Kristin and Alyssa

Engagement

2012-01-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

Spencer and I got engaged on December 26th. So excited. We went and took some pictures with the kids for our announcement and they turned out really good (thank you Amanda).

BSU Game

2011-12-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

We had a great time going to the last BSU game of the season. Very cold but all our fingers and toes are intact. Next year maybe we'll have to hit one earlier on when it's a little warmer.

Twin Falls-Temple

2011-05-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

A few more gems from Twin Falls

And a little more from Twin Falls

2011-05-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

For some reason I was nervous all day climbing the cliffs. This was the picture I took of Spencer to make sure I had one just before he plumeted to his death. Luckily this did not happen...that would have been very horrific. The cliffs were pretty impressive.

More from Twin Falls

2011-05-23T20:22:00.001-07:00

This was a falls in the Canyon. We wanted to see if we could get a good picture up close of the pool below. So we headed up the hill, hiking up to get a closer view.

I took the round about way and Spencer headed straight up the hill. I got up and was waiting for him to arrive. The funny part was we hiked up to the top to find we ended up at the road and could have just parked and ended up in the same spot :O) We got some good exercise though.

Twin Falls

2011-05-23T20:10:00.001-07:00

Had a great weekend this weekend. Spencer and I went to Twin Falls and visited Shoshone Falls, the temple and the park down the canyon. It was so nice to be away from real life and take a small break.

The Bridge

The Golf Course in the Canyon

Shoshone Falls

It's Been a While

2011-03-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

I was thinking the other day how I miss reading everyone's blogs and getting updates that way...it seems facebook has become the new blog but I don't like it as much. I just had my computer crash and I am praying that I didn't lose all the data on it cause I of course procrastinated and didn't get that external hard drive to safe everything on and all my pictures are on that thing....I've going to be so sad if it's all gone. All the other crap I can deal with but pictures tell the story of my life and they help bring back memories. I am hoping they are still there and I need to get out and get that external hard drive so next time it happens and you know it will I will be ready and not so stressed.

DECEMBER 2010

Well it's been since August that I updated my blog and not a whole lot has happened as far as big exciting trips and such but we did have a wonderful Christmas. Everyone except for Randy (as he was out serving our country under the ocean) came to Idaho for Christmas and Nick's homecoming. It was awesome and every time we get together I am reminded of just how awesome my family is and how much I love them and am so glad mom and dad had lots of kids so I could have lots of built in friends and people that love me. We took family pictures and need to figure out a good way to photoshop Randy in there so we are complete. We had lots of fun while everyone was here. We played tennis, basketball, Doug put together a minute to win it competition which was great until Keegen fell off the stage and broke his collar bone, games at home, talks, lights at the botanical gardens...we had lots of fun and it always goes so fast. It wasn't too bad saying goodbye this time cause we all knew we'd see each other the beginning of February for Ryan and Haley's wedding.

WORK

I was asked at work to take a new position. It's always a little scary and intimidating to take a new job but after much consideration and talks with many I decided it sounded like something new and challenging but would also give me more time at home to be mom (much to Alyssa's dismay, it's funny how they get older and don't want you around). I started the job I think the end of January and it's been going pretty good. It's kind of nice only working 40-45 hours a week and I've actually cooked a few meal now days...been out of practice for a while.

BEST THING IN 2010

One day while I was at the store getting some eggs and milk I was on my way back to my car not really paying attention cause it was a nice sunny day in July and I was feeling pretty good when a rogue shopping cart apparently was headed straight for me. Out of no where this incredibly handsome and strong man runs straight at the cart and moves it away just as it was about to hit me. As I heard the commotion and turned around I lost my balance and started to fall....fell right into the arms of my hero. It was amazing and one of those stories that no one would believe if it hadn't actually happened to me.

I am a terrible writer, even worse story teller and even worser (yeah I know it's not a word but it should be) liar. So now for the truth.

I met Spencer last July and am extremely happy. The story is a little different yes but he still is my hero. He makes my world a better, happier place and I am lucky to have met him. As far as details...those are for my journal and for my eyes only. :O) As Alyssa says "Aren't we cute"

That the last few months in a glance. I decided I need to get some of my thoughts and updates on here so when my computer goes down hopefully blogspot will not and I'll have some memories left

Halloween

2010-10-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

Truck or treating (my beautiful cowgirl daughter)
This one was for Ryan and Nick....it was the only thing we had to put on Max. Not to worry he only wore it for the picture.
Pumpkin Carving
Made it through one more Halloween. YEAH!!!

Picture Session with the Tolmans

2010-10-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we took the kids to get some pictures of them..here are a few from the session. We went to mom and dad's house...they have a beautiful pond and island.
OK so Cailah was quite the poser for the picture..turning with those eyes and tushy sticking out. I tried, obviously she does it much better than me. :O)
Trust me she had her tushy sticking out. I'm not sure why Al decided to get mine in the picture and not Cailahs....her's was a lot cuter. :O)

Alyssa 9th Grade

2010-09-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this I was slightly disturbed because to me she looked too old to be my daughter....it happened so fast.

Another Greenbelt Walk

2010-09-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we went for a walk on the greenbelt again. I love it, it is just nice a relaxing and someone peaceful except for the part when Alyson went screaming and running across the bridge....she's crazy!!! To bad I didn't capture that on film. Here's some that I did although my camera didn't seem to want to focus much.

Dad's B-Day

2010-09-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

We got to have dad here for his b-day this year. Here are a few pics. I feel an explanation of the tie is in order. Abby made that for him for fathers day and so he wore it for his party...it rocked.

Visit to Oregon - Eagle Creek Hike

2010-08-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

We made a quick trip to Oregon and had a lot of fun despite my bad attitude at the beginning. It was kind of hard to go but glad I did. Here are a few shots from our hike at Eagle Creek...still love it!! I'll get some more up later.

Day 3 - Magic Kingdom

2010-08-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

I give up. I tired to get these uploaded in the right order but they are driving me crazy so just enjoy the chaos.

Here we are getting ready to enter another 3D movie. They were great....they involved all the senses, touch, smell, sight, and sound...I think they were Alyssa's favorites.

Swiss Family Tree House...I still think it would be fun to live in that house.

Disney's electrical parade. This was very fun. The music made me want to dance.

Day 3 of the trip Day 2 of the amusement parks. We are off to the Magic Kingdom

I'm pretty sure we were pirates in these pictures. Hard to say we were a lot of things this trip. :O)

It truly was a magical place. Very fun and entertaining. The best part I think of the firewords display at the end. I love when they put firewords to music. Plus they had the fairies from sleeping beauty talking, captain Hook, and at the end Tinker Bell came flying out of the top window of the castle. We actually watched this show three different nights from different areas in the park.

Day 1 Continues

2010-08-14T13:40:00.001-07:00

As we drive up to the resort we are stopped by a police road block, guns drawn. Where did mom and dad send us? Luckily there was another enterance and we are not scared of a little gun fire, we are on vacation and will not be deterred.

