2 Children, a Dad, and 2 Doggs

We are still blogging

2010-07-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends and Family. I just wanted to do a quick post here just in case you have us on Google reader or on your blog widgets still under this blogger. We have a new blog site and have still been blogging.

If you enjoy seeing what we have been up to, just update your blogger widgets and Google reader to:

http://blog.hatcherbones.com/

We love and enjoy reading all your blogs and seeing darling pictures!

Halloween Festivities

2009-11-02T08:47:00.001-08:00

Dressing up

We started dressing up at our house on Wednesday. Gibby was dressed up and headed off to preschool for a little Halloween Party. Etta got dressed up for dance, they were having a little party also. Thursday, Friday and Saturday we had something going on to dress up for. We got great use out of our costumes this year.

Anni and Etta, take the picture smiles

Silly cheesy smiles

Gardner Village

I love going to Gardner Village for the Witches. It is so fun to see all the fun Witches, have the great feeling of Halloween and Fall, and enjoy some goodies. My friend April and I headed over their Thursday before Halloween. It was a beautiful day but a bit chilly. With gloves and hats we had a great time and enjoyed some cookies and cocoa at the end.

Me, my kids and a Witch.
Gibby's first time seeing the Witches, didn't quite know what to think.

Witches playing piano, Etta told me later she wants to play the piano like the Witch, hehehe

Etta liked the Witch with the Big Red Hat

Gibby was a bit confused with the Witch flying on her bike

Gibby and Etta wanted to join in with the Witches playing Baseball. Our favorite Witches by far.

Kiddos in a horseless carriage: Ashton, Cole, Gibby and Etta

Gibby kept saying "Hats off for Hot Chocolate"

Etta joined in by taking her hat off too

As we were leaving Gibby said "Bye Witches" it was so dang Cute!

Preschool Party

I was in charged of the games for Etta's preschool Halloween party. I loved being there for her party to see her playing with her friends and listening to her teachers. They read a fun Halloween story then it was time for the games and crafts. I had a fun musical Halloween bean bag game going on along with Ghost bowling. The kids also decorated pumpkin shaped foam pictures with googly eyes and glitter. The teachers had the kids dancing and singing Halloween songs just before cookie making. Once the cookies where frosted and eaten we headed home. What great little party.

Story time: A fun witch that wasn't afraid of anything

Singing and dancing to Halloween songs

Pretending to be ghosts, they had some really cute Halloween songs I had never heard before that all the kids preformed for us

cookie decorating time

I noticed every kid did this, sneaking some icing off the knife

Etta's face shows how much fun she had at her preschool party

Ebay Halloween

Every year eBay decks our their halls and desks and allows family and friends to come trick or treat around the buildings. We enjoy going because we get to spend some time with daddy at work. We brought lunch and enjoyed some good food before it was off to bother people while they were still working.

Eating lunch before fun trick or treating at eBay

We thought we were eating lunch with Daddy, but Robert De Niro joined us instead

Gibby showing off his costume

Hurt Tiger, Veterinarian, and injured little monkey

Trick or Treating from desk to desk

Playing down the scary cubicle hallway

Sweaty and tired little monkey from all the trick or treating through ebay

Trick or Treating

We headed off in our neighborhood on Halloween night. To hit up a few neighbor friends and experience the fun of Trick or Treating! Happy Halloween!

My injured Monkey, Veterinarian and Me as Jackie O.

Halloween Picture pre- Trick or Treating

Daddy with the Trick or Treaters

Off to "Williams" house!

Etta with her favorite boys in the neighborhood

The Pumpkins for Halloween

2009-11-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

The Pumpkin Patch

We were invited to go with some friends to their preschool pumpkin patch field trip. The kids loved it and had tons of fun! It was a bit rainy but a wonderful fall day.

Listening to how pumpkins grow and all the many different kids of pumpkins

Time to choose our pumpkin ( I love Gibby's gloves that aren't on correctly)

Mine! (I think mainly because he could carry it himself)

Etta picked one she could hold but was still a good size

Our Halloween Pumpkins

Gibby carrying his pumpkin to the car

They had a little hay stacked maze for little kids. I loved it because I could follow their heads and yet they couldn't see over.

Starting the maze:

This way everyone

Gibby giving a look out for the best route to take

Etta making her way through, I love this picture it is so dang cute

Helping each other through the maze

Under the bridge and the end of the maze!

It was a fun little activity. I am a little bummed I didn't do as much as I wanted to in the area of activities but we had fun when we did go out.

Time to Decorate our Pumpkins

We had fun one evening painting and glittering up our pumpkins. We were going to carve them but Etta didn't want to cut her pumpkin and Gibson's was a little small so I busted out the paint and glitter and they had a ton of fun. Plus I didn't have to carve all of them, which is what usually happens.

All ready

Etta and her pumpkin:

She started with a face

Just a few more sprinkles

The beautiful pumpkin, designed by Etta

Gibby and his pumpkin:

Orange for the first layers

Next is the green and glitter

washing off the brush

Finished pumpkin

I forgot to take a picture of mine but the kiddos did love the candle light inside mommy's pumpkin and said next year we can cut all the pumpkins.

Family Reunion and Dino Park

2009-10-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend with the family up in Ogden. Sleepovers, games, food, dinosaur park and outside fun.

It was great to see my sisters (missed you Ami). We made the cutest craft ever for Halloween and can't wait to get together to make Thanksgiving ones and Christmas ones. The kids where everywhere and loved playing with all the cousins. Etta and Kaydee played non stop and left out one of the other cousins. We will work on letting boy cousins in to play!
The two best games ever. Cash & Guns and a fun game called Characters. We laughed, eat some great food and watched a few chick flicks. What a great little weekend, love you all!
(Andy doesn't like the slides to much but I have tons of pics)

Fall time, Park time

2009-10-19T16:44:00.001-07:00

One beautiful afternoon, a couple weeks ago, Andy told us we needed to get out of the house. I wanted to go on a hike but couldn't decide where. Andy got a little frustrated and ended up take us back home. Well, the kids and I headed back out and made our way to the "Princess Park". The kids loved it and it was good to get out since we had a pretty low key, stay in the house weekend. I just loved taking tons of pictures of my kids and Etta took some of me. She is getting really good especially being only 3! The colors were beautiful, the water running by the park smelled wonderful with the fall air and the cool breeze was perfect. Love those wonderful fall days!

Off to the toys!

Great way to come down from the Castle

Riding their Stallions

My little monkey who loves to climb everything

She climbed all the way to the top!

Off to the ball in the pumpkin carriage

Driving the pumpkin carriage

atop the castle looking down

Swinging fun time

Little nature hike

Mommy's pic taken by Etta

Etta's turn

Dirty sandy Gibby's turn

One last slide before we go
Gibby trying to escape

I caught him on the other side, hehehe

Gateway Pumpkin Festival

2009-10-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we headed over to the Gateway for their fun Pumpkin Festival with Radio Disney. Gibson and Etta had a blast decorating their pumpkins, playing the little table games and dancing with Radio Disney.

Etta making her pumpkin have heart shaped eyes, it was of course a princess pumpkin

Gibby just put everything on his pumpkin he could get his hands on

The beautiful pumpkins and the talented pumpkin designers

Etta playing Plinko- my all time favorite game!

Gibby and his chocolate money and whistle he won

Their favorite part of the pumpkin festival was playing in the fountains. It was cold but they had fun trying to get as close to the water as they could and then running away from the water as fast as they could. Guess we should have made it over there more during the summer time.

Etta got squirted right up her pants leg

Waiting for the fountains to start up again...

getting a little more daring ...

run away, run away!

Zing, Zang, Zoom!

2009-10-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

Is the Circus the Greatest Show on Earth? We sure enjoy going and keep going back each time they come. There may be a few other shows that are truly greater, however the elephants are the greatest part of the show.
We headed to the "Zing, Zang, Zoom" Circus this last weekend. Gibson was way into it the whole time. A few of his favorites where the zebras, dogs, elephants and Tigers. Etta enjoyed most of the circus. She loved the little doggies doing tricks and then once the elephants where gone she was out.

Mommy and Gibby just before the Circus started

Daddy and Etta waiting for the show to start

And the Circus begins!

The high wire act was right by us and that was a pretty cool act

The zebras where a favorite

Etta watching for the elephants

The Elephants did some pretty sweet little tricks

Them sitting so cutely

Tada!

Etta was done with the show before it was over.

