The Hyde Family

New Years Eve

2010-02-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

This year we spend New Years with my family. We went sledding in the afternoon (see previous post) then we had a party for the kids. We bobbed for donuts, played musical chairs and then at our own "midnight" we banged our pots and pans and sprayed silly string....EVERYWHERE! They had a lot of fun together. It is always a party when the cousins get together. Then we put the kids to bed and the adults played some games together. We even got my dad to play some with us. He is always the life of the party and can get us all laughing. It was a fun New Years Eve. I always get sad when the holidays are over and our families go home. Sure wish they all lived closer!
Brinley trying to get her donut

The older cousins went first to show them how it is done.

Most of the cousins minus Jax and Sadie.

Our midnight celebration. I'm sure the neighbors were wondering it we knew what time it really was!

Grandpa and Jaxston. He even got in on the festivities.

Spraying the silly string everywhere!

2010-02-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

We went tubing when my sisters were here over New Years. The kids always love to go to the same place. They always have a lot of fun. I am not a big fan of the cold, but I went because I thought they weren't going to last very long. I was surprised they lasted as long as they did. We were there for a few hours but it was a lot of fun.

Grandma's 90th Birthday Party!

2010-02-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

My grandma turned 90 this year so we had a little celebration for her. We all went out to dinner. Everyone was there, which was s first in a long time. We even got to see my cousins kids who we haven't been able to have much contact with for years. These pictures are courtesy of my kids! They took the camera and took some pictures for themselves. Unfortunately I didn't take any so these are the only ones that I got.

Some of the cute great-grandkids!

Christmas Day 2009

2010-02-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

Okay so here are the only pictures that I took on Christmas. It was kind of a different Christmas this year. Nate was sick in bed and so was my mom, dad and brothers. It was a very quiet day. I waited until the next day to get sick...after Nate had gone back to work. I can't believe that these were the only pictures I took. Jaxston didn't know what to think. He of course was thrilled with the paper. The girls seemed to like what they got. Brinley got another American Girl doll and Halle got the American girl boy twin to match her girl she got last year. Kids make Christmas so much fun! I am always so excited to see their expressions on their faces.

Christmas outfits

2010-02-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

I am surprised that he was even smiling at this. I LOVE this picture!

Here are the yearly Christmas pictures that we took. It is SO much harder getting three to smile for the camera....wait even getting them to look at the camera is next to impossible. By the time we got Jax to smile, the other two were looking at him to see his smile. So this is the best that we got this year. I couldn't decide which ones I wanted so I just put them all in here. Enjoy!

SO Far behind....

2010-02-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

This post is so overdue, but I keep putting it off and putting it off. Christmas came and went way too fast and I could not keep up. I have so many more fun posts, but I know that I need to post about our Christmas first so I can get my blog put into a book for this last year. So here goes....

This laundry basket has been a favorite toy for my kids. They can get Jax to laugh so hard. Who knew that it had so many uses? We have definitely got our money out of this purchase!

Thanksgiving and more!

2009-12-10T20:33:00.001-08:00

Yes now that it is December I am posting about our Thanksgiving. I have been pretty busy with a few Christmas projects...they have consumed all my time. We did have a fun Thanksgiving and I can't believe that it is December and now almost Christmas. I always have such big plans and then Christmas comes and the craziness begins. I just wished the season lasted a little longer!

Halloween!

2009-11-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

Here is Jax after he had found Brinley's Halloween bag and SHOVED his mouth full of cookies. He thought he was so funny....and I just thought he was so cute.

We got to have our niece stay with us for a while. We had so much fun with her! Here they are getting ready for the costume parade at Brinley's school.

Cutest little dragon

We took the kids to the Halloween carnival at Briney's school on Friday. They had so much fun, but we had to leave early because we had another Halloween party to go to.

He is probably thinking "please get me out of this thing. I can't move." But he sure looks cute in it!

The cutest High School Musical Cheerleader, Peach City car hop/50's girl and dragon that I have ever seen! LOVE these kiddos of mine~

We had a fun Halloween this year. Jaxston wasn't sure about his costume, but it sure kept him warm. My girls were so excited to go trick-or-treating to all the houses. They are what make life so fun! I love to watch their reactions to things and how excited they get.

Bear Lake and Conference Weekend.....

2009-10-17T14:22:00.001-07:00

Over Conference weekend we headed to good old bear lake. My girls were so excited! We have not got very much use out of it this year. They LOVE to go there and it never gets old for them. This time it was chilly, but very peaceful.

Pretty soon Jaxston was fast asleep in this swing. We had to ride back on the 4 wheelers with him asleep on Nate's shoulder. He did stay asleep though!

More pictures on the swing

Jaxston's first 4 Wheeler ride. (No, he really didn't ride in the bumbo on the front) Nate just wanted it to look that way! :)

We didn't have a helmet for him so Nate put Halle's bike helmet on. He was a good sport and didn't bother it.

It was such a fun weekend. We feel so blessed to have a place to go and get away from daily life. I couldn't figure out why my kids LOVED to go there even in the winter because there isn't much to do. (Then I thought maybe it is because they have all our attention....guess I need to give them a little more of my time. I need to be reminded of that every now and then). All in all it was a fun little weekend getaway. Just what we needed at our house! :)

Look what I can do!!!

2009-09-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

Jax is six months now! He learned to sit up by himself a few weeks ago. He feels so big now! When we go to the grocery store he loves to sit in the cart. You can see it in his eyes that he feels like such a big kid. He still is an excellent baby and very happy. He LOVES his hands, especially his thumbs. He puts his two thumbs together and is always playing with his hands. He also has learned how to make noises with his tongue. It is the cutest thing. I love this age and I love to see his facial expressions as he experiences new things everyday!

Halle's first day of preschool!

2009-09-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Halle had her first day of preschool a few weeks ago..but I am just now posting them. She made sure to let me know that I needed to take her picture...just like I took Brinleys on her first day....and then put them on our blog. She is such a funny girl. She sure knows what she wants and lets it be known! The other morning I had just finished running on the treadmill in enough time to tell her to grab her backpack and run out the door. Halle looked at me and said "Mom, will you please change your clothes and get ready, that doesn't look so good." I told her that I didn't have time today. She then asked me if I would walk her to the door but only to the door so no one would see me. When I got out of the car she rad ahead and then came back and said, "It's okay, mom the door is closed no one will see you. You can walk me..but only to the door so they don't see you." Leave it to Halle to let you know if you aren't looking your best or if something looks good on you. She is a very honest little girl and lets us know what she thinks. She is very opinionated and I have had to take many clothes back because she won't wear them. I never had this problem with Brinley and I still don't. I tell her what to wear and she does it. But they have always been so different and that is what makes life fun....right? So if Halle tells you that something looks good you must really look good!
From now on I really try to get my exercising and shower before I take her to school! If not, she looks at me and says, "You're not going like that are you?" I thought that I was going to be the one saying that! :)

Halle and dad!

Walking into school!

1st Day of School!

2009-08-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Well here are the many first day of school pictures for Brinley. (I just couldn't decide which ones I wanted for my scrapbook...so you get to see them all!) She was so excited and ready. She got up early and woke Halle up to her singing High School Musical songs at 6:00. Halle wasn't so appreciative to it though. She did let me take her, but she still worried if she was going to be late. She was nervous going into class, but she had quite a few friends in her class, so I know she will have fun. Her teacher is awesome! For some reason I was more tearful this year then last. I just have a hard time with them growing up and not being so little. I really love having them home with me. Maybe I am a little selfish. It sure makes it a little easier when they are so excited and ready to go. Halle starts next week, so I am sure that I will post more then. As for now...I am caught up. Whew! That was a lot of posts to get through! Now I am going to bed!

Cowabunga Bay

2009-08-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

So as our last summer fling we got some discount passes and went to the new water park in Draper. It was a lot of fun! We spent the whole day there, but they sale 4 hour passes and I think we could of got everything in, in those four hours. I was a little worried about taking Jaxston, but he was so good. He would just nap in his stroller when he got tired. He loved the lazy river and the kiddie pool because the water was warm! It was a fun family outing together. I really like having my kids home and I am not ready to send them off to school again. Ready or not...right?

Nate talked me into taking Jaxston down this LITTLE slide. It was small, but the water that got in his face wasn't. He did not like it at all!

Here is how he spent most of his day. Oh, the lazy days of summer. Too bad they are gone!

Brinley and Halle loved all the water slides. I was surprised that they went down every one of them.

They have it decorated so fun and very cute. I loved the bright colors!

Odds and ends!

2009-08-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when Halle gets the camera!

Man I am getting tired of all these posts. So congrats if you have made it through them. This is my journal so I need to write these things down for my records. These are just a few cute pictures that we took and I wanted to include them. I guess this many posts will teach me to stay caught up....then again maybe not!

Just a cute smile from little Jax!

Trying to snuggle Jax. I don't think that the feeling is mutual. Do you?

Brinley and Halle got roller skates and they wanted to roller skate outside since they had only been trying them inside and on the carpet. Well Halle came in and asked if I had a bum pad for Brinley so she wouldn't hurt her bottom. I jokingly told her to tape a pillow to her bum, not thinking she would actually want to. Well here are the pictures to prove it. It was kind of fun taping her up because then when they were done they were kind of stuck, until I decided to help them!

Jaxston's first cereal feeding!

2009-08-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post about Jaxston. He is now eating cereal and he LOVES it. These are pictures of the first time we fed him. He doesn't look so sure in the top picture, but he does like it now. He always has A LOT of help from his sisters. Brinley always says she wishes that she got some of the jars of fruit for dessert. I told her that I am going to pack a few for her lunch at school this next week. We'll see how much she eats them at school!

Trip to the fish farm 2009

2009-08-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hailey showing her fish

While my sister was here we had to make the annual trip to the trout farm. It is always a favorite of the grand kids and this time was no different. It was very entertaining watching Hailey hold the fish while they squirmed. She was braver then my kids and even braver then her older brother. She had to help take some of the fish off the hook for him. She is such a funny little girl! I love to hear the things that come out of her mouth....except when she teaches my kids things that they have never heard of. (Sorry Mag, but it was pretty funny!)

