Kids say the cutest things!

Kaitlyn was coming down with cold-like symptoms. I told her she needed to have quiet time because she’s got a cold and needs to rest & get better. Kaitlyn’s reply “but I’m not cold mommy”. I explained that a cold isn’t because you feel cold it’s when you have the sniffes and cough. Her reply to that: “well that’s kinda funny”. When she awoke from her nap, she ran to tell Ally what she had learned. She forgot what it was called and asked me. I explained. She looked at Ally and said “Ally isn’t that CRA-ZY…that’s what I have! I just think that’s SO crazy mom!”

I went to pick up Ruby for a play date with Kaitlyn. Arica tells Ruby to get ready, cause she’s going to Andrea’s. Ruby’s reply “Is she going to be the mommy?”

Kaitlyn was determined to have something, although I couldn’t figure out what she was talking about. She took me to the fridge, opened the door and pointed, very frustrated at this point, she looked at me dumb-founded. “Al-we-gator!” She was pointing at Gaterade.

Ally tripped over the stool (a training potty) in the bathroom. “Mom, when are we finally going to get rid of this stupid potty. Everyone knows how to use the toilet, Mom! Kaitlyn’s response: “Ally…we CAN’t get rid of it (with attitude)….we need it for camping!”

The latest (last night): Ally looked out the window while driving to Grandma’s. “Mom, look at the sky!” I did my best to look out her window, while stopped at a traffic light. “What is it honey?” She says: “see that thing that looks like Heavenly Father! You know, the lines coming down from the sun! Isn’t it SO pretty! Have you ever seen anything like it?!”

I love these moments….it’s SO FUN to be a parent!

Another addition....

Yes, another goat has been added to the farm. He is a nigerian dwarf, the same breed as Cocoa. We named "the boyfriend" Biff. I'm not sure how lucky Cocoa and Cloe are...he sure has some disgusting habits. After looking into stud fees, it was much more cost effective to purchase a male...but I'm not sure how long we'll be able to deal with the stink. More than likely, we'll sell him in a month or two. Once we know his job is done ;-)


Can you see the new chicken pen? It's in the background of the above photo. It can be transported around the yard, includes nesting boxes and has a lid to retreive the eggs once the chickens start laying. Way to go Hun!

I WONDER WHAT THE NEXT ADDITION WILL BE? LOL

Becca's married!

I've known Rebecca since she was two. I had the privilage of babysitting her for a few years and am glad we have kept in touch through the years. She was my flower girl when she was 9...an adorable one I must say (you can see her peeking behind my dress in my wedding pic in on of the pics from our 11 year anniversary post last June).
Becca, you are beautiful. I am thrilled I was able to attend your wedding and reception. We wish you many happy years together! Duncan is one lucky man! Congrats you two!

"Touch the temple and it will touch you"

"Touch the temple and it will touch you" This is a comment our beloved prophet, Thomas S Monson has stated to the children. I mentioned this statement to the girls a couple weeks ago. When I came out of the temple Ally commented that she was able to touch the temple (she was very excited). The temple has brought many blessings to our life. My hope is that the girls will always remember the sweet feelings they have when they are on the temples sacred grounds. It truely is one of Heavenly Fathers greatest gifts here on the earth.

Thank you Jeannie for watching the girls while I attended my Becca's wedding. We all had a really nice time and are grateful we could enjoy a peaceful afternoon and lovely picnic together.

The Rodeo...a family tradition!

This was our 12th year attending the rodeo. The only bad part about that sentence is Great Grandpa was unable to attend. We are grateful for the 11 years he went with us, but understand it's better for him to be home then in all those crowds.

