The Peterson's

Who would have guessed...

2012-01-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

That this...

has been housing my LOST wedding ring for over a month (December 12th-January 19th)!

It was actually in the fruit drawer in the middle of a plastic sack (yes I do clean my fridge out more often--I've just been gone a lot and fruit keeps for a while, right?)

So this is what I think happened--While I was trying to do everything at once--laundry, lunch, put grocery's away, keep busy kids happy..., my ring must have slipped off and into the fruit drawer. Who would have thought to look in the fridge--not me obviously!! So when I found this beauty, I was going through the fridge and came across a bag with a single pomegranate inside and was wondering if it was sporting any mold. I picked up the bag and was slowly looking for mold when I opened one side of the plastic and there it was! I was SPEECHLESS! The whole time it was lost, I just wanted it back so bad and I kept thinking that I had lost it at home and not at the store, but figured that was just wishful and hopeful thinking! Well, it wasn't, it was safe and sound in our fridge the whole time! After the shock wore off, I yelled to Braden and told him I found it! Yah!! He was excited! Now I'm scared to wear it, but I do and it makes me so happy! Plus, now the kids aren't orphans anymore--Jason told Braden when I lost it that we weren't a family anymore and he was an orphan because I didn't have a ring! What a joker! And Braden didn't believe him luckily! Whenever we went to a store, the boys were secretly looking for a new ring for me! Sweet of them but so glad I found MY ring! What a blessing!!!!!

New Year's Eve

2012-01-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

So...my parents went out of town New Year's Eve day so last minute we decided to throw a little party at my parents house (without them even there). We ate pizza and junk, played Just Dance 3, pool, and sat and talked!

Hadlee and Hayley--They are almost exactly a year apart but you wouldn't ever guess that because Hadlee is so little and Hayley is a little chub. Little cuties! I was due with Hayley on Hadlee's birthday but had her a couple days early. It would have been fun for them to share a birthday, but I was so ready to have her when I did that I didn't care about the date at the time :).
Just Dance 3! So much fun!!! I want to buy it now!
This little guy got so tired, he just laid down in the mist of all commotion and went to sleep 30 minutes before midnight! Yes, we are great parents--we let our kids stay up!
Hayley would not go to sleep!! Poor girl was so tired but her schedule is so messed up from being with family that I really didn't care that she was up!
Party kids after midnight! We had streamers everywhere! It was a fun night! Just chillin' and eating! Here's to a wonderful, crazy, fun, adventurous...2012!!!

Merry Christmas

2012-01-06T15:42:00.001-08:00

The boys with Santa. Hayley wanted nothing to do with him!

This is what happens when you play right below where mom is baking! Oops!
Making goodies for the neighbors! Notice the plentiful sprinkles on every cookie! But is sure made for a happy boy!
We attended the Searle Christmas Party and Kyden played a wise man in the Nativity. Braden sat in the audience because he wanted nothing to do with it.
Christmas Eve movie with Grandpa and Grandma--Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked (guess that's what it's called--that's what Braden is telling me and he's usually right (smart boy!)
New jammies--at least one of them are smiling!
Waiting pretty patiently to go upstairs and see what Santa left them. We had a sleepover at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Kyden was up at 4 and running around upstairs. He says he heard Santa and his reindeer and in his search for Santa, he didn't even see what Santa left him luckily! He was up again at 6 and we just couldn't keep him contained! He was whining to go upstairs so we let them. Very fun morning!

Jason's brother, wife, and 2 kids came from Texas. They haven't been back for a year and a half so it was fun to see them. Opening presents!

Hayley had no idea what was going on. She just kept getting bombarded by presents and her brothers!
I decided to get a little crafty this Christmas (at least for 2 gifts). I made this pillow for my mother-in-law which has all her grandchildren's handprints on it. It wasn't perfect but it was fun to do.
This one for my mom!
Hayley in her Christmas dress thanks to hand-me-downs from Aunt Kristen! I LOVE this dress! I want her to wear it forever!
Cousins--Kamden and Hayley. Hayley is 2 1/2 months older than Kamden. Kamden's sister, Brielle, and Kyden are 3 months apart too! We just time having babies the same time I guess! And Braden was born exactly a month before Travis and Jessica got married! This way it's easier to remember dates!
We also went to the Dance Christmas Party. Kyden and Great Grandma Dance.
Grandpa P and very sleepy Hayley
Dad and the boys!
We had a very fun and enjoyable Christmas! We stayed with family for a week and 1/2 and just partied the whole time! It was a good holiday!

So So Sad Day...

2012-01-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

I lost my WEDDING RING!!! December 12th...and I just keep waiting for it to show up somewhere! I NEVER take my ring off except to put lotion on and to cut raw meat up. I am always wearing my ring. I realize now how much I play with my ring and check for it. It's a sad and frustrating feeling when you loose something and just want it back NOW so bad. But it's just a thing that can (eventually) be replaced. The weird things...about a week before I lost my ring, I had a dream that some guy (ya some guy, not Jason, and I have no idea who it was I didn't even remember what he looked like when I woke up from the dream), gave me a butterfly wire ring. Weird since I don't have any kind of obsession with wire or butterflies and I've never seen a ring like it. Then the day before, I was rubbing lotion on the boys feet before they went to bed and set my ring on the bed. Jason came in and sat on it and I thought oh I don't want to loose it. I even told Jason that he sat on it. Then later that night, I was rubbing Jason's feet (which rarely ever happens, sorry Jason) and took my ring off and set it on top of a book. I thought to myself I don't want to loose that so I better put it right back on. Why was I having all these ring thoughts--I guess because I was going to loose my ring the next day! Lesson behind this??? Oh well...just had to share my frustration!

Dentist and Random Stuff

2012-01-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

The boys both had to have some work done on there teeth December 7th--and they were sedated! They were good sports. Braden still can't figure out how he got a silver tooth when all he did was drink some stuff at the dentist office and then went home--he doesn't exactly remember everything else and that's a good thing! They both handled it differently. Kyden thought he was so funny and tried to get up multiple times and just kept laughing and laughing. He is such a goof and it was hard not to laugh at him! Braden on the other hand was not so happy. He would have crying spells because he couldn't get up and do things himself so it made him frustrated. It was sad! Glad that's over! Hayley just thought it was a good time to crawl all over them and pull there hair which they didn't like one bit. Braden was also very sensitive--he started crying because Hayley didn't want to lay by him. It was a funny, crazy, and stressful day!

Still a little loopy but still cute that they are snuggling!
Same day--they were so interested in this movie! Probably more than they would have been another day!
Eating breakfast on the couch together. Hayley sat there for a good half hour or more which was shocking. But she does love those brothers of hers. (By the way, the new rule for the year is no eating on the couch because it is starting to look very trashy!)
And Kyden eating at the table by himself.
The boys were sooooooo proud of this. They made our bed ALL BY THEMSELVES! Don't mind that the fitted sheet was laid on top of the flat sheet and that I had to remake it again (without them knowing of course). But they did get all of our pillows inside the pillow cases which is not easy for me!
And this little bug is sooooo picky! I don't know what to feed her. She hasn't ever liked baby food--NEVER! She loves something one time and not the next! But I'm not worried too much right now because it's not like she's lacking for food with all that chub on her!

Sad day...and putting the Christmas stuff up

2011-12-11T17:08:00.001-08:00

We were so excited to get our Christmas stuff out and decorate the tree! Come to find out, a water snow globe had broke in our move and then the box sat in our attic all summer long roasting all the water our and making everything moldy. And of course, it was in the box with all our ornaments and nativities from other countries. We had to throw away a chunk of them but it's ok because it's just stuff! We can always get new! We just can't get away from mold!!! Ahhhhh!

This one was the worst--it was molded shut and so nasty! It smelled nasty! We probably spread all sorts of mold spores all over our house! At least we're just renting! :)

Kyden and his awesome smile! Getting ready to put our tree up! We have always gotten a real tree but since we won't be spending Christmas at our house and they are so expensive to just buy and throw it away! So we got a cheap fake one! A tree is a tree! Fake or not!

We haven't ever made gingerbread houses so we thought this is the year to do it. We bought a kit and started on it! Wow, it was hard and it wouldn't stay together! We only had a few set backs but it is standing today!

It was a fun first time experience! Next time we'll do a couple things differently!

Thanksgiving at the beach

2011-12-11T16:19:00.001-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Kauai! We had a lot of fun and it was just nice to be away from real life! The kids traveled super well (which I worried about more than I should have)! We spent most of our time on the beach. Some of the other things we did while there--hiked, zip lined, ate enough junk to last us a year, snorkeled... Here are a few pictures! Oh and to come--we surprised mom with a professional photographer to take family pictures. I'm just waiting to get them back!

This little lady LOVED the sand--putting it in and out of the bucket and getting a bit in her mouth.

Getting ready to go zip lining in our COOL gear! It was a lot of fun! We did a zip and dip--so we zip lined and got to swim in this private fresh water place and eat lunch.

Building forts with Grandpa. (We carried, in the car, those sticks from one location to another because Kyden "needed" them. He is so random!)

We broke open a coconut and then all ate it. Braden thought it was pretty cool and good!

Braden loved the waves and swimming in the ocean! It was fun seeing the kids have so much fun and enjoy themselves!

Hang loose!

Riding in the "cool" car--in there car seats I might add! Nothing like riding in a convertible in carseats!

The gang at church.

Thanksgiving lunch--filling our bellies with PB&J's! Yummy (I guess)!

Thanksgiving night we had the actual Thanksgiving food! Braden in his Hawaiian attire!

Kyden eating his food.

I hate to admit this, but we went to bed every night no later than 9! We were exhausted and the time change really did us in! We flew a red eye and got to Salt Lake around 9 Saturday morning. We then drove to Twin Falls for Jason's Family Thanksgiving dinner. I'm so glad we went! We were just a tad bit tired but it went smoother than I thought and it was fun to see everyone there!

Hayley's Current Obsessions

2011-11-13T16:11:00.001-08:00

We love our little Hazel bug! She is so funny and learning something new everyday! She is growing up way too fast! Some things that Hayley loves is...

Sticking her tongue out--It's ALWAYS out! Cute little tongue.

Getting into everything--like pots and pans, crayons and glue left out by her brothers and anything else she can get her hands on! It's a little harder with older kids who have small objects that seem to find there way in her mouth!

Trying to climb stairs. She's already fallen down them twice so she doesn't go near them when she at the top but she's trying to figure out how to go up them. I've caught her up the first flight of stairs (3 stairs) a couple times! Little trouble maker!