This is what happens when I turn around and pay attention to another child. He almost got his first taste of Diet Coke (Thanks Cam!) but Nate put a stop to that before it started!

Proudly showing the fish they caught. They only caught two then they just liked watching the other kids get their fish and have to take it off the pole. They DID NOT like touching the squirming fish. I have to say that I don't blame them! Thanks mom and dad for the fun trip to the fish farm. I bet you are STILL enjoying that YUMMY trout for dinner! :)

Grandpa and Grandma's 80th Birthday!

2009-08-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

Justin taking the grandkids for a ride!

So we had an 80th birthday party celebration for my grandparents last month. (I am now just getting around to post about it.) All of my family from that side were there. It was a miracle since we live all over! We have not all been together for a long time, probably years. It was so fun to catch up with my cousins and get together and see their cute families. It was a surprise for my grandparents (I think they knew, but they cure acted surprised!). They didn't know that we would all be there. We had a dinner Friday night and then played a little game where we learned some fun things about them that I didn't know.
Then Saturday we had family pictures. In the afternoon we had a barbecue with everyone at my Aunt's house. It was so fun to be together as a family again. I really am blessed to have the family that I do. I sure wish that my sister lived a little closer though. I always get so sad when they have to leave. My kids love to play with their cousins and I wish they could see them more.
It was fun to be with my grandparents and think of all they have done for me in my life. They are great examples to me and I just love them. They have always been so supportive of everything that I have done. They came to countless dance recitals, piano recitals and anything else that I was involved in even though I know they would of rather been somewhere else. I only wish I can be the kind of people they are...someday!

Grandpa and Grandma...acting surprised!!!

Nate made a bow for Jaxston and one for my grandpa to wear. They were both such good sports!

Bear Lake Raspberry Days

2009-08-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Okay so this is my last post for today. Don't worry I am almost caught up. It is making me tired but this is my journal so I need to record these things. Sorry for the many posts!

On our way home from Island Park, we decided to go to Bear Lake and stay at Nate's parents place for Raspberry Days. It was our first time going this summer. We usually go quite often so it had been a while. This is a picture of the girls at one of the booths at the craft fair. The girls were dressed up as the princesses and my girls loved it!

This is Jaxstons first swim. Here he is showing off his new suit. Isn't he adorable?

He went from this:

to this!

He liked it for about 10 minutes. I can't say I blame him cause I even thought that the water was kind of cold. Nate kept saying I was being too protective of him! It was fun while it lasted I guess.

Hyde Family Reunion - Island Park

2009-08-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

We went to Island Park this year for the Hyde reunion. It was so much fun! We rented a huge cabin that was very roomy. Almost everyone was there but the Smiths and Dannon's wife, Jessica. We sure missed them though. We went to Yellowstone one day, and to Mesa Falls and the Johnny Sack cabin. My kids loved being around everybody. The older cousins are so good to my kids. They just jump right in and help take care of them and they are so fun to be around. They are always teaching my kids fun songs and activities to do. That is the benefit of having older cousins too, right? Anyways, I could only hope that my kids turn out like them. They are great examples to my kids.
We each were in charge of a few meals and different activities during the week. It is also Nate's parents 50th wedding anniversary this year so we kind of celebrated it along with the reunion. Nate was in charge of the family night on Monday. We played a game to see how much we knew about them. It was fun to learn things about them that I didn't know already. I was in charge of activities for the little kids. It was a fun little get away. We used to go the Island Park every summer as a kid, so it brought back so many fun memories with my family.

Jaxston enjoying the only sugar he gets when I am not looking. Funny story though: We were driving and he had been screaming for a while. All of a sudden he was quiet for about 10 minutes. When we stopped to get out I noticed that Halle had a tootsie roll that was all slobbery in her hand. I figured she had been feeding it to Jaxston so I told her that she couldn't feed it to him. She said, "Mom, I am not feeding it to him, I am just letting him suck on it." This kid has tried more things then I ever let my other kids try this early! I guess whatever works though right?

They had matching shirts made for everyone. Here is a picture of the back of them. My kids LOVED that everyone matched!

Again, what a good sport. He puts up with a lot from his dad!

Here is Nate seeing how many people it takes to life him up.

Here is the group of older cousins playing teeter totter.

These girls get along really well together and have so much fun!

I had to take this picture for my dad. He LOVES Island Park. It is his favorite place to go. Isn't it beautiful??

Halle so excited for Yellowstone.

Family picture opportunity!

Swimming Lessons

2009-08-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

Okay so I promise this is my last post for today. I am going to bed. I had to include this one of Jaxston. He reminded me of Nate in this picture. Still such an easy going baby. He was so good everyday at swimming lessons. He would just fall asleep on my shoulder or in the stroller. I am just loving this little guy!

Always so happy!

My girls were so excited to take swimming lessons. They loved every day and they actually learned a lot this year. I felt like it was well worth it! Halle used to not even get into the water without clinging to my side and now she will go down the slide by herself. It was fun watching them swim and learn new things. They would get so excited to tell me what they learned. It makes me so sad that they are growing up so fast! I wish I would just freeze time and enjoy them while they are young. It really has been fun having them home all day this summer. I can honestly say that I don't want to send them back to school. They have become quite the little friends. They could play together all day and not get sick of each other. (But I could do without the cat fights and name calling). I just love that I am still important to them right now and I know in a few years that will change. That will be hard for me!

Swimming and more swimming

2009-08-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Jen was so nice to bring the entertainment with her from California. My kids had a blast on this water slide and now they are begging to buy one! I don't know who was more entertained the kids or the adults watching them go down. It was so funny to see their faces and watch them fly down the slide.

I loved Maddy's face here!

Cute cousins!

They wanted me to take a picture of them in the air jumping into the pool!

Halle loved to squirt everyone as they came down the slide. The problem was that no one really wanted to be squirted!

Halle and JY loved to go down together. They really got along well and played together a lot this trip!

T-Ball and bee stings....

2009-08-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

I told you I was far behind! Whew! Still lots more to come! Brinley managed to get stung by a wasp. It was fine until the next day. Then it got really swollen and she wouldn't go to church because she was afraid she would get laughed at.

Halle was so excited to be able to play T-Ball this year. I think because she is finally at the age that she can do things that Brinley has done and now it is her turn. She was so excited until it was time to play a game. Can't ya tell?

Sitting around talking to friends.

The coach always had to tell her what way to run....every time. It was so entertaining to watch these little kids!

Cherry Hills 2009

2009-08-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

My parents were so nice and took us to Cherry Hills while my sister was here visiting from California. The kids had a blast! I have to say that Jen was the best trooper! She slept out in the tent with all the kids while I slept inside the trailer where it was nice and cool and quiet. My parents took up there trailer and we swam for a few days. It was a lot of fun....minus the traumatic episode of losing my parents dog, Lindee. The kids were so sad. They decided that they would make signs and deliver them to the neighbors around the campground. They even offered a $5 reward. It was so cute! (We did find Lindee the next day but she wasn't too anxious to come back to the campground and be with the kids!) Thanks mom and dad for the fun memories!

This boy cracks me up! He loves to swim and Jen could never turn her back or he would run and jump in no matter how deep! He was a brave soul!

Sportin' their new goggles. They make me laugh every time they put them on!

Brin and JY wearing Cam and Justin's shoes!

So far Behind......

2009-08-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well this summer has been flying by and I can't believe that it is almost over. I am really not ready for school to start again. I have had fun having my kids home with me. I think they may be ready though! Here are some of the things that we have been doing. Let's just start way back at the 4th of July! Jaxston was such a good sport and enjoyed the fireworks. We went with our friends to watch them and the kids had a lot of fun with their friends! Watch for a lot more posts to come!

Brinley looking VERY excited!

Kaela and Halle

3 months....time does fly!

2009-06-25T21:36:00.000-07:00

I know everyone always says that the time goes so fast once your baby comes and it is so true! I can't believe that he is already 3 months! CRAZY! I don't like it at all! He is a great baby! He has started to laugh, but every time we try to get him to laugh for Nate he won't. So Nate doesn't believe us! Here are a few pictures of our handsome little boy! I am so in love with him! He makes me smile! We took him to the doctor a few weeks ago for his two month and he was 11 pounds! He is such a smiley baby! I recently purchased a bumbo seat. I was a little hesitant because it is a little pricey. I LOVE it! It has been worth every cent to me. He loves to sit up and he will sit next to me while I cook dinner or get ready for the day! I have to say, it you have the chance everyone needs one of these. It has been a lifesaver for me!

The girls love to dress him up and then laugh so hard. Poor little guy! He is just going to have to get used to getting dressed up. My dad said that at least he has two older sisters that can say "You are NOT leaving the house wearing that are you?" So I guess it is good that he can get used to it now!

I know.....most of my pictures of him are taken in his crib. That is where he is the most happy. I lay him in here to change his pants and he always talks and smiles at me!

His first hat. Isn't he so cute....wait Halle says we have to say handsome. We sure are loving this little guy in our house! He has been lots of fun!

More California....

2009-06-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

When we decided to go to California, we found out that we were going to miss Halle's preschool graduation. I felt so bad but we gave her the choice. At first she wanted to stay and go to her graduation, but after talking to Jen she decided that she wanted to go to her house. (Jen promised her that she would put on a special graduation for Halle.) We had three little graduates from preschool. It was a cute program! We were putting in on as we were walking out the door but Halle still loved it! I was still feeling a little guilty about having her miss her preschool graduation when we got home so I asked Halle if she was sad that she missed it. She said, "No mom, cause I got to go to Jen's!" So I guess that was my answer right there!

Enjoying the yummy cupcakes after graduation!

The three graduates: Halle, J.Y., and Hailey

Brinley got to help annouce. She was so proud!

We had to hit up Krispy Kreme and get a FREE donut. The kids loved it as you can see!

