The Anderson's

Parker's got some news to share...

2010-09-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

June...

2010-09-12T19:51:00.001-07:00

June started out with a triathlon with Camille and Rebecca. We had so much fun. Can't wait to do it again next year!

I am beyond blessed with three amazing sisters. We all got to go on a girls weekend down to Manhattan Beach in Southern California. Thanks to our awesome husbands we got to go without kids. This has not happened for years. This trip consisted of beach bike rides, dolphin sightings, awesome yard sale with hilarious people, yummy dinners, thrift stores, trunks so full they couldn't close, and those darn complimentary ding-dongs at the hotel.

Just some good old slip in slide fun!

This was our annual trip to Gateway fountains on the train with the Earp's. This is our third year in a row. The kids have loved this annual trip.

Bella turned two. We had our traditional cupcake tower. Bella is in love with dogs so we got her a little stuffed dog that wiggles his tail. She is a little obsessed with dogs and even acts like one, panting and fetching. It cute but a little annoying when she won't stop. She is so big and talks about everything- Where daddy is, if it's dark outside, what she wants to do. She is such a verbal little girl and it's so fun to watch her little personality grow.

Father's day was low key this year, just breakfast in bed and a basket full of his favorite stuff. I also tried to make this crazy dessert below. Only one turned out but it was yummy. We love you,

Daryl and all the hard work you do for us.

Parker and Emma started swim lessons in June and loved it. I think they loved playing in the water more than learning to swim but they learned a lot and loved having Adrian in the class with them (from church).

The only picture I will post from our garage sale. I will only say this, Parker and Bella made more from the lemonade stand than I did at the garage sale. Oh well it was worth it to get most of the stuff out of my house and eventually to D.I.

Emma is four now! Her birthday consisted of Birthday cake and a brand new bike. We just did family birthday's this year since last year we did the whole friend party thing and I was a little overwhelmed to do it all over again. Emma is growing up so fast. She can chat your ear off and loves to tell you how much she loves you. Funny thing about this bike she loved it the first couple of days but then decided to go back to her old red tricycle. Maybe in couple months she like it again!

Camping up Provo Canyon

2010-06-01T21:39:00.001-07:00

Well we are a bunch of procrastinators in this family- we couldn't decide if we wanted to go with family to Moab or just camp locally- well Friday morning we were still undecided but jumped in the truck and drove- with no reservations on Memorial Day weekend- not a good idea. After being turned away at three different campsites we finally found a site up Provo canyon right by Sundance. The kids favorite part of the trip - Parker: smores, Emma- smores and casing butterflies, Bella- marshmallows . This is what they told me when I asked- still shocked Bella answered, she is growing up too fast.

Had to snap a shot of Daryl's expert backing up skills of the camp site( it was a tight turn). Can you tell how annoyed he is of me insisting on taking a picture.

Smores were a big hit this year- usually the kids would just eat the marshmallows or the chocolate separately but this year they figured out the awesomeness that is the smore!

Daddy love - makes me fall in love with him all over again!

This site had tons of trees so of course the kids had to climb them all.
Bike racing down the campsite hill, Parker also learned how to bomb it!?-something Daryl taught -not using your brakes- awesome idea Dad! At least there were not crashes right!
Bella found a dog in Angie's backpack carrier and carried it everywhere- thanks Chloe for leaving it behind!

Parker and Emma were expert worm hunters but man were they gross and slimy.

Loved having campfires every night:)

May...

2010-06-01T21:12:00.001-07:00

Emma got all dressed up for her preschool program- okay maybe the dressing up was my idea!

Bella has decided that she is big enough to play out back even without her brother and sister. She honestly could stay out there for hours if I let her.
Parker started a rollie pollie collection as he puts it.

On the days that it wasn't raining/snowing we played outside.

Parker's last soccer game of the season and he scored a goal. He even told us before we got there that he was going to score a goal and afterward said-"see I told you I would".

Some good old brotherly sisterly love!

Mother's Day was wonderful this year- filled with breakfast in bed - Poppies for my flower beds- flowers that Daryl helped the kids make the containers for at Lowe's and of course projects from Parker and Emma's school. I only have a picture of Parker's project because Emma borrowed/took my mother's day card to be lost in the abyss that is her room:)

Just some regular day photos that sometimes I forget to take but absolutely love because this is us everyday.

May started with a visit from Grandma Rita and Grandpa Keith. The kids loved that Grandma would jump on the trampoline with them! She won their heart on that one but swinging on the swings was the cherry on top!

I shed a toddler!

2010-05-08T06:51:00.001-07:00

Okay I don't usually blog about myself or have pictures taken of me. Case and point just to find my before pic I had to look back in my folders like 9 months ago whereas I have pictures of my kids from yesterday and at least once a week every week before that. I am use to being on the other side of the lens! So right around Christmas time I had had enough of my weight gain and decided to finally weigh myself to see the massive damage- oh it was bad- I think the most I have ever weighed aside from when I was pregnant. So I decided that come January 1st I was going to work my butt off aka work out on my elliptical every day but Sunday for 45 minutes and do Weight Watchers. I can say how much I love Weight Watchers - so easy after the first week and I know what I can have- I love simple and straight forward. I also learned that weight loss is 80% how you eat and 20% working out, which sucks why can't I work out and eat whatever I want-like ice cream for breakfast! I can say I reached my goal of losing 30 lbs before I turn 30 in December- so I lost a small infant of my body and it feels great but some days it doesn't seem real. Thank you Angie for taking my after picture and for all my sisters for cheering me on! Charice, thanks for being my partner in crime and doing Weight Watchers with me- so proud of you! One thing I did learn for the whole experience is that weight doesn't define you- I thought that if I lost the weight I would suddenly be this confident person , the weight loss makes me feel good but the confidence has to come from within. Oh crap I just got all Oprah on you- I just wanted to share my good news and motivate myself to stay with the program!

April Wrap up-

2010-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

April brought a lot of showers, which wasn't so great being couped up escially when Daryl was out of town for work. So what to do when it's raining- jump on the trampoline of course!

Bella decided just to watch this time~ although she can hold her on the trampoline. Little Bella decided this month that she wants to potty train! She is doing pretty well but not quite there. Just the other day I found her putting her doll on the toilet, clapping for her and saying "good job!"
Grandma Joy came into town and Emma loved having her French braid her hair. Thanks for coming Grandma.
On to Grandma Rita's 29th birthday- funny how that number never changes! I remember when I was in third grade and I told my teacher it was my Mom's birthday and she asked how old she was- so I told what my mom had told me that morning-"She's 29!" Then she said "and she has SIX KIDS?" Little did I know my mom was 35 when she had me. Nice little white lie- Mom!

All the cousins crowding for Shelley's famous chocolate cake.

This was one of the few days that it was warm enough to break out the swimsuits and popsicles. Can't wait for summer. The kids are so excited we have new neighbors that moved in across the street and have already had them over to play a few times.

Emma's back to sucking her thumb:(
I love Emma's curly hair when it is wet - such a little beauty.
It rained so much so we decided to join the rain instead fight it. So on with the rain boots and puddles to find.

So last week I decided to take the girls out to the orchard for pictures. Good idea- not really. Emma peed her pants in the first five minutes so maybe we'll try again next week.

