Tenney Family

Brooklyn is 9 Months Old

2012-01-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Avery Tenney

Our baby is now nine months old. It has gone by SO FAST!! Brookyn is trying to do everything early. We would like her to stay little forever but, love that she is growing and thriving.

I did my own little photo shoot for her nine month pictures. Warning: Picture OVERLOAD!! I tried lots of things and had lots of fun. Abbie helped me and loved getting Brooklyn to smile! (Abbie sure loves her sister!)

Brooklyn has many faces and is usually smiling! She is happy girl that LOVES to explore. She is crawling so fast and you really have to watch where she is at and where she is going.

We found this adorable hat at Swiss Days. So cute!!

Love those blue eyes (although they look like they may change hazel like mommies).

She has really long eyelashes.

She is in the 75% for height and the 50% for weight. She weighs 18 lb. 3 oz at her 9 month doctor check and is 27 1/2 inches tall.

She is the sweetest little girl! We just love on her a lot!

Her hair is so fun to do. We've never had a baby with so much hair. Abbie was bald until she was almost two so it is a lot of fun having a girl with lots of hair!

Sweet Baby Brooklyn!

We (Abbie and Mom) tried lots of different ideas and Abbie loved everything we tried. She kept saying, "OOOOHHHH, she just looks so cute in everything we try!" Mom had a great time hanging out with Abbie and taking pictures of one of BOTH of our favorite little baby!!

Brooklyn has been pulling herself up to standing since she was 6 1/2 months old. She is crawling so fast and can follow you almost as fast as you can walk down the hall. She is DEFINETELY mobile!!

Trying to get her to stay still got a little tricky since everytime we put her by the highchair to stand for a picture, she would instantly start crawling away. Abbie thought it was SO funny!

Your nicknames are: Brookie, Brookaleena, Baby B, and Brookie Brook.

Brooklyn Avery Tenney

9 Months

Abbie wanted a picture with her favorite sister!! Brooklyn gets multiple kisses every morning before Abbie leaves the car to go to school. It is SO cute!

We are so happy that you are a part of our family! We love you so much Baby B!

XOXOXOXOXO

BIG NEWS!

2012-01-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

Well, it's with a lot of excitement and a bit of overwhelming emotion that we let everyone know that we have officially been accepted into the University of Kansas Nurse Anesthetist Program.

We will be moving to Kansas in May and Reed's classes start May 29th. The program is a 36 month program. It is currently a master's program with high probability of changing to a doctorate program before Reed's class starts. This would be the first graduating class of the doctorate program.

We feel very blessed and have already seen many blessings. We know we have a lot left to do and figure out before we go and are overwhelmed at times but, are putting our faith in our Heavenly Father because he knows how we can accomplish these things.

So it is with a lot of emotion that we let our family and friends know our life changing decision to follow our educational goals. We are in awe that this is coming to fruition as it was many years ago when Reed came home from a clinical rotation as a Respiratory Therapist and told me "I found what I want to do, I want to be a Nurse Anesthetist.....now I just need to go to nursing school." Since that day, Reed has changed from Respiratory Therapy to Nursing and followed by working in an ICU as a Critical care Nurse to get the experience Reed needed to be able to apply (2 year's ICU experience required to apply). Now as a Med/Surg Director we can feel His guiding influence in our life as we have made decisions in our life. We applied once before and found out Reed's Anatomy/Physiology didn't transfer from his Respiratory Degree. So, Reed signed up for those two classes, finished them and we applied again. We feel a huge blessing in not getting in the first time we applied because the timing wouldn't have been right for us. This is when we were blessed with our son Jacob and his subsequent passing. It just wouldn't have been right for us at that time. We are so thankful the Lord knows all and knew the timing wouldn't have been right for us. We are excited about this new experience and pray that we can have the fortitude we need to take on this new challenge and blessing.

So....here's to what's next!

Five Cousins Born In One Year

2012-01-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn was the first of five cousin babies born this year. All four of my sister's were pregnant at the same time (all five girls....that's all of us sisters). I know...that doesn't happen very often that five sisters are pregnant at the same time and it will never happen again for us sister's. So, when everyone was home for Christmas we took the opportunity to take pictures of all five babies.

The first two were born in April and the other three babies were born this fall.

Pretty special for my parents to have five grandbabies in one year!

It was sure fun keeping all the babies together. Brooklyn is mobile!

So cute!!

Girl, Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl = Perfection

The youngest three babies born this fall.

It is pretty special to have all my sister's pregnant with me at the same time. So special and unique! Cousin's are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends - Anonymous

Kaden's Gingerbread House

2012-01-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Kaden is in Kindergarten this year and this is his gingerbread house that he made at school. He talked about that they were going to be making gingerbread houses for weeks before he ever made it. His class was really excited to make their gingerbread houses.

Kaden's gingerbreadhouse had tons of candy decorating it. He was really excited about it turned out! He loves candy and it turned out SO colorful!

Kaden was sad that he couldn't keep his gingerbread house forever so I told him we could take a picture of it and it can last forever in our memories. I love how excited he was about his gingerbread house. He is loving Kindergarten! Great job Kaden, it is a beautiful and coloful gingerbread house!

Dinosaur Quarry Reopened

2011-12-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

The dinosaur quarry has been closed for a few years being rebuilt. It is now reopened and we all went to see the new structures. It was impressive!!

The visitor center and book store that used to be combined with this building has been moved down below. Both buildings are an impressive structure!

The dinosaur wall with tons of dinosaur bones.

We were given a personal tour with my Dad as the tour guide!! We got all the inside scoop and information! We loved having our own tour guide!

It's hard to believe unless you go...this whole Morrison formation wall is filled with dinosaur bones. Best in the world!

It really is spectacular!

Jordan's girlfriend was wearing my jacket. Jordan gave me his matching scarf and poof....we are matching sista's!

The bones are so big! Dinosaur bones as big as you and I.

Our group taking our personal tour.

Some were sitting with the babies listening to the tour.

Isaac was very interested in reading all the information.

Grandma and Grandpa with all the grandkids! What a good lookin' group!

Allisha and her family took a picture in front of the dinosaur bone exhibit.

This is a very neat dinosaur!

The bones are SO COOL!

Grandpa explaining how they learned new things about dinosaurs from this skeleton.

Looking at the exhibits. Abbie loved this old turtle shell. (probably because we have turtles)

Small little bones

Our family in front of the Allosaurus

I wouldn't have wanted to meet this bad boy in real life.....SCARY!

At the end of thtour there is a section of the wall that you can touch the bones. The kids were in LOVE with this part! They loved measuring themselves against the bones!

Abbie

Kaden

Isaac

Brooklyn enjoying the exhibit.

Brooklyn with the dinosaur bones.

Abbie and Kaden using each other to reach the end of the dinosaur bone.

Kaden sitting in a hole in the rock.

Jordan sitting in that same hole....It doesn't look as comfortable for ya Jord!!

The kids LOVED touching all the bones...quite exciting!

Kaden was very interested in all the different bones and noticed that each one is labeled.

The full Allosaurus.....about forty feet long.

Abbie showing me the exhibit! Such an animated tour guide!

Jordan and Reed entertaining Brooklyn!

I don't know if she was very impressed!

Allosaurus Dinosaur Skull

The exhibit from the other end...it's huge...like forty feet long.

Then we went back down to the Visitor's Center where my dad has his store.

A tree exhibit at the visitor's center.

A real dinosaur bone on display taken from the rock face.

Quote from Earl Douglas...the one who found the dinosaur bones in 1909.

Each of the grandkids were able to choose a stuffed animal at the store for their Christmas present. Kaden chose a mountain lion...a cougar!

Abbie chose a blue triceratops....it will add nicely to her stuffed animal collection.

Isaac chose a Linx. Really cool animal!

Then we went to see my dad's office...quite the view from your office!

View of Split Mountain

Abbie keeping her dinosaur warm.

Then we all went back to Ashley's new home to eat Japanese food and then the kids found some fun with Dance Partty 3. It was hilarious to watch!

It didn't matter who had the remotes....they all were participating.

QUITE the dance party!!! Abbie danced the night away! She loved it!!

Quite the dance party......

Christmas Morning

2011-12-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone meeting upstairs getting ready to go down and see what Santa brought....early morning!!

Kids waiting for everyone to arrive to go see what santa brought....it was really early!!

All the grandkids ready to go downstairs to see what Santa brought!

The kids each received a fishing pole (maybe dad can actually fish and not be untangling the baby fishing pole lines....one can hope anyways), camp chair and a toy! So much fun!!

The favorite toy the kids received were the spy gear that they've been wanting for EVER(just ask them) and nerf guns.

I love this pic because it's Brooklyn's first Christmas!

Kaden looking at his spy gear.

Brooklyn was excited about her laugh and learn play table and elephant ball popper!

We had Jordan for Christmas and he received wool pants (exactly what he asked for!)

Abbie's wrapped gift from Mom and Dad was basketball shoes!! She was So excited...she put them on immediately!!

Abbie is playing Jr. Jazz and has been wearing her light up sketchers...boy! are they bright on the basketball floor...she asked for new shoes! She needed real tennishoes!

Isaac sporting his nerf gear...they were real serious about their nerf dart tag game...too fun!

Everyone went in on mom and dad's gift. Mom received a new quilt and sham's (not too exciting but, it's what she wanted) and dad was SUPER surprised with his new Glok hand gun (his last gun was ruined and he always talked about this gun being a long ways away gun...if he ever came into money....this is what he would get). We all pulled together and got him a huge surprise!

Isaac and Kaden received a duo gift which was a new acrylic basketball hoop for their room. They received small basketballs from our trip to Kansas and they needed something they could play with them. They have been using their night vision goggles(the spy gear) to play basketball at night. Needless to say, they still get in trouble playing with or without the lights on after they are supposed to be in bed....ASLEEP!! (too funny, they have figured out using their night vision goggles to play basketball...creative kiddo's)

Brooklyn's first Christmas and was loved on by everyone!! Merry Christmas Baby girl!