Rainforest Cafe

We took the kids to a FUN children's museum. The kids absolutely loved it and it entertained them for quite a while. Jen always takes us to fun places and it was so much fun staying with them! We can't wait to go back! They were great hosts and the kids are already asking when we get to go to Jen's again! Thanks Jen and Johnny for letting us come and for entertaining us!

CALIFORNIA continued.....

2009-06-18T11:18:00.001-07:00

After we spent a few days in San Diego, we headed to my sisters house. My other sister was going to be there with her kids for one day and then they were headed on a vacation while their kids stayed with Jen. It was a lot of fun to have all the grand kids together. Here are some pictures of the different things we did. We took them on a picnic and then to pick strawberries:

All the grandkids with grandpa and grandma

They each got to fill a basket with strawberries. I don't know how many made it into the basket, they mostly ate them, as you can see on their faces!

Brinley, JY and Maddy looking very carefully for strawberries!

Hannah and Halle. Halle loved to take care of the two little two year olds. They however did not liked to be picked up or constantly have their hands held or bossed around. Poor Halle was just trying to be their little mom. CONSTANTLY!

Halle, Conner and Hailey

Trouble: Hannah and Gibson

These two both like to be in charge! I am surpirsed they actually are not fighting while they are on the same toy!

C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A

2009-06-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

San Diego 2009

I have so many pictures to add to my blog and I am a little overwhelmed so this is going to be a very LONG post. I use this blog as my journal so beware of MANY pictures! We made a decision at the VERY last minute (I am talking within 15 minutes) to head to California for a week over Memorial Day. We packed up and ended up leaving at 10:30 at night and we planned to drive through the night while our kids slept. It was harder then we had planned and we decided that we are not as young as we used to be and we NEED our sleep. Nate had been working five days in a row before we left so he had only had a few hours of sleep a night and I just have a hard time staying awake. Nate drove until about Cedar City and then he woke me up and asked if I could drive. Well that lasted about an hour and then I was falling asleep! We pulled over and took a 15 minute nap and then Nate was ready to go again. Needless to say, we were exhausted by the time we got there. We headed to San Diego to visit Nate's sister's family first. We stayed with them a few days. We went to the beach and just hung out. It was a lot of fun to be with them. We haven't been to there house since Brinley was just little so it was fun to spend some time with them. My kids LOVE Nate's sister because she gives them all her attention when they are around. Her kids are all older then ours so she loves to spoil them. Here are some pictures of our visit to San Diego:

Nate took this picture of Brinley. She is spitting out the salt water after swimming in it.

Teresa and Nate relaxing by the ocean

They LOVED playing in the waves. It was a little overcast, but I still got burned! Their was this perfect little beach that was like a cove. It was so much fun and the girls LOVED it!

Jaxston reading about the seals that live here:

Halle hated the smell! We went to La Jolla and saw the seals in the little cove. It was fun but their weren't as many as Teresa thought their would be. It was still fun anyway!

Aunt Teresa and the girls!

La Jolla Cove

Jaxston's Special Day

2009-05-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Isn't he handsome? We sure think so!!

We blessed Jaxston last Sunday...Mother's day. What a great day it was! I felt so lucky to share this day with him. I feel so blessed to have these children in my family. It is such an amazing feeling knowing that I have been trusted to raise them....and little scary! Nate did a fantastic job during the blessing. He got choked up right at the beginning after he said his name. (We named him after Nate's great-grandpa, who Nate thinks the world of. He died right after we were dating so I didn't ever meet him but I have always felt his spirit and the many lives that he touched. I felt honored to name Jaxston after him.) So anyways, Nate had a hard time through the blessing but he did an excellent job! I am so proud of him and I feel so blessed to have this special spirit in our home. We didn't think we were going to be able to have any more kids and I feel like he was sent here for a specific purpose. He is so much fun and just a little spoiled to say the least! I just can't get enough of him. I could hold him all day long and be content.

This is how he felt before his special day even began!

A little upset that I was taking pictures and not holding him!

My Cute Family
~ Which I DO NOT like this picture of me at all, but I had to include at least one of us! (Isn't Halle's facial expressions so funny! She looks just a little upset to be in this picture. She was ready to play with the cousins!) I had a very special mothers day! We had so many family and friends that came and supported us and we feel very blessed! Thanks to everyone who came and made this day special for us! Sorry to those who couldn't make it. I know it was kind of hard because of Mothers day. We missed you and wished you could be there (especially my sisters...you really need to move a little closer!)

Brinley;s school Opera and Jaxston turns 6 weeks!!!!!!

2009-05-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

I had to include this picture of Halle. She always has a funny face to add or she has to pose a certain way, she can't just SIT for a normal picture!

Brinley's 1st grade class performed their opera this last week. She was so excited and was counting down the days. Last fall when they were writing it and choosing the parts she told her teacher that she did not want to have a speaking part. She was very shy about getting in front of anyone. Then when it came time, she told me that she wished she would have chosen a speaking part. She told her teacher, "I am not scared at all, I've done this a million times." I just love her 1st grade teacher, she has done so much to help Brinley progress and not be so timid. I will be very sad when this year is over.

This was the set that they painted themselves. She was very proud of it. Nate went and helped them paint it because I had just had the baby. (He is very good to help out in her class and the kids in her class love him!) Anyways the kids write the Opera and the songs and then the perform it all from memory. Brinley was a girl in the opera. It was called "Dirty water, Clean Water." It was about a small town that needed some water because it hadn't rained. They found a way to make some clean water. It was very cute and she did an excellent job! Her teacher told me that when they were practicing and someone was absent, she would call on Brinley to play their part, because she knew every one's part. (I guess it is okay for me to be a proud mom once in a while)

My mom brought Brinley a rose after the first performance and she was very proud of it. It had to be in every picture and then she had to take it that night to show her teacher. Nate had ordered her some flowers for that night as well. He didn't even know that my mom gave her any and I didn't even have to hint to him either. I was very surprised! She was so excited and could not wait to get home to put them in water. She has them sitting in her room, displayed very proudly! (I love that Halle has to be in every picture with Brinley, and she has to pull some crazy faces!)

On other news...Jax is 6 weeks old already! I can't believe it! It makes me a little sad! I love the newborn stage and he is just about out of it! We just love him more and more everyday!

5 weeks....

2009-05-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

He likes to scowl a little, but he still is a happy little guy!

He has been smiling for a few weeks. It is so fun to see him recognize us and smile!

Our girls begged me to let them fed him a bottle. They were thrilled to be able to feed him! Such good helpers they are!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

The girls and I colored easter eggs while Nate was gone! Halle was so funny. Every time she pulled an egg out of the dye, she would say, "This is so amazing, TOTALLY amazing." It was fun to see their reactions and how excited they get. Here they are showing off their colorful eggs!

We had a great Easter. The girls were so excited to find their Easter eggs and baskets. I tried many times to take a good picture of them in their Easter dresses, but as you can see it was hard. They had to wear their sunglasses in the pictures or make silly poses. They are so much fun and I am sad that Spring Break is over. I love having them home! Oh well, only six more weeks left of school! YEA!
(Sorry: LOTS of pictures to come!)

And of course, I couldn't leave off our little Jaxston. We still can't get enough of him! The girls love him and when they get home, they are no longer so excited to see me...they run to find him! Let's just say that he is spoiled and loves to be held! That's okay with me though, I LOVE this stage when they cuddle into you and go to sleep. Just don't look at my house, because it is usually messy! It used to bother me more, but I am a little more relaxed about having a spotless house. As my mom always tell me, "It will wait for you." But babies just grow up too fast so I am just enjoying every minute I have with him! He makes it so easy to just adore him. He is a good baby so far. He has slept though the night a lot of nights, but if he wakes up it is only once. He is very mellow and SO lovable! We love you Jaxston!

My little toothless girl......

2009-04-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Brinley FINALLY lost her first tooth on Monday and then the second one came out today! It was like Christmas for her. She is the ONLY one in her school class that hasn't lost any teeth! She was so excited to go to school and get to put a tooth on the chart. She was so worried that she wouldn't loose any teeth during the school year. It's about time, she is 7 years old! I do have to say that it made me a little sad when she lost it....that means she really is getting older! These two teeth have been loose for the last few months! She twisted them and finally they popped out. Here are a few pictures......before and after the lost teeth!

BEFORE......

AFTER.....

2 weeks already???

2009-04-01T14:49:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that our baby is already two weeks old! The times sure does fly when they are finally here! I have just loved having this little guy in our home and the sweet spirit that he has brought. I was a little worried about having a boy because I have bonded so much with my girls. But I just have LOVED him and he has been a very good baby. He still gets his nights and days mixed up but he goes right back to sleep during the night after I feed him. He is so much fun and our girls love having a new baby just as much. We just can't get enough of him! I took him to his two week checkup today and he wasn't quite back to his birth weight, but the doctor wasn't too worried. He weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. and that was what he was at when we left the hospital. He did have jaundice and he had to be under the lights for a few days. I was so sad, I cried just to see him laying there and not being able to hold him. Here are a few pictures from the last few weeks!

Happy Birthday Brinley!!!

2009-03-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today was Brinley's birthday. She was so excited to get up and go to school because she got to wear the birthday crown and also sit on the birthday chair. I can't believe my little girl is SEVEN. That is just crazy to me to think that we have a child that old! She is such a fun little girl! For my personal journal I want to record some of her great qualities and the many reasons I love her......
She has always been my little snuggler. She loves to cuddle with me and she loves to and give hugs!
She is very helpful and will do what I ask. I usually don't have to ask her more than once to do something for me.
She is a great big sister and a great help...especially since Jaxston has joined our family. She loves him!
Whenever she gets home from school, the first thing that she does is run to find him and she begs to hold him!
She loves to watch movies with me.
She loves school and is a very good reader!
She loves to socialize. Her teacher is always commenting on how nice she is at school to everyone. (Now if we could just practice this a little more at home to her sister :)
We love you Brinley and we are so glad that you are part of our family! You are a great example to Halle, she loves you and looks up to you so much! We are very glad that you came to our family 7 years ago, you were our miracle baby and we are glad that you choose us as your parents!

