Weinberger's

Portland with the Lee's

2012-01-20T16:27:00.001-07:00

Caitlin and Jared came to visit a week after the new year. My parents drove them here and then they flew home to Hawaii. They were only here for a day but it was fun. Jared wanted to see Portland and you can't get a much better tour guide then Benson. That is if you want a police officer's perspective of the city. We had fun driving around and seeing different things. Jared wanted to see some of the landmarks he had seen on Portlandia.

While Grandma was in town she caught up on some sewing projects I had for her. Also, somehow she was wrangled into making little pillows for most of the grandkids. Brooklyn started it so it is all her fault!

Utah trip

2012-01-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah for Christmas this year. We left Christmas Eve in the morning hours so we got into Utah late Christmas Eve night. We had Christmas with the kids before we left but Santa brought their present from him to Utah. Plus they got all sorts of presents from family.

Every time I go to Utah I get frustrated with myself because I don't take very many pictures. So I made up for it this time. I had so many pictures I wanted to post that I had to do them in collages.

This first collage is from Christmas day at my parents house.

On the Monday after Christmas we had a party with the Weinberger clan. We had a lot of fun seeing everybody. I think someone spiked Benson's Diet Pepsi because he was so goofy!

These pictures are just random pictures while we were at my parents home. It was really good to see Brooke, Steven, Dylan, Sydnee, Cohen, Caitlin, and Jared. We hadn't seen them in just over 2 years. So we had some fun hang out time. It was so much fun to spend time with them. Brooklyn and Sydnee gave pedicures to whoever wanted one. Although they were annoyed when their brothers wanted them so they swapped and neither had to do their own brother.

These pictures are from my phone. They are horrible quality but I didn't want to miss putting these on here. Thanks to Aunt Carla we had a fun time at Boondocks. We played video games, drove go carts, played Laser Tag, and went miniature golfing. We also went to Leatherby's that night and Jer, Ry, and I shared a yummy ice cream. The kids also had fun having movie nights!

Thanks for all the fun everyone! Hopefully we get to do it all again soon!

The Nutcracker

2012-01-10T13:22:00.001-07:00

For our ward Christmas party this year they had all the primary children perform The Nutcracker. It was really cute and really fun to see the kids perform. They also loved doing it.

Jeremy was a mouse. He is right in the middle in this picture.

Brooklyn was a snowflake. She did a great job.

Our Christmas

2012-01-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

We did our family Christmas a day early since we were going to Utah for the holidays. The kids got to open one present Christmas "Eve" which is their pajamas.

Brooklyn, Ryan, and Jeremy in front of the Christmas tree in their new pajamas.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

We got together with our friends the Holbrooks for Thanksgiving. Laura was also in town but wouldn't let me take her picture. We were supposed to go to their house but Jer was really sick and pretty much was laying down or throwing up the whole day. By about 6:00 he was feeling better and then Ryan started. Luckily they were the only 2 that got sick.

Thoni and Brooklyn

Kariann and Ryan

Kariann and I left about 8:00 that night to get our shopping on! I got home about 6:10 in the morning and Kariann kept on shopping. We had a lot of fun.

Beach house vacation, beach house vacation!

2011-11-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

(Just sing my post title to the tune of Christmas Vacation. The song is stuck in my head and I went with it!)

So anyway, we went to the PPA beach house again with some good friends of ours. I think Heidi and Brooklyn thought they had died and gone to heaven. The got to spend 2 1/2 days together, watch movies, play games, have girl time, talk (which is pretty much girl time), and be together. We didn't see much of them. Brooklyn wouldn't even take her eyes off of the t.v. long enough for me to get a good picture.

All the kids except for Tyler. He was getting his shoes on. We were trying to get out the door to get to the outlet stores.

Jeremy and Nicole

Making sugar cookies!

The dad's involed with all electronics.

Heading out for a walk down by the beach. When we decided to go it wasn't raining but by the time we got our shoes and coats on it had started again. Oh well, it was still fun.

We had a great time. Can't wait to do it again!

Halloween

2011-11-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun carving pumpkins this year. It has become a tradition to carve our pumpkins with the Allen's. This year they came to our house and we had dessert and carved.

We let Ryan have at it with their pumpkins. Jayden's turned into a flag and Ryan's was a pumpkin with a bunch of stab wounds.

Ryan and Jayden with their dirt cups.

All the pumpkins!

On Halloween Laura and I made up a really fun dinner with the kids. It took Ryan a few minutes to realize he wasn't really going to eat mummy brains!

the menu

All the kids looked so cute in their costumes.

dinner with and by David

2011-11-01T16:32:00.000-06:00

Uncle David made us a really really yummy dinner and dessert. I told him if I could eat like this every night I would never need to go out! The kids loved it too. Uncle David was nice enough and is patient enough that he even let the kids help him prepare it.

the coast

2011-11-01T16:16:00.000-06:00

Benson's brother David came to visit for a few days. It was really fun for all of us to have him around. He stayed at the coast for a couple of nights and we decided to meet him out there and spend a day there with him. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. I think Ryan and I spent all of 5 minutes on the beach. The rest of them were probably out there for 15 minutes.

We decided to go to the aquarium in Seaside. It was really small and dingy but they did have some cool things. The kids liked feeding the seals and the touch tanks.

Jer holding a crab.

Ryan holding a baby starfish.

pumpkins

2011-10-12T17:22:00.001-06:00

My friend Jessica invited me to go to the pumpkin patch with her pre school group. Jeremy ended up staying home from school today (it's a long story) so he was able to join us also. It was nice to have his help. Ryan wouldn't sit back because he was nervous so he gets to be blurry.

Ryan, Jeremy, and Jayden

After the pumpkin patch they got to run through the maze. We didn't have time for anything else because Jayden had school but they did have a lot of fun.

Ryan wanted to go out back so he could cut down the tree with his chainsaw. I had to get a picture.

soccer

2011-10-01T01:01:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love watching my kids play sports. I am so happy I get to see Jeremy and Brooklyn both playing soccer.

Jeremy got to play goalie the first half of his game last Saturday. He really enjoyed it and did a pretty good job.

Jeremy fighting for the ball.

Jer throwing it in.

Brooklyn has a great coach. He really wants to unify the team. So they have a team chant that they do before each game. It is so girly and so cute.

Brooklyn had 2 games this last Saturday. They had to play back to back. The second team they played is known as the best team in her division. They beat them by 2. It was very exciting. Brooklyn is #16.

the making of the swing

2011-09-17T12:53:00.000-06:00

I thought I would show you how it was all put together.

First digging the holes. This is where we put Jeremy and Ryan to work. They had to stay out there until the holes were completely dug. No eating, sleeping, or stopping! They worked day and night!

Then Benson and I leveled the post and cemented them in.

Benson cut off the tops to the height that we wanted.

Then we put the cross beams up and Benson screwed them together.

Ryan enjoying the swing.

our home grown pumpkin

2011-09-17T12:00:00.000-06:00

We decided to try to grow our own pumpkins this year. We got one and it was very exciting to watch it grow. It is so fun for the kids (and us adults) to watch our garden grow. Yes, all of these pictures are of the same pumpkin but everyone needed a turn holding it and getting their picture taken.

First day of school

2011-09-07T18:29:00.000-06:00

Absence makes the heart grow fonder!

Today was the first day of school around this neck of the woods. It was sad to see them start another year but I really did enjoy the peace and quiet! I made the kids a fun breakfast this morning. Brooklyn's had 2 eyes at one point.