Merry Christmas everyone! So glad we were able to spend Christmas with everyone at home. It was SO much fun!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T15:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve, we went to visit Dustin's grave to put on a Christmas Wreath.

Ashley brought a wreath to put on his side of the headstone.

Mom and Dad made a pretty swag out of fresh pine bowes from their Christmas Tree.

Ashley and the kids

Isaac reading the headstone.

Dad, Jordan and Mom

Reed, the kids and myself (Brooklyn is asleep in the car and she really needed a nap).

All the kids got jammies for Christmas Eve presents. They all LOVED their jammies!

Sad picture...but I was behind a few other mom's that were excited to get the same picture. Oh well....got lots of pictures of them in their jammies for Christmas morning!

Sugar Cookies with the Cousins

2011-12-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

My two sister's brought their kids over so they could do some last minute shopping. I told them we were making sugar cookies so everyone should come help. It was a ton of fun and a little messy! We had a great time!

The counter has been floured and we are ready to roll out the cookie dough.

Rolling out the dough!

Everyone excited to get cutting out some cookies!

Everyone cut a ton of cookies....there was plenty since I had made a double batch.

Everyone cut their favorite shape and we put it on a cookie sheet.

Ready to cook our first batch so we can decorate with icing!

Gunnar had been playing with toys and I had put aprons on everyone but, he snuck in and started cutting cookies without me noticing. So, no apron for him....luckily flour vacumns off of clothes and even his cute spikey hair. Phew...I won't be in trouble with his mom!!

The kids loved this!!

We made sure we had enough flour to dip our cookie cutter's in so they wouldn't stick.

Good thing vacumns can clean this up.....he looked brand new with a little vacumning....and he thought it tickled...which was SO CUTE!!

Before I could put my camera away, Abbie wanted a picture with her school Christmas tree, present and snowman scene she made at her school Christmas party. Very nice Abbie!!

It was very fun making cookies and memories with the cousins!

Christmas Concert

2011-12-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Abbie and Isaac performed at the school's Christmas concert. It was at Syracuse High School and was a wonderful performance. The kids have been practicing their songs for a few months and they were excited to perform.

I took pictures with my phone and I will try to add those later. I took pictures of them once we were home. They had to be in their sunday best and I think they looked sharp!! Love you guys!! You sang so well and it was a delightful concert!

Faux Fur and Plastic Drawer

2011-12-30T15:29:00.000-08:00

We went to Smith and Edward's to get my brother his Christmas gift and Abbie really wanted this faux fur hat. She is always cold and so we let her get this warm hat.

Dad put it on Brooklyn when we got home.

Abbie thought it was so funny that Brooklyn was wearing her hat!

Our little fur baby!

Well, it's begun......the plastic drawer is now become a toy cupboard.

Now that Brooklyn can pull herself up on anything....the plastic cups are a new favorite!

She loved it so much, she wouldn't even look at me for a picture....too many fun things to look at!!

Too cute!!

Spilled Orange Juice

2011-12-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a day like this and you are thinking.....I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO CLEAN UP A MESS!! Well, on the day of Isaac's party, I had a ton of things to do, go visiting teaching, run to the store and get treats for Isaac's class (they have to be store bought to take to school...school policy), take the treats to Isaac's class, pick up the kids from carpool, get ready for the birthday party that night, and get the extra beds made up so people could stay over. I had been to the store, taken treats to Isaac's class and picked the kids up from carpool and I open the fridge to stick something away and a full gallon of orange juice container falls out (must have hurridly been put away, ha ha) and splits the side of the jug. About half the gallon spills everywhere before I can get it to the sink holding it precariously to the side to save the half gallon of orange juice that was left. I luckily had a half a gallon still in the fridge so I transferred the remaining OJ to the other jug (remember, I have about 15 people to feed for breakfast so I had bought more orange juice for the next morning, that is why I had two jugs of OJ).

I get it transferred and the phone is ringing. I answer it and it's the Relief Society President asking if she can come over to pick up the doors for the ward Christmas party. I just had to take a deep breath......pause....... and ask her if she can wait 10 minutes so I could mop up a huge mess of orange juice off of the floor.

I get it all cleaned up and the doorbell rings and it's the Relief Society President and the first thing she says to me is if she can have a glass of orange juice. It was SO funny!! I just laughed!!

This was just one of those life moments when you either laugh or cry. I chose to laugh! Even though life will probably be it's crazy self and will be just as hectic tomorrow!! I hope I can still laugh tomorrow or the next day when it's another spilled orange juice day!!

Isaac is 9 Years Old

2011-12-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

After going to see the lights on Temple Square, we all headed back to our house for food and celebration. Isaac requested pizza so we ordered it once we were in the car and picked it up on the way to the house. It was a little later than we planned on being back to the house but, some had never seen temple square before so it was worth being a little late to see the Christus statue and Joseph Smith Memorial building's top floor to see the view over Temple Square.

Our house was packed with people it was a blast having everyone there. We enjoyed pizza, fruit, salad and some soda then everyone was ready for presents.

The big group.

Isaac was so cute wishing everyone something before he opened their gift. He is such a sweet boy and wished his aunt Ashley a happy life even though she doesn't have a husband. There was an audable "Ahhh" over the room and it was so sweet. (Side note: we had home evening the monday before and it was about the widow's mite....the kids asked lots of questions about what is a widow and to explain it....we used aunt Ashley as an example so the kids could understand from their life perspective.) It's nice to know that your kids are listening when you are doing family home evening and it was so sweet that Isaac understands and wishes Ashley a happy life even though it is difficult.

It was SO much fun having most of the cousins there for his birthday party. Abbie and Kaden have since said that they wished their birthday's were in December but, Mom is glad that isn't the case. It's a little tricky having a birthday so close to Christmas.

Grandma's and Grandpa's at Isaac's Birthday party.

Isaac with his last gift....trying to decide what to wish mom and dad.

It's a Nerf CS-6 longstrike and it was the hit of the party!!

Then we lit the candles on the cake and then ate cake and icecream.

The rest of that night and the next morning...you had to be careful if you went down the hallway because the boys were using the nerf guns with the target. They had tons of fun!!!

Happy Birthday Isaac! You are a joy to have in our family. We can't believe everything you are learning at school and are still amazed that you are in typing classes (yeah...shocking since neither Reed or I took typing classes until Junior High) and that you love math so much! You are a really smart boy and we love you so much! Mom and Dad are proud of you and Mom is excited to have you in Bear cubscouts with her this year! Love you buddy!!

Temple Square Lights

2011-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

We went to see the Temple Square Lights on December 16, 2011.

Isaac's Birthday was spent with LOTS of family! His birthday was the same day as the Millett Christmas party so when everyone came in town the night before, we planned a celebration! First on the list was seeing the lights at Temple Square.

Isaac has now turned 9 years old and is such a delight to have in our family! We all met at 5:30 p.m. at Temple Square to see the Nativity and Christmas lights. Then back to our house later for dinner, presents, cake and icecream.

Everyone met by the reflecting pool and it was one of the most beautiful sights on Temple Square. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were set in the middle of the reflecting pool. Beautiful!

Abbie waiting for all the cousins to show up!

After everyone meeting at the reflecting pool, we walked around by the church office building to see the nativities from other countries.

Dad Millett

Kaden and Abbie....little buddies tonight!

Isaac loved the waterfalls with all the red trees. So pretty.

Nativities from other countries.

Ashley, Mari and Courtney on the pedestal in front of the temple.

Asian Nativity

Jordan on the pedestal in front of the temple.

Mari, Kai Courtney and Abbie enjoying the lights.

Our group (except those taking the picture...ha ha) under the Red Tree.

Aunt Maren came to enjoy the lights with us. This is her getting a big hug before she had to go.You can see Isaac in the back squeezing everyone together!

Garrett and Caitlyn finally showed up and we enjoyed the rest of temple square.

We saw the nativity. Although we spent a few minutes looking for the boys who had gotten lost. They stayed put once they realized they were lost (someone remembered what they learned in cubscouts) and Reed was able to find them in just a few minutes. Then we enjoyed the rest of the nativity.

It is such a nice program.

Then we went to the Christus statue! Kayla had never been to see the Christus statue and it was really neat showing it to the kids too for the first time.

After the program everyone is invited to see it up close. Our oldest three went right to the feet of the statue. It was one of those moments as a mother when it just melts our heart. It was so precious to see the kids wanting to be close to the statue of Jesus.

Reed took the opportunity to go and talk to the kids about the statue. It was really neat to see.

Then after the statue we went down the hall and viewed all the painting of scriptural events.

It was fun seeing Kayla see everything for the first time.

Then we decided to go see temple square from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Abbie's head got cold so dad traded her for her earmuff's. She thought it was hilarious!! Such a good dad!!

The best view of Temple Square is from the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Brooklyn enjoying the scenery.

The kids at the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

The oldest three.

Then, as we were heading back to the car we noticed that Ashley and her kids were having their carriage ride, right in front of us. I hurried and grabbed the camera to get a picture but, it wasn't on the best setting. So, the pictures weren't too clear.

Plus, cars were constantly passing between us.

The best picture of their carriage ride around temple square. Looks fun!!

Brooklyn is 8 Months Old

2011-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Look who is 8 months old!!! I just can't believe how fast time has flown with this little one. She now pulls herself up to standing on everything. She pulled herself up to standing the first time at 6 1/2 months and about made her mom fall off her chair. She likes to keep up with all the other kids and loves all the attention she gets from each one of them.

I love this picture because it shows her long eyelashes. She is so cute and loves to make faces. Her favorite game is Peek-A-Boo! She will hide her face and play or she loves it when Mom or Dad hides and then reappears. She is very into Peek-A-Boo!!