Another picture of Hayley getting into things left out by the brothers--first marshmallows and then a cotton ball that got stuck to her sticky hands! She was funny trying to get it off!

The bathroom in general! Loves it! What is it about babies and bathrooms--they're nasty but they love them! Toilet paper--but at least she hasn't figured out how fun it is to unroll the whole thing.

Playing in the toilet! She loves taking a bath and splashing in the water so the toilet is just like a mini bathtub to her! Nasty!

The tv and everything around it!

She dislikes baby food! She's never really liked it! But she does love to beg food off us! Don't ask me how she knows but she especially begs food off of us when it's cookies or ice cream or chocolate! Little beggar! We love her! She is so happy, yet a bit feisty too. She has quite the personality! It's fun seeing it come out more everyday! I love seeing all that she is discovering. They learn so much in that first year. A lot of work but she is so fun! And her brothers just adore her!

Halloween

2011-11-05T12:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!! We had 2 Bumblebee Transformers and 1 little fairy (or butterfly as the boys thought) to go trick-or-treating with. We tried to convince one of the boys to be a different transformer but finally gave in and got them the same costume (and yes we bought them--Mrs. Lazy is my name, plus I figured it was worth the money for them to play with afterwards). Halloween isn't my very favorite holiday. I don't like spending money on costumes or candy. It's just kind of weird going to people's houses that you barely know and asking for candy. Usually we visit family and some friends and get lots of candy but this year we weren't by family so we settled for neighbors. It was fun, but random! Also, before Halloween when people would ask what the boys were going to be, they would say bumblebee--I had to clarify that they were going to be Bumblebee Transformer not a flying stinging bumblebee. Ha ha!

Looking at there loot!
I don't think they were very tired after trick-or-treating. What do you think?
Carving pumpkins

Angry bird and Smurf. Jason pretty much did them both! Great job!

Grandpa and Grandma decided last minute to go to Salt Lake so they stayed at our house on there way there. It was fun seeing them for a little bit!
I helped in Braden's classroom with the Halloween party. I was in charge of the treat--decorating sugar cookies. It was fun seeing all of his new friends. His teacher is so wonderful and sweet! She was sick the other day and he came home a little disappointed that she wasn't there.
The weekend before Halloween, we went to visit Brad and Bec. Jason and Brad went golfing while me, Bec and all the kids went to Costco and made Halloween spider cookies.

Braden took this picture. He's turning into quite the little photographer although this one's a little blurry and the other one he took kind of cut our heads off.
Little Miss Hay getting into everything and eating all our leftovers off the floor!
The boys had a blast "fixing" Brad's bike!
We also visited the pumpkin walk. It was a lot of fun. This display was our favorite--Despicable Me. It was soooo cute! And so real!

Random Fall

2011-11-05T12:16:00.001-07:00

The kids with Daddy

Quincy and Hadley came to visit us for a day so we went to our favorite park.
Crazy funny ones
So you can't tell in this picture but Kyden has a pet caterpillar in his bowl of gold fish. Pretty much killed the poor thing. But they sure had fun with it. They took it on a train ride, fed it food, and who knows what else!
Hayley all bundled to go mini golfing. She always sticks her tongue out!

Spud Harvest

2011-11-05T07:18:00.001-07:00

Well since we don't get 2 weeks off for Spud Harvest in Utah, we had to settle for a weekend trip to get our spud harvest fill! We had fun riding and driving and picking those dirt clods. It's amazing how fast they can dig the potatoes now! Helping them to plant more potatoes because they can be harvested faster (if the weather cooperates)! They run 2 diggers, 3 cross-overs, 10+ trucks--years ago they ran 1 digger and 1 crossover! Harvest went a lot slower! I love being a farmers daughter and being a part of this whole operation! The first week of real spud harvest (they do a green dig so they end up digging for over a month but the kids are out of school for 2 weeks to help so that's what I mean by real) it was so hot people were getting sunburned but the next week it was so cold people were wearing coats. What crazy weather!

This is a picture of 2 crossovers and the digger loading a truck with 2 waiting...

Eric and the boys. They love this!
Riding in Eric's truck

Kyden's pet fly--yes his pet?? I think the fly was dying so it let Kyden carry it around in his helmet and crawled up his arm. He had it for quite a while and then he lost it. Funny kid!

Hayley with Dad
Hayley riding in the digger with Uncle Ray. Ray drove the digger the whole time. He's great at what he does!

Kyden loves to go to work with Grandpa. Here they are together getting there work boots on.

Great Grandpa (to Hayley)
Shopping and then dinner after priesthood session. Waiting for the guys to join us. Suzanne, Bec, Hayley, and Candi.
Grandmas and Kyden

Spud Day and Our Calling

2011-11-05T06:46:00.001-07:00

We were going to miss Spud Day this year--first time in who knows (if we ever have missed it)--but at the last minute decided to make the trip. We just couldn't stay away! Braden had his Primary program the next day that we had to be back for so it was a really quick trip but fun. By the way Braden did a wonderful job in the Primary Program. So cute!

Grandpa and the kids.
So cute!
Well...Kyden thought he wanted to go down the big blow up slide until he started climbing up to go down. Let's just say he wasn't a happy camper!
We made it all summer without getting a calling...we are now the Ward Building Cleaning Specialists (or something like that...a.k.a. janitors but not really). We really like it! The kids are such a big help too. We are in charge of cleaning it every 3rd month so not too bad. Here are our little helpers...

Mr. Bear And Last of Summer

2011-11-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

Braden was the first child in his class to be able to bring Mr. Bear home because there names both started with a "B". Braden thought it was pretty fun. He was able to take Mr. Bear on all his adventures and then write about it! Then the next child got to do the same thing. I don't love the idea because of the the germ factor but Braden loved it so I looked past that!

Uncle Brad and Aunt Bec came to visit us one Saturday. We went mini golfing since there is one right by our house. The boys love going. It sure was hot even though it was the end of September when we went.

Oops! Spilled smoothie al over him! It was one of the funniest things but he didn't find it funny one bit! He insisted he wanted the lid off but look what it got him--a smoothie bath!

Building a race track outside with dad is so much fun!
The 3 girls! Two of my friends had babies about the same time as Hayley was born. Hayley (7 months), Brielle (4 or 5 months??), and Gabbie (just 2 weeks older than Hayley)! Notice the size difference! Funny! What cuties! We're hoping they'll all be friends one day!
Here's all our other kids from our play date! They all actually played really well! It's crazy how many kids we have! It seems like just yesterday we were starting out with our first! Poor Addi in the middle of all those boys! She's the only girl besides the babies!

Kindergarten

2011-09-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! We can't believe that we have a child old enough to go to Kindergarten but we are so excited for Braden! His first day was September 1st and he LOVES LOVES LOVES it! He loves to learn and do homework and check out library books and make new friends. His teacher is wonderful and we are so glad that he likes Mrs. Baxter. We were kind of shocked on the first day of school when I dropped Braden off at school and he walked into the school and to his classroom by himself. That kid is growing up! He is so brave! What a handsome little fellow!

Before he started school, we got to go meet with his teacher. She asked him to make and bring a "Me page" with him when he came to meet her. Braden completely loved doing this. He loves to draw and he drew too many pictures so we had to put them on the back.

Picking him up!

Brothers

We took Braden out to dinner for celebration of his first day of school. His pick. It was fun!

Oops..hope she survives!

2011-09-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well, one day Hayley was being crabby so I put her on the counter while I finished filling our honey jar up. I turned around for a second and when I looked back this is what I found...Hayley's hand digging in. Oh...no honey for a year you say! Well, lets just say she may or may not have gotten a lick or 2 of honey. Oops! It just had to be something she's really not supposed to have! Little stinker! But with a smile like that, how can you be mad at her!

Oh yep, your caught!!!

Being the nice brother Kyden is, he decided to share some chocolate with Hayley one day after her nap. He even had to unwrap it for her. He was so proud of himself. We heard Hayley crying after her nap but I wanted to finish up what I was doing so I guess Kyden took matters into his own hands and went to check on her. This is what I found when I went to get her. I wondered why she wasn't crying any more. Chocolate does wonders!! Did I mention that this chocolate had chunks of peanuts and toffee in it! Another food she's not supposed to have! But she sure was happy!

Kyden loves his sister...just a little too much (most of the time)! He wouldn't even touch her for the 1st month of her life but now he just can't get enough of her. Just wait till she can beat on him--he better watch out! He was being a big helper this day feeding her (and gagging in between bites when she would spit it out). He's so goofy!

It's a miracle that these little ones survive especially when they have older siblings beating up on them and feeding them things they shouldn't have or leaving out toys that are just too little. But they do survive---hopefully they just get tougher!

Brad and Bec's Wedding

2011-09-25T16:05:00.001-07:00

My beautiful sister got married July 8th to a wonderful guy, Brad. We are so happy to welcome him to our family! Aren't they so cute?! They are doing so good and we are so happy for them. They seriously have a million awesome pictures from there wedding (engagement, bridals, wedding, reception) but here are just a few...

And this is how the temple looked...construction zone! But guess it doesn't matter what it looks like just that they got married in the temple!

The whole family...

Best of friends! We really are! I'm so lucky to have such a great sister and we get along! Love her!

Little Hay peeking out! What a long day for little ones! But she was a good sport!

Our little family

The loves of our lives! What would we do without these little ones! We love them even when they might just drive us crazy...just a little!!

Random Summer Pictures

2011-08-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

At the zoo with my cousins and there kids. The kids loved it and it was so fun to get out!

Eating dinner in our "backyard"! A cement slab doesn't exactly make for the perfect backyard but it works and it's fenced in to keep the kids in!

Playing something creative!

On the gator with Grandpa the worker!

The boys on the mini gator.

Playing cowboys...Grandpa and Eric used these for the Pioneer trek they went on and the boys love to play with them.

Hot tubbing...Although I've never made it in this year. Boo!

Grandpa, Hayley and Hadlee--they are almost exactly to the date 1 year apart. Hayley's due date was Hadlee's birthday! She's so tiny!--Hadlee

Big brother--Hayley LOVES her brothers! They sometimes love her too much though!

Our very own Mr. Rogers! With shorts and snow boots! He was pretty proud of this sweater!

Our cutie pie!

And she fell asleep just like this! Funny girl! It's tough being a baby!

Happy Father's Day! I think it's fun having older kids that can actually make things for dad! And they sure were proud of there crafts!

Braden's hole in one! Mini golf that is right by our house.

This kid actually has a really good swing! He's pretty good if you can keep his attention long enough to play the entire game.

Pretty girl!

