Mark and EmmaLee's Entourage

Island Park

2012-01-08T17:50:00.005-07:00

This summer we decided to take a day trip to Island Park. It is one of my favorite places to go. The kids really enjoyed the day trip. It is so nice that we are so close.

We went first to feed the fish.

We had to get a picture of the local wildlife.

The kids loved throwing bread in for the fish.

We went on a walk to the cabin.

The kids are looking at the chipmunks.

Jared bugging Curtis.

Mark with the kids.

Jared digging in the mud.

Curtis worried about the wiggly dock.

Curtis throwing rocks in the water.

Abby built a boat. Will it float or sink. When a rock is on it it will sink.

Oops! Something fell in the water.

Mark relaxing.

We finished the day hiking at Harriman State Park. It was really a nice day.

Utah Valley Marathon

2011-12-29T17:20:00.007-07:00

The last two years we have helped at an aide station for the Utah Valley Marathon. It is so much fun. The kids love it. For one early morning it is worth it.

Abby and Jared posing for the early morning.

We are getting everything set up. It is a huge rush all at once. It is awesome when the top athletes spring past you. We were right across from bridal vale falls in Utah. It was so beautiful.

Abby passing out drinks.

Jared getting more water.

Curtis and Dad passing our drinks.

Curtis decided that he would run too. He would run up the hill and then he would run back down collecting drinks from everyone.

Here he is getting his first drink.

He is running hard.

Now to get his second drink. He would do this over and over and over again. I guess he got a good workout. It is one of our favorite things to do in the summer. The weather is great and It is fun to see the action up front.

Mark on News Radio

2011-10-24T18:02:00.002-06:00

Mark was on the radio last week. The kids were so excited to hear him. They had a booth at school to talk about information security and computers. The local news station interviewed them and then the radio station called him up. It is sad to think that this little mid-life back to school is almost over. We have loved it here.

My Parents Anniversary

2011-10-13T10:46:00.006-06:00

This year for my parent's anniversary we went out to dinner as a family. It was a lot of fun. They kids were so excited to be part of the celebration.

The whole group.

Curtis loves time with his cousins.

Abby and Carley

Jared

Jared and Kat

The happy couple. Married 36 years.

Papa and Millie

Curtis and Kassy

Grandma and Kassy

Millie, Grandma, and Kassy

Jared and Millie

My dad and Trisha

The whole group. I love that all the kids get along.

After we were done Curtis wanted to drive home with Rick and Kat. I was a little surprised.

Jared's Graduation

2011-09-01T22:24:00.006-06:00

Now that school is back in session I can catch up on my blog. We have a had a full summer and I will post pictures. Now I need to finish up last school year.

Jared had an interesting school year. He didn't like full days or school work. He loved playing on the playground and eating lunch. We were all excited to see him graduate. He is such a sweet loving boy.

Jared's orange duck for his song.

Jared getting his book to advance to the next grade.

What a handsome boy. I was so proud of him.

Jared with his teacher. She looks very tired. I think it was a long year for her, but we made it. They cannot take the diploma away now.

Jared and Mark. They could be twins. They look alike, dress alike, and act alike.

My parents came to watch the program.

Jared and Curtis. He loves his big brother.

Jared with the teachers aide. She was so good with him.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-07-05T12:35:00.005-06:00

Yes, we went to the ranch again. It is a fun place to go and hang out. The kids have acers and acers to roam and play. The only bad thing is it is SO many miles away. The kids loved spending time farming with my dad and my mom and I found a great quilt shop. Mark got a lot of R & R.

How many people can you fit in a tractor.

Digging overflow ditches. Jared is making sure everything is working correctly.

We are making a tree house for the kids. This is the swing we started Abby is loving it.

Jared loved it but Curtis wouldn't touch it.

Sunday and Monday it rained and rained and rained. The kids got a little stir crazy so they went out to play in the rain. The dirt is very stick and slick when wet. It turned into a stuck muddy disaster.

Curtis showing off his battle dirt.

Abby trying to help Jared out.

Abby gave up.

Will he ever get out.

Abby and Jared are safe and sound.

One Man's Trash is another Man's Treasure

2011-07-01T15:26:00.002-06:00

I saw things like this at a craft show. I wanted to make some of my own. Here are the end results.

Pepsi can flower clip for the 4th of July.

A smaller clip.

