Tacoma Washington

My sister Jenny (Jonnn) and I drove to Washington to see family and friends.  I was a bit worried about Abby and how well she would do but she was amazing.  It probably helps that she still takes 4 naps a day.  

We packed the kids in to Jonnns car.  6 kids.  2 moms.  and 3 DVD players, 1 iPad, 2 iPhones, 1 iPod, 2 Leapsters, 1 GPS.... um... we were plugged in!  BUT we drove safely, the kids did their things, the moms got to chat and then when we arrived at our destinations we played.  It was great. 

We stopped first (and last) in the Tri City area of Washington.  We stayed with Jenny's sister in law.  Lauren and Chad.  It was so nice to visit with them.  The temple is in their back yard. 

Then we drove on to Tacoma to visit my good friend Neti.  It was a great visit. 

We went to the zoo at Point Defiance.  So beautiful. 

Then had lunch right on the Pugent Sound.  Beautiful. 

With 9 kids running around we had to have mandatory down time.  The kids needed it as much as the moms did!

thanks Neti for letting us stay with you. 

Things that make me happy

I have a lot of good people in my life.  Gina, Kristen and I have lunch frequently together.  This time after lunch we went for a quick hike (with Abby strapped on the front) up to Bells Reservoir.  Lunch was delicious, the chance to talk with friends (without kids around) was delightful, and going on a hike without children was priceless.  It was a much needed and welcomed lunch date.

We headed up to Flat Iron one afternoon and tried to fly our kite.  Those are the fun moments where life slows down and I just enjoy the peace and quiet. 

Ella loves to read to our neighbor Ms. LaPriel.  Ms LaPriel always has a treat for Ella after.  What kid wouldn't love that. 

Before we left for Washington was spent a fun night with our Dad.  The kids had a great time bowling with their Dad.  Tyler even beat Darrens score!

My garden makes me happy.  My yard makes me happy.  Plants, trees, flowers, produce.  I wish sometimes I lived in Washington just so I could have green everywhere!

Getting out on my bike at 6:00 in the morning makes me happy.  Exercise is good for the soul!

Abby makes me happy.  She sure throws my life into a different direction.  But I couldn't be more happy to have her in my life.  Her smiles are genuine happy smiles.  

Tyler Carson Balls

Tyler lost one of his top teeth.  And then the second one started to get loose.  

But that second one just wouldn't come out.  I wasn't going to pull it out and he wasn't going to pull it out.  

So finally Aunt Jenny took it into her own hands.  THANK YOU JENNY!

She wiggled, wiggled, wiggled and then PULLED! 

PHEW!

Tyler is my great helper.  I am grateful he is my son!

Logan for Grandpa Seth Birthday

We made it up to Logan for Seth's Birthday.  I am so glad I married a boy from Logan, because I love Cache Valley.  I loved going to Utah State.  And I love that I get to go back to that beautiful valley all the time.  

Abby got to meet a new furry friend.  Thats about all the dog she will ever know I think.  

I love her little legs in these pictures.  She is growing and getting stronger but then her little legs just buckle under her like an accordion.  

We did lots of yard work for our gift to Seth.  The yard looked amazing.  Its a little slice of heaven with all the flowers and plants back there.  Abby helped by sitting under the trees.  Holding the grass down.  

On Sunday we went to Corie and Nolan's church.  Marshall is two weeks younger than Abby.  We got to see him get blessed.  (I take as many occasions to get a family picture as I can.  Darren just LOVES it!)

The end of the school year

Ella finished preschool.  Tyler finished 1st grade.  

Ella had an amazing teacher, Ms Wilkinson.  She also taught Tyler.  She loved those kids and they loved her.  Ella is ready for kindergarten- and so very excited. 

Tylers class did a big program.  His favorite song was the one with flashlights.  The theme was "When I grow up..." so he drew himself and told us what he wanted to be...

He wants to be an accountant. 

And work for Savage like his Dad. 

So he can go to Lagoon for free once a year with the company. 

Good kid!  He makes me smile!

A Happy Abby

I got really sick with the flu a few weeks back.  It was a bit stressful.  Because when momma doesn't eat and drink, then it turns out neither does Abby.  After almost a week of feeding her every 2 hours, pumping milk, trying formula, using all the milk I had in the freezer... Abby started to smile again.  

This is a happy, full tummy, smile.  This is a "mom, I love getting enough food" smile.  

And, when her tummy is full, she sleeps better.  And have her take good naps again.... PRICELESS!

Spring Soccer

Tyler and Ella played Spring soccer.  I am not sure what I was really thinking when I signed up for this.  I took Ella to her first practice with a week old baby in my arms.  Also, it was Darrens audit season at work when he never comes home... thrown in 2 practices, 2 games with 2 kids each week. ....  What was I thinking.  I am glad it is over.  I had a lot of help from friends and family and could never have managed with out it all.  

Ella loved her coach.  (in red)  He was a great coach.  

This picture makes me laugh because there were usaully 2 coaches on the field along with 2 dad helper coaches.  Ella is going to throw the ball in.  Those little girls learned a lot with a lot of help. 

The parents were so fun, and did a fun tunnel at the end of the games. 

Ella was so excited to get a trophy like Tylers trophies.  She carried it around for days, all over our whole house. 

Tyler enjoyed playing also.  He is in the front row of the photo.  He has a good team, and has played with about the same boys for a few years now.