Gibby making sure the circus was over

Ok, its over now for the smile

We will see you next time, Ringling Bros & Barnum and & Baileys Circus!

Show and Tell

2009-09-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Every Monday Etta's Preschool class has show and tell. This last week she wanted to bring her chickens. Daddy got off early to help and we headed over to preschool just before 3 with the chicken. When we walked in Etta's face lit up so bright and she was so excited to share her chicken. All the kids where happy to see a chicken in class. Etta held on tight and talked about it laying eggs. We told the class about her house, other chicken friends and then let them pet her.

The chicken was a big hit at Show and Tell!

Etta showing her chicken to her class

Daddy helping Etta tell all about her chickens

Letting her friends pet the chicken

We made a quick stop on the way home and I let Etta hold the chicken for a bit,

she loves her chicken.

Smiley Gibby and his pumpkin hat

He loves his pumpkin hat

Fall is here!

2009-09-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday we took a fun drive up and around Park City to Midway. The Fall colors were everywhere. We made our way to Wasatch Mountain State park to pick some apples. What a fun activity for everyone. Daddy and Uncle Jason picked the apples and the kids put them in their bags. We saw some deer, ate apples while picking them and enjoyed the first cool fall weather and colors of the season.
We headed down Provo canyon to take in all the Wasatch mountains and ended our wonderful trip enjoying burgers from Five Guys.

Andy and Gibby excited to pick apples

Headed off to the Apple Orchard to pick apples

First you pick the Apples then..

you put them in your bag.

Etta waiting patiently for her first apples from Uncle Jason

Gibby's version of Apple picking

Etta doing some picking

Big, strong Gibby carrying Apples

Hello Deer

The baby deer wanted an apple

This is the way you pick apples

Etta enjoying the apples

Gibby with his apple he is going to eat

Yummy!

I did help pick a few apples

Gibby and his bag full of apples

Jason was great at picking apples

Amazing Fall colors

Etta and her bag full of apples

Me and my kids at an old creamery

Funny daddy

They had a great time picking and eating all the apples

This is just the start of many more fun Activities for the Fall. I love Fall Time!

"Vroom, Vroom" Cars

2009-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Miller Sports Park

Ever since Gibby saw "Cars" around 5 months ago he has been obsessed with Cars. They are call Vroom, Vroom Cars or Vroom Vroom Trucks or Daddy's Vroom Vroom (his Motorcycle). He has started adding colors to each Car or Truck and if they are going fast or slow. I love how excited he gets and how much of a "boy" he is.
Andy and I have talked and talked about going out to the sports park but never actually looked into it. Well, on Friday a friend from work gave Andy 4 tickets to Miller Sport Park. Sweet, now Gibby and actually see and hear real race cars.
Etta and Gibby were both excited. Etta kept telling Gibby they were going to see Lightning Mcqueen. The minute Gibby saw the flags he knew where we were. Then when we got out of the car you could hear the loud race cars. Gibson does the cutest thing he placing his hand over one ear when he hears special sounds and then says "you hear that?"
What a fun night. We walked passed all the big rigs that where all hooked up and decked out, a few race cars being worked on and tons and tons of tires. Once in our seats the kids where hypnotized. Then after about 15 minutes they were done.
Knowing how kids are, we kept them busy and stayed the whole time. Andy and I were still able to watch the race and enjoy the night. We will go again for sure.

If you can see, Gibby's little hand on his ear listening to the loud racing cars.

Watching "his" vroom vroom cars (he loved them all)

Pit stop

Etta loved this little mini and the pink Porsche following just behind it.

Watching for "her" cars

Eating a cheeseburger

Still happy to be watching the race

Daddy doing some tweeting

Love this picture with the wonderful night sky, Gibby and I

The State Fair - 8yrs straight!

2009-09-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

We (I) love the State Fair. Andy has been taking me every year since we have been married. This is now our 8th times to the State Fair. We sure have fun all over the fair grounds and keep going back year after year.
We first went to the little hands on the farm. Andy was really excited to take the kids here this year because of his "city farming" he has been doing. Etta loved milking the cow and combing the lamb. Gibson, however, wouldn't go near either of them because they were making noises but it wasn't coming from their mouths. At the end, in the market, both my darling kids chose apples. I love that. They have candy, chips and cereal and they get apples!
Off to the big yellow slide, our next favorite activity. Etta rode with Andy and Gibson jumped on my lap. The funniest thing ever was that Gibson was wearing his baseball hat and going down the slide made it about fly off. Well, Gibson grab it half way down the slide and at the end said "I almost lost my hat" I laughed and he pulled my face and said it again. Dang cute.
Now it was time for the live animals. Andy didn't really want to see all of them just the chickens. I talked him into going and seeing the pigs then the cows. Then we spent the next hour looking for the chickens. We never found them. A very sad Andy and a very hungry Etta wanted pizza. We all enjoyed our pizza then Gibson wanted to see "vroom vroom Cars" so we headed off to the race cars. Once he was satisfied and said good bye to the cars we headed home.

I can't wait until next year!

*Special thanks to Matt for the picture of us on the yellow slide, and thanks Brynn for sending it over.

Andy's Birthday day playing dodgeball

2009-09-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Andy had a fun Birthday playing dodge-ball with team Ebay. Their team name was Rather Dodgy, but I called them Team Ebay.They played competitively but in the end they got eliminated. We got to hang out with them and see how fun dodgeball is. Plus we hung out with Deron Williams, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Price. It was really cool to watch them play something other than basketball. They were just as competitive at dodge-ball once the buzzer rang.

One of Team Ebay's first games. All on the line ready to go

Playing hard

DWill with his Hot red shorts

Kyle warming up before the game

#1 Start on the line

#2 Run fast for the balls and then get set up to catch on coming balls

#3 Throw balls as hard as you can at the other team

#5 Play until one team has no more players on the court

During games we headed outside to have some snacks and water. Deron, Kyle and Ronnie where just hanging out to. I took a few pics of the kids with the players. Etta was being shy and only took one with Kyle. Gibby loved the attention they gave him and went right into all three of their arms.

Kyle, Etta and Gibby (Kyle's pizza behind Etta, I think Gibby wanted some)

Kyle helping Gibby dunk but...

Gibby wouldn't let go of the ball.

Ronnie and Gibby

Gibson and Deron. Gibby kept telling Deron he had a basketball, it was so cute because Deron understood him.

Ebay Team=had fun!

Etta and Gibby had a blast. (Gibby's cheeser shows how fun he had plus he has a pizza stain on his shirt from Kyle)

Gibby and "his" Preschool

2009-09-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Gibby had his first day of Preschool on Wednesday. It is a Mommy and Me preschool with 4 other moms. We go once a week for 2 hours. We try to bring some type of subject in, color or letter along with the social playing. I taught the first week and what fun we had. Etta has dance the same time so it works out great for Gibby to have his on attention. They learned their names and friends names, things their bodies can do with a happy and sad face art project, they all could find the color blue and I bought out monkeys and Mickey Mouse for the letter "M". Gibby's new found independence, with Etta going to school and him having some friends, is darling.
He is just learning and saying fun things. While we were coloring he said to one of the kids "Addi, Addi, crayons please". Addi looked up at him and smiled. It is so cute to watch the kids interact and share. I am excited for more fun things Gibson will learn to do with this fun Mom and Me preschool.

Silly boy, I need to get better at boys hair dos since we are keeping it longer.

Preschool class: Addi, Gibson, Leah, Bentley and Isabel

Etta wanted a picture with her preschool brother

Last Baseball games of the Season

2009-09-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

We hit up the last two weekend games of the season. Friday we went with our good friends Keith, Ashleigh and Kristen, from old school Out N Back. We had fun cheering and chatting while Etta colored and Gibson yelled "Go Bees" the whole night.

Gibson cheering for the Bees

He is so funny he has to bring his little mitt to every game (we forgot it on Saturday night and he was not happy)

Etta doing what she does best, coloring

Etta talked Uncle Keith into coloring with her

At the end of the game the kids got to run the bases (Gibson's video below post). They loved it and I did too. I have been trying to do it all season so this was my last chance until next year. Gibson loves running around the house and so he was in heaven. Etta did a great job running by herself and waiting at home plate for us.

