Four Girls and a Guy

Oklahoma

2012-01-15T18:31:00.001-08:00

We had a great time visiting Ryan and Katie in Oklahoma. Ella loved Ryan...until she saw him in uniform. She never did get over it! We loved hanging out with Josh, Carter, and Landon. We fun going with Grandpa and Aunt Nikki

Aggie fans? Or ASHLEY fans!

2011-10-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

We've had fun going to some Aggie games lately. We like the Aggies. But mostly we like Ashley.

Ella turns ONE!

2011-10-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

This sweet girl turned one. I can't believe a whole year has gone by! Ella makes us all so happy! She is such a sweet, loving and funny girl. She will snuggle up with any one, any time! She loves giving kisses and hugs. She loves her milk, binki and blanket. Ella loves being outside, going on walks, swimming, watching Moses and playing with her sisters. Ella is such a happy, easy-going girl. We LOVE her!!

Ella Bella

2011-09-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Ella always gives me such a cheesey smile, I told the girls to cheese it. So what does Ella do? No cheese from her this time. Love them!

Love seeing this little face every morning!

Hayden

2011-09-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Our little cowgirl is growing up too! She is loving going to preschool and playing with her friends! Her and her bestie, Luke play all the time and just go from one house to the other! They're so cute! Hayden keeps us laughing everyday---love that girl!

Avery

2011-09-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Avery has been so excited to enter 1st grade. She has done great so far and has loved every minute. She even does well waking up so early!! She also has found a new interest in violin! She practices every day without being told and is doing amazingly well! This girl is really growing up! (Too quickly if you ask her parents!) Well love her!

Bear Lake Round 2

2011-09-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Cutest little ballerina bum ever!

I wish I'd zoomed in on this. Nikki's face is hilarious!! Let's just say she was a little nervous (to put it nicely!)

In all the years we've gone to Bear Lake, this is the first year we've gone to Bloomington Lake. It was gorgeous and we loved it! I think it will definitely be a tradition!

I was so nervous about Avery doing the rope swing but she insisted and she did great! Hayden cried because she couldn't go it. We've got some serious dare devils. Those girls aren't afraid of anything!!

Bear Lake

2011-09-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Bear Lake 2011 was a success! We loved every minute!

Swimming

2011-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

OREGON

2011-09-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

We LOVE going to Oregon! I grew up there until I was 12 and have terrific memories of playing in the hay, running around the fields and barns, chasing the animals, having family dinners, riding my bike to the Haines store for penny candy- and the list goes on.

My parents just bought a ranch there and we are so excited for another reason to go visit!

We had a great time going swimming, fishing, riding motorcycles and horses, going to the lake, exploring, hanging out with the family and checking out Grandpa's new ranch!

Kiddos

2011-09-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Avery, Ella, Hayden, Nash and Mitch. These kids have so much fun together. It's a crime that we can't get together more often!

Best bud Shannon. Love when she comes to visit!!

Love this girl!

Lagoon

2011-09-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Tooth Ache

2011-07-03T13:52:00.001-07:00

Avery ran up to me the other day saying "where's my toothbrush, I have to brush me teeth right now!" Her tooth was hurting her and she thought that by brushing them, it would make it feel better. (The whole idea of scaring her to brush or she'll have to go to the dentist and get a shot really backfired). The brushing didn't help so we made an emergency visit to our hometeacher's house (Stan the dentist) who determined that she needed a little work done. Avery informed me several times that day that it was the "lamest day of my entire life!" We went to see him at his office the next day and Avery had her tooth pulled. Poor girl. Abscessed tooth. I was so nervous for her that I asked her awesome Pediatrician for a dose of valium for her. I don't know if she was the one who needed it or if I was. Anyway, the tooth came out, piece of cake, and Avery was thrilled to have the tooth fairy come to her house twice in the same week. She wanted to write the tooth fairy and let her know how brave she was "so that she can give me extra money if she wants to. She doesn't have to, but she may want to, Mom." To top off all of the exitement, Stan the dentist's next patient just so happened to be Neil L. Anderson. Yep, we got the introductions which was very cool.

Angels Running Wild

2011-07-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Lisa, Sarah, Heidi, me, Alisha and Rochelle

I was really looking forward to doing the Wasatch Back this year. A couple weeks before the race, my ankles started hurting. I thought if I took it easy, I would be fine. A couple days before, I realized that I couldn't do it. My friend Sarah took my place for me (and with little training, did an AMAZING job!). I still went up with my van for part of the race, and did the night run with Sarah which was great! All of the girls that I ran with were amazing and quite inspiring.

Go Angels!

Doggy kisses

2011-07-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

They love each other!

After all of those kisses this girl needed a bath.

Future photographers

2011-07-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Avery and Hayden love taking pictures. Here are a few of their most recent.

New Ears...Round 2

2011-07-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hayden got ear tubes last year. They worked wonders...for about six months. Then they fell out. So, after another crazy round of ear infections we went in for round 2. Hopefully this time they stick. Poor girl!

