D-Land and Cell phone

We went to Disneyland after Bryan came home from work and after we ate dinner. We met Jill, Kevin & Brian, Nathan, and Wendy. It was pretty crowded but we went on rides during Fantasmic and the Fireworks. Big A got a pass and was very excited to show it off to everyone. I forgot the camera at home so I took this photo with my phone while we were waiting in line for the elevator. Now Big A keeps asking when we are going back. "We going to Didneyland tomorrow."

Since I downloaded the photos from my phone to the computer I thought I would post other photos too. The photos with Ann are from when the came and went to the beach with us. Sally is from our family reunion in Zion's. The shopping cart is from when Beebe & fam went to Sam's with us before she watched the boys (so I could go to Texas- THANKS again). The Nielsen boys and my nieces are from my visit to Texas.

What I Really Want For Christmas?

The boys watched Polar Express (one of their favorite movies: trains, Christmas, trains) before church today. As Santa came on the screen,
Big A: Santa, I see Santa!
Karin: That is Santa! What do you want for Christmas this year?
Big A looking away from me toward the screen, mumbles something
Karin: What?
Big A looking at me: UM... a house! (smiling very big)
It is interesting to hear the thing my child really wants, or maybe it is because that is what he hears his parents talk about.

For Memory

Notice the lizard on his shirt. Bryan caught it and put it on him and he didn't quite know what to do with it. Both boys touched it while Bryan held it - huge step for Big A.

I feel I need to jot this down so I do not forget.

Little A was throwing a HUGE tantrum because he would not eat dinner and wanted candy. Bryan was on the phone with Dave. I tried to help him eat his dinner but he cried and carried on. So I ignored him, which usually works, but he did not let up. Then I decided it was well past bedtime and tried to get him ready for bed. Before I could take his clothes off, he was arching his back and screaming. Bryan by then had gotten off the phone and began to assist me (which means he takes over and I assist him). He got the diaper on but Little A still cried and cried, there was no consoling him. He is usually very consolable, this is my kid that needs everyone to give him a hug when he has his feelings hurt. Bryan put him in his bed with just a diaper on so he could cool off. After about 10 minutes, I went in and held my arms out to him, even though he was still screaming. I picked up my little baby and just held him. I don't know why he was so upset but I knew the only thing I could do (after some time) was to just hold him and let him know he was loved. We came out just in time for him to have his jammies put on while Bryan read books to Big A. I have always known Little A was like me but last night I realized how much he is like me. I need to remind myself that he needs to be treated the same as me: give me space, let me cry and let me know you still love me even though I can be a turd.

Another event that needs to be remembered:
Little A ate dinner! He took his spoon and ate Carrot Chowder all by himself! He tried cucumbers! He ate his carrot chowder with his bread (of course) and with a spoon! He ate croutons (of course) but he did it by himself. He also ate Macaroni and Cheese for lunch (he doesn't like noodles). I have to believe the past few nights of H**L were worth it for him choosing to eat dinner. Big A wanted in every photo and he wanted to be complemented on how well he was eating his dinner too. Little A is "crying" in one photo because he didn't want his dinner interrupted for photos.

my style

*I am going to post about the grandparents' birthday parties and family reunions as soon as I get the CD with photos from Ann & then more when I get photos from everybody else. I did not take my camera out once so I am relying on others (again) for my posting about what we have been up to.

I took a quiz on HGTV's website during nap time and here are my results. What is your style?
I really want to know. Em, I know you get bored at work and it really didn't take that long- it has taken me longer to post (and fix post) than it did to actually take the quiz.

What's Your Design Style?

Results

Ethnic Eclectic

Your style is a mix of bohemian chic and contemporary ethnic flair. Whether you travel extensively or shop locally, chances are good that your home is filled with a collection of interesting accessories. By contrast, a neutral color scheme and furniture with simple lines is the best backdrop to accentuate your most colorful pieces. To achieve this mix-and-match design style, look to nature. "The concern with the environment is playing a big role in interior design trends – from colors you find in nature, to high-end natural fibers in wall coverings, to exotic woods and stone being used throughout the home," says Denise Turner, an interior designer in Alta Loma, California. It's all about simple lines and natural materials as a backdrop for your collectables and artwork.