Reed loves to find objects that used to be Abbie's and then put them on Brooklyn. It's hard to believe Abbie was that little once too.....My, Oh My, they grow up so fast!!

Brooklyn loves playing with sunglasses! So Cute!!

Little Miss Hollywood! Lovin' her sunglasses!

So Cute!!

Each morning, I do the dishes and Kaden helps watch Brooklyn until I am ready to get us both ready for the day. Kaden and Brooklyn are good little buddies and Brooklyn thinks Kaden is VERY funny! I don't get what she finds so funny but, they love to pal around for a little while, while I do the morning dishes.

While the kids are in school in the afternoon, it's just Brooklyn and I. We were making Christmas goodies and Brookyn had been crawling aroun in the kitchen. She crawled over to the door and started banging on the door. Ruby immediately showed up and they entertained each other for a few minutes. It was too cute so I snapped a few pictures.

WHO'S ENTERTAINING WHO?

Brooklyn, you are getting SO big!! We love you so much and are so surprised that you are doing everything so early...I guess you have lots of people to look up to and to help you learn new things. Love you tons....Baby B!

Abbie Lost Her First Tooth!!

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true!! Abbie is officially in the tooth fairy club!!

The tooth had been loose for about a week. After dinner on December 9th, she showed me how loose it REALLY was NOW!! She let mom wiggle it and then give a little tug and it came right out!

The tooth fairy gave Abbie a gold sacagawea dollar. She has decided to keep it as the start of a coin collection!

She is excited to lose more teeth....the tooth fairy is pretty exciting business around here and she loves putting her tongue in the missing tooth's spot!!

Search for the Perfect Christmas Tree!

2011-12-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

We drove up the mountain by Vernal to cut our own Christmas tree. The tree permit is only $10 for up to a fifteen foot tree but, the memories are worth way more than that!

Grandma held Brooklyn for a while as we searched for the perfect tree!

Brooklyn and Grandma giving Eskimo kisses!! SO CUTE!!

This is the first time the kids have really been able to play in the snow! They found walking sticks, made snow angels and used the crunchy top layer to build things...they had a blast.

Abbie found a walking stick that was taller than she was...maybe a little too tall darling.

Kaden loved walking on the fallen logs....he said they were like trampolines.

Abbie and her walking stick.

Isaac said it was best to walk in the fresh snow where it was crunchy because he could walk on top of the snow.

He fell through a couple of times and would be laughing..he thought it was so funny.

Ashley found her tree first...perfect for her new house.

Mom and Dad, Garrett and Jordan found their perfect tree! It will look great when everyone comes home for Christmas!

Jordan...I mean GQ

This is our perfect Christmas tree. We had to look at lots to make sure this was the perfect one and it was...now that it is home and decorated...it's BEAUTIFUL!!

Abbie and Kaden helped cut part of the tree.

Kaden and Abbie cutting down the Christmas tree.

Isaac helping to cut the 15 foot tall Christmas tree. Mom likes lots of extra pine bowes to decorate with!

Kaden

Ashley and the kids getting ready to drag the tree back up to the trucks through the snow.

Our Christmas tree cut and ready to be taken home.

The trees all loaded up on Dad's trailor. Everyone enjoyed some hot chocolate and the kids played a little longer in the snow.

Isaac's SnowAngel

Abbie making her snow angel.

Abbie and Isaac making more snow angels.

Abbie enjoying the snow.

Mari and Brooklyn smiling and laughing at each other. It was the perfect warm wintery day to cut a Christmas tree!!!

Isaac was the last one in the car because he was building with the crunchy layer of snow clear up until we left. He loves the snow!! It was such a grand time searching for the perfect Christmas tree!! It is such a fun tradition!!

Holly Days, Light Parade, Dustin's Tree and a Birthday...wow...a lot for one day!

2011-12-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

While we spent Thanksgiving with Reed's family this year, Reed took friday off so we went to Vernal to enjoy Holly Days, see the light parade, celebrate my brother Garrett's birthday and cut a Christmas tree.

The first thing the kids did was to ride the pedal cars at Holly Days.

Kaden enjoying the festivities.

Brooklyn all bundled up and warm. She enjoyed all the lights except the loud firetrucks when they honked their horns during the light parade.

Garrett with his warm beard.....too funny!

Isaac and Abbie on the pedal cars....the kids really liked the tractors.....they went really fast.

Reed, Brooklyn, Grandma, Garrett, Grandpa and Kaden at Holly Days.

The light parade!!

Some of the fun floats.

This was the most exciting....Tow Mater!!! With his santa hat....the whole truck wobbled back and forth as it drove down the parade route....the kids LOVED it!

My brother Jordan and his girlfriend Kayla were on the Sesame Street float from Zion's Bank! Such a cute Bert and Ernie! Kaden made the funniest comment.....he said, "I didn't know Jordan was YELLOW!!"

Everyone at the light parade! (Except Reed who was taking the picture)

Before we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's house we stopped at the Charity festival of Tree's. It was especially important this year since a tree had been done in honor of my Brother who was killed in an automobile accident last year. The proceeds of that tree would benenfit my sister-in-law and their four kids.

A Harry Potter Tree

Red and Green Tree

All Pink Tree for Breast Cancer

This was Dustin's Tree....all red and white. It was such a nice tree!

Picture of Ashley and the kids holding a picture of Dustin. The Kevin Orr family decorates a tree every year for someone in the community. They did an excellent job on this tree. It was surreal seeing the tree. It brings back a lot of memories of Dustin. It's still sad to know that he isn't around. The show of compassion and love for his family is touching.

Thank you Orr family for doing a tree for such a deserving family.

Tree topped in a bright red star.

One last look as we eventually moved on through the trees. They were all decorated so nice but, this year they touched close to home.

After the light parade and all the festivities we all gathered at Mom and Dad's to celebrate Garrett's birthday. His actual birthday was on Thanksgiving this year but, we celebrated when we were all together the next day. The grandkids and I decorated his cake with a sombrero....how appropriate since he just got home from his mission last year from Mexico.

Blowing out his candles! Happy Birthday Garrett...hopefully your wish will come true! Happy Birthday!

Chicken Noodle Soup

2011-12-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn has started eating new foods. She was at the table, had eaten her rice cereal but, she wanted some of what we were eating. So, Reed gave her a noodle from his chicken noodle soup.

She loved the noodles!

It is so fun seeing Brooklyn try new things. The kids love watching her do everything for the first time.

Brooklyn's new thing is to pull her self up to standing. She is trying to do everything early. She pulled herself up to standing for the first time when she was only six months old. I was so shocked I hurried and called Reed at work to tell him what she was doing. Neither of us can believe how fast she is growing up. We sure love you Baby Brooklyn!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

This is how our Thanksgiving ended......with sleeping babies and daddies but, let me tell you about the rest of our day.

What is Thanksgiving without lots of delicious food? We had yummy food......with tons of potatoes. Our little family was in charge of 20 lb of potatoes. In fact there ended up being three of us in charge of mashed potatoes. Lets just say, there were lots of left-over potatoes.

All the yummy pies. I made a few pumpkin pies for the festivities.

After dinner, everyone visited and played games at the tables.

The kids spent time making crafts for Grandma Durrant's Christmas tree. Isaac even challenged a few people to play chess with him.

Everyone added hangers to their ornaments with their pictures so they could add them to Grandma Durrant's tree when we got o visit this season.

Kaden and Brooklyn with Grandpa

After all the tables were put away and the vacumning had started...the kids played a fun game of tag.

Once home...the turkey kicked in and some of the family took a little nap.

Our KANSAS adventure

2011-11-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

Reed, Brooklyn and I flew to Kansas City, Kansas this last weekend for an interview in the CRNA program (Nurse Anesthetist). He applied earlier this year and then got a letter this fall inviting Reed for an interview. There are seventy interviews for twenty-four slots. It's about a 1 in 3 chance to get accepted into the program.

This was Brooklyn's first airplane flight.

She wouldn't hardly hold still. Brooklyn flew as a lap child so we didn't have to buy her a ticket.

She loved the take-off and was really good during the flights. The flight from SLC to Denver was good and the connecting flight to Kansas City was also good. The flight from Phoenix to SLC was TERRIBLE. There was "moderate" turbulance as the pilot called it but, if that was only "moderate" then I don't want to know what "severe turbulance" is like. There were people getting sick, the pilot wouldn't let the flight attendants out of their seat to serve refreshments because it was so bad. Reed got sick and had to put his head between his knees. Luckily I only got a little bit sick and Brooklyn did remarkably well on the turbulant flight.

Once at the hotel we went right to sleep...with the time change it was almost midnight.

Then the next morning we stayed in the hotel for three hours while Reed brushed up on all of his drugs, titrations, dosages and any other technical questions they could ask. He wanted to be prepared so Brooklyn and I just chilled on the bed. Brooklyn loved entertaining us.

She is starting to crawl so we really had to watch her so she didn't dive off the bed.

Such a little cutie....definetely helped with the nerves we were feeling...especially Reed. We got out a little bit and drove to see the area before getting a smoothie from McDonald's because we really weren't very hungry. (probably the nerves)

I knew the interview would be three hours so I had looked up a cool place to go while he was interviewing. I called one place and they referred me to the River Market Antique Mall. They even had a 5000 square foot mural of Lewis and Clark. It is SO big that I couldn't fit the whole mural in my camera view finder so I had to take two photos to see all of it. It was HUGE!

My arm span was as big as one of their shoes. It was so impressive to see in person.

SO, if the mural was this big....you can guess how big the antique store was.....MASSIVE!!! I spent the entire three hours walking around in this place. Luckily, Brooklyn found it a good time to take a nap. I took photos of some of the random things I found, liked or just found interesting.

This bench is made out of an old chevy tailgate.

I would have taken this letter sorter home with me if I could have fit it in my luggage. It is probably 5 feet tall and about 3 1/2 feet wide. It was SO COOL!!

