Bob, Krista, Jackson & Brynlee

Brynlee turns 2!!

2011-06-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is 2!! Brynlee is seriously the cutest thing ever! She is always singing and I just can't get enough of her! I still can't belive she is 2!!!

On her birthday Bob took the day off and we spent the day together as a family. We went to a splash park in the morning.

All day we kept asking Brynlee what toys she wanted and was trying to get her excited for the things we had bought her, but all she said she wanted was a pink cake.

We had Bob's brother Lane staying with us for a few days over her birthday. It's always fun to have his excitement around for holidays!!!

She got a pee wee pillow pet for her babies to match her pillow pet

The next Saturday we invited a few friends over for a Fun in the Sun birthday party outside.

I think she probably ate 4 cupcakes... that's my girl!

I can't get enough of her!!! Happy Birthday Brynlee!!!

Random pics

2011-06-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Bob and I spent our anniversary in Sedona. The kids had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa Bigler one night and a sleepover with Kim the other night. Thanks Grandma Widmer for the time share points!!!

Pics of the kids...

Brynlee and I showing off our pedicures

We did a co op preschool this year with Jackson and his friends and the moms each took turns teaching. We had a little preschool graduation and party night since our group will change next year. Don't laugh at our ghetto outfits... I thought they were cute. :)

Exhausted
Grandma Griffiths came a few weeks ago and spent a few days with us. The kids loved having her here and she loved spending time with the kids and enjoying the sunshine!

Road Trip

2011-06-04T16:50:00.001-07:00

Bob recently had to do a few site visits for work. They only take about 20 minutes at each location, but he had to travel to a number of locations so the kids and I tagged along.

He had 2 visits in Las Vegas so we stayed at MGM and hung out with the Lions.

The kids favorite is always M&M's house

Another visit in St. George and then a quick trip through Provo and headed to more visits in Salt Lake. Then spent the weekend in Ogden visiting Bob's parents and siblings there.

Bob and Bill in his new Camaro aka "Monica".

The Ogden Marathon was while we were there so we cheered on Melissa (sister in law) on her first marathon!! The kids were so cute yelling "Good job runners!" The kids also did a 1K kids race. So cute.

Bowling at FatCats

Brynlee with Bob's sister Courtney

Bob with his sister Ali and his Dad

Ali and Jackson

Brynlee and Grandma

Playing with cousins

Moab

2011-05-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

We drove to Moab again this year for the Moab Jeep Safari week and again had a blast!! We met Bob's dad Dave and Karen and were joined by many family members and friends.

It was a long drive but the kids did great and enjoyed many movies...

Getting ready for our Jeep run in Grandpa's Jeep

This ride was a guided ride that you had to sign up for and was limited to 40 Jeeps. Everyone's letting the air out of their tires before the big ride.

All ready to go. As Jackson describes it, "It was a little scary and a little fun." They both were pretty funny to watch when they got scared, but I think they had a good time climbing the mountain in grandpa's Jeep. They both get super excited now whenever they see a Jeep.

Took a break for lunch at the top before heading down

On the tough parts they usually help guide each other down

I think someone forgot to guide Jill.

She is an amazing driver but was just a little off and she rolled on her side. It was total slow motion and really didn't do much damage and everyone was fine. It was pretty crazy to watch though.

Everyone around worked together to help get it back on all fours.

A couple days were still pretty cool and Jackson loved wearing a few winter clothes

Jackson had a blast with his cousin Braden and instead of each having their own bunk they shared the top.

The Easter bunny found us... in fact, I think they had a few Easter bunnies come this year!

This is usually as good as pictures get around here

Brynlee and her cousin Mikayla

Dave and Karen brought their dogs and Courtney's boyfriends brought his puppy and the kids had a BLAST with the dogs!!! I think they were the highlight of their trip.

This picture cracks me up...they look like they have the same hair stylist

There were a ton of caterpillars outside and they LOVED holding them. It was fun because we just did a caterpillar/butterfly unit in preschool and they had just let their butterflies go.

Bob and Brynlee napping. Her leg is so funny!

We hiked Delicate Arch and Jackson was did awesome! He hiked all the way to the top by himself and most of the way down.

Grandma made it as far as she could and then Dave and Grandma walked back to the car

We used a little playdough bribery to get Jackson to make it on the hike

Major projects revealed...

2011-03-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

We have lived in our house 9 months and have finished up a few major projects. We did hire help to put in the pool fence and install turf, but have done all of the other work ourselves. We have built some simple shelves in the garage, painted the whole downstairs, painted the front door, I redid a hutch, and just finished painting the cabinets. Here are some pics...

Garage before shelves

I bought a hutch on craigslist for $100 to store some of my craft stuff and spray paints.