Packages from Grandma! So fun! Thanks!

Our First Visitor's

2011-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

My cousin, who lives in Logan, got married the end of June so my family came to stay with us for a night. It was a bit cozy, but that's how we like it!! A couple days before the wedding, his fiancé went through the temple for the first time so Jason and I babysat all of the kids. Between 3 of my cousins and our kids, we had 4 babies (9 months and younger--2 of them being less than a month old) and 7 more kids under the age of 5. We also had the younger brother who is 16 to help babysit (he was a lot of help). It actually went really well and we were happy to do it! Here's Jason with the 2 older babies!

My family got into town Friday night so we went to dinner at Texas Rhodehouse. Love there hats!
Sleepy boys...
Waiting for the big family picture.

Ahhhh....how sweet. Sleeping in Grandma's arms.

Little handsome missionary

Kyden and Quincy...We miss seeing her! We used to babysit her once a week while her mom (my aunt) went to work! She is so cute and sweet! Kyden loves her!
Abby and Braden...these two are friends of the heart. They are so much alike! We went to lunch with her and her sisters and mom Friday before all my family got there--so nice of them to treat us to lunch and a good time! So good to catch up and have some fun!

The Move

2011-08-04T16:28:00.001-07:00

We made the move May 20th with not an inch to spare! We packed Grandpa's snowmobile trailer clear to the top! I'm so impressed it actually made it to Logan! You don't realize how much stuff you have until you try to move it! Wow, we have so much junk! Don't worry, with Jason's help, we took a couple loads to DI once we moved! I drove the van with all the kids, Jason his pickup, my wonderful parents drove the truck with trailer, and Jason's parents brought more of our stuff the next day in another small trailer! We have such great families! Especially since we had more help when we got to Logan--my aunt and her kids came and helped! Thank you everyone who helped in one way or another! We couldn't have done it without you!

The boys with there movies! What did our parents do without dvd players?!!!

I think we may have worn the boys right out! This is how we found them when Jason and I took a break from unpacking! We really are good parents (sometimes)!!

The new bunk bed for the boys! In order to fit in our new place, we had to get a bunk bed and we're so glad we did because it works great! The boys helped Dad put it all together!

Jason put the boys on top and they thought they were stuck up there--that is until they figured out how to get down! We were just going to leave them there for a while!!

Our new place...it's a 3 bedroom townhouse and we really do love it! The neighborhood is quiet and nice. It's great!

The ATTIC!! Ya, I was not on board with putting stuff in the attic until our neighbor told us they have tons of stuff up there. It's actually not bad up there! I've just never seen a pull down stairs to an attic before--just in the movies!

The Good Bye's

2011-08-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

We moved!! To Logan for Jason to go back to school (Master's program)! But before we moved, we were surprised by some wonderful friends who through us a good bye party at the park! We have such good friends that we were sad to leave, but know that they will be there when we come back for visits (since both Grandparents live there) and maybe someday we'll move back!?? Who knows since life changes all the time! Anyway, the party was so sweet! It was fun to visit and let the kids play! Thanks Lauren for putting it all together and making amazing treats! And thanks to all that came! We will miss all of you! The picture below is awful but none of them would look at me at the same time so it'll have to do!

We headed to Logan the day after Braden's preschool graduation (May 20th) so after it got over we went to ice cream at Kiwi Loco with both of our families. It was super yummy! The boys love there grandparents so it'll be an adjustment not having them close, but it'll be so good for us as a family too! So many pros and cons!!! I love all of these pictures! The boys were actually being good for the camera!!

So, we did move, but we have spent our summer back and forth--as you will see in the next couple posts! Luckily, it's only a 2 hour drive! If it was further, we may not have taken so many trips!

Braden's Preschool Graduation

2011-07-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! I can't believe a whole year has gone by! We will soon have a Kindergardener! Crazy but so exciting! These pictures are from the last field trip of preschool and then from his preschool graduation/program.

Last day of preschool with there lunches in there backpacks for a picnic!

Kyden had to have his own lunch too because Braden got one! Wants to be just like his brother!

Braden and his certificate! He had a little black paper graduation hat but he took it off right after it was over. He was such a good sport and wore it the whole time with no complaints but it didn't stay on longer than that!

Mrs. Ottley with Braden! She did such a wonderful job and he loved her! It was a very fun year! We are so proud of Braden! He loves learning and was so good in preschool! Good job Braden!

Easter

2011-07-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Easter Morning (well actually the day before because we always do the hunts the day before)! Don't we all look so chipper and good looking!

Braden slept in his clothes! Surprise, surprise!! I hate to admit this but the boys have gotten into a habit of just sleeping in there clothes! Oops!

Grandpa helping out!

After this Easter egg hunt, we went over to G&G P's for another hunt! It was lots of fun and we got loads of candy!

Easter morning with the kids.

Random Catch Up

2011-07-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well, you can see what 3 kids and a busy summer has done to me--I'm completely behind on blogging so I'll try and play catch up, but we'll see how far I make it! These pictures are from a couple months ago...

The boys goofing off at G & G's house! Love the bowl on Kyden's head for a hat. He was pretty proud of himself! My parents have had those bowls for as long as I can remember!

Looks comfy! He just laid down one day and fell asleep.
Kyden loves this dog costume! It is too small but he loves to wear it anyway!
Kyden finally warming up to the idea of having a sister! He loves to hold her now!
This was Hayley's first Sunday going to all of church the week after her blessing! Such a doll!
A little dazed! Kyden looks comfy!

Hmmmm....guess who put this helmet on Hayley's head???? KYDEN?!!!!

Sharing toys! What nice brothers!
More toys....
The volcano from Braden's preschool class that they loved!
My friend had a baby a couple weeks before me and we were able to get together. I think Hayley's got her beat in the weight department!

Introducing....our baby....Kyden! He loves getting into Hayley's baby things!
Sleeping like her brother's.
Really, who needs a couch when you have a counter to lay on to watch tv?
Pretty tired huh! Fell asleep at 6:00 dinner!
Our little chunky cutie!
Dad's last day at Deseret Book!
Big smiles!
Hayley was being fussy one night so my brother, Eric laid down by her and she put him to sleep instead of the other way around!
Another boy asleep at the counter! Except it was pretty late this time!
I had no idea what kind of mess these boys made in G&G's closet until I went in there a couple days after it was created! I asked my parents why they didn't have the boys clean it up and they said they just stepped over it because they knew the boys were having fun. What nice grandparents!
Sleeping good with his shoes on! He slept with them on all night and I had no idea! The things this kids does!!

Las Vegas for Jesse and Suzanne's Wedding

2011-06-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Jason's little brother, Jesse, got married in the Las Vegas Temple April 15th. To be honest, I was excited for them to get married but not so excited about taking the trip with 3 kids--especially with a new baby! But it was actually a good trip and it's a good thing that Hayley was so little because she slept most of the way. She only cried for the last 3 ish hours of the 12 hour trip. I'd say that's pretty good! It should have only taken 9 hours but we made a couple long stops so it took longer! On the way home, it only took us 10 ish hours so not bad. Here's the boys at the beginning of the trip with there dvd player! I have no idea how our parents traveled without the electronics we have now! I wouldn't want to do it without a dvd player now!

And here's the happy couple! Congrats Jesse and Suzanne!

I wasn't planning on going into the temple for there sealing because I wasn't about the leave the kids with a complete stranger but Uncle Doug and Aunt Jerico came to the rescue. They live in Vegas and have some good friends who were more than willing to watch them. I just have to tell you how wonderful these people are! Thanks Damien and Bren!! Our boys don't just go to whoever whenever! They are pretty people shy! Even people they know so when they attached to these people right away I knew they were great! Bren came over the night before to meet us. Within 20 minutes of her being there, the boys were showing off there mad dancing skills and sharing there food with her! She just has a way with people! I'm so grateful for them for being willing to spend a whole day with us! The boys LOVE them and still talk about them! Wish they lived closer!

Night before we headed home--family night at California Pizza Kitchen! Love that place! (Probably because we don't have one anywhere close to us!)

Wow, this was a nightmare!! We wanted to take the boys to M&M world and to see the light and water show and we'd been telling them we could go. Well, we ended up going later than planned! The strip was packed with people, elevators weren't working so we had to carry the stroller up and down stairs, the strip is no place for children (especially at night), it was hot, Hayley was fussy, Kyden almost fell asleep before we even got to M&M world, we parked a long ways away (thinking we were closer), we didn't even see the water show because we were exhausted...made for a long night and a pretty pointless stroll down the strip! But we made it and got a picture and some M&M's because I wasn't about to leave that store without something to show for our LONG walk!!!

I love this picture! I think it's so cute! It was from the reception in

Shelley the weekend after the wedding!

Cousins--Brielle & Hayley

Cousin Brielle was able to fly here with her dad for the reception. Her mom had just had a baby boy so she wasn't able to come! We missed her but were happy that Travis & Brielle were able to come! It was fun seeing them!

Happy Birthday Kyden

2011-06-12T16:52:00.001-07:00

Kyden turned 3 on April 8th! He is such a funny boy! He is always coming up with something crazy to say or do. We can't get enough of his silliness!

Yep, you got it--It snowed on his birthday so...

Dad helped Kyden build a snowman! It fell over right after I took this picture

but they sure did have fun building it!

He invited cousin Quincy over to play for his birthday! They had fun playing!

Both boys got scooter cars for there birthday from Grandpa and Grandma! We were all (these things can hold up to 200 pounds) trying them out inside since the weather was awful until we realized they were making marks on G & G's floor! So, grandma banned everyone except Braden and Kyden from riding them inside. Bummer cause they are fun!

At last minute, we decided to take Kyden to Red Robin for his birthday dinner. Jason had to close at work, but got there just in time for dinner. I was shocked that he let them put these balloons on his ears and sing to him. It must be because he LOVES balloons!

We were planning to have a family birthday party on the Sunday after his birthday but poor Kyden got sick so we had to cancel it! He's still waiting for his party like Braden's with kids and presents! Sorry Ky--maybe next year!

Happy Birthday Braden

2011-06-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Braden turned 5 on March 29th! We can't believe we have a 5 year old! How the time flies! We love our little man! He is so smart and such a big helper!

Opening his presents first thing in the morning!

His birthday party! We invited a few friends and just played games. I think they all had a blast! (Notice Kyden holding one of Braden's opened presents--it's tough when it's not your birthday! And your brother is getting all sorts of fun new toys! He loved the present he's holding and thought it was his.)

We took Braden and Kyden to Leo's Place to celebrate that afternoon.

Braden especially likes the arcade games.

