Brown Family Reunion @ Zion

For the Brown Family Reunion, we went to Zion National Park after meeting in St. George on Saturday (and stayed at a nasty Days Inn but we needed full-sized refrigerators). Aaron brought his four-wheeler which was a huge hit. We went swimming in a pretty cool pool with an even cooler slide, Bryan paint-balled twice, I zip-lined and climbed a rock wall and we went a hike (which was a little tough on the kids and me but we were troopers). Laura taught the sister-in-laws how to make bracelets- I could teach someone how to do it but I have decided that I am not creative enough to pick out beads/stones/gems and organize them so it looks good. Laura made me a bracelet for my birthday- I love it- it is blue (maybe I will post pictures of the bracelets later). Our boys were the only ones to really get injured, Little A's cut foot and Big A's eye. And aside from my kids waking up in the night EVERY night we were gone, it was a fun trip and I am excited for the next time we all get together (hopefully everyone will be able to come next time- Jarrod & Susannah just had a new addition a couple of weeks ago).

Brownie Batter is yummy and messy.

Big A, Little A and cousin J in the tub. They sure got filthy.

This is the outlook from our hike. There were a lot of steep, stone steps, red dirt and very little shade.

The view from the hike.

Big A's black eye. There was a Fuse Ball table in the loft of our duplex, Big A and cousin C (just 3 months older than Big A) were trying to play but are too short and Big A took one in the eye. He cried for a little while but was talking about it to everybody that asked.Little A with a cousin his age, this is Laura's youngest son. They had a great time together, chasing, watching cartoons and they both like fruit snacks and trains.

This was the group from the second time of Paint Ball.

Little A while waiting for me to do activities.

Here I am about ready to Zip Line, Sally was encouraging me that I could do it.

This was after my first time on the Zip Line on my way back for my second time.

Sally & her daughter after Sally's first time and daughter's second- aren't they cute?

Kim (Bryan's sister who we visit in Bakersfield frequently) and oldest daughter. She needed some encouragement to go on the Zip Line too (but she is 4 and I am much older).
Aaron & Sally's daughter on the rock wall. She was the first person in our group to go and set the bar pretty high, I didn't want to follow her for fear that I wouldn't make it.

I made it to the top and beeped the horn.

Bryan and Aaron had races to see who was the fastest, a very Brown brother thing to do.

Big A at the Golden Egg Hunt, there were 4 golden eggs with money in them but since my boys like candy, we just hunted the colored eggs. We had 2 pinatas the night before, so we have tons of candy.

Beach Trip with Ann & Kids

Little E eating sand. He ate SO much sand but he was still smiling.

My boys ate snacks- A LOT of snacks.

Little D made a friend- are we surprised?

Big D was avoiding the camera but I caught him when he dropped the towel.

Big E was avoiding eye contact with the camera. You can't really see it in this picture but she is Deb.

Little A eating Dots.

Little A with a mouth-full of Dots and a frosted animal cookie.

We had a great time at the beach. It was my boys' first time and they were a little apprehensive at first but they loved the sand and finally the water. Ga spent a little time with us but had to get back home before traffic got bad. Big A and Big E were so cute running back and forth from sand to water. Big D was getting pretty brave with the boogie board and digging on a HUGE hole. Little D was making friends, in the water, working on a HUGE hole. Little A started hanging out under the Lifeguard tower and was making the lifeguards nervous because they thought he was a lost child. So that was the signal we needed to leave. Everybody had tons of snacks and some of us got a little sun.

*I tried to upload videos on Friday when I started this post but it didn't work before we left for vacation. We are now at Zion's and I will hopefully post more later. So far we have only had one accident- Little A fell on some rocks and has a cut on his foot but nothing serious. We have no cell service but we have wireless internet so feel free to email me.

Train Cake

*I meant to post this weeks ago but forgot that I hadn't. I will post beach pictures later- laundry and boys are calling to me.

This is my attempt at a fun birthday.Next time I will freeze the cake and I want to try different pans. I think this is something my boys will want- like Rainbow Cake (Big A asked for Rainbow Cake for Little A's birthday).

Little A just liked the peanut butter M&Ms.

Big A was a walking billboard that day, we went shopping at Cabazon and every store we went into gave him stickers (he has 3 on him and 3 in the stroller).

We had a nice day. After shopping, we stopped by Sam's to get the Take-n-Bake pizza and then headed up to Lake Arrowhead to "party" with Papa Brown & Nannie. The boys had a great time taking toys out, "helping" outside- Big A walked over to the fountain and told me, "I scared Momma, I scared." I had no idea what he was talking about, so we went inside. A few minutes later, Papa Brown announced there was a dead gopher in the fountain- that's what he was scared of! Little A liked lying on the driveway rubbing the arrowhead (it is made of stones and in-laid into the driveway). We had pizza and fruit salad for dinner. We went on a walk to the lake and had cake when we got back. Overall, this was a fun birthday- at least for me.

