Scuba Diving

Cozumel Mexico was our first super-fun trip of the summer. We went for 10 days of fun filled adventure with our little family and Shane's dad and his wife. The goal of the trip was for me to learn how to scuba dive, which I did, and it was awesome! For all of you out there that don't know how to scuba dive it is time to learn. If you want to feel the sensation of flying, but don't want that pesky free-fall rush then scuba diving is for you. It was the most peaceful, quiet, yet adventurous sensation ever. It is my current happy place (a place where I go in my mind when the phone is ringing, kids screaming, dinner burning, etc, etc) bringing back the memory helps me feel sane. We made many ocean dwelling friends, namely turtles, which we saw a ton of. I also spotted a 5 foot long Nurse Shark, which was awesome because it was my first real dive after being certified, and I was with Shane who prides himself in spotting wildlife anywhere and everywhere we go above and below water, so me spotting the shark gave me bragging rights for the rest of the trip. It was a wonderful adventure. We will be going back, and very soon.

The Playhouse, part 2

So I finally have time to update my blog, and post pictures of the playhouse which has been officially finished for some time now, played in, and has never looked as clean as these pictures show again but hey thats what a playhouse is for right? Next on the agenda is "Fairyland" the secret garden behind the playhouse, so stay tuned for photos of that. We're waiting for the good weather to start planting, hopefully that will be soon.

5 Year Anniversary!

Shane and I celebrated our 5th wedding Anniversary on Friday March 5th. We celebrated by going out to Dinner at Duke's Steak House. It was to be a quiet affair, but little did we know that we were to be hand picked to become the token couple of the Casino Fandango's, Duke's Steak House, Website. That's right your very own Shane and Jessica Bell were the VIP's of the Casino Fandango for about 30 minutes. Free drinks, a bottle of wine, two appetizers and a photo shoot later and wah-lah we are to featured on their website, maybe. It was very fun, and we got a lot of free stuff, which made it even better.

All in all we've been a couple for 11 years, dating + marriage. That's a pretty dang long time and I feel pretty dang lucky to have found a man who still makes me laugh, loves me and spoils me and my kids, and is an all around great man. We do a lot together, including running a business, a family and a pretty amazing life. I feel very blessed to be where I am today, especially now that we will be featured on the Casino Fandango website, I hope, I have a feeling we are a little too excited about it and so it won't happen, but we'll always have the memories.

Oh yea we went to breakfast the next morning in Truckee at the Squeeze In, had some awesome omlets and I purchased some bitchen dansko's for my anniversary treat, that's right it's all about romance!

The Beautiful Lily Kate

Lily is my princess. Always beautiful, always fluttering, always a princess. Just recently she developed some invisible wings which help her get up on to high places and increase her ballet dancing abilities. Her dream of transforming into a fairy is almost complete!

The Joy that Eva Brings

Eva is a funny, funny little girl. There is not an hour that goes by without her cuteness exploding in some goofy way. Here are a few pictures that make me laugh and bring me joy.

The Playhouse!!!

Oh the playhouse! Every winter it is necessary for Shane to have a project to keep his mind busy so this winter it became the playhouse. Now this is no ordinary playhouse, it is like a guest suite for miniature people complete with crown molding, can lights, a ceiling fan, flat screen T.V. and of course a whole bunch of toys. It is the best playhouse ever, it even has its own backyard, which we have dubbed "Fairyland". It has been a very fun winter project for Daddy, Grandpa Dick, Lily, Eva and Mommy alike. It is just further proof that my girls have the best Daddy around!!

We're Back

Well after some special encouragement from my super creative friend Jenn we have decided to re-enter the world of the blog. Our goal is to update once a week, so stay tuned!

Life is good in the Bell household. The newest development is that Shane has decided that it is time for a new TV, damn those trips to Costco! So the next week will be a whirlwind of moving furniture, fishing wires and redecorating because we have to find something to do with the old TV. We hope it snows again soon so we don't come have to come up with more projects to stop the boredom.