Family photos

My sister in law took some great pictures of our little family this weekend. They worked out really well. She has some fun ones on her blog- so if you want to see a few more cute ones, some with Ella and Tyler too... click here

http://nolanandcorie.blogspot.com/2010/10/pictures-darren-amy-kids.html

Everyone needs a Daddy

A few weeks ago I posted Ella riding on her balance bike. That wouldn't have happened so soon, but she has a Daddy. I find myself being too schedule oriented. I like my lists and getting things done. She would still be riding her tricycle around now - but she has a Dad who says, you can do it. Lets go.

Well this weekend Darren spent some time with Tyler. Tyler is a very sensitive boy. I love that he loves to cuddle up with me, He loves to get hugs and kisses. But he hates it when Darren and I leave.

We went on a date earlier in the week, and Tyler was rather upset. So to make up for it, Darren took Tyler out on a ... date? I don't know what you call it- not a daddy daughter date- but something- is there a good name for a son outing?

They came back with doughnuts and STUFF from Home Depot. Several weeks ago they drew up plans for how to make a crane in the new club house in the back yard. This way, Tyler can lift things up and down from the upper level of the club house. (I believe he got the idea from watching the curious George show)

Now they finally got to start working on it. Notice they both have their gloves on, and this is serious- Tyler is into all this stuff 200%! Therefore I am grateful for Dads who know how to do that kind of .... stuff... with little boys!
They just asked me to help paint it before they finish putting it together. I can do that! Just add it to my list!
Here are the plans to their project.

Tyler turned 5 year old

Tyler wanted to have a rocket ship theme for his cake this year. So he spent several days prior to his birthday drawing rocket ships and posting them around our house. Finally on Friday we got to make and decorate his cake. I drew a man in the space ship and Tyler let me know we had to put another circle around the mans head because he needed a space suit on.

Instead of a party this year, he just got to invite a few friends over.

They each got to make some food to eat, play with play dough, and run around in the back yard. Then we cut up the rocket ship cake and they devoured it!
Darren had a race on Saturday. (He improved his time from last year by 13 minutes) Nice job!
But after the race (in Ogden) we met Grandma and Grandpa Balls and Nolan and Corie for lunch. Tyler got a huge birthday cookie with icecream TO SHARE!
We all tried out bowling. Tyler worked hard on perfecting the art.
Ella really did amazing. She could throw the ball down our lane, the neighbors lane, down the gutter (and the gutter things were up) and even behind her! But she wanted to carry that ball alone- by her self! Miss Independent 2 year old!
Finally Sunday was actually Tyler's Birthday. He got some fun presents and has spent most of Sunday and today (Monday) in his room building with his new legos. We had more cake and celebrations with the Harston side.

All in all- I realized one thing. Saturday night Darren and I were up late talking to a friend. His daughter turns 8 next month. ( I still remember us all being newly weds and now he has an 8 year old) Then he commented how fast those 8 years have gone. He said in only 10 years she will be 18- moving on to college. As I reflected on Tyler and his young five years, I have to agree. Where has the time gone. It is moving fast. I need to enjoy every minute of it before it is gone, and he is gone- a mission, college and married!

Tyler's 5th Birthday

Tyler had a three day birthday celebration. As things finished up tonight he was exhausted.

Each friend helped cookie the treat we made. They were magic muffins- a marshmallow rolled in butter and cinnamon and sugar. Then put inside a crescent roll to cook.
Darren did his last triathlon of the year today. It is one he did last year. He improved his time by 13 minutes this year. We are proud of him!

Ella on her bike

Ella took off today- She just started riding! I have been to nervous to let her try to much. It took Darren taking her out for me to realize she is ready. She is amazing!

closing down

I track all my blogs with bloglines.com

But they are shutting down, closing down their website.

I have loved to be able to go on their website and be able to check all my blogs at once. (well they told me when people had updated their blog)

So what else can I use? Ideas?

Telluride 2010 -Day 1

I love my kids... and I love vacations too.

Darren and I took a few days away.

A few days of

- no responsibilities

- no waking up in the night to help a dog or a kid

- no helping a 2 year old go potty

- getting to feed myself first and when I want

- getting to sleep in until whenever

- reading a good book

- Darren time

This is the sunset outside of Moab.

It has to be a good trip when it starts this way!

Telluride 2010 -Day 2: Road Biking

We woke with a great view out our tent window.

Camping really is so easy with just two adults.

We went for a run up the canyon. Fantastic!

It is only a 3 hour drive from Moab to Telluride with some great roads in between.

We took about 5 hours getting there this time and took turns riding our road bikes on quite Colorado back roads.

When we got to The Bear Creek Lodge a nice guy gave us some extra tickets to see a show in the "Telluride Film Festival" that was just winding down.

"Tamara Drewe" was the shows name.

What a gorgeous name

Tamara, not Tamra, but Tamara...

maybe if we spelled it Tumara it would be pronounced right...

AND no we are not announcing just thinking of cute names.

SO....Why do people rave about film festivals. We saw one show and that it was fine. Some people (with in 3 days) had seen over 15 shows! oh my!

Telluride 2010 -Day 3: Mountain Biking

The last time I mnt biked was at least 10 years ago.

I dont mind it at all, I would just rather do other sports.

Telluride is know for several things but our favorites are skiing and mnt biking.

I borrowed a bike from a friend and set off.

With in the first 2 miles I had

- cried

- crashed (with quite a bit of bruising to show for that!)

- and walked the bike several times

Darren was beyond patient. It took us so long.

He would go and wait, go and wait.

I would go and try not to scream, go and try not to fall off....

12 miles later. I was happy I did it.

Maybe next time I will try to figure out what I am doing before we get there.