I cannot believe how old Brooklyn looks. I don't think I am ready for her to grow up.

Jeremy with his friend Dylan.

Jayden was super excited about starting preschool. He wanted to salute for his picture.

Ryan wanted in on all of this picture taking.

Not only was it the first day of school but it was also the hottest day of the year. So as a suprise we had ice cream sundaes for them when they got home. They thought that was pretty cool.

The kids had a great first day. I am so glad. I am looking forward to a great school year!

Ryan's birthday

2011-09-07T18:08:00.000-06:00

I know we celebrated Ry's birthday at the beach house but I can't not do anything on his actual birthday. The Williams had invited us to their house for dinner and we did a little celebration there. We had a lot of fun.

The dad's decided to have a friendly game of tetherball. They were both out of breath when they finished. It did last quite a while!

August

2011-09-06T17:26:00.000-06:00

As some of you may know, we have Benson's great nephew, Jayden, living with us for a few months. His mom is in the Navy and is deployed currently. So Jayden is staying with us and has added a lot more craziness (good crazy) to the house.

Ryan and Jayden, they are either the best of friends or driving each other bonkers! Here they are with our first vegetable from the garden.

Benson's newly finished swing. Everyone wanted to sit with him.

My good friend Melinda invited us to Yale Resevoir to spend the day. Once it warmed up enough the kids had a great time playing in the water.

I also babysat our good friends Dylan and Camdyn this summer. Here are all the boys trying to stay cool by playing in the hose.

The finished swing! I absolutely love it. I wrote on facebook that I can't decide if I want to swing on it or sit back and stare at it.

We also went down to Tualatin one day to pick up Brooklyn from her 2 night sleepover with her good friend Heidi. We spent a few hours at the Tualatin Commons.

Brooklyn and Heidi

We ate outside most of the summer. This night Ryan decided that sharing his dinner with Sarge would be a good idea.

Jeremy helping Benson unload wood from his Jeep to work on another project. He made a planter box.

That was our August in a nutshell. It was crazy but a lot of fun. I can't believe summer break is over.

Life's a beach

2011-08-23T17:07:00.000-06:00

We rented the beach house that the union that Benson belongs to owns. My parents, Laura, Janel, Johnny, Avery, and Wyatt were able to come with us. We were there the first part of August. Since it was so close to Ryan's birthday we decided that while we had family in town we would celebrate.

Some friends of ours also happened to be renting a beach house in the same town we were in on the same weekend. So we invited them to come and celebrate also.

Ryan had been talking about a pinata for the last few months. Every time we went grocery shopping he would point them out and I kept telling him he had to wait until his birthday. He was very patient and very excited when it was finally his birthday.

As soon as he got his hand on a piece of candy he had it opened and was eating it. Then he continued to stuff his pockets.

Present time! He loved opening presents, what kid doesn't!

The kids playing with the car that Ryan got from Dylan and Camdyn.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Ryan wanted the head of the dinosaur. The piece right in the middle of the cake!

Me letting Ryan know that his mommy cut that piece out just for him.

On Monday we headed right for the beach. It was a beautiful day and we just hung out and enjoyed it.

Dylan and Camdyn also came to the beach with us that day.

Ryan covering Benson in sand.

Avery and Brooklyn

On Tuesday we had 2 sick kids. It started with Ryan late Monday night and then on the way to the Evergreen Aviation Museum Brooklyn threw up. So Benson brought her back to the beach house. Then Benson, Jeremy, and Johnny headed back out for the museum. They had a good time.

Tuesday night we roasted marshmallows. We were supposed to do them at the beach but with Brooklyn not feeling well we stayed at the house hoping she would be able to join us. She never felt good enough to come out. Benson layed in bed with her so she wouldn't be all alone.

Notice my mom all wrapped up and the rest of us in shorts and t-shirts. I told her she is turning into an old person.

Wyatt, Jeremy, Ryan, and Avery

On Wednesday we went to the Hatfielf Science Center. They had a really cool touch tank that the kids really enjoyed.

After that we ate lunch at Mo's and then headed to Devil's Punch Bowl. We were there at the wrong time though because it was high tide so it wasn't as fun as other times we have been there when the kids can explore on the rocks.

Ryan, Janel, and Avery

Johnny and Brooklyn

Jeremy and Avery had a great time playing on all of this driftwood.

On our way back we stopped to check out some scenery. I love this view. Not just the view of the wonderful man standing next to me but what is behind us also.

We had a great time. There was a few hiccups along the way but all in all it was a great few days!

2011-08-17T16:30:00.000-06:00

Saturday was our last day. We went to a park in Los Gatos with Zach and Kelly. We took the kids on the train and Ryan went on the carousel. We also brought lunch and just enjoyed a few hours at the park.

Eating an icee.

We had a really fun week. Thanks to all who were involved. It was fun posting the pictures cause it helped me escape for a few minutes and remember what a good time we had.

Sea Cliff Beach take 2

2011-08-17T16:18:00.000-06:00

By Friday we had pretty much spend all of our money and energy. So we decided to take it easy again and headed back to the beach. The kids had had such a good time earlier in the week that we thought it would be a good idea to go back. There must have been a storm the night before because there was a ton of seaweed on the beach which made it very stinky! But we still had a good time.

Jeremy was super happy to see that the fort him and Ryan had built on Wednesay was still somewhat there.

Ryan was way more brave this time to get in the water.

Back to SF

2011-08-17T16:08:00.000-06:00

On Thursday we went back to San Francisco to do some tourist stuff. We started back at AT&T park to walk around the outside. While we were there a motorcycle cop pulled up and he let Jeremy get on his bike, he also got to beep the siren and turn on the lights. He was going to let Ryan also but he was too scared.

McCovey Cove

Brooklyn posing, what a funny girl.

Benson wanted to go to Alamo Square and take pictures of the "painted ladies."

Then of course I needed a classic "Full House" picture.

We walked part way across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was really neat. We even saw a dolpin in the water.

It wasn't windy at all. (Yeah right)

We drove down to this area. I am not sure the name of it and watched the water crash against the rocks. I let the kids poke their heads out the sunroof and get hit by the water. As you can tell Brooklyn chickened out as the water was coming up!

We were watching a seal play in the water.

An old military fort at the base of the bridge. It was really cool to walk through.

The cemetary at the Precidio. The kids were talking about who was buried there and Benson told them that they had to be in the military to be buried there. So Brooklyn says to Jeremy, "Yeah Jeremy, Zach will be buried here soon enough." (Zach is Benson's nephew who is in the Army.) Benson and I both said hopefully not!

That evening we met up with Adrienne and went to dinner by her apartment in the Marina. It was fun to walk around there a little bit. After that we went back to her place and had ice cream. And of course I didn't take any pictures of her and me!

Sea Cliff Beach

2011-08-17T15:26:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday we decided to keep it simple and cheap! We headed to the beach and it was a fun and relaxing day.

San Francisco

2011-08-17T15:10:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday we spent the day at the San Francisco Zoo. Which you would never tell by these pictures because they are pretty much only pictures of our animals but what can I say....they were the cutest animals there!

Then that evening we went to the Giants and Dodgers game. We went with Adrienne, Kelly, and Zach. It was so much fun to be there with everyone. We had a really good time and it was made even better by the Giants beating the Dodgers. Uncle Zach taught Ryan to say, "Beat LA!"

Benson went on a little walk and took some pictures of San Francisco.