I painted it red, added bead board, and painted the hardware.

Looks great in my office

This is the only before shot of the front door

Painted the front door red, glazed it, painted the hardware, painted the walls, put in a new light, and there is a sneak peak at my kitchen cabinets.

Did the same outside.

Dining room

Didn't do much, just painted the walls and stuff on the walls

And now for the kitchen...

I have to give a shout out to my good friend Kailey! She spent many hours helping me paint and many hours with aching muscles from bending over and painting! A buddy Troy who brought over his tools and helped redo the island add the molding to the cabinets. And of course all of my great friends for hanging out with my kids while we worked! I am so lucky for such great friends!!!

Added molding, primed, painted, glazed, and clear coated the cabinets, added bead board and wood to the island and did the same painting process. Took 3 or 4 weeks for the kitchen.

I still need to add my hardware and would love to use a router and make one of the cabinets have a glass front and of course the flooring is horrible, but for now, I am happy.

Everyday happenings

2011-03-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Has it seriously almost been 3 months since I posted??? Ahhhhh. Time flies by!! We have stayed home a lot more the last few months and I have done some serious painting around here. I will keep those pics for the next post. But for now, here is what the kids and I have been up to...

St. Patricks Day

Our green dinner

Movie outside

Kim's been teaching a sports class to some people in the neighborhood and ward. The kids have LOVED it!! She did a one month session and is starting a new session next week. We love Coach Kim! It's pretty cute to hear kids at church say, "I know you, you're my sports coach!"

They each got a medal on the last day

We've gone to the zoo a couple times

Brynlee met a friend

My cousin Susan and her family came down for a wedding and stayed for a few days. Here is her little Jeremy with the kids at the zoo.

At the park

Brody and Jackson both as Buzz Lightyear

Train park

In January we took a weekend trip to Sedona with Ang the kids

Random pics...

A girl in the neighborhood left her shoes at the park and Jackson loved them! Ha ha. Don't worry we figured out who they belonged to so he could return them and lose the temptation of wearing them.

Iphone and a baby...what else could she ever need?!

Busy month...

2010-12-22T10:35:00.001-08:00

Where to even start...this month has been crazy busy.

First off, my mom first noticed Jackson's eyes were a little off a couple months ago but I didn't know what she was talking about. Well a few weeks later I started to notice and then it got progressively worse the next couple weeks so of course we took him in.

We went to Arizona Pediatric Eye Specialists and learned that he has accomodative estropia. Basically he is far sided so he can't see things very good up close. He tries to focus his eyes to see things more clearly and one eye would turn inward.

We got his some glasses and he has to wear and an eye patch for 1 hour a day to strengthen the weaker eye that tends to turn in

We got a cool eye patch that goes onto his glasses but he would rather look like a pirate for an hour a day. :)

Bye bye Bob's car...

Other news...Bob got in a pretty bad car accident almost 3 weeks ago. Someone ran a red light and crashed right into him. His car is obviously totaled, but he is doing alright. He had some bruising from the seat belt but that cleared up. His knee and neck are still pretty sore and he has had a headache now for almost a week so he started seeing a chiropractor this week.

Car searching hasn't been too fun. He loved his Altima so we decided we would just look for another one. We actually just found a great deal in Utah so Bob's awesome dad is driving is up today and spending tomorrow with us and then flying home. Pretty crazy we bought a car we have never seen before!

Getting ready for Christmas

We have been crazy busy with the holidays and loving every minute of it!!! We made Gingerbread houses with some friends.

Swimming lessons

There was a great swimming lesson deal on Groupon so I bought it for Jackson and he is LOVING being back in the water again for a month. And Brynlee loves the free suckers...

Random Pics

Brynlee got her first baby a few weeks ago and they are inseparable

Family Pictures

We had our family pictures take by Beth Curtis Photography and loved how they turned out!

Captain Jack is Turning 3!

2010-11-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Even though tomorrow is Jackson's birthday we had his party last Saturday. I loved that he wanted a Pirate birthday because it was so easy to come up with activities.

Captain Jack himself

We played Duck, Duck, Goose as everyone arrived

We had about 6 activities set up and the kids walked around and did the activity and got a prize.

There was the pirate cut out and they got a pirate hat after I took their picture

(ordered from oriental trading for like $5 and glued it on some cardboard- easy peezy)

Pretend you are captain hook (cut an X in plastic cup and pop in a candy cane and then hold candy cane inside the cup) and pick up some pretzels.

Then pick a pirate sword or hook

Dig for treasure in the sandbox

(pirate earing, gold coins, mardi gras necklaces, rings)

Bean bag toss and get a pirate tattoo

Walk the plank (across the pool) and get an eye patch

Dollar tree had had, sword or hook, and eye patch all three for $1!!