Happy, Happy Birthday Halle Dear!

2009-03-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

It was Halle's Birthday on Saturday. She turned four years old! I can't believe that it has been four years since she was born. She sure has brought something special to our family. She is a special little spirit and has a mind of her own. I wouldn't change her strong willed personality though (most days! :) ) She does have a soft heart though. She would do anything for Brinley to make her happy. I just thought that I would share some pictures of her throughout her last four years and let her know how special I think she is and the reasons i love her.
I love to have one on one time with her cause she always makes me laugh! .
She is so funny and is full of personality.
She loves to help me clean and she is always telling me that I need to clean out my drawers or that my floor needs to be mopped! What would I do without her?
She loves babies and tries to be a mommy to anyone younger than her.
She is a busy body. She doesn't sit still for more than two minutes. Watching a movie is just too long for her to stay in one place at a time!
She is always more concerned about Brinley than she is herself. Some days she makes me want to pull my hair out but then the next second she has us laughing!
She is always very complimentary and honest. She always tells me I look cute or my outfit is cute. She is very sweet! She also tells me when she doesn't like something. I love it!
She loves her preschool and she knows how to write her name. She is always asking me what different words are or what this and that spell. We love her so much and are so blessed to have her in her family! Since I had my baby I have been thinking about how complete each member makes our family feel. Our family definitely would not be complete without her special spirit.

We love you Halle Jo!

More Pics of our new baby....

2009-03-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just some updated pictures that we have taken our our little Jaxston. We still think we looks a lot like Brinley did as a baby. A lot of people say that he looks like his dad too! He has been so much fun and the girls LOVE him! They are being very helpful! Brinley has really surprised us! She was the one that didn't want another baby in our house, but she has loved him from the minute he was here. He is very sleepy and sleeps most of the time still. The first night we brought him home, we were up every hour with him. Nate was so good to get up and try and help with whatever he could. But then last night he kicked us out because he had to be to work! Then he slept all night and only woke up once! He is a very good baby so far! We have to get him checked tomorrow for jaundice, he was a little high at the hospital and he is looking a little yellowish. Both of our girls had it as well. He also didn't pass his hearing test on his right ear so we have to take him back to make sure that it is just the debris or amniotic fliud. They didn't seem to think it was his hearing, but we'll wait and see. Well there is the update. We are just loving this little boy. He has been so much fun!

Introducing.....

2009-03-20T11:40:00.001-07:00

Jaxston Arlow Hyde

March 18, 2009

6:18 pm

7 lbs. 10 oz.

20 inches

He is finally here and perfect in every way! The girls LOVE him, sometimes a little TOO much! We think that he looks like Brinley did but he has already changed a lot since he was born! Everything went perfect are we are so glad to have him here! I will post more pictures a little later!

Catching Up......

2009-02-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

I have not been very motivated to keep up on this blog lately. I guess we don't live very exciting lives around here! But I can say that I am now 36 weeks....and COUNTING!! Yea! This pregnancy actually has gone by VERY fast. We just finished painting the nursery yesterday. My girls have been begging to put the crib up. Especially Halle...she has asked at least 4 or 5 times a day when we get to get the crib ready. She even thought that she would help me with the painting when I ran to the store and left Nate in charge. I had just finished priming Halle's BRIGHT pink walls and the girls were in the tub. I thought about telling them NOT to go in there because I had left a roller covered in plastic until I got back to finish another coat. Then I thought, "No, I better not tell them, it might spark a little idea in Halle's head. Well while I was at the store Nate called and told me that I was probably going to have to paint the ceiling again and I KNEW what had happened. Halle had got out of the tub and decided she was going to climb on the ladder and help with the ceiling. Which I was not going to paint because it has just been done when we moved in a year ago and it looked great! Nate got a picture of her up on the ladder painting the ceiling with the roller. I was going to put it on here because it is pretty funny now...but it shows her bare bum and I don't know who is looking at this blog! I can laugh about it now but that day I didn't find it very amusing!
So last night they planned to do it for family night! It was so cute to watch them get so excited to get everything out and ready. Halle has arranged all the drawers and got some diapers out and stacked them neatly in the diaper stacker. She is going to be a HUGE help. Brinley is excited, but I think she gets a little nervous when she thinks about her place in this whole situation. She cried when we first told her and she has made little comments every since about us not loving her as much when he comes. But the other night she did tell me that she can't wait to help me get him in his pajamas and ready for bed. As I was laying in bed talking to her to other night she told me that when the baby comes, I am not going to tuck her in anymore! Oh my sensitive little Brinley! I worry about her. We put them in the same room and they share a bed now. I have had to lay in there until one of them goes to sleep, and she told me that as soon as this baby comes, I won't do that anymore. She is very good with other babies and just loves them. I know once it comes she will think it is Great! Her teacher at school showed them a picture of her new little granddaughter and she was so excited to come home and tell me all about her! So hopefully she will feel the same about our new addition!
As for names, we are still trying to find one that we can both agree on. We are naming him after Nate's grandpa, so the middle name has to be Arlow. I have always loved Aidan, but Nate isn't so set on the name. We both like Jaxon, and Nate really wants Boston or Cole. So if anyone has any great suggestions..I am taking them! I need some opinions and soon! Boy names have been very hard for me to love. I had about 10 girls names already chosen. We have a list of about 10-15 names, but none that I am totally set on!
Well that has been all that we have been doing lately. Here are a few pictures because I know that a post without pictures is not fun!

Halle dressed up ready to cook!

Brinley and Halle LOVE to look at hair blogs. We found a hair blog with a hair do for Valentines day and they both begged to have their hair done this way. It is supposed to be a heart! I did Brinley's this way to, I just forgot to take a picture! Oops!

Nothing much to say about this picture, I just thought it was cute of her and I had a lot of Halle already!

When my family was all here we took the kids sledding and to Hardware Ranch! They had so much fun...but I don't know who had more fun them or us laughing at Johnny's snow suit! He got in in High School and he still PROUDLY wears it!

HARDWARE RANCH- The kids had fun seeing all the elk. All the kids had to have a turn on Cam's shoulders. They LOVE their Uncles, especially the all the teasing they get from them!

Sorry about all the pictures. Maybe my next post will be some without all the snow and something to do with Spring or this baby. Wish me Luck!

New Years Day!

2009-01-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind on pictures so just a little warning: Lost of pictures to come and lots more to follow! I am trying to get caught up! New years day we went to the Gateway and I think the kids saw just about every kids movie and the Clark Planetarium....thanks to Cindy and her free tickets. They had a lot of fun but by the end they were begging to not see any more movies! It was a fun little vacation and so fun to see the cousins that we don't get to see too often, even though my kids did not make it to bed before 11:30 every night. Oh well, it was worth it in the end!

Halle and Lily (They have so much fun together! Halle misses Lily everyday since she moved! They used to go to preschool together!)

Grandma Hyde digging through her purse...handing out money so that everyone got a turn to drop some money into the bowl!

Then later we took the older cousins to see the 3D Nascar movie. Liza and Cariel showing off their cool glasses. These girls are so much fun and so good to my kids. My kids absolutely LOVE them. They want nothing to do with me when they are around. I would adopt them if their mom would let me!

New Years Eve...

2009-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

For the last few new years eves we have gone to Salt Lake and stayed a few nights with Nate's family. Usually all the cousins come and my kids have a lot of fun! This year we went and saw the lights at Temple Square on New Years Eve since we never got there during the Christmas holiday.

Temple Square

Halle actually let me take her picture and she smiled! (Rare occurrence)

Most of the cousins bundled up to look at the lights!

Then we went to the Joseph Smith Memorial and the kids played in the kids area while we just sat and got warm! These are just a few of the pictures we took with the cousins!

CHRISTMAS

2008-12-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Christmas has already come and gone already. I always get so sad when it is over. I don't want to have to send Brinley back to school, it has been so fun having her home with us. Halle has especially loved having the company. The only good thing about Christmas being over this year is that I am that much closer to my due date! I really can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone. It really does seem like it has flown by this time! Anyways...We had a good Christmas. We started off Christmas eve with our tradition of the girls opening Christmas pajamas. They were excited to get some new jammies! Then we headed off the Nate's sisters annual Christmas Eve party in the afternoon. She usually has it in the evening, but since a lot of Nate's family wanted to get home early she moved it to the afternoon. Actually it worked out great so we could make it to both of our family parties. It is always stressful trying to get to both parties and deciding which one we will go to first. I think next year we will start rotating so we aren't so stressed!

Brinley and Halle in Christmas Pajamas

The girls were so excited Christmas eve to go to bed! Luckily they went right to sleep so Santa could come early enough! Brinley came into our room at 4:30 and wanted to get up and open presents. We told her that she had to go back to bed until 7:00. I had been up sick most of the night and I just wanted to get some sleep. So she stayed in my bed and talked for another hour, (Nate ended up going into her bed) and she finally feel asleep at about 5:30 after asking every 5 minutes if it was time. Then about 6:45, I rolled over and QUIETLY said her name and she jumped up and asked if it was time to get up. We called Cam and Justin and they were on their way to watch them open their gifts. Grandma Merrell also came down to see them. They were so excited when they saw their presents. Brinley is so dramatic. She would squeal after each present and say it was what she wanted. She is a very easy child to please. Halle was excited, but she didn't have the same reaction as Brinley. It was so fun to see! They got American Girl dolls and Santa had left them sitting out. They were thrilled and they have taken them everywhere we have gone ever since! My mom gave them each some pajamas to match their dolls and that is all they want to wear!

Halle and Brinley wearing their pajamas that match their dolls

Brinley opened a movie that had a sticker from Toys R Us on it. She said to me..."Mom, Santa doesn't make all the toys, this one came from Toys R Us!" It was pretty funny! She is a very observant little girl!

