Little Hall Cubs

Marlies First Official Haircut.

2009-07-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

January 2009
Today was Marlie's first official haircut. I asked her if we should get a good trim and she was all about it. I've had to wait this long because when she got her tubes in her ears a couple years ago it ruined her. She has been afraid of simple things like getting a haircut. She wouldn't even let me take her to get her picture taken. She was so afraid.

Anyway, It was really wet and Snowy outside so all the kids put on their boots and off we went.

BEFORE...

Gracie and Dawson were so funny, they started reading magazines and showing each other funny pictures they were finding. Gracie was reading a Nick Jr Mag, and Daws was reading ESPN.

Here is the Princess getting her hair done.

She did really good and held really still.

Ta Da...Doesn't she look so cute!

The back is all chopped off and it looks so cute on her little round face.

(She is wearing a Cleopatra dress up dress ) AFTER...

Valentines Day!

2009-07-29T06:41:00.001-07:00

Valentines Day was so awesome this year. The kids worked hard on their valentines for their school class friends.

We babysat baby Ryan on Friday and she made valentines with the kids. Marlie adores her.

They also made SPECIAL Valentines for Grandma Glenda and Grandma Connie and Grandpa Jeff.

Marlie put on a shower cap at some point of the morning and wore it around for a hours.

Gracie made an adorable Valentine MAILBOX with a lid that opens up. She got to take it to school for her Valentine Party.

Little Miss Marlie was all in Pink for Pre-School. This outfit was mine when I was her age. My Mom found a box of clothes that were mine when I was little...Isn't she a cute little Valentine!

Dawson was so excited to look at all of his Valentines after school, he dumped his whole bag out.

Saturday Morning we had a Valentine Breakfast with Heart Shaped Pancakes. We had place cards so the kids would know where to put all their special Valentine cards. (We all had cards for each other and Grandma Connie helped the kids make Special Valentines for Me and Dustin) I bought some decorations and decorated the table the night before so when the kids woke up they would be excited.
Balloons, Chocolate covered Strawberries and Roses! How happy is that?

Dawson had a Basketball game. Go Dawson!

Dustin is Dawson's coach.
Marlie, Brooklyn, Breanna and Gracie like to play during the game. They color, dance run around...

After the Basketball game all the kids climb the Rock Wall. They each climb over and over...

Even little Mars likes to climb!

We went to Hires for Dinner and got Heart shaped pizzas for dinner. We took it to Grandma Glenda's house to surprise her for Valentines.

When we got home Grandma Connie and Grandpa came to bring the kids their Valentines!

Marlie was first to give Grandpa the Valentine she made for him. She put these stickers of Valentine boxers on Grandpas Valentine, she told me to write "Grandpa are these your under ware? Marlie and my Dad have a special funny bond. They tease each other like crazy...Their other favorite joke is "Look up, Look Down, Look at my thumb....gee your dumb. They both laugh every single time!
Dawson gave his Valentine to Grandma.

Gracie and Marlie giving Loves to grandpa.
More Valentine Hugs!

My Mom has made each of the kids their very own scrap books. She gave them each their scrap books for Valentines...The kids look at them all the time. They look at pictures and then want me to tell them a story about what was happening in the picture.

Grandma told Marlie it was time to go...Marlie didn't want Grandma to be cold.

Cupcake Machine...Not so good!

2009-07-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Marlie and I tried out the Cupcake Machine today. She was so excited, I was a bit excited too.

After reading, Re-reading the directions...trying the machine 3 times, I decided it is one of the crappiest toys this Christmas!

We had fun together but it didn't make cupcakes like the commercials.

Go Utes, RED ROCKS!

2009-07-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

We decided to take the kids and go to the U of U Gymnastics Meet. (The cold weather is killing me!) The kids thought it was fun! Dustin bought seats close to the floor event which is my favorite.

GO RED ROCKS!

Dawson gives Kim Baskett a perfect 10!

All the kids were dancing to the Y-M-C-A!

Marlie and her go Utes fingers.

The Utes were awesome. they took first in the Meet!

SLEDDING!

2009-07-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

One of the many snowy days during Christmas Break we were starting to get Cabin Fever, we called Randy and Melanee and all decided to go to West ridge Golf Course SLEDDING

Melanee and Rushton...

Little Marlie was of course a dare devil. She wanted to go down the hill all by herself. She also made lots of Snow angles and ate tons of snow!

Dawson and Dad

WE HAD A BLAST!

It really started to SNOW!

The kids made a snow hut to block it...
They started to get cold, Me, Dustin, Melanee and Randy were still sledding, Melanee took her snow board and was teaching me how. We decided to leave so the kids wouldn't be freezing. Melanee said "Next time we go sledding well get a babysitter!" It was Fun for the kids and us Moms and Dads!

Dawson and Dad

CHRISTMAS DAY!

2009-03-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

The kids got the milk and cookies ready for Santa...Dustin tried to settle them down with a Christmas Story, The Night Before Christmas.

Our Christmas Tradition is to have the kids Wait at the top of the stairs and then me and Dustin go downstairs and see if Santa came...

I think Gracie was excited about her Bratz Laptop! Dawson asked Santa for a Wii...He got a Razor too.

Marlie got a new jeep to drive around her new "Pee Pee in the Poty" baby.

She also asked Santa for a Cupcake Maker

This year Grandma Glenda slept over. It was so fun to have her! It made it extra special for the kids! Dawson made her Pinkie Promise that if she heard Santa in the night she would run upstairs and wake him up.

The kids each buy a present for each other, They are so cute to hug each other and say thanks for their gift.

Gracie testing out her exercise tramp!

Dustin cooked us Breakfast Burritos for breakfast. They were yummy. Then he had to Drive Grandma home because it was snowing so hard. I loved it snowing on Christmas Morning. It made it magical!

Then we throw on some clothes and go to Grandma Connie's house for some more Christmas.

Riley and Gracie got a really cute cooking set my Mom put together with Mitten's in their size and a bunch of other cookin' stuff.

My Mom made Dawson and Rushton the neatest blankets in the world. She ordered super hero material from all over, Star Wars, Super man, Batman etc. The Boys went crazy!

Marlie was giving Carys the hug of her life! She loves Carys and likes to try and be a Mom to her.

Robby got another Gun...If you ever feel you need protection call Uncle Rob!

Kids 12 Days of Christmas

2009-03-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

12 Days before Christmas my kids all got a small gift on their pillow. They were screaming and so excited. There was a note that said on the First Day of Christmas...

Dustin asked me what in the heck was going on. I told him the elves had come and the kids were getting 12 Day of Christmas Gifts. He said "Wonder why the Elves didn't mention this to me?" I told him "They probably thought you would talk them out of it" Dustin said "That's exactly what I would have done!"

The kids were cute! They checked their pillow 10 times a night. Some of the things they got were books, Tootsie Roll Bank, Wooden Ping Pong game, stickers, Christmas cups.

On Christmas Eve Santa made a special delivery and delivered the kids their 12th gift. We were playing games and the doorbell rang. The metal door was open and just the glass door was shut. Marlie went running to the door. Then she started crying and screaming hysterically! SANTA was standing at the door! He told the kids he wanted to deliver their Christmas Pajamas and a special Christmas Book...

(I need to get pictures from my Mom, It was hectic and I didn't get any pictures taken)

Christmas Caroling

2009-03-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Me and the kids practiced singing "Jingle Bells and Santa is coming to Town" through out the day while we made Christmas treats. My friend Kim gave me a fun recipe that was a perfect treat to take to those we were caroling to.

When we were getting ready to leave, Marlie ran to her room and got the Santa decoration from her door knob. The decoration had a jingle bell on it...she would shake it while we were singing... I had been trying to think of a unique treat to take to out friends and family. I was talking to my friend Kim about it and she told me about a treat that her Mom always made for Christmas. A marshmallow, Corn Flakes wreath. Perfect! I went to the store and got everything I needed. Then me and the Kids made the Wreaths. We put Red Hots on them to resemble the berries. The recipe turned out better then I thought it would be. I got the plastic plates from the dollar store, I love the dollar store!
Grandma Connie invited us in for treats.

Our Family had so much fun we will definitely do it again next year.

Nativity Play

2009-03-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

Aunt Marge asked us to do the Nativity play for her Relief Society dinner. The kids had fun. It was nice to mix in the true meaning of Christmas.

Dawson was a Shepard...Marlie was a cute little Angle...Gracie was a Wise Man...

12 Days of Christmas Nativity

2009-02-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

I LOVED Christmas. I really had the Christmas Spirit this year. We had such a good time together all month.

Someone left our family a Beautiful Nativity, 12 Days of Christmas this year. I'm hoping who ever thought of our family knows how special I thought it was.

Here are a few of the pieces. I wish I would have thought to take a picture of the whole set on night 12.

The Nativity set was just beautiful. The first night I didn't catch on...I thought it was a gift and the card had blown away or was missing...Then came night two, night 3 and so on.

One day I was really tired and having a hard time getting dinner cleaned up, homework done, bath time, etc. etc. Dustin wasn't home and the door bell rang, it was getting late so I was nervous to open the door. I opened the door. It was a nativity piece. It was Mary. I read the scripture that was attached. I started to cry because I was so grateful to be a Mother.

PS - Who ever the Angles were...We left you a gift on the 12th night and it had a huge sign on the bag that said "12 Day of Christmas friends to take the gift"...You didn't take it...Ahhhh!

Turkey Bowl

2009-02-24T18:27:00.000-08:00

Rushton wanted to have his buddies over for a game of Football. So... The day after Thanksgiving all the little guys got together for a Turkey Bowl.

Gracie made a score board for the boys.

Randy painted a BIG RED U on the grass, per Rushton's request.

The girls put together a concession stand. Melanee made Riley lower her prices. Her Hot coco was $2.00.

Marlie enjoying the Pop-corn and a little football.

Family Night

2009-02-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

I love Family Night! With the busy schedules that we all have, its nice to be together.

Gracie took it upon herself to plan a family home evening for everyone. She used the Children's friend and photocopied songs that we had to sing, a hide and find game.

Then she hung this paper to the wall and asked us all questions that were"FOOLISH or WISER" this is what was on the list: seat belt in the car, Brush Your teeth, Clean your mess, Hit, x box all day long, it is wiser to play, homework, go to primary.
Thanks Gracie for doing such a fun family home evening!

