Tuesday, July 31, 2007

So Long Bubbles!

Monday was the last day of Mommy and Me at the mall. Kaiden decided to go with his first decision and get his face painted as a Tiger for the last time. My sister Autumn came with and we had a good time. It was pretty crowded since it was the last week so Autumn and Kaiden rode the carousel and colored while Kalli and I toughed it out and waited in line. We decided against lunch and did a little shopping. Autumn found a super cute dress and I got some flip flops for Kaiden and a cute swimsuit for Kalli (I'm sure she'll wear it soon and show it off). We had a great time with all the free stuff at the mall. I hope they do this again next year and Kalli can join in on the fun!

Till next year!

One last, FREE carousel ride

Monday, July 30, 2007

Uno-Extreme

We had a good Saturday night hanging out with some close friends of ours, Katie and Philip. We always have a good time no matter what we do and its weird that we don't get together more often. I guess with kids its always a little harder to do much of anything. But we went over to Katie and Phe's house ate some yummy pizza, let the kids play for a bit, put them to bed and then it was down to business! One of our favorite things to do is play cards. For the past year the game of choice is Uno. We always have so much fun and this just isn't your regular Uno game either...its speed Uno! Its much more intense than you would think. We always keep score and now we've decided to have a score journal so we can look back to see all the wins and losses. Katie was on a biggest losing streak and then she somehow turned it around to winning. Now it seems that Joe is winning more often and I'm on the losing end...that is except when Katie's little brother, Ryan, plays. If Ryan is there you can always count on him loosing...poor guy he gets ganged up on pretty easy! All in all it was a heaps of fun even though we didn't get much sleep, too bad you can't pick certain days for the kids to sleep in!
Here are a few pictures of the kids before they were sent to bed.
Kalli sure liked Tyler's red car...hmmm tasty!

Tyler and Kaiden hanging out on the 'Thomas Couch'

Isn't Tyler a little stud!
Nighty Night

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Pioneer Day Activity

We had a ward activity on Saturday to celebrate Pioneer Day on the 24th. We were planning to have it outside on my parents property but it poured the night before so we had to move it to the church. I think that was better anyway b/c of the heat and bugs. We had lots of different activities for the kids and adults. We had all the kids decorat their bikes for the parade we were having at the end. Kaiden loved his bike and was so proud to ride it around the gym. I think Kalli enjoyed people watching and eventully got worn out and passed out in Daddy's arms...too cute!

Kalli and Auntie Autumn enjoying the activities.
Kaiden making a music shaker w/ Mrs Elizabeth


Kalli's getting sleepy...and she's out...looks like Joe is a little sleepy too!


Its parade time!


Alina and Kaiden showing off their bikes (this is one of his lil' girlfriends at church)

Friday, July 27, 2007

Random Cute Pictures

These are just a few random pictures taken recently that I love. I toke this one of me and Kadien a couple of days before he got hist cast off. I thought it turned out pretty good and I'm usually very critical with pictures of me in them. (But what girl isn't right??)Anytime Kalli is on the floor Kaiden likes to lay down by her. She loves it and is all smiles when Kaiden is around. He now tells her 'no, don't do that Kalli' when she is grabbing anything within reach, which is usually his face or shirt, but it doesn't stop him from doing it over and over.

Kalli's first time eating sweet peas. She wasn't sure what to think. Look at those pretty blue eyes!


This is what you call 'Man Pretty'

A Day in the Temple


Wednesday night my sister Autumn and sister-in-law Lisa went through the Baton Rouge Temple for the first time. It was such a spiritual experience. I was lucky enough to be Lisa's escort; which made me very excited and also a little nervous too. I was trying to remember the first time I went through so I could help Lisa along as much as possible. She did great as did Autumn. It's just such and overwhelming experience but there is still so much peace that you feel at the same time. I'm so happy for both of them making that commitment to the Lord. I love the temple, I don't make it there often but when I do I never want to leave. Autumn went to the temple as preparation for her mission call to the Palmyra New York mission. And now that Lisa has gone through her and Aaron can be sealed. They make such a cute couple and I know this will make their lives even happier! Congratulations to both of you girls!
I can't talk about the temple without thinking of my wonderful in-laws. Joe's parents have been serving in the Buenos Aires Temple in Argentina for almost 9 months now. Joe's Dad was called to be the Temple President there for 3 years. We miss them both and its sad they haven't been able to meet sweet Kalli yet. But we know they are doing the Lord's work and he has blessed our whole family b/c of their service. We love and miss you mom and dad!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Swimming x3


Once Kaiden got his cast off we've been quite busy catching up on the summer fun we've missed out on. After swimming at our house on Wednesday we went to a friend's house on Thursday. I couldn't get over how well Kaiden did. The last time we were in a big pool, before he broke his arm, he didn't want to leave the steps on the side. Kaiden was very timid even if I was holding him. Thursday he was the same way but I finally was able to convince him to come away from the steps w/ me. He floated on his belly for a bit w/ my help but then was ready to get back on the side. That's when I got Kalli out to do some swimming. She was having a great time, kicking her feet nonstop. Once Kaiden saw how much fun we were having he decided he wanted to swim w/ mom. He swam a bit and then Mrs. Karin brought out the swimming ring and he was on his own the rest of the day! He didn't need my help at all and had the best time. We all got a little sun but it was a great day.
Here's Kalli in her precious swimsuit that she only got to wear once before Kadien broke his arm. When I put her in it the other day I noticed that she has grown quite a bit in the last 8 weeks! I could hardly put the bottoms on and her tummy hangs out a lot more than before!