On the way to the surgical center, she said "daddy, did you remember to bring the oil?" (for a Priesthood blessing). Melted my heart.

I also loved it when the anesthesiologist came to get her. She walked hand-in-hand with him to the operating room. I can't tell you how cute she looked walking away from us in that little hospital gown (open in the back, showing her cute little back-side). There were about five nurses standing with Zach and I and a chorus of "awwwww!" Seriously, so cute!

Green Goats

2011-07-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Bribery does work. I found that out once again during this years soccer season. Avery likes soccer, she likes running with the group, she likes kicking the ball, but she also likes letting everyone else score. I just wanted to see a little hustle and at least some effort to put the ball in the goal. She did just that, when she was bribed with a new swimsuit. I knew she could do it, she just needed a little motivation.

Goooooooooo Goooooooats!

Ballet Recital

2011-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

She was the cutest little bunny ever! She loved every minute of dance recital week. Most especially her costume, the flowers and of course, the fact that she got to wear make-up.

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-07-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

My little Avery is now an official kindergarten graduate. She did awesome in her graduation program and had so much fun singing all of their songs. Avery loved kindergarten, loved her teacher, Mrs. Hoddenbach, and loved her classmates. She looked forward to kindergarten everyday.

St. George

2011-07-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Has Utah forgotten about the SPRING season? Seriously! Where's the sunshine? We decided we needed a little fun in the sun so we headed down to St. George for the weekend. The kids has fun swimming, playing at the park, and running around with their friends. The adults had fun swimming, golfing, shopping and going out to eat. Yeah for sunshine and friends!

Family

2011-06-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dirty Dash

2011-06-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

It was DIRTY!!

Cousins

2011-06-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Cousins! We have loved having Ryan, Katie, Josh, Carter and Landon in town!! I am kicking myself for not taking more pictures of all the fun. Next time!

Laundry

2011-06-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

I was have a rough day today. Avery saw some tears, so what did she decide to do? The laundry. Seriously. She is so cute!

Avery took me by the hand and led me in to the family room where there were clothes folded all over the room (oh, why didn't I take a picture? Those messy piles of folded clothes were precious!)

She went downstairs, took all the clothes out of the dryer, carried them all the way upstairs, folded them and was even putting them on hangers and trying her darndest to hang them up in our closet. She was only about 1 1/2 feet short.

After she showed me what she had done she wondered why I started crying again. I told her its because she did the nicest thing anyone has done for me in a long time. Maybe ever.

It was a sweet moment!

Easter

2011-05-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

In Love

2011-04-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

She just makes me happy!

Loose tooth

2011-04-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

And here's Ella. Luckily she has NO teeth!

Avery's first lost tooth was quite a momentus occasion for us! She has been so excited...it's been a long time coming! Unfortunately, she didn't listen to her parents when we encouraged her to let us pull it out for her. We warned her that it was so loose she might lose it and not even know it. Yep, that's what happened. Luckily, the tooth fairy found her anyway!

Just pics

2011-04-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Crown

2011-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

My cute sister was in the Miss Weber County pageant. She did awesome and got an attendant. Avery was her escort. Avery loved it! Don't they both look so cute?!

Before and After (again)

2011-04-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

More before and afters:

Annual Ski Trip

2011-04-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

We love the Treehouse Museum

2011-04-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Girlies

2011-04-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

The girls got fake fingernails.

Lovely right?

Happy Birthday Ava!

2011-04-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Birthday time!

10 days apart and such good buddies!

Fancy Nancy Birthday Party:

Reading a "Fancy Nancy" book, of course!

She loves her big sister

Happy Birthday Avery! We love our sweet girl! Avery is such a great helper and is so kind to her sisters. She is very creative and loves to color and paint. Avery is so sweet and affectionate!She is always giving hugs and kisses. She is quite a tease and loves to play and have fun!

Ella

2011-04-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Love this happy girl!

I love it when...

2011-04-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

I love it when... -Ella scrunches up her nose and smiles. -Avery is in trouble and Hayden uses that time to show how nice she is being. The first thing Hayden does is come over to me and say "cheese" while giving me a major smile. Then she says "aren't I sooooo nice mama?" while batting those gorgeous eyelashes. -Even though Avery may be mad at me, she always wants a hug and a kiss. Bedtime is one of many times that we struggle but she won't let me leave her room without us giving hugs, kisses and saying how much we love each other. -The girls snuggle up together to watch a movie. -Ella gets so excited to see me. She kicks her legs and is all smiles! -Hayden compliments EVERYTHING! "I love your earrings mama!" "I love your toenails, they're so beautiful!" "Delicious dinner mama!" "Oh, that's so cute! I just love your shirt!" -Avery writes me notes and puts them on my bed. "I love mommy?" (I hope she confused the ? with the !) -Ella wraps her arms around me and snuggles in my neck. -My girls tell each other "I love you sister!" -Avery invites Hayden to play with her and her friends. She doesn't usually leave the house to play with a friend without her sister. -Hayden puts her hands on her hips and does her "knee pop". She is such a diva! -Ella gives me wet, slobbery kisses.