And my personal favorite...Sword fight Bob and get a pirate ring

My first fondant cake

Happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you...happy birthday dear Jackson...happy birthday to you!!

Jackson has already told me a couple times that next year he wants a shark party or a dinosaur party. Ha ha.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!

Good bye mowing and watering!!!

2010-11-11T17:09:00.001-08:00

Well we did it again. We had all of our grass ripped out and put fake turf in. I know, we are crazy. There is something about having beautiful real grass that cannot be beat, but we really like turf.

Our new place has decent front yard grass, but the grass in the backyard is horrible. It is hard to describe, but it is spongy like. No kidding when you step you sink like 2-3 inches in some spots. Well we still have a little bit of this nasty grass by the pool, but the large area of grass in the back is gone. Yahoo!!!

We love playing outside now!!! Literally for the past 2 weeks the kids and I are out there from 3-5 every day!

All our grass sitting in the front yard...

This last one is a little cheating because took out 2 little plants.

Like father like son...

2010-11-11T14:25:00.001-08:00

Bob, Kim, and I are training for a half Marathon the first week in December. Bob has been battling shin splints for over a month now. He has spent many morning and evening icing his shins and ankles.

This morning went something like this.

J: Mom I need ice.

me: Why do you need ice Jackson.
J: Because my knees hurts right here (and points to his ankles)

I knew what was coming so I ran and grabbed the camera to capture his next few moments.

Halloween Fun...

2010-11-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

We had our usual Halloween fun at our ward Halloween carnival, Bob's work Halloween Party, and of course trick or treating. Jackson has been wearing his costume for months, but he still loved wearing it! And it was even more fun being a football player when you have a cheerleader, coach, referees and snack vendor dressed up with you.

Brynlee put her candy and good in her purse

Pumpkin Patch...

2010-11-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

We had a quick trip to the pumpkin patch this year, but got in our tractor ride and kids picked out their pumpkins

Disneyland take 2...

2010-11-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ever since our trip to Disneyland in September Jackson has said almost everyday, "Lets go to Disneyland today." He loved it so much!! When my sister Angela invited me to bring my kids and tag along with her familyon their family Disneyland trip I was very tempted. The fact that they had room in their car, I could just crash in their hotel, and both of my kids are free (both under 3) made it very temping!!! All I would have to pay for is food and my Disney ticket. Although, I knew it would be a little rough with just me and both kids. So I couldn't decide what to do. Well my parents were in town and my mom said she would keep Brynlee so, of course, the decision was made. Spoiled Jackson and I got 2 trips to Disneyland in 1 month.

Spent a little time at the beach

And the pier

Brock, Angela, Austin, and Brody

The kids were intrigued by the fisherman

Dinner and arcade break (funny thing is I don't think any of these kids really played)

Hanging out in the hotel

Austin and Brody both recently got Pillow Pets and they gave Jackson one for his early birthday present so all boys were in heaven.

Shuttle to Disneyland

The first day we did Mickeys Halloween party and the 2nd was a regular day of Disneyland

Brody LOVED space mountain

Jackson's favorite ride...Buzz Lightyear. I think he did it 8 or 9 times with both Disneyland trips

It was so great of my mom to keep Brynlee. Defintely much easier without her. And it was so nice to come home from a trip and have tons of pictures and especially some with me in it. An advantage of traveling with another mom I guess. :)

Thanks for letting me tag along Kearsleys!! It was a blast!

Hirschi Cousin Get Together....

2010-11-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

In Early October my sister Angela through a Hirschi girl cousin reunion and invited all of my cousins and aunts on my mom's side for the weekend. We ended up with I think 25 ladies and 3 nursing babies. We had a few husbands come too, but they stayed together at my parents new house in Queen Creek and let us ladies have our time.

I think we counted 47 kids we have all together that we left at home with their dads! Only Angela, Kim I live in Arizona and everyone else drove or flew in. What a nice relaxing weekend with a lot of catching up!!!

Everyone brought pictures of their families

Making waffles

With everyone from out of state (and some out of country-Canada) they were all curious about the cacti, palm trees, and scorpions. Here are a few of our nasty Arizona bugs...

Seriously the nastiest spider I have EVER seen!! It even had probably 50 baby spiders on its back that scattered when we smashed it. NASTY!!!

Tiffany and I multi-tasking. Watching conference and teaching her tricks on her phone.

There were a couple excursions here and there. We all went to see my parents new house, the swap meet, and then ventured to see our house and Kim's house. The pool was starting to cool off early October but a few still ventured in.

(can't have a post without my kiddos!!)