Breakfast is never free......there is always a catch. So after sitting through a sales pitch we were off. Yes we managed to say NO!!!

Florida Vacation

2010-08-14T12:15:00.001-07:00

The internet here is terrible but as I am sitting here on my last day of vacation I thought I'd try and get some pictures of from our trip.

Breakfast at Waffle House (we went even after the warning not to go from Clifton) after arriving in Florida at 5:30 in the morning...not too shabby for pulling a all nighter.

First stop after picking up Jaime was Krispy Kreme (I probably spelled that wrong :O) ) Rule #1 of Diana's vacation tips. If you see it and you want it or want to do it then you need to do it. So as we drive by Krispy Kreme Randy put that rule in effect and quickly pulled over....sad that the hot light wasn't on but that's ok.

Walk-Greenbelt

2010-04-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

Apparently I uploaded these pictures and never posted them so they are out of order but here you go.

We love walking on the greenbelt, riding on Grandpa's shoulders when we are tired, or riding a bike as the case may be.

Moving Day

2010-03-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Well moving day is Saturday. Mom and dad brought my fridge up this weekend along with my blinds....they are both beautiful. I've got to get things cleaned up and odds and ends done. Busy busy....I'll be posting my all done finally pictures soon. Mike got my steps in and they are beautiful. I'll try and post a picture of those tomorrow.

My Heavenly Father Loves Me..He loves all of Us!!!

2010-02-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

Nick wrote a nice letter this week and it got me thinking that I should probably focus on more things in my life than work and the house. I thought I'd share a thought I had the other week. I hope I worded it to get my message across...sometimes I'm not that good with words. I was going to have my paper editor (Alyson) edit it but it seemed silly so here you go.

A few weeks ago mom and dad were down for the weekend to help me with the house. As they were leaving we were giving our good-bye hugs and dad started telling me how happy he was that I got this house and that I really deserved it (something to that effect) he said it with emotion and tears in his eyes (he was a little emotional that weekend I’m not really sure why). Anyhow it touched me as I was giving him a hug goodbye and truly felt that he was so excited/happy for me.

The next morning on my way to work I had the radio on and this song came on. As this song was playing I was singing along like I always do and I just started bawling. I’ll let you read the lyrics and then I’ll explain where the bawling came into play.

Artist: Jason Michael Carroll lyrics
Song: Hurry Home lyrics

He's been sitting by the phone since she left
But it's time for work and he just can't be late
So he grabs his old guitar
And he plays a couple bars on the machine
And then he softly sings

Chorus
It doesn't matter what you've done, I still love you
It doesn't matter where you've been, you can still come home
And honey if it's you, we've got a lot of making up to do
And I can't hug you on the phone, so hurry home

Well the message light was blinking when he got back
It was an old friend calling cause he just heard the news
He says Man I hope you find her
If I see her I'll remind her that her dad is worried
And want her to know

Chorus
It doesn't matter what you've done, I still love you
It doesn't matter where you've been, you can still come home
And honey if it's you, we've got a lot of making up to do
And I can't hug you on the phone, so hurry home

Well the days dragged by without a word from her
And it looked like she might not be coming back
People said man don't you think it's time to take that old message off
He said no, you never know when she might call

She was just outside a bar in New York City
Her so-called friends had left her all alone
She was scared he wouldn't want her
But she dialed up that old number and let it ring
And then she heard him sing

Chorus
It doesn't matter what you've done, I still love you
It doesn't matter where you've been, you can still come home
And honey if it's you, we've got a lot of making up to do
And I can't hug you on the phone, so hurry home

He walked in just in time to hear her say
Dad, I'm on my way

I have always had a testimony of our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ for as long as I can remember. I have always known that they love me. Right after my divorce when I moved back home Alyson had a picture of Christ up in our room (the Gentle Healer…my personal favorite). This picture gave me a lot of strength and comfort on those days when I felt so awful. The first time I had a really strong experience and received without a doubt a testimony that my Savior knows me personally and knows the trials and feelings I am going through was after my divorce and I had moved to Portland. I went down there the first week by myself and left Alyssa home so I could find daycare and get things set up. I had never felt so alone and in total despair…it is hard to describe the place that I was in but it wasn’t good. When I would remember that picture I felt his love and that despair lessened. Each day it got better and better as I truly felt his love and empathy for me. Although I have always had a testimony it is always hard to really apply my love for dad and his love for me to my love for my Heavenly Father and his love for me. My dad on this earth is tangible..he is and has always been there for me, it is hard to feel the same with something not tangible. As I was thinking about the lyrics of this song on my way to work I had a moment when the connection came to me so clearly and I was really able to feel and apply the love I share with my earthly father to that of my Heavenly Father. I know that no matter what choice I make in this life dad will welcome me with open arms. I know that he is always cheering and praying for me and that it is the same with our Father in Heaven.

No matter how poorly I do at doing everything I am suppose to do I can always do better and that my Father in Heaven will be just like dad…crying for me when I receive my home in heaven.

Bring On the Carpet

2010-02-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

Well after many long months...we finally made it. We are ready for the carpet. I went over last night and took some pictures of the rooms that will be getting carpet. Here they are before.

Then I was suppose to go over today and take some picture of the rooms after the carpet installation. Well I got distracted with the kids. They were so excited to see the carpet we all went over there and had some fun. They ran around with their shoes off.

Then the slid down the stairs in a train.

After the kids slid down they wanted Al and I to do it. So I "thought" she was going to do it with me and so I slid down and next things I know she lets go of my feet and down and I. I look up and she's just laughing at me. :O) or with me however you want to look at it. :O)

Braydon spent his time being a boy. I'll let the video speak for itself.

Another Weekend of Work

2010-01-19T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well this weekend mom and dad came up again to work on the house again....aren't they awesome.

The laying of the cork flooring
In an effort to be a Boise State supporter we got orange duct tape to use with the blue quiet walk. Al wanted to have her name somewhere in my house so she duct taped her name to the quiet walk, mom altered it to make it work for Alyson, Mom, and Alyssa's initials.
The hard wood is started...isn't it so pretty...I LOVE IT!!! It is turning out just like I imagined. YEAH!!!! Now if I could figure out why I'm getting spots in my pictures. :O)
The Master Tiler at work.... isn't see doing awesome. It looks so good.
Alyssa's bathroom
My Bathroom
Check out those cuts...perfect. :O)

Fun Colors and Cute Nieces

2010-01-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures I took tonight of the house so you can see my fun colored walls. It's starting to feel like my own house. I put the cute nieces in there just for fun. :O)

My room. I painted one wall chocolate brown...it seriously felt like I was just painting melted chocolate on my wall. I had to tell Alyssa to quit licking it. JK

Alyssa's Bathroom. The other three walls are a yellow color

Most of the living areas are the green (you can see the yellow from Alyssa's bathroom on the right of this picture)
I've done pretty well at picking colors for the house but the bane of the color palette has been the den. I wanted a red but the first red looked like it was a slaughter house. OK at first it did it did look better with a few coats. The second red just wasn't working for me. So I just decided to change and go with orange. I haven't seen the finished room yet since Alyssa and Sara finished it tonight while I was playing with the nieces and nephews and making dinner. It should be fun to see it tomorrow. It was fun to let Delayna and Cailah have a little fun with the orange paint brush on the red wall.