The next family night we went to "THE WVC" swimming...Good Times! Here is the older kids on the slide 800 times in a row...Dawson was stoked because last year they told him he was too short.
Marlie was watching...she is too short for the slide or trust me she would go!

Thanksgiving...Tommy the Turkey!

2009-02-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

We wouldn't know when Thanksgiving was without Tommy the Turkey.

The kids had a good time cutting out the feathers and making their Turkeys.

Da dadada...The finished Turkeys!

I wished I would have taken a picture of Marlie's Turkey feathers...Every time she took off a feather she taped it to the ledge of her dresser. So It was hard to get into the top drawer. But her dresser looked beautiful!

Feeding the Horses!

2009-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

November...
My kids Love to go feed and play with the horses at Barry and Sue's house. Barry and Sue are so patient with them...they let them tromp in and out and get out anything they want. The kids open up Sue's pantry and ask if she has Pop-Corn or fruit snacks...

The kids went out to feed the Horses.

I am always NERVOUS when it comes to the kids doing anything.

Gracie was nervous to feed them today. She said "oh, all that slobber all over my hand"

Dawson and Marlie didn't care! Marlie had her entire hand in the horses mouth.

Here Marlie is feeding "Jaz and Floyd" Jaz is the brown horse and Floyd is the black one.

Marlie is feeding Teddy. Teddy is Sue's baby.

I said what if he mistakes a carrot for her little finger...Ahhh!

Dawson held his hand flat then the horses would eat right from his hand.

Daws is feeding Teddy.

Grandmas FAMOUS Chip Dip

2009-02-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Everyone LOVES Grandma Glenda's Chip Dip! Dawson and Marlie don't even need chips to eat the Dip.
So Grandma Glenda if you read the blog before Thursday, were out of dip...

YUM!

Sweet Moment

2009-02-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Marlie was playing with her dolls one afternoon. It was cold outside...A Pajama Day!

I was listening to her talk to them..

"Its okay baby!"

"Baby, Its time to go na-night"

My camera was in the drawer so I snapped a couple.

Marlie's Shoe!

2009-02-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

Back in November...

We went to uncle Barry's and aunt Sue's for Dinner...

Sue and I left and DROVE TO A DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOOD to look at a couple of Model homes for fun. We went upstairs to see the bedrooms and I looked out the front bedroom window...to my surprise there were Marlie's Shoes.

Marlie always takes her shoes off in the car. I had asked Dustin to grab her shoes when he got her out of the car. He got her shoes and apparently they were heavy so he put them on top of the van while he unbuckled and lifted Marlie out of the car and forgot to get the shoes...

FUN Recipes from Rhodes!

2009-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

I'm posting two of my latest greatest recipe from Rhodes. These TWISTY Buttery Breadsticks are the Best! Give them a try they are easy and so dang good.

This is a fun twisty variation on our all time favorite Buttery Breadsticks recipe. Your family will love this tasty addition to any meal.

Prep Time: 20 min
Bake Time: 15-20 min
Skill Level: Beginning
Servings: 12

12 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
garlic salt, if desired

Roll each roll into a 16-inch rope. Roll each end in opposite directions about 3 or 4 times. Pick up and pinch ends together. The breadstick will twist together. Place melted butter in a bowl and Parmesan cheese in another bowl. Dip each breadstick in melted butter and then in Parmesan cheese. Place on a sprayed baking sheet about 1-inch apart. Sprinkle with garlic salt, if desired. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise until double in size. Remove wrap and bake at 350°F 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

HALLOWEEN!

2008-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

I just realized Halloween was never posted...It was saved as a draft... At least its not Christmas yet!

HALLOWEEN!

Dustin and I had a motto for Halloween "Divide and Conquer". It was a crazy day...I like Crazy, so it was GREAT!

We were babysitting Baby Ryan Friday morning, and getting the kids ready for the Rhodes Halloween Party. Gracie and Dawson were off track. They have gone to the Rhodes Halloween Party every year and they really wanted to go. The delima was Marlie's Pre-School. Her Pre-School day is Friday so her party and Parade was on Friday, Halloween.

Let me admit how retarted I am about the girls hair...I plan it out a couple days in advance... Halloween was on Friday so Gracie's hair was Braided Wednesday night. Then it has time to dry on Thursday and looks cute on Friday.

Friday Morning right when Marlie woke up I put rollers in her hair so it would have time to dry before school. (Shee needed curly "Fancy Nancy" hair)

After Curlers I got Gracie ready. Dustin played with Baby Ryan and kept her entertained. Then I fed the baby and got her down for her morning nap, while Dustin fed our kids and got Dawson dressed in his bat man gear. (Boys super hero costumes are great!) I was then painting Gracies finger nails RED and Marlie's PINK.

Gracie, Dawson and Dustin left at about 10:15 for the Rhodes Party. I go in the shower and then finished getting Marlie ready for Pre-school at 11:00 am. Tori came and got the baby at 10:30.

Rhodes Party

(Mom and Grandma Connie's work party)

Here are a few fun pictures Dustin took...

Trick or Treating in every office. They kids came home with all kinds of candy bars, Pop-corn bags, cookies...No wonder they wanted to go to Rhodes.

Dawson, Gracie, Aunt Courtney and Berekely

Tori and Baby Ryan the FLOWER!

Carys was a cute fluffy little Spider.

Marlie was of course a little nervous to go to school. When we got to class she was so excited to pass out her special Halloween treats...I left and went to get my Dad for Marlies Halloween Parade. Me and my Dad saved spot for everyone.

Marlie's Pre-School Halloween Parade.

3 years old

Teacher (Sandra) is dressed as a witch. Marlie was darling and loved every bit of it. They announced her name and she smiled and came right out.

After they sing a few songs they walk around in a circle and have a little parade. Marlie was waiving and so, so cute.

Dustin had called me and said that he was stuck in the Rhodes Parking lot and was worried he was going to miss it...I was freaking out because he had the cameras and I didn't want Marlie to be dissappointed. She had asked me that morning if everyone was coming to see her. Luckily they made it just in time.

Dawson and Jamin eating a doughnut.

Marlie "Fancy Nancy" and Atti "Little Bo Peap"

Cute little girls, Gracie and Presley Fuchs were there to watch the parade.

When we got home from the Pre-school parade we took the kids costumes off for a few hours. I went to buy Dry-Ice for the witches brew I was making.

Then we got everything out and ready for the Ward Halloween Trunk or Treat Party...

We started getting ready again at 4:00 and went down to Randy and Melanees to make the Witches Brew... Randy and Melanee's party started at 5:00 PM . The kids thought the dry Ice was cool.

We had to leave and go get the Ward Trunk or Treat started. Mom was in charge. I made 150 cinnamon rolls for it on Thursday.

Dawson was mad we had to leave Rushtons house. I knew he would want to go to the ward Trunk or treat but its hard to reason with a 5 year old on Halloween.

He was fine 5 seconds later.

Ward Party Trunk-or-Treat 2008

The kids had a fun time. We had fun Halloween Music and the kids got lots of candy. Cinnamon and Hot Chocolate for the Adults.

The great part was the weather. We were in T-Shirts...I can't ever remember a Halloween this warm.

After we cleaned up I literally pulled the van into the Garage and told the kids to stay in the car, I ran into the house and threw on my Costume... Off to Randy and Melanee's house...

Randy and Melanee's Halloween Party 2008

All the kids Trick-or-Treated on their street. The kids were having so much fun...I love the door-to door yelling Trick or Treat!

There was Riley, Rushton, Gracie, Dawson, Marlie, Carys, Brooklyn, Breanna, Nate, Veronica & Harley.

Randy...need I say more? We didn't even recognize him.

Melanee the beautiful Gypsie.

Dustin and I were "Prom King and Prom Queen". We were laughing our heads off!

What a STUD!

Dylan and Tara were "Spartin Cheer Leaders" (Saturday night Live)

Grandma Connie had a huge craft table set up for the kids. Placemats, witch face.

Marlies Lemonade

2008-11-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

On Rainy days I like to cook allot. What I like to do is cook huge portions of things and then make it into different meals and put them in the freezer. This Particular day I made 3 turkey Pot Pies, 3 meals worth of Vegetable Soup and a baked Spaghetti. (Don't get me wrong, we have our share of Little Cesar's pizza)

Marlie likes to play "Tea Party" when I cook. Her tea party is getting out all the measuring cups and ice cube trays. She fills the ice cube trays with Marsh mellows. Today she made Lemonade. She asked me if I wanted a glass. I looked at her lemonade and there was a leaf in it. She had gone to one of my plants and pulled off a leaf and put it in her Lemonade. At first I was puzzled then a half of a second later I started laughing...

I asked her about it. She told me it was a mint leaf, just like Ruby. Max and Ruby is one of her favorite TV Shows. This is how Ruby makes Lemonade for her Lemonade stand. A MINT LEAF!
Man kids are smart!

She helped me cook too. I looked at her standing on the chair and I had to take a picture of the little bug.

(Connie - I know you are going to look at the picture and Panic because there is a big knife in the picture. I was watching her very carefully...Yes I probably should have moved the knife!)

This is ALL of the silverware out of the drawer. She was setting the table and just being Marlie!

Tagged...

2008-11-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

Tagged!
8 Favorite TV shows:
I would like to say I'm one of those people who don't watch TV and make the most of my time. However I LOVE to get the kids in bed, clean up the house and then watch TV.
1. The Office
2. Grey's
3. Samantha Who?
4. Flippin Out
5. The Hills
6. Jon and Kate + 8 (Marlie and Gracie watch this one too)
7. Project Runway
8. Ugly Betty

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Asian Star
2.Asian Star
3.Asian Star
4.Cowboy Grub
5.Chick Fil A (now open at Jordan Landing)
6.Chili's
7.St. George, Pasta Factory
8.Sweet Tomatoes

8 Things that Happened Yesterday:
1.Filmed a video at work
2.Planned a Caribbean Christmas, Ward Christmas Party
3.Bought all the supplies I need for my "Neighbor" Christmas gifts
4. Played about 5 games of hide and seek.
5. took the kids to McDonald's play land. (Glenda gave them gift cards and they were dying to use them)
6. Took Gracie to Dance lessons
7. Got the kids ready for Friday morning...Marlie is having a pre-school feast, Dawson and Grace's school clothes out, homework in the back pack's etc., read the "Thursday Note", Practiced spelling words etc.
8.Watched The Office and 1/2 of Ugly Betty, I fell asleep and woke up and went to bed.