Braden with his "birthday cake"! Okay, this makes me look like a big slacker mom--really who makes brownies and uses paper to write something on it! But Braden doesn't like cake and wanted brownies so I didn't see the point in spending tons of time trying to make brownies look good because he didn't care!

Love you Braden! You're the best!

Hayley's Birth Announcement

2011-05-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law made these birth announcements for Hayley and I think they turned out really cute! I printed and sent some out, but never got around to everyone so sorry! Here it is if you didn't get one! Life has just gotten a bit more crazy with her in our lives! But we love it!

And these are some pictures we didn't end up using...Thank goodness for my brother's nice camera! Mine isn't the greatest little thing! Check out her double (or triple) chin! Love it! And her chubby cheeks! I just can't get enough of them! I could kiss them all day!

Hayley's Baby Blessing

2011-05-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hayley was blessed March 6th by her dad. It was a beautiful blessing or so I was told. The microphone wasn't turned on so I didn't hear a word of the blessing! I was sad but realized that there was nothing I could do about it. Plus, all that matters is that she was blessed right! Jason wrote down all that he remembered about it so that was nice. She looked adorable though!

We love our kids! They are the best!

We Moved

2011-03-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

We moved in with Grandpa and Grandma Searle! What a mess! When Hayley was about a week old, I decided to do a little cleaning. I had Jason pull Braden's bed away from the wall because it looked like there was a ton of dirt between his bed and the wall. I should have known better. It wasn't dirt, but a TON of mold! We lived in an older duplex and we did have mold problems before this but not this bad! That was the last straw though--with 2 little boys and a new baby and with the owners not doing a thing about it, I was out! We are moving to Logan in about 3 months so it was a bummer that we couldn't stick it out that much longer! But were done dealing with it and everything else that went with that place--the smell, the mold, the shower, the drain that wouldn't drain when we did laundry, and blah, blah, blah! We did LOVE the neighborhood! But oh well! We weren't going to be in the neighborhood much longer anyway, so it was time! I started packing when Hayley was just over 2 weeks old and we moved right after her 3 week mark! Let's just say, I did nothing for the first 2 weeks of her life but hold her and feed her and watch tv, then it was a rough week or so, but we are great now and loving life at Grandpa and Grandma's--especially the boys!!!

This is the only picture I could find of the boys with grandparents! Guess I should take more pictures of them! Way to go Grandma--you put all the boys to sleep!

We got in!!!

2011-03-30T16:29:00.001-07:00

The moment we've been waiting for......the acceptance letter! We found out right before Hayley was born that Jason was accepted into Utah State's Management Information Systems (MIS) Masters program!! Wahoo! Yes, that means more student loans (uhg), but we'll deal with that. Debt for school is alright--right?! We are super excited for this next step in our lives! Utah State has been wonderful to work with already. They have been so helpful and nice. I am sad to leave so much family and so many good friends, but I know we will meet wonderful people as we move and it will be great! Change is always hard for me, but once I'm there it's just fine! I know this is what we should do and it is so exciting! It's not like we're moving across the United States, it's only 2 hours away--driving, not flying!

P.S. Jason LOVES this picture! But I just had to put it in for memory sake!

Baby Hayley

2011-02-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well, now that Hayley is ALREADY 2 weeks old, I'm finally getting Hayley's birth story written for all who want to hear! The night of the 27th, I went to a Relief Society Meeting and wasn't feeling super great, but I just thought I was having Braxton Hicks. They progressively got worse and we kept debating on whether we should go to the hospital or not. We decided to head to the hospital about midnight to be on the safe side--last time I was in labor, I talked myself out of going to the hospital (and it was just a very quick labor) because I didn't want to be sent home. This time, I didn't care if I got sent home--just so I didn't have another baby in the car. Really though, having Kyden in the car wasn't bad, it just wasn't the most sanitary place for a baby to come into this world! My contractions weren't too bad, but they weren't bad with Kyden and he was born in the car. The bad contractions just came really fast with him. We walked into Labor and Delivery and I said "Uh, I think I'm in labor." And they all just looked at me. Then I said "My last baby was born in the car so we are being on the safe side this time". Then they understood. A nurse took me to a room, checked me and hooked me up to those stupid monitors! Yes, I know that the monitors are there to make sure baby is okay, but if you don't have pain medication and you have to lay in bed on your back for hours during contractions--Pure Pain!! The nurse even said to me "Wow, you're our easiest patient yet (since I didn't have any problems so far and I didn't want any pain meds). We don't get too many women who come in here that don't want the meds." Okay, so clearly, she didn't really know how uncomfortable it is to lay in bed having contractions because she made me leave the monitor on for 2 of the 3 hours I was in labor in the hospital. Anyway, I was dilated to a 4. Earlier that day, my doctor checked me and I was at a 3 so I figured it'd be a while. So, the contractions stayed about the same for a while and then all of a sudden got worse. At 2, I had the nurse check me and I was only to a 6. I was thinking, I can handle this for longer, but not hours and hours longer! Well...it was about 20-30 minutes later that I told Jason to get the nurse cause I think I have to push. About 5 minutes later, Hayley entered the world. No doctor, only 2 nurses. We tried to warn the nurses that I go fast, but I didn't push the issue because I didn't know if this labor would be different. At least we were in the hospital this time. The only scary thing was the cord was wrapped around her neck. Luckily, she came pretty fast and all was okay. She is a great baby and we are so grateful to have her in our home! We have just been camping out at home and recovering and getting used to having a baby! What a sweetheart!

You can tell this is our 3rd because we got pictures of mostly everyone holding Hayley at the hospital...except Dad.

Um...let's just say that the boys have been doing A LOT of this lately...watching tv. Well, what else r they supposed to do when it's colder than freezing outside!

The boys love to give Hayley toys to look at. What big helpers!

Proud brother! Love this picture!

First family of 5 photo!

Uncle Eric

Aunt Bec

Grandpa P

Grandma P

Grandpa S

Grandma S

Our Sweet Baby Girl

2011-01-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hayley Jo

Born Friday, January 28 at 3:32 am

Weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz

19 inches

We are so happy she is here!

More pictures coming--just give me a second to get myself organized!!

The Ag Show

2011-01-22T10:49:00.001-08:00

Every year, we go with Grandpa and Grandma to Pocatello to the Ag Show in the Mini Dome. The boys love it (I just go along for the ride)! My mom was worried about me the whole time because of all the walking we were doing (but I was fine). I think she was afraid it would put me into labor! My parents are out of town for a week and get back about 5 days before my due date (February 2nd). My mom doesn't want me to have our baby while she's gone because that happened once before with Braden! Guess we'll see!

Kyden with Grandpa and Braden with Ray checking out all the tractors.

Just thought this was cute.

Driving the tractor...

You can just see the happiness and excitement on there faces!

Getting Ready...

2011-01-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

For our Baby Sister...

The boys were pretty excited to be helping dad put the cradle together for there baby sister. Hopefully they are just as excited when they get to actually meet her and

have her in there home!

And here I am about to pop! I don't think I could do twins or multiples

of any sort! I would really pop then! Sorry, I look a little tired or something in this picture--must just be the pregnancy look!! UGH!!

We are excited to have a little girl in our family! It will be different for sure, but a welcomed different! I have to admit, I'm just a little nervous about going into labor since the last time I went into labor, it ended with Kyden being born in the car! But the closer it gets, the less nervous I am which sounds weird, but it's true! Our baby girl still doesn't have a name so wish us lots of luck deciding on one! We are horrible at picking out names!

Our Mr. Fix-its

2011-01-22T10:17:00.001-08:00

The boys, especially Kyden, love to raid both Grandparents odds and ends drawer with all the old tools and random stuff (I'm sure you all know the sort of drawer). Most of the stuff probably isn't the most kid friendly things ever, but oh well! So I finally got some pictures of them and here they are...

The drawer...

The boys at work...

The tool box (or a tin can my parents got from someone for Christmas that Kyden found and uses as a tool box--which now have dents all over in it--oops!!

The boys have really started to play good together (on most days)! I love it when I can sit in the other room and just listen to them play, be creative, and work things out. Kyden is really talking good now so it's fun to hear what his brain comes up with. If I can't understand him, I ask Braden and he can usually tell me what Kyden is saying--nice huh!! Love our boys!!

All tuckered out from a hard days work!! What a life!

Comfy huh! Really who would want to sleep like that! If I laid like that for a couple minutes, my neck would kill me!

Our Dream Came True!!!!

2011-01-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

The swagger wagon! Love this!

Well the time has come for our family to make the big switch from this...

to this...

Never in a million years would we have dreamed of owning a VAN!! But we are now the proud owners of one! After biting our pride a lot, we got a van. My family will laugh forever about this because I vowed I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER drive a van! I strongly disliked our vans growing up and was very adamant about never driving one. I'm now eating my words since I drive a van. To tell you the truth, it really isn't so bad. Once you bite your pride and get over the laughing spells you have every time you drive it, vans aren't so bad. They really are quite convenient with children. The boys LOVE it! Especially the automatic doors! I do have to say that vans have made a huge improvement since I was a kid so they really aren't so bad! I was pretty sad to see our Honda go (loved that thing), but guess it's that time in our lives...bring on the the van family!

Trip to Yellowstone

2010-12-31T22:37:00.001-08:00

We made a quick trip to Yellowstone after Christmas--probably the last trip for a while till after baby is born. I spent time inside since I didn't exactly want to go into labor riding on snowmobiles. But the boys loved swimming and snowmobiling! I'm glad we went!
Kyden all bundled up!
Braden all warm!
Grandpa and Kyden
Dad and Braden
The whole gang...
We had a great time eating, relaxing, watching movies, visiting, playing games...and being sick with a nasty cold! No fun, but feeling better now! The roads weren't the greatest coming home but we made it and that's all that matters! Thanks for a good time with family!

Christmas

2010-12-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas...but it went by way too fast!! We took down all the Christmas stuff yesterday and I have to say it's always nice to get all the space back, but sad to see it go. We prep the whole month of December for Christmas and then bam it's over in a day! I love the magical feeling that Christmas brings--the lights, the music, the family, the love, the presents, the friends, the joy, and most importantly the reminder of the birth of our Savior. It is so fun to have children to share this season with. They bring such joy! They show me what true happiness is and it's so good to have a reminder around all the time. Love them! Being weeks away from delivering another child, I thought a lot about Mary this Christmas. I'm uncomfortable riding in a car for very long--but to think about riding a donkey about kills me. Mary is amazing and I'm grateful for all that she went through to bring the amazing child Jesus Christ into this world so that he could share his life with us!

