Salt Lake

A while back Nicole and I met up with Shannon in Salt Lake for a little R&R. We had a delightful time. In fact I was so busy relaxing I actually didn't take many pictures. I love the picture of Tanner with the Kleenex. I was babysitting him while Shannon went to her convention and I found that Kleenex amuses kiddos for hours- At least until it runs out. I know what a waste but anything for Tanner. Notice my smokey eyes? I had my own personal make up artist on the trip. Nicole you rock!

build-a-debt. oops! I mean bear!

Nicole was just dying to go to build a bear with our kids- I finally gave into her wishes while visiting her last weekend. I really can understand why she has been wanting to go. The kids had so much fun "Building" their little bears. It is so hard for me to let the kids pick things that 100% don't go together! I had to let my controlling self go for a while so the kids could have their fun. (ever since watching Jon and Kate plus 8 I am so aware of how I sound when talking to my kids in public!) It was so nice to be in warm weather! We are preparing for 6 feet of snow this week!

Oh the JOY!

Di and I took the kids on a tour today of the Joy cone factory by the airport. Hilarious I tell you. Loved our tour guide even though he was one of the most mono-toned humans in existence. Lucky for the kids there was so much to do and watch that they didn't get to bored. I think I would do so good at a job like that. Everything was so clean and organized and simple. Tour guide- "We make your basic sugar, waffle and cake.........." I could so focus on achieving three goals every day! Anywhoo- here are some cute pics. Thanks Di for always finding FREE things to do.

hello again..............

Life keeps moving by and I keep making lists of things to post without the least bit of energy to do so........ I need to remotivate myself with this blog so the goal for now is to try and post once a week. Livia is growing up way too fast and Tate is getting to be too much of a stinky boy. I can't believe I will have two kids in school next year. We recently went to the valley and celebrated Chad's 33rd birthday (By the way honey, happy birthday and I love you so very much) it was so nice to get out of the cold weather! I think it made all of our family breath a little easier this week having had a mini vaca like that. I will download some pictures soon and post some of the kiddos. Love you all.

just doin what we do...............

These are the cakes I made (with help from Morgan) for my two little nephews

I could blog all day and then some to try and catch up with all we have been up to! I never had a chance to post about our family vacation/reunion in Colorado. We had such a wonderful time seeing all of my mom's family and catching up with cousins and their beautiful families. We were also able to celebrate the life of my grandpa Randy who passed away this past June. We went to a wonderful dinosaur museum and swam and barbecued at one of the prettiest locations I have ever been in Colorado. Thank you so much Aunt Jenny and family for having us! Things have been busy around our little neck of the woods with school starting. Tate loves going to preschool and although Livia doesn't share much about her Kindergarten life (I ask every day- evidently it is just her own personal business) but we are sure she must love it since she is all smiles when it is time to go to school for the most part. We recently attended a "Demolition Derby" which was quite the experience to say the least. I don't know which was more interesting to watch- the people who attended or the actual demolition. We had so much fun roasting marshmallows for family night a couple of weeks ago. The kids had these big logs to stand on and they put on a show for Chad and I to watch around our campfire. We also played a great game of hide and go seek in the woods. I love playing with little kids because I feel like I am such a good hider and finder and runner for the first time ever in my life. One of the biggest accomplishments in our family is that our very own Mr. Tate has recently learned how to ride his bike!! We can't believe how hard he worked at getting rid of his training wheels. I have been trying to stop and smell the roses so to speak- my kids are so much fun right now. I fear about how easy things are getting. I will have my world rocked if we ever have another baby and I have to get back into diaper and sleepless nights mode! I have also been working part time which has been so much fun. I recently watched Kung Fun Panda with Tate and the turtle in that show said something so profound: "The past is history and the future is a mystery but today is a gift and that is why it is called the present........" I just loved that.

livia's first day

Livia started kindergarten and our lives have been crazier than ever........I feel like I live in my car these days! Tate starts preschool next week on Mondays and Tuesdays and I will be working while he is occupied with that. I am trying to set some goals which includes continuing to blog our little life! When I look back over the past few years on this blog I am so grateful I took the time to document things. I don't want to stop doing it just because life is hectic. Chad and I have both recently lost our grandfather's and when we hear stories about their lives it warms our hearts. I want to be sure that our children will be able to hear about our life together.

Blue Thunder!

hear the Thunder? that's right- it's BLUE thunder baby! Oh how fun it is to watch our little boy so dedicated to a sport (note picture of shirt over head while playing) he likes it some days and other days just wants to have a permanent water break on the side lines for the ENTIRE game. I am a little worried about this kids work ethic at times. My favorite picture is the one of me in full Soccer Mom glory. Livia took that one and we couldn't stop laughing when we found it on the camera.

July celebrations

We were able to celebrate Tate's birthday in Eagar as well as spend time with family over the fourth. It was so much fun to all be together. It is true- Tate is now a four year old and has left all baby things behind. I have the baby bug soooooo bad right now. he had a wonderful "surf's up" party with a "Pengalin" pinata. thank you Andrea for letting us use your house for the party! I made cute flip flops for all of the girls and we ate some of the yummiest food ever made.