California trip part 2 (whale watching)

2011-08-13T17:45:00.000-06:00

On Monday we went to Monterrey and we went on a whale watching tour. That was a lot of fun and very cool.

Brooklyn told me that a group of dolphins is called a pod. So according to Brooklyn here is a pod of dolphins.

Ryan was having a great time until someone came around and told us he needed to have a life jacket on. Of course it was way too big for him. Anyway, I still think he had a pretty good time.

We got to see a blue whale. That was very cool.

We even got to see his tail which apparently is very rare! Maybe they just told us that so we would feel pretty lucky either way I felt pretty darn lucky!

We also saw 2 humpback whales. They were swimming together and the even fluked? one right after the other. That was probably my favorite part.

That evening we went back to Zach and Kelly's house and had dinner with them. The kids helped Kelly pick all the plums off of the tree. They had been out of town for 2 weeks so there was a bunch of fruit to pick.

California trip part 1

2011-08-13T17:27:00.000-06:00

(Disclaimer: I am not editing any of these pictures. I just don't have the time, so sorry!)

The first couple of days we were in California we stayed with Adrienne's parents Mike and Kathy. They were so wonderful to let us stay with them. It wasn't about a place to stay but more visiting and spending time with all of them. We had such a good time at their house and the kids love swimming in the pool.

I didn't get any group shots which I am totally annoyed at myself for. Oh well, I guess that means we will have to go again sometime.

summer time

2011-07-27T17:04:00.002-06:00

These pictures posted in the opposite order then I thought they were going to so I am going to work backwards. Here are some pictures from July 5 when we had a picnic dinner at Lewisville Park.

I loved this picture of Brooklyn.

Earlier that day I met up with Lisa and we took the kids to Lewisville Park so the kids could go swimming in the river. They had a ton of fun.

On the Fourth of July we went to a friend of ours that Benson worked nights with. We went to their house last year for the 4th and had a really good time. We were excited to go back this year. We had a lot of fun again. Jeremy loved seeing the fireworks that they set off and Brooklyn loved flirting with Bill.

Brooklyn and Bill

Brooklyn with Kristin up in the tree house.

all decked out for the 4th

Before we went to Bill's house we played outside with the neighbors. The kids had fun playing with water balloons.

These pictures are from my birthday. I was sick over my birthday. Benson had planned a surprise party with some friends that ended up having to be cancelled which was a total bummer. On my actual birthday we had the Larman's and the Gaylor's come over. Unfortunately I still wasn't feeling great and didn't even get to take a bite of my birthday cake. All in all it was really fun to have friends over. Thanks to my wonderful husband for trying to make it a special day for me.

During my birthday celebration Jer lost his 2 front teeth. They had been loose for quite some time and apparently Jer was tired of it and he had Benson yank them.

We also headed to Tualating to meet up with some old friends from there to have a play date. Apparently I didn't do a very good job at taking pictures of the event.

We have had a very busy summer so far and it isn't slowing down anytime soon. I am happy to be busy and spending time with friends and family.

Jeremy's 1st grade zoo field trip

2011-07-27T11:23:00.001-06:00

Well this is a little out of order but I used my old camera at the zoo and so the pictures were forgotten about for a little while. Anyway, Ryan and I went with Jeremy on his field trip to the zoo back on June 3rd. Here is Jeremy with the boys in his group.

At one point we ran into Jeremy's teacher Miss Johnson. She was a fabulous teacher!

Benson's new stomping grounds

2011-07-27T11:16:00.000-06:00

While Jean was here we also went to see Benson at the horse stables. Benson is training to be part of the mounted patrol. It is a total change for him but he is excited about it and the kids think it is really cool.

Benson with Ian. This is one of the horses that he has mainly been training with.

I thought it was cool to watch these horses playing. At least that is what Benson said they were doing.

Battle Ground Lake with Grandma

2011-07-26T23:15:00.001-06:00

We had some really nice weather while Jean was here so we decided to go to the park. I didn't want to just go to any park. So we drove around and ended up at Battle Ground Lake. We didn't go down to the lake but the kids played at the play ground. It was so pretty sitting amongst all of the big trees and the kids had a good time exploring at a new park.

Grandma Jean's visit and Father's Day

2011-07-26T17:05:00.000-06:00

Benson's mom came and visited over Father's Day. It was a lot of fun to have her here. On Father's Day Brooklyn and Jean made meatball heros for dinner and they were yummy.

Brooklyn watching Benson read the letter she made for him.

Ryan's gift to Benson...himself!

(I don't know what is up with the quality of these pictures but I don't have time to figure it out. So, sorry!)

end of school year

2011-07-26T16:51:00.000-06:00

I am trying to get updated. I have just been so busy! So anyway I am going back a few weeks. This is from the last couple days of school. Brooklyn's class had a native american feast because they had been learning about them. Ryan and I went and participated in the feast. Brooklyn and I made cornbread to take.

For the kids teachers this year we made them candy bar posters. They turned out really cute!

Jeremy's 7th Birthday

2011-06-22T22:54:00.001-06:00

Jeremy is getting quite the birthday celebration this year. Benson was out of town on his birthday so the weekend before we celebrated with cake and presents.

This is Ryan realizing none of these presents are for him.

One of the many ways I know Jeremy is my son is he picked chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. What a smart kid!

I love that Jeremy can't stop smiling long enough to even blow out his candles.

Then on his birthday we went out to dinner and had brownies. On the next Saturday Grandma Jean came into town and we went out to dinner and she had them sing Happy Birthday to him and this coming Saturday is his friend party and they are going to see Cars 2. I hope my birthday lasts as long as Jeremy's does!

beginning of summer

2011-06-22T22:46:00.000-06:00

We are so happy that summer has finally started to show its face. Any chance we get we are soaking up the cancerous rays.

This is Ryan out front at the neighbors enjoying their kiddie pool.

A couple of weeks ago we had some friends over. They are Braves fans and we are Mets fans and the 2 teams were playing each other so we decided to have a little shindig. We had dinner and then roasted marshmallows and had some smores.

It was a lot of fun and the kids love having new friends to play with. Dylan was on Jeremy's baseball team. Benson helped Dylan's dad, Ryan coach the team.

Horning's Hideout

2011-06-06T17:25:00.000-06:00

Shelly organized a get together on Memorial Day. We went and spent the day at Horning's Hideout. We were really worried about the weather but it ended up being a beautiful day. So it was us, Williams and the Ravert's. The kids had so much fun playing together.

Ryan loves to swing.

Jeremy, of course, hit the ball too hard and it went on the roof. Here they are trying to get it off. First Jer tried...

then Ryan...

and then Benson.

Benson was purposely going the wrong way and getting the kids all wound up. It was so funny.

Ryan loved playing with Emma and Grayce. They were so sweet with him.

The kids trying to catch salamander. The husbands were off playing frisbee golf.

Ryan loved having Anzlie push him on the swing. He kept saying, "faster". It made me a little nervous.

We had such a great time. It was so fun to see everyone.

Jeremy's 1st grade singing performance

2011-06-06T16:58:00.000-06:00

All of the 1st graders had a singing performance. Jeremy wasn't thrilled about going. He said he was only going so he could have a cookie after. I would probably complain also if I had to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider and other various pre-school songs. But it was cute to watch him.

Jeremy with his good friend Josh.

Lucia Falls with the Williams

2011-06-06T16:53:00.000-06:00

A week after we went to Lucia Falls with my family the Williams' came up and we went there again. This time the salmon weren't jumping much because the water was running so fast. It had been really warm the few days leading up to the day we went. So the water was running really fast. The kids still had fun though.