Moses

2011-02-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't Moses. This is Ella at 5 months.

Just HAD to throw these in. She is the sweetest baby in the world. I promise!

This is Moses. I SURPRISED Zach and the girls for Valentine's Day. Huge surprise...especially because I have been saying "no" to getting a dog for years. I must really love that guy!

He is a 9 week old Australian Shepherd. He's pretty cute!

This is one happy guy. I mean, REALLY happy!

If you'll notice, I cut off all my hair. I did this for two reasons: 1) Zach loves my hair short. So Happy Valentine's Day present #2 for him. 2) I felt like it was a great way to simplify. Life has gotten a bit crazy for me and I needed to cut out something (or cut OFF in this case). Great way to simplify life right? Get a dog? Yeah, I know, it totally makes sense!

Breakfast in bed is a must for Valentine's Day!

I love my Valentines!

The purpose of a Prince

2011-01-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

When Avery was asked what princes do, she answered "kiss dead girls".

Love her!

In a nut shell

2011-01-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas! Full of friends, family, food, parties and fun. I know, I know, I did a horrible job uploading these pictures. Totally confusing and all jumbled up but my main purpose for blogging is to slurp it to blurb for my scrapbooking so am I gonna fix all this craziness? Explain it? Nope.
This was our Christmas in a nut shell.

Party Time!

2011-01-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

Bear Lake

2011-01-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Just pics

2011-01-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

Baby Ella at 3 months.

Just trying to keep busy!

Happy Birthday Cowgirl!

2011-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

We LOVE you Hayden!

Random

2011-01-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

A quick one

2011-01-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind on blogging. Here's a quick one, atleast it makes me feel like I am doing something in the blogging world. When the rest of the catch up will happen...no one knows.

I needed a project. Zach came home one day to find me sprucing up this hutch.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I like it.

Blessing Day

2010-11-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

It was a good day!

I dare ya to try this...

2010-11-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from a friend. I thought what the heck, I'll try it. I'm glad I did-it's actually good. Well, not as good as normal pancakes (lets be honest) but good enough.

GREEN PANCAKES
1/2 C oatmeal (put in food processor or Magic Bullet til a fine powder)
then add the following to the food processor and mix:
4 egg whites (I just used 2 whole eggs)
1/2 C cottage cheese
large handful of fresh spinach

I used blueberries as well. Hayden loved them. Can't wait to try it out on Zach and Avery! Zach is hard to fool when it comes to healthy stuff but I'll give it a go.

Try it...I dare ya!

Six weeks

2010-11-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandma "Yinda"

2010-11-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Looking for the perfect pumpkin is a highlight every year!

Halloween

2010-11-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Wizard of Oz

Munchkin, Wicked Witch, Glinda, Dorothy, Cowardly Lion

Thanksgiving Point

2010-11-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Dinosaur Park

2010-11-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

The girls loved Dinosaur Park. They kept needing some reassuring though. "Mom, they're not real right?"

Tubby Time

2010-11-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

One last swim

2010-11-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

How awesome to be able to swim in October!

The Big 3-0!

2010-11-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

For my birthday we celebrated at the zoo! The kids had a lot of fun. Zach was a dear and made TWO signs for my 30th. One outside for the neighbors to see. Thanks.

At home...with three

2010-11-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

We are LOVING it!

3 Babes!

2010-10-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

Family of FIVE!!

2010-09-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

Zach is totally outnumbered now. Girl Power!

Best big sister ever!

Other best big sister!

Isn't that an awesome smile? Proud uncle

At 1:00am Wednesday morning I woke up and didn't feel very well. By 1:30 I knew I was having contractions so I woke Zach up. He was pretty excited, then a little confused when I said I was going to take a shower. I thought maybe it would help me feel better. By the time I got out, I realized these were consistent and I WAS IN LABOR!! Zach called his brother to come spend the night while I finished getting ready. We made it to the hospital a little before 3:00am where they checked me and said that I was a 6-7!! I decided that I wanted to do things without an epidural
but as soon as I made that decision, my body slowed down and I didn't dilate for about an hour. I realized that I was too tense and decided to go for the epidural. Real committed to go natural wasn't I? As soon as I had the epidural, I started dilating and by 5:09 am little Ella Jo made her appearance to the world.

She weighed in at 7 lbs 3 oz and 20 inches long. She is the sweetest little thing and we are so excited to have her as a part of our family. The girls adore her and ask to hold her all the time. They speak so sweet to her and love giving her kisses. Hayden is constantly asking to "pet" her and Avery loves sharing the news with everyone she sees.

We feel very lucky to have Ella here with us!

Happy Birthday Boo Boo

2010-09-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Zach's birthday started out with us going to Grannie Annie's for breakfast. Then we rode Big Chris' horses. The girls loved it and we discovered that Avery is a natural!! The night before was spent with the Jacobs and that evening was spent with the Allens to help celebrate my dad's birthday as well.

We really love and appreciate Zach. He is the most amazing husband, father and friend. Happy Birthday "Sack"!!!

