had these pictures from our last get-together with Dave, Mindy, and Zoey in Sydney. It seems so long ago. That's what happens when you travel as much as we have in the last six weeks. It made me realize just how much I do miss being there, if only to be able to spend time with these awesome friends. We truly do miss you guys! Mindy, I so miss our regular chats together. We hope that you're doing well and that winter is winding down for you.

My talented mother

Just a point of clarification: my mom took almost all of the photos I shared from our trip to Tahiti and Moorea. She's a brilliant photographer; I wish she could accompany us on all our vacations, and not just because of her mad skills.

Photos of our trip to French Polynesia

Goodbye Enmore Ward

These photos are way past due but still worthwhile and fun to reminisce. They are from the going-away party we had for our friends in the ward. We miss you all tons!!

Serah Mariner and Sina Bush

Ryan Keyes and Nate Maeser

Chantal Boaza, Lofi Taumalolo, and Serah

Dallas Petersen, a fellow American, and Geoff Hargreaves

Jenny and Ryan Keyes

Luke and Jade Jarden, and Helen Petersen

Helen and Isabel Petersen with Piper

Anna Conlon, Teresa Obredor, me, April Webber, and Mary Muaror

Enmore Ward Relief Society

This is me and my RS counselor Lofi. She is so awesome!

Last days in Sydney

Going back a bit, here are few pics from our last days in Sydney. Piper tells us, "I miss Sydney." and she gets a sad look on her face. Then she's immediately on to the next fun adventure.

Last day at playgroup

Rick's coworkers gave Piper a Roosters jersey. They're our favorite rugby team - and we know a guy who plays on the team too.

Piper and Rick on our last night in Sydney