Halle's typical response to opening a present

Christmas morning was spent opening presents, going to my Grandma's breakfast, and visiting all our families here. We all had a great Christmas. Sometimes it is hard having both families in town but then on Christmas I realize that it is kind of nice that we don't have to travel and we can stay in town! I have so many things to be thankful for this year! I have realized how blessed I am, as I look around me. I didn't ever get a Christmas card sent out this year. It just seemed a little more chaotic for some reason, but I hope that you all had a great Christmas! It was fun receive all your cards and catching up on your busy lives as well!

Christmas Happenings...

2008-12-22T21:17:00.000-08:00

I always love having my kids home for Christmas break. I feel like sometimes we are so busy with school that we don't get to spend a lot of time together. So I decided that we would do some fun things for Christmas and I let them choose what they wanted to do today. Yesterday we drove around and looked at at the Christmas lights. Then today they wanted to...

Build a snowman..

Make snow angels....

Play in the snow

Make sugar cookies

Then for family night we drove out to the lights at Willard Bay with our friends. They got to see Santa and even Halle sat on his lap and she even talked to him! We also got to go on a wagon ride! It was quite an eventful day....I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Christmas dresses and concerts!

2008-12-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it is Christmas already! It has flown by this year! I am so behind on posting my pictures so I thought that I would update with a few pictures of what we have been up to. Here are my girls in there Christmas dresses. They were a little upset that they were not exactly the same this year.

Halle

Brinley

Brinley also had her TaVaci concert last weekend. She did so good we are so proud of her! She seems to know the songs really well and then she gets a little nervous when she gets on stage. She doesn't dare take her eyes off her teacher in case she misses an action! She still loves singing and we hear the songs she learns all day long! :) But it is still fun to see her perform! Brinley doesn't look too happy here. This was after the concert and she was ready to be done and take her costume off!

Halloween!!!

2008-12-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so I know that it is now December and I am just posting my Halloween pictures! I do have a good explanation for it. Our computer was down and then we could not get it going again so we had to buy another computer. Well it happened to be a good thing because Nate's brother, FINALLY talked him into getting high-speed Internet!!!!!!!!! Well actually our new computer wasn't hooked up for dial-up so he didn't have a choice. Let's just say I can actually upload some pictures without getting a load of laundry done in between and I can upload more then one picture at a time! So just a little warning there is a lot of pictures to come and more to follow.
Our Halloween was good. Brinley was Hannah Montana and Halle was a witch. Brinley was a little sick. She had to come home from because she felt like she was going to throw up. So we took her home and I kept wondering if maybe she wasn't really sick because her cousins were here. Anyways, I had to go back for her classes Halloween part because I am the room mother for her class. She wanted to come so I let her because she said she was feeling better. We were in different groups and all of a sudden her teacher came and told us to trade her spots. Brinley had thrown up all over. Poor Girl! She really wasn't feeling well!
We went trick or treating with Jen and her kids and all Brinley wanted to do was go home. I really knew she didn't feel well when she didn't care to get any candy! Which was fine with me because I just threw away our candy from last year a few weeks ago.

Brinley at her Halloween parade. Doesn't she look happy?!?

Halle and Brinley insisting they pull a funny face!

Halloween Party!

2008-12-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Jen had a Halloween party for us while she was here. She is so creative and is always doing something cute for the Holidays. First it started out with witches brew, which the kids were so fascinated with. They swore it was root beer! Then we ate "Body part soup" out of a pumpkin bowl. It was so funny to see the kids reaction to the body parts in their soup. And Lastly they got to bob for apples! Here are the only pictures that I got from the fun event!

Halle finally got an apple!

Brinley with her apple!

Bobbing for apples

The gang with the pumpkin bowls and the witches brew!

cOuSiNs!

2008-12-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Halle riding the pony at Gardiner Village. She wanted to ride these ponies when she saw them. I was shocked because she usually does not like any animal but pigs!

My sister came from California for a few days and my kids got to spend a little time with them. They were able to come and see Justin and then they stayed for Halloween. They had so much fun and my kids are always sad when their cousins have to leave! Here are some of the pictures we took while they were here! We went to Gardiner Village and saw the witches, the pumpkin patch and then who could forget Jen's fun Halloween party. She is such a fun aunt and she always has such fun ideas. No wonder my children want nothing to do with me when she is around! Thanks Jen and grandma for making the party so fun!

Brinley on her pony ride

It was so hard to get all the cousins to look at the same time so this is the best I could get!
Gardiner Village

Watching the witch the the hula-hoop! They had so much fun together, but we missed Mag's family. They were here the week before but I guess I didn't get any pictures!

San Diego Trip

2008-11-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was able to take a trip with a few of my high school friends to San Diego. It was lots of fun and quite an adventure! We were planning on staying in this beautiful beach house in Imperial Beach. When we got there we were quite taken back by it...and not because of it's beauty! Here is Darci standing by the free T.V. outside our condo. Ours is the one to the left. Andrea did so good to book all of this for us! But we didn't know what we were getting ourselves in to! We got there and we were a little nervous once we drove into Imperial Beach. Let's just say that is was just like Tijuana! We had scary men yelling things at us and trying to take our picture! As soon as we saw our room we booked it out of there! Thank goodness for Darci's bravery cause the rest of us were chickens and we didn't dare tell the people how disgusting our room was. I don't think that anyone had stayed there for a few months and after seeing it, I know why!

Andrea, Me and Darci at Seaport Village

The next day was a lot better. We found ourselves a nice CLEAN, safe hotel room! We went to Coronado Island, and Seaport Village. I loved the sand at Coronado Island! I don't think Darci loved it as much as the rest of us! She got stung by a "no-see-um" jellyfish (as the lifeguard called it). She was even out of the water trying to take our picture and all of a sudden she her foot started stinging. She was in a lot of pain, so she sent me running after the lifeguard (I'm sure it was a sight to see, a pregnant lady running after the lifeguard)while Andrea and Kristi were busy picking up sand dollars. (That never even made it very far after all.......Darci!)

Darci, John, and Andrea

We had a funny experience at the temple. We were all wanting to go see the temple so we were so excited when we found it! We went in and hiked to the top of the hill to take some pictures and out walked one of our friends from high school. We had no idea that he was even working there at the temple. It was so funny! I haven't seen him since we graduated. It was fun to talk to him and he told us some good places to go!

This was probably my favorite beach, Coronado. I loved the glittery sand. It made me want to take my girls there someday. They would of loved it!

Darci getting some advice from the lifeguard! He told us what to put on her foot. We had to get ammonia and meat tenderizer and mix it with water! Crazy! It was a lot of fun! I was a little worried about leaving my kids for 5 days, but it was fun to get away! I had a hard time leaving them. I don't know who was more sad....me ot them. I cried the morning before and I didn't think that I wanted to go anymore. I am so glad that I did...we made lots of fun memories that we can laugh about now looking back. My kids did fine without me, but they were ready for me to come home when I did! Thanks, girls for the fun trip. Can't wait to do it again!

SnOw aLrEaDy?!?

2008-10-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

So I know that it is getting to be that time of year, but I can honestly say I am not quite ready for it. My kids were so excited! They kept staring out the window watching it fall, begging to go play in it. I kept telling them that it wasn't going to stick and there wasn't going to be any snow to play in. Boy was I wrong! At least it kept them entertained for about an hour.....until they turned on the hose and froze everything outside. Cute kids! Especially when they play so well together!

Happy Anniversary to us!

2008-10-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

On Friday we celebrated our 8 year anniversary! I can't believe that it has been 8 years already. I think back to the day were we married and it was such a fun day! We were married in the Bountiful temple and we had our reception in my grandparents backyard. Everyone told us that we weren't going to be able to have it outside and that we should just plan to have it inside. I had always wanted a reception outside, so we just hoped for the best. It was a beautiful day! The weather was perfect and the whole day was perfect as well! Most guys don't enjoy the reception, but Nate loved it (surprise, surprise since he is the one who LOVES to talk).
This year it was my turn to plan our anniversary! I decided that I was going to talk Nate to this hilarious show in Park City. Well let's just say it was a little more colorful then I had planned. It sounds a little weird, but I had heard that it was really funny. So I got tickets and planned it! It was called "Pageant". It was a men's pageant and they were dressed as ladies. (It was supposed to be a comedy) It was a surprise so when Nate found out when we got there he couldn't believe it! I didn't think it would be like it was but parts of it were pretty funny and he did laugh even though he claims he didn't! We stayed overnight and then went shopping the next day! It was a fun getaway. Thanks to both our parents for taking our kids!
I am so blessed to be married to Nate! He is such a good dad and he works very hard so that I am able to be at home with our kids. There has been a lot of ups and downs in the last eight years, but I can honestly say that I wouldn't change one thing. It is so fun being married to him. There is definitely NEVER a dull moment when he is around. He sure makes life fun and I never know what is next with him. I love you, Nate! Happy Anniversary!

No more bows and pink clothes!

2008-09-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

Well I guess it is time for me to put away the bows and ALL the pink clothes. We found out on Wednesday that we are having a BOY! Before we found out I had thought about how I would feel if I was told that it was a boy. I thought that I might be a little sad because I have had so much fun dressing my girls and doing all the "girly" things with them. But when he told us I got really excited. I am ready to have a little something different and hopefully a little less hormones in this house! Plus that means that I get to shop for clothes and not have to make an excuse or hide them from Nate! Ha! Ha! Nate is really excited! He felt like it was a boy from the start. I thought that because I have been just as sick, and maybe a little more then with my girls, then it was going to be another girl! We couldn't be more excited! Halle was wanting a boy all along. Brinley said that she wanted a girl at first, but then she said to me the other day, "Mom, I don't care what it is. I just want it to be healthy." Yes, she is my sensitive little girl. When we asked her if she was excited she didn't say much. It takes her a while to let things sink in.
So now that means that I get to start shopping for fun boy stuff. A lot of people have asked if I am disappointed that it was a boy! I just have to say that I can't wait! I have already bought some really cute boy clothes and I can't wait for him to be able to wear them! We are very excited to have a boy especially since we have a hard time getting pregnant. So now we have a mixture! Also I know that Heavenly Father knew that I would never get to church on Sundays if I had one more girl to get ready in the morning. We may only make it for the very end! Just Kidding! So there is our exciting news, we'll keep you posted it anything changes. (The doctor told us to keep our receipts!)