Heidi and Brooklyn

The Williams' also came to celebrate Shelly's birthday with us. We had yummy cake and ice cream!

more baseball

2011-06-06T16:34:00.000-06:00

Jeremy played first base, his favorite!

He's out!

Jer is always eager to find out what position he is playing.

Ry loves to see his brother.

Multnomah Falls

2011-06-06T16:18:00.000-06:00

While my parents were here I realized we had never taken them to Multnomah Falls. So on their last day here Benson, Ryan, and I took them to see the falls. The weather wasn't perfect but it was much better then I was expecting.

Ryan wanted to scare me as I came around the corners.

Lucia Falls with G, G, and L

2011-05-25T15:22:00.000-06:00

My mom drove back home with me from Utah. Then the next weekend my dad and Laura came up to visit. While they were all here we went on a couple of excursions. The first one was to Lucia Falls and we got to see the salmon trying to jump up the waterfall. That was really cool. We went back the next weekend with some friends and the water was running so much faster from the warm weather that we didn't see nearly as many.

Baseball

2011-05-25T15:03:00.000-06:00

Jeremy is having a great year in baseball. He is playing really well and it is really fun to watch him. I think he has struck out once and got out at first once other than that he has gotten on base every time. Maybe not always great hits but enough to get him on base.

Here he is playing first base, one of his favorite positions.

There's my little lefty.

I had to add the full sequence of these pictures. Jeremy was playing third base and he caught the ball. Not only do I love watching Jeremy in the pictures but everyone around him. You can watch Benson taking his hands out of his pockets to clap. Dylan (the pitcher) tracking the ball, and the kid in the outfield next to Benson paying absolutely no attention to where the ball is.

Jeremy after scoring a run.

Ryan telling his brother good job.

The cutest fan at the ballpark.

Utah trip

2011-05-20T15:55:00.001-06:00

We took a last minute trip to Utah a couple of weeks back. Benson's brother Matt and his wife Dayna were celebrating their 20 year anniversary and needed someone to keep an eye on their kids, so my kids and I went to help out. The kids had a really good time. During the day we got to hang out with my family and do some fun things and at night we got to hang out with Mc Kinley, Aspen, and Caton. We also were able to visit some of Benson's family. We had a really fun but very hectic week. Thanks to everyone for the visit!

Smoot Park

They are true boys. Just give them some sticks and dirt and they are happy.

Jeremy, Caton, and Brooklyn at Aunt Kathi's house. She had us over for dinner one night and it was yummy. Thanks Kathi and Ashli it was fun to be with you guys. Jeremy loved spending the night with Caton. He looked forward to it every day! He was always saying that he wished Caton didn't have to go to school so he could hang out with him. We did get to go have breakfast with Caton when we was awarded Student of the Month. That was really neat to be at.

Ashli and Ryan and of course Bruce

Aspen, Jeremy and Ryan

Grandma Jean also fed us a lot. She took us out to dinner one night and then she had us over for lasagna another night. It was fun to be with Grandma, Uncle David, Kathi, Ashli and Taylor. Kathi teaching Ryan how to blow up a balloon. (Ryan's shirt was off because he was eating lasagna.) As you can tell I need to take more pictures. I always come home and am ticked at myself for not getting more pics.

Ryan, Jeremy, Brooklyn, Wyatt, and Avery out in front of their house just before we left to come home. The kids had a lot of fun seeing Avery and Wyatt again. I had fun hanging out with my sisters and parents. It was really fun that Brooke was there for a night while we were also. I made her stay up until 2:00 AM to hang out with me. I told her if I saw her more often she wouldn't have to stay up so late. I just wish the rest of her family was there too.

Easter

2011-05-19T16:05:00.000-06:00

Well I am finally getting around to posting again. Hopefully I can get caught up soon. Here are some pictures from our very hectic Easter morning. Nothing like easter egg hunting, getting everyone ready and to church by 9:00 in the morning.

So this is pretty much what Ryan's breakfast consisted of (his chocolate bunny). This and a cinnamon roll. Just wait it gets better.

The kids did not want to cooperate in getting an Easter picture. On top of that the weather was crappy!

We dyed our eggs on Easter. We ran out of time on Saturday and we figured they just sit in the fridge anyway so we will just dye them on Sunday. The kids didn't care one bit.

And this is dinner, not totally but pretty much. He didn't eat much of his dinner.

Our neighbors the Larman's invited us over for Easter dinner and it was yummy!

Oregon Coast

2011-04-25T11:01:00.003-06:00

The gang minus me

David and Sarah invited us to go to the coast with them for the weekend. We were so excited to go. We usually try to meet them for a day when they go but this time they invited us to stay for 2 nights. We had so much fun. The kids had such a good time with Uncle David and Aunt Sarah and their dog Ruby. We also got to take Sarge. We all had such a good time running around the beach and playing. The weather was great. Not a single rain drop!

The kids were trying to knock Benson off and he was trying to knock them off. Benson won.

Playing with seaweed.

David and Brooklyn found a wish stick. David won.

I never thought a little sand dune could be so much fun!

The kids loved that they got to go swimming. Sarah got in with them and they had a blast playing with her. They played all sorts of games. We told Jeremy to do a cannonball and he did a flip. Then we had to remind him what a cannonball was.

Beautiful sunset from our balcony.

Monday was our last day and we had the greatest weather that day.

We headed 10 minutes north to go to Devil's Punch Bowl. It is one of my and Benson's favorite spots. We go there right at the wrong time though. It was high tide and we didn't get to look through the rocks for sea life.

A lucky picture that Benson got. He was taking a picture through the hole of some driftwood and Brooklyn and David happened to walk right in front of it.

Sarah teaching Ryan how to make a whistling sound with the grass. Then of course all of us had to do it.

We had such a great trip. Thank you so much David and Sarah. The kids will always have such great memories of this weekend with you guys and so will we!

50's party

2011-04-21T15:48:00.000-06:00

For Activity Days they had a Daddy/Daughter 50's party. Benson had to work so Brooklyn went with her good friend Bennett and her dad. She had a lot of fun and I thought the 2 of them little cute in their outfits. I was running around the house trying to find something that would resemble the 50's. She is wearing my skirt and 2 of her skirts under it to give it some poof. I think for a last minute throw together she looked really cute!

a couple projects

2011-04-12T23:36:00.000-06:00

We have been working on some projects around the house. I bought this chair for $10 at Goodwill. Benson wasn't very happy with me but I think he likes the finished project. I did most of it by myself. Benson helped me with a little bit putting on the new fabric.

BEFORE

AFTER

For Benson's birthday I gave him money to make a workbench for the garage. He was very excited and in Benson fashion it is much more than just a workbench that goes in the garage.

Here is the table top that he glued a bunch of 2x6's cut in half together. Jeremy helped him with this part. Jeremy of course felt pretty lucky to help out his dad.

The finished project. I tried to find a place in our house to put it but it is too big. It is way too nice to be sitting in a garage, but there was just no where for it to go. I told Benson our nicest piece of furniture should not be in the garage. He is very happy with it and nobody is allowed to touch it! Just kidding!

Harlem Globetrotters

2011-03-17T16:20:00.001-06:00

Back in February we were able to take the kids to see the Harlem Globetrotters. Some good friends of ours were able to score us some reasonably priced tickets and awesome seats. The kids had a blast. Brooklyn was the most fun to watch. She was laughing so hard. It was really cute. Brooklyn kept asking if it was over and she was always so excited when I said no.