I am ROTTEN

2010-09-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting here thinking that all I wanted to do was vent in a post. Vent about my pains and struggles and hardships with this pregnancy. Then I found out one of my best friends lost yet another baby at 20 weeks. This is her third in the last year and a half.
Another great friend brought us dinner last night.
My cute Beehives brought by dinner twice last week.
Are these great people inspired or am I complaining like crazy? Probably both.
I will be having this baby any day now and my goal is to keep a smile on my face no matter how hard that may be, during these next few days (weeks?) of my pregnancy.
I am so thankful to be pregnant. I am so thankful to have such awesome friends, family, and neighbors. I may not have been acting like it the past 9 months, but I truly do feel blessed.

And she's off.......

2010-08-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

to kindergarten. How did this day come so quickly? I can't believe my little Avery is off to school. On the bus no less. I wasn't too worried about the bus until the first day of school as the bus dropped off the kids, she was no where to be found. Apparently the bus driver told her to get off the stop before ours. Talk about a heart attack. I didn't need that. All is well and she loves school. The smile on her face tells it all...

Avery and Hayden both wore their backpacks from the time they woke up, til the time Avery went to school. Hayden insisted that she was going to school too. Poor kid. Instead she had to stay home with mom. She sure showed me...she hid my glasses while Avery was at school and every time I asked her to help me look for them, she replied "sorry, not now, I'm busy!" aggghhh!!!

Love this girl.

By the way, I didn't officially cry. A little teary-eyed but that's it. Pretty good huh?

Boondocks

2010-08-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Carter, Katie, Josh

Go karts were a hit

Check out Avery's pose. I don't know where she gets it but I love it!

Hayden has her own poses too.

We've had a ton of fun having Ryan, Katie, Josh and Carter here to visit from NYC. They need to do it more often! It was fun to find out that they are having their 3rd boy a few months after we are having our 3rd girl. We know to stick with what we do best, I guess!

Thanks for the fun week!

Water Babies

2010-08-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

These girls cannot get enough of the water. It's been a good summer!

Yankee's vs. Bee's

2010-08-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Can't go a whole summer without a little baseball

So how does this compare to NYC baseball Ryan?

Obligatory hot dog

The crew.

We decided that Ryan and Katie should have a little baseball culture by going to the SLC Bee's game. Oh wait, I guess since they can go to Yankee's games any time they want, maybe the Bee's aren't that impressive.

And counting....

2010-08-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here's what 36 weeks looks like from Avery's standpoint.

And from Zach's.

Isn't Avery cute?

Davis County Fair

2010-08-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Avery, Luke, Hayden

Of course she had to have the pink motorcycle!

Lovin' the animals

Don't be fooled, the girls weren't bored at all! They had a ton of fun at the Davis County Fair. Too bad each ride was like $3 each. That can add up. We always look forward to the fair!

Nesting

2010-08-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

I think this is what they call "Nesting"
And I think it's driving my husband crazy.

Princess Elite Retreat

2010-08-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Alyssa, Megan, Katie, Talise, Gabby, Rachel

Talise, Megan, Alyssa, Sarah, Savannah, Brooke, Riley, Hayley, McCall, Bishop, Rachel, Kenedy

Bro. Hulse and Bishop Hoggard were GREAT sports!

Now I am getting a little nervous!

Bishop, Allsion, me, Jen, Lisa, Dana, Bro. Hulse, Heather, Sarah after our "make-overs"

Me, Sarah, Jen, Lisa

Savannah, McCall, Brooke

Hand wax. We did a "Spiritual Spa" which was great!

Girls camp was up at Camp Lomia. Being 8 months pregnant, I was encouraged not to go. I am so glad that I did! We had a great time! Our camp directors, Sarah P and Jen J did an amazing job. We had so much fun-mostly because the girls were so great! I learned a lot and had tons of fun. It's pretty funny when the girls are yelling at the leaders tent "leaders, shut up and go to bed!" We deserved that. We stayed up laughing until 5:00 am! Camp just wouldn't be as fun without the "fart machine", the big remote controlled tarantula, herckemers, Lisa's stories and songs, all that delicious food, fun games, fake rat and all of that laughing. Thanks everyone for making Girls Camp so awesome!

The Goon

2010-08-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hayden and Emery

Puff was a favorite. I think the girls and Zach went on it about 12 times.

Avery and Emery

Can you tell these two cuties are sisters? Love that cute smile!

Remi, Aves, Hayden, Z

Bennett loved it too

The girls with Bennett and J-Dogg

Zach got me a wheelchair for the day so I could go to Lagoon too. Hayden and Avery thought it was pretty fun to ride on my lap.

What's better than a day at "the Goon"?

Father's Day

2010-07-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

Zach is definately the best dad there ever was. His girls love him to pieces. We are also so grateful to have the best grandpas also! We love Grandpa Yinda and Grandpa Jake. Lucky lucky us!

How could I forget this BIG day?

2010-07-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

Miss Sadie and Miss Alisha

Avery GRADUATED from Mini-Explorers Preschool. She loved it! She is so excited to go to Kindergarten, her mom is sooooo not! When did she get so big?

