Catchin' Up!

Now that I am no longer nauseated and exhausted all day long, I figured its time to catch up a bit on my blog. ((Plus, I will post tomorrow about our recent vacation to San Clemente). The following is only a small sampling of some of our family's activities over these past months-enjoy!

Happy 4th!--Bioshpere Adventure

We toured the Bioshpere near Tuscon for a little activity on the 4th. It is quite an exhibit. For those not familiar, scientists lived in this enclosed space for 2 years providing own air and food, etc. There's varying environments inside from rainforest to desert. It is now a research facility for ASU.

Afterwards, a couple of Kirt's friends from High School (Matt Kikuchi and Matt Hymas) and their families came over for a BBQ and swim and then we went to check out some fireworks. It was all sort of a last minute get together which turned out to be a great time.

Happy 9th Birthday Dallin! On June 11th we celebrated Dallin's 9th birthday. Where does the time go?! He is one terrific Dallin :) I really love his smile and relaxed attitude. He is very protective of his younger siblings--when he's not the one wrestling them to the ground. He likes riding his bike and scooter, creating lego scenes, candy, and reading. He has a 'fun' sense of humor that his friends, if not always his parents, enjoy.

We do parties everyother year and he had a big swim party last year so this was supposed to be a no friend party year. But, we let the kids have 1 friend over for dinner or something. Well, Dallin is quite social and we live on a street with a lot of 9 year old boys he plays with so it was hard to pick just one. So, I somewhat relented and we invited the neighbor kids over to have some ice cream sundaes to celebrate Dallin's special day.

Later we had a family party. Which consisted of us going to eat at Sweet Tomatos and then watching Dallin open a few presents. He is big into Legos this year and was excited in this picture to get the Indiana Jones Lego Star Wars wii game. It was a fun 'low key' b-day. And we were happy to see Dallin enjoy himself on his special day! We love him lots!!!

Happy Easter I have to get one nice Easter picture each year. I promised the kids if they would smile and not whine about the sun I'd only take one--so here it is.

In their baskets this year the bunny brought them all new balls with some other goodies. We also enjoyed an egg hunt with flashlights the night before at the park by our house with some families from our ward and neighborhood. Dallin found the 'gold' egg and earned a special prize,too. We ended the day by having the missionaries join us for dinner. It was a great Easter weekend.

Never Say Never!

I think I used that title for a post on becoming a Soccer Mom. I think I've learned my lesson and am going to delete the word 'never' from my vocabulary in discussing plans for my life. I recently joked with friends that I would love for the stork to just drop off a baby, I wouldn't say no to that. But, I could Never see myself pregnant again--mmmhmmm!!! I should've kept my mouth shut Ü

Seriously, I had started giving some baby items away. I walk by this picture of my four kiddos every morning and have thought--'They're great!--I am so Content with my little family". I've been taking some online classes--you know moving on with life. I've been working out at 5 am with a great group of girls and getting in my best shape ever--Go P90X! So, really a baby was not on my mind.

I was in denial for about a month. I have 21 day cycles with an occasional 28 day thrown in, so to be off a bit, no cause for concern. And then I just figured because I've been working out things are a bit off, etc. And then I took an over the counter pregnancy test and later thought--'Well, it was a cheap one, it could be wrong". And then a couple weeks ago the fatigue and nausea started--can't think of any other reason for that-aagh!

Really, I am very excited about a new little baby--boy or girl, it'll be great!! I'm still on the emotional roller coaster of ''How exciting" and Holy crap what have I got myself into?!" Tenative due date between December 9th and 14th. So, there you go, now all family, friends, and neighbors can know at the same time (or at least have the opportunity of doing so). This is the first Kirt and I have said a word about it to anyone. Yes, he's excited, but a bit shell shocked, too.

Spring Break Fun!

Wind Caves Hike Grandma and Grandpa Nelson came to visit us over Spring Break a couple weeks ago. One of our first excursions was a 3 mile hike up to the Wind Caves. The caves are almost to the top of the mountain behind us.