Ryan enjoyed himself too but he insisted on sitting on my lap the whole time.

This blow up mascot was hilarious. I think I laughed the most at it.

Teen Wolf

wide load coming through

2011-02-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

So I went onto another blog that my friend Melinda told me about. The blog is http://www.sassysanctuary.blogspot.com/. On there she did a tutorial on how to widen your blog and I thought I would share with all of you in case you were wondering how people did it!

snow

2011-02-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday we got hit with a snow storm in the morning. By midday it was all gone. I am glad we didn't wait for Brooklyn and Jeremy to get home from school before we went outside.

take a look

2011-02-16T22:19:00.001-07:00

Go to www.undermypolkadotumbrella.blogspot.com and take a look at a craft project my good friend Melinda and I did together. I took the pictures and she did the rest. I love the way it came out.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:33:00.003-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you, you, and YOU!I don't know why they are all pointing in different directions. They weren't supposed to be but I liked it. To all our friends and family Happy Valentine's Day, we love you!

(To see more pictures check out my photography blog.)

Beach Conference

2011-02-13T21:25:00.004-07:00

Benson deemed Stake Conference to be Beach Conference this go round. So we got up this morning and headed for the coast. It was a little cold and misty but all in all not bad. Nobody complained about being cold. Jeremy always finds his way to seaweed and the water. We tell him everytime to not get all wet and he never manages to listen. This time he fell down and the water soaked him. Luckily we brought a change of pants, unfortunately we didn't bring a new jacket, shirt, socks, or shoes. He was a good sport though and didn't complain.

Sarge had a ball on the beach. He ran all over but came back as soon as he was called. The kids had fun running around with him also.

Ryan found some goggles in the bag of sand toys. I am not sure what his plans were?!?

We can't forget a picture of the two of us! We had a fun day. I am glad we went.

Boondocks

2011-02-09T15:51:00.003-07:00

My awesome Aunt Carla got tickets to Boondocks for us. The kids had a blast. They got to do whatever they want. They played rollerball, tons of arcade games, bowling and we even got some lunch. The kids and Benson got 845 tickets from the arcades. Thank you Carla for the tickets!

Wyatt's 1st Birthday

2011-02-09T15:43:00.006-07:00

Also, while we were in Utah, we were able to celebrate Wyatt's 1st Birthday. He is so super cute and we were happy that we could be there for it.

Wyatt with his daddy. Great-Grandpa, Wyatt, Brooklyn, and Grandpa
The kids having fun with their cousins.

What a cute family.

Wyatt didn't hesitate in the least bit to dig into his cake.

Farmington Bay

2011-02-09T15:24:00.003-07:00

We headed to Utah last week to go to Benson's niece Ashli's wedding. We decided to make a vacation of it and stayed for a week. One of the morning's we were there Benson, Me, Ryan, Laura, Matt, and Dayna went to Farmington Bay to check out the birds. It was cool to see the Bald Eagles. I just wish they were closer.

snow fun

2011-02-09T14:54:00.003-07:00

After we went to Mt. St. Helen's on Christmas Eve we promised them we would go back and bring a sled with us. So back in January we did just that. We brought the sled and also decided to try some Dramimine on Sarge. We had a really fun time. Jeremy wanted to try going down backwards.
Sarge loved playing with the kids in the snow.

Ryan would only go down on the sled with me. He loved it once he did it but still insisted that he went with me.

We had a lot of fun. Hopefully we will get another chance to go this winter.

Muddy Buddies

2011-01-15T17:43:00.002-07:00

Brooklyn and Jeremy didn't have school this last Wednesday for who knows what reason. Anyway, they each got to invite a friend over and they had fun playing all day. Bennett and Brooklyn made Muddy Buddies.

Enjoying the fruit of their labors. Bennet said to me this is why she loves coming to our house and I said "because we make lots of treats?" She said, "No, it is just so much fun!" I love that girl. It is always nice when your child has a friend that you really like and fortunately for us Brooklyn has a few that I really like.

Jeremy's 1st basketball game

2011-01-15T17:33:00.003-07:00

Last Saturday was Jeremy's first basketball game. He had a really good time and even made a couple of shots.

We were using our new lens that we are obviously still learning how to use. I still liked the picture of Jeremy getting the rebound even though it is blurry.

at the gameI just thought this was a cute picture.

New Years Eve

2011-01-15T17:26:00.003-07:00

We went to the Larman's for New Years Eve. Benson had to work so he wasn't there. We had a good time. Mike did fireworks and made really yummy food. We celebrated the new year at 9:00 so we could get the kids home and in to bed at a decent time. Even with an early celebration we didn't get home until 10:00. We got home and Laura let me sneek off to a party my friend Melinda was having. It was a fun night. I just wish Benson was there to celebrate with us.

Christmas time

2011-01-08T11:20:00.005-07:00

We had a great Christmas. On Christmas Eve after we went to the snow we kept up with our tradition of going to The Outback for dinner. It was really yummy but decided that maybe next year our tradition will be just going out to dinner and not necessarily to Outback because it is so darn expensive. But the food was yummy and we had a good time. After that we came home and the kids got to open 1 present. Another tradition is opening a new pair of pajamas to wear that night. Ryan holding his new jammies.
The kids in their new pajamas. Don't they look so cute. We were in such a rush to get them to bed because we had so much to do that we forgot to read A Christmas Dress for Ellen or even the Christmas story. Luckily we had done that once already a few nights before.

Opening presents on Christmas morning. If you look close you can see Jer going, "OHHHH" all excited about his new skateboard. Thanks to McKinley for the wheels and other things (I forget what they are called.) Benson bought the deck at a shop in Portland. The bottom of it is a picture of the St. John's Bridge and a map of the area. It is really cool. Then Jeremy's other really exciting gift, his DS! Notice the jealousy on Brooklyn's face.

Then she got to open her big gift, a keyboard. She will be taking piano lessons.

Ryan got a train and train table. We woke him up to open presents and he was still groggy until he saw the train table. He then jumped out of my arms and ran over to it to play. Here he is opening one of the parts to the train.After all that we got dressed and headed to the airport to pick up Laura. It was a surprise to the kids that she was coming and they were very excited. When we got home Jeremy wanted to go outside and ride his skateboard so we headed out and it was fun for me to play with my new lens that Benson got me for Christmas. I love it!

Jer on his skateboard. He picked it up pretty fast. Jeremy loves doing tricks. I then explained to him that part of the trick was staying on the board after it landed.

He picked up his mad skateboarding skills from me. See I stayed on the board...

Benson fell off!

The background isn't so great but the man in the picture is!Brooklyn so happy that Laura is here.

A few days later the kids made candy bar trains.

If you look close you will notice that Brooklyn got her ears pierced. She used some Christmas money to get it done. She was very nervous to the point that she was crying a little bit but she still did it. She looks really cute with them pierced.We had a great Christmas. I am sad that it is all over. I am grateful for the memories that I have of this year and the time we got to spend as a family. Being together as a family and celebrating Christ's birth is truly the most important part to me.

Let It Snow

2010-12-24T16:33:00.004-07:00

Well it didn't snow for us but I would really love it if it did. Let the title of this post ring true and let it snow. Anyway, we headed up to the Mt. St. Helen's area so we could play a little in the snow. We didn't bring any sledding materials because we (Benson) didn't think there would be anywhere to sled. There are a couple of little hills so I think we are going to go back soon with some things to sled with. But we did have a good time just being in the snow. Ryan loved the birds.