Design Tips for Ethnic Eclectic

Contemporary and chic accessories go with any style. Dress up family-friendly comfort in the dining room with a sophisticated Murano glass light fixture that's out of the reach of little hands. Or, make the master bedroom your grown-up retreat with soothing colors from the garden and a wooden platform bed with a trendy upholstered headboard.

Beach with Misty & family

We went to the beach today. Before we reached the beach, I decided we needed water, so we stopped at the Rite Aid on PCH. As we were walking toward the door, I hear someone say my name, I looked around and saw a white mini van- it was the Pankratz family and the Berry family. Briel loved the beach, Aunt Meggie was wonderful and stayed in the water with her for almost the whole time they were there. It was nice to be able to see Micah, who is just as smiley in person as he is on the blog, and to visit with Misty and her mom. They couldn't stay very long because they had a flight to catch but we stayed a couple more hours. The boys waited until the Pankratz/Berry party left before they got in the water and then it was a little bit of a challenge to get them out. (well Little A doesn't like to be in the water, he likes to throw wet sand and runs as soon as the water gets close to him) Uncle Matt showed up with a few of his friends, they were boogie boarding farther down the beach. But Matt was nice enough to entertain the boys as I started to load the car. On the way home, we stopped by Bryan's office and took him to In-N-Out. He was planning on staying at work until 9pm to tie things up before we head to Utah tomorrow.
Big A was very proud of getting the water all by himself. I have SEVERAL video clips but the others had many other kids in them.

3 Kids for 3 Days

Cousin D was here since Sunday night. We had big plans of going to the County Fair Monday night but as I was checking the directions to get there, I learned that it was CLOSED ON MONDAYS! So what are a fun aunt and uncle to do, we went to Chuck E Cheese instead! I forgot my camera at home so no photos from Monday. Oh, earlier on Monday we had excitement- we went to the Post Office, Target and the automatic car wash. Tuesday we had excitement too- another automatic car wash and a trip to CostCo. Today we tried to go to the County Fair again with Ga but after taking 30 minutes from freeway offramp and still not parked- we decided to try something else.


After Boomers (which is like Scandia), we went to Souplantation for dinner. Cousin D had a great time with a buffet, especially dessert. I am glad Cousin D got to spend a few days with us, I just hope he didn't get too bored. He stayed up late, got to play with some really cute kids, and watch some good movies: Nanny McPhee and How to Eat Fired Worms. I hope he will want to come for another visit soon or at least be excited when we see each other in 2 days. Thanks Cousin D for a fun 3 days!

Dwight? Michael? Who Are You?

Bryan sent me an email to show me this website and to tell me he is "Ryan." I guess I'm in love with the wrong man ;)
After you do the quiz, leave who you are as a comment. I think it would be fun to see who everyone is.

Which Office Character Are You?
	You are Pam. You are sweet and likable, but your shyness makes it hard for you to express yourself sometimes. Regardless, you are always there for your friends and will usually come out of your shell to help anyone.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Lego Land and Bakersfield

Friday we met Ga, Papa, Jill, & Drew at Lego Land. We had a great day of riding rides, eating Apple Fries, playing in the Duplo Funland, and just spending time with family. Here are a few photos from Lego Land.