Pepsi and Coke Can Hair Clip

A ring made out of a shasta can.

Funny Face

2011-06-21T15:25:00.003-06:00

Jared went to the dentist and he was really nice and let Curtis pick a prize too. Curtis

found glasses. He was so excited to try them.

He wore them everywhere. We would joke with him and ask where Curtis was.

He would take them off and exclaim, "It's me, Curtis!" He would laugh and laugh.

Abby wanted to try it out too. Jared wanted nothing of this. He thought we were all crazy.

My Birthday/Branding at the Ranch/Easter

2011-06-07T20:31:00.006-06:00

We had an eventful weekend planned. It was my Birthday, family tea party, and Easter. My dad asked if we could come help brand the caves. Their are not many men in my family and really needed help. I told them we couldn't go because we had big plans for the weekend. They are lucky to have Mark because he called them up and told them we would be there. They are lucky to have him. We had a wonderful time. Mark is excited for next year.

We went out to dinner for my birthday. Then we went back to the house to eat cupcakes. I loved them. They were so good. My favorite place in Utah for cupcakes is Mini's. These were better but big so I couldn't finish one. It was so rich.

The cupcakes and Jared with Cassie.

Curtis thinks it is his birthday.

Then we had to prep for the big day. We had to set up an area for the cows. We also had to get all the food ready for all the workers that day.

Curtis and Mark right before we start. It was early.

Curtis with the horse. He was so excited. He thought he was one of the big boys.

Abby helping out.

Abby and Kat helping gathering the cows. They did a great job.

Curtis is a cowboy he says. He was dressed the part. He wanted to help so bad.

I loved this picture of curtis. He loves going to the ranch.

Jared riding on the back of the truck. I swear child safety goes out the window on the ranch. The truck didn't even have sides. Bad mom moment. It was going really really slow.

Jared wanted to go back to the house. It really isn't a good place for kids.

Jared spent the rest of the day playing in the sand. He is good to entertain himself and say out of trouble, most of the time.

Mark getting ready for the cows.

He is an urban cowboy. He really had a good time. He really cannot wait until next year. I was surprised.

Rick had done it before. He looks a little more professional. They gave him the electric prodder.

Mark after it was done. He is asleep.

Who wouldn't want a back message like this after a hard day at work.

After the work the kids wanted to ride. Curtis wanted to go a little faster.

Jared wanted a slower pace.

Not relaxing at all.

The kids on Easter morning. We finished the day driving back home. We had a lovely dinner at Wendy's. Saturday night I started to feel sick. By Sunday I wanted to die. Tuesday I went to the doctor and they told me I had phenomia.

Spring Soccer

2011-05-31T19:44:00.004-06:00

I signed the kids up for spring soccer. Several people told me that they don't do spring soccer. I wondered why. I found out the first game of the season. It was freezing cold. The kids hated it. They are having so much more fun now. The cool thing about Spring Soccer is the college team does training for the kids for $5 a kid. It is awesome and indoors.

Abby at the start of the practice.

Jared doing one of the drills. Curtis is watching and wanting to play so bad. He was 6 months too young. It was a sad day for him.

Curtis running to show off his mad skills. He determination will pay off.

Curtis knows how to get attention. Yes, everyone noticed him. It was the women's team.

Curtis showing off his hurt knee.

Jared doing his drills.

Abby coming to get a drink. She is working hard.

Curtis and Mark at the first game. It was so cold.

Yes, that is a jersey on Curtis. He got recruited to play. Yes, they sought him out. They let him play up an age. He is so happy. Mark coached Jared's team. I will post more pictures of Abby, Jared and Curtis playing. Even with the cold we have had so much fun.

Spring Break Part II

2011-05-25T19:24:00.004-06:00

We went on a great drive to a swimming place by the ranch. I didn't get any pictures of the swimming but it was great. It was hot pools. It was sunny and it felt like summer. We went outside and enjoyed the water slides and the sun. Here are some pictures along the way.

Here is the reservoir by the ranch. We drove around it to get to the swim place. It was such a beautiful day. Mark had visions of boats this summer.

To get there you go through a series of tunnels right in the side of the mountain.

It was a fun drive.

There was an old time burger place in town.

The town is known for mineral pools. The really stinky ones. In the center of town they had mineral deposit from the water. It was huge. my camera couldn't do it justice. Abby and Jared by what Mark called the earth booger.