8 Things That I look Forward To:
1. Weekends, spending time with the family.
2. Utah vs. BYU Football game
3. loosing weight
4. Summer!
5. re-decorating Marlie and Gracie's rooms
6. Black Friday
7.Christmas Morning!
8. Dustin and My 10 year anniversary trip.

8 Things I love About Fall:
1.The way it smells
2.Football
3. Halloween - All the fun that goes with it.
4. Black Friday
5. Movies, we seem to go to the movies in the fall. We never go in the summer and its too cold in the winter.
6. Watching the kids play in the leaves
7. Cooking, I get in the mood to cook a lot in the fall.
8. Thanksgiving weekend, Chocolate Chip Pie!

8 Things on my wish list:
1. Safe kids
2. Healthy kids
3. A Caribbean, or Hawaii Vacation
4. All my blinds, closets and drawers cleaned out.
5. Wicked tickets
6. skinny legs!
7. I wish all the snakes in the neighborhood would go far,far away!
8. I'm saving this one for something really good...I'll tell you when I think of it.

8 Friends I tag: Sorry girls, you were the top 8 of my blog list...
1. Angela
2. Amy M.
3. Carrie W.
4. Brenna
5.Jeanette
6.Carrie T.
7. Mandy
8. Julie

Marlies Big Girl Bed

2008-11-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

My Mom had a Yard sale this summer with Tori. I noticed this bench she had and I loved it. My Mom let me have it. I wanted to use it for a big girl bed for Marlie. Marlie's Crib turns into a Full size bed but she plays in her room so much I wanted to get her a twin size - more room for playing. I also wanted to do white furniture.

The bench sat in the garage for a couple weeks and Dustin wanted to take it to the Dumps. He wanted to go buy a bed and be done with it! We went to RC Willey and looked at a bunch of little girl beds. The bed I liked was $1,000.00... Dust. told me I could paint and put together the bed I had in mind. We did pick out a mattress while we were there.

I was now hoping it would turn out...I had something in my mind, but hoped it would look the same when I was done.This is what the bench looked like before I started. Me and the kids painted it, October weather was so nice. I also got a head board from my Mom. There was an old solid wood one at the shop.Marlie and Dawson both were my painting buddies. I found this old pair of PJ's for Dawson because the primer stains. I figured I could just throw the PJ's away when we were done.

GOOD BYE CRIB!
Mars was very excited and loved her bed. She was reading books on it the first night. I was so relieved it turned out. The darn thing ended up needing 3 coats of paint but its adorable!

I need to find some cute handles for the drawers. We found this comforter that has all these great pillows...This is exactly what I had in mind.
Now I need to figure out what I'm going to do with the walls and the rest of the room.

Oh, I put Marlie's Crib on KSL Classifieds and it sold within 2 hours. BONUS!

I could NOT be a surgeon!

2008-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

November 12, 2008 My First Turkey!

I was putting some grocery's in my freezer yesterday and looked at the frozen Turkey that has been in my freezer for almost a year. I decided I should cook it and make some soup, pot pies etc. I was feeling bad that it has just been sitting in the freezer because I didn't know how to cook it. I got on the Internet...It tells you everything you need to know!

Today I'm cooking the Turkey. I thawed it yesterday in water and it was in the fridge overnight. I went to the store and got a oven bag and pan.

I cleaned out my sink and put the thing in there and started to cut the bag off! HOLY SH_T! It about came flying out of the package. Then I had to call Glenda to ask about the plastic stuff wrapped around its legs. I thought they needed to be cut out but it was so hard to get it off I was second guessing myself. (The Internet didn't mention the plastic tie-wrap stuff) Then I got all freaked out and couldn't touch the crap you are supposed to pull out of it. I used some tongs and it made it easier...Glenda told me the first time she cooked a turkey she left in the bag that has the gobbler thing and heart and blah, whatever is in there.

A few years I was going to cook one but I didn't know exactly what to do and my Mom came over and just did the whole thing for me. So this is "my" first time cooking a Turkey.

It's in the oven now. I'll let you know how it goes.
It's a little embarrassing that I'm 32 years old and I've never cooked a Turkey.

ROAD TRIP!!

2008-11-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

I have become my father...A GAS PRICE WATCHER! I'm so excited that Gas today is under two bucks a gallon! I just saw it for $1.99 a gallon. Can't believe we were paying over $4 bucks 3 months ago.

Maybe we should all go on a Road Trip!

High School Musical 3

2008-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3!

Along with every other girl in America, we went to High School Musical 3 on opening night. Sara had called me about a month earlier and she bought our tickets. Gracie and Ivie were counting down. They were discussing where we were going to go eat...what they were going to wear...and how much fun it was going to be.

Me and Sara had as much fun as the girls did! We ate at Fazoli's. Claire, Gracie and Ivie sat at their own table. Then we went to the Theatre. We waited in line for about 45 min. Then we got our seats, pop-corn and drinks and it was SHOW TIME.

In line waiting to be seated

If you haven't seen it, Go...Its a cute show. There is a scene where Troy and Gabriella kiss, it was funny to hear all the girls squealing in the theatre.

I got out my camera when the movie was about over because I wanted to take a picture of Gracie's face...I'm glad I did! She loved it!

Dustin planned a boys night of video Games with Dawson. He borrowed the Klein's Xbox.

Dawson didn't even know I had gone to the movie and come home.

Dawson LOVES video games! I have hesitated to get a good game system because I don't want to fight with Dawson to turn it off. His favorite games are Star wars and Batman Lego's. He likes to go to Carson's or Rushton's house and play.

Dustin told Dawson "Your Mom doesn't think video games are fun so the rest of us have to suffer!"

Wheels on the Bus...

2008-11-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

October 27, 2008

If you read my blog you hear me talk about the funny made up games my kids play. Today they made a Bus out of card board box and played with it for a couple hours. They colored all over the box with their crayons.

This is the steering wheel, "Honk, HOK"

They went up and down the slide, and pulled each other all over the grass in the wagon for hours.

They were a family I think, running errands and being on a bus.

I can't believe it is the end of October and 70 degrees. I love it!

Election Day, Sorry to Disapoint you Marlie!

2008-11-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

November 4, 2008

Voting...
Robby Brought Carys over for a bit while he went to Vote. Marlie asked me why Carys came over and I told her Robby was voting...

I took Dawson to Kindergarten, then I told Marlie we were going voting. She had asked me something about Robby and Carys... She seemed really excited to go check it out.

I voted, then we were walking out of the school and I said were all done. Marlie got all upset and said "but we are not there yet." I asked her "Where?" BOATING!! She said. We are going BOATING!?? I felt so bad for her. She thought we were going boating with Carys and Robby. Darn, I wish we were going boating.

2008-11-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

UTAH vs. TCU

BLACKOUT!

The Blackout was awesome! Everyone looked so GREAT in BLACK!

I love the games... Here are some pics of everyone.

DOWN ON THE FIELD AFTER THE UTES WON!

(We are missing Dyllan, Tara & Barry,not sure where they are in the mass of people)

We all started filing into the Stadium. Here is a picture before the game started.

It was a Thursday night game "Dustin call me at 3 PM and said can you leave now?"

BLACK UNIFORMS!

The game was 10-6 in the first Quarter and stayed that way until the last 2 minutes of the game when Brian Johnson and the Utes got the ball to the end zone!

IT WAS PHENOMENAL! as Kline would say... 10-0

BACK IN BLACK!

CRAZY KLEIN!

Ahhh, KRUGER YOU ARE A STUD!

RUSHTON WAS PLAYING CATCH ON THE FIELD...HE WAS IN HEAVEN!

THANKS to Grandma Glenda for coming over to watch the kids. She did Dance lessons, spelling words, homework, dinner, baths and had a sleep over with the kids. YOU ARE THE BEST GRANDMA, WE LOVE YOU!

Pumpkin Carving!

2008-11-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

October 26, 2008

PUMPKIN CARVING! Sunday I was talking on the phone to Melanee and I said we haven't carved pumpkins yet...I said do you want to carve on Monday, busy...she said Tuesday, busy...Wednesday, busy...Thursday, busy... Melanee said she was making funeral potatoes; I had pork chops in the fridge. We threw a meal together and carved Pumpkins.

Riley was the only one that would touch the Pumpkin slime.

Melanee was helping Gracie with the Pumpkin guts because Grace was freaked out over the guts.

Dawsons face "Pumpkin slime"

Dawson would grin when I would say "pumpkin guts"

Marlie wanted to use the knife herself...grumpy face

Dad stoped watching Football...Dawson and Dad made a cool face, they traced a pattern from the internet

Gracie and Riley carved all by their selves

The boys carved awesome Pumpkins too!

It was a little hectic, Rushton and Gracie battled a little, Marlie spilled the whole bag of Chocolate chips on the floor (After I told her she couldn't have any), Dawson and Rush were playing and crashed into each other nearly cracked their heads open... but over all we had a great time.

BUT GOSH DARN IT MY KIDS HAVE PICTURES AND PROOF THAT THEY CARVED PUMPKINS IN 2008!

Grandma Connie came to check out the kids pumpkins.

Gracie's Turn at the U Game.

2008-11-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

Finally, it was Gracie's turn to go to the Football game.

First she had Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Her Favorite!

Gracie and Riley (They were eating Cotton Candy!)

Aunt sue bought her pop-corn...

She had some chips and a few of Uncle Barrys Peanuts.

don't forget the Dippin Dots...

I love you Gracie! I'm glad we got to spend time together at the game today. My favorite part of the game was walking to the truck holding your hand!

PS - YES! She had a stomach ach when she got home!

We picked up Marlie and Dawson from Grandma Glenda's house...Marlie took off her shoes (of course) and then was singing this funny song.

I somehow have this on sideways but it's still cute.

Marlie...Singing in the Rain!

2008-10-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

The other day when we had that huge rain storm Marlie ran and got her Umbrella and was so excited to go out in the rain. At first I said No...Then when I saw the look on her face I changed my mind. I'm glad I let her because she has been waiting for a rain Storm since her Birthday. Literally waiting to use her rain coat and umbrella since August.

SINGING IN THE RAIN!