After Lego Land, we headed to our place to pick up Bryan and stuff for the weekend in Bakersfield. Bryan's sister went to Texas to see their brother and his family but really to meet the newest member of the family, Baby Eli, and we watched 3 of her 6 kids. It was really easy, we were just there to get them places and to be the "responsible adults." We went to Target, Sam's (for lunch), PetCo for pet food and back to their house for naps and swimming later. Big A and Little A went down the slide- I wish I had had my camera but I was helping them up the ladder and Bryan was catching them at the bottom, so no camera man anyway. Sunday we went to church (9AM!) and ended up staying in Nursery because the Nursery leader wasn't there and only asked one lady to sub with 17 KIDS! Another lady came later and about 4 moms stayed for the first 30-40 minutes but then had to go. I did singing time and Ring-Around-the-Rosie, which is odd for me because I usually just let the kids run amuck. We got in Sunday Naps (the only good thing about 9AM church), ate dinner, cleaned up before we left, picked up Big D from Mom & Dad's- hung out for about an hour, and got to our place about midnight.

*Just for my memory
Bryan realized at the Pilot Station on the 395 (just off of the 15) that he had his sister's keys in his pocket. I don't think it would have been that big of a deal except that her husband was backpacking with the Teachers on Mt. Langley (with her extra keys to her car) and would be gone a week. I overnighted her keys today, so hopefully they get to her around noon tomorrow.

We are planning on going to the OC County Fair with Big D tonight, I hope it is as fun as he thinks it will be. And since we got home so late last night- EVERYONE is resting now- gotta go rest so I won't be cranky tonight at the Fair.

Alphabet Genius

*Warning: Proud Mother blogging about the brilliance of her child.

No hands, showing off his 'H'

Big A can recognize his ABC's but I wanted to start having him write them. So on one of our trips to Wal-Mart, I saw this notebook that is dry erase. After we got home (and naps), I had him get the book out and get to work. At first he was a little apprehensive about it, "Mom, you help me." I helped him with the A, his favorite letter and the B, "the B says buh" (he says that every time you ask him what is this letter). Then I told him to try them on his own. Next thing I know, he has written the H perfectly. He won't "work" on it for more than a few minutes before he starts drawing on his limbs. I am so proud of him.

Another thing about Big A, lately he has been calling his brother "Boy." For example, "here take this Boy" and "come on Boy." He only calls him "Boy" when he is actually talking to Little A, not when he is talking about him. It just makes me smile when he is talking to him.

8 random things about myself

Here are the rules:

* Each player lists 8 facts or habits about themselves.
* The rules of the game are posted before the list begins.
*At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 more players by posting their name. In addition, go to their blog and leave a comment telling them they have been tagged with your blog address so they can read your blog.

1. I am a night owl. I usually am my best at night. I clean better and faster at night (maybe that is because I don't have 2 helpers). I have tried to go to bed earlier (around midnight) and I will do it for about a week but then I end up back to my regular time.

2. I enjoy cooking and baking for others. I have a hard time making things just for me. I prefer making things for a larger crowd, then there aren't many leftovers.

3. I enjoy taking my boys places. I like taking them to Target, Wal-Mart, the park, the beach, Disneyland. We have a good time together and for the most part they enjoy it too.

4. I love to read. I don't get a lot of time to do it but when I get a good book started it is hard for me to put it down.

5. I like taking trips. I love planning them and visiting people, I just like to get out.

6. I like games. Board games, card games, and (selective) video games.

7. I like parties. Get-togethers, gatherings of people I know, I just like being around people I can talk to and usually food is involved with those types of gatherings (I like family reunions because of that too).

8. Umm... I plan meals from Sunday to Thursday because Saturdays we usually aren't home, I have one night that can be leftovers or going out (Sam's pizza) and it is flexible but I like to have everything I need to make what I have planned.

I am not tagging anybody specifically, okay Emily, Shauni, Heather, Ali- you will do it right?

Travel Bed Epiphany

I have been wanting to buy the Thomas the Train Ready Bed for months but I am cheap and cannot justify spending $50 a piece on something my boys may not like in a year or two. Then I decided I would buy the Spider Man ones at Toys-R-Us for $27. But then we were at Sam's, looking at the fun stuff and saw a King-sized air mattress with built-in pumps that can be converted into 2 twin-sized mattresses. Bryan's parents were spending the night because of an early flight to Texas and we needed something for when we have guests (hint, hint). So we bought the mattress and it occurred to me last night as I was falling asleep- I don't need the Spider Man beds that they will outgrow in a little while, they can use this air mattress! It comes in a great bag, the pumps are amazingly fast and it was comfortable.
*Since I cleaned the whole place yesterday, I am taking full advantage of the boys' nap time. I have one more post (after a tagging one) that I have been wanting to do for more than a week!