Spring Break at the Ranch

2011-05-20T11:48:00.011-06:00

We went to my parents ranch in Wyoming. Surprising to all, the weather was

so much warmer than in Idaho. The drive was the only part we really encountered

any snow, and we saw a lot of it.

This was from the ride up. The snow was a few feet above our car. We saw so many people on snowmobiles and skis.

Jared the cowboy. We don't have many pictures of him. When he goes to the ranch we don't see a lot of him. It is a kids paradise. He leaves in the morning and plays until night.

Curtis going exploring.

Abby and Jared playing in the sand.

No trip to the ranch is complete without a weenie roast. Mark cooking lunch.

Abby eating dessert.

Curtis eating dessert. Never mind, he was too grossed out by the thought of a smore.

Curtis climbing up to check out the owl. He will soon find out that it is fake.

Jared and Curtis wanted a picture with the cows.

At night we would have movie night.

Curtis with his grandma.

Jared watching Yogi Bear. On a funny note. I told the kids if anyone sees a bear on the way to the cabin I would pay them a dollar. Jared replied, "Mom, bears are not real!" We have some work to do with him. No more Yogi Bear.

Curtis Loves Yoga

2011-05-18T10:00:00.003-06:00

I bought a kids yoga video. Curtis loves doing it. He was showing me how to do ommm or the sound of the universe. I thought it was cute.

He has a hard time with balance.

He went to the door to get a better support.

Now he has it.

Abby's New Room

2011-04-28T11:03:00.004-06:00

Since we are renting it is hard to add style to the house. First thing I think about when I move somewhere is what color should I paint the room. Abby really wanted a big girl room so I thought we should work on it. We decided to do a beach theme. I didn't take any before pictures and we aren't done yet. Her great grandma gave her furniture for her room a few years ago. We still need to refinish those items. Here is our almost finished product.

Abby loves having a big girl room. It was really fun to do. We got most of the items at thrift shops or clearance sections. We changed the room with no paint and not much money.

Texas Roadhouse

2011-04-13T15:17:00.002-06:00

I just want you all to know that with this post I am caught up. YEAH!!!!

I think Texas Roadhouse is the best place to eat with kids. The kids meals are cheep. The noise is perfect for wiggly kids. Mark and I can talk and the kids are great. If this place couldn't get any better, Tuesday night is kids night. They have ballon animal/object. The boys got motorcycles. Abby got a mermaid. They were amazing. They have a magic show for the kids. Kids get free sundays with there kids meal. They have face painting. Here are our kids.

Abby was a butterfly.

Curtis is a dog.

Jared was a cat. He used his napkin a lot during dinner. I am happy he has manners but most of his face got wiped off.

Jared's 6th Birthday

2011-04-07T20:41:00.003-06:00

Poor Jared has a birthday at the end of a long list of celebration. This year was even worse with Abby's Baptism and Mark left for DC at 5 am on his birthday. We had a party the night before. Jared is alway such a great sport.

He wanted cheese cake this year.

Blowing out his candles.

This is all Jared wanted for his birthday. He was so excited to get it.

The day of his birthday we went to a The Fun Place as my kids have named it. They played games and ate. I told Jared we weren't doing a friends party this year. Two of his friends from school were there while we were. He thought it was a great surprise. I have to love fate.

Abby and Curtis

The Birthday Boy.

Jared with his two friends.

Jared with his other friend.

My little surfer. I have no clue where this kid came from, but some how he is Mark and mine.

Baptism

2011-04-01T09:21:00.005-06:00

Abby was baptized this year on New Years day. It is a date she will never forget, 1-1-11. It was a cold Idaho morning. When we went to the church it was a -7. We were so happy to go to a nice warm church house. Mark jokes with Abby about a river baptism. She didn't believe that they really did that before. Abby is an amazing girl and a wonderful example to our family. She is always there to help and we love her so much.

Abby and Mark

Abby and Mark again. It was a big day for me. I cannot believe my baby is this old.

Abby after the baptism. My friend Dede gave her the dress and my mom found this great sweeter to go over it. Abby loves a little color and style to anything she wears.

Abby with my parents

Abby with Mark's parents

Our family

The boys at the lunch afterwards

My cousin Caleb and his family came. We had the lunch at the church. It was so nice to have space for the kids to run.