SHE GOT BRAVE AND DECIDED TO GO MARCH UP AND DOWN THE SIDEWALK IN THE POURING RAIN.

Dawson, The Sweetest kid on earth!

2008-10-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

DAWSON AT PLAY GROUP

We were at play group this week and Dawson was playing so cute with all the the kids. There are two really cute girls on our street Anna Liddell and Claire Searle...both of the girls have older sisters that play with Gracie.

They were talking...

And playing hide and seek.... The girls didn't want to count much so Dawson did most of the counting.

Then they came up with this game where they each had a jump rope and they were pulling Dawson around on the gym floor. Dawson's shirt was filthy!

Play group is really fun. All the kids take their bikes, scooters, jump ropes, hula hoops etc. and they run around the gym and play. We sit and visit with each other.

Gracie asked Dawson one night at dinner who he was going to pick to be his girl friend. She told him that Anna and Clair want to be his girl friend. He sat there with a cute embarrassed smile on his face and then he said "WHO DO YOU THINK WOULD GO TO THE UTAH FOOTBALL GAMES WITH ME?" (because both of their Dad's are Y fans)

Here are the 3 older sisters Ivie Searle, Gracie & Abby Liddell.

They were using a jump rope to sling shot each other across the room on a scooter...

Here is a picture of Bo Searle, I had to post it because he's so cute. Bo walks around saying "Dawson!"

Gracie's Reflections

2008-10-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Gracie wanted to work on a Reflections project. She was very admit about it. I had forgotten for awhile but then Gracie reminded me when we were at the Lake in St George. The theme was WOW (Not sure what type of a theme that is...) Gracie said you can do pictures, music, paint what ever you want. She loves to paint and play with paper so she decided to do a picture of her at the lake. She used real sand & Sea Shells from Bear Lake. The clouds are cotton balls. She still wanted to use pictures so we used a picture of her at the Lake. I am very proud of her. She did a great job.

This is a zoomed in picture so you can see the sand and shells.

Marlie

2008-10-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Marlie! She is this little body bursting with energy! She has an opinion about everything and wants to be the decision maker about everything! Her new thing is slamming the Door. She gets mad about something, runs to her room and slams the door...Then this is the best part...

SHE OPENS UP THE DOOR AND YELLS "YOU HEAR'D THAT, I SLAM MY DOOR" SLAM!

Yes the sign on her door says No Boys Allowed, except daddy.

Whitchapalooza

2008-10-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

My sweet Mom took all the Girls to Witchapalooza at Gardiner Village.

It was so Fun and a much needed Girls Night Out.

It was fun for me to spend time with my Mom. We rode together and got there a little early so we went through a couple of the shops...

Here's all the the Sister's, Sister in laws and the Mom.

Melanee a witch and Brenna, or is it Brenna a witch and Melanee, not sure who is who...heheheWe were singing and doing the silly dances, YMCA, Macarena you know the ones I'm talking about. THANKS MOM!

Gracie is off Track...

2008-10-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

Gracie off track and she can't stand to sit still. She is always asking for a friend or wants a project... Dawson was at Rushton's house and Gracie had called a few friends to play... no one was home and she was BOARD!

I thought I would let her try to make Cupcakes.

Marlie wanted in, luckily Gracie was in a good mood and was willing to let Marlie help.

Of course we were out of Eggs! The girls ran up to the neighbors to get a couple eggs.

Gracie did the whole project by herself! The cupcakes turned out great!

Won't it be great when she is old enough to cook dinner?!

Gardiner Village Witches!

2008-10-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Gardiner Village

October 17, 2008

Gardiner Village was FUN and PACKED with people! It was UEA weekend and everyone had the same idea as us. The weather was Great! It was mid 70's.

We were trying to get a cute picture of all the kids...Berekely was having no part of it...She was hanging on to her Mom.

My Mom tried to take a picture of me and the kids... Gracie was not happy about it.

My Mom, Tori, Brenna

Melanee, Me and Courtney...and Berekely

The kids were sitting on the grass looking at the water... Berkeley was about to go for a swim.

Baby Ryan

The kids had the most fun playing in the Leaves

First Snow Day...

2008-10-23T14:02:00.001-07:00

October 11, 2008

SNOW!

To all of our family in Arizona, I'm So Jealous you live in Phoenix!

If you look close you can see all the snow falling...

Our Toumb Stones in the snow...

The Kids kids did not mind the snow. They made up a game. You need a Jump Rope and Two Chairs...They were running and jumping over the jump rope. I think there was some sort of a point system...I never caught on...

GRACIE...

DAWSON...

& MARLIE...

Pirate Day Grrr!

2008-10-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

PIRATE DAY OCTOBER 15, 2008

Pirate Day finally Came. Gracie has been checking the calendar for 10 days, counting down to Pirate Day. The Theme in their class this year is PIRATES!

Marlie was as excited as Gracie...Mom Its Pirate Day! Marlie asked me if we were going to wear our Pirate Shirts... So we did. (PS-She posed us with our hands on our hips.)

Gracie and her Friends Ivie and Maddy.
They had an amazing party!
They Decorated Cupcakes with Milano cookies and make RIP cupcakes, Oreo Spider Cookies & Ghost Suckers...

I was in charge of "Walk The Plank"...

"Canon Ball" Game...

The Kids had eye patches on on they had to try to catch a

Pirate Ring in their mouth...

The kids also went on a Treasure Hunt...We were running from the Flag Pole, To the Monkey Bars, To the Fire Hydrant etc... We saw Dawson's class walking to recess when we were running around looking for the Treasure.
Gracie's Team WON! They found the Treasure in the Library FIRST!

The Kids also made Haunted Houses, Got Tattoos, Played A "True Pirate" Game and more!Thanks Mrs. Tanner for making 2nd Grade so FUN!

I had so much Fun with Gracie. Thanks Gracie for asking Mom to come to your school on Pirate Day! I'm holding her Haunted House...Isn't it cute?

GOOD NIGHT MARLIE!

2008-10-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

So this is the ritual I go through every night when putting Marlie to bed:

Potty
Teeth
Hold her for a couple minutes with her Head on her blankie, on my shoulder
lay her down...

She then asks these questions:

Are you and Dad going to bed? (yes)
Is Gracie and Dawson going to bed? (yes)
Can I come in your bed in the morning? (yes)
How long is it going to be until morning? (1 minute)
Did you get my drink of water? (yes)
Wheres my "nack"? (under your pillow) ( Awhile ago she was going through a phase. I had this stupid idea of putting a snack under her pillow in a zippy bag...if she sleeps all night she gets it in the morning)
Did you get my puppy and my baby? (yes) (lots of nights I'm running through the house looking for the stuffed animal puppy.)
Will you cuddle me up with my blankie? (yes...cuddle...tuck around her)
Don't forget my feet! (put blankie around her ankles)
Will you keep my door cracked? (yes)
Are you going to bed now or in a week? (Mommys going to bed now)
Good Night Sleep tight Mom (I love you, Good night sleep tight Marlie)

This is WORD for WORD what Marlie says every night!

GOOD NIGHT MARLIE!

Thank goodness Gracie is so easy to put to bed! I kiss Gracie and tell her - go get in bed and I'll be down to give you a kiss...I go kiss her and she is asleep 3 seconds later.

Dawson is really easy to put to bed too. He usually gets to stay up 20-30 minutes later then the girls because he is a sleeper in-er! Gracie is up at the crack of Dawn. We put an alarm clock in her room and told her she could not get up until it said 6:30 am!

Speaking of Good Friends

2008-10-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

My Kids and My Brother Randy...

My kids are best of friends, truly they are. They have huge imaginations and are always playing make believe or some sort of a made up game...

One of my favorite things to do is to go for a walk in the morning or anytime of day for that matter. Dawson Drives Marlie in the Jeep (Gracie was at school) The Jeep goes 5 miles per hour so its a good, fast walk.

A few weeks ago I was cracking up at Dawson driving Marlie around. I had my cell phone so I took a few pics to send to Dustin... Both of their heads were nodding and they were having a little conversation.

When Dawson puts on the gas he always puts his hand behind Marlie's head so she won't bang it on the black light.

We usually at some point walk to the church...Dawson parked the Jeep in a parking space...

I hope that Dawson and the girls are Best of Friends the rest of their lives.

My Brother Randy is one of my BEST, BEST friends! Growing up he always watched out for me. I remember when I was in 1st grade...My First Fire Alarm...Randy came running across the playground and held my hand. I love him and am so Thankful to have him in my life!

Friends...Friends...Friends

2008-10-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for Good Friends in our neighborhood!

Gracie is so Lucky! There are about 6 girls within a 10 house range that are all her age.

Dawson, Not so lucky! There is not 1 boy that is his age in our neighborhood.

One of Gracie's Best Friends is Ivie Searle!
They have been friends for a long long time...since they were born. They are so cute and sweet to each other.

They were playing Dress up the other day...When I downloaded the pictures off of my camera, this is what I found...

I Love the Searle Family and hope that these girls will be there for each other always!

Marlie is THREE!

2008-10-20T06:26:00.000-07:00

(I started my Blog after Marlies Birthday but wanted to blog about it for her. Before I have the pages printed I'll have to get the order of posts fixed.)

Marlie turned three on

August 11, 2008.

When I asked her what kind of cake she wanted she would say "LOTS" So we had Lots of different cakes and cupcakes..Big ones, little ones, Pink ones , yellow ones, sprinkle ones, Chocolates ones, Lemon ones... And LOTS of HELIUM Balloons! (She loves Balloons too)

She knew it was her Birthday! She was definitely the Princess of the day.

Marlie was waiting for everyone to come to "HER" Party...

Uncle Matt was the first to come. It was so cute of him to come. Angi was at their family Reunion and Matt went and bought Marlie a Present, Bratz Guitar, in which she loves to play, and came to her Birthday.

This is the day after her Birthday JAMMIN' on the Guitar!

Marlie was so excited to play with Berekely, Carys and Ryan...She acts like a little mother to them.

Carys gave Marlie a Dress Up outfit and Berekely gave her a Fun Dora Game!

Dawson and Rushton Swinging during the Party...Then they decided to spice things up...!

Oh WOW!! Look who came to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY...THE POWER RANGERS!

Riley, Gracie and Marlie.

"FANCY NANCY"

Grandma Connie gave her "Fancy Nancy" Costume! my, my does FANCY NANCY fit her personality!

Opening More Presents...