I found this chair and texted a picture to my friend Shannon who is doing a B&W and Yellow booth for a bridal fair coming up soon. Too bad I couldn't fit this in my luggage also...I love houndstooth print.

The River Market Antique's was so big that I had to use the freight elevator to go up to the top floor and work my way down(advise from Lance...he works there...and was very helpful getting the stroller and myself to different floors). There are stairs but, it's an old building with tight stair cases that a stroller couldn't navigate. There were probably 400+ dealers at the River Market....in other words....you almost have to know what you are looking for otherwise you might miss it.

Each floor had a bell (each one sounding different) and a helper from that floor would come and help you on the freight elevator. I thought the elevator was SO COOL...like the ones you see in the movies. It was HUGE!!

I love finger jointed boxes (I did bring one home in my suitcase) and this typewriter box was super cool. It was too big for my suitcase.

I snapped a photo of this WWII CPR dummy because I thought Reed would appreciate how far the CPR dummies have come...

It was really creepy hanging from the ceiling. A few other customers were joking with me about how creepy it was...I had to agree...pretty creepy hanging from the ceiling.

This is an old stamp holder. I could think of alot of things to use this for but, worried about the space in my luggage ( I had packed light so I could fit some things in but, this was a little too bulky although that didn't stop me from buying a cubby mail sorter....what can you do when you turn a corner and an item almost gives you heart palpitations you are so excited....I had to shop that baby home with a few ceiling tiles.)

This printers box was lined in the bottom of each compartments wtih fabric...cute idea maybe for my printer's drawer...we'll see?!!

I love a cool shaped lampshade.

I took a picture of this banana seat bike because I wanted to show the kids. I was telling them about my COOL rainbow seated banana bike and the kids kept asking me....you rode on a banana???

I kept telling them NO, I didn't ride on a banana but, a banana seat bike.

Hopefully now they get it!!

Then, I paid for my items, and went back to pick Reed up. He said his white shirt was drenched....pretty intense interviews. There were multiple interviews with multiple interview panels...yikes!! Glad it wasn't me!!. Then at the end they took them on a tour of the hospital. Reed feels good how they went. He said you always think of things you could have siad or things you could have changed but, overall he feel good about the long interview.

After the interview we went back to the hotel so Reed could change and we could try some of the famous barbecue that Reed had read about in the brochures. We ate at Arthur Bryant.

Reed wanted ribs so he convinced me to share some....this is what we got....a HUGE platter of ribs. Needless to say, we didn't order anything else...it was definetely enough. Then we drove to the famous Legends Outlet Mall. It's like our Park City outlet on steroids.

We pretty much just walked around. I found a long skirt (long needed, since it's hard to dress for sunday when you have a nursing baby)

This was the entrance to one of the entrance called T-Rex. It's a kid themed restaurant. We walked just inside just to get a glimpse. It was REALLY cool!!

A robotic T-Rex is at the entrance of the restaurant.

One of the pillars had dinosaurs sticking their head out of the foliage. It was creepy cool (as Isaac would say).

Then we drove back down Main street to the hotel.

By the time we got back to the hotel everyone was plum tuckered out!! I wasn't that tired...probaby still too excited from the River Market and trying to figure out how to ship or take on the plane my cubby cabinet and ceiling tiles. I was looking up online how big of a checked bag could be and I found out that it would be odd sized and would cost almost 150 dollars to take on the plane...I quickly began formulating plan B....ship it!

So, the first thing we did the next morning was find a UPS store to ship our items (Reed is sitting here saying, "OUR ITEMS" really I should say "MY" items) home. It was only $38 dollars to ship this heavy cubby with the ceiling tiles...WHEW...what a relief!!

We had looked up a UPS store in Overland Park (a suburb) of Kansas City so we could drive around and see the area. Then we went back to University of Kansas Medical Center because Reed wanted me to see the campus.

Let's just say, IT'S HUGE!! This is the Medical Office Building that adjoins the hospital.

We walked the hospital and I had to take a picture of these old photos of classes of Medical Technicians. Since this is what I have my degree in, it was really fun to see the pictures of early classes of that degree even though the degree's name has recently changed to Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Out in the court yard, we took pictures by the University of Kansas' Medical Center sign.

Brooklyn chose to nap during our tour.

A picture of me to prove I was in Kansas...although I don't think we're in Kansas anymore ( Ha Ha Ha...just had to put that in there....couldn't resist) Although we did buy Abbie a stuffed Toto for her souvenir. She loves her Toto!

All the brick building connect in the courtyard and are 4 and five stories tall...it's really impressive to see. The building in the right of this photo is the University of Kansas' Nursing School.

A cool red berry bush in the plaza.

The nursing school was closed (it was a saturday) so we were looking inside at the common are which was open four floors up. It is an impressive building. We took this picture of ourselves in the glass. We kinda look like ghosts in the window. We couldn't get my camera figured out how to take a self portrait. So maybe next time, we can take a REAL picture of ourselves.

Then we went to the book store for the medical school. I liked this t-shirt.

Then we had time to walk back to our car, drive it back to the car rental place, and go through security again to get on our plane. We were planning on eating when we got into Phoenix but, apparently we had a head wind and was 38 minutes late into Phoenix. We only had an hour layover and by the time we got our carseat and stroller from under the plane, we had to RUN ( and I do mean RUN) to our next terminal. I had no idea the Phoenix airport could be so HUGE. We had to go from terminal A 20 something to B24. As we were half way to the terminal we head over the intercom "last boarding call for flight 456 to SLC". We (still running) weren't anywhere near the gate. It was pretty stressful running with a baby, all the baby gear and our luggage. Then once we finally get to the gate they didn't have Brooklyn's information for the flight. AAAgh!!! We quickly gave them the information, got our carseat and stroller stowed under the plane and we were the last ones onthe flight. Phew!! Except the next 2 1/2 hours was the worst turbulent flight we've ever been on. People were sick and loosing their cookies, Reed got pretty sick but kept his cookies (thank goodness). When our plane landed...the entire plane of people cheered and whistled that we finally had landed!!! The lady next to us flies all over the world and said this is the worst flight she has EVER been on. Glad we ran to make the plane...although I don't think waiting another four hours for the next flight would have been any fun either. We got home an hour late and thanked Jennie and John (my sister and brother-in-law) for watching the kids. Thanks again guys!! It is really appreciated!!

We ended our trip with a bowl of chicken noodle soup at like 10:30 at night (because after that flight...it was the only thing that sounded good...and there was no time to get dinner in Phoenix...remember us running to make the plane).

Here is the last picture I took of the University of Kansas. I love all the architecture of the building there.

Then it was time to fly home.

While on our way back to the airport at the terminal, Brooklyn woke up and was all smiles!! It was a good trip, definetely stressful getting ready for the interview, saw some cool areas and I did find that cool River Market place. We won't find out for awhile how the interview went. We just have to wait and see if Reed was accepted but, even so, we had a fun adventure in Kansas.

Picnic up the Canyon and RS Meeting (finally got pictures off my phone)

2011-11-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

I just unloaded my phone pictures and realized that I missed posting about these events. We were having quite a week and it seemed like we were going to miss Fall altogether so, I planned a WARM picnic up the canyon. I cooked spaghetti and packed it HOT with all the fixins and I surprised Reed as soon as he walked in the door. I told him to change his clothes and we were leaving on a picnic.

We had a great time. We pulled out our nice camera, turned it on and low battery starts flashing...so I caught these few pictures with my phone. We had a great time looking at all the fall leaves. There were SO many red leaves, which are my favorite. I love the bright red and orange leaves. My favorite fall colors. The kids had a great time...and loved that we ate spaghetti...picnic style.

Gorgeous bright colors!!

Around conference, there is always the Relief Society Meeting. My friends Brandi and Emily went together to the conference center.

We walked in and kept showing our tickets to the helpers and they kept shewing us down lower. We kept going each section and was REALLY surprised that we were on the 5th row. The side where all the leaders and speakers entered. We were so close when the Prophet entered. We were THRILLED!!

Here we are before the meeting began. Me (left), Emily (middle) and Brandi (right).

Sherri Dew created quite the stir when she entered. Some even got pictures with her. So fun!

Pres. Uchtdorf

This was one of my favorite talks for the evening!

We had a great time together then walked over to Lamb's Grill for a yummy dinner. It was such a fun girl's night out!! Love you ladies!!

Isaac's first Pine Wood Derby

2011-11-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Dad had a great time sawing, sanding, painting and then racing his pinewood derby car. The cubscout master even made driver's liscences for each of the boys with their picture, heigth and each boy eve had to sign their driver's liscence before the race.

Isaac's first race.

It was fun to watch them race.

Isaac watching his car...not exactly win. Should have added more weight. Oh well, he loves his car and loves that he got to build it with his dad....and that's what counts.

The boys got put in for a drawing and Isaac won what he was eyeing...a yo-yo. He was in heaven! It was a great night! Good job Isaac!!

My Birthday and a Missioinary Farewell

2011-11-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

Kaden at Reed's cousin's missionary farewell. It was on Sunday Oct. 30th which was also my birthday. The weeter's have always supported us and so we wanted to be there for Christopher's farewell.

It was one of those last beautiful days of fall. Warm enough for everyone to sit in the sunshine and enjoy each other's company.

Christopher's mission picture.

We all wanted pictures with grandma Durrant. She is as spunky as ever.

She asked Michelle's kids how old do you think she is?

Her answer was her flashing her fingers in increments of ten. Counting up

Ten, Twenty, Thirty, Forty, Fifty (the kids eyes are getting bigger and bigger) Sixty, Seventy, Eighty....

It was sure cute!!

We took a picture with Grandma Durrant with our new addition, Brooklyn.

Then we came home and the kids were determined to make me a cake. So, Reed helped the kids make me a cake. Luckily I had a white cake mix and a chocolate fudge icing container.....otherwise, it might have been pretty interesting.