Easter Weekend - Trip to Zion's National Park

2010-04-23T21:39:00.001-07:00

Our trip started with treats and movies- a good way to start a six hour car ride. It went pretty well until two hours in Bella kept saying "I wanna get out" over and over.

Bella playing peekaboo in the back.

The kids favorite part of camping always seems to be riding bikes around the campground.
Angie, Anthony, Chloe and Tate came up to came with us and kids couldn't of had more fun with the cousins. Tate had his try at Parker's bike and he did pretty good. Parker and Tate had so much fun together, they played nonstop.

Apparently this is how Bella thinks this is how you ask for a cookie- but it worked so there you go!

Cousins hanging out in the top bunk in the trailer:)

We have a picture of Bella like this from last year - I guess hiking just takes it out of her, you being carried everywhere is so hard!

We loved that Grandpa Wayne and Grandma Colleen came down too. Even Chloe and Tate attached to them quickly and started calling them cousins.
On the third day it rained and then rained some more and yea and then a little hail. So we headed in to St.George and say good friends, went swimming with Shelley and Heber and the boys. We waited out the storm in the trailer with movies and playing old maid. All in all not a bad way to pass the time.

Emma holding the dog Angie got for her the day we went into town with the girls, man she loves that thing~

On the last day we went on a fun bike ride and then attempted to go on more hikes but the kids were not having it so we ended up hanging around the trailer for the rest of the day and packing up early.
Parker loved using his new skills of riding his bike with no training wheels- he even lasted pretty long on our bike ride. Before we left I reminded Parker of all the caterpillars we found last year so he asked me to bring a jar so we could catch one. Well we came a little early this year and there were none to be found until we were walking to the shuttle bus and Parker and Tate saw one. Before we knew it Tate stomped on it and Parker was near tears ( he's a bit sensitive) but the next day he found this really cool beetle the was a bunch of different colors. He kept it the whole trip and freed it when we got home.

Okay recap of March...

2010-04-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Okay I am so in trouble with this little one- lately she just wants to walk around the house naked. I think she is ready to start potty training soon but I am so not! The other day when I picked her up and she said as clear as day " I love you". Melted my heart! She also is loving talking to anyone whose is on the phone and always calls them Angie. Apparently I talk to Angie a lot!

Just some candids of the girls - Parker lately won't let me near him with the camera.

Bath time pics- Sadly Parker is getting too old for these:(
They were launching water rockets on this day and bouncing on the trampoline.
This month Parker and Emma have found a friend down the street to play with and have figured out they can go knock on his door all by themselves and see if he wants to play. They have been entertained for hours and I have been able to get loads of laundry done. Win- Win!
Parker is always asking to do projects so on this day we came up with hand trees- it keep them busy for awhile:)
Parker is always asking to do projects so on this day we came up with hand trees- it keep them busy for awhile:)

The kids planting flowers in egg shells. Let's hope they actually grow and not die from being over watered!
So Parker requested an incredible Hulk cake since we wanted to celebrate his riding his bike without training wheels. So I am not known for making cakes, it could be said that I am known for my hideous looking cakes- case and point with this one but Parker seemed to like so that is all that matters!
This is a wreath I made that seriously took like 5 hours to make- note self next time just go buy on at the store!

This was a magnetic Board I made for Angie's Birthday, I had a hard time letting go!

NO TRAINING WHEELS!

2010-03-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

So this last week I convinced Parker to take his training wheels off - telling him that his cousin Cade would be impressed the next time we saw him if he could ride his bike without training wheels. One thing you need to know is Parker Loves Cade and can't stop talking about him- too bad he lives in Reno. So off to the garage we went to take the training wheels off which we have done before but he just wasn't ready that time and we ended putting them back on. So we tried a few times with me running beside him but Parker keep falling and was getting a bit frustrated so we but the bike away and then later the night tried with Daryl but still he still wasn't quite ready for us to let go. So yesterday Parker saw the neighbors riding bikes outside and insisted we go and try again. By the time we got outside the neighbors had gone inside but Parker seemed determined even trying to start out riding without any help. Parker kept telling me he could ride all by himself if he could ride in the street. At first I said no but since there wasn't that many cars out and he seemed so sure he could do it- I caved and said yes. And he was right- more room proved more confidence to ride his bike. I started out running along side him bare foot ( I didn't think we would be outside that long!) and sure enough I let go and he just kept going! I started screaming and clapping and crying all at the same time! Daryl came running out and got to see Parker's first ride. I am so proud of you little man. I told him I would bake him a cake I was so proud of him- he has already requested an incredible Hulk cake with green frosting! At least he knows what he wants right!

Dear Bella ~

2010-03-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Bella-

I hope you understand how sad I am that you are not a baby anymore- I am really wasn't it just yesterday I was bringing you home from the hospital. So you have already out grown your high chair and since we don't have enough dining chairs you have improvised with a bar stool- which I do have to say you are amazing at pushing them all around the house, in places I would never think to put them! Over the last month you have found your voice- my favorite saying of yours is wheresdaddy- translated to Where is Daddy but you seem to think it is all one word. I love that you are in love with Emma so much so that as Emma has been at the cousins for the last few days you have been roaming the house calling her named and have been genuinely sad that she is not here! You are currently obsessed with Daddy right now and have to give him kisses when he leaves to work and greet him with yelling" Daddy's home" and bouncing around when he gets home.

February in a Nutshell

2010-02-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

She's such a flirt...

Valentine's Day breakfast.

Bella's turning into Daddy's little girl.

2010-02-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

These two were snuggled up together before church and I couldn't help but get the camera out. In the morning Bella is always asking "Where's Daddy?" and she gets so excited when he gets home.
She is also getting hair and she's not even two! Emma took forever to get hair so it's nice to not have to wait so long.

Our little sleeper who is trying so hard not to suck her thumb~

Random pics

2010-02-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

I love how Emma is constantly changing her clothes and the mountain of laundry it makes- on this day she thought a bathing suit and a skit was a way to go.

Emma and Chloe- Oh how they love eachother! Cousins are the best.
Just some pics from scouting locations trips and some from just playing around at home.

Blowing Bubbles

2010-02-28T19:57:00.001-08:00

This was a fun project that we found on Familyfun.com they always have fun ideas. Parker is always asking me to find projects online. This was I think a cup of bubble solution and a little bit of paint. They have to be careful not to suck in just to blow out. Emma had to learn the hard way. This is the art they made with it. I was a little sad that the only washable paint I had was black- so it wasn't the most colorful artwork~

Bear Lake fun!

2010-02-28T19:32:00.001-08:00

This picture has a little back story. Emma got her first little kiss from Ayden here- he's quite the charmer. I was talking to Jared (his Dad) and he was commenting on how Ayden was wanting to kiss all his cousins on the mouth and they had told him that he couldn't kiss anyone until he was married. Right as Jared is saying this I hear Ayden say to Emma " And now we are married!" He then leans in and kisses her! Too funny.

The second weekend of January we had enough of being home so we decided last minute to go to Bear Lake and swim and sled. So of course I called Shelley to see if she could hook me up with her time share. Within an hour we had it booked. Then I called the Shaw's and they were game to go. It was a fun weekend other than Bella stayed up the whole first night-boo! Which made me not very active the next day- so we ended up just sledding down the hill in front of the condo- I know we are lazy but it was fun. Swimming was a blast - the kids just loved playing in the pool. All in all it was a good weekend.