Grandma Glenda
TA DA!

Grandma Glenda gave Marlie a interactive My Little Pony!

She is ready for the RAIN in her DORA Rain Coat!
Riley and Rushton gave her this cute Pic-Nic set with and Umbrella. Riley insisted Melanee buy the Umbrella....Melanee -"She plays with the Umbrella all the time!!!

Sometimes its a Pic-Nic set and sometimes its a Tea Party set...

Huge Cup-Cake CAKE!

Make A Good Wish Marlie!

I Love you Marlie and I hope you had a Happy Birthday!

No more Birthday's! Mom wants you to stay my baby forever!

You are so Fun and witty! You make everyone laugh and are such a tease.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Halloween YUMMY MUMMY!

2008-10-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN YUMMY MUMMY!

This is the recipe of the week...I knew you would all like a Fun, Halloween recipe so Here You Go!
The Yummy Mummy is filled with Pizza toppings.

I like to Put the loaf of dough in the refrigerator overnight, then the next day when ever you are ready, you can make your Mummy! Or, you can always thaw the dough on the counter.
Here is the video if you want to see "HOW" it is made.

My latest Work Endeavor...

2008-10-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

I was getting Gracie ready for school one morning and Melanee called me...She told me she was reading the Newspaper and saw my picture...Rhodes is doing theses fun Recipes and I do online Video's of the Recipe being made.
Dustin called me the other morning and he was at the Car dealership with his Mom...He said that the newspapers were sitting on the coffee table and there was my face...Funny!

My Mother-in-Law is a FAN! She makes every recipe each week that is in the paper. Thanks Glenda!

When Rhodes asked me to do the Video's I thought it would just be a couple...But I've been filming videos every week for over a year now.

The best part of the videos is the people I work with! Mitch, Dane, Sue and Julie are Hilarious! I belly laugh right before each video. Scott is in charge of the project. He is very complimentary and so nice to work with.
Funny things that have happened WHILE THE CAMERAS WERE ROLLING: Julie's cell phone rings, Mitch starts to cough, I cut my finger with a knife, today I didn't have the scissors and Julie sent them sailing down the counter top to me..., me trying to say"video recipe box taco nacho pizza jack o lanterns...,

Here are some Halloween Ideas that are so EASY! And super cute for you kids, family or Halloween party's! Call me if you need help!
Halloweiners and Mummy Dogs...

Bone Chillin Bread Sticks! Pumpkin Bread Bowl Fun for Soup, Chili, Or use as a Cheese dip or Vegi. dip Bowl

This Rhodes Recipe is Bacon Cheese Nibbles. It is really YUMMY! I make it and then serve it with potato soup or Baked Potatoes with Chili and sour cream.

PS - Cook the Bacon in the Microwave and its really fast!
Here is the Video (With Me) making the recipe... If you want the complete recipe go to Rhodesbread.com.

Fall Is Here...

2008-10-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

We were at the Park last week. I try to have a Pic-nic lunch at least once a week. Dawson and Marlie take a stack of books and we play and read. I try to get Dawson's reading done before Kindergarten so this way when Gracie gets home I can read at night with her.

ANYWAY... There was a tree behind us and Marlie said "Look Mom, the leaves are falling...That means it's fall!"

I had my cell phone with me and my friend Kim taught me how to e-mail the pics. So I took a picture...

Then I took a picture of the two crazies! I had to give Dawson 11 underdogs because he took 11 bites of his lunch. Posting this stuff makes me feel bad not having Gracie here...she's in school.

After we took Dawson to school, me and Marlie went to Jordan Landing to do some errands. I stopped in at Kiddie Kandid to pick up some pictures. Marlie could Smell the Pop- Corn...So we bought a bag and sat on the steps and ate it. It was fun and Yummy! I Love Movie Theatre Pop Corn!

PS - This is another cell phone picture...Thanks Kim for teaching me how to use my camera phone.

Keeping It Real

2008-10-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know what is wrong with me! I sent Dustin to the store and on the list was Extra Strength Clearasil, and Shampoo that on the bottle says extra body, or something to that effect. I have not had a tube of Clearasil in my bathroom since high school...And I've had so many bad hair days lately I can't stand it! So... Today I woke up with a giant cold sore! Figures hu!
I thought I would keep it real. I usually post about the cute fun things I don't ever want to forget...

We did decorate for Halloween. The kids had a really fun time. Dawson was really cute. He wanted to sleep with his Jack O Lantern plugged in. Dust told him he would turn it of when Dustin and I went to bed...Dawson came out a few min. later and said "Mom, I thought I wanted my Pumpkin turned on but its realy big on my wall and kinda freakin' me out!" (The jack O Lantern face was glowing huge on his wall)

As we were going to bed Dustin was saying that his stomach hurt. Then the Food Poisioning set in. And he had it BAD! He didn't stop throwing up all night! Literally all night. He ate at Panda,Chinese if any of you are wondering.

What a Nail Biter! Utes 6-0

2008-10-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Utah Utes Vs.Oregan State!

WE HAD SO MUCH DANG FUN AT THE UTAH / OREGAN STATE GAME THURSDAY NIGHT. IT WAS GRACIE'S TURN TO GO BUT BEING A SCHOOL NIGHT OUR BUDDY RYAN KLEIN WENT WITH US.

My Younger Nephew Riley also came to the game with Barry...Here is a picture of Riley and me. YES, My Younger Nephew who is 6 3...

Football Date Night!

The Utes offense started off slow but the defense kept them in it. Things got exciting when Oregon St. scored stretching their lead to 8 points with just over 2 minutes left. The Ute offense scored quickly and converted the 2 point conversion. Tie game. The defense held tight and Utah had one more chance. The offense moved down the field and now it was up to King Louie to kick the game winner with one second remaining. All Ute fans Louie is AUTOMATIC and the Utes won 31-28 and are now 6-0 and ranked #14 in the country.

Here comes LOUIE...1 second on the clock...

Brenda, Klein and Dustin...

DOWN ON THE FIELD WE WENT...

UTES #1

FINAL SCORE 31 - 28

My Little Marlie and Her Whip Whops!

2008-10-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

Marlie's "WHIP WHOPS"

Marlie Loves "WHIP WHOPS"! However when her feet stop moving her Whip Whops usually come off. I laugh every time I look down at her little feet... Half of the time this is what I see...WRONG SHOE ON THE WRONG FOOT, AND SHE OFTEN USES THE WRONG TOE. (This picture was not staged!!!)

Here Marlie is walking down a mountain of boulders in her Whip Whops...

NOTICE HER TOES!!

She is a Funny one I tell you!

She Loves the Dress Up Shoes Too!

How long Do I have to go to school..."THE REST OF YOUR LIFE"!

2008-10-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

MY DUSTIN

HE IS THE BEST !

I really can't complain when it comes to Dustin. He loves me and the kids...And we all know it.

He loves the Chicago Cubs, (currently in the playoffs) the Utes, Camping, Golfing (which he doesn't get to do very often), softball. He is the executive secretary in the Bishopric. He worries about his Mom and Loves her lots! He does Laundry! We both Love "The Office" watch it every week and belly laugh. He is a great friend, It doesn't matter where we are he will see someone he knows... (Melanee can testify!)

Swimming with the kids, In their little pool...

Dustin and Dawson at the Races...

Holding Gracies Hair so she can look in the telescope.

letting Marlie Drive...

I'm pretty Lucky!

Dustin is currently going to University of Phoenix. He has been going for almost 1 year.

HE HAS STRAIGHT "A's" THUS FAR!

He did tons of studying this week...He was having a really hard time writing a paper for his Humanities class. I don't think I saw him before 8 PM all week...

Marlie says EVERY WEDNESDAY "Wheres Dad?" I say "He has school tonight" She says "TaaaGin?" TaaaGin means Again. But its not that Marlie can't say Again...She likes TaaGin!

Gracie has seen University Of Phoenix Buildings...She always says That is where my Dad goes to school and is very proud of her Dad...Dawson will ask Dustin if he has homework and then tell him about his own homework, writing the letter "t"...Its Cute!

Good Luck with School Hun!

We Love You!

Gracie, Dawson, Marlie and Me

Football Season is here! GO UTES!

2008-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our Family is definitely Ute Fans. Dustin won't use a (blue) miniature golf ball. Dawson won't eat out of a (blue) cereal bowl. Gracie says she doesn't know why anyone wants to be a (BYU) fan...

GO UTES!

FAN FEST 2008

LOTS OF PICTURES OF U of U FAN FEST!

The Dads (Randy and Dustin) live for this day!

I actually love it myself!

Some of the funny things that happened... This Husband and Wife were fighting in front of us...Wife says" You What! You deleted Pictures?!" Husband: "Ya, look at all the players...I needed more space to take more pictures."

Me and Melanee Heard another GROWN MAN, tell his son that this would be one of the best days of his LIFE!

Pretty Funny!

DAWSON IS ON THE SWIM TEAM!

HI!

Dawson and Rush Kick Field goals...They think they are on the team!
Hot Gymnastics Girl...Gracie had her picture with the Cheer leaders...She also had them sign the back of her Shirt.
We watched the first game, on TV with Matt and Angie...

FIRST HOME GAME!

DAWSON GOT TO GO TO THE FIRST HOME GAME WITH ME AND DUSTIN. WE DECIDED TO LET THE KIDS EACH HAVE A TURN. SPEND A LITTLE ONE ON ONE WITH THEM...YOU CAN SEE DAWSON HAD A GREAT TIME!

Daws went to eat with Rush at Market Street.

Me and Dustin like to eat at the Game.

Dustin having a teaching moment...Ahh!

THE BEST DIET COKE BRENDA HAS EVER HAD!

AFTER THE GAME THEY HAD A FIREWORK SHOW! GREAT TIME!!
NEXT HOME GAME - MARLIE"S TURN! AS YOU CAN SEE SHE HAS HER GAME FACE!

She is a Moms GIRL and I Love her TO Pieces!
Brenda brought Jaden, Jake & Rush to the Game. AS you can see Marlie has every one of the Boys wrapped around her little finger.

Mars loves "Pop-Pop"!

We even got to see Blake! Blake is Beautiful! She told us she was moving to San Diego and going to school there.

The Cheer leaders came over and gave Marlie their Pom-Poms to hold. The Cheer leaders were really cute to her.

She wanted to do tricks like the Cheer Leaders...