Operation Paint Continues

2010-01-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it is so much fun up there but it's seems to be. :O) Actually the worse place to try to clean and paint...such a pain.

And the color transformation begins

I was downstairs working and I hear Ryan saying, "Um Kristin can you come here and look at this" When I went up to see what he messed up on, since that is what it sounded like I found this on the wall. (JK=Just Kidding) He was rather impressed with himself for keeping a straight face...I was impressed also. Then he posed for it afterward.

Apparently I need to clean my camera lens but at least you get the idea of how it's coming.
Mike and Dad laying down felting for the wood floors. Yep we are ready for them...bring on the wood.
The girls really really wanted to help paint so they come over and did some painting...Yes I let them put their initials on the wall. Now I have Ryan's, Randy's, Abby and Cailah's initials underneath my paint.

Mom got one of the bathrooms done...with tile in. It's looks fantastic... I love it.

This basement bathroom had a hideous light fixture. The wavetron or something like that Randy called it. Anyhow when he was out at shopping he bought me a light fixture which was pretty gutsy thing to do but he did well. He just said he big one of the two he saw that weren't hideous. It's always good to narrow it down. He told me he found it at a really great price for me....free...because he wouldn't tell me how much he paid for it. He tends to do things like that when he is on vactation. It looks really good in my ocean feel bathroom.

A Break From Work

2010-01-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

We did take a few breaks from working and played some games. Dad looks like he is asleep but really he was just focused.

This video is particularly posted for Doug's enjoyment. I'm not sure if you will be able to hear what was so funny but let me just say it was left over passing from Thanksgiving. I think Alyson almost had stress incontinence. :O)

Cleaning Phase Complete...Operation Paint in Progress

2010-01-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Randy painted the ceilings in my bathroom

"As they say in the Navy, if it's painted it's clean"...I guess that goes for Randy also.

Yes it's looks like a construction site. Here we are about to attempt to spray the ceiling. Randy is doing the final preparations.

I was busy cleaning doors when Randy comes in and say...."we're going to need all the rags you've got...dad's going crazy with the sprayer" LOL We didn't move fast enough in covering up things..by the time we got the the family room the mantle was covered in white. It was pretty fun and came clean. We had to run to Alyson's house for masked so we could breath.

I'm not sure if most of the painted ended up on dad's face for the ceilings. That had to not be fun for him....I appreciated the sacrifice.

The Troops Arrive for Christmas

2010-01-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

My Christmas present to everyone was to buy this house so that we could spend quality time with each other working on it. As evidenced by the picture below.....how often do mom and dad get to spend quality time like this together. :O) This is why they have been married so long....they are willing to spend two days helping each other fix each other mistakes....no need to go into detail but let me just say they are awesome and I really appreciate their help.
Demolition...of course nothing is as easy as it seems. The kitchen floor was raised because it had linoleum in the kitchen and carpet in the rest. I decided to hard wood the whole level...causing demolition day. Luckily Randy was only sick for a few days and was my demolition man along with Mike.

Ryan...what more can I say. :O) I actually am not sure what he was doing right here but he made it through a sickness and helped out a bunch also. Despite his desire to see his lady :O)

And the cleaning is almost finished. This was the last room to be cleaned and I was sooooooo very ready for it to be done. It's so much more fun to paint . Wait until you see the before and afters. I think it's going to be great.
No I'm not above child labor....at least I provided safety goggles.
Cailah wanted to get involved with the demolition. She removed all the remaining staples from my closet floor and swept them up.

Mom was very helpful when she wasn't hiding up on top of my walls just lounging there.

Alyssa in an effort to avoid cleaning which I can't say I blame her scraped the linoleum floor off the laundry room floor preparing it for the tile.

Grandma's B-Day and Tree Decorating

2009-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Although I didn't get any pictures of her cake we did in fact celebrate mom's b-day at our house. It was fun to have mom and dad here, we got to play some games, eat cake, and decorate the Christmas tree.

Delayna spent more time dancing then decorating and she did teach dad a few moves...it was very cute. She loves her Grandpa.

Mom and Dad Visit

2009-12-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

I got lucky because mom and dad decided to come up on Sunday for mom's b-day and stay Monday and help me with the house. We got a lot done...a lot more to do but it is looking sooo sooo sooo much better. Amazing what clean walls will do.
Oh if only you had seen the stove before we cleaned it...holy moly. After pulling out the stove and seeing what was under it we decided it was nice that we were replacing the floor because we just cut that piece out and threw it away.... and the stove looks brand new now. YEAH!!!! Mom and I spent all day in the kitchen and no it wasn't done but every inch of that room was scrubbed and wipe with disinfected over and over again. The lazy Susans (aka Helpful Heidi's) were removed scrubbed and painted and look brand new. So fun to see if now.
Alyssa and Sara showed up after school to help out a bit.
Dad getting all the measurements for me so I can start ordering things. That should be fun...I'm so good at making decisions.

Work Day One

2009-12-01T21:25:00.001-08:00

My Enthusiastic teenage help.....Alyssa's friend Sara has been very fun in sharing Alyssa's excitement...at the moment she intends on helping us get the house done. They were ready to go today so in an effort to not scare them away at the beginning I gave them some fun jobs to do. All of the outlet/light covers are removing bagged and labeled. The doors are off and ready to clean and paint....and the last thing we did before we left was start the bug bombs. I didn't really see many spiders but they are always hiding and I figured now is probably a good time to do it.

We Finally Did It!!!

2009-12-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

We closed on our house yesterday!!! YEAH!!! It feels like it has been a long time coming...(FYI Molly I actually didn't buy a house in hopes that I would follow your example and find a nice man afterwards...I figure we both can't be that lucky :O) Although I tell you what... after thinking of all the work I need to do it wouldn't be a bad plan to have one around :O)

Here's an outside shot...yeah it's from this summer but I didn't get an outside shot yesterday because it was dark when we got the keys. I am taking lots of picture so I can remember when I am done with all the work just how much I did and how much more fantasmigorical (that word is for Nick) it is. I know these aren't probably the most exciting pictures but they are going to be our story so here you go.
Yesterday morning I did the final walk through and signed the papers, then went to work to help with end of the month stuff. And as always when I go in on my day off to help I end up getting stuck longer than intended, it's always hey Kristin could you draw some blood before you go...we just got three admits can you put the orders in to the computer before you go...so about 2:45 when Alyssa was out of school I got a phone call, "WHERE ARE YOU? DO YOU HAVE THE KEYS? I WANT TO SEE MY HOUSE" Yeah she was excited.