Fun with paint~

2010-02-27T22:21:00.000-08:00

So apparently January was the month that we tried just about every project to avoid cabin fever- it worked for a little bit but atlas we all succumbed to a little craziness. Bella loved getting in on the action, I was a little nervous but she only manged to get a little bit of paint on her shirt and floor. All Emma wanted to paint her frame was pink and purple- she is such a girl. Of course Parker had to paint his rocket green like the Hulk.

LDS Humanitarian Services: Haiti Relief Widget

2010-02-17T17:57:00.001-08:00

Trying to add excitement in the middle of January-

2010-02-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

January is blah in our house so this year we tried a few things we could do inside. First stop hop scotch on the kitchen floor. After I taped it down Parker informed me that we could never take it off until it gets warmer outside and then we could move it out there. Their excitement about hop scotch lasted a whole hour. Better luck next time!

Bowling for New Years

2010-02-03T09:28:00.001-08:00

We headed up to Twin Falls for New Years Eve- even though Daryl and I were in bed before midnight- I know we are boring! We did have lots of fun bowling with family and eating at Cafe Rio- yummy! Daryl and I even got to go on a date. We ended up at target shopping the after Christmas sales- I know we are pretty adventurous !

Christmas and so forth...

2010-01-31T18:33:00.001-08:00

Decorating our KSL Christmas tree find. Yup we finally got a fake tree, this way I don't have to wait until March to take the tree out of the garage- yea that's what happened last year and no more!
Just Bella doing her cheese face.
So this year I decided to do advent calendar, doing little activities each day. So I was really good at first and had half the month planned then thought I would put more activities later. Well later came sooner rather than later so lets just say I got creative so days -like lets color a picture of Santa. Here are some of the things I can remember we actually did- write Santa a letter, watch Christmas movies, Drink hot chocolate, make gingerbread house, make a snowman, go a a slide ride, read a Christmas story, make a gingerbread man, Go see Santa, decorate the Christmas tree, make a nativity scene. That is all I can remember but I know that we repeated quite a few of these!
I had a cookie swap party for a girls night with some of my friends. It was lots of fun but I forgot to take pictures so here is the cute invitation I made for it.
Making gingerbread men...

Dog-pile on mommy- always a fun game for them!
Trip to Grandpa Wayne's sometime in between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Bella's favorite part was licking the icing off the gingerbread- can't blame her!

Emma eating the roof off of her gingerbread house- it didn't even last an hour, poor gingerbread house.
We opted for a little Christmas village this year that was a little bit harder to decorate because they were so small.

Parker being his happy self as we made our customary gingerbread houses.
One of the many nights of watching Christmas movies and I catch Emma and Parker snuggling on the couch.
Oh- she caught me taking a picture!
For Parker's preschool he had to do an activity with the ginger bread man he made and sledding was his activity of choice.

Snowman attempt #1- we did this one close to sun down so there wasn't much light. The kids had fun too bad the snowman didn't make it through the night. In the morning Emma looked outside and said "the snowman fell over!". His head was missing, poor snowman.

This was our First Santa experience at Thanksgiving Point. Notice Santa's face+ Bella's face= Hilarious. Notice that there is also not of picture of Parker in these. He wanted nothing to do with Santa and his big red suit.

This is our new tradition- to make the nativity scene out of paper every year. So when we were making this Parker asked " What are we going to use for straw?" I had no idea so minutes later Parker comes back from the pantry with spaghetti noodles- Brilliant!
Parker was not wanting to go talk to Santa but after Daryl told him that he wouldn't get the remote control robot if he didn't tell Santa what he wanted. So he decided he would do it just as long as I wasn't with him. Notice how blurry this picture that would be because I had no time from him telling me that to him being up with Santa. Somehow Bella missed this Santa experience she was somewhere with Daddy.
Emma talking to Santa at the Church breakfast. No fear with her, got on his lap no big deal or tears!
Just being silly with the girls. They are starting to play so much more with each other. It's fun to see that sisterly bond.

Just a random picture I took of Bella in December- she is just growing up way too fast!
Christmas Eve night we let the kids open up their new PJ's and fleece blankets I made for each of them.
My Birthday card- yup that's all you get picture wise. I wasn't looking so cute in the early morning and Daryl was so excited to give me my gifts. I turned the big 29! Daryl got me an awesome photography book, new filter for my camera and boots. Yup he spoiled me. We went to lunch in Salt Lake at the Sugar House BBQ with Dad and Pat. It was so yummy. Corina then invited us over for dinner. It was fun to hang out and have yummy food. Dad and Pat also surprised us with our wedding video that they had shoot at our wedding and transfered to DVD. We had never seen it so it was a treat to watch on Christmas Eve!
Grandma Rita and Emma- Slowly sledding down the hill, they could have walked faster but hey to each one's own!
On Christmas Day we also went over to Grandma Rita's and Grandpa Keith's for Dinner and a little Sledding. Here is Angie, Emma and Chloe.
Here's Emma Showing off Fluffy!
Techno savy Daryl got the skype going on the Computer with Grandpa Wayne and Grandma Colleen so they could get in on all the Christmas magic. The kids loved showing Grandpa and Grandma what they got for Christmas.
Princess Emma and all things girly was so excited to get more dress up clothes that she wears almost daily for her many dance parties she has we Bella and me. But I think her favorite present this her was her puppy that she named Fluffy.
Little Bella boo was all about Christmas this year and got her favorite thing in the world- babies!

Here is the swimming baby that Parker picked out for her. Of course we had to try it out Christmas morning!
Parker on Christmas Day with his loot- Pirate ship and skeleton gloves. Although all he asked Santa for was a remote control robot. Funny thing about that is he barely plays with it and has become obsessed with a wrist watch he got in the Wendy's happy meal the day after Christmas. Go figure!

Playing with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Pat after Christmas. The kids loved going to Smith and Edwards with them but I think Grandpa Jim liked it more. It was fun to just eat yummy food and hang out with them and the kids.

Thanksgiving Weekend...

2009-12-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

Emma in her Thanksgiving outfit for preschool.

Ending our Thanksgiving day with a little fireworks and an apple!So this Thanksgiving we got to host at our house for my side of the family. It was so fun to have everyone come and stay. Dinner was yummy thanks to everyone bringing dishes so I wasn't too stressed. I would have to say the best part of the day was after dinner we moved the couches and danced like crazy - I think the golfers thought we were a little crazy with our music blasting (we live right on the golf course). Then Angie tried to talk all the nieces and nephew into scaring some of the golfers but when she figured out no one followed her to dance outside she ran back in. It was good times had by all:)

Why play with a real car with you can make your own!

2009-12-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I found Emma and Bella playing in the kitchen like this, oh to be a kid again.

Sleep overs with cousins are the best..

2009-12-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

About two weeks back Emma had a sleep over with Chloe- cousin/best friend. They had lots of fun together. They took a painted together, played dress up, and course topped it off with bubbles in the bath.

The first snow of the season...

2009-12-06T20:31:00.001-08:00

Bella not so happy with the snow suit we put her in, can't imagine why, it's not like you need to bend or anything to play in the snow!
The first snow came on November 14th this year and the kids couldn't be happier. They were more than happier when we found the snow shovels and gloves.