Marlie was giving LOVES to Baby Ryan (Tori's Baby)
And
Cute Baby Carys (Robby & Brenna's Baby)

GRANDMA GLENDA AND BERRY COO'ING OVER HER!

This Little Cutie Had such a fun time at the Game! Dawson and Gracie were home with Aunt Sue. She took them to the Old Spaghetti Factory, then to Kung Foo Panda, Then to Leatherbys! SPOILED!

Walking to the Truck after the game was GREAT! The weather is so nice! The temperature today was 85 degrees. I hope I didn't just jink myself for the next game.

St. George Family Fun

2008-09-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2008

St George, Green Valley

Pictures from our Balcony. I love Palm Trees.

Here is a Picture of the kids in the Giant Chair in Beaver. We stoped here for gas and Ice Cream cones along the way...

Finally we got to St.George. Randy, Melanee and the kids were already there. They Fly for Free so they flew down JERKS!

All the kids wanted to go swimming! They were un-packing and ripping off there clothes and changing into their swim suites...

Marlie was so cute. She was lining up all of her shoes and re folding all of her clothes into the drawers.

Me and Melanee decided to take the kids swimming. Dustin and Randy went to get take out from my favorite place Pasta Factory!

Marlie walking to the pools...She is so cute!

When we got to the pools there were no swim towels there so Melanee went to the Condo to get some...

Melanee...Where are you?

She came back to the Pool and said she could not get the door to work. (The condo door had a electronic deadbolt, you type in the code and it opens) She left again and said she was going to go try it again.

A long while later I was getting a little worried. Wondering where Melanee was. Not to mention All the kids were running from one pool to the next. There were 4 pools in the swimming area. So I was trying to keep all the kids contained.

I looked up a bit later at the patio...There were strange people I didn't recognize sitting on the patio. I asked Riley if anyone else was coming, NO!... So I told all the kids they had to walk with me, we walked over under the patio so I could get a better look, It was hard to see because it was about 9:00 PM and dark. Me and all five Kids were starring in silence...Finally the people yelled down "Is This your Stuff?" Then Melanee came out onto the patio, with her hands in the air she yelled

"We are in the WRONG CONDO!"

Apparently we were supposed to be in 1631 and we were in 1630. The Door of the condo that the kids had nearly ransacked all their stuff in had been left open. Melanee had been shoving all the kids clothes in the bags and setting them outside the door. 1631 was on the top floor and opposite end of the building.

We got moved into our condo, It was actually a lot nicer! Bonus for us!

The next day we went to Sand Hollow for about 1/2 day. The boys were playing with their trucks...Dustin was building them a Giant race track.

Gracie is getting so old! She loves the lake! She goes FAST on the Tube with me, she water ski's. She is a character!

The kids wanted to swim again at the Condo. Gracie and Riley were doing Toe Touches and all sorts of tricks off the diving board...

Dustin Flipping too...
The boys were so cute...

Most of the time they have their nose plugged!

Nose Plugs!

THEN...IT TURNED INTO BACK FLIP OLYMPICS!

DUSTIN AND RANDY WERE THROWING THE KIDS IN THE AIR DOING BACK FLIPS!

Look at Gracie's Hair! MMMM More Yummy Take Out!

After we put the kids to bed we would sit out on the Patio, and talk. Me and Randy were going down Memory lane, talking about memories we had when My parents had a condo in Green Valley. Tandem Bike, Vic Braden Tennis Lessons, Tommy & Robby riding their Big Wheels on all the sidewalks, The Smell, K-2, Shuffle board, "The Club House" !

Every morning the kids went to the play ground...

HI DAD!

My Cute Son!

More Boating. More Wake boarding!

Sand Hollow was beautiful! Red Mountains and Red Sandy beach. We wake boarded, Tubed, Played on the beach. We even watched a bunch of kids cliff jumping for a while!

Check Dustin Out! I got a good Picture of him jumping the wake.

Randall landing a jump!

Dustin and Marlie Swimming in the Lake.

Captain Randy!

My GIRLS on the Tube with me. Marlie LOVES! the Tube. She would hold up her hand and say I want this many turns.

Back for More Swimming...

PIZZA AT THE POOL! THE KIDS WERE STARVING!

WE ALL SAT IN THE HOT TUBS FOR AWHILE...Ahhh!

The Holden family came to see us. I'm mad I didn't get a Picture of them and the new baby...What was I thinking? They are doing great! Jen is not working anymore and the baby is beautiful! Emily looks like she is 16. Davis and Jordan are the cutest little boys. We miss you guys!

St. George was so Fun! No one wanted to go home!

Take Me To The Races Dad...

2008-09-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

Rocky Mountain Races September 13, 2008

Dawson has been asking Dustin to take him to the Race Track at Rocky Mountain Raceway for about a year...We always say we are going to go but haven't.

Grandma Connie got free tickets in the mail and gave them to Dawson...

He was so excited!

They had planned to go to the races for about an hour or so...THEY LEFT THE HOUSE AT 6:00PM...

Dawson liked the RED Race Car!
Dustin called and had me record the U of U football game...(The Utes were playing Utah State at Utah State) He said they were going to be a little longer that Dawson was having so much fun!

Dawson Still didn't want to come home...

This is a Picture of Dawson and Brandon Fowler. They saw the cute Fowler Family at the Races. Christy game him Cheetos.

Notice Dawson's EAR PLUGS! He was excited to tell me and show me his ear plugs when he got home.

DUSTIN AND DAWSON GOT INTO THE TRUCK TO COME HOME AT 11:00 PM!!

DUSTIN SAID TO DAWSON "Your Mom is going to be mad that you are getting home so late!" Dawson said to Dustin "Don't Worry Dad! I'll Tell her it we were in TRAFFIC!"

I love my Boys! Dustin is such a good Dad to the kids! He loves them a lot and is a really good Dad.

Lemonade?

2008-09-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today before Kindergarten started Dawson asked me if Marlie and his self could go outside and have a Lemonade?

Sure!

They were so Cute!
I Loved sitting there listening to their little conversation... I enjoyed sitting there sipping down Lemonade!

I'm loving the friendship between Dawson and Marlie. All of my kids play so so good together! But now that Marlie is a little older (just turned 3) ...Gracie is in school all day, Dawson has PM Kindergarten...So Daws and Mars are playmates all morning.

After school they turn back into the 3 Amigos! Gracie, Dawson and Marlie.

Swimming in the Back Yard ONE MORE TIME!

2008-09-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

September 15 2008
Today it was in the 80's and the kids wanted to SWIM! We decided to set up the pool in the back yard! And let them swim at least one more time... I cooked Dinner on the Patio and pretended it was August

We have a Hot Water Hose Spout so the Pool was filled with Really Warm water (Thanks Grandpa Jeff!) No I was not letting the kids get pneumonia!

The kids like to jump off the Toddler Swing set...They pretend its a diving board!

"I'll Get the Mail Mom"

2008-09-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

My Cute Dawson decided he wanted to get me the mail. The kids were out playing on the drive way...

He asked me for a box. I gave him a shoe box. (The first box I gave him was his Lightening Man Shoe box, He immediately wanted a different box. He didn't want to get that box scratched) Next thing I know he wants the mail key. He had taken a jump rope and put it through the box and then tied it to his "Big Wheel Hot Wheel" and he was driving down to get the mail. (We have the community mail boxes...Its about 4 houses down the street)

He delivered me the mail. It was great!

I love this kid! He is always making me Laugh!

Alpine Slide in Park City

2008-09-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

ALPINE SLIDE, Park City Utah - September 5 2008

Dustin and I decided to take the kids to Park City today. Grandma Glenda went with us. Neither of Us had been on the Alpine slide for a few years and thought it would be fun.

Dawson was Smiling when we first got on the ski lift...

Marlie decided she wanted to stay with Grandma Glenda and NOT go on the slide. Grandma took her on the Carousal and other rides...

Soon Dawson was afraid and did NOT want to ride on the slide!

Gracie was a little nervous but still ready to go on the slide... She was saying to Dustin "So you have NEVER heard of a ski lift breaking?...Never? Never Ever?"

When we got off the Lift and picked up our sleds Gracie was dancing to the slide and Dawson was Crying! I know this sounds terrible, but I wanted him to go! I knew he would love it if he would just try it.

The Verdict is in! HE LOVED IT!!
They both did! Dawson
Was Begging us to take them again... So Grandma Glenda and Marlie had Snow cones and we went on the Slide Again.

We went to Main Street for Dinner at the Hungry Bear. Then we went to the outlets for a little shopping. It was really fun.

On the Way home it was a beautiful sunset...I tried to snap a photo...

First Day Of School For Everyone!

2008-09-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

So all the kids have had a First Day Of School Now! Wow!

Gracie Started First. Her first day was AUGUST 18, 2008. She is in SECOND grade this year. Her teacher is Mrs. Tanner.

SHE WAS REALLY EXCITED TO GO...in return makes it so much easier on me to send her.

I wish I had another month with the kids at home. I love having them home for the Summer and was not ready to let them go back to school.

Anyway...GRACIE...She picked out her Raven top and Denim skirt for the first day of school outfit. She wanted to wear her hair long...and she wanted to wear her "strapy" sandals. She had her NEW back-pack that she picked out at Pac-Sun. we were in there shopping and she saw it and "was going to die" with out it! It is a cute back-pack.

Gracie was really excited about her friends being in her class this year! 2 of her best friends Ivie Searle and Maddy Fowler are both in her class this year. (Ivie sitting next to Gracie, Maddy the blond across from Gracie)

So next on the agenda was Marlie's PRE-SCHOOL ORIENTATION! We had to be there at 10:00am. So off we went...Marlie wanted no part of sitting in a circle around teacher and letting teacher talk to them. She wanted to sit on my lap the whole time. It will be interesting come her first day of school!

DAWSON'S FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN! Today is the day. AUGUST 25, 2008. He is excited to start but I can tell he is nervous.

We are waiting by the kindergarten door waiting for MS. HANSEN to come out. Dawson doesn't know anyone in Kindergarten. He will make friends! He is so Nice! I'm not just saying that because he is my Son...He is Truly the nicest Friend anyone could have!

Off he went into school...I was trying not to Cry so Marlie would not think School was scary! But I was really sad! I asked Marlie what we should do? She Said "Paint our fingernails". GREAT IDEA!