Then on Saturday we got our little kiddie pool out again and let Kaiden slide down into it. He loved it but wasn't a fan of Joe spraying him with hose. He made some pretty big splashes but I don't think I got a really good one on video. He was also trying to climb up the slide and would always wipe out but I couldn't get him to do it when I was taping.


Kalli watching her big brother playing in the pool...wishing she could join in.





Then again on Monday we went back to my friend's pool w/ my sister Shannon and Autumn. Kaiden did even better this time. Instead of using the swimming ring I got him a pair floaties. He didn't hesitate at all about jumping in and even wanted to jump off the diving board! The first time he did it all by himself and then he wanted to jump off with Nana. Another day of fun but no sunburn this time! And at the end of it all was a good nap!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Notice anything different??

That's right Kaiden got his cast off! We went this morning and he only has to wear this splint for 10 days. The great thing about the splint is we can take it off and he doesn't have to sleep with it! Right after they cut the cast off we had to get x-rays and Kaiden thought we were leaving to go swimming. We told him we had to take a picture first so after the x-rays he says again 'Go swimming!' Poor guy was begging to go swimming the whole time at the doctor's office and on the way home. So once we got home and had some lunch it was time to get the kiddie pool out.



As you can tell he was having a great time! He was so excited to get in the water and play I thought he would burst!
He was a little hesitant about the sprinkler but I finally coaxed him to run through. Remember its been nearly 8 weeks since he's been able to play in the water.

You might be wondering about the big bumps and bruises on his forehead. Last night we were leaving to go to my parents' and Kaiden was on the porch while I was loading Kalli in the car. Next thing I know Kaiden is screaming face down with his head on the cement steps and feet kicking in the air! Is this kid accident prone or what?!?! Luckily he only has the bumps on his forehead but its quite embarrassing going to the doctor to get one bobo fixed and he already has another one to replace it! The doctor noticed and even told him to be careful and stop falling down or he would see us again real soon. Let's hope not!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Happy Birthday Joe!

Monday was Joe's 31st Birthday! I know he was close to robbing the cradle when we got married! Unfortunately Joe had to go to work so we killed the time by going to the mall. Kaiden had his face painted as a puppy dog this time but I forgot my camera...sorry. Once we got home Kaiden left with my mom to go pick up Auntie Autumn from the airport. She'll be staying here for a month until she goes back to Utah and then will leave on her mission. Once Kaiden got back the kids and Autumn took a nap while I went to the store to get cheese cake mix and steaks. I brought the steaks over to my brother, Aaron, and sis-in-law, Lisa's house. Joe pulled up to our house just before I got home so I quickly made the cheesecake and then we went back to Aaron and Lisa's to eat. Aaron grilled the steaks to perfection! After stuffing ourselves we headed to my mom and dad's where we had some yummy Oreo Cheesecake and homemade ice cream. And continued to stuff ourselves yet again! It was a very busy and tiring day but I was glad to spend it with family. I'm not sure how much fun the birthday boy had since he spent most of his day at work and then with my crazy family but what can he do, he's stuck with us! Happy Birthday Joe!




As you can tell Kaiden enjoyed the birthday cake!



Autumn cheered for BYU (Brigham Young University) so she loves to buy the kids BYU stuff. Kaiden got a T-shirt and Kalli got an adorable lil' BYU dress. Here are a few pics of their presents.
I forgot to take a picture of the 4 of us until right before we left. I had already buckled Kalli in her seat so we just took this one really quick. Not the best picture but oh well.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Happy Anniversary!

Saturday was me and Joe's 6 year anniversary! I can't believe its been 6 wonderful years of pure bliss! Okay maybe it wasn't all blissful but I can honestly say I am so happy to be married to such a wonderful, handsome man. Joe has never disrespected me or made me feel bad about myself in anyway, he's just loved me for who I am, and I love that about him. In celebrating our 6 years of marriage we can't leave out our two greatest blessings, Kaiden and Kalli. We're so lucky to have them in our lives. They're our little angels...most of the time! I can't believe we've been married for 6 years, man I feel old! Thanks for the last 6 years and here's to another 6 plus 60 more!
My brother, Aaron, and sis-in-law, Lisa, were kind enough to watch the kiddies while Joe and I went on our hot date! Since Kalli refuses to take a bottle we couldn't be out too long so we went for a nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse. It was delicious! We had a great time and it was nice to talk about anything and everything with each other and not get interrupted by someone whinnying.

Yummy Food!

Kalli tried the infant cereal for the first time on Saturday and she absolutely loved it! Like I said before she's been constantly eyeing everything I eat, and it was finally her turn. As you can see in the video she was going to town. She's had cereal a few more times since then and still loves it. She hasn't completely mastered eating with a spoon so not much cereal seems to be getting in but she's learning. Once she gets the spoon thing down I'll probably start her on some veggies. I just can't get over how big she's getting and so quick! Kaiden was pretty surprised to see Kalli eating instead of just breastfeeding. And of course he wanted some of what she had, but instead he got a bowl full of Kix. That seemed to satisfy him enough.



By the way the reason its so dark is because our lights had gone out. Its been raining here everyday and as a storm passed through the electricity went out.