Just some pretty scenery.

teacher gift

2010-12-17T11:29:00.002-07:00

I had to share these because I absolutely love them. I got the idea from a craft blog that I absolutely love. Anyway, I made these for Brooklyn and Jeremy's teachers. I was going to make something different so I had Brooklyn ask her teacher what her favorite color is and she said red. Then once I changed my mind to these I thought red would still be really cool. (Jeremy's teacher is gone for this week so he didn't get to ask her.) I have made a couple for myself but I think I am going to have to make one red for me too.

the hunt

2010-12-16T15:41:00.005-07:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving we headed out to find the perfect Christmas tree. We found a tree farm that supports the troops by giving away trees to their families. They also support law enforcement by giving them a discount. So in all of this support we decided we would go there and support them. (For the record we probably won't go back. They were super nice but their trees are a little too shaped for our style.) Anyway, here we go on an adventure. Ryan refused to wear a coat but he never complained about being cold either. So, I can't complain about him not wearing a coat, I guess. I love this kids eyes when he wears blue! Along our way....always looking for a good photo op.

Still searching...
and another photo op.

We finally decided on a tree. Ryan is supervising the cutting of the tree.

adorable

Taking more pictures while Benson is on the ground in the mud sawing away.

This is about when Benson asked, "Why do we do this again?" In which I respond, "because it is fun!"

Benson with his famous "kill" picture.

the whole gang

Good time had by all!

Thanksgiving

2010-12-02T12:27:00.003-07:00

We had another great Thanksgiving. Kathi, Ashli and her fiance Taylor came. It was a lot of fun to have them here. Zach couldn't make it this year and that was a bummer.

Jeremy helped me make rolls the day before. This kid loves to bake. Our dinner table ready to eat with homemade placemats and all but the turkey was taking FOREVER! Jeremy and I had left treats on everyone's plate. It ended up being a great before dinner snack.

Finally, half the turkey is cooked. We cut off the cooked stuff and stuck the rest back in.

the gang

enjoying the pies

Our neighbors the Larman's came over for pie.

projects

2010-11-24T10:51:00.005-07:00

Brooklyn has had a couple of school projects lately. The first was a diagram of a flower. Benson and Brooklyn worked on it quite a bit. She had a lot of fun working with Benson.

I told the kids that if they did a really good job drawing and coloring these Thanksgiving placemats that I would go get them laminated and we could keep them. They got to work and made 1 for each person that is going to be here for Thanksgiving. They turned out really cute.

Then in November Brooklyn had to make a Mayflower for school. We worked many many hours on it but it turned out really cute and Brooklyn was very proud of it. Jeremy is already excited for when he is in 3rd grade and gets to make his own.

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-24T10:42:00.003-07:00

On Sunday afternoon it started to snow. I didn't think much of it but then the flakes started getting bigger and bigger. So as soon as we left the church doors the kids (and Benson) were having a snow ball fight with some friends. Then as soon as we got home they put on their "snow gear" and headed outside. It was really fun to get some snow. Now we just hope we get more!

end of soccer

2010-11-22T22:46:00.003-07:00

The end of October I took Brooklyn and Jeremy to take some pictures with their soccer gear. It was a lot of fun. I loved them trying to show of their skills for the camera. This is the best picture of Brooklyn because you can tell she is trying really hard by the way her hands are torqued. If you have ever seen her play when she is really into it she does this with her hands. We have also started to notice Jeremy doing it and we realized it comes from Benson. He does something really funny with his hands when he is trying really hard. I love it and I am so glad I have a picture of Brooklyn doing it.

I love fall

2010-11-07T01:37:00.002-06:00

I took some pictures of the kids today (actually looking at the clock I took them yesterday). Anyway, to check out more go to my photography blog or Ruby Red Photography on facebook. I love that I can get pictures of my kids whenever I want. Now I just need the weather to cooperate so I can do some Christmas outfit pictures.

Halloween

2010-11-05T23:04:00.003-06:00

I am finally getting around to posting for Halloween. I have tried a couple of other times but my computer was having issues. Anyway, the kids had a good time trick or treating this year. I love Halloween and walking around with the kids and seeing all the fun costumes of all the other little kids. I love the feeling of Halloween and fall kicking into high gear. I absolutely loved Ryan in his little dog costume. I bought him a pumpkin costume because we decided on the traditional costumes this year but I just couldn't resist how adorable he was in this.

I wish you could see his little tail wagging as he walked, adorable! Ryan loves his doggie costume too. He sleeps with it every night.

left to right: Ryan's, Jeremy's and Brooklyn's

Jeremy and Brooklyn did theirs all by themselves.

Ryan had no problem getting in there and asking for candy.

The cutest witch I have ever seen!

We went with our friends the Larman's. The kids had fun going together.

Halloween cupcakes

2010-11-01T11:50:00.003-06:00

Brooklyn was gone Friday and Saturday night for Halloween parties. I decided that we needed to have some fun of our own. So the boys and I made some Halloween cupcakes.

Ryan frosted part of one and thought it was time to eat. He did sit there and enjoy his cupcake and every once in a while would do a little more decorating.

Look at Jeremy's tongue, he is really concentrating!

Enjoying one of his creations.

more cupcakes

We had a good time and the were super yummy!

Great Wolf Lodge

2010-10-27T09:52:00.004-06:00

The Williams invited us to go to Great Wolf Lodge with them and a bunch of other families. So we decided to take the kids out of school and join everyone. We had such a good time and it was so fun for the kids to have a bunch of friends to play with. Benson is holding Ryan but if you look close Brooklyn and Jeremy are also in there splashing around.
Brooklyn was a little nervous about the waterslides at first. So Jeremy went down with Heidi.

Brooklyn and Bennett

Once Ryan discovered this "boat" he didn't want to do anything else.

Brooklyn and Heidi

Ryan slowly made his way to the water.

Brooklyn, Heidi, and Bennett

We had such a good time. Brooklyn won't take off her bracelet because it is cool to wear it to school. Anyway, thank you Williams for inviting us. It was a ton of fun!

the search for the greatest pumpkins

2010-10-21T13:34:00.006-06:00

We have really lucked out and have had some really nice weather here. So we went to the pumpkin patch on one of those nice days. We got to launch pumpkins and try to make them into a barrel. Which we were not successful at but it was still fun.

So I told Jeremy to count to 3 and then let go. So he counted and then... didn't let go!
Brooklyn launching one of her pumpkins.

There was also a petting zoo. Ryan loved all of the animals.

The kids by the chicken coop.

Ryan also loved riding the tractor.

The kids had fun running through this maze.

Jeremy found his perfect pumpkin.

This isn't the pumpkin Brooklyn picked but I thought it was a cute picture.

Jeremy trying to help Ryan with his pumpkin.

Benson said he was going to get the biggest pumpkin he could find and he certainly did.

Me and the hubs!

I promise we had fun.

Everyone doing their share (except me, I had to take pics)!

my bedroom makeover

2010-10-19T01:10:00.004-06:00

So I made big plans for a bedroom makeover. Luckily Benson let me do what I wanted with a little bit of financial reality thrown at me once in a while. In the end even though I had to change a few things I am so happy with the way it turned out.

BEFOREI had to sand down the dresser and night stands and pull off some of the trim. Then we added new trim, painted them and put on new pulls. Benson drilled the new holes for the pulls but other then that I pretty much did the rest.
Ryan helping Dad prep the walls for paint.