I love their design....so halloweeny and birthday festive! Thank you Kids! Your thoughtfulness is always appreciated and loved!

It was a fun birthday. I enjoyed visiting with family and getting to see everyone we don't see often enough. It was a very happy birthday.

AARRRRRRGG Pirates....It's Halloween!!!!

2011-11-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

A Band of Pirates for Halloween. The kids LOVED being all the same thing...they even had a fun idea how to give out candy this year....in a treasure box.

Pirate's Treasure

Did YE find treasure little pirate?

Getting our treasure ready for trick-or-treaters. The kids HAD to have this treasure box we found because it went with their pirate theme and they could use it to hand out candy. Brooklyn found a few pieces of treasure. We had to take her treasure...ye mean mommy pirates! Maybe next year when ye have teeth!!

The kids ready to go trick-or-treating. We lit their pumpkins and we were ready to go!! It was beautiful weather this year. Didn't even need a coat.

Kaden Pirate

I love Isaac in this picture....He was VERY into the role of PIRATE!! ARrrgH Isaac!! Get LOTS of candy.....or Swab the decks!!!!

Cute Abbie Pirate

Brooklyn's first time trick-or-treating!! The kids loved that they were all pirates!! They wore the hats for pictures but, just kept on the bandana's to go trick-or-treating. They practically RAN to every house.

Dad and Brooklyn trick-or-treating!

Brooklyn went trick-or-treating to a few houses just right around our house and then Brooklyn and I went home to hand out candy. We had a MAD SCIENTIST LABORATORY to hold down.

Our MAD SCIENTIST house all lit up!!

A close-up view of some of the x-rays earlier in the day looking out...SO COOL!!

The x-rays on the girl's window

Some close up's of some of the x-rays

A MAD SCIENTIST even met you at the door!!

VELCOME TO THE LABORATORY!!! Would you like a piece of our treasure??? (Brooklyn was with me most of the night and we handed out candy...a scientist and a pirate) We made a great team handing out candy...Brooklyn was entertained by everyone coming to the door!!

She loved going to the door ever few minutes and handing out candy with me as a mad scientist. She was very entertained!

Kaden's Ghost Pumpkin

Abbie's pumpkin

Isaac's Pumpkin

Reed's Scary Pumpkin

Pumpkins lining the walkway. We carved about half of our pumpkins.

Pumpkins lit and lining the walkway

From AARRRR house to yours....HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Bathin' Beauty Brooklyn

2011-11-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

This is Brooklyn's first bath since she can now sit up on her own. We had just cleaned the sink and it was the perfect opportunity to let her take a bath. She loved it!

Such a cute bathing beauty!

She just loved being able to sit and splash in the water.

She loves to splash.....plus, look at those cute cheeks! SO CUTE!! I lvoe to kiss them!

You can see how much Abbie just loves her little sister. She was perched on the counter right by Brooklyn the whole bath.

Abbie sat next to Brooklyn the whole time. She LOVES her sister.

She is at the stage where EVERYTHING goes in her mouth...apparently even the kitchen sink. LOL

After her hair was washed...we gave her a mohawk. So cute! Brooklyn, your hair is getting so long.

Brooklyn loved her bath and loved gettin in her jammies!

All done with her bath. While playing with her hair Abbie and I decided that her hair is long enough it could have foam rollers in it.

We were able to get four foam rollers in her hair.

Only two stayed in long enough, so she had a few curls the next day.

Brooklyn, you loved your bath so much. You splashed and cooed all the while.

We love you....our cute little bathin' beauty!

Kaden playing Itty Bitty Hoops

2011-11-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Kaden is playing Itty Bitty Hoops for Kindergarteners. Here he is receiving instruction (which they do for the first half hour and then they play against another team for a half hour) It's only an hour long but they have a ton of fun!

Kaden loved being out there and playing. He's definetely not the most aggressive player on the team and would rather be the best passer on the team. Such a team player!

Kaden LOVED playing basketball!!

He did some great passes!!

He liked to throw in the ball.

Go Kaden!!!

You did a great job Kaden!! It was a lot of fun watching you learn the fundamentals of basketball! Good Job!!

All the Kids

2011-11-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went and picked up some sticks to put in the urns I just finished painting and while I was taking the sticks out of the Tahoe the kids were telling me to get the camera because Brooklyn was standing up(with help) and they wanted a picture of her with them.

I used the sticks to paint black to stick in the urns.

The kids just LOVE Brookie!!

These kiddo's melt my heart!!

Love you kiddo's!!

The last of our UEA weekend

2011-11-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

I gave my sister Jennie my camera to take pictures of Jordan while I was taking video on my new phone of Jordan skydiving and look what I found on my camera....pictures of her kids!!

Even a pic of hew newest Harley.

Jordan loved teasing the kids as they were pressed against the glass. They all adore Uncle Jordan.

His hair is so long that it was coming up through his helmet. I tried to get a picture before he took his helmet but, he took it off before I could get a picture.

Then we all went bowling at Fat Cats!! The kids are watching their names carefully so they don't miss a turn. Too cute!!

Abbie was such a good little bowler. I think she beat my score the first round (she did have bumpers).

Go Abbie!!

She got a STRIKE!!

Kaden was quite the little bowler! He did really good!

Kaden even got a strike and a few spare's!! Great bowling!

Isaac was an intense bowler!

Isaac did great bowling!!

The men also went hunting not once but twice this weekend. They went duck hunting on friday and then saturday before we went bowling/Jordan skydiving they went pheasant hunting. They got three ducks and ten pheasants...which means a lot of jerky. It was yummy jerky!

The UEA weekend was super fun and busy! We stayed up late, enjoyed hanging out, and did lots of fun activities! All-in-all....a great weekend!!

UEA Weekend- Black Island Farm

2011-10-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

The first activity we did over UEA was visiting Black Island Farm. It's becoming a family tradition, plus it is a ton of fun! We did the hay ride to the pumpkin patch first and picked out our pumpkins. Kaden got the biggest pumpkin in our family this year. Ashley and the kids, Grandma & Grandpa, Garrett and Jordan, Jennie, John and Kids and a few friends all went with us to Black Island Farm. It was a big, fun group!

Our family on the hay ride to the pumpkin patch. This is Brooklyn's first hay ride and first pumpkin.

Then to the corn maze. I have NEVER seen corn stalks this tall...they were at least nine or ten feet. Just look at the picture with Reed there...he's 6'2'' and it's almost double his heighth. This made for a really fun corn maze!

The group before we started....and we only lost grandpa, who went back to look for some that got lost and ended up getting lost himself.

This is one of the many slides. This year I was finally able to do all the slides and yard activities because I wasn't pregnant this year!! Jordan, Ashley and I all went down a few times.....then Jordan had us go down head first swimming like a fish. He definetely got Ashley and I to do things we don't normally do!! It was a blast!!

Corn Cannon's...if you hit the target then you got a ticket to pick out another pumpkin!! Kaden won ANOTHER pumpkin....and it is almost as big as the one he picked in the pumpkin patch! Lucky Kiddo!!

Brooklyn enjoyed the night tucked safely in Reed's coat...where she stayed toasty and warm.

Abbie, Kaden and Grandpa doing the corn cannons. Kaden was the only one that hit his target!!

The pig races!!! Isaac was picked this year to cheer for one of the four pigs racing. He won a white pumpkin for his pigs effort!

Kaden's pig won his race so he won an orange pumpkin!! It was Kaden's lucky night!

After spending all night (about eleven o'clock we finally headed back to our house) and we had hot chocolate and toast! Yummy and the perfect way to end an enjoyable evening! The kids also loved that they got to stay up late running around sliding on slides and doing hay bail mazes! They LOVED it!!

Kids Off Track

2011-10-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

The kids were off track for three weeks and we made a list of things we wanted to do. We went to Grandma and Grandpa Millett's and spent a few days. We had a great time helping them with a few home projects! Grandma and I even got to can peaches together....let me tell you...it's a lot more fun to can peaches with someone than alone...we got three times as much peaches done in a shorter amount of time than I could do by myself. They turned out GORGEOUS!!

Yummy!!! I did a half bushel by myself then took another half bushel to my mom's to do with her half bushel. I ended up with thirty-three quarts of cut peaches!!

The last two items on the OFF-TRACK list was a slurpie run and lazer tag at the syracuse family fun center. We did slurpies with our neighborhood friends and on the last weekend of our off track we finally made it to the family fun center for lazer tag.

Isaac LOVED IT!!! He chose the "spiller" suit.

Abbie chose "Aurora". Kaden was "Enforcer". While Reed was "Mammoth".

This is the only picture that I got in the laser tag maze because the black lights were so hard to photograph. We were the only ones there for lazer tag when we went so we got to do the lazer tag just as a family (Brooklyn and I just got to watch, inside the door)

Reed (Mammoth) won followed by Isaac, then Kaden and Abbie was the last. Apparently Abbie thought she had to stay still when she got hit so the kids kept getting her. She was laughing about that when she found out that she should run after she got her lights hit. Too funny!

The kids after their lazer tag game...they LOVED it!! They talked about lazer tag for days!

After we finished lazer tag we got a few dollars worth of tokens and let the kids play a few games. Everyone played the pirate shooting game (of course...the kids are all being pirates for Halloween).

Abbie used her token to play this candy game. She actualy won a few peices!! Great job Abbie!

We had a great time being off track! We did a TON as a family and enjoyed our time together! We had sleep overs with cousins, went to grandma and grandpa's and played with the cousins in Vernal, went on picnics, rented movies, stayed up late. We just enjoyed being together! We can't wait for our next break, which is the whole month after Christmas!! Talk about fun!!