A Great, Busy Weekend

Here are a few pictures from my camera after the Baptism. Do you notice a theme from the photos?



We have been quite busy lately. We went to Roseville, on Friday, for my nephew's baptism, on Saturday and came home Sunday. A lot of driving in 2 days but well worth it. We love seeing Ann & Family and Beebe & Family. The boys have a great time with their cousins and Bryan & I love spending time with the adults. Bryan helped with a sprinkler "situation" with Dad & Tyler and then the men tried to go watch a movie but ended up eating ice cream (after the Baptism). The ladies went to Sam's (of course) before the Baptism and after put the kids to bed and played Ticket to Ride (Beebe took 'C' home he was NOT falling asleep not in his bed). On our way home, we stopped at Bryan's sister's house and she, AGAIN, had a wonderful meal and brownies for the road for us. We got to Ga & Papa's house, played a couple rounds of Guitar Hero, had grilled cheese and then headed to RSM.
Big D traveled with us and is spending a week & a half with Ga & Papa. We are going to Lego Land on Friday with them. He has a lot of fun things planned during his 8 year-old visit and hopefully we can do a few of them with him.

We are going to Bakersfield this weekend, hopefully we will be able to see Misty while they are here next week and then next weekend we are off to Utah. So our busy weekend was just a preview of the next few weeks.

*Click on the link to see some pictures from the weekend.

Memory Lane at the Alamo May2005

I am loving Memory Lane except for the fact that I was lied to. I have decided in order for me to ever be pregnant again, I must be pregnant the same time as a short person. As you can see from the slide-show, I was not as un-noticeably pregnant as I was led to believe. I believed people because I didn't feel that big but as everyone can see I was HUGE!
My boys look more alike than I thought. Enjoy the pictures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!

I really want to post a certain picture of Mike but I don't have it here (I will be adding the photo- if I can find it- later tonight after we get to Mom & Dad's house.
22 things about Mike:
1. First son to my parents
2. served mission in Nebraska
3. came home from mission in April
4. great uncle at Yosemite
5. watched movies & played games with his niece & nephews
6. gives up bed whenever necessary
7. works for Stater's
8. swims
9. Guitar Hero
10. cooks
11. Orange Julius' YUMMY
12. watches Fresh Prince in the middle of the night
13. goes to the temple
14. attends YSA ward
15. social
16. photography
17. likes good deals
18. Cal State game nights
19. hard worker
20. strong-willed (is that what we are calling ourselves these days?)
21. runs errands WILLINGLY
22. LOVES to play games- even if I lose every time, am exhausted and have to drive an hour after we are done playing, I still enjoy playing Ticket to Ride with Mike.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! Thanks for letting us, your sisters, dress you up, have you push a shopping cart with a baby in it and carry a purse- you are a great brother.

Memory Lane

Over the past few days, I have been taking a short trip down memory lane and becoming quite sentimental- which I didn't think was possible. Bryan and I decided after looking over pictures and video clips of the boys when they were younger that we need to start taking more pictures and video clips.

I gathered all the photos (from the hard drive of the laptop) of the Warner girls with the boys. I hope you enjoy the slide show as much as I do.