AFTER

I am so happy with the way it turned out. I painted the canvas hanging above the dresser.I found the mirror and sconces at Goodwill and Benson spray painted them for me.

I was going to put some vinyl on the wall behing the bed but it was more then I wanted to spend right now. I found this awesome fabric at Ikea and a friend sewed it for me. I love it!

I am so in love with our room. I love to just sit in there and look around. Thank you Benson for all of your help!

I love the leaves!

2010-10-01T15:39:00.007-06:00

So I asked my mom if I could do the post today and she said yes. So I want to tell you about my day. First off this is Ryan. So, I went to Read and Play with Mom and had a really good time. I loved the books they read. I got up and did the actions to the songs and even danced. Then I got to make my own spider but it creeped me out a little, so Mom helped me finish it. Anyway, I was such a good boy that Mom let me play outside before nap time.

First off I want to show you my new truck Mom got for me. I love it! I love playing with it in the leaves. Mom of course couldn't resist taking pictures of me. She is always pulling out the camera and never lets me touch it. That was okay with me today though because I had my truck. I could put the crane down into the leaves...

open the mouth and get some leaves...

I could even push it around in the leaves and hear them crunch!

One of my favorite things to do is fall into the leaves. My brother Jeremy showed me how to do it just the other day. It is so much fun.

They are also really fun to throw into the air.

I love the way they feel in my hands!

After all that I needed to rake them back up so I could...

oh wait, there is one more leaf in the crane,

fall into them one more time.

That's the end. Mom then told me it was nap time. I wasn't very happy about it but she was right. I fell asleep really fast.

10 years

2010-09-21T15:10:00.005-06:00

Today is our 10 year anniversary. I can't believe it has been 10 years already. Time has flown by but at the same time I look back and think of all the things that have happened in 10 years and I am shocked it has only been 10 years.

10 years of marriage

9 year old very smart Brooklyn

8 moves

7 different homes and 7 jobs for Benson

6 year old goofy Jeremy

5 different cities

4 different states and 4 different jobs for me

3 beautiful healthy children and 3 different colleges/universitys

2 year old dancing Ryan

and

1 happy marriage

(I love that I get to be cheesy a couple of times a year.)

We have been through so much and have done so much in these last 10 years. I wouldn't change anything. (Well lets be honest, I would change a few financial decisions we made.) I have loved being married to Benson. He is truly my best friend and I love the time we get to spend together as a couple and also as a family. Benson, thank you for all that you have given me. You have made me a wife, mother (a stay at home mom, even better) and helped me become the person I am today. You mean everything to me and I would do anything for you.

I love you!

Brooklyn's 9th Birthday

2010-09-19T11:36:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was Brooklyn's 9th birthday. I cannot believe my baby girl is 9 years old. She is such a sweet girl and I love the "tween" she is becoming. We went to the store on her birthday and I let her pick out an outfit. That is what she is wearing in this picture. She looks absolutely adorable in it. She is so fashionable! I think we are going to do a little photo session with her in it sometime soon. Brooklyn holding up the outfit she got from Grandma Jeppson. Grandma made the skirt and bought the shirt to go with it. She is wearing it today and it looks adorable on her.

Beej and Ry with the presents Ryan got for her. He also opened one for her because he just couldn't help himself seeing the present just sitting there. Thanks to Grandma Jean for the cards she sent for Jeremy and Ryan to help distract them from Brooklyn's gifts.

Jer was so excited to get Brooklyn a present. He loves her so much, sometimes a little too much and drives her crazy.

Birthday cookie cake

We made one really big cookie and then Brooklyn said we should put cookie dough ice cream on top so that's what we did. It was yummy!

I just liked this picture of Ryan trying to stuff the cake into his mouth.

For dinner we went to Sweet Tomatoes, that was Brooklyn's pick. Brooklyn and Jer also had soccer games which Jeremy won his game and Brooklyn's team lost. We had a fun day.

Brooklyn is such a wonderful child to have. She loves to help and really tries to do what is right. I went to Back to School night the other day and as soon as I walked in her teacher was raving about how wonderful Brookyn is. She pays attention, does her work, is quiet, and very helpful. I love that I have a child that wants to do good. I just hope she stays that way throughout her life. She really is an easy child to raise. With all that said she is starting to let some pre-teen attitude show through but hopefully that means she won't let people push her around and talk her into things she knows are wrong.

We love you Brooklyn and are so happy you are a part of our family.

Broooklyn's Birthday Bash

2010-09-19T11:15:00.003-06:00

We decided to keep things simple this year for Brooklyn's birthday. She invited 3 friends over for pizza, a movie, and a sleepover. They sat outside and ate and talked. It was really cute, they were like a bunch of adults hanging out at the table talking. Benson left with the boys to take Jer to soccer practice. After a while the girls decided they wanted to open presents. They sat out on the grass and opened presents and played.

We even took some goofy pictures.

Then Benson got back....he told me Ryan had thrown up all over him. So I pick Ryan up and then he throws up all over me. Our perfect birthday party wasn't so perfect anymore. I jumped in the shower. Benson told Brooklyn what was going on and that we were going to send the girls home and that we would re-schedule. :(

But first we decided to have birtday cake. And then we sent the girls home.

Because Heidi lives in Tualatin and she had already spent the whole day around Ryan we decided that she may as well spend the night. So the 2 girls stayed up and watched Alice in Wonderland. The next morning we ate pancakes and the girls were able to play all day. All in all it was still fun but really sad we had to alter our plans.

Mount St. Helen's

2010-09-14T23:59:00.007-06:00

Benson and his friends decided to hike Mt. St. Helen's. Luckily I got to go along with them. Matt also brought his daughter Makenzie. We left at 9:30 with complete confidence that we would make it back by 6:00. ( It didn't happen.) Benson and I at the tree line. Going through the trees is the first 2 miles.
A view of Mt. Adams.

Heading up the rock and then to the ash which is the next 2.5 miles. It is much slower going then the walk through the forest.

Makenzie, Matt, Bill, and Me

Enjoying some down time.

Add a rock to the pile after finishing the climb up.

Me and Bill relaxing part way up the ash.

The clouds were rolling in which made me claustraphobic.

At the top, finally!

Benson and Me at the top of the crater. It was really cool, better then I remembered.

Benson, Bill, Matt

Benson took this during our descent. We were trying to book it before we lost day light. We took 7 hours to make it to the top. We made it to the tree line and it was dusk. Benson being the only smart one brought a flashlight. So we had 1 flashlight and 5 people. It was really slow making it out. We thought we were never going to make it. The flashlight died on us with a couple of minutes to go. We used Bill's iPhone to light the rest of our way. Luckily we were very close to the end.

I will never make fun of Benson for being overprepared again. If it wasn't for him we probably would of had to spend the night on the mountain. It took us 12 hours. We got home at 10:40. It was a long day but I had a good time. Thanks Bens for letting me go with you. I love you!

soccer time

2010-09-14T23:36:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday was our first soccer games of the season. Brooklyn's was the first one of the day. She plays defender and loves being known as "The Defender". She did a really good job and played most of the game. It was really fun to cheer them on but hard to take pictures of at the same time.

Jeremy had a double header and Benson got to ref both of them. Jeremy ran around on the field with a big smile on his face. He was super excited when he made a goal.

Here's the goal shot.