New Family Photos with our new addition, Brooklyn

2011-10-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

We just had family photos taken by an amazing photographer. I actually met her through my visiting teaching lady....can I say....a pretty great blessing from going visiting teaching. I didn't just meet a photographer, I met a new friend. We have a lot in common and she is just a great person!! So glad that we met!! This is definetely not a one time meeting!! We already have ideas for a Christmas Card! Ha Ha....I know...it's only October!!!
Check out a sampling of our photo shoot on her blog!! I will be posting these pictures sometime but, you can see a great sampling on her blog.... http://www.shannonelizabethphoto.com/ then click on the blog link. Or here is the exact link that will take it to the post. http://shannonelizabethphoto.tumblr.com/post/10974339412/apples-to-apples
Enjoy!! She's amazing!!

Brooklyn's New Hairdo

2011-10-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Mommy tried a new hairstyle on me....hair parted and combed over with a simple barrett...what do you think?

Trying to hold still so Mom could photograph my barrett....well...it didn't work too well.

I love smiling at Mom!!

Do you like my new hairdo?...mommy sure does!

Daddy thinks I look much older if my hair is done with a barrett in it!

I like to try new things!! Do you like my new hairstyle?

Bikeride and Exploding Cattails

2011-09-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

The kids are off track and we've been doing something fun almost everyday. I haven't taken my camera on every adventure but, I went and got my camera for the end of this fun excursion. We took a bike ride over to Jensen Park and the ponds next to it. We each picked out a cattail and brought it home to carve.

We let the kids use their pocket knives to carve designs in their cattails(my siblings will remember doing this when we were little....and I haven't probably done it since I was little....it's been a long time).

Kaden when he was half way done carving his cattail.

Abbie (being her usually artsy self) took a lot of time carving EXACTLY what she wanted hers to look like....she actually took so long that it got dark and she had to finish the next day.

This was mine (I know the pics aren't great...I didn't realize I had it on the wrong setting until I downloaded the pictures).

Isaac and Reed noticed that they are made of lots of "fuzz" and they put that to good use by...

Taking parts of their "mature" cattails and throwing them as high as they would go....then they would come down and explode into a ball of "fuzz"...this of course is very entertaining and they did it quite a few times.

I didn't know cattails could explode but, I've seen it with my own eyes...they explode alright...and leave it to the boys to figure that out!

Reed and Isaac having a great time "exploding" their cattails!!

This is Brooklyn doing what she does best....eating her toes and being cute! Love you cutie patootie (that is Kaden's favorite thing to call her...a cutie patootie)!

It was a fun family adventure. We love going bike riding as a family!

2nd Annual Angel Watch Candle-Light Memorial & Personal Thoughts

2011-09-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

Our family went to the Angel Watch Memorial held at this is the place heritage park. It is held at the pioneer children's cemetery. It is beautiful up there and the view of the valley is spectacular. We hit rain coming and were a little worried that it would be cancelled but, the rain was tempered and the skies cleared just in time for the memorial.

Here is the kids waiting on a bench for the memorial to start.

Here are the unmarked pioneer children's graves that were undug somewhere else in the valley but, were re-located here. It's a beautiful cemetery that has walkways and trees.

It even has a beautiful statue of christ in a gazebo with children sitting on his lap. So perfect for this location.

A group of angel watch fathers sang an original song written by one of the fathers. Then the microphone was passed around as we each lit our light in remembrance of our child that has passed away.

The lady seen in the picture with the red bag was one of the original angel watch families and she is the lady that makes the winnie bears in remembrance of her daughter winnie. We are so thankful to this lady that has given us a remembrance of Jacob by taking one of his blankets and lovingly sewing it into a teddy bear. We will always cherish our Jacob bear.

Then everyone went to the outside of the fence to plant daffodil bulbs in remembrance of their child.

Here we are planting our bulb in remembrance of Jacob.

We each planted a bulb in remembrance of our child. Here's Jacob's daffodil bulb!

It will be beautiful next spring to come and see them bloom!

Isaac by Jacob's daffodil bulb

Kaden

Abbie

Brooklyn

Reed

My friend Brandi, planting her bulb for Aaron next to ours.

Ours is planted on the east side of the fence.

Here is Brandi and I with Abbie and Brooklyn. Brandi was so cute and wanted to hold Brooklyn. She said, "get a picture so I can show people that I DO hold babies and I will have proof." Oh so true. Life changes after you lose a child and little things mean a lot.

The elements clearing and the sun starting to peak through.

This is four of us after we planted our bulbs in honor of our children. These are some strong, amazing women that I've come to know!!

Such a peaceful serene statue. I love it because it reminds me of the simon dewey picture we used for Jacob's Funeral Program of a small boy with Jesus. That's how I picture Jacob....in the arms of Christ.

Here's Kay and I. I truly respect and love this woman. She is amazing and just a wonderful person! She helped us get through some really hard times but has become a dear friend as well.

This is Carolyn and I (and Abbie, of course). She is the lady that founded Angel Watch and I will be forever indebted to her for putting her passion into a program that is so selfless and giving! She has also become a dear friend.

Now for a more Personal Thought:

We get regular mailings from Angel Watch and we received one recently that I wanted to share part of it that really touched me.

Dear Reed and Cassy,

"During this past year and a half, you have been through a lot. Your little Jacob was your special angel child. As you know very well, you are a different person than you were before your child died. You have been wounded but not destroyed, devestated but not demolished by your loss. You have found the courage and the wherewithal to go on. Perhaps you have even found that life has new meaning for you.....you have found new understanding and wisdom that you could not have learned any other way. Though you feel that you would have gladly given all of this away for just one more minute with your child, hopefully you are on your way to a kind of reconciliation with this experience."

This letter really resonated with me. I feel like both Reed and I are different today than we were before Jacob coming to our family. I feel like I have learned so much. I am still learning. But now so much is different. I have learned things that never could have been learned another way. Reed and I have changed. We are still changing. We are better in some ways and still working through others. We have come closer together. I am grateful for all we have learned yet still know there is a peice of my heart that still greives for the child we will never see grow old. We have come so far and yet have so far to go.

I want to end this post with another small part of that letter. It is written more eloquently than I could ever write so I will end this post with this.

Building a "New Normal"

It is sort of like experiencing a forest fire.....

There has been a devestation that has been unthinkable- a loss so sublime that it has caused exquisite sorrow, reaching into the most tender parts of your heart.

Yet just like a forest fire, there is a scouring of the earth....a scourging of the soul that hoperfully has given you a knowledge and understanding that could have been gained in no other way. Just like in a fire, under the scorched, blackened earth there are buds of new growth. There is an opportunity for the stirring of the soul in increased faith and hope- with a renewed sense of appreciation and gratitude for life- as well as an acceptance of its fragility.

Uncle Garrett entertaining Brooklyn

2011-09-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, my brother came and stayed overnight at our house. He had come out to go to Lagoon. After all the other kids had gone to bed we were chilling in the living room and Garrett was holding Brooklyn. She thought he was pretty entertaining!!

She kept grabbing his beard/facial hair and kept giving us funny faces. Must have felt pretty funny!

It was so cute to see these two interacting. Brooklyn loved talking and laughing at her Uncle Garrett.

It was so fun to watch these two interact. It was quite entertaining!

They kept making faces at each other!

Garrett was making faces at Brooklyn and she was making them back to him. So fun to watch!

Uncle Garrett can be pretty entertaining!! Brooklyn just loved Uncle Garrett and it was really entertaining to watch these two interacting!

To Ms. Imler

2011-09-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

Abbie has such a sweet heart and I just had to post about her latest cute thing she drew. She made this pencil drawing then spent HOURS coloring it for her first grade teacher.

It states:

To Ms Imler:

I luv yuo

cus

yuo

sowet

to me.

Luv: Abbie

Translation: I love you because you are sweet to me. Love Abbie

Abbie gave it to her teacher the next day and she said her teacher loved it!

Abbie, you are such a sweet, amazing girl. We are so glad you are apart of our family. You bring such joy and love to our family. Love you baby girl! (although she keeps telling me she's not a baby....that's Brooklyn! I just keep tellg her she will always be my baby girl!)

Love you Abbie

Car Racin' Fun

2011-09-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

The kids have been playing a lot with their car tracks. They have been building CRAZY tracks that go down the hall, down the stairs with loops and everything.

The kids goofing off (of course) once I asked them to pose for a picture before they made their next track. You kiddo's are SO funny!!

Serious builders!

Isaac was the ring leader of this track building.

Abbie and Kaden trying out the track as the car raced down the hallway.

Abbie and her car

Kaden racing his car.

The kids have had a great time building track and racing their cars. You just have to watch out for the track at night....it runs clear down the hallway. They spent so much time making these crazy race tracks that I didn't have the heart to have them take them down after they begged to keep them up for a day or two. So, if you come to the house you might have to step over a few car tracks but, it's worth all the joy the kids are having playing with their matchbox cars. They'd probably even let you join.

Medical/Surgical Director Position

2011-09-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Reed and I have accepted a new position at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. I know it is actually Reed who has the new job but, everything Reed does affects this family so I guess I feel like we both accepted this new position. Reed has accepted the position of Director for the Medical/Surgical Floor at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. He was the assistant director of the ICU and this new position became available after the last director retired. We feel very blessed that this opportunity has become available to us and feel like the Lord has guided us. This is a huge stepping stone in a career and we are thankful for the opportunity. We officially accepted last week and Reed started right away. He moved to his new office and even found some pheasant artwork for his new office when we stopped at Swiss days (on our way to Vernal).
We are very excited for this Career opportunity and feel the Lord's hand directing our lives. We felt good about accepting the position. A huge thank you to our cute neighbor girl who stayed late with the kids(and her mom that came later in the evening) that watched the kids for us so we could go to the temple(even though we didn't get in the 6:30 session that we missed by a few minutes, not the 7:00 or even the 7:30 session. It was the 8:00 before we got into a session(come to find out it was Bountiful's busiest night ever and they even had to make an 8:15 session to get the rest of the people in that came to the temple that night, even though that session doesn't even exist. I can't wait for the Ogden Temple to open again!)
Even though sometimes we don't know what the Lord has in store for us. Sometimes moves (in career or otherwise) are scary and we have to take that leap of faith that everything will work out and we feel very blessed we took that leap of faith and moved hospitals because we have had many opportunities opened to us that we never would have thought possible. We are excited and feel very blessed for this new opportunity. Congratulation Reed on your new Director position!