Christmas

2011-03-23T11:13:00.002-06:00

We had an event filled Christmas. I was really excited for Mark's almost month long break. It seemed like it was so full the it just flew by. We spend Christmas Eve with Grandma and Papa. We had a nice dinner, read about Christ's birth, and went to look at lights. That morning we woke up and opened presents. I forgot to take pictures after a few minutes so we only have a few.

Our tree Christmas morning

Curtis got a bear and that was all from that morning.

We left Christmas afternoon to go see the Robinson side of the family. We had a very nice dinner with them and the kids got to play with there cousins. The next day we went to church and went to look at Dave and Casie's new house. It was beautiful.

Curtis and his cousin Lauren after we went to look at her new house. They are so cute together.

On Monday Lynette made a ginger bread house with the kids. They loved spending time with her.

Lynette helping Jared

Curtis working on the ginger bread man.

Jared working on the tree.

Jared's finished project

Abby worked on the house with Lynette. Here is the group with the finished project.

After we finished this we packed up and went to spend time with family. We went to go see Mark's Grandma. We got great pictures with her. They are very special to us because she passed away a few days later.

Abby with Grandma Erika

Jared with Grandma

Curtis with Grandma.

The kids loved her so much. She was a very big part of their lives.

She taught Abby how to play the piano. Here Abby is showing her a song she learned. It was not correct form but Grandma liked it anyways.

Abby's Birthday

2011-03-19T09:22:00.004-06:00

My sweet baby turned 8. It is has gone by so fast. Abby is an amazing daughter. She is a huge help and so nice to everyone. We always joke that every one needs an Abby in their family. We had the Goldman's and my mom over for dinner and cake. Of course I didn't take any pictures. Abby had a friend party at Deleta Skating. I did a little better with pictures, but it was so dark that we had a hard time getting them to turn out.

The birthday girl.

We had pizza, soda, and cupcakes. Abby is wiping frosting off her nose.

My sweet baby. He actually roller skated. It was so cute but none of the pictures turned out.

Abby's friend Tyler. He is such a nice boy. I am glad he and Abby are friends.

Abby had just fallen. Love the look.

Abby and her BFF Paige. They were making cotton candy beards.

Kid Pictures

2011-03-06T12:58:00.005-07:00

Here are some updated photos of my kids.

Curtis.

Jared HATES getting his picture taken.

No smile for me.

Abby LOVES to get her picture taken.

Abby outside

The 3 kids. Curtis has had it.

The ladies at costco photo loved this picture of Jared. They called him a player in the making. I hope they are wrong. He does have the, "Yea, I know I'm hot" look.

Curtis asking if we are all done. It was a little cold out.

Thanksgiving

2011-03-04T11:09:00.006-07:00

I am getting so close to being caught up. I am so excited.

This year we didn't get pictures of dinner of the bird. Patricia made it and it was awesome. It was so beautiful and moist. Sorry, but no picture. This year we just took pictures of the activities. And, to be honest it was only one activity, but we had fun. We got a huge snow storm right before Thanksgiving. I think it was a welcome back to Idaho for me. The roads were horrible and it was so cold. We decided to go sledding the lazy/fun way.

Here is our transportation.

And here is our sled. It was so much fun. Mark and I both tried it.

Jared

Kat and Jared. She was trying to save from falling off.

She made it.

Abby and Carly

Curtis is so excited.

Now he is worried.

He likes ridding with me better.

Halloween

2011-03-02T11:40:00.004-07:00

In our neighborhood they trick or treat around the walking path at the park. It was really fun. Everyone sets up a table and the kids walk around. They make it a neighborhood thing not a church. It was fun. Mark had a great idea for our table. He made Jared a pumpkin head for his pumpkin and Mark thought it would be a great idea for our table. He had to get a huge pumpkin to fit in his head. It turned out great.

Park trick or treat, Abby-butterfly, Mark-pumpkin head, Jared-ironman, and Curtis-woody

Mark did say his neck hurt by the end of the day.

Sunday we went to my parents house to have a party. We had dinner and trick or treating to each other.

Patricia made a monster cheese ball.

My mom's table decorations.

Dinner.

Curtis showing off his dinner. I had just asked him what he was eating.

My parents found a kitten outside their house. Curtis freaked out over it. He loved it, but as you can see the kitten didn't love him.

Can you see the fear in this poor cat. His hair is standing up on end. Poor Curtis loved it.