Getting ready to run

Off they go

Etta on her way to home plate

Gibby running to home

Happy kids and mom

Saturday was a bit different. Andy said we could head to the game one the BYU vs Ohio State game was a blow out. Well as we all know now it was a great competitive game with BYU coming out on top. Needless to say, we made it to the game in the 5th inning.
We had some fun friends Mike and Chelsea there that we joined. The kids played with our friends that we have know through the 7 years of holding season tickets. They just love Lori and we will miss them and see them next season.
The night ended with fabulous fireworks. If you have never see the firework show at the Bees games you are missing out big time. They are the BEST in the state.

Heading to the game late

My beautiful girl and her daddy

Gibby showing me his kettle corn popcorn

Playing with Lori

Walk off home run! Best way to end of game if you are behind!

Good bye Bees see you next April!

Gibby runs the bases

2009-09-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

We recorded Etta running the bases at 2 yrs old. Here is Gibby. He had so much fun and would not stop talking about baseball the rest of the night and the next day

First real video recording with our new HD camera. I promise I will get better before I post another video. It is very bumpy and I cut off his head at least 5 times.

Yeah, don't know why it fills the whole screen. Working on it.

Etta and "Her" Preschool

2009-09-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Etta has been so excited for Preschool to start. On Tuesday they had an Open House. Daddy stayed home from work for the morning so we all could go and meet her teachers, explore her classroom and get her familiar with some classmates.

All ready to go see her preschool class

A very happy Mommy

A very proud Daddy

Just the happiest kids, you can see it all over their faces!

Cute pictures of Daddy taking Etta to her class

She was a little shy at first talking with her teachers and then she noticed 2 stuffed animals, princess unicorns! Then she explored all the different stations from the dress up to the craft table, and then she saw the "Etta" sized toilet and she thrilled. Gibby had fun in her class room too. He found the station about transportation and he was in heaven playing cars.
After we left she would tell Gibby about the fun she would have at Preschool and Gibby would tell her about "Vroom, Vroom Cars."

Etta and her teachers

Etta's First Official Day of Preschool

We had the opportunity to put Etta in an older class with more 4yr old's and 2-3 older 3yr old's so she is now going 3 days a week. She couldn't be happier and I am glad to have her learning at a higher level.

All dressed up for her special day

Gibby wanted a picture with his sister

We headed off to school yesterday for the first day of school. Etta had been dressed for school since 7:30am when she woke up, she has afternoon class now with 3 days a week. Gibby was excited but didn't really know why. He just saw how happy Etta was and knew there was something new happening. When we arrived she went right in, said Good bye and started playing.

Bye Mom

Gibby and I turned and left and that is when it hit Gibby. "Where is Detta?" is all he said until we got to the car. I told him she's at preschool and he did not like that at all. Once we got home and I played with him cars and balls, he started liking the idea of just him with Mommy. I tried to put him down for a nap but he was excited to just play "gibby's self".
When it was time to go back and pick up Etta he was extremely happy and kept pulling my skirt towards the door. On the way there he fell asleep and missed picking her up anyway. Silly little boy.
I was 4 mins late and will never be again. She was the only one in her class. But when she saw me she had the biggest smile on her face. She went and got her handout and was very proud of her "scared" face man.

Her first handout

She just loved the art work she did

We headed over to get some Ice Cream as a little after school treat but she asked for Jamba instead, what a health girl we are raising. Gibby woke up and gave Etta a big hug and they enjoyed their Jamba's together.

Nothing better than a great healthy after school treat

My preschool Princess

Where did my August go?

2009-08-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

August has flown by for us. We have done so many fun things this month. And now it is over and I haven't even blogged about them.
We went bowling for a family fun night which I was told by Etta, "Bowling always includes wings after". I love watching my kids bowl without using the ramp. Both Grandma's would be very proud. The excitement they get from bowling is so fun. I also love watching them give each other high five every time after they bowl.
We met up with some good friends and enjoyed the Davis County Fair. We love fairs and this one was perfect. Small yet full of fun stuff. We hit up their kids zone, pony rides and animals which were all free. That fair is going on the calendar to attend next year for sure.
Last but not least we had to make it to the last Radio Disney event. It was based around insects and creepy crawlers. We made fun crafts, hung out with dad at the water slide, then danced to some music. Great friends and great fun always!

Happiest 7 years of my life!

2009-08-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

It all started with a Charlie Daniels karaoke song, basketball, and braids. Add in a wonderful first date with Adam...uh i mean Andy! He had planned on us going bowling but then realizing he had no money. We watched part of a basketball game because it was march madness, then we headed up to walk around Temple Square. With a first kiss on the corner of State St and North Temple to keep me warm was the first of many more to come! We ended the wonderful night watching Office Space, which we would have to re-watch another time to see the whole thing :)

Mix in Catalina Island, 15 plus vehicles, the Avenues, Disneyland, Bees Baseball and many other sporting events. More fun trips; river rafting, New York, New Orleans, Costa Rica and about 50 trips to California. Plus 2 dogs, 2 kids and 4 chickens and you have made these the best 7 years of my life. I am married to a man I am madly in love with every minute of every day!

2002 : I love the chacos you got made especially for me

2003: You introduced me to great movies

2004: You have made all my days brighter

2005: We are always doing something fun together

2006: I enjoy all sports with you

2007: You have made a mother Twice :)

2008: You have helped me enjoy great food

2009: We're on a Boat!

Here are 7 wonderful songs that remind me of my love!

(I wish I had better versions of 2 of them)

It IS you BABE!

Daddy Dates

2009-08-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

(all pics taken with Andy's phone)
Andy takes the kids on Tuesday and Thursday nights out on just "Daddy Dates". They go to the park and then go get gelato or a mini cupcake or they head off to go bowling and chicken wings. The other night they went to the Utah county fair. We all love the State Fair so this was a fun little pre-fair for them to go and play with just daddy.
They were farmers for the day, rode real ponies, played on 4 wheelers and then rode the carousel. That night Utah had some crazy wind so they didn't ride to many other rides. Gibson came home with a cool monster truck picture Daddy won for him and Etta had a beautiful fairy tattoo.

Showing Daddy their eggs, just like the eggs from our chickens

Watch out here comes Etta with Gibby just enjoying the "vroom vroom car"

Etta loves to hold on to the ponies hair

Great little pony rider

I love this one, he is getting to be such a big boy

What a happy little princess on her horse

Another fun Daddy Date they headed to the Mayan. Andy said they have a fun atmosphere but very very bad food. The kids loved the divers and told me all about how they jumped into the deep water. When ever I asked Gibby about it he would tell me they "jump in water" and then he would jump.

Happy Etta, Gibby looking a little on the drunk side or mad face

She is just beautiful

Again a great fun picture of Etta and Gibson looking not to happy

Playing on the ruins

I got to go on a Daddy Date. We headed to a Real Salt Lake game. We hadn't been to a game in about 3 years. It was fun and I do like their new stadium. Just perfect for soccer.
We had amazing seats. Center field and about 10 rows up, best seats in the house I would say. As we were sitting there a worker from the concession stand comes over and brings us two ice cream bars. I am thinking we are so important. Andy had it set up where he just texts them and pays for it all online. It was fun getting treats right at our seats so we had to get some nachos and drinks, and at the end of the game another set of ice cream bars.
It was a fun game but I had more fun just being with Andy. What a great night and Real won too!

Sweet seats, you could enjoy the whole field

cute couple

Monster mommy attacking the field

Happy Ending

Daddy takes us to "Farmers" Market Street for Sunday Breakfast most Sundays. These our one of our many family Daddy Dates we love. My Etta always has to wear her beautiful red dress. Here she is being silly, she grabbed my glasses and asked Daddy to take her picture. I just love my little princess!

Outing with friends

2009-08-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

The first Monday of the month Utah History Museum is free. A few friends and us rallied together and headed over to the Museum this last Monday. Yes, it was very busy but fun too. Etta hasn't seen her friend Anni since the first of June and the minute they saw each other they didn't leave each others side. It was darling watching them hold hands and pull each other to different exhibits. I felt a little sad that they didn't include Salote and Sammie, but they are three and it is hard to explain how they need to include everyone, especially since they haven't seen each other for a long time. Sammie and Salote had a good time at first at the frog exhibit together and I hope they will still be Etta's friend. Gibson loved all the frogs, rocks, stuffed animals and dinosaurs. He followed Etta and Anni around so they were easy to keep track off. Sorry to those thats kids were a little harder to keep track of.

