Brad's Bench

Brad had been talking about wanting to learn how to build stuff... so for Father's Day, I bought him some of the basic tools needed, and he whipped up this beauty. We were both surprised at how well he did on his first try.

Here's a picture of what it currently looks like (December 2016). It's not completely finished yet, but we brought it inside to see how the color was looking and to let the stain completely dry. The kids started using it already, and it hasn't made it back to the garage to finish, so maybe it is done? We'll see :). I'm impressed though -- I like it. Now I just need to decide what to have him build next!

Aug 2016

Lizzy

The kids had been begging for a pet since forever, and I had managed to hold them off while we were renting, because we "couldn't" have pets there. I told them when we bought our own house, we could look into getting a dog. So, as I was trying to unpack, they kept asking where the dog was, and when we could bring it home... they had not forgotten. 

We were needing a hypoallergenic dog so Brad wouldn't die in this process, and I was having a hard time finding one close to home. Just so happened, we were in Twin for Cooper's birthday, and Amber's friend had some 3/4 Shih Tzu 1/4 Terrier puppies that would be ready in about a week. It turned into a big family affair as my sister and her husband came, and then my brother heard about it, and he and his wife came... being later at night, it was hard to see and play with the puppies, so I came back the next day, and my mom joined the party along with some of the previously mentioned. Who doesn't love to go look at puppies?

This one's name was Mittens, and although it was the last one born (on 4th of July), it was the biggest, fluffiest one there, and I loved it. She stayed near all the people, and continued to play, and since social and playing with kids is what we were looking for, she became the chosen one --later to named Lizzy.

This is the dog my brother Curt chose. Cutest little face! These two sisters could not be more different in appearance!

My parents brought Lizzy up to us the next week, and things went surprisingly well. She loves playing with the kids, and they can't get enough of her. These are of her the day she came, and she was already trying to bite my laundry and shake it around. Brad went to the store for a few things, and came back with this bone that was as big as she was. Apparently there was someone claiming to be a vet in the pet isle, and said Brad should get this for her, and she would love it. They were right --she loves gnawing on the thing.

The boys were a bit cautious at first with this thing that kept wanting to pounce on them. Emma was in heaven.

It's been fun having this cute little fuzz ball running around. She's so playful and snugly soft, and brings so much happiness to the kids. Alright, I kinda like her, too. And it's really funny to see Brad carrying around and loving on this little thing :).  

Aug 2016

Last Swim Session

After going on the big slides in Provo, these little slides didn't seem too intimidating to Jake, who wasn't willing to go on them last swim session. 

 I love his excited face -- loving the slides!

 I was looking for Emma, and low and behold, I found her in line for the high dive that she had been terrified of. I was completely shocked, and she jumped! Love seeing her grow and try new things!

Aug 19, 2016

First Day of School

Emma 3rd Grade with Ms Fritz. She's confident she's got this school thing down, and she's loving it.

 Jake Kindergarten with Ms Seid. I was a bit nervous sending this one off, but he was super excited to go, loves his teacher, class, and new friends.

Lucas wasn't so happy about this whole school stuff... This is him right after Jake got out of the car... poor baby :(

      

We made it better with snow cones when we picked up the kids at the bus stop. Our park has a snow cone stand that we "get" to walk by everyday after school. It's going to be hard to keep dollars in my pocket with this around...

  

Aug 15-16, 2016

Utah

The kids still really miss the Thanksgiving Point museums, so it's where they ask to go when we decide to take a little trip. They put in a new zip line at the Curiosity Museum. Emma absolutely loved it. 

I finally got Jake to give it a try, and he was absolutely terrified getting on, but by the time it stopped, they were both back in line to go again and again.

 Sneaking in a little selfie, so I know I was there too... :)

The kids have a lot more fun in the water works area now that they're a bit older, learning how to direct the water.

 Lucas loved running from one thing to the other, pushing buttons everywhere. REALLY wish they had something like this closer. We spent hours here, and the kids still wanted to stay -- they LOVE it.

We also tried out the Provo Rec center that had been recommended by others. WOW. So much fun -- definitely will be returning. There were 4 big slides, and indoor and outdoor pool with kids jungle area in them, and a rock climbing wall above the water. All of us (except Lucas) had so much fun on the big slides. Jake sure surprised me when he spent the entire time going down the big slides. He couldn't get enough. Brad and I both made it up the rock wall a few times  -- SO FUN!

We, of course, had to stop at IKEA. I was trying to get a picture of Lucas making himself comfortable in his spacious chair, he had his leg up on the armrest and everything (before I pulled out the camera), but what I should have pictured, was Emma in the back seat surrounded by boxes. We called it her obstacle course when she had to climb over and around all the boxes that we managed to fit in there. We love IKEA.

August 8-9, 2016

Batman's Hulk Smash Birthday

This little man's all about the super heroes. He loves his Batman jammies and anything to do with Hulk smashing... and pancakes.

And just like that, my baby turned 2!

I do love making boy cakes. Destructive is so much easier than the pretty ones... Emma and Jake enjoyed making the whopper border, and Luke loved his Hulk smash cake.

The way it looked anyway. He apparently doesn't really like cake, and didn't want anymore after a couple bites, but loved eating the kit-kats. 

Brad got him a toy gun that makes noise and flashes a light. Lucas opened it first, and loved it so much, he couldn't have cared less about the other things. He'd take out the tissue paper, look at it -- all while holding his gun, and then go back to just the gun. Definitely a boy.

Luke's such a fun toddler to have around. I love his little voice, laugh, and all his mischievous shenanigans. He loves to cause problems with computers, but mostly puts on his favorite songs on Brad's computer so he can dance -- he shakes his booty the beats of Megan Trainer and Cake by the Ocean. He loves to play with Emma and Jacob, and steal everyone's spots on the couch.

July 12, 2016

Eagle Island

A perfect summer day to try out Eagle Island with my sister Amber's family. The cousins loved splashing around in the water and building sand castles -- and frequent licorice and cracker breaks.

(Cooper, Jack, Emma, Hannah, Maddi, Jake, Lucas)

Lucas was a little unsure of the sandy water at first, but warmed up quickly, and loved it.

 Emma and Maddi getting a quick picture with their sand sculptures before the boys demolished them. (Notice Lucas and I on the left -- he continually tried to escape the roped in area.)

They all loved the big slide at the end.

 Beautiful girls.

July 23, 2016