Parker- becoming a little man...

2009-12-06T20:17:00.001-08:00

My little man is growing up. This year has flown by and not only are you going inches but becoming such a little man. About a month ago we started you at a new preschool. I was so concerned that you would have a hard time with this new adjustment but you have handled like a champ. The first day when they picked up on the bus you jumped on like it was nothing new. You continue to challenge me with your stubbornness but I love that you are the first to help me clean up and that you are always up for some cuddles.

Sweet Emma

2009-12-06T19:47:00.001-08:00

Loving my sweet little Emma and how she walks around the house telling everyone that she loves them. She tells Parker almost everyday at random times that she loves him. How can I not love that about you little Emma Roo. You are all about dancing and putting on all your princess clothes on and shaking your booty! I took this picture a few weeks ago while she was playing in the bath, a thing you would do all day everyday if I let you! So on a little side note, something that I have yet to of written about around Halloween time Daryl jokingly told Emma that if she kept sucking her thumb her hand would turn in to a skeleton. Well we didn't think anything of it until a couple days later I noticed she hadn't sucked her thumb in a while and when I asked her about it she told me just what Daryl had said " I can't suck my thumb or it will turn into a skeleton". I couldn't believe that it actually worked, maybe not the best to scare her into stop sucking her thumb but it worked like a charm. We even told Luke,(her cousin) and he stopped too. So proud of her for being a big girl!

Bella- almost 18 months

2009-12-06T19:28:00.001-08:00

Dear Bella-

You are keeping me on my toes, why oh why do you like to climb on everything? I mean kitchen stools I get but bathroom drawers? And do you have to always have three to four baby dolls in your arms when you go to bed? Okay that last one is pretty cute! You just want to do everything Emma and Parker are doing but I am just not ready for you to be a toddler, so could you slow it down just a bit? I love your cuddles and kisses on demand and just can't get enough of them. But slow it down on the growing up part and maybe a little on the climbing and getting into everything.

Love

Mama

Mini Session with the kiddos...

2009-12-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

So I did a little mini session with kids all by myself- not such a good idea but in the end they did really well. I was so excited when Daryl and I saw this old abandoned train a couple of weeks back . These were actually taken a few weeks ago but have slacked in my blogging:(

Body paint anyone?

2009-11-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

So this is what happens when we have been in the house too long! Parker got into this really fast but Bella wasn't so sure. It was fun to get messy and see them have so much fun. I think we need to do this more often. You should have seen the bath water after this little adventure:) I love watching the kids grow and what good friends they are becoming other than all the little fights that believe it or not Bella starts. She has quite the grip and won't let go of toys that aren't hers. Just the other day as we were walking to the library Parker put his arm around Emma as we walked in. It melts my heart to see the love they have for eachother. They geniuely miss eachother while the other one is at school. As for Bella, she is still a spit fire but still loves to give kisses on the lips.

Picnic in November?

2009-11-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

So the weather has been really nice up until today that is but about a week ago Parker came home from preschool and I was in the mood to enjoy the weather. I gave Emma and Parker the choice to have a picnic in the park or in the backyard. Suprisingly they picked the backyard. It was a good afternoon- warm, sunny and happy babies doesn't get better than that.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

Parker as Bumblebee the transformer- costume curtsy of Grandma Rita.

Bella the Kangaroo.

Them being their crazy selves.

Emma the Witch...

The kids were crazy excited about Halloween. I can't even count how many times they asked me how close Halloween was. Parker and Emma were all about the trick or treating but towards the end of the night we went to a few houses that had scary sound effects and Parker decided he was done. I talked him into going to one more house and when we got up there they had a fake dummy that came to life and Parker freaked out. Bad mommy, shouldn't of talked him into the last one:( Emma was done about half way and ended up riding in the wagon the rest of the way. As for Bella she was happy to hold her bucket but was curious what was inside and tried to nibble on a few candies. As for Daryl and I, we spent a nice quite evening and watched a movie- nothing scary because that wouldn't be any fun.

California Part 3

2009-11-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

So the last part of our California trip we spent with Dad and Pat at their house. Granpa Jim took Paker, Emma, and I to a fun but expensive pumpkin patch (thanks Dad), I guess that is California for you. The kids loved it but we were all exhausted, burnt and tired by the end. Earlier that day Pat showed the kids how to cook her famous cookies and bread. They loved it. It was fun to just hang out.

California Trip part 2

2009-11-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

Bella playing peek a boo with Daddy!

So after Daryl worked the first two days in while we were in California we were ready to play when Friday came and around so we made our way to Laguna Beach. We thought it was going to be cold since it was raining the day before but were suprised with a beautiful day. The kids love the ocean, it was so fun to watch their excitement.

California Trip part 1

2009-11-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

So Daryl came home one night a couple of weeks ago and said he had a business trip planned in Southern California. Then asked if we all wanted to go. So I said why not! It was fun but crazy at times-driving with three kids for over ten hours! We got to go see Grandpa Jim and Grandma Pat. The kids were in heaven with all their toys and pool in the back yard. They loved feeding the ducks with Grandpa, staying at the hotel and walking around down town Pasadena.

Saying goodbye to Mom and Shelley's B-day

2009-11-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is what happens on Sundays when she doesn't get a nap. She was in the high chair for literally two minutes and fell fast asleep!

So we had a dinner/goodbye party/birthday party on the second week of October for Mom- who was going to AZ for the winter and celerbrated Shelley's Birthday. It was fun to get together with all the cousins. Good times:)

Paker's Last Soccer Game of the Season

2009-11-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

So Parker got his first goal, go Parker! ( this was back in October, I am way behind on my blogging) So he wasn't so sure about the whole soccer thing at first but by the end of the season he was really getting into it. Although he does get a little distracted (see the last pic)!

Miss E

2009-11-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

These are some pics I took of Emma while I was playing with my new camera. She is getting so big! She has actually stopped sucking her thumb! Which is huge, she has been sucking her thumb since she was two months old. So how did we do it, you might ask. Well, Daryl jokingly told Emma that if she kept sucking her thumb it would turn into a skeleton. Well she took it to heart and very shortly after that stopped sucking her thumb. She told her cousin Luke about it (sucks his thumb too) and has stopped since Emma scared him straight!
Emma new thing lately is when I put her to bed at night she asks me if she can tell me a story and then proceeds to tell me stories about princesses and cupcakes and outerspace(somehow she makes it work). I love her avid imagination.

Hiking with the cousins...

2009-10-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

So the first week of October we headed up American Fork Canyon to go hiking with the cousins. Man it was cold but the kids loved it. Parker and Tate lead the pack for most of the time with us yelling after them. After our hike we headed to find a spot to have a camp fire. Daryl drove with Anthony and Angie drove with me. Twenty minutes later and a very bumpy ride on the back rodes with find the perfect spot. The kids loved roasting the hot dogs over the fire. All in all it was a fun night.

In Memory of Ashleigh

2009-10-25T09:47:00.001-07:00

It has been over a month now that my dear friend Ashleigh lost her fight to colon cancer and I am still trying to process it all. I have wanted to write this post for awhile now so that I would have a place to honor her and remember what her friendship meant to me. But honestly I am still so heart broken for her and her family, that it is hard to put all my thoughts together. I met Ashleigh a little over two years ago when Daryl met her husband at work. Pretty soon we were having play dates with the kids at the park, watching each others kids for each other, and shopping. Ashleigh was an amazing Mother, she truly enjoyed her kids. I loved watching her interact with her kids because she always reminded me why motherhood is such a blessing. When she would pick them up or put their shoes on, it was always done with love.