Etta and Anni holding hands. Sammie heading off to look at more frogs

Cute Salote poseing for the picture, Etta hoping the frog would turn into a prince and also hoping she didn't turn in to a frog. Little Anni still holding on to Etta's hand

Silly Salote and Sammie in the frogs house

Gibby watching a frog very intently

I think the frogs were a big hit

All the kiddos posing for the moms

Etta watched this bear for a few minutes waiting for it to move

Once the bear didn't move she told Anni and Gibson it was ok to come up close

Anni loved this wolf, Etta is so cute in the back

All the kiddos playing in the cave

My little princess posing on her favorite rock

We all said enough was enough around the dinosaur exhibit and headed over to the park for some free lunch for the kids. We chatted and relaxed a bit from the craziness. Thanks for all those who came out. We will hopefully hit up some more activities, the less busy ones, before preschool starts for our little girls.

Random Fun

2009-08-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying the Next Foodnetwork Star plus all the other great programs from the Foodnetwork. I have been making some pretty great meals lately. Thanks Foodnetwork for helping me make Andy happier while eating.

Steak and tomatoes with a Chimichurri sauce and a basil wheat salad topped with shrimp

Etta loves my cooking too

We made are way to the Tooele county Demolition Derby. Thanks to some great friends that saved us a spot and put tickets at will call for us.The line was extremely long and we would have missed the whole thing. Gibson was in heaven and watched every car heat. The Jazz Bear drove in a heat and that was a crowd favorite. It was great but a little to much down time in between races.
We headed over to my friend Jill's house after for so good food, good company and a great new fun game called washers. Thanks again Jill and Richard we had a blast!

My silly little girl

My beautiful little girl

Gibby drank this whole water bottle in about 5 min, it was very hot

Making daddy laugh wearing his hat

Gibby couldn't keep his eyes off the cars when they were in the ring

We are having so much fun

Andy a little board during heats, tweeting on his blackberry

Etta has started to love singing but she needs her microphone. Here she is singing "you are my sunshine".

We were headed off to the dog park and Etta thought she was going to try and carry Gibby in the back pack. Good thing Gibby wasn't in the pack yet.

First step getting the arms in and keeping it on your back

Don't try to bend over when you have a pack on your back

She did it, maybe we will just put Snow White or Tinkerbell doll in the pack instead of Gibby

Gibson's 2 year Check up

2009-08-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well he fits most of the profile for a 2 year old. Throws tantrums, says over 30 words, hits his sister, bites and eats great. But he needs to work on his weight and height. He is happy and healthy so I guess that is all the matters.

Weighing in @ 22lbs 14 oz (2%)
Measuring @ 32.3 inches (3%)
Decent sized head @ 50 cm (76%)

He now has a new nickname "little squirt". Yep going to have to go with a double entendre.

Park, food, good friends, water and ducks

2009-08-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

We headed over to Liberty Park with some good friends. The City has a free lunch program for kids and it works out perfect. Hamburgers for the kids and I brought some pork roast sandwiches for me and April. Etta and Makenna where more interesting in picking up as many pine cones as possible and Gibson and Ashton wanted to swing.

Etta posing mid apple eating

Gibby opting for the grapes instead of his hamburger

Here is Cole enjoying some lunch with Ashton wanting to sit by brother and keep him company. April is just darling!

I love how Gibson is watching and waiting patiently while Ashton swings

Silly girls collecting pine cones

Gibson just LOVES swinging

After cleaning up our lunch mess we headed over to the little rivers area. They have a great little stream and rivers layout of all the rivers and stream in utah where the kids can play and get wet. The kids loved it and we spent over an hour playing in the water. They would sit down and block the water, run and chase leaves or bottles down the stream, and splash as much as possible.

Etta followed Makenna around until a friend, that was a boy, found us and then Makenna was off playing and chasing him. It was really cute to see and prepare me for Etta doing the same thing in a couple years.

Gibby's first attempt in to the water

#1 attempting to sit in the cold pond

#2 getting comfortable with the cold water

#3 sitting down

Etta more use to the water now thinks jumping is fun to do

Heading down the path with Ashton to find a good place to get in

Spashing up the river

Etta loved the leaf idea, which is good she tried her clear jelly shoes and they were harder to keep track of

Gibby sending his leaf down the stream

There it goes

I think Gibby is done with his leaf now

Etta thinking it is pretty funny to pour water on her own head, hahaha

Now it was time to head over and feed the ducks. April brought a ton of bread to feed the ducks. At first the ducks didn't want it but soon ducks from across the pond came over to feast on the delicious bread.Gibby laughed and said "feed ducks more" after every piece he threw in. Feeding the ducks was defiantly a great idea.

The Gibby headed to feed the birds

The cute kids scoping out the pond to find the best place to feed the birds.
Gibson, Ashton, Makenna and Etta

Etta and Makenna glad some birds came to eat the bread

Etta sneaking some bread for herself

Feed the birds tuppence a bag

Makenna was a bit wet and needed to dry off her pants so we headed over to play at the playground. Of course Etta found more water, Ashton loved roaming from toy to toy, Gibson was done and didn't really want to go play, and Makenna didn't want to leave the toys.

Etta found more water with Ashton joining in to

Ashton and Etta headed off in two different directions to conquer the play ground

Gibby deciding if he wants to go play but only made it this far

We spent 3 plus hours at the park. Thanks, April, Makenna, Ashton and Cole for the company and what fun we had.

Trying to stay cooled off in July

2009-07-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

With the very hot July we had, we made sure to stay cooled off as much as possible. If any activity evolved water we tried to hit it up. Our favorite activities where Radio Disney and the pool.
Ebay has been sponsoring Radio Disney this year and that means we can hang out with Daddy. They have fun games, music and lots of water. The kids get exhausted and I get a kiss during the day :)

Chasing bubbles

Gibby wouldn't let the ball go for a long time

Etta made it down the slide

She wanted to stay at the bottom and swim

Playing ring toss with the Best ebay employee

Just looking at the water

Getting a bit daring and touching the water

Gibby laughing and running away from the water

Etta got soaked

Gibby just wanted to feel the water

The Pool is always a great place to cool off. We try to hit up the pool at least once a week. We pack lunches and snacks to keep us busy when they do the pool check. Gibby and Etta's favorite thing to do now is jump in from the side of the pool where it gets pretty deep. Gibby loves walking around with the water up over his shoulders. Plus having great friends come with us each time makes it extra fun.

Break time = yogurt mess

Keeping covered up

Darling little kids

Oh there they are again, cutie pies!

The Bear Lake

2009-07-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to Bear Lake since I was 12 and Andy has never been. We headed up there this last weekend for a fun family and friend boating/camping trip. Our first camping trip this year. Etta asked all week long "is it time to go to Bear Lake yet". She must have asked that at least ten times. On Friday, July 24th, instead of doing our normal parade, party and fireworks we headed downtown for the Outdoor Retail exhibit. We got some fun stuff, saw cool new gear coming out and ate sushi. Once home we packed up all our gear and made our way to Bear Lake.

Once we saw the lake over the mountains Etta, Andy and I were all in heaven. It was so blue and gorgeous. Gibby loved saying "blue water" every time he saw the lake. We got to our camp spot and set up camp. Funny thing is Etta still kept asking when we were going to go to Bear Lake. Guess the Lake itself is the only thing she categorized as Bear Lake.

Saturday we got up and had breakfast burritos, fruit and juice. It was then time to go off to the Bear Lake.

Etta doing everything silly, I think she was just super excited to go on the Lake

Gibby thinking this camping thing is pretty cool

Silly Etta being silly

We got the boat in the water and took it for a little drive. Etta got to drive around and around while Gibson just loved looking at everything. We headed into the beach for some playing in the sand and lunch.

Happy to be on Bear Lake

Pure joy

Daddy looks to happy in this picture he must of splashed Gibby or something

Etta being a little scared at driving but them had a blast

The minute my kids hit the beach they were in love with it

Gibby trying to put the sand on the shovel

I love this picture of Etta

Making a sandcastle with daddy

Trying to take Andy down and...

Ending up being taken down

Dave taking Etta for a ride on the boogie board

Gibby playing with Ashley and Allie

After Playing in the sand and having lunch it was now tube time. Etta and Gibson rode for a bit then Stacy and I rode for what seemed like 10 min at 150 mph and we didn't get knocked off. I did fly out of the tube for a few seconds but manage to hold on tight. Daddy and Etta made another round until the kids had their fill.