Marlie and I walked up to the School to pick up the kids. Dawson came running out. Marlie was happy to see him. He had a piece of paper that said My First Day Of Kindergarten was a Piece Of Cake!

Gracie Came right over to look for Dawson...

We all walked home together...Like the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PARADE!

Marlie's First day of PRE-SCHOOL!

Dora Backpack that we searched high and low for.

Sandra was darling with Marlie! She let her hold the pet mouse...When the mouse (poopsy) would come up out of the cup Sandra showed her how to tap his nose to get him to go back in its cup.

To my Surprise Marlie did Great her first day! I was so relieved!...

We have since had a second day of school...Marlie was nearly pulling my shirt off as I went out the door.

Dawson's First Day of Homework. Marlie was very interested. He was so Cute and concentrating so hard. He puckers in his lips when he concentrates.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY DAWSON!

2008-09-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY DAWSON!

June 24, 2008

Dawson wanted a Star Wars Birthday this year. His good buddy Carson had a Star Wars party last year and that is where Dawson discovered "Star Wars"

We decided to have a swimming Party. We delivered all the invitations...This is what the invitation said:

"IN A GALAXY NOT SO FAR AWAY, ON THE DAY OF JUNE 24, IN THE YEAR 2003, A BABY BOY WAS BORN. FROM THE BEGINNING HIS ENERGY DREW THE ATTENTION OF THE JEDI COUNCIL, WHO NAMED HIM DAWSON HALL. THEY KNEW HE WAS THE CHOSEN ONE. IN THE 5 YEARS THAT FOLLOWED HIS BIRTH, YOUNG JEDI DAWSON HAS BEEN LEARNING THE POWERS OF THE FORCE.
RECENTLY THOUGH, THE JEDI KNIGHTS HAVE FELT A STRONG DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE. A DISTURBANCE GENERATED BY THE DARKSIDE…. MANY JEDI KNIGHTS HAVE BEEN LOST. THE VERY FUTURE OF THE JEDI ORDER IS NOW IN JEOPARDY.
THE JEDI COUNCIL HAS CALLED UPON YOUNG RUSHTON MONSEN TO BECOME A FUTURE JEDI. YOUR YOUNG RUSHTON’S PRESENCE IS REQUESTED TO COMPLETE JEDI TRAINING ON
TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2008.

IF THE FATE OF THE GALAXY CAN BE RESTORED THERE WILL BE A WATER CELEBRATION. BE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED AND WEAR YOUR SWIM SUIT!THE TRIALS WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 4:00 PM AT THE HALLS SYSTEM OF THE WING POINTE GALAXY, DOCKING BAY 3558 S
PLEASE ADVISE THE JEDI COUNCIL WITH ANY CONCERNS AT 508 0267
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!”

We made Star Wars cupcakes in the morning.

All of the boys came over later that afternoon for the party: Carson Peas, Ruston Monsen, Chipper & Jamin Pettersson, Easton Fuchs & Nate Bushnell..They all started swimming and playing on the water slide.

The Boys were running and jumping in the pool!
Happy Birthday Buddy!

Rush...

Then we had a little Star wars Training, The boys were given lightsabers and they had to keep the astroids (black balloons) from hitting the ground...

Then we heard some star wars music...dun dun dua dua and DARTH VADER came to fight the young Jedis ...

Marlie was really afraid of Darth Vader!

Jedi Boys were really good at fighting Darth Vader!!

Are you okay Mar's?

GRANDMA AND GRANDPA
Riley and Gracie swinging...

Happy Birthday and wish making time! Happy Birthday Dear Dawson...Happy Birthday to you!

LOTS OF GREAT STAR WARS GIFTS!ANGI WAS PLOTTING TO THROW DUSTIN IN THE POOL...HERE GOES!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Aunt Debbie was visiting from Phoenix so she got to come to the party. Grandma, Debbie and Marlie were busy doing marlies makeup...

Dawson came and gave me a big HUG and told me thank you for the best Birthday ever!

It was a beautiful Sunny Day. The Petterssons stayed for a while. The boys played with all the Birthday toys, the girls Gracie, Atti and Marlie were swimming... It was really fun! Atti was sitting by Dawson later that night...She calls Dawson Prince Charming...She tells everyone she is going to Marry Dawson, Isn't she so cute!

Cherry Hill! A New Hall Family Tradition!

2008-09-11T20:58:00.001-07:00

Cherry Hill August 21, 2008
We had never been to Cherry Hill...Oh, was it FUN!

Originally our plans for the weekend were to go camping...Things fell through...the kids still wanted to go camping. We also have a "Summer Fun List" Raging Waters was on the list. I figured the kids would have just as much fun at Cherry Hill & we could go camping.

We left on a Thursday night, Traffic was terrible!

FINALLY we checked in and got the Trailer all set up. The kids wanted to go to the playground they saw on the way in... so we went to the playground for awhile.

We were getting really hungry...I had planned to have Pork Chops but soon discovered (Dustin) forgot the BBQ er. (But I didn't tell him to put it in the truck...so we are not talking about it)

No big deal, we hoped in the truck and drove a few minutes to PACE DAIRY ANNE. We sat outside to eat. the kids loved it. More fun then Pork Chops!

We even stopped at Red Box and got a DVD for me and Dustin to watch when the kids were asleep.

That night we went Miniature Golfing. The kids LOVED LOVED LOVED it.Daws was a natural, he honestly had a couple hole-In-One's!

Then we went to the batting cages. Dustin, Dawson and Gracie all took turns.

AUGUST 22, 2008 was Gracie's Birthday. She had a Birthday party earlier that week...I decorated the Trailer with lots of crate paper...

Gracie opened peasants and we had a little Birthday party of our own.

We went to the water park... (Dustin forgot his swim suit! so he drove to Target to get one)

Cherry Hill has a Pirate Theme! There is a Huge Pirate Ship that the kids can play on.

YO-HO!, YO-HO! A PIRATES LIFE FOR ME! SHIVER ME TIMBER WALK THE PLANK COME JOIN OUR JAMBOREE, WATCH YOUR BACK FOR CAPTAIN JACK CAUSE' HES THE KING OF THE SEA! My kids were singing this song.

Pictures of the kids and Dad on the water slide...

Slush Puppie time!

"THAT WAS SO FUN CAN WE GO AGAIN!!!" says Gracie

We also played in the Lazy River too...

Our Favorite slide was this huge slide that you sit on a Blue mat and go down on. Dawson didn't want to go on it...I was a mean Mom and made him try it...HE LOVED IT!!!! He went on it 600 more times!

We went to the PIE PANTRY that night for dinner and Ice Cream. Happy Birthday Ice Cream.

The kids wanted to Miniature golf again. Me and Marlie went up on the hill and listened to the music..

We all want to go back! Everyone is invited to go with us next year!

We would have stayed longer but we are going straight to FAN FEST, then Berkely's Birthday Party - and tonight I am in charge of the Ward Carnival tonight.

Broken Shoe - Dead Mouse - Locked Car...Good Times!

2008-09-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took Gracie and friends to school and then later Dawson to Kindergarten. Marlie and myself went grocery shopping...When I got home from the store there were three missed calls from the school. I ran to the machine and listened. The messages were a bunch of beeps...someone was trying to dial the phone number over the top of the recording. I called the school and the secretary told me a cute little boy with a short haircut was sick and had been trying to call home. Oh Dawson... She put me on hold and called the teacher...she came back on the line, Nope it wasn't Dawson. She then called Ms. Tanner, Gracie's teacher. Gracie's new shoe had broke. So I grabbed a couple pairs of shoes (never know if Gracie will approve) and me and Marlie took them up to the school. Gracie was so relieved!

Later that night...

My friend Angie called me and asked me if I wanted to go over to the Pre-school with her to help Marlie get her confidence up. YES! I did. Marlie is very much afraid of going to pre-school. Orientation freaked her out a little. Angie has been re-painting one of the walls in the pre-school to a NEMO theme. (No more 3 little pigs for those of you who went to Sandra Ahlquist pre-school) So we decided to paint and let the kids play in the pre-school. Now let me tell you, Sandra has mice as pets! Crazy! They scare me to death!!! I told the kids I was allergic to the mice and if they got near me Mommy would have to go to the Hospital in an ambulance! So after awhile they left me alone with them. But the kids took the THREE mice down to the play room and were playing with them...I was painting...Angie left to go to a temple recommend interview...After about an hour the kids had decided they wanted to go jump on the trampoline, they put the mice away. Sandra had explained to them that mice are nocturnal, so one sleeping was normal. Soon I hear a little girl crying like crazy. She was just sobbing crying. I thought someone got hurt on the trampoline.

One of Sandra's grand kids had found one dead! So the two grandsons went into the back yard and dug a hole and all the kids had a funeral. My kids were thinking this was the best things they had ever done. Dawson kept looking at me with that huge grin on his face. WOW! very exciting!

So if you know me, we got in the car to come home and this is me "DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING! YOU ALL GO STRAIGHT INTO THE HOUSE AND WASH YOUR HANDS!"

The next day, Wednesday. I had taken Gracie and the girls to school in the morning. I was getting Dawson ready for PM Kindergarten. We had planned to walk...but Dawson was not in fast mode and by the time I washed the peanut butter off his face we were going to be lucky to DRIVE to school on time. So we rushed into the garage...The car was locked with the keys in it. I grabbed Marlie and put her in the stroller and told Dawson we got to RUN to school. We literally ran the entire way. He thought it was fun...He said "WE ARE LIKE SUPERHEROS" Just as the last kindergartner was going in the door we got there. I yelled to Dawson to grab the door...(the kindergarten door locks when it shuts, I didn't want to have to go in the front doors to the school and walk all the way around) He caught the door, whew! He yelled Luv Ya, smiled and went into school.

So, then I had to go home and figure out how to get into my car. After trying every option, the hanger, other peoples Dodge keys (it works you know. My neighbors Chevy SUV key opens Dustin's Chevy Truck door) etc. I called the dealership to find out how much it would cost to get a key made. They told me to call 1-877-Back U Up. I told them I didn't buy my car from that dealership, they said "It doesn't matter we hope to get your business next time" So, I called...within 15 min there was someone at my house and they unlocked the van door in 1 min. It was GREAT! IF any of you have a Dodge, remember this and call for FREE roadside assistance.