Back in August Ashleigh and I decided to take the kids to the park and while we were there she started telling me about her health problems and concerns, just a week later she learned she had stage 4 colon cancer. She was so calm about the news and stayed upbeat, sending out emails and updates even updating her blog. Before Ashleigh was diagnosed she was going to make Parker's rocket cake for trade I would do her family pictures. She emailed me as she was getting out of the hospital and said she would still loved to do it. That was the kind of women she was, generous and kind. Of course I was having none of it and insisted she shouldn't worry about such things. But she did and ended up making instead Parker some home made bean bags. I just can't stop thinking about her and her family. I remember shortly after she was diagnosed going over to her house and talking to her. We were sitting on her porch talking and her oldest Sarah was laughing and I commented on what a great laugh she had. Ashleigh commented " Hopefully I get to live long enough to enjoy it" but in the same conversation she said " If Heavenly Father feels it is my time to go, then it is my time to go." She was so courageous and faithful, two things that aren't always easy. She worried about her husband and all he would have to do without her.

When I heard the news that she had passed, I could barely process it, it had been less than a month and half since she was diagnosed. As the weeks have passed I find whenever I have a quiet moment my thoughts turn to Ashleigh and her family. I want to help, I want them to heal but how to help her four beautiful child and her grieving husband.

Ashleigh- you were such a great example to me, full of energy, ever giving, and always up for a project! Thank you for your kindness, love and faith. You will always be remembered!

My girls...

2009-09-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

This picture makes my heart swell. I love having girls and that they have each other. I love having sisters so it's fun to watch my own daughters start that amazing connection and friendship. Tonight as I watched them play I thought about how amazing it is that our relationships start so young. Little Bella just wants to be like Emma and by that I mean she wants all the same toys that Emma has. It has gotten so bad that Emma carries all her favorite toys in baskets or bags with her around the house. Just the other night I was putting her to bed and noticed that she had put her ponies above her bed in her big letter E that is over her bed. I asked her about it and she said- So Bella won't get them. I reminded her that Bella was in bed to which she responded- just in case. Emma is starting to play more with Bella- even having her play with tea party with her. Just tonight as I was giving them a bath they were just playing and then out of no where Bella just leans over to Emma and hugs her. They are so sweet when they want to be.

Parker's First Soccer Game!

2009-09-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Parker was a little nervous at his first game, it took Daryl about 2o minutes (all of practice time before the game) to convince him to go play soccer. Once he was on the field he really held his own. Now we just got to work on which goal to shoot in and to not plow over the other team members and then we'll be golden!

Can't forget the treat after the game!

Parker was bright red after the game, he ran pretty hard but you could tell he was proud of himself, so were his sisters cheering him on from the sidelines- Bella even broke out her clapping hands and no one talked her into that one!

Daryl's 30th Birthday Extravaganza...

2009-09-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

We had to include all thirty candles- just to give him a hard time. Man it made a lot of smoke!

So we went up to Twin Falls the weekend before Daryl's birthday so I slipped in a little surprise party at the park for him with his family while we were there. Thanks Wayne and Colleen for helping me surprise him and to Joy and Lisa for coming on such short notice. On Daryl's actual birthday we got a babysitter- that was enough treat for me but we also went to dinner at a little BBQ joint and then a little round of bowling. Sorry Daryl I won by six points- 114 to 120.

So when Daryl got home from work I surprised him with a new work bench in the garage that I hired our neighbor to do while he was at work! Love you, Daryl , I hope you had a memorable birthday!

First Day of Preschool

2009-09-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Parker and Emma started preschool today. Emma started the three year class and Parker started his second year in the four year class.

Here's Emma modeling for me before we left to school

Who said big girls that go to preschool can't suck your thumb! Trying to break the habit

but she just keeps telling me "But I want to suck my thumb- it tastes good".

Some brotherly and sisterly love:)

Parker was such a good big brother and showed Emma the ropes since she had morning preschool and he had afternoon- so he showed her where to go and sit.

Video of rocket launch

2009-08-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Parker's Birthday Bash

2009-08-30T19:48:00.001-07:00

Here the front of Parker's b-day invite
We started out the party with taking pics of them as astronauts.
Then on to making their own bottle rockets and watching real astronauts lauch into space on a little video Daryl put together.

On to launching the rockets...

Parker had so much fun with all his friends. Thanks Shelley and Mom for coming up and picking up the cake! It was a busy day and I think I done with friend birthday at least for a few years. But it was really fun to watch how excited he was for the whole party along with launching the rockets with all his friends.

I can't believe he is almost 5

2009-08-23T10:21:00.001-07:00

So Parker and I had a little date/ birthday photo shoot. When I told Parker that he was going to go on a date with me he said "That's twisted". I suprised him with the bateman cape and then we were off to Union Station to take some pictures. We ended our date with some ice cream- perfect way to end any date. So funny thing on the way to Union Station Parker asked if he could watch his show and I said no, because we talk when we go on dates. On the way back he looks and me and says-"No more talking- okay " and then proceeds to watch his show. He is already a typical man!

Even superheros have to take breaks sometime.

Balloon Festival

2009-08-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

So we camped up at Anderson Cove on Thursday night and woke up early to see the balloon launch. The kids really liked it but after ten minutes they were done(such are kids and their attention spans!). Camping was fun but with only staying two nights and having a photo shoot each night it made for a fast and busy trip. The kids made friends with our camping neighbors and had a good time riding bikes, finding pine cones, and swimming in the lake.

Family Pictures by the Fabulous Angie Monson!

2009-08-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Words cannot describe how much these pictures mean to me. Angie, captured our family so well! Thank you so much Angie for taking these!

Bear Lake Chatterley Family Reunion!

2009-08-16T20:34:00.001-07:00

All the girls working it on the beach!
All the cousins enjoying the Rasberry Days Parade.

Angie jumping in with all her clothes on- crazy girl!

Emma enjoying the rodeo in her ladybug boots- wish I had taken my nice camera to the rodeo:(
Picture of the boys rafting trip- they had a day trip to Star Valley on the Snake River.

Bella enjoying the parade and the view from Daddy's shoulders.
Bella-loving having Tanner hold her. Tanner was the family babysitter for the week. I think he was ready to go home by the end of the week.
Meet the cousin gang Parker, Cayden, and Cade- I love this picture, they are working it!
Water balloon launching was a favorite of the older cousins. I don't think our neighbors loved it as much seeing as we almost hit them a few times.

Picture just to show Anthony how he might of hurt his back just a little bit more:)

We had so much fun with all the cousins and my brothers and sisters. These pictures are all out of order but anyhow we got to go to the Lake, Rodeo, Rasberries Day parade and hiking up to a small lake and swing on the rope swing. The kids loved the indoor pool. We also got to go on bike rides around town. It was so much fun, can't wait until next time.

Visit from our VA friends

2009-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

So we were so excited when our friends (the Burns) came into town. We got to take pictures at Angie's studio (which was crazy with six kids) and then had a pinic lunch at the park.