The cute moms with babies

My parents new house :)

As for new they will be here a few months out of the year, but hopefully in the next couple years things will change and they can be here more!!

What would life be like without sisters!?!

My mom and her siblings (minus one brother) and a couple spouses

We had some crazy Arizona storms!

One day a group went shopping and walked around the temple

What a fun weekend!!! It was great to catch up with so many cousins. I truly am blessed to have such an amazing family!!!

Super Dad!

2010-10-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Bob's "official" last day of busy season until February. We are super excited to see him a little more than for a few minutes in the morning and weekends.

Bob is such an amazing guy though and seriously never complains. His strength is what gets me through! Although he was working long hours for months, he never said ONE negative thing. He missed spending time with the kids and requested that I send at least one picture message a day showing him what fun things we did that day.

We miss him more than he will ever know when he is not here, but love every minute of our time with him. This picture goes to show that when we are home, quality time is his number one. He can't even mow the lawn without hanging out with one of the kids.

We love you Bob!

Roman and Laney's Birthday

2010-10-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Jackson and Brynlee were invited to a "cowboy and cowgirl" birthday party in September. Jackson borrowed Austin and Brody's Woody costume and looked adorable! I know I am partial because he is mine, but seriously...do they get any cuter than this?!? All the kids (and adults) had a blast, it was a super fun party!!

"Who wants to go to a party?"

Jackson got to lasso a horse

Pass the snake

After the park games the kids took a train ride to hunt for rattlesnake eggs

(the train conductor was super cute too! )

Then they took another train ride to Roman and Laney's where they had 2 ponys for pony rides... so fun!!! Jackson is still talking about it.

Brynlee would not get on by herself but she dared if Kim held her.

The birthday kids

And finally a silly string war

Go Diamondbacks....

2010-10-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Some good friends in our ward had diamondbacks suite tickets and invited us to go with them. We both have kids that are almost the same ages so we took the toddlers and both got sitters for the crazy 16 month olds so we didn't have to spend our evening chasing them around. Thanks Grandma Bigler for playing with Brynlee :)

He had 2 empty water bottles he used as clappers and loved banging them together when the crowd was loud. His favorite thing though was Baxter (Dbacks mascot).

Jackson had a great time with Brooklynn.

Thanks for the fun Jacob, DeaAnna and Brooklynn!

Disneyland and San Deigo...

2010-09-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday we drove to LA and hit up Downtown Disney. On Thursday we did Disneyland and then on Friday we spent a little time at Disneyland and the majority of the day at California Adventures. Kim rode with us in our car and we met the Eatons there. With 4 kids 2 and under and one preggo girl (Liz... not me) I was shocked that the trip was as smooth as it was! The weather was perfect and the lines were short. We never waited in line more than 10-15 minutes. The adults even got to take turns on all the "big kid" rides. What a perfect trip!!!

One of our first stops at Downtown Disney was at Ridemakerz. It's basically a build a bear for boys where they pick out their favorite parts and build a car. The boys LOVED it!

Jackson getting excited as we mapped out our next day Disneyland adventure

Before the trip I showed Jackson some videos of rides online. He was more excited about the "Ice Monster" on Matterhorn than for Mickey Mouse! The ride did not disappoint him. He was a little scared after and said he didn't want to ride it again, but talked about the Ice Monster all day and how he wanted him to come out of his ice cave.

After our busy days in LA, it was perfect to drive an hour and half to San Diego and relax at the beach. We spent 2 nights and 1 day and loved every minute. We ate great food and spent the afternoon at the beach after the morning cloud cover left.

Getting some Taco Surf grub...

The kids loved our morning hot chocolates (and whip cream)

Nothing like breakfast at Konos!

Thanks for a great trip Kim and Eatons!!! Lets do it again!!!

I wonder how long it will take for a morning to go by where Jackson doesn't ask to go to Disneyland today.

Welcome home Unlce Kevin!

2010-09-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Bob's brother Kevin returned home from his Mission in mid August.

Here he comes...

The whole family went bowling one day...

Ben and Melissa blessed Makayla one afternoon

We spent most of our time swimming at Bob's parents

Many of us went to the zoo
(of course played in the water there too)

And we had many train rides...

Lorinda and her kids stayed an extra week after everyone left so our kids had lots of time to fight, I mean play. Ha ha. No we all had a blast together!! The kids played, swam, went to kids club, went to impact gym, and hung out together.

We love having such a fun, big family!!!

teaching flashback...

2010-09-03T15:32:00.001-07:00

A few friends and I are taking turns teaching our kids preschool starting in a week and a half and I teach first so I pulled out the very few boxes I kept from teaching. While looking through my stuff I found a construction sheet of paper that I always kept on my desk and would write down my favorite quotes that my students would say. Remember these kids are all in 2nd grade so generally 7 turning 8. Here are my favorites...