Church Sign

My Dad sent this email to me and I thought everyone would get a kick out of it.

Too Much Time On Their Hands?

I thought this was great but I hope it was made post-mission. I know it is a little long but Big A was singing along and wanted it "again, again."

Laundry and Shopping

I am a list person. I write lists for everything. I planned out my week and realized there is a lot of laundry and shopping. I need to get ready to go to Utah for the Brown Reunion, reason for all the days of laundry. Last weekend Bryan left his wallet at his parents' house and they were kind enough to drop it by my parents' house but that left me without a Sam's Club card all week. But I didn't do much shopping anyway because last week I didn't feel up to tackling the boys while shopping, so I didn't. Throw in a doctor appointment, going to the beach, a little cleaning and that is my week. I think my week sounds pretty boring, are people doing more exciting things than me?

Father's Day & Father's Day Observed

*This post is for the sisters that were unable to be there (just for the record- I was the ONLY sister there) and so I can remember that we got Dad a gift that he was obviously excited about.

We went to my parents' house Friday late (we got there about 10 PM) so that Bryan could work on the car in the am while it was cool from sitting in the driveway all night. We watched Breach after getting the boys to bed. So I had a rough morning, Little A decided he was ready to get up at 6:30am!!! which got Big A up about 7am. After several failed attempts at "going back to bed," I got up with the boys. I got them toast (that is what Big A asked for) while Little A threw a fit because he likes his daddy to get up with them when he is around- which doesn't bother me at all. Then Jill came home from work and I chatted with her because when she got up from sleeping I knew I wouldn't see her- baby shower for Celeste and then party at the beach for Cynthia. Uncle Mike was already awake and offered to watch the boys so I could go back to bed, it was wonderful. A little while after I got into bed, Bryan got up, worked on the car, showered and was ready to go. Katie went to work in the afternoon, so she wasn't around. Matt brought some friends home to swim in the afternoon. But while the boys were napping, I cleaned the house and Mike and I planned dinner. Oh, I forgot to mention that Mom & Dad were on their way home from Utah, they went to Travis & Cami's wedding. So Mike went to the grocery store to get everything for dinner and we had a pretty good dinner: grilled chicken, pasta-roni, pink salad (Matt's favorite), and rolls. Dad opened his gift from his children but mostly from Mom. Then Bryan and Dad "played" with the new toy, Bryan said "like kids in a candy store," as they were getting the laser to work and starting the saw to "see if it works." This was all happening in the living room. We hung out for a while and then headed home. Oh another thing- the neighbors behind them were having a party, one was just playing music loud and the other was a full on party with DJ, so when we left after 11Pm we drove past to get the address of the DJ party that was still going on but we saw 3 cops driving on the street, so we figured it was taken care of.

Sunday:
Bryan did get up with the boys but it was wasn't as early as the day before. I made breakfast and he got 2 presents that he wanted- a BYU hat and The Office Season 2 on DVD- I thought about giving him The Office early because there has been nothing on TV lately but I waited. We got to church just in time to snag the last bench. I made dinner. We had Flan for dessert (Bryan made most of it but I was trying to get the boys back into bed after getting out many times).

ReadyBed

My boys watch NickJr and the commercials between shows. One commercial is for a Ready Bed. They both get so excited whenever the commercial comes on. I think it would really fun to have these, the Thomas the Train ones, they like trains, let me rephrase that, they LOVE trains! I imagine taking them to Ga & Papa's house, Ann's house, Kim's house and all of the other places we spend a night. I just think it would be fun to have but can I justify spending that much on something we will use occasionally?

To Clarify...

I am NOT pregnant. I will share more about my doctor visits when I know more.
Ann, you will be watching my boys on Thursday either at my place or at the beach while I am at another appointment, with Mom of course.

Big A's "potty during nap time" routine is as soon as they have been lying down and I get situated on the Internet or with my lunch, he decides that he must go to the potty. So he goes and then I get him situated in bed again. Then, at most, a minute later, "I need to go poo-poo." After that I tell him there is nothing else in him and he must go to sleep. Sometimes if he is really fighting the nap he will try a few more times but usually it is just 3 times and then to sleep.