Bear Lake Round 2

2010-07-28T08:50:00.001-07:00

Kenneth, Zach, Scott, Matt, Tyson, Nikki, Ash, David, the girls

Nikki, Erika, David, Hayden and Avers

Nikki and Hayden. You can't really tell in this picture, but they make a pretty good OREO cookie. Hayden is a brown little thing, and Nikki, not so much!

Surprisingly, these guys didn't have too many injuries after their crazy game of football in the water.

Waverunning with Gramps

Obligatory family photo

It's quite entertaining (and embarassing to think about it now) to have ugly-face-making contests. Ashley usually wins, although I think I may have her here

She wasn't in on the game. That's too cute of a face!

This time we went to Bear Lake with the Allen family. We pretty much spend the better part of July in Bear Lake. The girls loved it! We had lots of fun going to the beach, waverunning, playing football in the water, riding crazy bikes, getting shakes, going out to eat, doing crafts, 4-wheeling, doing pedicures, dance revolution, mini-golf and just hanging out.

Bear Lake Round 1

2010-07-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Mini golf.

"YESSSSSS!"

Hayden's best buddy on the trip was Cole. He was a good sport and played with her lots! At first I'm sure it was fun, but after six days, I think she wore him out!

Big Chris. These vacations really take it out of ya!

Emery, Brighton, Sophie, Eden, Avery, Hayden

We're just happy to be here!

Her too!

Awww, cute

Luke, Hayden, Remi

Eden, Emery, Avery

Avery, Eden, Hayden

The annual cousins race. I loved that after coming in dead last, Avery said "We're all winners, right mom?" Absolutely!

Not only did they play tennis, they got to jam with their guitars.

Comfy

Luke and Avery. Such good buddies!

These two girls sure had their ups and downs. Is it obvious?

Love the glasses on the hat

Yeah for suckers!

Big suckers

Ice cream every night. Playdough was in high demand. I seriously can't believe they didn't run out after serving the Jacobs clan

Hayden loves J-Dogg (or J-Gogg)

Hayden's turn

She poses even on 3rd base.

Lots of playing ball!

Lots of crafts

Waverunning is a favorite

Our annual trip to Bear Lake with the Jacobs family is always a highlight of the year. We have lost of fun going to the lake, boating, waverunning, eating ice cream, doing crafts, hot tubbing, playing tennis and baseball, mini-golfing, bike riding, and laughing.

More pictures to come. ya, I'm not finished!

Independence!

2010-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

We put on a pretty impressive fireworks show here in Kaysville.

Luke loves Avery...some of the time. This is not one of those days.

Avery, Hayden, Luke

My dad likes my bike. He looks good on it too.

Me and Ash

Yep, that's me at 30 weeks pregnant

Night time fireworks at Davis topped ours. Barely.

The 4th wouldn't be complete without a little swimming

Avery always gets to be the girl. Not fair.

Hayden and Grandpa "Yinda"

Who cares about the parade when little Hayden has her Mr. Bunny?

Emery and Avery

The 4th of July was quite festive this year! We started it all out with the parade, followed by the carnival. The girls had a blast, I enjoyed the Navajo Taco I waited an hour in line for, and Zach was a total grouch. That actually NEVER happens, so it must have been a pretty rough day for him. After the carnival, SWIMMING and a BBQ. Fireworks followed. It was a good day. How thankful I am to live in this amazing country. What a priviledge and blessing it is. Thanks to all those who have made it possible!

He's the best

2010-07-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

Seriously, what guy not only lets his daughters paint his toenails, but also offers to give his large, pregnant wife a pedicure ?

He's pretty awesome.

Big Oops!

2010-07-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

I love my camera. I really do. Just because I dropped it, doesn't mean that I don't try hard to take care of it. Really.

So the LCD screen is toast and to fix it is a ridiculous amount of money (but still not as much as buying a new one.)

I will post pictures once we either get a new one or get mine fixed. Bad time of year to be without a camera. Luckily my sister has two and is letting me borrow one of hers in the meantime. Problem is, can't upload them to my computer.

Oh the frustrations.

Brookside

2010-06-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to get together with my cute roommates from college. We enjoyed some great dinner and even better conversation. Ahhh, the memories from Ricks College! Good time girls, good times!

Just can't get it right!

2010-06-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

We've been told multiple times that we're "just not doing something right" in the baby-making department. THREE girls? Really, what could be worse?!

GUESS WHAT?

We are THRILLED!