There were many fun sites. I had to take a picture of the rodeo princess...since that what the girls dream to be (at the moment). The Jaws, Claws and Paws was exciting...Jeremy always gets his thrills from the big game. Can you tell how much fun Jer had on the tea cups with the girls? I think he had more fun than they did. Too bad he spun them so fast that Kaitlyn that couldn't bring her head forward (lucky, no one got sick and they were all smiling afterward). Dock dogs was fun. We got to see how far the dogs could jump into the pool and catch their toy. The baby animals were adorable...especially the 3 goats climbing on their mother (we are going to have to breed our goats this fall!) The family agrees that the most fun was the Farris Wheel and the Rodeo. They weren't too scared and they actually payed attention this year :) Good times...I LOVE Family TRADITIONS!

Heather & Mya

When I arrived at mom's, monday afternoon, my neice Mya was fast asleep in Grandma's arms. Heather arrived shortly after and boy was Mya happy to see her mama. These smiles came seconds after hearing Heather. Aren't mom and daughter cure as can be!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Happy Birthday to the man of the house! You are an amazing father, husband and friend. We are very lucky to have you in our lives and cherish every moment. LOVE YOU!

Reaching the top

The photos above are taken at the top of multnomah falls. It was great to reach the top, the view was amazing and quite rewarding. It's only a 1 mile hike, but on a warm day and carrying a child half-way (thanks to Grandpa's help the second half) I was quite exhausted. This was our last opportunity to spend time with Leif, Rachel, Kierstin, Wes and Westin before they all headed back home. We're grateful for the time we got to spend with them and will miss them all until we meet again. Love you guys!

Overcoming Fears

We are SO proud of Ally! The day before we left the beach she overcame her fear of going under water. This has been a huge dilemma in the past. A couple years ago, she was kicked out of her swimming class because of her fear and taking too much class time away from the other children. The instructor told me she would need private lessons before coming back. Thursday night, everyone but Rachel and Leif left the pool. Rachel and I decided to work with her a little. It started with encouraging her to go under 3 times. 3 times turned into 30! We are so happy she got the hang of it. She's now excited for swim lessons and no longer has a fear of baptism when she turns 8! YEA for ALLY....and THANKS Rachel for ALL your help!

Beach Trip #2

This was our second year having a family trip where everyone was able to attend. It was a relaxing week that could not have been planned at a better time. Back home it was 107 degrees and miserable (according to all who were watching our place). The family had a great time together. We can't believe how fast the family is growing....who knows how many babies could come along by the end of 2010!


We were amazed at views that came out our back windows. The family was separated into 3 separate condos. Each condo was nice with fabulous views. In the bottom right picture, we were able to snap a shot of one of the many whale sitings. They were about 30 feet out and incredible to watch. The girls and I were able to attend an informative class on the resident grey whales. Each time the kids spotted a whale they thought it was "Eagle Eye" a resident whale that the instructor/biologist named.


I don't think Becky will be very happy with me...but I think this is a very cute picture of Jeremy and his siblings. It's the only picture I have of all 8 of them smiling and looking at the camera.


The grandkids had a blast playing together. I don't think there ever was a quarrel.


Tom and Jeannie are great grandparents. They show nothing but love to each of them. Can you tell how happy they are?


Grandma didn't scream when Jeremy threw her over his shoulder.
Aunt Rachel had fun making a sand turtle with all her neices and nephews.
Uncle Wes was the first to jump the waves in the freezing cold water.
Jeremy showed the kids how to dig for sand fleas & chase Rachel down.
Katie & Aaron were caught having a little romance.
Kierstin and Becky did what they could to keep Westin and Tori from eating sand.
Aunt Lairen took turns spending time with all the kids
Andrea loved snapping pics and playing frisbee with Dad, Steve, Rachel & Wes


Our family had a great vacation. Thanks Mom & Dad for making this such a memorable week!

"Daddy's Got Crabs Mama"

I couldn't resist the post title! There were lots of jokes cracked at Jeremy's expense. It was my first time crabbing thanks to some friends in our ward loaning out some crab pots. We had a great time catching 18 red rocks and 1 (legal) dungeness crab. Our girls couldn't stop the remarks each time Jeremy pulled up the crab pot and saw the crabs...the giggles continued throughout the week.