We spent Christmas everywhere! It's nice to have family so close to share this time with. We went to the movie Tangled Christmas Eve with Peterson's. It was a very cute show and the boys loved it. Then we hit the Searle's house for dinner--fondue. We did a little gift opening...
The gifts the boys got from G&G Searle.
So, I had Bec's name for Christmas this year and we have this running joke about rompers! I was super excited when I found this Miley Cyrus ugly romper that Bec's wearing below at Walmart for $1! Most certainly attractive!!
The boys new jammies! Aren't they handsome!
Everyone with there new pj's (except me--my new ones don't fit because I didn't want to get big pjs since I'm due in a month. I wanted to get something new for after baby is born. I'm getting sick of all my maternity clothes--if you've ever been prego you know how it goes!)
Oh man, this pictures doesn't do justice to how bad this little boy looked! He turned his donut into a pancake and smashed it all over his head and brand new pj's. What a goof! And what a mess to clean up! After exchanging gifts Christmas eve, the Searle's always have hot chocolate and donuts as we sit around angel candles and talk about what we are grateful for or what we have learned in the last year. I love this and it always brings the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas morning before the boys touched a thing.
Call us weird or crazy, but we woke the boys up around 6:15 Christmas morning! We should have slept in as long as they would have, but we wanted to make it to breakfast with the Searle's and then spend some of Christmas morning with the Peterson's so we had to begin our morning early! CRAZY!! I love the bed head and dazed looks on the faces of our boys!
Opening Santa presents! Pretty much all Braden wanted for Christmas were hot wheels and it looks like Santa got the memo!

This little guy always goes straight for the sugar! Who cares about the presents when you have candy! Really!
It's a good thing Santa brought 2 bam bams (a.k.a. drums)--a big and a small--because the little one broke within 30 minutes of opening! And Kyden was not a happy boy! But it sure was a funny sight to see!

Kydens favorite toy--his big bam bam! It went everywhere with us!
Helping Grandpa open presents.
Grandpa and Grandma got a smokin' hot deal on this awesome little remote control/driveable car to play with at there house. The boys think it's pretty cool!

Braden loves to learn so when G-ma P found this Vreader, she had to get it for him. It has been one of his favorites!
Thanks to everyone for making this Christmas wonderful! We look forward to many more to come! (And Kyden keeps asking for more presents! He loved it this year!)

Searle Christmas Party

2010-12-23T08:32:00.001-08:00

The big Searle Christmas Party! What fun! It really was very enjoyable! It's super fun for the boys too since they don't have any cousins there age, my cousins have become there cousins and I have cousins who have children the boys age too. Oh course, this party always falls on the Saturday before Christmas--the busiest day for retail so Jason wasn't able to make it! Missed you, but so grateful you just have a job (as bad as it may be some days!) The party was filled with a program and the Nativity but Braden was too scared to do it (too many people) and Kyden was a Sheppard...

Lunch--yummy soup and breads...
Reindeer decorating. Each family was given a bag of stuff that we had to make a reindeer with a family member. Dad was such a good sport! We all had a good laugh!
Candy sleigh races. We were given a bag of candy and tape to make our own sleigh. Let's just say, ours didn't make it too far in the races!

And presents!
He loves flashlights--couldn't tell could you!?

What a fun day! I'm so grateful for such a wonderful family to spend the holiday season with! They are wonderful examples to me and my little family. I love getting together with everyone, even if it's simple!

Our Christmas Tree

2010-12-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

I love having a real tree! Maybe it's because I always had a real tree growing up--but they sure are messy with pine needles dropping ever second. Jason wanted to get a fake tree this year but we finally opted for the real thing! Maybe next year we'll get a fake one. I know real one's only smell for a day or two, I just like them. My younger brother didn't even know you could have a real tree until he was older because as I got older, my parents got a fake one. Funny huh! My parents have gone back to getting a real tree just for that reason!

The boys decorating..
And the boys cooperating so well for a picture--normal!!
Another "good" picture!
Well, I tried! But I still think they are so handsome and wonderful!
This picture is a bit random, but we had the neighbor boy over the other day and they were so proud of what they made. They set this all up and then they wanted to get everyone together for a picture. I talked them into getting a picture with just the 2 of them. Creative minds! Love it!

Kyden at the Dentist

2010-12-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

I'm really not a bad mom--I do brush my boys teeth, but they have both had a ton of cavities already! I'm going to blame that on there genes! Braden had cavities filled over a year ago--one or two in each back molar. He did great getting them filled, but by the 3rd or 4th visit, he didn't like the dentist anymore (well he liked the dentist, just not going there!) So, I decided to find a pediatric dentist who dealt with kids all the time to see if that would go over any better. The office is great! It's completely kid friendly and the tools are smaller! I love the office and so do the boys! The very end of November, Kyden had to get 4 cavities filled--all on the bottom! Poor kid, but he did great! They filled them all in one visit. He was also sedated for the appointment. He was pretty loopy and silly and it was funny to watch him. It was a good experience for having to get cavities filled! The pictures below are when they brought him back to me when he was done.

And this is what he did all afternoon. It wiped him out!

Ugly Sweater Party

2010-12-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

We had a great time with friends a week or so ago at an ugly sweater party! Great games, great food, and great company. I don't think I've laughed so hard in a very long time! Here we all are sporting our awesome Ugly Sweaters (minus James who was taking the picture--we missed you Amanda but sick kids are now sometimes the parenting way of life! Maybe next year!)
Jason & Candi, Sam & Sheerstie, Brion & Ashley, Shawn & Cassie

A big thanks to Brion and Ashley for hosting the party at there house! What a fun night!

Sam and Sheerstie--This picture isn't the greatest, but Sam's sweater really lights up and Sheerstie has some awesome tinsel earrings and sweater vest! They won the best sweaters!
Shawn and Cassie--The game expert! She put all the games and prizes together! Quite fun and entertaining! Good job Cass!
Not a good picture, but couldn't post one of everyone else and not us! The D.I. here is all junk! They didn't have a single sweater! So, we stole these from our parents closets! Plus with a big belly, not much of a selection!

Ashley posing with her prize from unwrapping the box of candy with that get up on!
Cassie is probably going to want to kill me right now for posting this picture, but I just had to--you know preserve the memories! We will probably never be pregnant this close together again! We are due exactly 3 weeks apart--she's ahead of me. And we are both having girls! So exciting! You can barely tell she's prego in this picture anyway!!
We are

Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving this year with the Searle's at the church. G&G Peterson went to Texas to see Travis, Jessica, and Brielle--wish we could have went too! Maybe next time! We had a good time with family--isn't that what life's all about! Plus food was great! I ate WAY too much!

Aunt Bec brought a turkey pinata which Kyden absolutly loved. Here are the kids taking swings at it!

And wow, was it loaded with candy! Glad there were lots of kids to share with!
Kyden attached to the turkey. He played with that thing for a long time after we broke it. He was more interested in the broken pinata than candy--that's a first since he's a sugar head!

And butt ball! Ya, seriously, who really wants to play a game where if you don't catch the ball, you have to go up front just like these to guys and let everyone hit you with a tiny tennis ball-like ball?! Get's me! But the guys had a good game of it! This is Jason and Don (my cousins husband) getting hit from behind!
And here's the others!
We are so grateful for such wonderful family to share the holidays with! We always have a great time, even if it's just sitting around talking--something I'm good at!

Snow!

2010-11-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

So, I must be loosing it (let's blame it on the pregnancy) because I thought I took pictures of the boys playing in the snow the other day, but obviously I didn't because there aren't any on my camera or phone! I did video record them so I must have never took a picture with the camera I was holding in my hand the whole time. Oh well. Last Monday, November 8th, was the first day of snow for us. You would have thought the boys were in heaven when it started snowing. They played in it twice that day and wanted to build snowmen and snow forts and all sorts of things. They even used a whisk to stir it up and eat it. Gross! Not my idea of a great idea, but I ate snow when I was little and it didn't hurt me too bad! Kyden kept taking off his gloves so his hands were freezing! He just doesn't get it! I need to work on that. But Kyden doesn't like to wear socks or shoes or coats or jackets either so what can you do?! He is a little monkey and sometimes we tell him the zookeeper is coming to get him and take him to the zoo. He is a troublemaker, but we love him still. Below is a picture of him getting into stuff! His face says it all! (I don't get it--this picture is the right way until I download it. I tried downloading it a couple times too. Oh well!)
Here's another time when he emptied the WHOLE box of Kleenex's. Not one kleenex had been used because I had just put it in the bathroom! Guess that's what happens when I think he's sleeping so I don't check on him for a while! He was actually looking for his binkie because sometimes I would put it in the kleenex box--we had gotten rid of it a couple weeks before this but I said something to him to remind him of his binkie so guess it's my fault!
My aunt gave me a box of girls clothes to go through and Kyden was so excited to help me. It doesn't look like it in this picture, but he was begging me to put this little dress on him the instant he saw it. He was pretty excited to have it on too until I wanted to take a picture! Jason thinks I'm damaging my boy, but I just think it's funny!
Uncle Mike and Aunt Angie have a pet turtle that the boys love! We don't get to see it because they moved away though and it makes Kyden sad. The last time they visited, they brought Kyden a turtle that grows in water and Braden a monkey (they swapped with each other for the picture). You can barely see the animals in the picture, but here's a big Thank You to Mike and Angie! They loved them. It was fun to see them grow. Now they are still trying to shrink down to the original size.
Jason went with his parents to Vegas a couple weeks ago. Here are the boys sporting there new M&M shirts from G&G with there M&M straws from dad! (And notice there awesome boots they love to wear now!) Thanks for the surprises!

Halloween Fun

2010-11-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

We started off our Halloween Festivities (if you can even call them that) by going to the Pumpkin Walk. It was really neat. This year was my favorite--I think this is only the 4th year they've done it. The theme was something about dreams do come true or something disneyish. The boys had a lot of fun and the weather was really nice the night we went.
Kyden's favorite was the Thomas the Train pumpkin set up. If you look close enough in the picture you can see Thomas in the background.

Carving pumpkins! We carved them at Grandpa and Grandma's house since we have carpet in our kitchen and that would have made a huge mess. Plus they wanted to carve there pumpkins too so we decided to do it all together for FHE.

As happy as Kyden looks in this picture, he did not like touching the insides of the pumpkin--just like his brother. But he sure was proud of his pumpkin that I helped him carve.
Finished product!