Seriously, what could be better than having another girl?! We've got lots of spunk in our home and we like it that way. Our days are filled with nail polish, dress-ups, doing each other's hair, playing dollies and barbies, dancing, and singing. I love watching Hayden copy Avery. I love watching them snuggle up together to watch tv or read a book. I love hearing them say to the other "I love you, Sister". I love the way they put on fashion shows and wiggle their hips. (Ok, so it doesn't take a fashion show for them to do that). I love that painting their dad's toe nails is a favorite pass time. I love that Hayden wants to show the baby her newly painted nails (because why wouldn't she be able to see them through my belly?). I love how nurturing they are to each other and to Zach and I. This has been a very difficult pregnancy but the girls are so understanding. Hayden: "Mama, sit down, you'll feel all better! You feel all better now Sweetheart?" Avery: "It's ok you're so boring mom, growing a baby must be hard work!" I love how they comfort each other-"oh Sweetheart!" (hug, kiss,hug). I love how they go straight for their aunt's purses to sneak some lip gloss. Even though I get mad when they get in to my make-up (on a daily basis), I love the look on their faces when they look in the mirror and love what they see. I love how they get excited over shoes. I love that they describe everything that they love as "Oh, BEAUTIFUL! or GORGEOUS!" I love that they are sooooooo complimentary to me. "You look pretty mama!" or "I love that skirt on you mama!" I especially love that they tell me they love me more than I will ever, ever, ever know. They are best buddies and I am so excited to welcome another best buddy for them. We've got lots of pink, bows, lip gloss, nail polish, princesses, jewelry and every other "girly" thing on the planet, and we love it that way. (Yes, I am even speaking for Zach!)

He's BAAACK!

2010-06-07T16:04:00.001-07:00

Scott wanted Cafe Rio for lunch on the way home from the airport. It was delicious! You can tell I really liked my pork burrito, I finished the whole thing. For some reason my whole family was laughing so hard about that. Come on, give me a break, I'm pregnant! Nikki and I closely share the same appetite apparently!

Oh the anticipation!

These two little cuties couldn't wait!

And there he is!

We were so excited to see our Scotty! He just came home from his mission to Fort Worth, Texas. He's so cute!!

We've had lots of fun with him since he has returned. Shopping, eating, badmitton, talking, laying hardwood floors (yeah!!! we needed some extra hands), mauling by the kids, all that good stuff. Yeah to have him home!

Mothers Day

2010-06-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

I love breakfast in bed...my kids love giving me breakfast in bed but I think that's mostly because they get it too.

I love being a mom!

Annual Girl's Party

2010-05-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

This year the Annual Girls Party was held in Oregon. We had a ton of fun. Uncle Brad and Aunt June let us break in their new house for the party. We had a great time!

We had to caravan due to the fact that Nikki had to drive a truck up for a friend. We couldn't stop laughing at how funny it looked. Bad thing, it took forever to get up there since my dad insisted that Nikki not drive over 70 mph.

This is where we spent most of our time. Avery HAD to go swimming the second we got there, even though it was really late.

Logan, Justin, Kylee, Ash, Nikki

Logan, Justin, Ash, Nikki

Mom, Nikki, Aves, Ash, Kylee, Junie, Logan

Levi and Justin. Donkey ball was hilarious! Quite entertaining!

Avery had to be as far away from the donkeys as possible. Unfortunately, there are only two rows of bleachers!

We loved not getting much sleep

Definately not enough sleep

Awesome backyard

Gorgeous house

Avery and Brooke

Exploring

We loved our daily walks around the ranch

Who knew? An In & Out in Baker City, Oregon?

FONGS for chinese and karaoke!!! It's a tradition!

Aunt Steph, Aunt June, Aunt Shelley, Aunt Shari, Kylee, Kelley, Nikki, Ashley, Aves, Mom

Tonya, Hilda, Ashley, Aunt Barbara, Kylee, Grandma, Kelley, Nikki

Kylee and Aunt Shari. "BABE!"

Karsyn, Sadie, Kylee, Bailee, Nikki, me, Kelley, Ashley, Steph doing "cha cha"

My sweet girl. She was quite entertained

Bridgette, Sadie, Bailee, Michelle, Aunt Barbara, Karsyn, Hannah, Jodi

Hannah, Michelle, Bridgette, Jodi, Grandma, Sadie, Karsyn (the young girls wearing their "friendship sweaters" they found at the yard sale!!

Nikki always likes the solos!

Hey Macarena!

Ashley and I showing off our skills

Oops, don't know what happened here. It was funny to all be drinking our waters and soda pop out of these cups. Now that I think about it, it's really not as funny as it was then.

Aunt Shari, Debbie, Aunt Steph, Nikki, Kylee, Tonya

We even had to do a dance on our way out. Aunt Shelley, Kelley, Aunt June, Bailee, Grandma, Aunt Shari

Always a cheerleader!

These girls were a little bored!

We had tons of fun swimming (usually 3 times a day), exploring, looking for goose nests, eating, doing glitter toes and glitter eyes, napping, lounging, yard sale hunting, and cards. Best one yet!

Until next year!

Take Your Pick

2010-05-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

Maybe a little poll will help with the baby-name-decision-making-game. Why is it so tough this time around?

Madelyn

Lily

Ella

St. George

2010-04-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Since warm weather wasn't coming to us, we decided to go to it. We needed a little vacation so with some fun friends, we headed down to St. George.

Kash, Izzy, Bumper

Andrew and Zach. I think they had more fun at the "high-tech" park than the kids did. I wondered if they got sick of us wives saying "it's not gonna be a fun drive home if you break your arm!!!"