Halloween, Pumpkin Carving

2011-03-02T11:24:00.007-07:00

My husband is amazing! We aren't real artist in our family, but he is very creative. He took pumpkin carving to the next level. We didn't get any pictures with him and his work.

Curtis had just carved pumpkins at school. He thought he was a pro. He wouldn't accept help from anyone. It was a long night cleaning his out. I loved his look of determination.

Abby wanted to do hers all by herself too. She wasn't as excited though.

Jared didn't want to touch his. We almost didn't get a picture. Then Mark took over...

We had to pay Jared a lot of candy just to put it on his head. This is Jared the pumpkin head.

Abby

And Curtis

The finished projects.

Everyone by there pumpkins.

School Halloween Party

2011-02-23T18:21:00.005-07:00

The kids school has a Halloween party every year. It was so much fun. Each classroom has an activities. The kids earned tokens in each room and turned them in for prizes.

This one the kids had to rub the elephants belly and he shot out a token from his trunk. Curtis really loved this.

No party would be complete with out a cake walk. Abby was a butterfly this year.

Jared was Iron Man.

Curtis digging in stuff to find bugs.

Jared taking his turn.

This one you stick your hand up a nose and put your hand in some green goo and find your token.

Abby taking her turn.

Curtis is about to gag. Some one is putting the token out of the nose.

I just made Curtis try cotton candy. He was really mad at me. He didn't want to try it.

Curtis showing off his new found treat.

Curtis's big 03

2011-02-11T08:34:00.004-07:00

Curtis turned 3. It was such a fun day. I love this age because this is when my kids really started to understand it was their birthday. They get so excited. Curtis was so excited. Mark's parents came from Utah and my mom came. It was a work weekend at my dad's ranch so he was gone. We had homemade tomato basil soup and a grill cheese bar. We had many different types a things to go on the "grown-up" grill cheese. Curtis is REALLY into sports. Anything with a ball he loves. I made him a football cake.

The cake. We had teddy grams with the team colors on . I even put the numbers on their shirts. The football is a jelly belly.

Curtis blowing out his candles.

Curtis opening the present from Gordon and Lynette.

Curtis with Grandma Lynette showing off his new puzzle. It is a magnet tow truck that pulls the cars out of their spot. The cars have numbers on them. We can now tell Curtis to get the number 3 car and he will pull it out. He is so smart. It had to have come from me. ;)

Golf!!!

He is showing off his new toy.

He was nervous to open this one. Mark had to help.

He got really into it now.

He was so excited for this. It is Better Batter Baseball from Grandma and Papa. He was so excited. Now I don't have to throw the ball to him all day.

A shirt from Abby and Jared. Sorry for the tomato soup down the face and shirt.

It was such a fun day. Curtis is an amazing little boy. We were so lucky to get him in our family. We love you Curty!

Homecoming/Cheerleading

2011-02-04T09:25:00.009-07:00

Abby was invited to join the ISU cheerleading in a homecoming float and half time show. She was very excited. Here are some pictures.

Abby on the float.

The float.

The boys watching the parade. The had tiger/bengal hats to show their school spirit.

We went to eat after the parade and Abby was showing off her moves.

Ready to go out for the half time show.

Getting lined up.

The only thing to make this better for Abby was that they danced to Justin Bieber.

Abby with one of the cheerleaders.

First Day of School

2011-01-30T12:47:00.001-07:00

New town, new school, and a new grade. Here are some first day of school pictures.

Abby by our front door.

Abby outside of her school.

Abby outside of her classroom. She is starting to get nervous, but trying to keep her cool.

Abby listening to her teacher.

Mark with Abby. He wouldn't let us take a picture of him on his first day of school. I guess he thinks he is too old for that.

Jared is so excited. He wont even look at me.

This is where I told him to look at me and smile. What a cute grin.

Jared in his classroom.

Ward Party

2011-01-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

When we moved to Pocatello our ward had an amazing ward party. The kids had so much fun. We had so much fun. It was the best thing to welcome us to a new area. We moved in right in time.

Curtis needed a swim toy for the pool. Too bad the swim toy took up the whole pool.

Abby and Curtis with their winnings from the cake walk.

The water slide. It went on for ever.

Jared lending his opinion on how to make the water go better.

Abby and Jared coming down.

Mark and Curtis.

Abby and Jared. Look at his smile.

Abby going down the zip line.