I love soccer season!

out takes from Ry's photo session

2010-09-10T14:09:00.005-06:00

I went and did Ryan's 2 year old pictures today. It was a lot of fun. I posted some pictures on my photography blog but wanted to post some out takes on here. Ryan is so adorable and I had so much fun with him.

I don't remember what he saw when he did this. I think a truck driving on 503.

Mom and Ry

Ryan wanted the little ladder somewhere else, how about right....here,

or maybe somewhere else.

first day of school

2010-09-09T00:59:00.003-06:00

Wednesday was the first day of school for the kids. It was really bitter-sweet for me. When I saw them walk into the school with their classes it brought tears to my eyes. I just can't believe how big they are getting. I think the tears may have had a lot to do with the fact that I only got 4 hours of sleep that night.

They always need to do goofy pictures.

They both had a good first day and excited to go back tomorrow.

Ryan's 2nd Birthday

2010-09-03T00:54:00.007-06:00

I can't believe my baby is 2 years old! Where does the time go. We had a birthday party for him. Unfortunately his birthday happened to be the hottest day of the whole summer. So it turned into a sprinkler party to try and stay cool.

He is saying "shoes" in this picture. He loved the police shoes that the Larman's gave to him. Brooklyn reading the card to Ryan that she made for him.

Ryan was a little nervous doing the pinata and he insisted on holding the bat at the wrong end. Did I mention he turned 2!?!

Everyone was trying to get Ryan to hit the pinata again and he didn't want to. So he brought the bat to me.

Ryan and Alexander enjoying the cookies they got from the pinata.

Benson was trying to teach Ryan how to blow out and how to blow out his candles. I love his face in these next 2 pictures.

I am pretty sure he did blow at least 1 of them out but this picture looks like it tells otherwise.

We love Ryan so much. His newest love is babies. He plays with Brooklyn's baby doll's. He even insisted on taking his nap the other day with a baby. Ryan loves to be doing what all the big kids are doing. If they are wrestling then he is wrestling. He wants to eat what they eat and watch whatever t.v. show they are. He knows the show iCarly. Whenever it comes on he yells, "Carly!" One day the kids weren't home and I tried putting on a little kid show and he wasn't interested. So I changed it to iCarly and he sat down and wanted to watch. Ryan also loves to work hard. He pulls out his vacuum and pretends to vacuum. He also loves to take care of Sarge. He is always making sure he has food and water and is always sneeking him treats. Ryan also loves to be outside pushing his lawn mower or trying to ride the big wheel and tricycle. He doesn't sit on the seat of the trike because he feet don't reach. So he sits on the step below and flintstone's his way around. Ryan is definitely an original and we are so happy he is part of our family.

rock climbing

2010-09-03T00:30:00.002-06:00

A couple of weeks after we got home from Utah Jeremy took a rock climbing class with his friend Eva. It was a 4 day camp and he really liked it. He made it to the top and rung the bell his very first time. Here are a few pictures from later on in the week.

Learning how to jump off the wall the right way.heading up the wall

reaching the bell

Jeremy did a really good job. He had so much fun, I hope he will be able to take some more rock climbing classes in the future.

Yale Lake with friends

2010-08-27T11:24:00.004-06:00

The Beachell's invited us to go to Yale Lake with them. It was the first time our kids had been on a boat and we had a load of fun.

Ryan waving as they came to pick us up in the boat.

We went to our own little spot on the lake. It was wonderful. We had no one else around us and the kids were completely entertained.

Railroad tracks across a small part of the lake. I thought they were cool. We went under them to our little hidden beach.

Jeremy went with Bailey on the tube. I was freaking out seeing him out there. The guys said they should have left me back on the beach :(

Benson and Brooklyn on the tube. They weighed too much and the boat couldn't pull them. Once Brooklyn face planted she wasn't about to try it again.

I just liked this picture of Benson so I added it in. I think he is hot!

The next time we went I tried wakeboarding for the first time. I got up for a minute or maybe 2 seconds but it was fun. Thanks Beachell's!

our garden

2010-08-27T11:19:00.004-06:00

When we got back from Utah we had to check on our garden. This wasn't a very good gardening season due to the lack of sun the beginning of summer. But we have had a few summer squash and some tomatos. Jeremy and Ryan both want to be the one to carry it into the house.

Wyatt's adoption finalization

2010-08-27T11:12:00.003-06:00

While we were in Utah Wyatt's adoption was finalized. It was nice to be there for that. He is so dang adorable. We are so happy he is a part of our family. Brooklyn, Jeremy, and Avery with Great-Grandpa. He had to leave the party early to go help an "elderly couple" that he takes care of. (They are younger then him!) He is an amazing man.
at the pary

back in Utah

2010-08-27T10:58:00.003-06:00

After Tahoe we went back to Utah. We had a little party with Benson's family and then Benson flew out the next day. He had to get home for his AR-15 class at work. So the kids and I stayed a few more days. It was nice to be there for so long because it gave Ryan a really good opportunity to really get to know everyone.

Ryan, Grandpa, and Wyatt It was hot on Sunday afternoon so the kids stripped down and played in the sprinkler.

Don't worry we didn't use weber water!

Our last day in Tahoe

2010-08-26T00:45:00.004-06:00

For our last day in Tahoe we decided to hike down to Hidden Beach and hang out. The only bad part is that it isn't very hidden. Withing a couple of hours there was a whole bunch of people. Anyway, it was really relaxing. We read our books, layed out, and swam a little. It was a perfect day!

This was the beach before anyone else was there.

It was a good thing we bought this umbrella. It was super hot! At least for our little white bodies.

Anyway, thanks Benson for a wonderful trip. I can't wait to do it again!

Cruisin' along through day 5

2010-08-20T20:41:00.003-06:00

We took it really easy on Thursday. That evening we went on the Woodwind II. That was one of our most favorite things that we did. We had a really good time on the catamaran and just relaxing with each other.

Day 4 in Tahoe

2010-08-20T20:15:00.004-06:00

On our fourth day in Tahoe we did some hiking. We went up to Eagle Lake and Falls. We left pretty early to help avoid hiking with a lot of other people. It was really pretty. on our way
Eagle Lake, we hiked around part of it.

Benson checking out the lake.

This is Eagle Falls I believe. This is on the other side of the highway. This is the side that Lake Tahoe is on.

We also hiked Cascade Falls. That was a really cool waterfall. This picture is of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe in the background.

The stream before it went into the major falls.

Cascade Falls

After all that we headed up to the north side of the lake and ate at a really cool place on the Truckee River called The Bridgetender.

After dinner we drove along the Truckee River and by the time we decided to turn around and head back there had been an accident. So we hung out on the highway for a little bit grateful we didn't have kids with us. Then we headed around the east side of the lake and got a few more cool pictures.

Day 3 of our va-ca

2010-08-11T01:27:00.005-06:00

After our early morning the day before we decided to take Tuesday a little easier. We slept in and then walked around Genoa, NV. That is where we stayed. It took about 20 minutes to get to Lake Tahoe from where we stayed. Anyway, walking around Genoa took all of 5 minutes. After that we found a few more antique stores in the area to go to. Then we headed to Tahoe and went to a movie. I know that may sound crazy but with no kids you have to do all the things you don't get to do at home.

We took this in front of the little saloon in Genoa.

At the end of the day we went to Pope Beach to watch the sunset and hang out on the beach. It was nice and relaxing.

I told Benson we needed to take funny pictures and this is what I got. We tried several more and this was the best one, I know pretty lame.