Little A plays with toys, sticks hands under the door and thinks it is funny to get on Big A's bed and pretend to be asleep, when he is caught awake. When he pretends to be asleep he lies with eyes open, snoring. It makes me laugh, which makes it hard for him to take me seriously, but he eventually gives up and falls asleep usually in Big A's bed but with his pillow and blanket.
They have been dragging their blankets all over inside, it is a game and to try to get the other person's blanket. It just makes me nervous when they get under the blanket and then walk around because Little A gets walked into a door or wall. Oh well, boys will be rambunctious.

Today we were waiting at the lab and of course my boys needed to be everywhere. Little A was pushing the stroller and Big A was taking books out of his backpack. An older lady was coming down the hallway and Little A pushed the stroller right where she was walking. I guided the stroller so that it wouldn't run the lady over and said "sorry." She gave the best reply, "no need to apologize, they are healthy and active."

Doctor, Doctor

I went to the doctor's for myself yesterday and for both boys (by myself) today. The boys, to quote the doctor, are perfect. They have nothing wrong with them, except for Little A being a picky eater. They both got Hep A shots, which I wasn't really prepared for, so no pain medication until we got home. Little A was so exhausted (because the only appointments close together were during nap time) that he would doze off then wake up whining "hurt, hurt" touching his leg. I felt so bad. But we made it home in under 15 minutes and medication was administered. Now Little A is sleeping and Big A has started on the "potty during nap time" routine but he will be asleep shortly. What should I do with this "free" time? Laundry? No, I did some yesterday so I won't do any today. Clean bathrooms? No, might wake the boys (great justification, right?). Start dinner? No, I don't really feel like cooking anything; it is a beautiful summer day maybe we will have sandwiches at the park. Surf the web? Well, okay since I have nothing better to do.

Big A sporting the band-aid from the shot.
Little A napping on Big A's bed (his new thing to take his stuff out of his bed and nap on brother's bed)

*Oh, I might add I will be going to do lab work tomorrow morning and then another trip to the doctor's next week so I am planning on lots of sympathy for all my time being spent at the doctor's instead of spending it running around with the boys, cleaning, laundry, and cooking.

Lucky Girl

Andy & Jill (at Disneyland)

Jill & Andy came down to babysit on Wednesday night so Bryan & I could go out without the boys. They got to our place about 4:30 and got to hang out with the boys (who should have napped but didn't because Brian came over on his lunch break and after he left I forgot about naps) and me until Bryan came home from work after 6pm. They also helped me put my freshly ironed bed skirt on. According to Jill & Andy, their night was quite entertaining. Big A offered for Andy to "pee in my toilet" and then stood at the door shaking the handle asking if he was done. Little A assisted Jill in the bathroom: lifts lid, hands not even a square of paper, flushes. After getting pajamas on, they got to pick out a movie- Peter Pan- to get "calm." Big A has been acting out movies lately so he was running around and calling Andy a "dirty pirate." But the boys went to bed easily for them, even though I wanted Little A to climb out at least once to stick his hands under the door and shake it. But I think they will want to babysit again because after the boys went to bed they watched some of Season One of The Office (I know Jill has it but I think you appreciate things like that after the kids are asleep- maybe that is the mom talking in me).

Katie & Ryan (taken on Mother's Day)

Thursday, Katie & Ryan came down. They played with the boys, went to get lunch at Pei Wei's and took the boys to the park while some members of the Relief Society came to meet me. Big A continued to use the term "dirty pirate" and put Katie in "jail" (which was my bedroom). Little A was very upset when Katie was put in jail and would go to Ryan to "save" her. Being able to visit with the Relief Society ladies was very nice without having the boys needing my attention. I have to admit, I was a little worried about not having the distraction of the boys during the visit but it was actually enjoyable. I am loving all the visitors that I have been having. I just need to get some games so I have something to do if and when I get people here again- then they can stay longer (hint, hint).

*The title of the post is because Brian, Jill & Andy, Katie & Ryan, and 2 members of the RS visited in 2 days AND I got taken out to dinner and shopping with my best friend.*

My Bed

I am finally posting pictures of my "finished" bed. I still want more pillows but I am practicing patience. Under the duvet is a light-weight quilt that matches the large pillows. My boys think it is fun to flop on the fluffy bed but I think it is just relaxing. I still sleep in the middle of the bed, unless we get a visitor. My bathroom has the same colors too.

My Little A

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE A!

Little A (Big A took this picture, I thought he did a great job) last week.