Train ride and Gateway fountains

2009-08-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

So when did this last year when I was 7 months pregnant, so it was fun to go again and not be pregnant. The kids loved going on the train again- they have talked about it all year. We went with our friends Taylor and Spencer.

Gold panning!

2009-08-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

So we headed up to Idaho in mid July for a day of gold panning in Featherville. We went with Grandpa and Grandma Anderson and Brian and Katie and their kids. It was a hot day with not a lot of shade. The kids only lasted three hours but I could have been done earlier. I think next time Daryl will have to plan a boys trip. We did get to stop by a cool old ghost town and get ice cream cones on the way home. We also convinced Daryl's Dad and wife to go to Cafe Rio that just opened up in Twin Falls for dinner- it's safe to say they will be going back:)

Orhard photo shoot

2009-08-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

So in July I was scouting out some new locations and decided to take the kids for a little mini photo shoot. It only last about 10 minutes but it sure was fun.

Trip from Grandpa and Grandma and the burger to go...

2009-08-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

So Grandpa and Grandma came into town the week after the fourth. The kids just love when they stop by. So we decided to go out to dinner since I was planning on just making waffles for dinner (one of those days). So Grandpa Wayne was teasing the waitress about how good the burgers looked after he had ordered. Well before the dinner was over the waitress had asked if he wanted a burger to go- thinking she was teasing him back he said sure. So when she dropped off the check she also dropped off the burger! Apprently she didn't get that he was joking, it was pretty funny. The last picture is of Bella being brave and and petting Daisy dog. Bella continues to suprise me of how big she acts for her age!

Fourth of July!!!

2009-08-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July actually started for us on the 3rd when at last minute after we decided to load the kids up and go up to Logan and see the fireworks. Emma was impressed but Parker had fallen asleep on the ride up their and wasn't too excited that we were waking him up for the fire works. The next day I took Emma and Parker to the Farr West parade, Parker was suppose to ride on the Appleseed preschool float but he chickened out at last minute. It's safe to say he didn't regret his decision- he got so much candy from all the floats, it helped to be at the front of the parade (more candy). After the parade we headed down to Angie's for a bbq with the cousins and some more fire works. They had a blast but the little ones were a little bit too scared of all the fireworks and stayed inside for those.

Making Cinnimon rolls

2009-08-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

We baked yummy cinnimon rolls from a new recipe my friend, Camille gave me. The kids loved helping roll out the dough but mostly they loved playing with the messy flour.

Founder's Day

2009-08-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

So to jump off the firework season- we camped out on our trampoline to watch the Pleasant View Founder's Day Firework show. Although we started too early and were outside for about two hours- so the kids got a little rowdy! The kids thought it was fun to eat popcorn and play on the trampoline but we got kicked off the trampoline mid fire work show because the sprinklers came on from the golf course!

Lagoon- yea like two months ago:)

2009-08-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

So I am so behind on summer so here goes a bunch of posts. We went to Lagoon in June and just took Emma and Parker. They were in heaven! We went for Daryl's work party. Grandma Rita was nice enough to stay home with Bella. It was fun to see how excited the kids got for each ride. Although Emma wasn't brave enough to go through Dracula's Castle, although Parker loved it. Instead me and Emma went on the carousel, she wanted to keep going but I was done after the first ride- man it makes you dizzy! Sorry for the fuzzy pics they are from our camcorder:)

A little makeover for my kitchen

2009-07-25T15:19:00.001-07:00

This was so much fun! My sister-in-law, Jan came in town and she is an awesome designer/home stager. So of course we had to get a babysister and work on my boring kitchen. Thanks Jan- I had so much fun. More to come- I am in the process of getting new curtins made for the kitchen and front room along with a new ottoman cover and pillows!

Just words

2009-07-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

So usually I big on pics and small on words so I thought I would take a minute to write instead of post pics. The kids are hard to contain this summer, they always want to be playing with friends or going on some new adventure. Oh to be a kid again! I find myself a little overwhelmed with three and sometimes wondering how my mom had six! They growing up so fast, I feel like I just had Parker and he will turn five in September! He is turing in to quite the little chatterbox, which I am so glad-it has taken him longer to talk and to understand him. He tells me all the time "Mom, can I tell you something" or repeats all the things I say like "Is that a deal", or "That's the plan", man you realize what you say all the time when you have two little ones repeating it back to you. Emma told me the other day to "knock it off"- gotta get that one out of my daily sayings. They are learning so much-just the other day Parker came up to me and asked " Mom, why did Jesus die for me?". It melted my heart that he was so concerned for Jesus and wanted to know where he was.

Bella is walking now and continues to find things she shouldn't. Just today I threw away Emma's left over popsicle and then I hear a slurping noise and sure enough she graped from the trash and was downing it. She is already fighting with her sister and man she can put up a fight, especially if it's a toy she really likes. But on the other hand she is currently the Best snuggler in the house.

Emma is little miss attitude lately- she will till you how it is but is so full of love. She tells me at least 10 times a day "Mom, your my very best friend!". When I do her hair in the morning she looks at me after I am done and says " So how do I look?". I love how carefree Emma is, when she is playing she is just in pure heaven and you can tell.

As for me I am trying to balance motherhood and photography and sometimes I think I just put the whole photography thing on the backburner for a couple of years. Parker told Daryl just the other day "Boys go to work like you Dad and girls take pictures". Well there you have it from a four year old. I do need to create more of a balance so hopefully by this fall I will be more organized . Well it getting to late to blog so I best be off to bed...

Father's Day

2009-06-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

So this is my Father's Day post a week late. Happy Father's Day Daryl, Thanks for all you do! I love watching you play with the kids and the joy you bring to our little family.

Bella Boo Turns One!

2009-06-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

Note to self- undress baby before you put her in front of messy frosting cake!

Bella, loving her baby doll she got from Grandpa Wayne and Grandma Colleen.

Bella waiting ever so patiently for Daddy to put together her new stroller.

Bella turned one! I can't believe how big she has gotten. Bella is such a ball of joy, always smiling and trying to play with Parker and Emma. Over the last week she has finally got the walking down and follows us from room to room. She loves to cuddle and get into every possible drawer and cuboard in the house! Happy Birthday Belly!

Emma turns three and the tale of two cakes!

2009-06-14T19:19:00.001-07:00

This is the little invite that I made for Emma's Party, I took all the info off so that I could post it. And yes the picture is off Emma. It is so fun having a girl.
So a midst getting everything ready for Emma's third birthday party I didn't really think much about putting together her princess castle cake, which I had seen on a magazine. Well maybe I should have paid better attention because this is how my cake turned out. So Daryl, the great engineer he is came to my rescue and made this cake below. It wouldn't be a cake made by a man without power tools right? My cake on the other hand looks like it hit into the pepto pismol bottle! Thanks Daryl for making a wonderful cake!

This is Emma and her cousins at the castle door! Emma was so excited they came to her birthday.

I have to give a little shout out to my sister Shelley who made Emma's party dress. Thanks Shelley, she loves it and won't take it off.
Here's Coco playing pin the hair on Rapunzel.
Grandma Rita was awesome and read all the kids a story about the Queen- which turns out to be a Grandma of course!
All the kids making their own crowns
Group shot... You will notice that Tate, got into all the princessness and put on a dress!
Making their own cupcakes...
Blowing out her candles which almost lit her hat on fire when her hat fell off. No worries we got it off the flame in time- whew!
Nothing like a good game of ring around the roses to end the party. Thanks for all who came, Emma had so much fun with all her friends.