Abby after her ride. She loved it, I think.

Curtis eating his winnings.

Lessons

2011-01-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Mark was teaching Jared how to ride a bike without training wheels. It was really fun, but Jared doesn't want to ride a bike. Maybe next year. Here are some fun pictures.

After that the kids wanted to learn how to golf. Mark got the clubs out and let them take a few practice swings.

Jared is not a fan of golf. I think he was still frustrated from the bike.

Curtis thinks he is a pro. He is still waiting for his invite from PGA. He wasn't that bad for a 2 year old.

Abby has a good swing. Mark took her to an executive course a few days later. She really enjoyed herself.

Family Reunion

2011-01-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Hyde's were here from Maine. We tried to get all the Damon's together. Here are some pictures from the get-together.

Becky's girl

Betsey and Barbara

Keith, Becky, and David

Glen, Phil, and Christian

Marja playing ball with Curtis

Keith and Barbara have a great park by their house. This is where we met.

The Boys found a snake.

Curtis Damon getting the rocket ready to shoot off again.

Abby with Brogan

Kids playing.

Curtis got some one else to play baseball with him.

Abby and Anna, Betsey's girl. They had so much fun together. We will have to do it again soon.

4th of July

2010-10-11T12:35:00.000-06:00

I love the fireworks in Idaho Falls. Fourth of July just doesn't seem the same with out them. So, this year we headed up to Idaho Falls for some fun in the sun. Okay, it was cooler this year. It was a nice treat. Abby and Jared really didn't stay still for pictures but Curtis did.

Curtis and Grandma
The Goldman girls.

Curtis and Papa.
Curtis didn't care about the fireworks. He loves getting his picture taken.

Steel Days 2010

2010-10-11T11:54:00.000-06:00

Our annual Steel Days run. This time Mark and Gary ran in it.

Mark giving the kids high fives.

Mark's finish.

The kids before the run.

Curtis didn't like the crowd. Mark is trying to calm him down.

It didn't work.

Abby and Jared before they start.

Abby and her cousin at the finish.

End of the School Year

2010-10-11T11:22:00.000-06:00

Abby's class program.

Abby and her best friend.

Abby's dance festival.

Jared eating his picnic lunch and the dance festival.

Jared's class program.

Jared with his teacher. She was the best ever. We loved her.

Jared with his great grandma. She is 96 and made it to his show.

Jared on his last field trip for preschool.

Jared and his best friend. I don't know who the girl is.

Easter

2010-10-11T10:24:00.000-06:00

The Robinson/Jensen family has a tradition where we go to Grand America and have a tea party with the easter bunny. It is only for the girls.

Abby on the Easter Bunny's chair.

All the little girls.

Abby was having digestive problems at this time so they made her a special glutin free menu. They hollowed out strawberries and bananas and filled them with a sweetened peanut butter.

All the girls.

Abby and I

Abby with her great grandmother and grandmother.

Abby at Grand America.

Abby

Mark with the kids on Easter.

Abby, Curtis, and Jared.

My boys. Yes, they are brothers and yes, they have the same dad. I have been asked.

Abby

2010-09-11T22:52:00.001-06:00

Abby has some digestive problems. Here doctor wanted to look around. We went from major problems to minor. It turns out her body doesn't produce all the digestive enzymes. She is doing great now. She had it done at Primary Children's Hospital. I loved it there. Here are some pictures before it was done.

Abby right after she got dressed.

They had a game to play while she waited. You stepped on images and they would move.

Playing with Mark before she went under.

I couldn't get a good picture. It was 6 am no one would be serious.

Family Sledding

2010-09-11T22:19:00.000-06:00

Once a year the Robinson Family plans a sledding day. It is so much fun. The day we went it was very warm and perfect. Here are some picture. I figured I better get these up before it snows again.

Here is the crew before they started.

Here is the hill at Soldier Hollow. They have a tow rope take you up. It is great.

Abby just finished her ride.

Curtis playing in the snow.

The boys ridding up.

Curtis wondering what he got himself into.

09 Birthdays and Jared's

2010-07-23T09:23:00.000-06:00

We are going to lump all the birthdays together this year. I hope I will do better next year.

Mark's big 31. We had both his grandma's over.

We had a small party for Curtis and my dad's ranch.

Curtis' birthday at home. I made a strawberry short cake snake. The kids loved it.