Here we are a little over an hour later at the top! And yes, it was windy, but felt nice to be cool after working up a sweat hiking in the sun.

We enjoyed the scenic views and fun little nooks along the way up and back down . Taft was a trooper and hiked unassisted all but the last 10 minutes. He stumbled a few times over the rocks on parts of the less blazed trail, but didn't complain and just got back up. We are looking forward to doing some more hiking as a family. It was a really fun day Ü

Tempe Town Lake

On another sunny spring break day we spent the afternoon at Tempe Town Lake. Kirt took Dallin and Elaine out on a paddle boat--although he did most of the paddling Ü Taft and Briggy played by the fountains.

Thanks for coming to play with us Grandma&Grandpa!

Happy 7th Birthday Elaine!

We are in birthday mode around here lately and just celebrated Elaine turning 7! She is pictured here with her new Build-a-Bear friend she bought with some birthday money. The outfit the bear is wearing is actually one Elaine used to wear as a baby--it's fun to see how she's grown Ü

Of course, her siblings were happy to share this special day with her. Well, Brigham just woke from a nap so is a bit less than enthusiastic here.

They were even more excited to see what presents Elaine recieved!

(Brigham still reigning in that enthusiasm here).

A special part of the day was when Grandma and Grandpa Nelson came to visit from Utah just in time for the party!

And we topped off the evening with some strawberry angel food parfaits. Not planned, but when Mommy's angel food cake came out of the oven only 2 inches tall we improvised Ü

Elaine is such a wonderful part of our family. She has such a lively personality and I love to hear her giggle. She has a bit of tomboy in her and loves to climb trees, dig in the sand and ride her bike. On the flip side she has her girly days where she's all pink and playing with ponies and Pet shop-she Loves animals. Elaine's a lot of fun and I'm so glad she's our little girl!

Happy Birthday Elaine Eve!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Taft!

Taft was so excited to celebrate his 4th birthday and go to Sweet Tomatos for dinner. It was funny as Grandma and Grandpa sent him a card with coupons to the restaurant and a check and he was more excited for the coupons than the money. (Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!) He still keeps telling us, "I'm never going to be 3 again!" It drove him nuts having to wait for his siblings and Daddy to come home to open presents. Fortunately, Great-Grandma made that at bit easier. . .

I told Taft if there was a box in the mail, he could open that without having to wait. So, he lucked out and ripped into it, before even coming inside. It was a fun little bubble blowing train from my Grandma, which he and Brigham enjoyed chasing around.

A couple months ago Taft told me for his birthday he wanted a 'Mean Car' cake. (from the movie Cars). I was hoping he'd change his mind when birthday time rolled around as I didn't know how to pull that off. Here's my sorry attempt at it, which fortunately, Taft loved! (It's a chocolate cake with 2 brownies stuck on top for eyeballs).

Taft is a huge Thomas Train fan. One of the things he wanted most was the train 'Diesel 10'. He was just beside himself with excitement to open up this treasured gift. (Thanks, Grandpa!)

This picture just makes me laugh as it catches Elaine licking frosting off the cake, Brigham ripping into one of the presents and Dallin being goofy in the background. Taft was busy loooking at his new trains and a bit annoyed at having to pose for a picture. A typical family birthday party Ü

We so love having Taft in our family. He is such a character and keeps us laughing. I think it's because he tries to act a lot older than he is. And whenever anyone comments on his red hair, he's quick to tell them "it's not red, it's ORANGE" , although this week he decided to start telling people he has 'green' hair--go figure.

Well, a big Happy Birthday to Mr. Taft!

Happy Valentine's Day...mostly

The kids had a fun time preparing for Valentine's Day parties at school this year. Dallin's class held a contest on creating a box to hold all your valentines. Well, then Elaine had to make a box,too--she chose this cute puppy. Dallin (with Mom's help) created a box resembling a school locker, complete with photos and decor inside. . .and Dallin won!