This was the first time any of us had seen sea stars (like a star fish with 20 or more legs). A seal, jelly fish and star fish were other exciting creatures the girls got to see. We had a blast!

Sleeping Under the Stars

On our week break Jeremy and I decided to sleep under the stars. The decision was made after the girls had fallen asleep. We left the door and a couple windows open in case the girls woke up in the middle of the night. Good thing we did cause Kaitlyn went to our room to snuggle and found no one. She screamed like crazy at 2am! Jeremy said he's never seen me run so fast :) A couple nights later the girls needed their fix....it's always fun sleeping under the stars!

Nathan's Visit

My second oldest brother Nathan and his family came to visit the day we got back from camping. They love in Virginia and we are grateful for the time we got to spend with him and his girls. Ksenya, the oldest neice on my side, is 9 years old. She and Ally were hip to hip the majority of the time and had a blast together. Kylie and Crystal, the twins, are 5 years old. I hadn't seen them in 2 1/2 years and boy have they grown! It was such a joy to get to know them and have some quality time together. Kaitlyn loved every minute she got to spend with them. I wish I could post some pictures, but need to respect the wishes of my brother and sister-in-law. They have asked us not to post any of their girls on the intenet...there are so many adorable pics...it has been hard! We had sleepovers two of the 3 nights. What a blast!

Unfortunately, Christine had a wedding to attend in Lake Tahoe so our time with her was limited.

Thanks for your time with us! We love you and hope we get to see you again soon!

The Ultimate Camping Experience

The girls have been such troopers with all the driving that's taken place over the past couple weeks. Luckily, living in the northwest there's nothing but beauty all 'round.


After a day's break at home from the beach, we left for another family outting. This time we went camping (with Porter and his family). We have friends in Oregon that have over 400 acres of beautiful property. A ranch that has fulfilled a life-long dream. We are so fortunate for an invitation to come up and camp for Porter and Jen's last night with us!

Rod has his own park by the creek for mini reunions and such. He finds much joy in entertaining the little ones with all the joys of his ranch life.



A hot day camping, cooled off quick by the creek and cool water! The girls couldn't wait to jump on the water slide and take their dip in the water. It was a blast just watching the girls. Ally was the most fun to watch...she flew down that slide...almost toppling over the edge several times. After about an hour of sliding, the fun was spoiled when Ally flew off her donut, 4 feet in the air, and landed belly down...slamming her hip and knees down on the slide (I was afraid she would come up with a broken nose). She was done at that point and Porter decided to show the girls how to make their own pool by building a damm in the creek.


Ally has been fascinated with horses since she was two or three. We have been up to the ranch a couple of times to ride. There are moments when she's riding that make me feel as if she's never been happier. I really need to sign her up for lessons!

The top picture shows the horses mare. The two horses needed to stay in each others line of site.


I can't believe that these are the only close ups I got of Rylie and Brynlie....the others turned out too dark. This ones for you Jen! Your girls are adorable!

Look in the background and you can see the awesome cabins that Rod built himself. There are three and each has 2 sets of bunks.


Lately, all the girls talk about is their desire to be horse riders. Rod mentioned that when Ally turns 10 he'll teach her to barrel race (oh heavens!) so she can be a rodeo Queen someday.


While preparing breakfast (eggs and sauseage, yum!), Rod brought the tractor down for hay rides. Does he have the set-up or what?! So much to see and do!


So along with the lessons, promised by Rod when Ally's 10, she's also promised a horse (it's already been picked and named)! I haven't heard the end of this one! Jeremy and I have told Ally for a couple years that we don't have the space for a horse...and that there's too much work involved. Well, Rod told her to never say "you can't", replace it with "believe and and it will happen". Boy, do we have a lot to live up to!

Our family had a blast...these are memories never to be forgotten! Thanks Rod and Anita!