Getting ready to ride the tube, kids didn't want to go by themselves

And we are off

Stacy, Etta, Traci and Gibson riding the tube really really...slow

About 3 minutes after getting off the tube Gibson was out

Captian Etta

Gibby sleeping after a not so fun ride on the tube

Daddy and Etta waving just before take off

Etta's smile is "glad I am not on the tube anymore"

After tube time we had more playing in the sand time. There was burying Dave, digging tunnels, a sand castle and running and splashing.

Etta throwing sand all over Dave while the other girls are burying him

Splish splashing in the lake

Gibby's favorite thing- running in the lake

After a fun filled day on the Lake we headed back for some very Great Chili made by Andy the great cook! Camp fire, marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate.

All sugared up- gotta love s'mores

Both mommy and Gibby getting sleepy

We played at the lake the next day for a couple hours then headed home to relax and sleep. We will make Bear Lake one of our favorites to visit again and again.

Gibby's first haircut

2009-07-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

We cut it all off! Well that is what Andy thinks.

I finally talked Andy into letting us trim Gibby's hair. We all went to Cookie Cutters for the big event. Gibson walked right up to the motorcycle chair and was already for his haircut. They put on the movie "Cars". It was funny to see him move is head back and forth, and up and down in order to keep his eyes on the movie. The lady barely took any hair off but at least made it even in the front, sides and back. I love it and think he looks so handsome.

Shaggy haired little boy

Loving his new ride

All set for his haircut on the motorcycle

Very smart idea for the movie while cutting hair

Hair cut and all done:

Not to happy he couldn't finish "Cars"

Back shot

Get away Paparazzi - He didn't want me taking any more pictures of him

Concerts

2009-07-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

I have gone to two totally different concerts within in the last week. There is only one thing they both have in common, I love their old music they played over 10 plus years ago.

The George

On Friday I went to George Straight! I went with my 2 older sisters and Mom. What a fun time I had and will do it again in a heart beat. We hit up Millie's for some good old fashioned burgers, fries and a shake to share. We found a great spot on the lawn to watch the concert after finally getting through the long line. Before the music, We took pictures of each other, together and laughed a lot.
There were these ladies in font of us that were just dancing their little booty's right off from the first song to the last song.
Some good friends found us and joined our Blanket. We all sang, danced and had a great time listening to the King of Country Music.

Sally and Jenny at Millie's

Mom and me at Millie's

My sisters and Mom pics before the concert

Sisters, (missing Ami, come next time sis), crazy man wanted to do bunny ears in all our pics

My mom trying to see the stage and singers

Silly ladies that dance the whole night

Unaware a picture is being taken, while I was looking for my friends

Friends: Melissa, Me, Amy

George Straight, still sexy

Love the smile

He just stands there and sings to you!

The Snoop Dogg

Monday night Andy and I headed off to see Snoop Doggy Dogg! This was the complete opposite from George but I loved it just the same. Andy got me listening to old school rap and Snoop is my all time favorite. He played all the old school songs from "Doggystyle" and we just laid back and listen. Great times! We went last year, this year and hopefully he comes next year too!

Our spot a the top of the hill

Listening to Bob Marley's son

Andy enjoying Slightly Stupid

A cool night so I wrapped in the blanket to wait for Snoop Dogg

If you can see a black shirt with white writing on it that is Snoop!

Bees Batting Practice

2009-07-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we headed to the ballpark. Not for a game but for batting practice at the ball park. The kids had a blast throwing and chasing the balls in the outfield. Andy and I would throw the ball pretty far and they would run after it. Yes, we were playing fetch with our kids.

Gibby playing right field

Running after the ball

Gibby did get the ball every now and then from big sister

We headed to the dugout for some water, peanuts and pretzels. Gibson loved all the Bees logo's everywhere and we all had fun sitting on the same benches the players sit on during the games.

Cooling off and getting some refreshments in the dugout

Baseball cards!

Gibby showing Etta the Bees logo

The family relaxing in the dugout

Gibby wanting to throw the ball again

Gibby in Heaven

We all got a chance to bat. We will need to keep practicing a bit more with Etta to keep her eyes on the ball. Gibby made contact with the help and good aim from the pitcher. He took off running! :)

I hit the ball a couple of times. They throw so fast. Andy did great and we all had a great time. Ben Johnson came out and gave Gibby high five and took a few pictures with the kids. It couldn't have been a better day. Cloud cover and not to hot. Can't wait until next time.

Etta's turn to bat

That would be a strike

Gibby's turn to bat

Gibby swinging, I believe this is the ball that he makes contact with

My turn- look at my stance, sweet!

Looks just like a baseball player- so hot!

High Five from Ben Johnson

Gibby had a peanut he had to show Ben and wouldn't let it go.

Etta not to happy having to stand by a baseball player, good job girl stay away from the boys

(Didn't mean to make the picture so big, I kinda like them larger)

Hanana Montana the Movie

2009-07-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, my daughter is only 3 and I took her to see the Hanana Montana Movie. Friends of mine, that have daughters around the same age, met us up at the Movie Theater to enjoy this very darling movie. I believe I enjoyed it more than Etta who leaned over to me when it was almost over and said, "This movie is forever". She loved when they did the Hoedown Throwdown song and Gibson slept 3/4's of the movie.

Sammy, Salote and Etta are just so darling. We will have to do it again when Disney's Princess and the Frog Movie comes out. They may enjoy a princess movie a little more. Then we will hit up Hanana Montana again in a few years!

Etta was jumping out of the car she was so excited to go to the movies

Etta already with her ticket

Gibby giving a smile, he had to come so he brought a car to add some boy to the outing

Etta sitting in her seat excited to be at the Movies

Gibby loved how big the screen was and couldn't take his eyes off the screen during previews

The 3 little girl friends~

Sammy, Salote and Etta

Cherry Hill, Softball, New Car and the Drive-In

2009-07-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

My good friend April invited us to Cherry Hill last week. I have always wanted to go and Etta was excited to go to a water park. I packed us a delicious lunch of fruit, veggies, sandwiches, the works. We loaded up the car and headed to April's. We followed them up and half way to Cherry Hill I realized I forgot to put the cooler in the car. I was so sad.
We had a great time sliding down the little slide and playing in the pirates cove. The Lazy river was OK until April let up barrow a floaty for Gibby and then it was awesome. We went around at least 10 times!
We can't wait to go again and spend some more fun time with April, Makenna, Ashton and Cole. I have to bring my cooler the next time!

Off to Cherry Hill

Gibby and Ashton showing me dirty hands

Gibby playing cars instead of eating

Makenna and Etta enjoying some popcorn chicken

Etta wanted this picture taken to show how cold she was, cute face

Our favorite part the kiddie area

April, Ashton and Cole cooling off

Having a good time in the water

My little fishy

Etta and Makenna smiling away (Gibby being a silly)

Andy and I are in a co-ed softball league. It has been fun to play in and keeps us active somewhat. I have never taken any pictures because I am playing and forget so I had to take a quick shot of us before the game. Notice our new car :) We sold our truck and bought a Volvo!

Yeah, we are called the Ghetto All Stars

After our Game, in which we lost badly. We headed off to the drive-in to try out our new car. We have loved going to the drive-in. With the truck we just loaded up the futon mattress and had a comfy little bed.
Our new car is a Volvo V70 and I love it. It isn't brand new but new to me and I couldn't be happier. We brought pillows and blankets, laid the kids in the back and set up chairs for ourselves. The kids had fun but had a hard time falling to sleep. Once they were out Andy and I enjoyed the 2nd movie. We arrived home around 2:30. It was great because it was not busy at all, yet the returning home so late reminded us why you go on the weekends.

My new ride

Love the wagons

Getting set up

Perfect little beds

Thinking this is pretty cool

Our new car worked out pretty nicely. So, we will be attending many more movies at the drive-in!

The 4th of July weekend- part 3: Sunday

2009-07-09T10:03:00.001-07:00

We all slept in Sunday morning, much needed from the late nights. We decided we needed to do something fun with the dogs since they have been left out of all the fun the last few days. Around mid morning we headed off to the dog park, which Etta calls the mountains. Hatcher and Scoscia splash and swam in the water. Etta and Gibson threw rocks in the water. While I took pictures and Andy played in the water with them everyone. On our way back Hatcher got a bit tense around a big Malamute. The two dogs barked and Hatcher ended up with two small bite marks on the back and a bite in his ear. Poor Hatcher his ear has been killing him but it is getting better.