Next, it was time to make the cards. Elaine wanted to make one with a pipe cleaner bee. I was all for it, until I realized, 'one bee, no problem, 30 of them-time consuming'. Dallin was content to print off a sheet of jokes--definitely his style. Next year I'm so going back to store bought Ü

On Friday they had the little parties at school. I helped out at Dallin's at Noon and was back again at 2pm for Elaine's. Taft and Briggy joined me and had a blast eating treats and watching them pass out cards. It's cute to see that some traditions never change. Well, now there seems to be a lot more candy, I remember just putting one little conversation heart with the card.

And I was looking forward to spending Saturday catching up on things I'd postponed during the week (due to helping the kids prepare for Friday) and going out for Valentine's day dinner. Unfortunately, I woke up Friday at midnight sicker than I've been years and spent all day Saturday in bed and barely able to get down a glass of grapefruit juice. The only thing that sounded relatively palatable. I am better today and can sit up for a few hours and eat a small amount of whole food. Kirt was sweet and took care of everything this weekend and even planted some new flowers in my garden for a Valentine's present.

Happy 2nd Birthday Brigham!

Look who turned 2!

Briggy celebrated his special day hanging out with Taft, who he constantly laughs at and immitates.

He later enjoyed a family party with Thomas the Train cupcakes. Brigham was cracking up when we all sang to him--we can't sound that bad Ü

And then he topped off his birthday by opening some fun presents. His siblings were eager to help open and play with the new toys.

It was great to celebrate this day with Brigham. I can't imagine our family with out him. Such a sweetie--we all love you Briggy!

'Twas a Fun Family Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in the tent, Wearing new pajamas Great-Grandma just sent.

And Mama in her sweater

and Pa in his shirt,

Had fun with the kids, but ate too much dessert ;)

Around the new train set the kids made such a clatter,

It was as if the other gifts would not really matter.

But, into the packages the children tore like a flash.

And at the end of it all,

the littlest one would crashÜ

Watching the children's excitement and awe was a beautiful sight,

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Thanksgiving Trip to Utah

For Thanksgiving we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Bountiful, Utah and all had a fabulous time. We hadn't been back since moving to Arizona almost 2 years ago! The kids had a great time reconnecting with cousins, staying up late, missing school and eating junk for a week. Kirt and I also enjoyed the vacation and visiting with family and friends (Thanks for dinner, Payne's). Here is a sampling of our little adventure. . .

All the cousins in the backyard.

(except 2 still in Boston--we missed you)

Elaine, Abby and Madi had a fun time together. They enjoyed sleepovers at Grandma's, Barbie's and crafts. Madi was so sweet to just hang out with her younger cousins, who absolutely idolized her Ü

What Thanksgiving would be complete without a little football!

Taft or Orange(b/c that's what color he says his hair is) as he was nicknamed had a blast with his older cousins. I think it's b/c he can burp on demand--what teenage boy doesn't think that's cool ?!

Cameron and him became fast friends.

Brigham couldn't get enough of the roller coaster in the backyard!

It may be hard to see but his smile was always so huge going down this thing.

And Briggy enjoyed playing blocks with his cousin. Austen was so patient to stack them up again and again as Brigham kept knocking them down and giggling.

I had fun just chatting with my Sister-in-laws, shopping and seeing Twilight again Ü

(I stole this photo from Sarah's facebook page so that's why it's so puny.)

For the past 6 years Kirt's family has donated a tree to the Festival of Trees in memory of his younger sister Kellie. Throughout the year Kirt's mom collected all the fun bears and ornaments and such pictured here. So, on Monday Amy and I spent the day decorating this fun tree. It takes a bit of time as every ornament has to be wired on so they stay put when the tree is later transferred. (More info on this Festival is on the post below.) It was fun decorating and the kids enjoyed hanging out, too. . .

Dallin and Ethan thought these bears made better hats than decorations!

Taft was being sneaky tying this bear up in the sled Ü

We finished off our trip with a visit to see the lights at Temple Square.

Hard to capture in photo's , but so beutiful to see.

Overall, we had a great and busy time in Utah. We drove straight 11 1/2 hours home. The kids were so exhausted from vacation they slept all but about 3hours home--nice Ü.