Bella's Walking!

2009-06-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Moab trip -Year 2

2009-06-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun on this trip but with anything there were a few bumps in the road! We tried to arrive early to find a campground and ended up pulling into a campground that didn't allow our size trailer and to make matters worse Mom and Keith pulled in behind us ( they have a huge fifth wheel) so it took us an hour to get out. But it was well worth it because this was the view from the campground we eventually found. Breathtaking...

Angie got this shot that of Emma and I simply adore it. I just can't get shots like this, she runs away from me but not for Aunt Angie!
Who doesn't like a little limbo in the desert. We are a special bunch!

We were the only ones who brought bikes so Parker was hooking Luke up with a ride, while Tate looks on.

Here is what we came to do. Last year I couldn't go because I was pregnant with Bella, so it was so fun to get to go this year. At first Daryl was going to stay back with Bella since I couldn't go last year but then my awesome Mom volunteered to take her so Daryl could go too. Sorry Mom that Bella cried the whole time- she's a little attached:( The second I came and got her she was fine.
Parker loved the river and keep yelling " That one- that one over there" pointing out to us where the white water was. As for little Emma she covered her eyes almost the whole time but sat up during the slow spots. She was a very good sport.

After the river run we took a drive with Angie and Anthony to this little Lake up the mountains. It was crazy that the temp changed from the rafting trip to the lake by like 30 degrees but it was beautiful even though it was cold!
Although I don't have pictures of our truck broken down on the side of the road( I thought about taking one but thought I might not want to remember that part of the trip). Luckily for us this didn't happen until we were on our way home (only an hour a way). We had to tow the truck and have our neighbor pick up our trailer(we have awesome neighbors!). Unfortunately we have replace the whole engine so I have been getting a lot of use out of our bikes and bike trailer!

Missing Daddy and a cheap trampoline!

2009-05-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

So Daryl is out of town and the kids keeping asking when is daddy coming home, so I have been trying my best to keep them occupied. It helps that we got this trampoline for 20 bucks on KSL classifieds the day before he left. Today I showed them home much more fun it could be if we added a sprinkler.It was so fun to watch them play- I love summer!Tonight at dinner Emma said we couldn't say prayer because Daddy wasn't home yet:(

We miss you Daddy- come home soon:)

Memorial Day Weekend!

2009-05-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

The boys- meaning Daryl, Parker and Grandpa went out riding by the canyon and found us lots of firewood for camping! Daryl took this picture with our camcorder so it's a little blurry.

Bella shocked us and figured out this little car game, she just picked up the cars and started playing. She is growing up too fast!

Emma spotted this tricyle in Grandpa's backyard, I don't know who was more excited me or Emma. I think I just found a great new photography prop! Thanks Wayne and Colleen for not taking it to DI!

So we had planned on going camping for Memorial Day but changed our minds last minute and went to Twin Falls to see Daryl's family. The kids always love to go up to see his family. It was good to hang out and just relax for the weekend.

Swimming!

2009-05-20T08:54:00.001-07:00

I am starting to get back into the swing of things with my scrapbooking, Now just to scapbook Bella's first year! I only have one page done-oops:)

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

So Daryl got up the kids while I slept in and he and the kids made me breakfast. Well really Daryl made me breakfast as the kids pesterd him the whole time. So the day before Mother's Day Daryl took all the kids shopping for my gift and when they got home Emma came to find me and looked like she was going to burst. Parker behind her at this point saying" It's a secret- I can't tell you". Emma blurts out " We got something for your ears!" to which Daryl says - "q-tips". She was go excited to tell- it was adorable.

Parker also made me a cute little magnet from preschool. He was so cute about it- telling me it was Mother's day and that I had to wait to open it. Appently he couldn't wait to open it because by dinner time he was begging me to open it. It was a great Mother's Day!

Bella's First Steps!

2009-04-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

So I had to write this post tonight so I wouldn't forget the date of Bella's first step! Yup she did it today, a little wobbly but it was a step so I will take. I even took these pictures of her today. She is growing up too fast. She is starting to want to play with Parker and Emma. It's cute to watch her get so excited to see them. As you can see from the picture she has is starting to get red hair, Daryl has started calling her little red. Oh how she melt my heart! I love that she is always so happy to see me, jumping up and down, huge smile on her face.

Trip to Zion National Park

2009-04-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Bella took naps where she could take them, this one was on the bus.
Parker loved riding on his bike, too bad it broke by the time we got home. Maybe that's a good thing for him since he got a new bike out of the deal.

We went to dinner with Tawyna and Brian and their two boys. The kids loved playing with them. After dinner we played on the buses, whiched the kids loved, went to the candy store and had chocolate covered pretzels, mmmmm. Then we took a short walk and the kids found this bench and requested that I take a picture!
Bella found a little boyfriend on this trip. This is Eric's little boy. He showered Bella with kisses and even let her try on his hat.

So we headed out of town April 22 and didn't come home until the 26th. This trip was so fun and filled with lots of hikes, bike rides and friends. We camped next to Eric and Kristy (Daryl's best friend from High School) and then my old room mate, Tawyna and her husband Brian and their two boys camped with us the last night.

This was up on our hike to the Emerald pools. We took the wrong trail and ended up hiking twice as far as we had planned. It beautiful but Emma was pooped by the end, Daryl ended up holding both the girls on the way down.

Here is proof that we can fit all three of our kids in our bike trailer.

Baby Animal Days

2009-04-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

So a friend of mine told me about Baby Animal Days in Wellsville and I am so glad she did because I think we started a new tradition. The kids loved it and Daryl and I had a pretty good time ourselves. Who doesn't love adorable little baby animals. Parker was a natural with all the animals, didn't matter what it was, snakes,rabbits, cows, he wasn't afaid but as for little Emma she was more content to just watch but she was brave enough to ride the pony all by herself! Bella slept most of the time in stroller, I think she woke a few times apprently we went during her nap.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Some how I can only get one child looking at the camera and she's not even one. How does that happen!

I don't what happened here, appently little Bella was feeling the stress of getting a good shot and Emma was kind enough to help her loosen up with a little massage.

Our yummy dessert, bird nest if you can't tell. Daryl and I loved them but Parker and Emma just wanted it plain, no coconut or eggs!

Spring?

2009-03-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well it's spring inside but not so much outside! So I am not a green thumb at all so I was so pleased when the kids and I planted these flowers and they are actually growing. I have to give props to Daryl since he clued me in on putting it in the window so it could get some sun ( kind of important). The kids are loving it and go and try to water them every day. Parker tells me "it's growing mom, it's really growing". Sometimes the simplest things bring me so much joy.

Camping at Red Cliffs

2009-03-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is pic above is of Quail Creek Reservoir, where we camped.

Emma found her Shadow!

Snack break on our little hike!

Cooling off in the wash after the hike. Emma loved this but Parker wanted nothing to do with it.

In his words"It's too cold, the sun needs to warm up the water".
Watching a flick in the Trailer!
Playing go fish- they are still trying to get this one down but it was fun to play and see how competitive Parker is! He always wanted to win.
It was so good to get away even if it was only for a few days. The kids have been telling up that it was time to go camping because the snow had all melted on the grass so we made good on our promise and went camping.