My dogs are not to fond of swimming but they will play in the water

My cute family: Husband, 2 kids and 2 dogs

Etta loved having daddy attention making sure she didn't slip

checking out the river

Andy trying to push the dogs over the water fall and then...

having to rescue Scoscia

Finding the perfect rocks

Reaching for a big rock

the wind up and the pitch

The water was perfect to cool off the little toes

Headed home

After the dog park we were going to hit up the taco stand but Andy had a better idea. We hit up Smith's for some cabbage and plain yogurt. Gibson was asleep and we had the dogs in the back so me and Etta sat on the grass dancing and watching the dogs and Gibson. Once home Andy made some amazing fish sandwiches. We enjoyed them while playing casino and spades (i hate spades).

Etta just love to wear dresses and dance, dance, dance

Two tired yet crazy dogs

Off to the Ball game. The is the first time ever the Bees have had a evening Sunday game and fireworks! We got there and enjoyed the upper seats for a bit in the shade. Gibson and Etta were just darling during the national anthem. Gibson put his hat on his heart and Etta placed hers on her tummy. They were just darling. Then it was down to our seats to watch the game some of the here and there with added time for coloring, Bumble and a churro. During the bottom of the 8th inning I popped out the glow sticks for this kids to play with and keep entertained until the fireworks. We all had a great time and ended with more fireworks. I will say the fireworks show the Bees put on is the BEST in the state!

Hats and hand on their hearts for the National Anthem

Coloring, coloring and coloring

Of course Gibby got another ball to add to his collection.

Happy silly daddy

Here comes Bumble

High Five!

Etta dancing around again and...

striking a pose!

Gibby enjoying his churro

We are a Happy Family

Glow stick time

Daddy needs a glow stick necklace

Tickinling Gibby is so fun to do

Etta's glow earrings

The best fireworks, Seriously

The 4th of July weekend- part 2: Saturday July 4th!

2009-07-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

I woke up pretty early on the 4th of July, showered and then laid back in bed. I had a full day planned but had a feeling we weren't going to be doing it. I decided to have us skip the Millcreek parade and breakfast since my whole family (including my dogs) where still asleep at 8. I started making red and blue pancakes with blueberries and cherries. I decorated the table with 2 blue place mats and 2 red ones. Put my sparkling centerpiece int he middle. The kids came up and were so excited. It is always fun to put a little more effort in on Holidays.
I found a daring hairstyle for Etta, the little firecracker, and had tons of fun doing it. I had to fix it at least 5 more times through out the day.

The Firecracker hair style

My goofy little firecracker!

We tried to head out to Sugarhouse Festivals in the morning but Gibby just wouldn't have it. He was having a terrible tantrum and sitting next to Etta in the Chariot he was biting, pinching and pulling her hair. We made it to the top of the street and just turned around. Gibby went to bed, Etta and I painted fingernails and puzzles, and Daddy worked on his chicken coop. Once Andy got the nest area built he told us to come paint it. Etta and I had lots of fun. Andy made me fix Etta's paint up a bit. We need to make it look presentable, right?

Etta painting her Masterpiece

Beautiful pink mountains with glow in the dark moon and stars

We headed off to go Bowling in the afternoon. Get out of the heat and have some fun. We get two Jr games for the kids, they don't have shoes that fit my kids so we play for under $5. Sweet! They both get so excited and after every ball every one gets a High Five. I guess after bowling the kids and dad get chicken wings so we hit up the Chicken Coop for some very tasty chicken wings and fries.

Daddy helping Gibby carry his ball

Very excited Gibby after bowling his ball

Pretty girl waiting her turn

Gibby loved just watching his ball roll all the way down the lane

Here goes my little bowler- Grandma Etta May and Grandma Evelyn would be proud

High fives for all - Etta didn't even wait for all the pins to fall down- Strike!

We are so cute!

Helping give Gibby's ball a little push

We headed off to Sugar house to see the fun festival they put on. Booths, food, music and fireworks. I had decorated the bikes all up because I had planned on us being in a parade that morning but that didn't pan out. We rode are decorated bikes all over Sugar house. We stopped off and got some Gelato and daddy picked up some cards and coloring books to keep us entertained while waiting for the fireworks at the park. We were all having a great time until 20 min before the fireworks went off and a group of people pretty much sat on top of us to get a spot. They guy was annoying and I thought for sure Andy was going to turn around and punch him.

Bikes and Chariot all decked out in Red, White and Blue

Yum yum Gelato

Etta wanted this picture of her holder her balloon, my silly girl

Drinking every last drop of Gelato

Daddy got the goods!

Etta got a princess coloring book and the first page she colored was Snow White

Gibby loving his vroom vroom "Car" coloring book

Sweet little kids coloring so nicely

Andy enjoying some good BBQ

The red white and blue group, gotta love dressing up for the holiday

Silly Etta dancing with her glow sticks

Watching fireworks from people close by the park

Being silly and climbing around

More pics of the beautiful fireworks:

Once over Gibson through his 3rd tantrum of the day so it took us a bit longer to get home but we weren't in a big hurry. Sweet sleep was how we ended our 4th of July day.

Happy American Day!

The 4th of July weekend- part 1: Friday

2009-07-06T15:11:00.001-07:00

I tried to keep us busy this weekend and Andy tried to keep us at home. In the end we both got a nice combination of both.

Friday I had planned Murray Pool and the Canyons Concert. We started off cleaning and organizing the office and then headed off to the Murry Pool. I love that place and we wanted to take daddy there. I hung out with Gibby in the most shallow end. While daddy and Etta went off all over the pool. After the water break they do to check the pool for poop. We all went down the slide. Etta loved it and went over and over again. Gibson hated it and wouldn't let go of me or daddy the rest of the time. I sang a fun fish song and we all danced and went swimming like little fish and then headed home.

All ready to go swimming

Trying to teach eye protection and to wear sunglasses more- aren't they just darling?

Gibby loved this part of the pool, shallow and safe

Just to cute

My little fishes

Playing with her Daddy

Gibby staying in the shallow end

Loving the water, the sun and my kids

Where is Gibby?

Andy made us some delicious cheese hamburgers and then it was nap time. We relaxed the rest of the evening instead of going up to the Canyons for a concert (I had previously planned for us). Around 9pm I loaded the Love Sac in the back of the truck and told everyone we were off to watch fireworks. We stopped to get some treats and parked in a car wash parking lot to watch fireworks. Etta and Gibson loved having the love sac in the truck, Daddy relaxed, and I took pictures. Then came the fireworks. Gibby wasn't to sure about them at first but since we saw 2 other shows this weekend now loves them.

Ready to go watch fireworks, Gibby has his hat, glasses and bat and Etta has her piggy slippers

The family, the truck(we no longer have), and the Love Sac

We are so happy to wait and watch fireworks, mom

My cool little boy eating a Twix

Happy Daddy and Gibby just relaxing

My camera has a firework setting and we got some sweet shots. A great start to a fun weekend.

Fun with Friends

2009-07-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

Our good friends from AZ are here again. They have been here over a month and with them being sick and us being sick we finally got together last week.

Angelica set up a killer backyard paradise for the kids. There was a slip n slide, blow up kids house, a tipi, a kiddie pool, and a way fun tire swing. Plus the yummy food and drinks. There were 4 other little girls to play with besides Etta's best friend Layla so Etta was in heaven playing will all the girls. Gibby tried to squirt the girls with his squirt gun and ended up playing by himself down st slip n slide. Once Weston gets a bit older Gibby will have him to help reak havoc on the girls.

Squirting Layla on the head

Off to find the girls and get them wet

Run away from Gibby

Etta and her BFF Layla

Water fight

Cute Weston

Etta taking a break to swing

Clapping for "Detta" for swinging so well

Gibby loving the tire swing

The silly girls laughing and swinging

It was so relaxing watching the kids play and chatting with new friends. I love seeing Angelica, Layla and Weston they are such a fun family and great friends!(and the Aho family too!)

Angelica, Layla, their nephew, Weston and Rebecca Aho

Gibby's Birthday Party and evening Festivities

2009-07-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

I love throwing Birthday parties. We had a fun "Bounce House" party for Gibson last Saturday. Cleaning, planing, shopping and decorating is a bit stressful but always worth it.