Peach Days, Haircuts and Cheerleading Camps.....

2008-09-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Wow I am a little behind! We have been a little busy the past few weeks and with dial-up I have not had the patience to post all the pictures. I just decided it was only going to get worse! Brinley and Halle wanted to do future rockettes but we were out of town that weekend they performed so we let them do the Cheerleader Camp. Brinley LOVED it, and Halle liked it until the day of the performance. She told me that she was NOT going to perform, she DID NOT want to. Usually when she makes her mind up there is no changing it whatsoever. She went willingly with her class and she actually got out there and knew her stuff. It was so fun watching them get so excited when they saw us. Brinley did very well and she knew the entire dance. (I'm a proud mom, I guess). Brinley got to take it with her cousin and she loved it!

Halle and Brinley before the performance!

Halle, Brinley and Addison

Brinley wanted to pose this way with Halle!

HAIRCUTS!

The girls have been asking to get their haircut. It has been a while since we cut it and Brinley said she wanted long hair so I was surprised when she said that she wanted her haircut. I like the easiness of long hair and being able to pull it up, but they sure look cute with their hair short as well!

Halle's new haircut
Showing off their new hair cut!

PEACH DAYS!

I know it has been a few weeks since Peach days, but I thought that I would post a few pictures that we took. The kids had this idea that they wanted to ride in the parade with Brinley's school and I thought it sounded kind of fun. Their cousins are here so they wanted to ride as well. They were all riding bikes or scooters and Nate's sister and I walked behind them. I thought it was be just an easy stroll down main street. Boy was I wrong. First we wait in the line and then finally it was our turn to go. As we turn down to go on main street, Lily decides that she doesn't want to ride the scooter anymore. So Teresa has to walk down main street holding it for her. All the while, I am chasing Brinley and Parker telling them to slow down and stay by us. Then Halle takes off riding her bike not watching where she is going. She rides her bike looking at the crowd, the candy on the street or most frequently, looking behind her. She is coasting down main street, getting further and further ahead of us and the float in front of us. So I am chasing her telling her to use her brakes, but she isn't listening to me. Finally I catch up to her a few blocks later and she had crashed into someone in front of her because she wasn't watching, and she didn't know how to stop! Meanwhile, Addison decides that she doesn't want to ride her scooter either. So Teresa has both scooters while trying to keep up with the girls! I'm sure people were just laughing at us. We were probably the best entertainment of the whole parade! Now I know you are probably asking where Nate was for all of this! Let's just say he is smarter than I and made the excuse that he HAD to be at Peach City! Let's just say that next year, I will really think about this, or maybe I will make sure that Nate gets to join in on the fun!

All ready to ride in the parade!
Halle not so sure about all of this!
Brinley and Addison
Parker and Halle

We FINALLY have an announcement.....

2008-09-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

So I guess that I just can't keep it a secret any longer............ I am PREGNANT! Finally after waiting for what seemed like forever! I am about 12 weeks now and I am due March 24th. Both of my other girls Birthdays are in March as well. Halle's in the 21st and Brinley's is the 31st. Oh Well, I guess I will just get them done all in the same month. I really don't care because I have wanted this for a long time. I have waited to make the announcement on here because I wanted to make sure that I was passed the critical stage of miscarriage. I haven't ever had a miscarriage but we have been trying for about 2 years now! I went back and forth about whether to put this on my blog but I decided that I wanted to because I want to track my pregnancy and my thoughts and be able to go back and read them. (So this may be a long post!) We had actually done everything we could with my OB/GYN as far as fertility goes so he sent us to a fertility doctor. We went and saw him and we both were not impressed that we needed to continue any further. All of out tests came back normal and we cold not figure out what was wrong.
We had talked that we were going to start the whole adoption process because we had friends that just went through it and had a wonderful experience. We felt like maybe this is what we needed to do because you see, when we got married we always wanted a lot of children, like 10! (Don't worry, I am getting way to old to have 10, that's why we were hoping there was more then one in there...but we are sure there isn't) So we talked about trying the fertility drugs one more month and if nothing happened then we would set up the appointment for adoption. Well I took the pills to start my period and a week later it never came. So I called the doctor and they told me to wait until it had been two weeks. So long story short, I took the test and it came back positive! Then I had to take about 4 more and a blood pregnancy test just to make sure. Nate always teases me that I bought all of Walmart's pregnancy tests!
Our kids are so excited. Brinley didn't know what to think at first. She had been crying before this happened on a few occasions telling me that if we had another baby, we would forget all about her and love the baby more. Halle has wanted a baby for a long time. When we were struggling with getting pregnant and a few times I had been a little teary. Halle told me, "Mom all you have to do it say, (as she folds her arms)"Heavenly Father, I want a baby" and then he will give you a baby, just like that". Oh the faith of a child. Sometimes I wish I had as much as they do! She has been asking for a baby for a long time when we says her prays at night. Now she thanks him for the baby brother, so we'll see!
Everyone keeps asking if I want a boy but I really don't care about the sex of the baby. I know you hear this all the time, but we had problems with both of our girls when they were born. I told Nate I just want one that doesn't have ANY problems and that we can take home from the hospital without any problems. I don't feel strong either way. At first I thought maybe a boy because I felt really good and with my girls I was sick. But then the nausea set in and it is always worse at night so now I think maybe a girl? I have been more sick this time around but I don't know if it is because I have two to take care of already and maybe because I am getting older! Who knows, but I am not complaining, because I have wanted this for a long time. I guess it is a good sign that I am sick and at least I know it is going to be totally worth it!
So there you have my exhausting, long story but I wanted to make sure and have it documented for my memory more then anything! We will hopefully find out in two weeks what it is. I always wanted to wait, but maybe if I had one of each so I could be ready. Okay probably not I am not good at surprises! We'll keep you posted!

Halle's first day of preschool...

2008-09-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was Halle's first day of preschool. She has been counting the days every night before she goes to bed. She layed her clothes out the night before and chose which ones she liked the most. When she woke up, she was so excited to go. I put her in a preschool with one of our friends little girls. I was worried if she would go on her own (nursery is hard enough to make her stay without me) but she didn't care that I left. She just gave me a kiss and told me goodbye. She also has a cousin that is staying here for a few weeks and they enrolled her with Halle. She has been so excited to go and show Lilly the preschool they would be going to. She sure was a happy girl. I don't know how I feel about it though. I didn't know if I wanted to send her because she is only three...but she has been asking since Brinley went to preschool two years ago so I figured she needed something as well. My house sure is quiet without her here and I miss her when she is gone. I wondered what I was going to do without any children around but so far I have found plenty.

Halle and Lilly in front of their preschool.

Halle

Halle all ready to go (lately whenever I tell her to smile, she has to pull a funny face or a crazy smile. I just love this girl!)

I'm sure Halle was telling Lilly what she was supposed to be doing here!

Ready to go into school!

Walking into school holding hands. They are so cute together, they just love to be together and believe me, they can be pretty imaginative when they are together. It has been fun having someone so close to Halle's age live here. She always has a friend to play with!

My little 1st grader is not so little anymore....

2008-08-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Brinley and Halle ready for school

Brinley

Brinley ready to get into school!

Brinley, Dad and Halle walking into school

Today was the first day of school for Brinley. I knew that I was going to be a little sad with her being gone all day! I thought that sending her to first grade was a lot harder then sending her to Kindergarten. I guess it was just because she had already been going to preschool for two years and I was used to her being gone for a few hours already, but now ALL DAY! I thought that Halle was going to have a hard time entertaining herself, but lucky for her she had a cousin here that she LOVES so they played ALL day. Brinley is so straight to the line. She will not do anything that she thinks is not supposed to be done (mostly when someone else has told her though). Her teacher sent a note telling them to bring a pencil box. She said they could bring crayons and a pencil if they wanted but they didn't need to because she had all these supplies for them. She said that she did not want them bringing a lot of other items from home because she didn't want them to get distracted and all they really needed was a pencil box. Well I couldn't remember what was on the note when we were at the store choosing school supplies and I put a pair of scissors and crayons. She made me take them out because the teacher said, "only a pencil box, mom." She is so funny! She never will waiver from what her teachers tell her to do, and she is so afraid of getting in trouble. Nate and I took her to school and I think she was ready for us to go. We got there 20 minutes early, because she insisted on being there at the same time as the school bus. I wanted to take a picture in front of the school. She did it unwillingly and as soon as the camera clicked she had to hurry off to her class. After we had helped her find her seat, I could tell she wanted us to go. It is sad seeing her all grown up and not needing me so much anymore. She has always been very clingy to me since she was a few months old. It used to get a little old, but now I think I want some of that back. They just grow too fast and I don't like it!

A little paranoid....

2008-08-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about going private and maybe I am just a little too paranoid. I just don't want to have to worry about some weirdos out there that are looking at my blog. I know it is kindof a pain to have to sign in so sorry. If you would like an invite just leave me your email. I would love to hear from anyone that would like an invite!

A fun day at Lagoon!

2008-08-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

We went to Lagoon yesterday with Nate's work. It was a fun day as a family. My kids had been looking forward to going for the last few weeks and would ask how many more days until they got to go. So finally the day was here...and they woke up at 6:00 all ready to go. Nate has been so busy working all the time so it was nice to have him all to ourselves!

Waiting in line for a ride.
Riding the cars

Halle couldn't ride The Bat so I took her over to a few of the little kids rides and this is what she chose to ride.

Brinley and Nate on dinosaur drop. We all went on one just like this right before and Halle didn't like it. It goes up and drops keeps dropping you really fast. She wouldn't get on it after that....until the end of the night and she forgot what it was like. She wanted to go again right before we were leaving. She kept saying she was done after it had dropped them once.
Halle waiting paitently
Riding The Dragonfly ride.