My Realtor called and said he'd drop the keys off a little after six...about 15 after I thought Alyssa was going to lose it.

We finally got he keys and headed over to take a look. It turned out that every time I had gone to look at it she was in school so she actually never saw the inside until the house was ours.

First time in the house...and yes the lock box is still on there...they need to get it off.

Yes she really was that excited....it was so fun walking around with her...

Welcome to our home

The Living Room (Even though there are no doors aka walls like at mom and dad's home this will be the quite room...no w) :O)
The Dining Room (Sorry Max...they took the doggy door)

Kitchen (Yeah it's small we'll have to have the big family meals at Alyson's house)

Family Room

Study

Basement Bathroom

Stairs going up

Alyssa's Bathroom
Alyssa contemplating how she is going to decorate the bathroom

Alyssa's Bedroom

Guest Bedroom
Master Bedroom and Bath

Alyssa coveting my closet

Laundry Room

Garage
For those of you wondering and I'm sure there are some of you :O) I have not been able to try the u turn in the 3 car garage yet because there has been garbage in the garage but I will let you know how it turns out :O)

I had to take close ups of some of the yuckiness so I can really really appreciate out job when it is done. I have to tell you though this a good teaching experience. I've already been able to talk to Alyssa about why it really is important to keep the house clean.

This one just doesn't capture the depth of dust accumulated up here

I hate and I know that's strong word but I really do hate sliding shower doors...they are so gross and hard to clean even when you try and take care of it...this one is leaving us.

Pre-Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

Although I didn't get to be with everyone for Thanksgiving I did get to see most everyone a few days before. I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures....I'm hoping I will get some sent to me from others that snapped some pictures....Here are a few I did get

As much as I hate to admit it...yes he beat us playing dominoes.

Mom and Dad brought some entertainment for the kids to play while at Grandma's house...it was very smart.

Delayna's Party

2009-11-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

Here's what Delayna was doing while the rest of the kids were having their lemonade shooter....isn't she cute (if you don't know what I'm talking about you will have to read my previous post)
I should let Alyson post these but then I'd have to transfer them to her computer and all that jazz so here you go.

OK so the party was a little late but she's two and doesn't know that difference. Since she asks for cookies everyday Mike made cookies instead of cake.

Pre Delyana Party Party

2009-11-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

There was some debate between Mike, Al and I as to whether or not it would be a good idea to post this video. I decided that since it was my daughter that was the teacher in this instance it was ok for me to decide to show it. OK I have to admit I laughed and laughed when I came out and found them doing this. I'll just show you the video and then I'll explain because yes there needs to be an explanation to go along with it. I came up with all sort of clever and funny ways to present this to everyone but I think I'll just let the video do that talking.

Mike, Al and I were in my room chatting and the kids had decided it would be fun to play that they had a restaurant named ABC's. They would come in and ask us what we'd like and then bring it in. We had roasted marshmallows, water, toasted surprise, etc.... After we were done talking we when out to the family room to find the restaurant had been turned into a bar and the kids were now having Vodka shooters. :O) After laughing hard. I asked where they got that idea. They said they had seen it on tv. Just so you know I have explained that it isn't lemonade they are drinking when they do that and it probably isn't a good idea to pretend to do that anymore. I guess it's equivalent to the candy cigarette we use to want as a kid because the really cool white puff that would come out of it.

OK I'm still laughing and crying...what a good parent I am and I'm sure Mik and Al are grateful to have us around to be such good examples to their kids. :O)

After all of this Alyson tells me the best part was that during Sunday school today they talked about how important it is to be careful what we let in our home...to be aware of what we are watching and letting our kids watch. Apparently I need to be out of primary and into Sunday school so I can learn these things...I must not be doing a very good job of it. :O)

Halloween

2009-11-01T21:05:00.001-08:00

Here's the crew plus a few friends!!

This year Alyssa and her friend decided to dress in 80's/punk. They had lots of fun planning and preparing. She looked pretty good with black hair.

Ward Harvest Party

2009-11-01T20:31:00.001-08:00

We had a very fun Harvest party at church a few weekends ago. The kids had lots of fun.

Mike and Cailah participated in the pie (whip cream) eating contest. It was very fun to watch. Cailah dug right in there. It only took a few washings to get the whip cream out of her hair...they need to remember to use the light whip cream. I guess only those of us who have actually had whip cream fights would know that.... :O)

Mike and our neighbor friend Josh were in the first group to go. Mike started off really careful then he just put his whole head in to remove some more cream...side note...that's a good way to get your head nice and shiny if you were to be Mr. Clean or something. :O)

After the pie eating contest the young men/women taught the Cotton-eyed Joe dance. I was sitting there and Braydon says to me...I think I know this one, we do it at school for morning movement. So he, Josh, and Abby get out there and just go to town. It was very cute.

Delayna took no time at all in getting out there and giving it a go....luckily she didn't get tackled. She cracks me up.

Colored Hair

2009-10-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Alyssa went a haunted house with some friends last friday night. She didn't end up having much fun and I ended up going to pick her and one of her friends up early which is alright and I'm so glad she is still willing to talk to me and not afraid to call when she is uncomfortable. Anyhow, they all had fun before and colored each others hair. When I saw her in the light of the house after picking her up it was one of those scary moments...there was not getting past it...she is a teenager. She looked very cute though. I didn't think to pull out the camera until after she laid down and she wouldn't get up and pose for me after that so these are the only pictures I could get.

Abby's B-Day

2009-10-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Abby had her birthday party yesterday. Here are some fun pictures from the party

Alyssa and I got her some matching shirts for each of the girls. Of course Braydon did not get one. After the party Braydon put one of the tank top shirts on. Try and pay attention to Mike in the background talking to Braydon it will be hard the first time because Braydon is so sticking funny.

Here's our little Delayna dancer

and our Cailah dancer

2009-09 Eagle Crest

2009-09-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

I taught Trevor how to get rid of his hiccups....they didn't stay away forever but it did work. All you have to do is plug your ears and take 10 drinks of water from a straw...I know sounds crazy but it works every time.

Of course we hit the putting course....I still love it. The first time I had my best round ever. No I didn't beat Trevor or Ryan. The second time I hit dad in the shin with a ball....yeah I was mad and didn't see him there. :O) OOPS

2009-09 Eagle Crest Metolus River

2009-09-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Mom, Bethany, Alyssa and I went to Sisters while the boys were playing golf and did some shopping. Then we headed out to see the Head of the Metolius River. The pictures don't really do it justice but it is really cool because the river just kind of runs right of from the side of a hill.

When we were in sisters a lady at a store told us about Camp Sherman. She said they had a fun store and it was beautiful and nice to just get a drink and sit. So we checked it out. It was beautiful and looked like a very fun place to camp.

Bethany sticking her feet in the water.

2009-09 Eagle Crest Hike

2009-09-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

It was Bethany's first time at Eagle Crest so for all of you that have been there this is the walk down by the river. It's always pretty and the weather was great.

We got to see some swans

Mom has more picture I hope to get from her to post.