While showing a show and tell "I have had this for 15 years, since I was a baby."

"I am half Mexican and half Utah."

After announcing to the class that tomorrow is so and so's birthday the soon to be birthday boy said, "Me? It's my birthday tomorrow? I be nine?" He had no idea it was almost his birthday.

I kept a tattle box near my desk so when someone wanted to tell me something that was not appropriate to tell me at that time, they would write it down and put it in the tattle box. One tattle read, "Cinty is cheating on me. From Jakob" Meaning to say cheat off me.

"I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. I am the sister"

"Hunter ruined my life."

A very blonde girl came to me and said, "Kaden said he likes blondes. That's why Shania and I are dying our hair."

2 minutes after he got back from the bathroom he asked to go again. I asked if he really did need to go again and he said, "that was #1. Now it's #2."

One girl was in the bathroom forever so I was telling her she can't waist time playing in the hall and she said, "I was trying to squeeze my poo out. Then I tried hard and it came."

"Who's Mexican raise your hand!"

"I've decided that I am not going to pick my nose anymore."

"My mom keeps snakes in the garage and 1 bit me last night." Confused I ask to see her arm and I see 2 obvious hikees that are exactly at her mouth level when she lifted her arm up. Hmmm snakes in the garage huh?

Family Pictures...

2010-08-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Bob's brother Kevin just came home from his mission a little less than 2 weeks ago. While everyone was in town we took family pictures. I think we ended up getting some really good ones!

Grandpa Bigler is our photographer so it gets a little complicated to get all the kids to look at a camera when no one is standing there, but we ended up getting some great pictures!!! With that many grandkids it gets pretty crazy and it seems like there is always atleast one kid crying. Lets just say he is getting to be a photoshop pro!!!

I love this picture...it is a perfect representation of their family!

When in town, we spend our days....

2010-08-24T16:14:00.001-07:00

Swimming in our pool...

I cannot even believe how much Jackson has learned in the 2 months we have had a pool! He now refuses to wear flooties and is swimming like a champ! His favorite thing to do is to jump off the waterfall. He can jump in the water and swim about 6 feet by himself and is learning how to take a breath and continue swimming.

This isn't a great video, but is all I have at the moment. Jackson jumping off the diving board and swimmng to the side at Grandma Bigler's house

Besides swimming we have spent our time...

doing pedicures for the girls
(Brynlee helping Kim)

Brynlee spends half her day on the table

Picnics outside on the cool days (under 103 degrees)

Playing with friends

Unpacking

Eating

And train rides (thanks grandpa Widmer!)

Can't get much better than this!

Utah in July

2010-08-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

In July the kids and I flew to Utah and spent a few days with my parents in Bear Lake and also spent some time with Mike and Tonee and their cute family. The kids LOVED playing at the Hirschi Hideout and Grandma spoiled them with lots of chocolate! It was really quiet at the hideout for being mid summer, which was really nice. And it's always fun to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Widmer.

We played at the beach, had lots of train rides, enjoyed yummy bear lake shakes, and relaxed. Ahhh so nice.

Right before this picture was taken the kids and I were standing there and Brynlee took off running. Jackson said, "Stop Brynlee that's the farm over there!!!" I was laughing and told him he was right that is the farm but that we can run and play all we want here. As you can see he took off running too.

I try to keep the kids separated in the car to keep from fighting and stealing each others stuff but they are so cute and often hold hands. Adorable.

After our 4 days with my parents Bob flew in and we spent the weekend in Ogden with his family for his dad's birthday. We took a morning to go to Provo.

We bought the kids their Halloween costumes...

The kids loved playing with their cousins

We met up with one of Bob's mission companions for lunch at a park one day.

Visiting Great Grandma Morgan

My cute little devil

Brynlee and Kiara's first tea party

Obviously the kids like their costumes...they wanted to wear them everyday

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Patty Cake with Grandma

Summer Oregon Trip

2010-08-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

In June we flew home to Oregon to do our annual fireworks stand and then stayed another week to play and go to the beach. We had a great time hanging out and seeing lifelong friends and family there. It's always great going home!!

Fireworks pics

It was so fun to have Kailey join us in Oregon!! She is one of the coolest girls I know...obviously.

At the beginning of the trip all of my siblings were there and it was great to all be together. It is always fun to watch the kids play!

Always fun meeting up with the Arnell/Ricker clan! These were at Wall Street pizza for lunch

Uncle Gene was also in town

Jackson loving the toys at Grandma and Grandpa Widmers

Multnomah Falls

We miss you Ang...