Kai Millett's Baptism

2011-09-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Kai was baptised over the Labor Day weekend. So, we traveled to Vernal to be apart of his special day. It was a very nice day and there was a special spirit there. Everyone knew that Dustin was watching down on him and was proud of his oldest boy. It was neat to be apart of.

Grandpa Millett Baptised Kai and Grandpa McKeacknie confirmed Kai

The men that stood in the circle to confirm Kai.

Kaden at the baptism. The kids loved playing with their cousins.

Uncle Garrett and Gunnar (Jennie's boy)

Abbie and Rian

Cutie Pies!!

Grandpa's with Kai

After we finished with the baptism we had a luncheon and then everyone went and helped Ashley and the kids move to their new home. It's a beautiful home and is absolutely perfect for them!! It was a lot of work but, it is so nice for them to have a permanent home and the kids can start school at their new house. Now, Ashley just has a million....maybe two...boxes to unpack. That is the one part about moving that stinks....figuring out where you want things to go....and really nobody can help you with this except you because nobody is going to arrange your house like you want it!! Good Luck Ashley!! We are so excited for you and the kids and your new home!!

Angel Watch Moms

2011-08-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met women that are just amazing? I did. This is Brandi (Aaron's Mom) and Emily (Daniel's Mom). We all met at the gateway about a week ago. I had met Brandi over a year ago when

Reed and I were pregnant with Jacob and we have been friends since. We are from all across the wasatch front and we have all lost our babies due to TD. Emily is the most recent with her baby passing away in May (just a few months ago).

Emily's Mom found Brandi by her blog and contacted her and then Brandi contacted me so we could all meet together. We all met at the gateway fountains so our kids could play while we talked. My kids were in school so just Brooklyn came along and she slept almost the whole time in her carseat.

I was so nice to meet all together to talk.

I love these women. They are truly amazing. After only a few minutes I felt so comfortable with both of them. I cherish my friendship with Brandi and I've always felt comfortable with her like an old friend that you feel comfortable chatting about anything and yet after only a few minutes I felt just as comfortable with Emily. (I don't know if they feel the same but, that is how I feel). It was so nice to be able to sit and talk about things that people tend to avoid with us typically. I think most people are afraid that they will unleash a mountain of tears. Which they might, but it is always nice to talk about our babies. They are ours and we don't ever want to forget them or our experiences. Those experiences have made us the individual we are today. And...it's okay if we cry...it helps us to heal.

We talked, shared different parts of our experiences and asked each other lots of questions. We were able to relate to one another. We were able to ask each other questions that nobody else could probably answer. It's not everyday you get to meet ladies that have been through a very similar experience as you have been through and it was so touching to hear about those special moments and it brought renewed strength to me to see how they are persevearing. These are strongwomen.

Because I use this blog as a sort of journal I wanted to mention these amazing ladies. They are really special to me and I truly appreciate their honesty, willingness to share their experiences and their caring and kind nature.

Thanks ladies...it was a wonderful day and I think the world of you two!

Snap shots

2011-08-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

While getting ready for our garage sale this weekend, I was working in the garage and snapping pictures of some of the items to post on the ksl ad and had to snap a few shots of the cutest thing in the garage. My cute little baby girl was all smiles for the camera! Too cute!

Swimming Lessons

2011-08-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

The kids are LOVING swim lessons. Abbie and Kaden are in the same Level 1 class and Isaac is in Level 2 swim class.

Kaden has learned to put his head all the way under water.

This is the kids first attempt of jumping in the deeper end and learning how to swim back to the surface.

Kaden

Abbie

Kaden after first swim lesson.

Abbie after first swim lesson.

Isaac after swim lessons. Isaac's class was on the opposite end of the pool and I didn't get a good picture of him.

The kids have another week of swimming lessons and they are so excited they have a WHOLE other week. I guess that's a good sign!!

A Bee Sting or War Paint

2011-08-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

Isaac came in from the backyard and had gotten a bee sting above his right eye. I told him to go put mud on it (even if he had to take some water and make it) because I had gotten a bee sting at the family reunion and my mom had put mud on it and it took the sting out. So, I told him to try grandma's technique and put mud on it. He came back in (with Dad's help) with not only mud on his bee sting but, war paint stripes on each cheek. Boys!! (Side note: he wore his war paint the rest of the day...too funny...love you buddy!)

Millett Family Reunion 2011

2011-08-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

A Millett Family Reunion can't be had without some late nights playing games. We started the day by setting up camp and then having Japanese for dinner in honor of Dustin. While we were driving to camp(we were the last to arrive because we have kids in year round school) we kept driving towards the dark clouds that looked like rain...and rain it did!! It was a terrential down pour for a half an hour then cleared up. We were so blessed we had a large pavillion to hang out under and make and eat dinner.

Once the kids were in their jammies for the night and the games started. The kids rode their scooters around the tables. Here's Kaden riding his scooter.

Ian

Reed relaxing

Here's us playing games into the night. You can see the Japanese lanterns that had been hung for our Japanese dinner.

The next morning we took the yearly family pictures. Here is John, Allisha and family.

Mom, Dad and Jordan (if you think his hair is wild...he had just taken out the rubber band crazy hair-do that us sister's had given him and this was better than it had been. LOL)

Reed, Cassy and Family

Ashley and Family

Justin, Adrienne and Family

The kids only needed a few sticks to make them happy. They made forts in the bushes and had many of them around the camp.

Kaden playing in the bushes.

Abbie on her scooter.

The kids loved playing with the bubbles.

The lanterns down the center table where we ate our Japanese food.

Reed and Brooklyn on the foot bridge.

Everyone hanging out on the foot bridge after taking family pictures.

Then it was on to a game of baseball. We divided up to two teams.

Ian up to bat

Isaac tagging Ian as he ran for home base.

Brooklyn sleeeping in her stroller the first night. It was a bit cool at night.

Isaac hitting the ball.

Jordan and his "cool" sunglasses

That afternoon...in the heat of the day....grandpa and Reed launched a water fight.

Reed showing his weapon

Grandpa and his water gun

The kids were constantly back to the water to fill their water guns and balloons.

Morgan tried to dump a bucket on grandpa

Then the kids resorted to trash can lids to use as shields to defend against grandpa and Uncle Reed. It was a fun water fight to watch.

Then it was the whirley pop contest. This was our entry as classic cherry jell-o popcorn.

This was John and Allisha's cinnavun carmel corn and it was delicious.

Garrett and Jordan were in the contest for the first time this year. Garrett made cream filled chocolate dipped strawberries over a simple popcorn.

Ashley made turtle popcorn balls....delicious!!

Adrienne and Justin made S'mores popcorn

Then it was time for dinner. Reed and I made grilled chicken sandwiches, dutch oven red potatoes, corn on the cob and a lemonade/fruit mix-in.

Then it was time for the night's activities.....the whirley pop winner announced and John and Allisha won with their Cinnabon Carmel Corn. Yum Yum Yum!!!

We then watched our old home movies. It was SO MUCH FUN!! Adrienne made us all copies of the hour long movie she had made! It was so fun to see us all as kids and having our kids see that.

Kaden fell asleep during the home movies and we had to carry him to his bed.

Reed took time to sight in his bow while we were having down time.

The last morning we were at the reunion we went to the fish hatchery in white rocks. It was really fascinating to see how they stock the lakes in Utah.

Reed got excited seeing all the fish and starting showing me his reeling skills. You're funny!!

Each one of these bins held 15,000 baby fish.

There were trout, cutthroat and a ton of other species.

Then we were to head out to see the "big" fish!! The kids were so excited that they were out to the front window before the adults could get there. This is the kids looking at us in the window trying to hurry all the adults along. Too cute!!

The building has been built recently over the large fish ponds. Apparently Herring would come in and gorge themselves silly with fish that they could barely hop back over the fence. They even tried using electric fences but the birds would put their beaks between the ropes and still eat the fish. So they now have this enclosure over the fish tanks. They said that they were down 30,000 lbs of fish that they would lose each year to the Herring Birds. Crazy right?

The "fish guy" was very popular with the kids especially when he gave the kids food to feed the fishes.

The door was barely opened and the kids were excited to get in to see the fish.

Abbie with her fish food.

Isaac and Kaden feeding the fish.

The fish would make a huge splash. The kids would scream then go throw more food in. They loved feeding the fish.

The building is HUGE!!

The large fish.

Heading back to the cars and Uncle Jordan is being Uncle Jordan and "torturing" AKA "fun time" picked up Abbie and was teasing her.

This is the sign to our camp.

This is us all packing up and getting the last of our stuff from the pavillion.

On the way home we stopped at Strawberry Reservoir to go fishing.

Kaden was excited to go fishing and caught the only thing all day.....a crawfish!

Isaac baited his own hook this time! He's growing up!

Reed had to untangle A LOT of lines due to the high water.

The kids posing for Mom...smile kiddo's!!

Reed was the only one brave enough to pick up Kaden's crawfish. Kaden was excited he caught it but, wouldn't hold it for a picture.

Reed showing me the crawfish.

Brooklyn and Mom hanging out watching everyone else fish.

Abbie was a great fisher even though she didn't end up catching anything.

We had a great time at reunion this year. The highlight for me was the home movies. It was so fun seeing Dustin again on video. I miss him and it was fun seeing him when he was younger. It was SO fun seeing all of us when we were younger. It was also fun telling Reed about things as we watched the movie. Now he understands why we call Patsy our second Mom...she's in a lot of our movies and did a ton with our family. Love you Patsy! This year's reunion we missed two families that weren't able to make it. Miss you Jennie and Nichole! We love all of you and were so excited to spend a few days camping with all of you. It was relaxing and so much fun! Can't wait 'til next year!!