And of course, the costumes! Braden was supposed to be a Ninja Turtle but once I bought the costume, he decided he wanted to be Bob the Builder again. I tried to talk him out of it since he was Bob last year, but as parents you learn to pick your battles. Really, does it matter what they dress up in as long as they're happy and will give you a smile like below?! So, I was going to take the Ninja costume back but before I did, I decided to get it out and see what Kyden thought of it since he loves turtles. He absolutely LOVED the costume and played dress up in it the whole week before Halloween. He is my dress up man. Every time we play at my cousins house (who are all girls), he dresses up in something they have whereas Braden wouldn't touch the stuff! Funny and so different!!

Here are the boys with some cousins--the ones Kyden likes to play dress up with. Aren't they all so cute!
We had a lot of fun trick-or-treating! It's amazing how much candy they got even though we only hit probably 8 houses! Plus the weather was calling for rain and cold but it was a beautiful night and it didn't start raining until 10 pm. What a great day! Now it's on to the next holiday!

So much for sleeping in on a Saturday Morning...

2010-10-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to bed thinking "Oh great! Jason doesn't work tomorrow and we don't have anywhere to be right away so we can sleep in (until like 8 or 9 would perfect). What a great morning this will be!" (Plus the boys were up late so I just assumed they would sleep in. WRONG!)
This morning I wake up at 6:45 to a little boy, Kyden, telling me he needs his diaper changed. Then he wants in my bed with HIS pillow. He loves his pillow and is very possessive of HIS pillow. Braden had come into our bed a little bit before that so it was a bit crowded. Once I got everyone situated and was starting to fall back asleep, I here a little boy complaining about HIS pillow because Braden was laying on it! Seriously, can't we just sleep! So Jason moves Braden over and goes into the boys bed. I think I dozed off a little here and there in between complaints from a little boy. The next thing I remember is about 8 when Kyden is standing by my bed crying because the doors locked, what door you ask?
Well, Grandpa Searle is done digging potatoes!!! Yahoo! They finished yesterday, a couple days later than planned because of the people who were taking the potatoes were SLOW!! But they are done and that's all that matters now!!! Just happy to be done and have the weather hold out so they could finish. So, to celebrate, he took us to dinner. Then to Home Depot for a rake and shovel for Kyden. Grandpa stopped here the other day and Kyden wanted the rake and shovel out of his pickup but when Grandpa got it out, Kyden didn't like it because it was too big. Our neighbor has a small REAL rake and shovel that Kyden loves so I think he thought Grandpas was like that too. So, since then, he's been begging Grandpa for a rake and shovel. So, to celebrate, Grandpa got both boys a rake and shovel. Cal Ranch has kid size ones but it was closed by the time we were done eating so Home Depot had to work. Kyden was one happy man! Although he did want it to be light outside so he could use his tools in his dirt.
So, back to the door...I thought Kyden couldn't get the door to the garage open so he could get his shovel and rake out of the car. Well, I go to help him open it and he goes to the front door and picks something up. You have to understand that I am pretty much blind without glasses or contacts so I couldn't see what he was picking up, but I soon realized it because he said "Two rakes, two shovels". While we were all sleeping, he had gone out to the car and brought in the 2 shovels and 2 rakes by himself. Good thing we have a dead bolt on the front door and that he forgot that he knows how to open the big garage door--get in the car and use the remote (he's done that many times--little trouble maker). So, I let him outside telling him that he probably needs a jacket, but he told me no which I knew he would because he doesn't like coats, jackets, socks, shoes--anything like that! But when he got outside, he said "Brrrrr" so he let me put on his coat! He is such a funny little guy! We love him--even if he does get us up when it's sleep in morning!
He only looks sad in the picture below because he was SUPER tired and ready to be in bed! But he was super smiling happy when he was at the store and finally got what he wanted!

I'm just glad that this wasn't permanent black marker, but dry erase so it came right off! Once again we were at Grandpas office with little supervision from mom so he decided to draw on himself! He was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO proud of himself!

Just Random Stuff

2010-10-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

We went to Ross Park the end of July and Braden loved the wristband he got when he decided to go on the big slide. Well, this picture was taken the 1st part of September when he finally decided he could part with it. It used to be pink, less stretched out and in one piece. Funny boy!

This picture is going to be a good one to hang onto for future reference! Let's just say he was a BIT tired!
Helping dad at work.
Like Grandpa, like Grandson!
Another picture that he is totally out! We got home one night and I had to grab a few things from the car before I could put him in bed. This is how I found him minutes after going outside.

This is one of the favorite toys at Grandma's house. He loves it!
Movie night! We watched Little Rascals for the first time and the boys loved it--although it did take some convincing to get them to agree to watch it.
Neighbor Friends--Kyden, Miles, Braden, Max, Ashley!! Building a fort and being destructive! Aren't you surprised that they are ALL looking at the camera! I was shocked!

Dressing up with the girl cousins. He doesn't look like it in this picture but he was really loving being dressed up. He was just frustrated with his high heel shoes cause he kept slipping on the hardwood floor.

Spud Harvest

2010-10-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

Well it's that time of year again--Spud Harvest! I love that the boys are getting older and loving spud harvest more and more every year. They have been able to ride in the digger with Grandpa and Uncle Ray, ride in spud truck with Dad, Aunt Bec, and Uncle Eric, ride in the cross over with Uncle Mike, and take treats out with Grandma. They have also played in the dirt and mud in the fields. That's what boys are good at right! The weather has been amazingly hot so they've been on a roll but the last couple days have been rainy and cold so we're just praying that the weather will hold out a couple more days so they can get those potatoes out!

This is the boys spud digger they built! If you look close you can see Braden's hat is inside out and Kyden is wearing a too small snow hat that he found and loves and if you could see his feet, you would see 2 mismatched boots on them. What goofs!
Dad drove for one day and we went to ride with him for a little bit cause it was really bumpy and that's all my baby belly could handle!
Playing in the dirt with Grandpa!
Playing in the dirt with cousins!
I haven't a clue how this picture got turned because if wasn't when I downloaded it! Oh well!

Goofy Grandpa!
Digger loading truck.
Spud day was before we started digging potatoes. Here are a few from the parade which the boys came away from that with a HUGE bag of candy! Ridiculous cause now I'm eating it all! I do have to say that candy makes parades so much better. One year they weren't allowed to throw candy and what a boring parade!
Eric and Kyden
Dad, Braden and Grandma

Labor Day Weekend Camping

2010-10-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

This was our last time camping this year! The weather was beautiful and we had a lot of fun riding the 4-wheelers, getting dirty, and just hanging out!

Most likely...

2010-09-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

We're having a GIRL! The doctor wasn't 100% sure, but pretty sure! We'll have another ultrasound in about 2 months to just check gender. I don't think the doctor is wrong but it worries me a bit. I'd rather be told I'm having a boy and have it turn out to be a girl but we are excited anyway! And happy that baby girl looks good and healthy! Braden has said he wanted a sister from the time we told him he was going to be a big brother again so he was pretty excited that he was right. It will be fun having an older child who understands a little better. Kyden is just excited because his brother is excited! He will probably have a hard time when he realizes what's crashing his little world. Jason's also excited! As far as me, I've always wanted a girl and really wanted this baby to be a girl but now that it is, I'm nervous. I think it will be fun though and I'm happy! It will be an adventure--but what's life without adventure, right?! Bring on the bows!

1st Day Preschool

2010-09-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

Yah that's right, I'm old enough to have a preschooler! Crazy I know, but so exciting! What is more exciting is that he absolutely LOVES it! His first day was September 1st and then went the 2nd too. Then this huge break because of Labor day. He asks me every day all day long when he gets to go to preschool again. When he got home from his first day, he was just wondering around the house. I asked him what he was doing and he asked when preschool was again. I told him tomorrow and then asked "Why is it boring here?" He said yep preschool is way more fun! Well, we know what he likes to do--LEARN! Keep that up little boy! I was nervous about him going because he's a momma's boy and home body, but he has done EXCELLENT! I'm so proud of him! Love you bud!
He really wanted a GREEN backpack and luckily I found one!

Preschool door!
Braden and Kyden--I've been talking up preschool all summer long to Braden about how fun it will be. One night after talking him up again, Kyden got all excited and said "Yah, me, preschool, fun, yah!" He thought he was going to preschool too--sorry not for another 2 years! He had to have his backpack but he didn't throw a fit about leaving his brother which was so nice!
Braden and Mrs. Ottley (who is also my aunt--my dad's sister--which also helps Braden not be so nervous I'm sure). She is awesome!
Look at that shining bright smile! Not even any tears! Yahoo!!
Picking up!

Kyden's new bed

2010-09-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

We finally switched Kyden to a "big boy" bed. Braden was out of his crib at 18 months just because. I was holding onto the crib with Kyden because it contained him. But he is doing super in his new bed and loving it. Although he still wants to take naps in his brothers bed sometimes--I don't know why?! Now for potty training and getting rid of his binkie--don't worry he only gets his binkie at nap and bedtime. I refuse to let him have it any other time, but he is hooked to that thing! Any suggestions? I just don't want all the drama that comes with those kind of transitions so I've put off getting rid of it!

The favorite "helmet" and "glasses". My goofy boys!

Any kind of basket or box is considered a helmet by the boys in this house!

Dirt, Dirt, Dirt

2010-09-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Since we don't really have a backyard, this is what our front entryway looks like and has looked like for a lot of the summer. Boys need dirt! And I don't really care if our place looks trashy cause all that matters is that they are having a good time. When I was little, we would spend hours and hours everyday of the summer out in our huge mud pit mixing water with the dirt and making all sorts of fun things. So, I think every kid needs a place to just play and make a mess. I figure we'll clean it all up before it snows!

Zoo

2010-09-07T20:15:00.001-07:00

Summer went by too fast and all the things we wanted to do never got done like visiting the zoo--I think a summer must! Jason didn't have to work until afternoon so we went one morning and had a lot of fun. The animals were very active--more active than I've ever seen them I think. Then we went to the cool park to play and have a picnic. It was a fun family outing!

This kangaroo thing was within reaching distance of us and I had no idea until I went to take a picture and was backing up when Jason saw it. It wasn't even really caged either. It kind of creeped me out but it was a cute little thing.

The lion in the background. It was pretty vocal while we were there, especially the lady lion.

I absolutely loved this little animal. They said it had just got a haircut! I think it is the cutest thing! And so funny!

Braden thinks he's cool now when I take pictures he opens his mouth in a O-shape. I don't get it, but I'll let him be cool!
Kyden loves turtles! So this was probably one of his favorite animals at the zoo. Doesn't he just look excited in this picture!