Eagle Crest-Silver Falls

2009-09-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

The last full week of September Alyssa and got to go to Eagle Crest with Mom, Dad, Trevor, Bethany, & Ryan. It was tons of fun. Monday Ryan had to take the van full of his stuff to Corvallis so we went to Silver Falls. Alyssa did not want to drive that far so she stayed back at the condo. Silver Falls is as pretty as ever. There wasn't as much water running but still nice.

Ryan climbing anything he can

Isn't this a sweet picture of Ryan and Mom....LOVE IT!!!!

Trevor had the hiccups on and off for the whole trip. While we were at Silver Falls mom decided to try and scare them away. She tried the normal hide behind a tree and jump out and scare him. This never work....so she decided to try something a little more extreme. I'm not sure if this picture was before or after but look at how cute the tree of them look...now look behind them, there is a cliff and two bars....mom got right up to Trevor and started to shove him over the railing....ok we all know she would never really do it but she scared him alright. It was hilarious and scary at the same time...and no the hiccups didn't go away.

This is the video Ryan took after Mom tried to scare Trevor

Ryan's Passthrough to Utah Visit

2009-09-01T13:39:00.001-07:00

Ryan had a week of work off so we were able to convince him to come for a visit. On his way by to Utah for a few days he and Alisha (not sure if I spelled that right) stopped by for lunch and a short visit.

The kids told Ryan they had a song to sing for him outside (AKA Uncle trap...Trev knows of these :O) When he went out they threw some water balloons at him. Prior to this he knew they were up to some kind of mischief and he really didn't want to go outside to find out what it was. But being the fun uncle that he is he sucked it up and went. After all the whining about not being fun and not wanting to go out he ended up soaked to the bone and played for quite a while with the kids and the hose.

Of course in true Ryan/Nick fashion he had to do the run and leap over something to get the kids....it was very fun to watch.

Here's the leap

The jump

The tuck and role
The attack.....oh to be able to do that and not kill yourself. That use to be me....as evidence by my last trampoline flip...not me anymore.

Trev & Beth Visit

2009-09-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

The past two week have been loads of fun. First off Ryan had a week off of work so we were able to convince him to come for a visit. After a quick stop by for lunch and a few days later he and Alisha (not sure if I spelled that right) brought Bethany back with them to stay and play for the week...ok she worked, watched kids, dishes, etc.. but fun for us. The extra fun in having Bethany come was that Trevor had to come to pick her up and take her back so he came down for the weekend. It's times like this that I wish we all lived closer but at least we get to see each other when we do.

The first day of school was while Ryan and Bethany were here. We got a quick picture of all the kiddos before Alyssa headed off to her last first day of middle school (as Alyson so kindly put it). I think I'll move to Utah so she has one more last first day of middle school/Jr. High to keep her out of high school longer...I AM NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE A CHILD IN HIGH SCHOOL AND IT'S A LITTLE SCARY....when did that happen!!!! :O)
I had to include this just because she is cute. She LOVES this nightgown...she twirls around and says pretty...cracks me up.
After we got the kids off to school we took the two youngest ones at home to the greenbelt for a walk and to see the gucks. This served multiple purposes...1) to tire Delayna out so she would take a nap 2) To get a little bit of exercise and sun..both needed by me 3) the most important reason.....to get Cailah's backpack off her and keep her busy so she would sit down for the next 4 hours asking if it was time to go to the bus yet....she was just a little bit excited. By the way today as I was walking her to school she was telling me that she didn't understand why she could only go half days, that really bugged her.

Ryan and Alisha left Thursday and Trevor showed up Friday night. I actually beat him home from work. I need Bethany here more often. I was home on time and one day early the week she was here. That hasn't happened in I don't know how long.

Saturday we had lots of fun. First we went to the Discovery Center. When is this not fun. Al an I were very excited to watch Trevor play with all th exibits and he did not disapoint. It was very fun.
They got to do all the fun exibits we love the most.

Laying on a bed of nails.
Mensa station (ok I don't know what it is called but that's my name for it)
Mensa because can't you just see his brain working.
The most popular bubbles
The spinning wheel...a new favorite
Oh wait maybe this is the favorite...too many favorites, the shadow box
Air brake chair...doesn't he look happy
Not sure what this one was I think it has something to do with acoustics...sound waves And a little thong song for your enjoyment.

After we got done at the Discover Center or more like it closed not that we were done; we went and played on the paddle boats. It was tons of fun and wish we could have had them here longer.

WAHOOZ

2009-08-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Mike and Al were given four unlimited tickets to Wahooz from some neighbors. Yesterday Al and I got to take the kids...it was great fun. I think we hit the bumper boats at least 7 times, the race cars about 4, golfing twice and some games with tokens thrown in there also. It was lots of fun the kids were awesome.

Bumper boats

The first couple of times we went on the bumper boats Cailah rode with Al or I, after spinning around so much with her driving we were very excited when she wanted to try it out on her own. She did an awesome job and it was great fun. One time they didn't have enough room for all of us so we just let the kids go and it was great fun watching them attack each other. They were not shy and were not afraid to attack others out there...it was hilarious. We all were drenched. We alternated bumper boats and others things to keep us cooled down. It worked quite well. After riding it a few times one of the attendants asked Abby and Cailah if they knew the rules. They were able to tell them and got 25 tickets for being able to tell them. They were very excited.

Miniature Golfing

Mike, Al and the kids all golfed once while I was still at work but I got to go again with them later. Braydon was on fire. It's a good thing we decided not to keep score at the beginning because I'm pretty sure he kicked my hinny. He as on fire, birdie, par, birdie, par, hole in one...he walks up to one and says I'll probably get a bogey on this one...one happens...hole in one.

Look at that face. :O) Yeah I ran away
We mixed it up on different greens to add to the fun

Pool

Bowled on another

Backward shot on another
Braydon was being funny and trying to make it so I couldn't get his picture of him doing the backward shot...didn't work I got three of him :O)

Go Karts

We had lots of fun on the gokarts. I think everyone road with everyone. Braydon and Abby also did the kiddo ones by themselves. Braydon only wanted to do it once because the adult ones moved faster so he preferred to ride those with Al or I. Abby loved the other ones and rode them about 4 times. For all the Bell family...there were two tunnels in our race and yes...we yelled. :O)

Things I've Learned While Living With Delayna

2009-08-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Look at what Delayna taught me. :O) I know shocking. Isn't she stinking cute though.

Greenbelt bike trail with mom

2009-08-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Before floating the Boise we got up in the morning and went for a bike ride on the Greenbelt here in Nampa. It was lots of fun even though I couldn't get my teenager to come with us....shocking I know, teenagers aren't usually like that. :O)

We saw lots of "Gucks" and the weather was great. I wish we had made it down to the greenbelt in Boise but since dad is retiring mom and dad can come and visit and we'll do it another day.