Tagged by Emily

Q.) What time did you get up this morning?
A.) For the last time: 9am
Q.) Diamonds or pearls?
A.) both
Q.) What was the last film you saw at a cinema?
A.) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, last night with Bryan, Mom & Dad (Matt & 2 friends sat next to us but weren't with us).
Q.) What is your favorite TV show?
A.) The Office
Q.)What did you have for breakfast?
A.) Honey Roasted Honey Bunches Of Oats and a DC
Q.) What is your middle name?
A.) Stewart
Q.) What is your favorite meal?
A.) really it depends on my mood but I am making a yummy pasta dish I got from Janel tonight and I always love Bryan cooking/smokin'.
Q.) What foods do you dislike?
A.) broccoli, there are many others because I am a picky eater.
Q.) Favorite chips?
A.) Tortilla
Q.) What is your favorite CD?
A.) I have been listening to a CD Bryan's sister Laura made for me lately, Big A has been singing along to song 4 and I LOVE that.
Q.) What kind of car do you drive?
A.) 2003 Nissan Maxima or a 2000 Toyota 4Runner (or the Runner as Big A calls it)
Q.) What is your favorite sandwich?
A.) Grilled Turkey with Colby-Jack cheese dipped in that onion dressing- so yummy
Q.) What characteristics do you despise?
A.) lying
Q.) What is your favorite outfit?
A.) do pajamas count?
Q.) If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation where would you go?
A.) Kauai with the boys (and a sister or two to help watch them) to visit Gma and Jodi.
Q.) Favorite brand of clothing?
A.) Ann Taylor Loft
Q.) Where would you want to retire?
A.) Near family
Q.) Favorite time of day?
A.) After Bryan comes home from work and is ready to play/wrestle with the boys
Q.) Where were you born?
A.) Athens
Q.) What is your favorite sport to watch?
A.) Cougar football (without kids)
Q.) Who do you think will not send this back?
A.) Really, I don't know how many people read this
Q.) Person you expect to send it back first?
A.) Em already did it and I did it for her, so maybe Misty
Q.) Pepsi or Coke?
A.) Diet Coke
Q.) Beavers or Ducks?
A.) My boys know what sound a duck makes so I going with ducks.
Q.) Are you a morning person or a night owl?
A.) Seriously?
Q.) Pedicure or manicure?
A.) Pedicures, I wash my hands way too much to have a manicure
Q.) Any new and exciting news?
A) no, sad huh
Q.) What did you want to be when you were little?
A.) I don't know, we played school a lot but I don't think I ever aspired to be a teacher. I guess I just planned on being a mom.
Q.) What is your best childhood memory?
A.) Homemade bread, swimming (and all the games involved in that), family vacations, Christmas Eves (sleeping in Beebe's room/closet)
Q.) Piercing?
A.) Ears only
Q.) Ever been to Africa?
A.) No
Q.) Ever been toilet papering?
A.) Not in YEARS.
Q.) Favorite day of the week?
A.) Saturday, Bryan usually gets up with the boys and usually makes breakfast- french toast yummy (but today he went to Lowe's with my dad) Sunday's are the worst- church is at NAP TIME!
Q.) Favorite restaurant?
A.) Locally: In-N-Out. Texas: Rudy's. Utah: Cafe Rio.
Q.) Favorite flower?
A.) Gerber Daisy
Q.) Favorite ice cream?
A.) Chocolate Malted Crunch
Q.) Favorite fast food restaurant?
A.) In-N-Out
Q.) How many times did you fail your driver's test?
A.) none
Q.) From whom did you get your last e-mail?
A.) Flixster- does that count or do I need to put an actual person?
Q.) Which store would you max out your credit card?
A.) Sam's Club or CostCo if I did that sort of thing- you can get everything there.
Q.) Bedtime?
A.) last night: 2:30am- playing Guitar Hero with Katie & Mike
Q.) Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
A) you.
Q.) Last person you went to dinner with?
A.) Bryan & Boys to El Polo Loco and before that Babe's in Texas with Jarrod & Susannah & kids
Q.) What are you listening to right now?
A.) Little Einsteins
Q.) What is your favorite color?
A.) blue, green, brown
Q.) How many tattoos do you have?
A.) none, I could never want anything that permanent
Q.) Who are you sending this to?
A.) You.
Q.) What time did you finish this e-mail?
A.) 11:04am
Q.) Favorite magazine?
A.) I like glancing at the stuff on the rack at the grocery store. I enjoy People.
Q.) What the world needs more of?
A.) love and understanding