Spring?

2009-03-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

So Emma, Bella and I went on a walk last weekend and the weather was so nice! Now not so much:( We have been taking advantage of the nice weather so on a another day we went to the park for the first time since Fall. Emma was full of pure joy! She was laughing about everything and really just full of excitement. I love seeing her so happy. Funny little thing happened while we were there- she told me she needed to go potty but the door was locked and just to add insult to injury there was a dead bird in front of the door. So I asked her if she hold it until we got home- she said yes. So we went about playing and then when I picked her up I felt that she was wet so I asked her "Did you pee your pants?" to which she responded in matter of factly "No, I peed my tights"! That she did, she was wearing tights instead of pants!

Take me to Mars- No, Really!

2009-02-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

Can you spot all three of my kiddos in the last picture? So we are dying of bordom and Parker follows me around the house asking "What are we going to do next"- ALL DAY LONG! So yesterday we got creative thanks to a ad in Parenting Magazine that had this idea to make a space shuttle out of a box. So once we got it all set up and I tell Parker we are going to Blast off and we count down 3, 2, 1- He looks at me and says (imagine sad puppy eyes)"It didn't work!" I go on to explain that we are just playing pretend. Which he responds with "NO not pretend!" I finally got him to calm down by turning on the vacuum for a little sound effect action. Poor kid really thought we were going to Mars! I have remember these fun moments as all I have had today has been crying, and whinning . Some days are good I just have to remember that!

Sickness + Bordom =

2009-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

=A little creativity. With Parker being in preschool this year we get to exchange Valentines Day cards. We have all been home bound for the last week and a half with us all being sick so it was nice to make these with Parker. He was so cute helping me package these and tie the ribbons on. He asking me how many nights of sleeping until he could take them to the kids in his class. Can you tell that they are little airplanes? I got the idea off of Flickr.

Hide and go Seek

2009-01-28T22:41:00.001-08:00

I finally started scrapbooking again-Yea! It's been about six months since I did any scrapin...It's fun to start up again but boy am I behind.

Emma Roo

2009-01-28T22:34:00.000-08:00

I know it's been awhile since I have blogged but couldn't help post these pics of Emma- She is well a nut and cracks me up everyday. This was our little photo shoot today, it lasted all of a minute. Her current obsession is having dance parties which consist of us turning on music and her twirling around in her tinkerbell outfits.

Frosty...

2008-12-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

So this month we have watched a lot of the TV special "frosty the snowman" since Daryl recorded it for the kids. So when there was finally enough snow to make a snow man the kids were out the door running. Emma was fast to tell me we needed a hat so he could come to life. As for Parker, he remembered from last year snow man making we need chocolate chips for eyes and carrot for the nose. Don't know what I would do without these two!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

This post is a little late but better than not doing it at all- right. We had the best time in Reno. We went to Jaron and Jan's new house and got to see all my siblings and their kids. I believe there were 19 kids in all there. It was choas but so much fun. Jaron was nice enough to put those of us with little babies in a hotel! We had such a good time and are so glad we went. Parker is now talking about the car he got to drive there and kept telling us that is what he wanted from Santa. When he got just matchbox cars for Christmas we just pretended it was a misunderstanding- maybe next year!

Egg A La Goldenrod

2008-12-15T14:55:00.001-08:00

This is a family favorite from growing up- easy, fast and ingredients you most likely already have.Parker's new favorite, he calls them "creamy eggs". As you can tell by the picture he was already trying to get his hands on them.

EGG A LA GOLDENROD

1 stick butter
2 tbsp. flour
2 c. milk
6 eggs
6 slices toast

Melt butter and make paste with flour; add milk little at a time. Cook over medium heat until thick. Boil, peel, and separate eggs. Chop whites and add to sauce. Pour sauce mixture over toast. Press yolks through sieve and sprinkle over sauce. Garnish with parsley or orange slices. Serve hot. Pretty as well as good. May use 1 cup beef browned and drained instead of egg whites.

Our little teacher...

2008-11-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning the house and walked in the front room and found Emma doing this- teaching her little dolls, all three of them with some not dress I might add. She might have to enforce some kind of dress code. I love this little girl and her constant imagination. On a side note the kids have a funny new saying that they say anytime Daryl or I don't respond fast enough for their liking- "Mom (or Dad- you talk to me, talk to me". Parker started saying and now Emma has followed suit- appartenly we just don't respond fast enough!

Halloween...

2008-11-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

So the top picture is of all the kids dressed up for the trunk or treat. They loved it but Parker kept saying-" No we are suppose to go to the houses, the doors , not cars!" We did go regular trick or treating and Parker was ahead of us the whole time. Then there was Emma - who told me at the latter part of our trick or treating adventure " You should've brought the troller (stroller). Too funny. The other pictures are of Parker at his preschool Halloween party. He had a pretty good time and was the loudest singer- which shocked me because usually he won't sing at all. I was happy to see that he is starting to come out of his shell.

High chair babies...

2008-10-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

So can you guess who is who? Okay so we all know that the old picture is Daryl because me being the youngest of six= no babies pictures but I like to see if you all can guess who the other three are.

Playing with Dirt

2008-10-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

So a couple of months ago I cleaned out one of the planters- taking out all the bark because the kids just threw it all over the grass and patio. I thought I had solved the problem but now there is dirt all over the patio but the kids love it. Can you tell Daryl got Emma dressed to go play outside:) I actually kind of like her hip little outfit. The top picture is literally the only picture I have managed to get of Emma looking at me and smiling- she's a runner. She was actually trying to charm me into putting down the camera and swinging her. I was happy to oblige after I got that shot but sad that it is a little bit blurry. Beggers can't be choosers...

Bell and her Daddy...

2008-10-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Bella is growing like a weed and developing such a personality. I love it everytime she see's Daryl she gets this huge drooling smile. It melts me every time. It's funny you'd think with three little ones you'd be less excited about the last one's milestones but I just loving having a baby again- she brings something different into our house. Just the other day Parker was holding Bella on the floor and said "look mom she's standing" he was holding her hands and helping her stand. Just crazy!

Motorcyle+bad judgement= crash

2008-10-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

So one of the things the kids love to do when we go to Twin Falls is ride on Daryl's old three wheeler that he had as a kid. So we did the normal, take turns with Grandpa and Mom and Dad... Then I thought Parker is so big why don't we try to let him ride by himself. Disclaimer here for my own studpity-as fast as the thought came to me he was on and riding I didn't take the time to think maybe I should show him how to ride with me on the back first or the fact that he probably isn't old enough to ride a moving vehicle -duh. Well to make a long story short-Parker gets on and we show him the gas and brake but problem comes only seconds later when he only remembers the gas and crashes right into the fence and off the bike as I am running screaming after him. So glad the he only had a small scratch but I learned my lesson. He was so brave and even went back on the bike with his Dad of course.

Emma and Grandpa..

2008-10-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

So we went up to Twin Falls this weekend and Emma was so excited to go because she knew she was going to see Grandpa. She keep saying, "go night night at Grandpa's". I have to say Emma just has a thing for the Grandpas, it's so cute. We had lots of fun and way too many yummy chocolate chip cookies:)