Curtis opening presents.

Abby's 7th. She wanted a big girl cake this year.

You can never go wrong with a barbie for her.

Abby's friend party.

Kids loved the Luau theme.

Jared's Birthday. We did a transformer cake.

Jared's friend party.

This is what you do when you have a January Birthday. An outside pinata doesn't work.

The boys from the party. It was a crazy few hours, but we had fun.

Daddy Daughter Date

2010-07-17T09:30:00.001-06:00

Abby's school had a Daddy Daughter Dance. Abby was so excited. Mark was the perfect date. He got her a corsage. They went to the dance and dinner. Abby said it was the best night of her life.

Apple Picking

2010-06-22T15:27:00.000-06:00

We found a orchard in Sandy to go apple picking. The kids had so much fun and I made lots of apple sauce. Here are the pictures.

Mark and Curtis starting us off. Curtis is in for a ride not picking.

Jared found a great tree. As you can see Mickey was helping too.

Abby just wanting her picture taken.

Abby wanting another picture. She did pick a lot of apples too.

Me cleaning this tree off.

The family with the apples.

Grandpa Darrell

2010-06-22T15:22:00.000-06:00

The boys and I went to put a fall wreath on Grandpa Darrell's grave. It was such a pretty day. I had to get picture.

The First Day of School, 2009

2010-06-22T15:14:00.000-06:00

This is not a year old yet so I am still posting. This is my justification for not journaling. Now, I have to update it.

Abby's first day of first grade.

Abby is getting on the bus.

Jared off to preschool.

Jared going into school

Summer Hikes

2010-06-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite summer activities is going on hikes. We are lucking that we live 10 minutes away from great places that are kid friendly. Here are some of the pictures from last year. Sorry, still catching up.

Abby and Jared on the bridge.

The family

Kid rock climbing.

Curtis getting a ride for the end of the hike.

Doing Jobs

2010-06-14T18:13:00.000-06:00

I think it is so good to have the kids help with work. Mark thinks that if we make the jobs fun they kids will want to do them. We pretend to fight over cleaning the bathroom. They love to clean the bathroom now. Score for me. Here are some pictures.

Curtis hopped in to clean the tub while I clean the sink. I had to get a picture.

He really thought he was working even though there was nothing on the rag.

Abby wanted me to get a picture of her.

Steal Days

2010-06-14T17:56:00.000-06:00

Last year we ran in the American Fork Steal Days race. The kids had so much fun.

The kids before the race.

The kids and I before the race.

The kids after the race with their cousin.

Abby and Jared with her running coach. Abby does running school in the summer. It is two days a week and the keep track of the kids miles. When they hit 26.2 miles (a marathon). They get a shirt that says I ran 26.2 miles this summer. She is doing it again this year.

Jared hold Curtis' trophy. He came in 4th in his age division. Abby and Jared were so sad they didn't get a trophy. Curtis's became the family one.

Jared holding the trophy high. He was so proud.

Abby with the family trophy.

Curtis eating the trophy. We told him it was to look at not eat.

Curtis looking at his trophy.

4th of July

2010-06-14T17:33:00.000-06:00

We went to Idaho for the 4th. We had so much fun. Here is some of the pictures.

Curtis checking out the lobster before dinner.

Abby being brave. My mom flew the lobsters in from Maine. The kids loved it. Jared loved it from a distance.

Abby at the river before the fireworks.

Jared checking out the ducks.

Curtis by the river.

Curtis

Abby and Jared

Mark and Curtis watching the fireworks. Yes, he is wearing Abby's clothes.

Jared watching fireworks.

Mommy and Curtis

Abby and the Goldman girls, cousins.

Last Years Graduations

2010-06-14T17:11:00.001-06:00

I have been horrible at blogging. It is time to get better. It has been so long that I don't know where to start. I couldn't leave out last years graduation.

Jared's preschool did nursery rhymes for the end of year program. He was humpty dumpty. I loved the costume that I made for him.

Abby's class did an end of the year dance festival. They did splish splash.

Back to School

2010-05-28T17:27:00.000-06:00

Mark got into the MBA program at ISU. We are really excited. It looks like we are moving back to Idaho. We should have an internship in Washington DC next summer. We are really excited for the new adventure in our lives.

I have so many things to post, but I have lost the cord to my camera. I will try and find it. So much is going on with us and I really need to update this.