Mini Golf

2010-09-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ever since we went mini golfing in Park City in the rain, Braden has been begging us to take him again. We got together with some friends and went to the Riot Zone and golfed. Braden loved it! I think we might have a little golfer on our hands.

Combine with Uncle Ray

2010-09-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

The boys love going on the tractor with Grandpa or Uncle Ray! They got to go on the grain combine with Uncle Ray a week or so ago. I don't think Kyden actually realized how big the combine was until we pulled our car right up beside it and said "Whoa, big". When he got out all he could say was "Wow, big and fun!" Thanks Ray for dealing with the boys in the combine. They love it! Braden even fell asleep one of the times he went with him. Naps for him don't happen very often anymore so it was a good refresher for him.

Fishing at the Kids pond

2010-09-07T19:05:00.001-07:00

We have been wanting to take the boys fishing to the kids pond all summer and we finally got around to it a couple weeks ago. They loved it for a little bit and then they were sick of it. Kyden loved the worms the most! Although he wouldn't touch them, just poke them with a stick. He also fell in after Jason and I telling him multiple times to not get so close. Guess they learn by experience.

It only took us 2 hours to finally catch 2 fish--right before we were leaving! Fishing just isn't our thing although Jason has been obsessed with it and goes whenever he has a spare moment--which isn't very often!

Midway Family Get Away

2010-09-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

We went to Midway, Utah with the Searle's for a family get away/reunion (July 30-August 6). We had a ton of fun! It was nice to go somewhere different, relax, and be with family with no pressure to really do anything. We went boating, rode a train, ate lots of food, visited Temple Square, Park City shopping, movies.......

Here we are boating. We haven't been boating in a long time so it was good to go. The boys loved the boat.
Grandpa and the boys--well one boy that would cooperate for pictures!
This is after he played in some mud and water on the nasty sidewalk right after we got to the lake! Boys, boys, boys!!!

Salt Lake Temple
Well at least we tried...it's one or the other who cooperates but not usually both!
Jason wake boarding which he hasn't done in years so he was pretty sore! Doesn't help that he's not getting any younger!

The water weenie--so fun! It was better than the tube--fun and not so bumpy!
Kyden sleeping in the boat!
Heber Creeper Train. Kyden loves trains so that's why we decided to take a ride on it. It was pretty slow and boring and hot, but the boys loved it so that's all that matters right! Anything for the kids!

We went to Park City to ride the slide. It was sunny until we got there, bought our tickets, and started up the ski lift. It was super hot, but the dark clouds began moving in. We got to the top after what seemed like 2 hours, took our sleds over to where you slide and it started pouring rain--the BIGGEST rain drops I have ever seen! We took cover in the trees but we still got wet. I only have the picture of my mom in the trees. Wish I had the other one that my mom took! I'm sure it's a lot more funny! So, they don't let you ride the slide if it's wet so they closed it. We held out for a while until they told us we had to get hauled down to the bottom in a suburban. We just wanted to ride that slide. We ended up playing mini golf in the rain and then going back to our hotel. We went back the next day and lucky us we did get to ride the slide and it was fun!

Isn't this house the coolest you've ever seen? You probably have to see it in real life to really think it is cool. It reminded me of a house from a cartoon show like Snow white or something.

We had a great time--especially shopping in Park City! Although I didn't find as much stuff as I would have liked, it was fun! I mean shopping any day is fun!

Spaghetti Party

2010-09-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

You may be thinking "oh how fun, a party where everyone eats spaghetti!". Nope, we swim and play in it! Once Kyden warmed up to the idea, he loved it. Braden on the other hand really didn't like it much. It was fun to be with cousins anyway. (July 27th)

The exhausted boys after playing all afternoon!

Peterson Family Pictures

2010-08-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that all the Peterson's have been together for 2 years and since the last family picture, 2 children have been added to the family (with one on the way) so it was time for a new one. Since Jesse got home, everyone was visiting so it was perfect time to get pictures. Caroline Anderson took our pictures and I think they turned out pretty good. Although the children could have cooperated a bit more, oh well!

How do you get 3 children to sit still? Especially when two of them are 2 year olds! Braden tried to get them to stay still!
Grandparents with there Grandkids!
This one is a little bit better?!!
I think the outside pictures turned out better and the kids did a little better too. So this is everyone--from left to right: Jesse, Brielle, Jessica, Travis, Mickie, Kent, Kyden, Jason, Candi, Braden, Jerico and Doug.

I love this one. His eyes get me every time!
What a handsome stud!
Now this one on the other hand--what a cutie but what a handful! He didn't want his picture taken--hence we didn't get any of the 2 boys together and I didn't realize it until we were leaving! We tried! But he still melts my heart!

And we couldn't forget a picture of our only cousin Brielle! Kyden and Brielle are only 3 months apart! Cutie! It was fun seeing her especially since we only get to see her once a year if that!

Peterson and Searle Reunions

2010-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

Two of our big family reunions this summer happened to fall on the exact same weekend, but isn't that how if always goes--you don't have a thing going on for weeks and then everything seems to happen at once! So, Uncle Jesse got home from his mission July 12th, we left July 14th for Boise for the big Peterson Reunion (which they only hold every other year). We stayed there until Friday the 16th when we headed home for the big Searle Reunion that started Friday and ended Saturday. Uncle Jesse spoke in church Sunday and then everything slowed down just a bit (not really--seriously who am I kidding--life never slows down)!

The boys loved sleeping in the tent. They slept all night and ended up pretty much on top of each other! They played hard!
We got to go to white water rafting while we were in Boise at the reunion. It was a ton of fun! Braden even loved every minute of it. The only bummer about it was we took Kyden because we had called and they said he could go. Well, we got there and they said the water was running a little high today so he couldn't go. Yah, and the mean parents we are we left him in the day care there at the raft place. It broke my heart. I've never left him anywhere that he doesn't know a single person so it was tough. But I'm glad now that he stayed because it was a little rougher than I thought it would be and he probably wouldn't have liked it that much.
We got soaked--obviously! The instructors even left us get out and swim in the calm parts. We had a blast!

We also went to a Wizard of Oz play. I didn't really think about it until we got to the mountains where the play was that I don't even like the Wizard of Oz. I never have. Growing up watching it, it gave me the creeps and I just don't like it. Anyway, it was interesting to say the least. And Braden HATED it!! He even got so scared he started crying and we had to take him out--before intermission. It was a lower scale play so they did the best with the props they had. But it lasted over 3 HOURS LONG!! Wowsers!! Jason and Braden spent there time watching from the outside gate. About 20 minutes into the show Braden turned to me and said "Wow, this is weird and boring!" He's got his own personality alright. The funniest part was the munchins. All the people were on rolling stools and had big dresses on. Yah, I can't describe it very good and we weren't allowed to take pictures, but it was funny!

Now for the Searle family reunion. It was just low key this year which I actually loved. They went to a temple session Friday night (which we missed since we were driving home). The kids who could did baptisms early Saturday morning. Breakfast was at 9 at my aunts and uncles house and it was fabulous. We had a program and visiting and lunch! It was fun!

The kids in the jumperoo thing.

Grandpa and Grandma singing there little song.

When I started dreaming a lot...

2010-08-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

That's when I knew I was pregnant--Weird but I hardly ever dream except when I'm pregnant so that was one of my first clues to know I was pregnant!! 3rd child is on it's way and will make his/her entrance February 2nd (or before!!)--so that makes me almost 17 weeks now. We are all super excited! Braden thinks the baby is a girl so guess we'll see in a couple weeks. I would love to have a girl but I won't be disappointed if it is a boy because I just love my boys! I am feeling pretty good now since I'm in the best part of pregnancy--you know not as nauseous all the time and not quite so tired (at least that's how my 2nd trimesters go). Plus everyone is finding out so it's not like I'm just gaining weight cause I'm eating to much--there's a baby growing inside me!

Million Mothers for Haiti

2010-07-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago, Jason and I were invited to Hope for Haiti Dinner because he was a volunteer for the Utah Hospital Task Force that went to

Haiti

in January. It was a very neat experience and I’m so glad that it worked out for us to attend. They recognized the members of the Utah Hospital Task Force (UHTF) and had one member of each team (medical, translator, construction) talk about what it was like in Haiti. The nurse that spoke really touched me because she told about a Haitian mother that came to get help because she had a 9 month old nursing baby and was pregnant again. She wasn’t getting enough food so she couldn’t produce milk to feed her baby and there was NOTHING she could do about it. It made me so sad to realize how much I am blessed with and how little they have. I mean if any mother in America cannot produce milk or chooses not to, she can usually find the means to buy formula. That isn’t even an option there—nothing is. This nurse that spoke had to send this mother away because there was nothing she could do besides give her a granola bar and hope for the best. I feel so helpless when my boys want a SNACK and I don’t have anything—these children and adults go days, maybe weeks without so much as a spoonful of rice. It just makes me want to cry. They have never really had a hospital with a maternity center in Haiti, but at this dinner they announced the building of the American Hospital in Haiti which will include a Women’s Clinic and Pediatric Center. The man that put the UHTF together is amazing. Before the earthquake took place, he had no ties to Haiti but I guess he felt a pull to do something and ever since the UHTF came back, he has wanted to do more so he is pulling in all directions for this hospital. They also created the Million Mothers for Haiti— “We are strong because we have to be: A Million Mothers, a Million Strong” and they want to get a million mothers to donate $12 to go towards this Women’s clinic. I think it is such a wonderful opportunity to serve in such a small way. Or maybe I just feel tied to this because my husband loves the people of Haiti and we talk about hem all the time. Just go check it out at www.gifthaiti.org .They showed this incredible video at the dinner that I have been trying to download so that you could all watch it but its too big so if anyone knows how to shrink it, let me know! It’s worth seeing (although it may make you cry). One last thing, Elder Ballard was in attendance that evening also which was also a treat. (He walked right behind me and Jason didn't even say a word to me--I just kept gabbing away to some of the other women there--what a little stinker for not telling me. At least Jason redeemed himself later by being close enough to have us both shake his hand.) Elder Ballard gave a few remarks and the closing prayer. He said “May our efforts this evening be the beginning of a new era in our human compassion.” What a wonderful thing to hear from a servant of the Lord!

Uncle Jesse's Home

2010-07-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

July 12, 2010--Can you believe it? Cause we can't! Uncle Jesse's home from serving a 2 year mission to Korea. We are so happy he is home! He looks great! And he served a wonderful mission.