Saturday morning we spent the morning mowing the lawn and decorating getting ready for the Bounce House. Nope, they didn't show up at the expected time they were suppose to. Our fun party guests arrived and we entertained them with bubbles, balls and the swing set. Finally 35 min later they came and set up the bounce house (I talked them down $5 for being late-yeah need to work on my negotiation skills). Everyone went in and bounced except Gibby. For some reason, terrible two's, he wouldn't even go in. The kids had fun bouncing, more bubbles, eating hot dogs and then out came the cupcakes. I loved watching all the little kids pick off the sprinkles to eat them, just darling.

Bounce house up and bouncing, Addi waiting to go in

Elyse enjoying the swing

Sofie wanting bubbles instead of her hot dog

Gibby couldn't get the hot dog in quick enough

Ashton, Makenna and Etta eating in the shade,

My beautiful cupcakes!

Cupcake time

very patient kids

Gibby blowing out his candle

Elyse with a chocolate mustache

Elyse and Addi cupcakes yummy, yummy

Sofie picking off the sprinkles, cute

Owen and Jon enjoying their cupcake

Gibby picking off all the sprinkles

Etta even eating the wrapper

darling bite Ashton

It was getting a bit hot so out came the hose. We filled up the pool and sprayed the bounce house till it puddles. Addi, Etta and Elyse got soaked and where slipping and sliding everywhere. Gibby tried out the pool, and when Lake and Libby showed up swim suites where a must. We had a few naked kids running around around for a bit. Hope it was a great party for
all. I always take so many pictures of everything but missed the water strip party:(
After nap time, all of us took a nap! We tried to get Gibby in the bounce house again. Nope, Daddy and Etta had fun bouncing. Andy enjoyed being the dinosaur or monster taking down the house. Just maybe we got our money's worth.

Daddy and Etta bouncing in the house

Falling down and having fun

Jump, my little Etta, Jump

Monster daddy taking the bounce house down

Gibby decided to play in the pool and try and get the balls...

he fell in face first. (Yes, I did laugh)

Relaxing after a busy crazy day

It was time to head to the Salt Lake City Art's Festival. We love going and have so much fun in the Children's activity zone, looking at all the fun art booths, playing in the fountain and dancing to the music from the concerts. Looking forward to next year already.

Making Art to add to the art sculpture

They turned out great; a moon and a butterfly

More butterflies to take home

Playing around:

Making music

A pool of Lego's- cool

Surprise a flower

A-Splishing and A-Splashing

Sitting down and getting all wet

Gibby had to copy sister

All wet

Gibby and daddy ticking each other

Dancing like a princess

I think Daddy won

Moving to the music

Gibson's Birthday

2009-06-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

Gibson's Birthday = Pancakes, Radio Disney Activity, Bubbles, Tacos, Cupcakes and Baseball
(tons and tons of pictures!)
We had such a wonderful day, June 23, celebrating Gibby's birthday. He woke up and we all wished him a Happy Birthday, which in return he said Happy birthday, also. We headed up stairs for some pancakes and opening presents.
He opened and played with his presents all morning :ABC and 123 blocks, baseball bat, ball and t-ball stand (which he loves and runs after every hit) and an LA dodger hat.

We then headed off to the Gallivan Center for the Radio Disney Water fight. It was a blast and they had the best volunteers. Ebay helped out at the activity booths so we got to hang out with Daddy. They kids did the bounce house, art center, ring toss, duck pond, milk booth for mustaches and Popsicles. We listened and danced to the music, and then tried to spray the firefighters with our little squirt guns. But the fire hose was more powerful and we ended up running all over the lawn to avoid the water. Radio Disney gave a shout out to Gibson for his birthday and sang to all the birthday kids. Then at the very end they taught us how to do the Miley Cyrus Hoedown Throwdown song, Etta's all time favorite song. She had requested it earlier so they dedicated the song to her. We had a great time and Gibby was asleep before I pulled out of my parking spot.

Toss the bean bag at the Costco center booth for candy

Daddy at ring toss and squirting us with water

Helping Gibby win at Ring Toss

Birthday boy and Daddy!

Gibby catching the ducks

Etta gabbing a lot of ducks

Etta had to get her picture with Snow White, I love that she is holding her squirt gun too

Got Milk? Darling little milk mustaches

Enjoying the creamy ice cream treat

Gibby left his mustache on for a while it was so funny

Gibby running really fast to get away from the fireman and their water hose

Etta trying to be sneaky and get the fireman, she ended up running away also

Etta learning the "Boom Boom Clap" moves (Miley Cyrus : Hoedown Throwdown)

Gibby just dancing

Etta loved watching the Radio Disney dancers

Waking up from his nap Gibby enjoyed blowing bubbles for over an hour. He would hold the bottle, stick the wand in, half the bottle would spill out, and then he would blow his bubbles. He was getting really good and getting lots of bubbles. He went through 4 small bottles. It's his birthday, right?

Blow those bubbles little boy

Then Daddy got home it was off to the taco stand. Yes, my kids love the the taco's from the taco cart. We had as many as we wanted and then headed to the cupcake store. We got there just passed 6 and they were closing. The nice lady let us in and have our cupcakes. We love Mini's!

Loving on the tacos

Don't bother me while I am eating

Daddy of course loves the tacos too

Etta and Gibby trying to grab the cupcakes

Not happy he has to share

Eating his cupcake

The boys were off to the Baseball game and the girls joined them in the 4Th inning. What a fun night. Gibby loved cheering every batter that hit the ball and ran. Etta played around and looked for Bumble. At the bottom of the 6Th Gibson's name came up on the board to wish him a Happy Birthday. Stinky little boys where trying to get the balls from the opposing team and thus huddling around our seats. Andy missed catching a picture but we cheered for Gibby!

Mommy and Birthday Boy

The Family

Silly Daddy trying to be like Gibby

It was a great day and a beautiful night

I love my children and my husband!

My two favorite pictures

I am so happy to have my boy. He is 100% all boy with the loving sports, dirt, bugs, and of course the hitting and biting. He is learning to communicate in full sentences and loving the way we can understand him now. Thanks for the hugs, kisses and being apart of our family.

I Love you Gibson!

The weekend and Father's day

2009-06-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

We hit up the Gateway Chalk Art Festival on Friday. After walking around seeing all the wonderful artist drawing with chalk, Etta and Gibson wanted their turn. Gibson had fun coloring over everyone's pictures. Etta wanted to draw and color who? Snow White

The kids hard at work

Gibby coloring over "Nikki's hackwork", Daddy watching the young artist

Mommy and Etta starting the Snow White drawing

keeping the chalk on the carpet piece so they don't get dirty

Time out from drawing to rub the little doggie

Etta's beautiful Snow White drawing

We celebrated Father's day Saturday and Sunday. We gave Andy his homemade ice cream cake, cards and poster of "The Best Dad". Andy pretty much buys everything he wants so we are sticking with the made with love items.
Etta and Gibby climbed in bed on Sunday and wished him a "Happy Father's Day" then we took Daddy out to breakfast at Farmer's Market Street Grill. We are so glad to have such a wonderful Father, Daddy and Husband. We love you!

Etta colored a beautiful picture menu for Daddy

Mommy and Etta wishing Daddy a Happy Father's day

The two buddy's, Gibby loved doing the arm tilt for the camera

Gibson learned this from his daddy!

Falling asleep... with his hand down his pants

Summer Activity Classes

2009-06-23T13:05:00.001-07:00

A good friend of mine found a wonderful opportunity to help out in her community and get some fun summer classes for her kids to participate in for free. I joined her in teaching a Mom and Me Music class so my kiddos get to join in some fun summer activity classes for free too!

Etta is in a Kids fitness, Dance and Itty bitty ball (learning soccer and t-ball). While Gibson plays around with me in the Mom and Me Music class.

The crew on their first day of activities

Playing duck, duck, goose (love the old school games I grew up playing)

We may need to work on soccer, but she sure is having fun

Next section Etta will be doing an Adventure camp and a singing class. Love keeping my kids busy physically because preschool for both of them starts again soon.

A Trip to Castle Dale

2009-06-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we headed down to Castle Dale for my niece's Baptism. Etta, Grandma and Grandpa took one car and My brother Rusty, Gibson and I drove another car. Rusty and I had a book on tape and listened to it there and back. It made the Drive a ton faster and more enjoyable.

Miss Chole in her Baptism outfit- She looked beautiful

The cousins have so much fun when they get together and play. Etta loves following Kaydee around and doing so many fun things. Dress up, dancing and bouncing on the tramp.
Gibson did his own thing, one minute he is playing with his uncle and cousins, then off to follow Etta and jump on the tramp. He didn't like the tramp too much and felt more safe in the swings.