Money, Money, Money (I know you're singing it)

Big A has become very interested in money lately and we have encouraged it. He likes to carry it in his pocket but I don't. When we are out shopping he tells me he "needs money." I told him I use a credit card, so now he says "I need a card." It amazes me what he picks up on. Last night we went to wash the car and were discussing stopping by Mervyn's to get a shirt for the Nielson/Johnson photo in August. Big A asked "where are we goin', mom?" (a typical question along with "what are ya doin' mom?" while we are riding in the car), I answered him "Mervyn's." He then proceeded to tell me he wanted to go in and Little A too and they needed a card. I asked if they were going in alone but he kept telling me he needed a card.

Earlier this week I decided Big A needed a piggy bank to keep all his money- Papa gave him some over the weekend and his little pile of coins was getting a little too large for me to want just sitting on the bar. We headed to Big Lots- nothing. Next, we went to Wal-Mart- again nothing. I was beginning to think it was the wrong season to get a piggy bank, but what season is piggy bank season? I also just wanted something small and inexpensive (which I failed in both). I told Big A "we can go to Target to look for a piggy bank or we can just go home and try another day." He decided to go to Target. We looked in the Baby section, in the toy section, in the office section, in the wallet/purse section. The next place I was planning on looking was the bedding section but Bryan called and wondered if we were coming home and I explained our dilemma, he told me I should just ask someone. I asked a lady (in the bedding section) and she lead me to the juvenile bedding.

This is the piggy bank we picked out. The boys love it. I have started giving them 2 coins a day to put in the bank. After they put the coins in, they each get a turn "shaking the pig." I am going to open accounts for them and when they get more money we will take a trip to the bank. My Grandma Stewart opened accounts for us and put money in at Christmas. I haven't used the money in that account, I keep thinking I need to save it for when I need it. I think if I really needed it, I would use that money but right now it is nice to know it is there. I want my kids to learn to save and appreciate money and I think this is a start.

After the Honeymoon...and baby mammoth

Before I can check my junk email in my yahoo account, it goes to the Yahoo! homepage, on the homepage are articles, current events, weather and such. I usually scan the titles of the articles and read the interesting ones and the not-so interesting ones. Lately, there have been a lot of dating/relationship articles (usually when Jill & Andy have been close by) and the article tonight was about how to "to translate our love for each other into a life we both love." According to the article, there are 20 questions you should have with your partner, whenever you feel comfortable with them. Some of them I don't know if I would ever want to "discuss" with Bryan just because I already know the answer and some we talked about before we got married. One thing I did not like about this article was how she said date nights were phony- I love having an excuse to just go out with Bryan, we can always go out if we take the boys but that defeats the purpose of a date. Reading this article made me very appreciative of the examples and advice I was given before I got married. I am not claiming by any means to be an expert or to have the best marriage (well, maybe we do) but I glad I married my best friend and we are still best friends. There isn't anyone else I would rather watch episodes of The Office with or take shopping or go on a road trip with- even if he complains when we stop for food and/or a potty break.

Another article was about a newly found baby mammoth, I just thought you'd be interested in this article too.

Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?

I am grateful to Misty, Heather and Deena (just lately though) to posting regularly. It really helps a girl feel connected to people when they post or leave comments. I know for about a week I was slacking in the posting department and it took me a little longer than normal to comment, but hey I was on vacation- alone. I really would appreciate a little more posting from the 25 people on my blog list- just a little more- not every day but that would be nice. Maybe start a sign up of when ya'll will blog; Em: on the weekends cause then you don't have to wake up early for work, Ann: whenever you get the Internet back pick a couple days for you, Warners: maybe 2 days, one for Dave & one for Janel, MaLaan: come on and don't use moving or long vacations as an excuse, I could name everybody on the list but then what would be the purpose of the list (and I can give the named people a hard time and they will still love me).