My little boy is 2 years old. I remember the night before he was born, I had a hard time falling asleep. And just as I had fallen asleep, I woke up to go to the bathroom. On my way to the bathroom, my water broke but I didn't know it. I woke Bryan up and he told it hadn't. I took a shower and woke him up again. We were lucky that Bryan's mom was visiting, she stayed with Big A as we went to the hospital to have a baby that I was certain would not be coming for at least a week but probably longer. Not having any contractions until being in the lovely hospital gown, I knew this was going to be easier than my first. I asked for my epidural as soon as I felt the smallest contraction, claiming it was an '8.' A little while later, Bryan was reminding the staff I needed to be checked because after Big A was born the doctor warned us to get to the hospital next time as soon as there were consistent contractions or else we would be having a baby at home. I was finally checked and ready to go. The doctors were teasing me saying "you are going to laugh this baby out," we were having a pretty good time with the nursing student who was witnessing her first birth (except for giving birth to her daughter). Little A was born and Bryan got to cut the cord (the cord was wrapped around Big A's neck). We loved the few visitors that came to check in on us and the food that was brought. I had a relaxing 3 days in the hospital because my little baby had jaundice and my doctor wrote the order "to be released with baby." "Relaxing" because my mother-in-law was taking care of Big A and I didn't have to worry about him at all and I got to see him everyday. I was happy when we were released and Little A got to lie in a "tanning bed" in just a diaper.
He is best buddies with his brother and the most loving kid I know. He gives hugs and kisses and head-butts to everyone he loves. He loves trains, cars, wrestling, fruit snacks, pizza, Little Einsteins, Blue's Clues, and doing anything with his brother and daddy. I love my little guy and feel blessed to have him in our family.

**I type this as Bryan is putting him down for about the tenth time tonight, so he is challenging as well.**

Biker Babes

A few weeks ago we were at my parents' house and Ryan had driven his scooter over. He told me I should take a ride, it took a little convincing but I did it. After Jill, Katie, and I had taken our rides, the boys decided to play on it and I got out the camera. I realize the boys are filthy but they LOVE dirt and have fun bathing, so it works for us.





**Ryan is Katie's boyfriend for those wondering who Ryan is**

Yum: Root Beer Floats, Sonic, FREE

Here's a heads up for all you SONIC Cruisers® out there. Thursday, June 7, 2007, is Free Root Beer Float Night. At the stroke of 8 p.m. up until midnight, anyone who visits a participating SONIC® Drive-In can guzzle down a complimentary 10-oz. Root Beer Float. Just hit the red button and say, "Gimme a free float!" Make a meal out of it if you like, but the sweet treat is on us. Tell your friends. Bring the fam. Spread the word. Because when darkness falls, it's free floats for everyone on the lot.


*I thought I would let everyone (who has a Sonic near them) about the FREE Root Beer Float Night at Sonic. I love Sonic but the closest one is 35 miles (which means over an hour to get there and back) so I will not be able to participate but didn't want to deny anyone else the goodness of FREE Sonic.

Time with Cousins

We went to Ann's for 5 days so Ga and Papa could participate in Grandparents' Day with the second grade, we hung out at Ann's house during those festivities. We saw little D play baseball, saw Beebe and Tyler's new house, went to the Train Museum, went to church, had a Spring Birthday celebration (4 birthdays in a week and Little A's is 3 days later but his stuff was in So Cal), played Ticket to Ride, ate at Chipotle (my first time, pretty good), Big A "fell down the mountain" and hurt his right foot. Spending time at Ann's house is always great, she is so relaxed about everything that you have to be relaxed too and my kids go to bed easier- which is always fantastic- because they are constantly on the go with their cousins and running to see the "choo-choos" every 30 minutes. We love being able to spend time with family and are glad they are willing to have us. I hope we can get up there again soon (or she can send a kid or 2 or 3 to visit me for a few days/week).

Cute Big E holding Little A's hand to get to Little D's baseball game.

Big D is having a great time playing with Papa's Apple Photo Booth. Little A just wanted in the picture and Ann & Little E are checking out Big D's funny photos.

Little E loves the outdoors, especially the swing. Ga loved taking him out to "calm" him down.

I left my camera in the car so this is after going to the Train Museum and Old Sacramento.

Beebe with Cousin T playing with the ball-sticky-catch-thing Little D got for his birthday from Ga & Papa, which was a hit with all the kids. We are excited that Pay & Mary & kids will be joining us at Bear Lake this August, Cousin T is fun and his sister is so cute.

On our way back to So Cal we stopped by Kim's house to meet up with Bryan, switch the stuff Bryan had borrowed from Dad and our stuff, and had a BBQ. Kim is a fabulous host and provides a fantastic meal anytime. Plus, I got to show Dad some of the things in Kim's house that they should put in their new house (bathroom night light, spice drawer, shower size, guest suite for me, the trees in the backyard for their current house). I just like Kim's house, Mom says she just has an eye for decorating and I think you feel at home there.