Our AZ crew...dang we are cute

Our kids slept the whole way down

One of my favorite things about going every year for fireworks is we get to be there for Sawyers birthday party! This year it was at the Dickeys and we all had a blast!!

Oregon Coast

After fireworks were all cleaned up we headed out to Seaside. My parents rented us a beach house and we enjoyed some of the beast Oregon coast weather I have ever seen!!! It was one of my favorite beach trips! Hopefully it becomes a new tradition!!!

Girls Camp...

2010-08-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

I was ward camp director this year and camp was a week after we moved. It was a crazy few weeks, but super fun! My parents were going to come watch the kids for me while I was at camp and they came a few weeks early to help watch the kids while we moved. They are the best parents ever!!

It was really fun to get to know the yw in the ward and to be there with Kim. We had a great time together! It was cute to both be homesick over the same kids. We spent a lot of time talking about how much we missed Jackson and Brynlee :) and talking about how cute they are.

Here is our ward...

May pictures

2010-08-21T21:40:00.001-07:00

Here are a few random pics from April and May

Brynlee learning to use utensils

Put put golfing with Ang and the boys

What a stud

Brynlee turns 1

2010-08-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yes I know that Brynlee's birthday is May 31 and yes I know that that is almost 3 months ago, but life has been CRAZY around here this summer. The day after Brynlee's birthday we moved and it has been insane ever since. I will post more about our summer later....but for now...my baby is 1!!!

With such a crazy week we took a break from packing, Bob took the day off, and we went to the zoo together as a family. We made a cake for the rest of the family and Brynlee got her own special one.

"How old are you?"

Bob helped her take her first bite

Not sure I like this anymore

Jackson helped her open her presents

Spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa

2010-04-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Ahhh it feels so good to be caught up on blogging and only have a short post.

Last weekend we met Dave and Karen in Las Vegas. It was a great half way meeting place and we had a great time together. As always, it went way too fast.

Jackson LOVED "M&M's house"

Happy Birthday Bob!

We celebrated Bob's birthday at Rainforest Cafe

Poor Brynlee doesn't have very many girl toys yet so Bob insisted we get and little Beauty and the Beast set and a few princesses for her to play with from the Disney store.

Good thing the Easter Bunny found us in Las Vegas!

I have been using the "Jackson you need to be nice to Brynlee the Easter bunny is watching" for about 2 months now! Might as well milk it for all its worth, right!? Ha ha. More than once now I have seen him hit or bump into her and say "Oh no, rabbit saw me" and then go apologize to her.

Mini Me LOVING her some chocolate!

Long car ride home

This was the day after we got home going for a family bike ride. Yes, the kid has asked the wear his M&M shirt everyday since we have been home. Sometimes I can talk him out of it, sometimes I can't.

Playing catch up

2010-03-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am playing catch up on everything right now. I have been so busy the last 2 months!! I have been working quite a bit for Bob's parents (early in the morning and during nap times), trying to plan for girls camp (ward camp director), still doing scouts once a week, of course trying to fit in all the kids clubs, parks, play dates, etc and at the same time trying to keep the house clean because we recently put it on the market. Needless to say, my blog has been lacking.

In February Blair, my BFF from High School, came to visit for the weekend and brought a friend. We had a great time together!! She said it was a bonus to get to see me, but she really just came for my kids. They loved playing with Autie Blair!

We ate at Cheesecake Factory and In and Out...

Kids loved her rental

We are sure loving having the train! Thanks dad!!!

One morning we made waffles...Blair thought it was pretty funny when Jackson started eating the batter.

Easter Egg Hunt

We are going out of town for Easter so we had a little Easter egg hunt at Bob's parents last weekend. Jackson and Lane were so cute gathering their eggs!! Jackson is still at the pick up two eggs, eat the candy, find more eggs, eat the candy stage, but it was really fun!!

After the egg hunt we had a bbq and grandpa taught Jackson a couple tricks

Easter Party

Jackson and a few of his friends got together this week for a little Easter Party. Each parent brought a game/craft and we sugared the kids up. It was a little chaotic with 6 2-3 year olds and 2 babies but it was totally worth it. Jackson even had to take his bunny puppet to bed with him last night. Pretty cute.

Family Mini Hike

A couple week ago we met some friends and went on a mini hike/scavenger hunt with the kids. These 3 toddlers have so much fun together (and the moms too :)! With both of our husbands in "busy season" we have met at the park often and take turns watching each others kids so there are very few days that they don't get to hang out.

We couldn't get the kids to look at the same time so I asked "who wants an M&M" and this is what we got

More Pictures

Brynlee or "Mimi" is growing soo fast!! Seriously, almost 1 already!?