Okay, I am mostly joking but I am trying to do my part and if our blogging relationships can last it needs to go both ways. And it is apparent I don't call people because my free time is when EVERYBODY else is ASLEEP. Just ask Beebe who called this morning only to hear Big A throw a fit about 2 minutes after we started talking and as soon as I was off the phone, it was over (I don't even know what he wanted). As I type this, Big A is teasing Little A which is resulting in Little A following Big A around crying. I realize this makes my kids sound horrible and they really aren't but when I want to do something for myself (or by myself), it causes problems and they emotionally cannot handle it (or so it seems). I heard from the Nursery people Big A was fine until I got called to be in there, so I think in part it is a show for me. I also think since their Dad is almost home, it is time for me to have a time-out.

Silliness and Bird Chasing

Little A and Big A had a pretty good time after picking up toys and tidying-up so we could vacuum. The hat Little A is wearing was Big A's from last year and he has it just sitting on the top of his head- not on all the way. Yes, besides the hat, he only has on a diaper and Big A is wearing pajamas. They were running around on the freshly vacuumed floor and I forced them to sit down for a photo. Shortly after this was taken, they were dressed, ate lunch and went down for a nap. During nap time, I was able to fold 4 loads of laundry AND put them away. When Bryan got home from work, we went to the park up the street. I should try to take them there by myself more but I must admit I am a wuss and Little A is a wanderer. The boys chased birds so far that I got a little worried about how far away they were getting but they came back after we shouted a little. I think I could be a single mom but then I would be really lonely, maybe that is another reason why I like going to the park with another adult- I would get really bored if I didn't have someone to talk to. I don't think it would be smart to take a book because Little A is a wanderer and follows Big A in the chasing of birds, plus when I read I tune the world out. I am now waiting for Bryan so we can watch TV together, aren't we romantic?

Busy?

It has been a week and a half since I last posted- I realize it is not that long to most of you but for me it seems like forever. After we went to Zion's I had 3 days until I was gone again, one of those days was Sunday and the another Saturday- which we spent at Mom & Dad's because Beebe & Tyler were there , so we had Sunday Game Night on Saturday. Monday I flew to Texas but was dropped off at the airport only to learn my flight had been delayed an hour, then after sitting for an hour, I learned it had been delayed another hour. I made the most of my time at the airport by calling people and Sudoku, I saved my book for the plane ride. Having my flight delayed that much had me getting into DFW around midnight, which made for a "late" night (we spent the night at the Bennett's the girls were already asleep). Wednesday, I headed to Waco to get stuff out of storage, go to Rudy's (I brought home 5 bottles of BBQ Sauce) and to see Deena. Friday, I flew home. It was a quick trip but I had fun playing with the girls, looking at model homes (Jarrod & Susannah are trying to convince me to move back to Texas, I am not the one that needs convincing though), holding the new baby , and talking with Susannah. We spent the night Friday and Saturday day at Mom & Dad's, with a trip to look at model homes with Beebe and a trip to Wal-Mart with Jill & Beebe. I realized (yet again) how much I hate Wal-Mart in the IE on a Saturday night. But I did get to play Ticket to Ride and almost won (dang Mom) and rocked out to Guitar Hero. At church I was invited to a special playgroup for moms with younger children (Big A was the oldest kid there). I actually met some other moms in the ward and they were nice to me. Maybe I will make some friends here. After playgroup, we picked up Bryan and went to Sam's- I hadn't gone shopping since before our trip to Zion's. I am planning on going to Ann's for a baptism in a couple of weeks and then spend a few days at Mom & Dad's and then to Utah for birthday parties and Bear Lake. Hopefully I will take some pictures with my camera soon. I took pictures with my phone but don't know how to download those to the blog yet (anybody know how?).The newest Brown grandchild, he was looking very thoughtful then I got the camera out and of course he started moving around. He started rolling over when he was 12 days old and I have video clips of his sisters re-enacting his rolling. He already likes candy and I am still working on being the favorite aunt of the girls.

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?