Rollers and a little elmers glue

2008-08-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

The other day I was busy cleaning my room and the girls were playing so well together. Halle came into my room to find the glue. (I keep it in there because we have had a few experiences with her and glue, so I thought it was safer in my room...appereantly not too safe because she knows right where to find it and she has no problem reaching it.) I asked her what she was going to do with it. She told me that she was going to put it on the bottom of Brinley's feet so she could skate. I explained to her that it was going to make a big mess if it was on the bottom of Brinley's feet and that I didn't want her to do that. She then confessed what else she was going to do! She brought me the rollers from the bottom of a broken chair and told me that she was going to glue them to the bottom of Brinley's feet with a little Elmer's glue. I guess I should of let her give it a try! I was laughing about it later and wondering who came up with this great idea because a lot of times Brinley will come up with the idea, and then send Halle into to ask me because she is too chicken. But then... if any of you know Halle and her personalilty you can assume it was her fabulous idea!

The attempted roller skates

Trying so hard to glue them on her feet!

I guess I should at least be glad that they are creative with the things they come up with! They sure are a lot of fun and I wouldn't change being a mom for the world! :o)

All good things have to come to an end!

2008-07-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

So we have had quite an eventful summer so far. With both of my sisters here with their kids, we have had a lot of things planned and my kids have had so much fun playing with their cousins. They have all gone home now and my kids are asking every few minutes what fun things we have planned. It is hard to keep them entertained after having something planned everyday! Wish me luck with the last few weeks of summer! Warning: There are a lot of pictures to follow, and I even narrowed a lot of them out. (Thanks Jen for letting me steal some pictures off your blog:)

Picking raspberries and then eating and enjoying themAt our sleepover at our house!

Playing in the water at gateway!

J.Y, Nate and Hannah We rode the front runner to gateway and shopped and played in the water. It was J.Y.'s birthday and he LOVES trains.

Hailey and Halle riding on the front runner

Johnny, Conner, Brinley and J.Y. on front runner

Brinley playing the water

Brinley and J.Y. playing in the water at gateway!

Playing laser tag for Alec's birthday!

Roasting hot dogs in the canyon!

Swimming at the pool!

(Brinley, Conner, Alec, Hailey and Halle)

They love to dress the same! They called each other and planned it!

The girl cousins had the same dress on for church! And we couldn't forget Conner!

Playing night games and eating ice cream! Jen taught them to play kick the can. It was quite a hit. Now my kids want to play all the time. Thanks Jen!

Fun at the fun park!

2008-07-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Then we went and had lunch with my brother at his favorite restaurant and then to the fun park. Our kids had a great time. They played laser tag, in the soft play and we even tried skating. I have wanted to take my girls skating for a long time but I can never convince Nate that it would be fun. Jen, Cam and I even rented some skates and staked with them. They didn't last very long and they got a little frustrated but I thought it was fun. It has been a long time since I have been on skates and it was fun! I think I may tell Nate that is what I want for my birthday! :)

J.Y and Brinley coming down the slide

Halle

Halle on her skates

Hannah and Hailey

It was so funny to watch them come down. They would sit side by side and tumble down by the time they got to the bottom. But it never stopped them from going again and again!

Bowling like pros!

2008-07-13T22:10:00.001-07:00

Then it was off to bowling with Mag and her kids. They had a lot of fun and they really bowled pretty good! It was fun watching them get so excited. We divided them up into two teams and they had fun competing with each other. We also brought along my cousin Taylor and she was a good sport to help with the kids as well. Halle ended up with the highest score, thanks to Mag's professionally bowling help! Then we had to go and get an ice cream cone from working up such a sweat!

Brinley and Taylor

The gang bowling

Emjoying the ice cream!

Maddy's birthday party!

2008-07-13T21:41:00.001-07:00

Next we had a birthday party for my niece Maddy! She wanted a craft party at the park. It was so much fun! My kids LOVED it! My sister is very creative and she had them make decorate bug boxes and then they went on a bug hunt and found plastic bugs to put inside. (They were those bugs that you put in water and they grow. Let's just say that I am still finding them all over my house. My girls put them in the water and then take them out about 20 times a day! Thanks Jen!:) ). Then she had a cute butterfly pinata. All the kids got to take a swing at it and they thought it was lots of fun! After it was presents and cake and ice cream! Thanks Maddy for having such a fun birthday party. We are so glad that we got to celebrate your birthday with you! We love you!

Showing off their bug boxes

Halle taking a swing at the pinata

Brinley swinging at the pinata

Maddy, Brinley and Halle with her cute butterfly cake!

4th of July

2008-07-13T21:15:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I am so behind on my pictures and with dial up it takes soooo long to post. I have had my sisters here from out of town and I feel like we have not been home at all. My kids have played and played with their cousins every chance they get. Nate's family is also here and so it we have had a crazy but nonetheless fun week! First I am going to start with the Fourth of July. We started off by going to a yummy breakfast at my aunts house. It was so fun to see all my cousins and let my kids get reintroduced to their kids. It is always fun to see them and get caught up on their lives.
Later that night we went and had a BBQ at my parents with my sisters and my grandparents. Then it was off to see the fireworks. My sisters were both so smart and they brought glow sticks for the kids to play with. They were quite the hit! (Thanks Mag and Jen... glad that you are so smart!:)). It was a busy day but I think that my kids had a lot of fun and I guess that is what is most important, right?

The 2nd cousins eating at the breakfast

Gibson swinging the kids in the hammock

Waiting for the fireworks to start with their glowsticks

A weekend in Bear Lake!

2008-07-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Bear Lake. Nate's parents built a house there and they are so nice to let us use it. We took my parents and my sister's family over there. It is my kids favorite place to go. Halle always begs us to go and then they cry when it is time to leave.

Halle looking through the fence

Nate loves to ride the four-wheelers and so do our kids. They beg to go on a ride with him
My dad striking a pose for the camera.
Hailey and Brinley
Halle and Brinley trying to hula-hoop. It was so funny to watch their hips move and try to keep up the hula hoops.

Our Family
Nate getting in the only golf he has been able to this year.
Brinley and Halle wearing Grandma's hat.

Thanks grandma and grandpa for letting us go and stay in your house. We had a lot of fun and we can't wait until we get to go back!

Our exciting adventure to the Bird refuge...

2008-07-01T21:12:00.001-07:00

My sister is here from out of town with her kids and we decided to make the trip to the bird refuge. We heard that it was a fun place to take kids and that they would be able to spend a few hours entertained there. Let's just say it may be a while before we head back. After about 15 minutes we were all wondering what we were missing. Our kids had fun running around the swampy area that went on forever. We finally convinced them that it all looked the same and that we were going.

Halle and Brinley measuring their arm length.

Hannah, Brinley, Conner, Halle and Alec holding puzzle pieces.
Hailey, Hannah, Alec, Halle, Brinley and Conner

We have family here until the end of July and my kids are loving playing with all their cousins! It has been fun but a little crazy! Lots more pictures to follow!

So Long our to our beautiful pink cast

2008-06-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Brinley got her cast off today. It was quite an adventure. She is my little timid girl that is afraid of everything and worries about everything. She was so happy going in there and we prepared her that she might not get it off. It had been on 4 weeks and they wanted to re-xray it to see how it had healed. When we were waiting there she was asking all kind of questions on how they were going to get it off. Nate told her that they tied a rope around her cast and they tied the other end to the car and drove really fast and hopefully just the cast would come off without any of her fingers. (You would think with as much as he teases her she would get used to it but...nope!) We told her that they sawed it off and her eyes got really big. I tried to explain to her that the sound might be a little scary, but it was not going to hurt a bit. I thought that I had prepared her really well with what was next. No Way! She was okay until they got the saw close to her and they she freaked. I don't know who was crying louder though...Halle or Brinley. Halle was so upset that they were going to cut off her arm. It was quite a scene and everyone asked if she was okay when we came out. She really cried and I thought she was just being a little dramatic about it, but when they got the cast off, she really did get a few cuts from the saw.

Before the crying began....

Thinking that this is going to be a piece of cake!
Cutting her cast off!
She was so happy to have it off!
After they cut it off, they x-rayed it. The doctor said it wasn't quite healed and I think that he would of put another one on her, but he couldn't stand the look on her face when she heard it wasn't all the way healed. She was so happy when he told her to just stay off her bike and the trampoline for a few more weeks. She could handle that. So instead of any of that we went swimming. She has been asking since she got out of school if we could go and I didn't want to take her and have mold grow inside of her cast. So here are my girls at their first swim of the summer....

The Bicycle Bandits

2008-06-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Carol's birthday. My kids had wanted to go on a bike ride and then ride over to see grandma. We went over and she was at a meeting. We decided to go kidnap her and take her to get some ice cream. The girls went in and got her from her meeting with these masks on and they made her cover her eyes. They woulnd't let her take it off until we got to our destination. She is such a good sport!Halle, Grandma and Brinley. They were trying to lead her down the stairs.
Eating Ice Cream at Peach City
Grandpa wanted to ride in the back of the van. He rode there the entire way home!

Halle learning to ride her "big" bike
Brinley is proud that she has learned to ride a bike
Bicycle Bandits

Anyone for some yummy rock soup?!?

2008-06-07T20:23:00.001-07:00

We were working in our yard today and the girls were outside playing with us. They had been playing so good and then they showed us what they were working on....Rock Soup. Yummy! They were so proud of the recipe and they had to call their grandparents over for a taste! Call Brinley if you want this delicious recipe...doesn't it look good?
Having a little taste of the concoction.

Halle as a ballerina...

2008-06-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since Brinley started taking dance, Halle has asked when she got to take dance. I kept telling her that she could after she turned three. On her 3rd birthday in March, I found her changing her clothes into some of Brinley's dance clothes. She told me that now she was three she was getting ready for dance. So I found this dance class that was a series for four days and I let her try it out to see if she really would like it. The first dance class she just kind of sat and stared at the teacher like she was really weird. By the end of the class, she was starting to join in a little bit. The last day she had a little program and we went and watched. She actually did the steps and seemed to enjoy it. They did a little ballet to Sleeping Beauty and Halle was one of the fairies.