Here are 2 pictures of Big A's foot one week after "falling down the mountain" at Ann's house. There is also a small bruise on the bottom of his foot that I have not pointed out to him, which is why there is no photo of it. He is such a trooper about it, he even let Big D put his shoes on just two days after the accident. And hey we had to try to keep up with Big C's "accidents" but there is no way that is going to happen in just 5 days, sorry Beebe.

"Finished" Kitchen

Counter-top with stove

Close-up of tile

New sink

Here are the pictures of the "finished" kitchen. Just the back splash and painting of the walls is needed, but the sink, stove and dishwasher work and really that is what is important in a kitchen right.

So I made to it Mom & Dad's to take these photos for all of you (Beebe, Ann, Ali) wondering what the counter-tops look like now. We went with Papa and Uncle Mike to see Shrek 3. The boys loved the popcorn and the movie was good, just not as good as the second. I have decided that we can "go to the movies" in our own living room. I can pop corn just as good and there aren't annoying people talking on their bright cell phones and I know how clean my floor and seats are.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEEBE!!!

This is from Yosemite and if anything were to happen to Ann & Pie and Bryan & me, then this would be a Monson family photo missing 2 boys. Well, nothing is official but that is what Beebe wants. Aren't they a cute family?

31 things about Beebe:

1. Cleanliness
2. Photography
3. Hilarious
4. Elementary School Teacher
5. Talks
6. Loves Being Con's Mom
7. My Boys Love Her
8. I love her
9. Little People
10.Cooks
11. But eats out more
12. Likes to be involved
13. Likes to be in charge
14. "little" is one of her favorite words
15. Not afraid
16. To speak her mind
17. Afraid of funny things
18. Worries about her baby
19. Loves Disneyland
20. Likes to play games
21. Settlers
22. Fondue
23. Likes to be around me
24. I like to be around her
25. ALWAYS on the go
26. Bathroom office
27. Convinced us to move into the garage
28. So she could have her OWN room
29. Cruises
30. Packs wonderfully
31. The OLDEST

I love you Beebe and I think that you should move to wherever I am living. How is C-Rad suppose to be best friends with his cousins that he doesn't see? How will Tyler coach Little A in wrestling?

Working on the Kitchen...

Bryan and Tyler during demo and reconstructing the bar/counter-top.

Bryan working on the counter-top where the stove is now.

Little A throwing a fit during the construction (I can't remember why he was throwing fit but he is so CUTE!)

The cousins watching a movie (I think it was Nemo) during construction.

These are just a few of the memories we had the first weekend of "The Construction Zone." I was planning on taking a few pictures of the "finished" kitchen but I left my camera in the car...

**The tiles are laid, stove and sink are in and working, I just need to get up there to take pictures to post. I don't know when that will be, so please be patient. I am still recovering from being gone and my hubby being home alone for a few days (laundry and grocery shopping with the boys kicked my butt and now Big A has a cold & getting in bed with us in the middle of the night and then at about 6 wants to go back to his bed.

Jill is the Favorite Aunt

Big A wearing a Durr boy's glasses (I wasn't there during this so I am not sure which one), he is too cute with them on. It almost wants me to want him to need them but I have corrective lenses so the longer he doesn't need them the better.Little A loves getting attention from basically anyone but Jill does it whenever he wants and has started giving the boys Root Beer when she asks "Who is your favorite aunt?" and they SHOUT "JILL!!!" So of course, she has moved up on the favorite aunt list. It has been fun to be able to be around non-student Jill, she is still really busy but it is more social busy, not so stressful.

**I have decided that the boys' "favorite aunt" is whoever is around. They love Ann's house because of the train, cannot ruin the floor upstairs (sorry Ann but I hope it stays that way for a while longer), and the playroom with all the Little People to line up. Beebe has Con (I could go on but really that is most important thing and I think it is the same for Con). Kim can get Adam to give her kiss every time we see her (yes, she does bribe him but my little boy who only gives kisses when he thinks you don't one, gives Kim one every time). Katie takes them to the doughnut store, up to the park and Wal-Mart. Laura has made CDs that Adam loves to sing along to and we are working on having him allow the rest of us to sing along and dance too. They LOVE when they can see pictures/video clips of their cousins/kids on the computer, so those of you that do that, just keep doing it. I know that being the "favorite aunt" is not as important to you as it is to me. I love that everybody loves my boys, do things to "be the favorite" and really it is just because you love them (just like I love your kids and like to do things with/for them). Oh, Faunties (faux aunties) have a place with the boys' favorites too.