Ty, Cottle, Zach

Seriously, these guys were hilarious! Avery kept having to ask if she could have a turn!

The guys. Cottle, Bump and Z. Not sure what Z is looking at.

Hayden loved her new sunglasses. She wore them the whole day...even in the car.

Kiddos. Ty, Aves, Hayden, Kash

I can't stand how cute this girl is. Look at those freckles! Oops, sorry Avery, I mean 'angel kisses'

Kissy face

Ty and Hayden. The first day there was COLD but these little ones didn't mind-they HAD to go swimming!

Our weekend was full of golfing, shopping, swimming, going to the park, strange topics of conversation, frozen yogurt, teasing, walks, eating, and having lots of fun!

EASTER

2010-04-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Avery and Hayden loved the dresses grandma and grandpa "Linda" (or Yinda) gave them.

Easter egg hunt with cousins

Avery and Emery

Jensen and Aves

Hayden was sooooo excited about the purse, jewelry, and lip gloss from grandma and grandpa Jake

No one saw Hayden for the threat that she was on that hunt. We did some serious practicing in the days before Easter.

Attitude.

Avery was just glad to finally have a REAL egg hunt, and not the practice ones dad kept setting up for her and Hayden.

Easter is always a great time! It's a wonderful time to reflect on the sacrifice of our Savior. I thought it was great that Easter landed on Conference weekend, and what an amazing conference it was!!

The other part of Easter is always a blast. The girls love dyeing Easter eggs, going on Easter egg hunts, and thinking about Easter morning. The Easter Bunny surprised the girls with scooters (among too many other things!) and me with a new beach cruiser. It's pretty sweet! As soon as this dang weather warms up, pictures will come.

Breakfast in Bed

2010-04-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure there is anything better than being woken up by these little cuties giving me breakfast in bed. And how did they know? 2 sips of juice and Teddy Grahams!! My favorite!

They are the best.

It's gonna be a good day!

Cravings

2010-04-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

So in three pregnancies, I can't really say that I have had those crazy pregnancy cravings. I sorta thought people made it up as an excuse to eat whatever they wanted. I will admit that I have said "I totally need a..." and took advantage of being pregnant. Either that or I just wanted to "fit in". Either way, I can't honestly say that that is a side-effect I have ever experienced...until now. It's actually a true thing...cravings-pregnancy cravings. I think. Or is it that I am just going back to justifying my need for yogurt? Red Mango, Spoon Me, Yogurt Unique...I don't care---this baby girl NEEDS it!! Ok, I actually think its a craving because while in St. George last weekend, our friends were having car troubles. On our way to go help them out, I MADE ZACH MAKE A YOGURT STOP! Can you believe that? (Sorry Cottles). I never would have been that selfish otherwise.

I'm sorry if I blamed any of you pregnant women out there for taking advantage of your pregnancy and using a "craving" as an excuse to indulge. I see the error of my ways.

To do list: find out if any of these places have frequent buyer programs. I've got a long 20 weeks to go.

It's a........................

2010-04-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Another one of these lovelies!
And really, who wouldn't want more of this spunky attitude?

Yep, we are having another GIRL and are so excited!

Zach will really be out numbered now!!

17 weeks down, 23 more to go.

5 going on 13 (according to Avery)

2010-04-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting Avery to cut her hair for a couple months now. It's just not thick enough yet to have long, and she is so picky, that every time it's in a ponytail, if a little piece falls out, she would ask me to redo her hair. This was happening several times a day. DROVE ME NUTS! Every time I suggested cutting it, she refused. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore so I resorted to bribery. "Avery, if we cut your hair, you'd probably have to get new earrings, because short hair needs cute earrings!" That did it. To the store we went, found some cute earrings and I immediately called my sister-in-law Janelle and asked if she could cut Avery's hair NOW!! It was 8:00 pm but I didn't dare wait, just incase she changed her mind. Janelle was nice and said she could do it. Ok, so as soon as the first piece was snipped, I felt sick. What if Avery hated it and I totally made her do it? I was so worried! Well, she loves it and so do I!! The first thing she said when we got home was "when you talk to Janelle, tell her 'thanks so much for cutting my hair so cute, from Avery'" followed by "I think I look like I'm 13"

Discovery Museum

2010-04-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn and Avery

Rock climbing with Audrey

Avery's preschool group went to the Discovery Children's Museum. They had so much fun! They were a little crazy, and a little frantic (so much to see/so much to do), but it was great!

Who doesn't love a potty shot?

2010-04-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

So Hayden really seemed to have NO interest in being potty trained. Therefore, I had no interest in potty training her. Zach said "Avery was potty trained by now, lets just do it!" (ya, as he would be out of town for a week just a few short days later...nice timing!) So, we did it. Within three days, this little lovely was trained both night and day. Piece of cake. Seriously. Ok, she DID happen to have two accidents after those three days of training. BOTH times, in our same neighbor's front yard. BOTH times, while talking about how great she has done with potty training and how she has had no accidents. I was scared to go back to that neighbor's house...we hadn't been having much luck, but it's been a few weeks now and she's doing great...even at the Potter's house. Go Hayden go! (She likes us to cheer her on!) Go Hayden go!