Here are the kids posing with there signs before Jesse flew in. Another plus about Jesse coming home was being able to see Grandpa and Grandma again since they went to pick Jesse up and had been gone for a week. Plus we hadn't seen cousin Brielle (and her parents Travis and Jessica--we love you too) for almost a year and they flew in from Texas and will be here for a couple weeks. It's a fun and busy time!

He's here! Braden ran right up to him and gave him a big hug! He kept telling me that he thought maybe Jesse would think that Kyden was him. Funny boy!
3 brothers

Kyden was super excited to see Jesse before he got there and then he got a little nervous to actually see him. He was only 2 months old when Jesse left so he doesn't remember him at all. I'm sure that will change pretty quick though.

The 3 little cousins! The only grand kids in this family!
All the handsome brothers together! I think I did the wrong pictures because the one I picked to do, Jason was looking at the camera! Oh well!
Can you tell that the kids had enough pictures? It was bedtime!
Braden and Kyden sporting there new Korean soccer jerseys! They love them! They both think there pretty cool wearing them. They wore them to bed and then all day the next day! What little cuties!

Swimming Lessons

2010-07-13T11:31:00.001-07:00

June 28-July 9
This was Braden's first year of swimming lessons and he loved it after the first 3 days. The first 3 days were torture. He cried, he would barely get in the water, he would look the other way when his teachers were talking to him pretending to not listen, he would ask me how much longer he had to be in the water, I had to stand inside the fence the whole time, bribe him..... Then day 4 hit and he was a changed boy. No more crying. He walked right into the water smiling and talked to his teachers. He knew exactly what to do since he HAD been listening to his teachers the whole time. He even stayed in the freezing cold water since the second week was a bit windy and cold (ya you would think July would be hot but not this year). He now actually wants to know why swimming lessons are over and wants to take them again--sorry bud we'll try for next year.

On the last day, they got to get life jackets on and jump off the diving board and go down the slide. I really didn't think he would have anything to do with any of those things. He was scared to wear a life jacket because he's worn one before and he would just flip everywhere. We kept talking to him and he finally agreed to try the life jacket on just for me. He did and LOVED it! He even went off the diving board 3 times and the slide 2 times. He was the only one in his class that went more than once. SHOCKER!! His teacher kept asking him if he wanted to jump again and he'd casually say "sure". What a funny boy! Love him!

This is him right after he jumped off the diving board for the first time. Doesn't he look so happy and proud of himself?!

The choo choo train. This is what Kyden loved to watch Braden do since he loves trains.
Quincy and Braden on the last day of swimming.

Summer Fun

2010-07-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here's some fun random pictures of our summer so far...
Playing with friends. They even have a sand box that the boys love which is where they were carrying that bucket full of water.

Want some cheese with that ice cream!
My cousins dressed Kyden up like a girl. Sporting necklaces and earrings. What a goof!
Here's the girls that helped him look that way!
Kyden riding the 4-wheeler--the mini one!
Notice the crossed feet. Just as comfy as ever.
Cool dude!
Riding the real 4-wheeler with Uncle Mike
Braden with Uncle Eric
Wow, he is out cold and doesn't even look very comfortable! We have been keeping late nights and these boys are showing it. They are a bit on the grumpier side (although they are starting to get used to staying up late--not a good sign cause when it hits fall time it's back to bed early).
Sleep tight! Cutie bug!

4th of July

2010-07-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

We had a fun 4th of July (well actually 3rd since that's when all the festivities took place this year). We went to a fun family bbq and then headed to Idaho Falls to watch the fireworks from a hotel room that G&G reserved. The fireworks were great although the boys could not sit still--probably from all the sugar they had that day.
They are so funny! They hardly ever pose good at the same time for pictures so these are the best I got. Hopefully they'll do better for family pictures in a couple weeks!

Riding with Grandpa on the gator! How many people can you get on a gator?! I guess lots if they're kids!!
Kyden showing off his Whopper! What a little stinker!
Braden and Kyden's favorite firework--the panda!
Family fireworks! Love the fam!
We are so blessed to have the freedoms that we have living in the United States and we are so grateful for that!

Downata Reunion

2010-07-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

The yearly trip to Downata.
The boys had a blast and the weather was perfect for swimming
and playing in the sand.

Kyden walking the dogs with Grandpa.

Happy Anniversary

2010-06-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

We've been married for 6 years!! How the time flies! I am so grateful for you Jason! I didn't realize when we got married that I could love you even more than I did that day, but my love has grown and continues to grow! What an amazing thing it is to be married to you! We have grown and learned together and I wouldn't trade a day of it for anything! Thanks for everything you do for me! Love you tons babe!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

We went camping Memorial Day Weekend and it was FREEZING!! It was fun but sometimes I wonder why we go when it's still so cold in the mountains. Last year was a lot warmer so I guess that's why we go. While we were there, it rained, snowed, hailed, with a little bit of sunshine. We spent most of the time in the camper watching movies, reading, and relaxing. I would have refused to go camping if we didn't have a camping to stay in. Camping in a tent would have been miserable and I wouldn't haven't lasted one night!! I hate being cold, yet I'm cold all the time! The boys actually stayed there longer than us with Grandpa and Grandma. Jason had to teach on Sunday so we came home. And although I wasn't there the whole time, both Jason and I were wiped out!! Being cold and doing nothing really knocked us out! We took a 2 or more hour nap on Sunday--NO BOYS! It was nice but we missed the boys!

Kyden and Grandpa on the 4-wheeler! He loves that thing. He would stay on it all day if we'd let him--even if his fingers are ice!

Dad and Braden

Hike

2010-06-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

We went on a hike last week with some friends (moms and kids). We went last year with the same people so I think it has become an annual trip. But last year we really didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. We thought the trail was paved the whole way, but it was only halfway. It was scorching hot, we all had strollers and walking children. We were dying of heat yet laughing all the way. It was probably quite the site. Anyway, this year the weather was perfect--it was overcast, not too hot and it didn't start raining until we were almost back to the cars. We all brought strollers too but this time knew what to expect. It is a very fun hike being the perfect length (for kids) and the kids love it!

This is the unpaved part--it's pretty steep in places and people probably think we are crazy bringing strollers but luckily there weren't many people on the trail that day. Plus, I would rather push Kyden that carry him. Pushing him doesn't hurt my back!!
Here's some of the kids but there were probably triple that many kids there.
Lunch!! We were starved after the little hike!

Planting a Garden

2010-05-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

We finally found a nice day to plant our garden. We don't have room where we live so we planted one at Grandpa and Grandma's. I love gardens! The food tastes so good! Can't wait for something to grow!!

Oops! Someone walked right on top of the row of potatoes!! Great job Kyden!!
Helping grandpa! What a big helper he is!

This is how I found Kyden the other night after dinner. It was quiet--which usually means that he is getting himself into trouble, but how sweet is this. He was just watching the neighbors do yard work and eating chips (that he found without me knowing).
Riding in the tractor...
with Uncle Ray! We love the TRACTOR!!
Loves his brothers undies!! Just won't wear them the right way himself!
More quiet time...with more chips--man this kid must love chips (probably cause I don't buy them very often, plus who doesn't love chips).

I admire...

2010-04-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

I admire families who have 4 children age 4 and under. I just couldn't do it! Good job to those of you who do! I think I would go crazy or something. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love children but I just couldn't have so many little bodies around 24/7. Once they get older, I'm sure it wouldn't be so bad as far as having to keep an eye on there ever curious minds. I just started babysitting my 2 cousins once a week for about 4 hours while there mom goes to work. I have been watching the older one off and on since she was a baby, but just added the little one who is 2 months old. The first day I watched them, I was holding Hadlee and thought to myself wow, if we had a baby every year, this would be my set up. Braden 4, Quincy 3, Kyden 2, and Hadlee 2 months. I'm not blogging about this because it was awful--it went really good having them all here. I can just see how it could get crazy having them all the time. I guess I would adjust like I do with everything else in life. Can you imagine 4 or more BABIES all at the same time--oh craziness!

Here's a picture of them all together. I love having these little girls in our home since we are all boy. There are actually 2 more girls in that family that the boys just love also.
What a cutie pie!
Kyden loves babies, but I'm sure if it was his baby that was at his house all the time, he wouldn't like them so much. He was sad when baby Hadlee was gone when he woke up from his nap-- and he was even awake to tell her by. Proud little boy.
When Hadlee was born, Braden told Jason that he didn't want any more sisters, just brothers. Jason said you don't have any sisters and then he started naming off all the cousins he plays with (which are all girls). Jason had to explain that those aren't sisters. But he has been very adamant about not wanting a sister ever, but the other day he softened when Hadlee was here and she smiled at him. He said he would take a sister someday. Who knows, he'll probably end up with all brothers!
Kyder's at Grandpa's office playing with his tractors--John Deere of course!
The boys!

Happy Birthday Little Boy

2010-04-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

Kyden turned 2 today--so I guess he's not little anymore!! Can you believe that it's been 2 years since that crazy story of a Baby Kyden born in the car was town news? It's hard for me to believe because it seems so unreal now--but it did happen! It will be a good story to tell Kyden someday!

Kyden had a nice day. The boys love cereal so for there birthdays they each got a sugary cereal (since they don't get that very often). Here they are eating Trix (why don't they make Trix shaped like fruit anymore? That was my favorite part of eating that cereal). Jason ate a bowl of Trix and when he was done, he said "Well, that didn't really hit the spot. Feels like I just ate a bowl of sugar." Isn't it funny how our tastes change as we get older?

For who knows what reason, Kyden wanted up in our closet. He's never done this before but today he wanted to lay up there. Don't you love the smile!
So the next 3 pictures are of the exact same things but I want you to look at his face in each of them. He started this new thing today with smiling and making funny faces for pictures. He would do this occasionally, but not for pictures! Goofy boy, we love you!

Lips sticking out!
Cheese!

Here is his awesome birthday cake that I slaved over forever! Ok, not really! I really wasn't up to spending hours in the kitchen making a cake for 8 people (4 grandparents and us) because I knew that most of it would be thrown away. Plus, I figured he wouldn't remember or even care what his birthday cake looked like at age 2! I'm probably just a bad mom for thinking that, but he absolutely loved this "cake" so that made me happy that I didn't slave in the kitchen all day. His new lawnmower that he loves from G&G P.
He wasn't too happy when he had to wait for Dad to get batteries for his new train from G&G S. He wanted his "choo, choo" right now! Oh and if you couldn't tell, he loves trains right now.
Driving his train fast.
Braden teaching Kyden how to play with his new book! Braden the little teacher!
Happy Birthday Kyden! You are such a blessing in our lives! We are so grateful you were born into our family. You bring so much joy to us every day. We love you and are so glad you had a good day.