Puppies

2011-08-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

We just had our last puppy fly to it's home in Canada this last week. This male was the last one to go. Abbie sure loved having the puppies! The kids loved having them but, knew we had them for a limited time before they got to go to their new owners. No tears (surprised about that) but, we had told the kids from the get-go that we would get them for a few weeks and then they would go to their new owners. We played with the puppies every night for hours. We have some of the funniest videos of five puppies chasing Isaac around the yard and by some of the last days(before they started going home), Isaac REALLY had to run to keep ahead of them. It was sure fun to watch!

Cute puppies!

The last puppy was scheduled to fly out while I was at work so Reed took the kids to the airport to fly the last puppy to it's home. Reed took this picture of the kids with the puppy before it went on the airplane.

Reed had Abbie try to take a picture of him with his last puppy. Of course....a few(okay...like everyone but this last one) had Reed's head cut off. Too funny!!(I just had to include one of them) Oh well, the kids had a great time at the airport. It has been a fun adventure having the puppies and we feel very blessed that it only took ten days from the day they could start going home (day 49) to sell all the puppies and that they went to such GREAT families. Two of the puppies flew on airplanes to their new owners. We loved having them but feel very blessed that the families that took them home love them just as much as we did!

Food Storage Shelves

2011-08-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

After three years of being in this home we finally got around to building our food storage shelves. We had been using our wheat buckets with a few boards for shelves and it wasn't cutting it anymore. I had just purchased some more wheat (our ward went together and got a semi load) for Brooklyn because we didn't have any for her. We brought the wheat down to the storage room that saturday morning and we were at the lumber store by 1 p.m. and finishing up the shelves that evening.

It was hard to find the space to build them because we had to scoot everything from that side of the room to the other side. The shelves were too big to build outside of this room because we wanted them to go floor to ceiling (make the most of the space we had). So we worked in tight quarters to build the first shelf and then stuffed them full so we could have space to build the other wall of shelves.

To make these shelves we used 2 sheets of plywood(cut exactly in half at the hardware store which made the shelves 2 feet deep) 8 2x4's and 8 2x3's. We used six of the 2x4's for the "legs" and two 2x4's for the end of each shelf for braces. The 2x3's were used to hold the shelf. We used the smaller board size so it wouldn't eat into our shelf space.

Reed and I built the shelves together but, he did the majority of the work. He is really handy!!

The shelves are so sturdy and we made them to fit the items we had in our storage.

This is the second shelf. They fit together in one corner.

We attatched the shelf to the wall and it is as solid as a rock!!

Abbie loved sitting in the chair holding Brooklyn! She loved to watch everything going on and Isaac helped so he could pass off his requirement for wolves in cub scouts. Nothing like killing two birds with one stone.....plus I got shelves!!!!

The bottom shelf was made the perfect height so we could slide our heavy buckets underneath. The next shelf holds #10 cans and in back of them is our water.

We could fit sixteen buckets underneath each shelf.

On one of the shelves we added a front guard so my bottles couldn't come off and break in the event of a earthquake. Also...so they couldn't be pushed(not that kids would do that) accidently from one side.

This is everything we used to build these shelves....a drill, extension cord, saw (not seen in this picture because it was outsid but, only used to cut the braces for the end of the shelves because we had the sheets of plywood cut at the store and it was free)a box of screws, level, and a pencil. Simple tools to build the shelves.

Now that everything has it's place, it looks like we are ready for the case lot sales. Yipee!!!

So organized!!! I love it!! They were pretty simple to build and they will be put to good use!!! It only took us three years to get around to do this! Oh well, better late than never and perfect timing before all the case lot sales and garden harvesting!

First Day of School

2011-07-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

The kids started school last Tuesday and they are loving their teachers. Isaac is in the third grade and has Mrs. Bingham for his teacher.

Abbie started first grade and has Mrs. Imler for her teacher.

Kaden has Mrs. Jordan and is starting Kindergarten. We were about five minutes later than I planned on leaving because I wanted to take a few pictures.....classic, right? You have to have first day of school pictures!!

We have to park across the street on the road because everyone else was taking their kids on the first day of school also so I get all of the kids out of the car and just need to pick-up Brooklyn out of her carseat so we could fight the crowds and find the kids classrooms. I pick her up and she has a HUGE poopy diaper. Luckily, not on any of the clothes, (yet!!) and so I hurry to the passenger seat(away from the road) and hurry to change her diaper. We got her cleaned up without having to change her clothes and we were finally ready to find the kids classrooms. I think Abbie was the last one to her class (not late, though) because the third grade hall (we dropped off Isaac first) was before the first grade hall, we had to take pictures in front of the house before we left and the poopy diaper incident. Needless to say, it was a very busy morning!!

The kids all ready for their first day of school.

Isaac finding his locker. He is now number twenty which is different from last year when he was number twenty-three and wrote it on EVERYTHING. So, I guess I should get used to seeing his name and the number twenty by it for the next year.

Putting his book bag away.

Finding his seat.

Abbie at her desk. She has already made new friends. She really likes her teacher.

One interesting thing is that Abbie is now requesting different hair styles. The first day of school I (Mom) chose the hair down, curled under and a flower to match her blouse. No big deal, right? The next day started with a request. SHE asked for a side pony tail with ringlets. (The first day it happened I just shrugged and did the hair style) By the next day she was asking for a bun with her hair wound around it and a white curly-ribbon bow. That evening we took baths and she asked to have her hair put in curlers(she wanted curly hair for the final day of school that week and she NEVER asks for curlers to sleep in). We had curly hair with a purple flower headband. This is the first time ever that she has requested hair styles. Last year (kindergarten) she would beg me for just a little hair barrett in the front of her hair to keep her hair out of her eyes (anything simple) which is a huge contrast from this year where I've already had hair style requests!! My little girl is growing up!

Abbie's name on her desk!

We went to Kindergarten (later that morning) to meet the teacher and get the low-down on what will go on in Kindergarten. Kaden and I happened to be the first one there (we made sure to leave a little early because we didn't want to be late if we had another poopy diaper incident) so we got to meet his teacher and talk with her for a few minutes before everyone else came. Kaden just LOVES his teacher!!

Kaden LOVES his kindergarten teacher. He tells me so everyday how nice she is!! I am SO glad he likes her...and I do too...I think she will be great for Kaden, my sweet little boy!

Congratulations on completing your first week of school!! You guys will do GREAT this year!! Love ya and miss ya during the day!! (thank goodness Kaden only goes half day, I miss you guys!)

Happy 10th Anniversary!

2011-07-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on July 21st. It's crazy to think it's been ten years already. I know that when we were first married we always said that we would go on some big cruise or do something big when we FINALLY made it to our tenth wedding anniversary but, that's not going to happen this year. We have a beautiful daughter that is attatched SOOOOO no cruise.

We decided to keep it simple yet nice so we took the older three kids to Reed's Moms for a sleep-over. We actually left Brooklyn with Reed's mom also, while we went to dinner and then picked her back up to come back with us.

Reed surprised me (I had no idea where we were going for dinner) with reservations at The Roof on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I was REALLY surprised. He surprised me further by having flowers at our table (the window table with the best view of the Salt Lake Temple) with a Happy Anniversary Card. (I know I always tell him not to waste money on flowers but, this was nice surprise.) It was a delicious dinner with decadent desserts.

View from our table (taken on Reed's phone). We watched the sun set as we ate our dessert. BEAUTIFUL!!

For gifts we both gave sentimental gifts. Reed wrote me a long letter (I've been telling him for years that I would love a long letter for those times when you need to read and re-live your own love story....to remember why you love your partner in the first place) He didn't dissapoint!!

I gave him a card with a heartfelt message and a little token inside. I took a dime (signifying ten) and used a metal stamp to stamp our initials in the metal. I drilled a hole in the center so he coud put it on his keychain (he has kept a subway token from New York, where he served his mission on his keychain for years.) I wanted another something he could keep with him always.

Instead of staying somewhere(carting all the baby gear we would need) we stayed at home. I spent the morning (while Reed was at work) setting our bedroom and bathroom up like a hotel, complete with a fresh stack of towels in the bathroom. I tried to make it our own little get-away.

Reed, I know we always wanted to get away for this anniversary but, having our baby girl has been such a gift this year. I love you! Ten years isn't nearly long enough and I am so glad we get to spend Eternity together! I Love you, Reed!

Splash Pad

2011-07-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

The kids and I are trying to make the most of our summer so we stopped at the Riverdale Splash Pad. Isaac jumped right in and was soaking within the first minute of being there.

Abbie and Kaden were intruiged by the water and slowly walked around the splash pad twice before I had to prod them to go get wet. I've never seen them timid but, they were just looking at everything and slowly walking around....they were joined at the hip.....and I finally had to remind them why we came....TO GET WET!! (I don't even think they realized that they had walked around the place twice before I told them to get wet...too funny!)

You can see them (Abbie and Kaden) slowly walking around, looking at everything.

Brooklyn, sitting with me on the bench enjoying the warm weather....in the shade.

She loved watching all the kids playing.

Isaac's favorite thing is the shooting cannons. Him and the other kid would aim it at each other and squirt. Then you would find the both hanging on, looking away and still spraying. (I will never understand why that is fun)

They would spray each other for minutes...neither of them looking! Too funny...BOYS!!

Abbie loved the "mushroom" water! Kaden loved the squirting fountains!

Then the kids would come back, warm back up and then go back to get wet! This routine went on the entire time at the splash pad.

Kaden

Isaac

Abbie went to show me how she likes to get in the middle of the "mushroom" fountain and the pressure went down right as she tried to get inside. Needless to say, she got soaked!!

Abbie

It was SO much fun going to this splash pad! We LOVE summer and wish it was longer!