Etta and Kaydee having so much fun

Bouncing and bouncing till one falls down

Gibby trying to bounce and not liking it very much

Safety in the swings

Uncle Rusty and Gibson

Gibby and Peyton playing together

After the wonderful baptism we headed to a near by park for lunch and more playing. They kids just couldn't stay off the wonderful playground. Then some big black thunderclouds come rolling in and it was time to head back home!

Etta still following her favorite cousin around

Gibby keeping himself busy

Etta working on gymnastics

My mom quilted this beautiful quilt for Chole. It is just beautiful and she will always remember the wonderful day she had and the warm feeling of being baptised

Swimming Time

2009-06-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to go swimming since Memorial Day weekend. Finally the clouds parted for a little bit of sun shine on Friday. We went to my Favorite Swimming pool!
We met up with my good friend Tavi, her little girl Elle and little boy Rice. The kids had a blast. They played with toys, swam like little fishes and enjoyed the water. Tavi and I chatted while keeping Rice and Gibby busy.
Etta and I enjoyed going down the big slide twice. Even with the sun it wasn't the hottest day, but we will be making many more trips to the pool this summer.

Gibby not sure if he wanted to go swimming

Telling us it wasn't cold

Playing around

Gibby warming up to the idea

Splashing and playing

Elle in the pool, Etta off to get the toys

Just having the best time

Trying to run in the water

Elle blowing bubbles

Tavi and Rice getting ready to join in

Break time/snack time

Gibby not wanting to get on his belly

Darling little friends drying off

My new camera and camping

2009-06-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen my other blog, traciannee, I got a new camera. I successfully sold my two other camera's on eBay, Yeah! Now I have a Canon PowerShot SD790 IS digital elph 10.0 Mega Pixel, and I love it. Here is the first few pictures taken with my camera. (It has a kids&pets mode that is sweet!)

First picture

Etta and Scoscia dancing around - no messy movements just clean pictures!

Andy dancing around for me to try out the camera

Andy was going to go on a bike trip and camping this weekend with some guy friends, so he had a small tent from Out N Back he was going to use. Etta and I set up the tent and pumped up the pads, she was so excited.

Etta and Gibby hiding in the tent

Playing around on the nice camping pad

Etta wanted to go camping in the tent Andy told her they would sleep outside that night. Oh what fun they had. At 9:00pm Etta wanted to go get "camping". Andy said when the basketball game was over they would go get in the tent. Etta couldn't wait. Me and Etta went out and took silly pictures and told stories until the game was over. Andy came out and they went to bed. Here is Andy's comment on Twitter around 11pm "Camping out with my daughter in the tent in the backyard. Singing to self- you're gonna miss this", love it!

Already for camping with Snow White

Playing around, silly faces and story telling.

Scoscia and Hatcher trying to come in the tent

Settling down with Andy and sleeping

Etta's Big Night

2009-06-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

My little Etta has been taking tap and ballet for the last 5 months. I think she likes dressing up in her leotard, tights and shoes more than the actually act of dancing but it is cute. Last month they had pictures taken and they are a bit silly but darling too.

This one is my favorite

Her little class in their tap costumes

Silly one- love the belly!

The class in the ballet costumes

Saturday was her big day! We headed off to dress rehearsal that morning and I got to see the girls do their dances for the first time. They were all darling. I guess I expected a bit more but they are only 3 and they have never done anything like this before. When her and Anni came out they both waved to me and Gibson and finally half way through the dance they started the movements. I explained to the girls after they should come out with smiles on and watch the teach and dance for everyone. Well that backfired(explain later).
After rehearsal we headed to brunch with Brynn, Sammie and Lucy. Sammie loves Village Inn and my girls didn't care so off we went. All three were being silly but ate great. Cute little friendships developing, just darling!

Etta eating French toast

Sammie showing me her pancakes

Gibby couldn't get the food in fast enough

Anni loving her food

3 silly friends : Sammie, Anni and Etta

We had Anni over again at 3:30 to do hair and make-up (yes I put blush, lip gloss and cream sparkly eye shadow on the). Off we went to get ready for the big Dance Recital. They were both so excited.

A quick picture

Excited

Once they were both dressed and ready I headed to my seat to wait for Daddy and Gibby. Gibson love every minute of it. He clapped after every dancer and when Etta and Anni came out he yelled to both of them "Yeah, Detta, Hi Anni. Yeah, Detta", clapping his little hands off. Etta came out not waving but picking her nose. I should have just let her wave!
After the recital I hurried backstage to help Etta and get some pictures. My dad and Jenny came and had given her flowers. They thought she only had one dance so they came backstage after the first dance. Jenny then helped Etta into her costume. Thanks to both of them very much!

Mommy and daughter

Etta and her Dance Teacher

Andy asked Etta where she wanted to go out to eat. She said "Pasta". I chose Red Rock, it has pasta :). We had so much fun congratulating Etta and she felt like a beautiful princess and loved the attention.

Family Picture

Etta chose to sit outside

Flowers Daddy picked right out of our garden

My flowers smell pretty

Smile and tilt your head

Gibby trying to do the whole "head tilt" pose

Oh, how I love my kids and can't wait until the next fun program or sporting event they will participate in. Here is to many more years of my kids participating in many more events!

Double header and back to back Baseball Games

2009-06-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we hit up the ballpark for a double header. We arrived at the beginning start 5:00 and headed home around 11:00 with the game still going on. It was a very long night but the kids were great. We had are treats we brought in; Apples, graham crackers, yogurt and then hit up the hot dogs a bit later. Gibby watched most of both games. While, Etta colored, played with her pink giraffe and goofed around the whole night.

Daddy and Gibby having a good time

Etta playing around and eating her Apple

He just loves Baseball!

Bumble the Bumble Bee!

Come on strike him out...Yes, Strike 3, your out!

Etta playing catch with her pink Giraffe

oh good, she caught it!

A little wet sprinkle doesn't hurt us

Keeping Pink Giraffe nice and dry

Waiting for the 2nd game to end

We want to run the bases!
Extra innings made this impossible we left before the game was over, next time!

The next day was Dogs at the park day. Yep, we headed over to the ball park with Hatcher and Scoscia too. We tried to sit in the seats for a bit but it was to hot and to crowded. Everyone liked chilling on the lawn. The dogs found a cool spot under the picnic bench. Etta went around petting all the other dogs and Gibby followed after. When the game was over they played "Who let the dogs out" as we headed home.

Making sure his hat was on correctly

View from the grass seats

Hatcher dogg

long tongued Scoscia

Relaxing in the shade

Finishing up her picture from the day before

I can honestly say it was the worst game experience I have ever had. Come next year I will have forgotten all about it and take them again. Go Bees!

Grandma Belle came to Visit

2009-06-03T14:57:00.001-07:00

If you don't know already Etta loves calling her family members and friends by princesses or Disney characters. Etta loves her two Grandma's, but instead of Grandma Donna and Grandma Peggy they have different names. Andy's mom is called "Grandma Belle".

We had Grandma Belle come visit us last week and had a wonderful time. She isn't able to attend Etta's Dance recital so she came down early and had the opportunity to watch Etta's dance class.

We went to the Library just before dance for some fun books and music.

Look at my beautiful Dancer!

Along with lunches, slip n sliding, trips to the store Grandma Belle played baseball, read books and played games with Etta and Gibson. We went to the swimming pool and took Grandma to "Five Guys", Yum Yum.

Splishing and splashing

Pretending to be an Elephant

Love on Uncle jew-jew (aka uncle Jason)

Making cookies

Swimming time

Eating "Hand-a-bergers" at Five Guys

Crashed out on Grandma

Snacking on Wheat Thins

On Grandma's last night we headed up Millcreek. We had tons of fun. The dogs and kids played and threw rocks in the river. We made some BBQ chickens and ended with Smores. Gibby wasn't feeling to good so we headed back a bit early. We all had a great time. I took tons of pictures and since this is my "scrapbook". I am posting all my favorites!

Throwing rocks in the river

Dogs fighting over a giant rock

Relaxing

Busy little Etta

Working on a Tinkerbell puzzle

Getting Dinner ready

Grandma doing the BBQ

Setting up the Hammock

Something doesn't look right

Playing in the Hammock

Start the fire, Daddy!

Roasting the Marshmallows

more Smores

My sick little boy

The dogs loving the freedom

It was a beautiful ending to a fun few days with Grandma! Thanks for coming out and hope to see you soon.