By the end of the trip I was riding the bike with the baby and Cailah on the tag-a-long. I'm riding along wondering why on earth I am so tired and it is so hard to ride thinking it's not like were riding up to many hills. Come to find out the bike tire on the tag-a-long had gone flat and made it much harder. Luckily we were almost home so Cailah road on Abby's peg the rest of the way.

Floating the Boise

2009-08-09T15:38:00.001-07:00

We got to float the Boise last Saturday when mom was here. It was lots of fun. No injuries noted....one close call, one water snake, a raft with a slow leak (yeah Alyssa and I had fun with that :O), and one child that was sad after wards because she "didn't get to go in the water" (ok Cailah fell off her tube three times, laughed each time and I believe spent more time in the water than anyone else, but they didn't have time to jump back in the water while Mike and went to get the car and so hence the...I didn't get to get in the water comment and sad face, oh to have the perception, or reality as it may be of a child).

This trip Braydon just did a Nick, laid back on a tube attached to a raft and floated where ever the river took him. Alyssa and I laughed as the raft started to lose so much air we were pretty much floating with the life jacket. After enough fun with that Alyssa got a tube and one of the kids jumped in we me..and went I say jump I literally mean large leap...yes that would be Braydon he dive bombed my already sinking raft it was pretty funny. Then it just wan't hold up the two of us very well...we could not bail quick enough so I rode it for a while by myself...I tried folding it in half and using it like a chair but that work until I hit a rock so I dive bomged mom's raft and we had an interesting end to the float. So much fun. I want to do it again.

Next time we float I'm going to purchase a waterproof camera and get some action shots of falls and trees. For now though we just got a shot before the headed off. Thanks for Mike get the cars to and fro were much easier. Not so much fun for him but nice for the floaters.

Delayna is still too young to go but she practiced up in the garage.

8/1/09

24th of July Celebration

2009-08-09T15:22:00.001-07:00

This year our ward had a very fun 4th of July Celebration. Mike, Al, the kids, & I all rode our bikes down to the church. The primary sang songs, then they had a parade. The kids dressed their bikes up in pioneer style and road through the parking lot and back. It was very cute.

I had to take a picture of the Burke kids (Alyssa babysits them and Sis Burke is her Beehive Pres) and their bikes because they were soooo cute.

The bishopric pulled the hand cart. They must have spent an hour during the party pulling kids back and forward down the parking lot...and it was HOT outside. They were very fun.

Then the young men and young women had a tug o' war, well the young women plus the bishop. The boys decided to all let go at the same time and down the girls went. They all laughed and tried to do it to the boys but of course they were ready and it didn't work. In the end though the girls one. I'm not going to go into specifics like ratio because that just isn't the point. :O)

More fun Day's with the Tolman Kids

2009-08-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Early in July I took the kids on a short bike ride to see the "Gucks" (I love toddler talk). I think Alyssa was at Grandma's which is why she wasn't with me.

Then Mike dropped the kids and I at the zoo while he went to the Chiropractor. We had lots of fun riding the Carousel and seeing animals. I was smart this time and sent Delayna on the Carousel with Abby so I didn't have to go and get sick. I get smarter all the time. :O)

4th Of July

2009-08-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

For the 4th this year we went over to the neighbors for a barbecue and the best at home fireworks show ever. The neighbors had their own little fireworks stand at their house and let the kids like sparklers and some of the fireworks. Everyone had a great time and there was quite the show.

We learned a new fun way to do fireworks. They are great on the top of a ladder, you get the extra fall time and they are in the air more.

It's even more fun with the smoke bombs. They cover a lot more ground.

Alyssa's B-Day/Girls Camp

2009-06-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

We had a small little celebration for Alyssa for her b-day last night. We went out to dinner...Chinese, her favorite. Had some ice cream and watched a movie. Alyssa just headed out the door for girls camp for the week. She had a friend, Sara who stayed the night because her dad had to leave early this morning for work. They had a great time. Luckily I won't miss her too much while she's gone cause I'll be spending three of the four days at work.....today I am grateful for work. :O)

Here's a shot of my cutie just before she left...all showered and ready for 4 days without a shower. :O) The girls were informed that they couldn't take a shower while they were there. They don't know this but when the bishop heard there weren't showers he decided to secretly make them one. They are going to LOVE him....and I'm sure so are the leaders that are sharing tents with them. :O)

They were ready early so they did a little teter tautering (I have no idea how to spell that) before they left.

Fathers Day Campout

2009-06-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Finally blogging Father's Day weekend. Just a little late.

This past weekend we went to Red Bridge near Layman Hot Springs and camped out. Mom, Dad, & Ryan met us there. It was a lot of fun. I had to work Friday so Al and Mike took the kids down earlier and set up camp with mom, dad, & Ryan. I timed it perfectly...by the time I got there dinner was ready and the camp was all set up.

And away they go.
Yes...this is along side the road and yes...they couldn't wait any longer. :O) It happens.

Friday night Mike was in charge of dinner and we had yummy pulled pork, pork and beans, and corn on the cob. He topped it off with a birthday dutch oven peach cobbler...really really yummy. We had a little birthday party for Alyssa while mom and dad were there. She got the perfect gift for the weekend from mom and dad....a sleeping bag....and a very very cool one at that.

She got a camera from me so she can capture all off her fun memories. I am going to help her start up her own blog today. That should be fun so you can be entertained with the going on's from her perspective. I'm thinking it's a good way to get her to keep a journal since I haven't had much luck any other way yet. :O)

Saturday we had learning time. Al is in charge of this since she is the teacher. I believe their assignment was to write or draw about something in nature....look at the contemplative minds working. :O)

And Ryan trying to sneak a shot of learning time. :O)

Here's a little shot of man learning time....need I say more. :O)

Favorite pass time for the kids...baseball. We've got quite the little hitters with us.

Of course we had some fun horseshoe golf going on. A tie game between mom and Ryan was very exciting.

Abby was talking about how the smoke was in her face and it hurt her eyes...ok she was kind of complaining but that is annoying. I looked at her and said there is only one way to fix that. Of course everyone was expecting me to say move. However everyone knows the best way to fix that is the smoke dance...here's a little sample by Braydon.

For some reason this struck Alyson as quite funny...this is only a little clip of her laugh/snorting that followed.

Everyone enjoys a little Delayna video. I think it took a few days for her to come down off her sugar high.

If it doesn't get all over your face it just isn't a smore. I found my new favorite altered smore this weekend. Roast your marshmellow to brown perfection. Pull off roasted layer. Stick chocolate inside this layer...and eat your yummy melted chocolate and marshmellow perfection...just by pass the crackers...too messy. :O)

The many faces of Ryan.

Discovery Center

2009-06-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

Last Monday we went to the Discovery Center. We've been there lots times and the pictures are usually the same. I tried to get a few different ones this time.

Radio station in my head.

The Mensa station

Black Lights

Where did those heads come from?
We had lots of fun at the news station. Green screens are way fun.

The air blower....ok so I don't know what they called it but you'll get the idea with the video. Could be one of the favorites.