Fun meals

2010-03-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

What do you do on a rainy day? We dress up and have a picnic in a tent.

St. Patrick's Day. Our typical meal. I know some people do an authentic Irish meal, but guess what? We prefer the typical green pancakes, green apples, green juice, green eggs. It works for us.

And the girls think it is pretty cool.

Just had to throw this one in. She is starting a bit early with the make-up. Atleast she's got the pout going on.

Fun weekend!

2010-03-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

We went to SLC for the weekend to watch Ashley participate in Utah's Jr. Miss pageant. She did so awesome and we had a fun time!

Kylee, Aunt Shelley, David, Ashley, Ava, Erika, Mom, Dad Nikki, Tyson, Kelley, Uncle Greg, Matt

Linda, Nikki, Dad, Aunt Steph, Bracken, Grandma, Ashley, Ava, David, Matt Lund, Spencer Buswell

As I was taking a picture of Ashley and David, my Dad jumped in. Love it!

At the hotel. The girls couldn't wait to get in the pool and hot tub.

Today Avery packed her little suitcase and said, "Mom, after dinner can we go on another vacation? We could go for 2 days because that's how many outfits I packed."

Big sister seminar

2010-03-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

We've been doing some training around here in preparation.

We need a little work on the Desitin, but the lips are looking good.

I think we're ready........

New ears...hopefully!

2010-02-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

7 ear infections and countless fussy moments later....

EAR TUBES!!

Hopefully this will solve some problems. Poor girl has been uncomfortable due to her ears for waaaaaay too long.

The night before the surgery, Zach, my dad and brother-in-law Tyson were going to give Hayden a blessing. I prepared Hayden by saying that they were going to say a special prayer so her ears will feel better. We got out a chair and she immediately got up on the chair and said "I do it!" she folded her arms and said a prayer that Heavenly Father would help her ears feel better and blessed us to have a happy day. When she was done, she looked up and was beaming. So cute! Zach gave her a great (and fairly long) blessing and Hayden kept her arms folded and stayed so still the whole time...until the last 5 seconds when she started to whimper and was looking up with her eyes (probably to see why there were so many hands on her head still). When they were done she looked up with the cutest little smile and ran over and gave me, and then the guys a hug. It was such a special moment. I don't think Hayden has willingly stayed that still and reverent before, nor do I expect her to again any time soon.

The surgery went great. She woke up from the anesthesia just fine and has been happy ever since. I'm sure that was partly due to the fact that she had Mr. Bunny by her side the whole time.

Park City

2010-02-20T19:46:00.001-08:00

This picture is almost identical to last years Park City picture. If I cared enough, I would take the time to figure out how to link it so you could see both. But, I don't. Take my word for it, this is the same look she gave last year before she went out skiing for the first time. Her socks were crooked, her shirt was riding up, as were her long johns. Her fingers needed to be scratched, and she had a tickle on her belly. All that ski gear was enough to drive us all looney! Finally, once they got out there, she remembered it was all worth it. And it was. This little girl is one awesome skiier.

Hayden and Grandpa Jake along to cheer Avery and dad on. Hayden kept saying "Go Ister go! Go Ister go!" A couple days ago, while watching the Olympic down-hill skiiers, Hayden said "Look mom, there's Ister!" ("Ister" is what she calls Avery, you know, "Sister"). Cute.

Luckily, our condo is just across the street.

Zach, Avery

Emery, Mason, Avery

Hayden took awhile to remember how much she loves to swim.

Avery didn't have to remember anything, she loved it!

Love the mismatched floaties.

We had a great time at Park City with the Jacobs clan. It was an unusual trip, with 24 out of 27 people getting a vicious stomach virus. Really, it was amazingly memorable. Zach and I were among the lucky ones to stay healthy. I could give more details, but I won't. Luckily it was a short illness and everyone was back hitting the slopes within a couple days. We skiied, ate, played games, watched home videos, shopped the outlets, got candied apples, apologized to the downstairs tenants for being "loud", swam, learned new things about each other and just had a great time! Until next year!

The ballet and breakfast in bed.

2010-02-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-laws, Kristin, Libby, Dena, Janelle and I helped our amazing mother-in-law, Dixie, celebrate her birthday. Dixie's favorite ballet is Swan Lake, so we went to the ballet, with lunch beforehand at Olive Garden. I have never been to Swan Lake, but it was beautiful! We all had a really good time. I am so lucky to have such a great example. I couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law or grandma for my kids. She makes sure her family knows of her love for us all the time. She is so great at being attentive to the kids and to us. I never hear her complain, and she is always helping, and thinking of others.
Happy Birthday Dixie!

On a lighter note, what was I thinking with that jacket? Could I have possibily found anything less-flattering? I think not.

Be Mine!

We thought these little lovelies deserved breakfast in bed on Valentine's Day. As you can see, they loved it! They were so excited and just giggled the whole way through their pink, heart-shaped pancakes.

Love them! Seriously, they're awesome!