My parents are home now, but it was SOOO fun to have them here for the winter. Usually we miss them when they leave, but it is nice to get back to our routine, but this year we all really miss them!! Every time we go to Kim's house Jackson asks where they are (since that is where they live when they are here).

I just loved it when my dad would knock on the door and ask if Jackson wanted to go for a train ride.

Brynlee is not walking yet, just pulling her self up everywhere and cruising along furniture...but still getting into trouble!

Remember this nasty Betty Boop chair I bought at a garage sale for $4?

Well after many hours or unstapling and restapling in now looks like this...

Love it!!

A couple months ago we found out that Bob's mom had a brain tumor. It has been a crazy few months. She had it removed on March 1 and is doing really well with her recovery. She is still really tired and often gets headaches, but we feel so blessed that all is well. It is so fun to live near them and get to spend so many little holidays with them.

We took this picture with our phone on Valentine's Day when Jackson took grandma chocolate roses.

The week of her surgery and first week of recovery we got to keep Lane. Jackson loved having him around! They did a little fighting over toys and books, but overall they had a great time together!

Nothing like falling asleep while watching cartoons and eating oreos. This kid is spoiled!

I really do love our ward and our life here is Arizona. We have great friends!!! We have a few friends we trade babysitting with often. It is so nice to have a quiet night out and know that the kids are having fun with friends! My friend Lindsey watched the kids while we went out with Blair one night and then I watched her kids another night. The kids loved playing, ate their dinner outside and then we went and got in Kim's hot tub.

Could these 3 be any cuter?!

Ahhhhh....all caught up.

Hope you have a HAPPY EASTER!!

Double trouble...

2010-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Jackson is definitely entering his "terrible two" years and Brynlee is crawling and starting to get into trouble! I think 2010 is going to be a very busy year!

Life is always exciting around here...

Cousins...all in Buzz pajamas!!

Playing outside with friends

Racing down the hall

It has been fun to have Tonee and 3 of her kids staying with Ang in Chandler. They are all such cute kids!!

My parents bought 2 quads to leave in Arizona. I think the whole Arizona crew is pretty excited to play with them. Hopefully we have many more of these Saturday morning rides and camping trips!

Jackson LOVED playing outside and spent a lot of time driving his cars up and down the trailor ramps.

heart pancakes for lunch

Brody is seriously so sweet to Brynlee! He loves her!

(oh and don't judge me for my "Betty Boop" chair. I bought it at a garage sale and am going to attempt to reupholster it)

We are all doing great! Brynlee is 8 1/2 mo now!!! She is crawling all over and just starting to pull herself up. Jackson is all about "I do it" and is becoming a typical toddler who torments his mother. He is spending a lot of time in timeout these days. It's a good thing they get more and more fun because he is getting more and more frustrating at times too!

We did do the potty training thing this month one weekend while Bob was out of town. Jackson is doing great! I used the 3 day potty training method and loved it! Doesn't have the pooping down 100% yet but getting better everyday.

Hooray for having 1 kid in diapers!!!

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

With all of my family in town we celebrated the new year with them.

random pics...

All decked out for the Oregon Rose bowl game

All ready for church

A friend of mine's church brings in a ton of snow and drops it in their parking lot once a year. They have food and games and the kids just play in the snow. It was before we went to Utah so Jackson was in awe and was sure excited when Kim taught him how to throw a snowball!

Christmas with the Widmers

2010-01-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Before we left for Utah we had a small Christmas with my family. We basically opened presents from Grandma and Grandpa Widmer and I had Kearsleys for Christmas so we gave them our present. I also gave Bob his Christmas present instead of hauling them to Utah.

Cute mom read the kids a Christmas story

The boys got little backpack sleeping bags

Bob and I got each other electric toothbrushes...exciting I know. I surprised him and had a friend draw these on 11x14 for him.

When we left for Utah we dropped off Bob's car off at the airport and my sister Tiffany and her kids (later joined by Mik) flew in on Christmas eve and surprised everyone. So fun! I had 2 big empty boxes wrapped with 1 side open and the kids hid in a box and rang the doorbell!!!

My brother drove up from Utah the day after Christmas and we came back a couple days later so we had some time with all of my family together too. Jackson got to see all 18 of his cousins within 2 days. He loved every minute of it!

Here are some pictures after Utah with my family at Chuck E Cheese

Brynlee is LOVIN food these days! She is eating pureed vegetables and loves bread and pizza crust.

Christmas with Cousins...

2010-01-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas this year in Utah with Bob's parents there and many of Bob's siblings. All 11 grandchildren were there and LOVED playing together!!!

We decided to attempt the LONG drive up and were surprised how well the kids did in the car. We split the trip and only drove 6 hours each day so I think that really helped. By the last half of the way home though the kids (and parents) were done!!