Old Voicemail

2009-06-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ryan I thought I'd post this just for you. I was just going through my music and found it. Ok it's not just for him....it's pretty funny if you just listen to it.

Enjoy!!!

Glitter anyone

2009-06-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I think the pictures speak for themselves....yeah she's exhausting...but really really cute. :O)

The Best Horses EVER!!!

2009-06-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Got to love the horses mom made for us all. The new line of them are still getting used.

Monday's Fun Filled Adventures

2009-06-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

This Monday we got up and did our chores. Then I took Alyssa, the Tolman kids, & two neighbor kids to the tennis courts for a little tennis. We came home, had lunch and reading time. Then got ready to head to the Boise river. We rode the greenbelt for about 3 miles, played at the park, and then headed to the zoo. We topped the night off with a ice cream cone. Alyson, Alyssa and I went fabric shopping for Alyssa to make some shorts...they turned out cute by th way. It was a very fun day and a successful one. I'm trying my best to make the most of my days off this summer.

I didn't take pictures of us doing our chores because well I figured that would be kind of boring.

We started off with the bike ride. Everyone that sees us pass make a double take and has a big smile on their face ...although I'd like to think it was me it's really because Delayna, Cailah, & Mike look so cute on their three seater...very fun.
In true Bell fashion we screamed while going through all tunnels. I though some of you might appreciate this video.

Then off to the park.
Next the zoo.
Since we go there quite a bit I was trying to get a few different shots this time. I wish I could have captured Delayna completely but I did my best. She was SOOOO excited about the Giraffes she cracked me up.

Caldwell Air Show

2009-06-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2009 This Saturday Alyssa and I and the Tolman kids went to the Caldwell Air Show. It wasn't like the Hill Field Air show they had with the really cool military planes but it was fun. They had sky divers and lots of planes doing tricks.

On the way there of course we were jamming out to Momma Mia...compliments of Ashlee, thanks again Ashlee. Here are a view wonderful clips from the gang....yes me included although it was really hard to keep me in...you'll see why. :O)

There was a lot of looking up and a little waiting.

I think we got there at the perfect time...just in time to see the skydivers. That was a favorite.

Faith

2009-06-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

When we were in Hermiston last time, mom and dad had the sister missionaries over for dinner. At the end they did a very fun object lesson. We did it with the kids last night.

The object lesson is on faith and the love of our Heavenly Father. What is it, where does it come from and why do we need it?

The Apostle Paul taught that "faith is the substance [assurance] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Alma made a similar statement: "If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21). Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever we work toward a worthy goal, we exercise faith. We show our hope for something that we cannot yet see.

I put a tower made out of paper on Alyssa’s hand.

Asking her what she knows about fire, of course she states that it burns things...if I lit the tower on fire in her hand it would burn her unless she moved her hand away. This is knowledge…she has knowledge from prior experience that when things are lit on fire they burn and that if she kept her hand there she would get burned. I then told her that I was going to light the tower on fire and she was not to move, no matter how close it got to her and how much she felt like it was going to burn her she was to have faith in me that she would not get burnt. So I lit the fire.

Now Alyssa had tremendous faith. She kept her hand still even when the flame was really really close to her hand and she could feel it. Like Paul’s teaching on faith, she had faith in me, she hoped the fire wouldn’t burn her and that I was honest in telling her it wouldn’t, she had never seen the fire just rise off her hand, but it was true…she didn’t get burned. We can liken this to having faith in our Father in Heaven and our Savior. He is there, even though we have not seen him with our eyes…he lives and is there. We must have faith in that.

We also need to remember that our Father in Heaven and Savior are there to help up. As life gets hard and things are tough we may feel that the fire is going to consume us at anytime…however, our Savior will lift and remove that fire from us. He keeps us from being consumed if we let me.

When we sin we may feel like the fire is consuming us….that there is no way out. We just need to remember that the Savior has already atoned for us. We just need to ask for forgiveness and repent and that fire will be lift up and extinguished and gone.

There are so many ways we can use this object lesson to teach but those were just a few of my thoughts.

Thanks again for the missionaries for sharing that will us….it was very cool.

Now for the disclaimer….I hope they don’t mind me sharing their secret but it is such a cool object lesson I feel bad keeping it hidden. The paper they used was a tea bag…it CAN NOT however be just any tea bag…they said it has to be Bigelow brand.

My magic pot

2009-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

I got a new pot to replant one of my plants in. I had no idea it was a magic pot. It not only attracted the cutest little plant but the plant potted itself....no hassle plant. Ok that's just silly after seeing the pictures it is definitely not a hassle free plant but still a really cute one.

Memorial Day at McNary Beach

2009-05-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

I didn't quite finish blogging our last weekend so I'm catching up today. Last Monday before we headed home we went out to McNary Beach and played in the water and ate some lunch. Alyssa invited two of her friends and had a blast. The funny part of the story is that the kids were wanting to go and as always we didn't quite have a plan and weren't sure what was going on. So they all got there swimsuits on, Alyssa called her friends and told them what time to meet us and they came down and told us we're going at 1230. Cracked me up. When I said to Alyssa you need to ask me before inviting friends she you said you guys can't make a decision so we "kids" decided to make it for you. :O) I had to laugh.

One of the big things I miss about Hermiston are the great friends Alyssa had...luckly she still has them. Alyssa, Kaitlyn, & Giselle (Sorry if I spelled your name wrong:O).
Their homemade hottub
The groupThe girls getting Ryan all wet.
Braydon
Abby
CailahSaying goodbye to GrandpaLately Delayna's fun thing has been the hello and goodbye wave and shout. She says it as you are walking by to head downstairs or coming up the stairs or back from work. Totally cracks me up. We caught a little footage of her before we left for the beach.

The water was very cold...I just didn't even take my suit so the kids wouldn't ask me to get in. I figured stand by life guard was good enough. Here are a few shots of the kids dunking themselves. I wish you could see Braydon's face....the look of shock and horror at the coldness his little body must have felt. In this video it looks like he's looking at the water and saying, "is that all you've got...and yeah I'm the man." I don't know.....something about it cracked me up probably because I saw his face.

Cailah was hilarious because she was the first to "dunk" herself....I'll let the video talk for itself.

The group did a dive for us.....Braydon wins the stayed under the longest award. He was also the first out but his little body just gets so cold.

Alyssa's Tennis

2009-05-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Alyssa played tennis this year, her first school sport. She is doing really well and loves to play which I love because we can do it together. She's going to pass me up pretty soon and start beating me. Here's her tennis team picture. She only got to play in a few matches this year but her record is 3-0. Not that winning is everything but it sure can be fun. :O)

Photo Shoot

2009-05-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

In preparation of the photo shoot/shoots we had this weekend, Randy & Ryan went outside with us and did some posing to find good places to take pictures. I'm not sure it actually helped we us looking at the background and figuring out good places because I was too distracted by the subject. I'm not sure that muscle posing and poppies are generally seen as a masterful combo but I enjoyed it. :O)

Sometimes you get the best pictures when you are just playing around. Aren't these sweet!!
I know Alyson already posted cute pictures of her kids on her blog....however, they are so stinking cute I wanted to brag about them on my blog. :O) I'll put a few different ones so it's not as boring. :O) Not that they can be boring because they are soooo stinking cute.
I LOVE mom & dad's poppies....aren't they beautiful....ok the kids are cute too. :O)
Al posted the picture of Delayna peeking out through the railing but what she did show you was this....aren't they cute.
Here's my beautiful girl. While we were taking these pictures and I was looking at her I felt like I was taking senior pictures....very scary.