The rest of the day was very mild with the exception of my Gracie wanting to Battle with me over cleaning her room! Any suggestions on how to get a 7 year old girl to keep her room clean?

24th of July Sleepover and Parade!

2008-09-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

we (I) thought it would be really fun to sleep out with the Baudden Family for the 24th of July Parade.

I told Dustin that I wanted to..."Why am I not surprised!" was his response...

Tara Bushnell's family WHOLE FAMILY sleeps out every year and she has invited us for the past few years...This was the year!
Dustin had School Wednesday night so I packed us up. Sleeping Bags, Air Mattress, Snacks, Drinks, some Glow Sticks, Lawn chairs etc.

I followed Randy and Melanee and we all went to Crown Burger for dinner.

Then we went to find a place to park. We parked right around the corner from where we would be sleeping at the Tuxedo Shop. We unloaded lawn chairs and fun stuff, No sleeping stuff yet.

The kids all were playing having so much fun!

Marlie and Breanna were playing Polly Pockets...

Dawson and Gracie were playing with all the kids...The Green's, The Monsen's and Nate and Brooklyn...They played Tag, They played twister, we all opened Glow Sticks...

TWISTER!

THE MOST FUN WAS THE "HONK" GAME! ALL OF THE KIDS LINED UP ON THE CURD AND WHEN CARS DROVE BY THEY WOULD YELL "HONK" AND MAKE THE HONK MOTION. IF THE CAR DIDN'T HONK THEN THEY WOULD YELL PARTY POOPER! This game was led by Terry Tarah's Dad. After yelling Party Pooper they would sing this song "Every Party Has A Pooper And Your It Tonight PARTY POOPER! PARTY POOPER!

The Kids were haveing SOOO Much Fun!

Lots of Cheering when cars would HONK!!
Riley Made a Hannah Montana "HONK" sign PARTY POOER!!

We visited, Relaxed and Had a Great Time! Dustin Finally got there at about 10:30. He brought Gracie a New Pair a Flip Flops because she managed to break hers!

Marlie ate a whole bag of Cheetos! She carried them around with her all night.
Riley was starting to get tired. The Monsen Family went home to sleep.

Marlie wanted to lay in her sleeping bag. Dustin went and got it out of the car for her. We were thinking of taking her home to sleep for the night...WRONG! She was not going anywhere!'

She laid on the lawn on her sleeping bag.

Before Brenda left for the night she pulled her car up to the curb and we filled up all of the Air Mattresses.

4 Air Mattresses and lots of kids!

Brooklyn wanted to sleep in my wagon.

Just when we got the kids settled...clip clop clip clop...Here come the Horses. We took the kids on a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride. It was close to Midnight when we got done with the ride.

It didn't take long for Marlie to pass out! She didn't move a muscle all night!

We stayed up for awhile visiting...
And then fell asleep. I woke up the next morning to the sound of the runners...
All the kids started to wakeup...When everyone was up we went to McDonalds for breakfast.
Dustin, Dylan and Randy went wake boarding during the parade.

The Parade was Fun! Gracie, Riley and Veronica were playing with a clown and Silly String and they made the Deseret News Paper the next day.

In the middle of the Parade Sonic Burger was passing out Whistles...The kids were killing our ears and it was so annoying! Melanee got up and said "$1.00 Dollars for Whistles!" She was buying back the kids whistles!

U fo U is one of our favorite floats!! The kids go crazy!

AFTER THE PARADE WE WENT HOME FOR SHOWERS AND A NAP! ABOUT 5 HOURS LATER...WE DECIDED TO GO TO _____DAYS FOR FIREWORKS AND THE CARNIVAL.

WE ARE GOING TO GO THERE NEXT YEAR TOO. WE HAD A GREAT TIME!

Bounce Houses!

SNOW CONES....

DANCING TO THE MUSIC!

Me and my kids laying on blankets watching FIREWORKS! I Love my kids and family so Munch!

Happy 24th of JULY! Look at Marlie chowing on Pop-Corn.

4th of JULY 2008

2008-09-05T07:33:00.001-07:00

As all of you know the month of July is my favorite month of the year! August too. But the 4th and the 24th are such fun holidays!

Gracie really wanted to be in the 4th of July parade... So we were in the Magna Parade.

Decorating for the parade. We put lots of stars all over the boat.

HI RUSH!

Mars was hot waiting for the parade to start.

Brenna and Carys & Rushton rode in the Parade with us.

LOTS OF CANDY!
We had lots of fun in the Parade...Gracie said she was now Famous! It made her day. She sat on the back and waved to everyone!

After the Parade we went to Grandma Connie's house for a BBQ and a Water Party. The kids had so much fun!

Dawson is on the Slip N Slide...

Gracie and Riley...Cheese What are you thinking about with the water balloon in hand? Hi Marlie, You are so cute!

The Kids also busted open a Pinyita.

Now we are going to go home and shower and take a nap. Then we will be going to Magna Park for the Fireworks.

We went to Magna Park with Randy, Melanee, Riley and Rushton. We spread out our blankets and watched the fireworks. One of the Firetrucks in the park parking lot turned its sirens in the middle of the firework show and left...When the fireworks were over I looked up, over the base ball field and I could see flames. I showed Dustin and we all realized there was a fire from the fireworks. We were walking out of the park and the flames were getting bigger and higher. I got a bit nervous for a few minutes, we thought the Golf course was on fire...The Flames were getting bigger. I wanted to get the kids to the car, there were TONS of people in the park and the traffic was crazy! Randy parked on the very last street in Magna for a quick get-away (He does this every year) He called our cell and told us to go down to 2100 south and take a look at this fire. We nervously did...It was unreal! The kids were crying a little...nervous! A Transformer blew up as were driving along. I showed the kids all the fire trucks and told them how safe we were!

July - The best Month of the year!

2008-09-05T06:54:00.001-07:00

We also went to the Riverton Parade with Barry and Sue and Grandma. Sue went and set out chairs a few days before the parade to save us a spot. Dennis and Ann went to the Parade with us to they were here for a visit.

It was REALLY HOT! (Not that I'm complaining! I love it hot!)

10 Minutes after this photo we put up the canopy! It took the temperature down by 10 degrees!

Grandma Glenda and Dawson were laughing watching the Parade together.

Uncle Barry took the kids to get a snow cone..

Marlie was so dang cute at the parade! She was waving to every one. She was getting loads of candy!

Miss Hollywood GRACIE!

After the Parade we went to berry and sue house to cool down for a minute. Then we went over to Riverton Park. we had some Corn Dogs, Homemade Fried Potato Chips (with lots of salt) and some French Fries.

The Kids were so excited to go ride the rides...

Hillary took Dawson and Gracie on this crazy carnie' Ride! I thought it was a "dangerous" ride for a carnival. Dustin told me to chill out and told them to go. (He must not realize how fast these ride are thrown together!! And how many bolts they are missing!!)
Hi Guys...

I finally talked Marlie into going down the big slide with me...She LOVED IT!

The YELLOW SLIDE is so FUN!

Marlie was starting to get tired... Didn't take long, she was sound asleep!

July 10th JORDINELLE BOATING TRIP

2008-09-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Our Boating Camping Trip to Jordinelle was a top 10! We left on a Thursday, Thursday July 10th. The lake was PERFECT on Thursday and Friday. Not crowded and no wind!

We got the trailor all set up and then headed to the lake...

Marlie watches Gracie water ski and she was determined to try...I said okay because I knew she would not go through with it. By the time we got the board on her she was done...Whew!

MARLIE AND MOMMY IN THE TUBE! Marlie loves the Boat and the tube! She is so easy to take Boating...She never crys or wines or complains. She makes us laugh all day long!

Dawson and Ruston were captains of the Boat. They don't go out on the boat much. Both of the boys like to stay on the beach and play. They drive their trucks around the beach, they collect sticks, they build ramps...they work really hard all day.

Robby and Brenna and Carys came up for the night on Thursday. They boated with us and then came for the camp fire. We had Ribs for Dinner...MMMMMmmm Curley's Ribs. Then roasted Marshmallows and made smores!

Marlie and Carys laying on the bed watching Elmo.

Notice all the Mallows!

CAMPFIRE!

The next day we spent the whole day at the lake. Dustin went over to the beach early and set out all of our stuff. He came back to camp and said"If your Mom (Connie Monsen) had a twin sister she is here... Wait and see" After breakfast we went to the lake...

There was a group there that had everything. EVERYTHING! Including the generator and Smoothie Maker!

Tara and Dylan brought up the kids on Friday. Broklyn, Breanna and Nate are all adorable. All the kids had a blast. The best part is the Adults and the kids are haveing just as good of a time as the kids!

More Tubing!

The Boat also doubles as a clothes line!

Tara is so CUTE! I love it when they come boating with us. She is so fun to talk to. Dylan teases her all the time and she is still so funny. Tara took the SANDY boys down to the shower and her and Melanee Tag Teamed them. They came up the hill naked in their towels.

Dylan was gone for the Moment trying to buy Ice Cream. The Jordinelle store didn't have any?? We decided Cobler would not be the same with out Ice Cream.

At night the boys set up a full race track in the Trailer! They are so funny! The boys like to go in the the back bedroom and play Transformers, Star Wars, Puzzles, Cars anything and everything!

Riley was trying to find a quiet place to read! She made herself a cozy little bed in the back of the truck.

Gracie and Marlie were riding their bikes...

The Boys were in the tent watching a movie. they are so tired!

This really Super nice guy, The Camp Host came over to our camp and asked if we wanted to see the Stars and the Moon. We could actually see the rings around Saturn! It was AMAZING! The kids loved it! It was really neat! We took some Peach Cobler over to him and told him Thanks! He was excited to eat cobler.

The Next Day we Did a bunch more Boating and Sunin'! Ahhh, Love the SUN Shine!!

We got off the lake this day and went back to the Trailer and ate Homemade Pizzas! Then we got showered and went over to lake for a Wake board Show. It was Awesome! the kids were sitting in the back of the truck cheering.

Then we went over and let the kids go on the Bounce Houses.

There was also a LIVE BAND! Riley was Dancing with Marlie. It was so much FUN!!

Fireworks next! They were good fireworks! the kids ate treats and we all cuddeled up because it was getting cold.

Dustin was taking the photo...Randy was on his I Phone

LETS GO BUILD ANOTHER FIRE!! Its Chilly!