Jackson spent most of his time watching movies on the ipod or dvd player and Brynlee was loving her little snacks!

We stopped in Provo for a couple hours on the way up to visit a couple friends, eat at J-Dawgs, and go to the Bean museum and Dinosaur museum.

Eating our grubalicious hot dogs at J-Dawgs

Jackson LOVED the Bean musuem...if you haven't been there it is a free museum on BYU campus with TONS of real animals that are stuffed.

Dinosaur museum

After Provo we drove through the canyon and met a couple of Bob's brothers and their families and Bob's grandma for dinner and then a ride on the Heber Creeper's Polar Express ride.

waiting to board the train

On the way to the North Pole we drank hot chocolate, ate cookies, read the Polar Express, sang Christmas carols and then of course saw Santa. On the way back Santa walked from car to car and asked each kid what they wanted for Christmas.

Hanging out in Ogden

Brynlee and Wesley
3 weeks apart

Brynlee with Bob's sisters Tarra and Ali

Jackson is usually a good brother...here, maybe not.

Great Grandma

Not loving Uncle Bill

Paige and her "girl cousin"

With so many of us, we decided to each do Christmas morning on our own as individual families. We all got together Christmas Eve and opened the presents we bought each other and presents from grandma and grandpa. Santa was even nice enough to sneak in and fill the kids stockings!!!

Christmas Eve Pics...

Christmas morning...

Jackson was so fun Christmas morning and loved opening presents. He was so spoiled and really had like 5 different days of getting presents and loved every one of them!!

Brynlee trying to get Jackson's sucker

Playing games

This picture was too funny to leave out...

A few days later we went up to Hardware Ranch in Hyrum and took a sleigh ride to see 400+ Elk. It was FREEZING cold but we all dressed warm and had a good time.

My Birthday :)

2010-01-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

On December 14th I celebrated the big 27. The Saturday before my birthday we went to Red Robin to get my free birthday burger. Jackson loved hearing the employees sing to me and Brynlee sat in a high chair for her first time. I love my family!

Bob took my actual birthday off and we all just hung out together. Kim and Kailey surprised me and made us crepes for breakfast before she went to work. :) Yummy!! That evening we went to a friends house for dinner and decorated ginger bread houses. Jackson and Dax were still a little young to do much decorating, but they LOVED the candy!!

Yummy!!! It didn't take Jackson I much time to eat it all!!!

Oregon...

2009-12-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Brynlee and I took a 6 day trip to Oregon to see my parents. I thought it would be fun to spend my mom's birthday with her and one of my favorite cousins had a baby so I wanted to go meet him. My best friend from high school recently bought her first house in Bend so I also got to go spend a couple days with her.

I missed Jackson tremendously, but loved every minute of not having a crazy toddler! Jackson had a blast here!! He spent a couple days with cousins, one day with grandma, and one day with his best friends...and had a blast with all of them!!! He also loved his special one on one time in the evening with Kim or Bob. He asked "where momma go?" but overall did great without me! I am so glad!

Prima made Brynlee a hat to keep warm! Thanks Prima!!!

It was so nice to just hang out with cousins!!! I do miss living so close to them!!

Brynlee loved grandma's "dog"

Growing up my Christmas job was to always hang the stockings. Cute mom waited for me to come to put them up!!!

Driving to Bend

I drove up to Bend with my parents and their cute friends. The first night I stayed with Blair at her new house and then the next night stayed with my parents in their friends Condo. We played games, ate out, went to a movie, and walked around the cute, COLD, city.

The Crepe Place... I love me a good crepe!

Thanks for a fun weekend!!! It's always fun to go home!!!

Weekend pics...

2009-11-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We spent the day with Bob's parents here in Mesa and had a great, relaxing weekend. It is always fun to go out of town on holidays...but also fun to stay home!! We got a lot of things done around the house, watched a lot of football, and hit up a lot of black Friday deals!!! Probably our favorite was a new beach cruiser bike. We already had 1 bike and the bike trailer but we needed 1 more. We went on our first family bike ride on Saturday and we all loved it! (sorry no pics) Friday night Ang had us over for delicious Chinese Sundaes. YUMMY!!! We all had a good time hanging out and the kids played great together!

We all ate some yummy food!

Brynlee is always sucking on her fingers or toes!!

It is so fun to have a toddler around at Christmas. He is loving the Christmas lights and decorations! Every night we have to walk around and see all the lights in the neighborhood. We finished up our decorating last night when we finished the tree. He was loving put the decorations on...now let's hope that they stay on!

Let the Christmas season begin!!!

Here is a video of Brynlee in the early stage of crawling