All the kids together

Here are a few of my favorite Alyssa & I's family pictures. These were a lot of work...for some reason sometimes when I take photo's I don't look like myself....it is a very strange phenomenon but it's true, you can ask Al & Ry. :O) Anyhow here are a few of my favorites.
We had some problem with sunspots in our first photo shoot so Ryan came out and held an umbrella for us in the second to help avoid that. Of course he is a huge help if you want your photos' to be of you totally cracking up :O) I can't put all of them or the blog will be too big. :O)

The last photo shoot shot. Luckily dad walked out and we got him in it. I just noticed mom isn't in any of my pictures.....No worries I'll get you next time. :O) I was going to talk about how when dad went to get in the picture he fell backward while trying to sit down....but I know how we tease him all the time and I thought I'd give him a break. :O)

Weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Bell's

2009-05-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

We are having a great time in Hermiston. We got in late Friday night, did a little talking and headed to bed. Saturday we got up and played some tennis. (Sorry I was too busy playing that I didn't get any pictures taken :O) Alyssa headed off to the swimming pool with her friends. Dad, Randy, Ryan, and I headed to the Echo golf course. (Check out that forearm) So I don't play very well but I have a fun time, I did get one par in the nine holes and a few really great drives right in to a couple of trees....that takes talent, those tree trunks aren't very big. :O) Randy is even more talented than I am, he actually sliced right through a branch. Well done Randy!!!

Randy actually ended up playing not badly however his drives weren't going like he wanted.....so he decided to call on the tee gods to help him. You'll have to look closely to see what calling on the tee gods entails.

I can really remember what our conversation was that prompted this video but it was funny so I thought I'd throw it up.

I didn't get a lot of pictures taken this trip. Ok we took a lot of pictures as we had photo shoots of the kids for their yearly pictures. You can take a look at Alyson's blog for the highlights of that. Speaking of Alyson's blog....if you have read it already you know that there was a small little incident involving myself and the trampoline. Luckily I didn't not break my leg in two as I thought I was going to when I was upside down in the air and realized my folley. However I thought you might like to see the successful flip prior to the crash. :O) Yeah I'm not sure if I will be doing many more flips on the trampoline as I'm a little scared....I think I'll stick with flips off the swing.

Choir Concert

2009-05-20T21:12:00.001-07:00

Alyssa had her last choir concert of the year. She sang a solo (Wide Open Spaces - by Dixie Chicks). She did a great job and I was glad I actually made it out of work on time to go. They did a medley of Grease Lightning Songs that was very fun....too bad I never made that poodle skirt I was going to make so she could have used it. She was still cute though. Here's a picture of her and a friend after the concert.

And here's her performance. I told her after the last performance that she sounded good but needed to work on her confidence and really get out there and sing and look up. She worked so hard on improving on that and I think she did AWESOME!!!

Weekend Visit From Trevor & Bethany

2009-05-19T14:08:00.001-07:00

We had a WONDERFUL weekend. After a "I don't even know how many hours I put in at work last week" last week Trev & Beth came to visit. They got there Friday night late, we sat up and talked for a while. Then up Saturday morning for a day at the soccer fields. It was the last day of soccer for the year and they do a really fun day at the park with lots of business with booths up...lots of spinning wheels and prizes.

We started the day at Cailah's soccer game. She is extremely fun to watch because she smiles ALL the time and she just looks like she is having tons of fun. Last time I took her to her game and watched she took it 3/4 of the way down the field and scored. She performed again today to Trev and Beth and scored a goal.

Here are a few cute pictures of some of the spectators

Cailah in action.

At the end of the game all the family members get together and make a tunnel for all the players to run through as we cheer. As you can see by Cailah's face they love it.

Right after Cailah's game the kids got there face painted. This was by far the best facepainting I have seen, they all looked so cute.

Then a little fun around with Trevor time. Does it get better than this...I submit that it does not.
Stop to see the firetruck.
We spent most of out time between Cailah and Abby's game at the blow up obstacle course. The kids all raced each other. Trev and I went down together and thought it would be a good idea to do a summersault down the slide at the end....you'll see how that worked out.

Abby and Cailah started it off. As you can guess Abby was a little faster but she waited up at the top of the slide for Cailah and they game down together.....so cute...what great sisters.

Then Braydon and Abby had a race.....well it started out as a race but as a crying child blocked Braydon's path it ended up just a fun run and they came down together.

And for Trevor and I.....ENJOY!!!

Bethany headed down with Cailah and just in case your wondering what Cailah was saying to Bethany as they were headed down the slide....it was something to the effect of, "I beat you" with again the big Caliah grin.
Saturday night we attempted to watch a movie...I think the only one that stayed awake was Bethany...I know I watched about 10 minutes at the beginning before crashing and maybe the credits at the end.

Sunday of course was church..I got a helper for my class. YEAH!!!!!! you may not have any idea just how enthusiastic that yeah was. Sunday night we played games....let's just say Trevor was not the winner and I'm not sure he enjoys playing Hand and Foot anymore but he was a lot of fun and we enjoyed laughing at him....or with him. Apparently our glasses are just not big enough for him around here. :O)

We will miss them but THANKS for visiting....it was TONS of fun....I think I can got to work tomorrow without too much pain now taht I had such a fun weekend.

Zoo

2009-05-11T13:04:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful day at the zoo today. Cailah, Delayna and I had a great time. Besides it being allergen heaven it was great. Here are a few little pictures from our day.

Not a bad self portrait for us. The first picture Cailah had her sunglasses on after looking at it she asked if we could take another one without her glasses on...and here we are.
Cailah took this picture all by herself.

Yes I am super fun...I took them on the Carousel ride even knowing it would make me sick..the sacrifices we make.

I think this was Delayna's favorite part. She would hide in the lava tube, you can see her and Cailah...she would wave at me then run out and boo me then do it all over again.

The slides were fun but we had a few incidents. The very first time up Delayna did a face plant on the gridded platform (yeah she had a gridline on her forehead). The first time down together I think Delayna got separated from Cailah as you see in the first slide picture below. Then I went up with them and I tried to take a inside the tube while going down picture.....we were all going down together so it's not he best picture but it turned out ok and is evidence that yes, they did have fun while coming down.

Cailah does not always take the best picture but look at this cute one. :O) I finally captured the real Cailah in a picture.

And this one is just because she is so stinking cute!!!!