Being a princess
They dressed up like princesses and danced.

"twirling like a princess"

Halle and her teacher Miss Michelle

Life after Kindergarten....

2008-06-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is for you Carol.....this is what I went outside to find the other day. My mother-in-law does foot zoning. (She rubs feet and she is into the essential oils) Brinley and Halle were rubbing each other's feet and they had gotten cups of water and it was their "oil". It was so cute to see Brinley rubbing Halle's feet and talking to her like she has heard her grandma talk to her as she rubs her feet.
Life is so hard......

Halle-isms

2008-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

So I feel as if I have posted all about Brinley and nothing about Halle. Mainly it is because Brinley has been so busy with school programs, dance recitals and singing performances that she has been the star of my blog. So I felt like I needed to post something about Halle and the funny little girl that she is. She sure makes our lives fun and she definitely knows how to make us all laugh. This may be a kind of random post, but I wanted to record some of the funny things that she has done lately. The other day Brinley and Halle were playing while I was trying to clean up the house a little. They had been in their room for quite a while and I thought it was great they were getting along so well. The reason was because Halle was letting Brinley get her all ready for her "wedding". Halle came out dressed like this with bows in her hair and her make-up done, courtesy of Brinley. She told me that she was getting married and the conversation went a little like this:

Me: Oh, what are you doing?
Halle: I'm getting ready for my wedding?
Me: And who are you marrying?
Halle: Oh, just my boyfriend?
Me: Oh, you have a boyfriend?
Halle: Yes. He has a cabin in Bear Lake. (We had been talking about going to Nate's parents
cabin for the weekend and one of Halle's very favorite places to go).

Here she is with her hair and make-up done by Brinley, all ready for her wedding. Isn't she just GORGEOUS?

She definitely got her sense of style from her dad!

Earlier that day we were at my parents house and I had showed her and Brinley my wedding dress. Brinley was oohing and ahhing over how BEAUTIFUL it was. Halle didn't say a word for a few seconds...then she looked at me and said, "I don't like white, I think white is ugly. When I get married I am going to have a blue, purple and red dresses and I am going to get married lots and lots of times." She was so serious! Sometimes I wonder where the thoughts in her little head come from. She is so opinionated! (Gee...wonder where that comes from....Nate?!?)

Then the other day Nate had taken them with him to fill up our propane tank. He left them in the car because the store was only a few feet from where he was going and he could keep a good eye on them. He was waiting in line to have the attendant come out and fill it, and it looks out the window and there is Halle hanging halfway out the window. He noticed that a few cars had driven by and stopped and looked at her and then went on their way. So he went outside and there she was yellingout the drivers side window....."STOP, I WANT TO SEE YOUR MOM!" We don't have any idea where that came from but it sure made us laugh! She is such a fun addition to our family and we wonder what we would do without her humor. I think my life was very boring before she came!

Brinley and Halle doing the laundry??

2008-05-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

The other day I was putting away the laundry and I came into the laundry room to this. At least they weren't fighting...right? I was just starting to wonder why it was so quiet.

Brinley's new Pink accessory

2008-05-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

We made another trip to Provo this weekend and stayed with Nate's sister again. This time we came home with a broken arm. Brinley was getting off the trampoline and missed the chair they use to get on and off. Nate and I weren't there at the time and his sister called to tell us that she had hurt her arm. We hurried back, and she was still crying. Cindy told us that she thought it was broken, but Nate kept telling her that she doesn't have a very high pain tolerance (which she really doesn't). We gave her some medicine and about 20 minutes later, she was out playing on the trampoline again. So we thought that she was fine. Well later that night, she went to use her wrist and she screamed in pain. But she really didn't cry much after that so I thought maybe it was just sprained. She wouldn't use it to do anything, so Monday morning I decided to take her into the doctor. While we were walking in, she showed me that she could bend it just fine. So I thought that this was going to be a waste of a doctors appointment and they were going to think I was this over-protective parent that brings my child in for anything and everything. (I know a few of those from working at the clinic). Halle was having a harder time with Brinley going to the doctor then she was. Halle had been crying about it all morning and wondering what was going to happen to Brinley's arm. Well the doctor looked at it and he told us that we needed to x-ray it, but he thought it was broken just from looking at it. So we x-rayed it and sure enough it was broken. Obviously, from the pictures she was very upset and DID NOT want a cast. She was trying to get down when he came in to put the cast on. My mom was her nurse and she couldn't even calm her down very much. I would be scared to see how much worse she would of been if my mom wasn't the one helping put it on. She did not like the doctor after that, but she still LOVES her grandma!

Brinley getting her cast put on. (Dr. Matthews, my mom and Brinley)

Brinley crying about getting a cast

Nate trying to console her about getting a cool PINK cast.

Here she is a little happier about having a cast.

Showing off her pink cast

Brinley and Halle

Halle is loving giving Brinley lots of help and attention. She loves it that Brinley can't do everything and that she actually gets to help her out a little.

Brinley was so upset and it was very hard to get her calmed down. She wasn't crying because she was in pain, we found out afterwards. I asked her if she was excited to show everyone her new cast at school. She started crying and said that she didn't want to go back to school because no one else would have one on their arm. You see, Brinley doesn't like any special attention at school and she hates to be any different from anyone.

Nate also hurt his toe last time we were in Provo and it had been bothering him so they took an x-ray of it as well. I had been telling him that he was fine and that nothing was wrong. Come to find out, he had a broken toe and if it would of been broken a few millimeters higher on his toe, then he would of been in a cast as well. He kept asking me if I felt bad that I was telling him that he was just fine, no I didn't feel too bad I just thought that he wanted me to give him a little more attention.

Kindergarten Graduation

2008-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Halle, Paige and Brinley

Kayla and Brinley

Last week Brinley had her kindergarten graduation. They sang songs and Brinley even had a speaking part. She had to say something into the microphone with her friend Cora and she actually did it! We were surprised that she did because she is a little shy. She did a great job! Brinley is getting a little anxious for summer to come, she is counting down the days until summer. Getting up early is starting to wear on her and a little on me too. I am excited to have her home every day again.

Hyde Look-alike Meter

2008-05-18T21:57:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Hyde Look-alike Meter

2008-05-18T21:45:00.001-07:00

I found this website and I thought that I would give it a try. It was fun to see who they thought my kids looked like. What do you think? I am told that Brinley looks like me more often, but I also hear that she looks like Nate as well. I think she looks more like my side and Halle looks like Nate. Who knows though! Halle reminds me of my niece Liza on Nate's side a lot! I also get told that Brinley looks like both of my sisters.......very interesting and fun to see. It surprises me that they came from the same parents because they have opposite personalities! Give it a try!

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Brinley's Dance Recital

2008-05-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

I know I have been posting a lot lately. We have had a lot going on these past few weeks! Brinley had her dance recital last night. She did two dances, the first dance was her jazz dance and they did it to "Fabulous" from High School Musical. The second dance they did was tap and it was to "Rockin' Robin". It was very cute! She got to be dance partners with her friend Kortney so she was very excited about that! Kayla, Halle, Kortney and Brinley.

They are our friends kids and they are the same ages. Our kids LOVE to play with them. Halle and Kayla actually get along very well for 3 year olds. I think it is because they both have the same minds and they can think up some great ideas together! :)

Brinley and Halle

(No, Halle really doesn't take a binki, it is her Cabbage Patch Dolls and she wouldn't take it out and I wasn't in the mood to argue! I have learned I have to pick my battles with her)Brinley

Spring TaVaci Concert

2008-05-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Brinley had her spring Tavaci (singing group) concert today. She did a great job! She really loves to sing and perform.

This is Brinley posing in the dressing room. I didn't tell her how to pose. She is really into posing herself every time we take a picture. Don't know where she got that from???

Isn't she so cute?

Brinley in her TaVaci costume. She sang about five or six songs. She sang, "All for one" from High School Musical 2, and then the reprise as well. She also sang "Only in America" (the country song), Honk shoo, (they came out in night time hats, which she had to wear to bed that night to "keep her head warm", and they dedicated it to their grandpas. It was a song about their grandpa's snoring...very cute). I can't remember the rest, but she did a great job and it is so fun seeing the things she is learning. She really loves TaVaci more then anything she has ever done. We are so proud of her!

A Trip to the Farm....

2008-05-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Today we went with Brinley on her kindergarten field trip to a dairy farm. It rained and rained while we were at the dairy farm and it was very wet and muddy. I decided after going to the farm that I am definitely not a farm girl.....sorry Nate. (It's his dream to own cows) But it was fun to see how a dairy farm is ran. Brinley and Halle didn't like the smells and they said that they do not want cows anymore.

Chylee, Cora and Brinley

Brinley, Halle and Kayla riding in the tractor

After the farm, we went to Willow Park. We had our lunch there at the park. There was not very many animals to see, but they had fun walking and see birds, more birds and more different kinds of birds. It was a fun day even though it was rainy and cold! We had fun spending the day with Brinley and her friends!

Brinley and her friends acting like monkeys at Willow Park.

Butterfly Hunting

2008-05-04T06:33:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we went and stayed in Provo with Nate's sister, Cindy. Our kids had so much fun, they didn't want to leave. They love her kids and Cindy always has something fun planned for them. She took them butterfly hunting, to the movies, and to the park quite a few times. She is always so good to take our kids and makes sure that Nate and I go out while we are there. They are such a great family! Thanks for the fun time Smith's. Here are a few pictures of the butterfly hunt.

Welcome to our blog!!!

2008-05-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well I finally broke down and started a blog. I have really enjoyed reading everyone elses and now I have been convinced that it is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. (I know Andrea, you are laughing right now). I am not good at keeping a journal so I am hoping this will help me to keep better record. I am still trying to figure it all out, so I need all the input I can get. You see, neither Nate nor I are computer savvy, so we are still learning at this. If anyone could tell me where everyone gets their cute blog pages or how to create my own I would love to know. I am still trying to figure that one out. Thanks for visiting!