Moss Madness

New pictures of the kids!

2011-12-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

We got some pictures taken of the kids the other day. I thought the turned out so cute! Here are a few of them:

It was like 20 degrees, so I kept handing them thier coats in between pictures. They were pretty good sports :) We also only had about 45 min. of light left when we started. I was very happy with the results of our cold, quick photo shoot.

This one just makes me laugh because Mason looks like he needs some help :)

Parent Day

2011-12-09T09:10:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago the kids' school had a parent day. I got to go to both of their classes and see the kids in action! :) Lunch was the best part. I got to have lunch with Trace AND MacKelle!! I brought some pizzas I made for them, just to mix it up a bit. They were so cute, and it was so fun to see them and their friends. I am so glad that they seem to be settled in here.

Such a pretty area!

2011-11-13T17:03:00.001-08:00

We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place! I took this picture the other evening from my yard. I LOVE Cowley! We are so grateful to be here!

No more binky :(

2011-11-11T07:32:00.001-08:00

So we are now on day 3 of no more binky for Mason...I know I should have done this a LONG time ago. I have to admit, I LOVE binkys! I miss them...they make life so much easier!! But, we finally lost them all, and decided that we better not get any more...It has been a LONG few days. Mason has been a binky kid since day one. He misses them so much, that he has to have something in his mouth. I give him gum to chew on, but it is sleeping times that are the hardest. On day 2 of no binky, Mason found some vampire teeth and kept putting them in his mouth...I guess it was his substitute for a binky... Poor kid.

Trace's first year of football

2011-10-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

This fall Trace strapped on his first pads and helmet...#20. He looked so tough with his gear on. I think it was a fun season for Trace, he got to learn the basics of football, and spend time with his friends. He mostly played Flanker and Defensive Back. It was really fun to watch him out there!

Presidential Fitness Award

2011-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Trace got his Presidential Fitness medal the other day at an assembly. He was so cute and proud. He is just getting too big! Love him to pieces! What a good kid!

Happy Birthday Justin!!

2011-09-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

Sept. 6th was Justin's 34th birthday! It is always a little tricky to do much, because he is in the middle of football season and never has much time. We dropped some balloons off to his classroom during the day. He got home at about 7:00, ate a quick dinner and we had cake and ice cream. We did go out to eat later that next weekend when he had more time. Justin has taken up golf this year, so we veered from our usual football themed cake to golf (has to be some kind of sport for him, right?). He also got some new golf stuff for next season. We love Justin so much. He works SOOO hard for us. I hope it was a good day, even though it was busy! Love you Justin!

Cowley Corn Cookout

2011-09-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

The Cowley Corn Cookout is my FAVORITE day here in Cowley!!! I LOVE it! It is super fun, lots of friends, fun things to do, and yummy food! What else do we need? :)

MacKelle on the water slide...

Mason in line to go on the dragon obstacle coarse...

Stephanie and Lacey raced through one of the obstacle coarses! It made my day to watch them! :) Stephanie getting all stretched out...

It's neck and neck! (I love that they are laughing in all the pics!)

Lacey coming in first (see Steph at the top?)

...Down headfirst!! Love you guys! :)

MacKelle's great friend Ellie! (I have a pic just like this of MacKelle from last years!)

Mason had to try the obstacle coarse too...he went with his buddy Dallon.

Here is the obstacle coarse...

The bouncy house...

MacKelle's 6th Birthday

2011-08-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Birthdays at our house are looked forward to and planned for a while...We LOVE them! This year MacKelle wanted to do a Luau/swimming party. Here she is with her cake that that she helped me decorate...

We had the whole pool to ourselves for most of the time...they were all so cute!

Then everyone got a lei and we did cake and ice cream and presents. (Justin had a short amount of time with two-a-day football practices, so we had to fit that in while he was there)

Here she is with her very first new bike (Justin said she could get one when she could ride on 2 wheels)

She LOVES being the center of attention!!

Then we had a hula-hoop contest...and limbo-ed...and finished it off decorating flip-flops with balloons and flowers. It was a great day!! We love MacKelle and her super fun personality!! So glad for these last 6 years!!

Poor Trace and Tyson were the only boys (besides Mason), so they stuck together...

Sunflowers

2011-08-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Today we went to a sunflower field and took some fun pictures. Just wanted to share! :)

Porcupine Falls

2011-08-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

One of our new favorite places. Last time we went we had LOTS of kids and it was a little stressful, so this time Justin and I went on a date, just the two of us. It was really fun, so quiet and beautiful!

This is the first glimpse of the falls that you see when you are coming down the trail.

I took this picture of the flowers for MacKelle, since she loves purple and flowers!

So Pretty!!

Do you see Justin in this picture? Kinda blends in, but I want ed to have him there to show how big the rock was. It was a fun date, we haven't gone hiking in years!

2011-08-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Trace has been going to Camp Invention this week (he loves it-taking things apart, and making new things, being creative). Each day they have something fun to wear, or do, This was his do for "crazy hair day".

Last weekend we went to the Park County Fair...Trace AND MacKelle climbed the rock wall. Trace got a lot higher than this picture, but I accidentally erased the picture of him at his highest.

I was pretty suprised that MacKelle wanted to try it. It isn't her type of thing...I thought she would be too scared.

But look at her go!

Each of the kids had their cartoon drawn. That was impressive how they could draw them so fast with a permanent marker!

And rides!!

It was a great night!

Summer FUN!

2011-08-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

This summer has been especially fun because we have been able to discover some of the fun places to go around here. The mountains are only about 30 min. away, you can get to the top in 45 min...We also went to Horse Shoe Bend for the first time...It was a fun place to swim and picnic.

Ellie, MacKelle, and Mason swimming

Trace showing off his spear he made with his pocket knife...

Mason and Dallon chased sticks most of the time.

With a pretty view

Another new place we have discovered is Porcupine Falls. It is on the top of the Big Horn Mountains. My friend Shayla brought us up there for the first time. She brought her 6 kids, we had Bobi and her 4 kids, and Justin and I had our 3 kids...

You hike down and down until you see this beautiful waterfall! It was so pretty that it was worth the hike back up the mountain (carrying kids).

Unfortunately Shayla's van broke down on the top of the mountain, so the ride home was pretty exciting...with 17 people in our van! I think it made it even more fun though!!

The Cosway

2011-08-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

I think these were taken in the spring. We told the kids if they helped pick up the yard that we would go have a fire and cook hotdogs...We went to the Cosway. This place that we made our fire is under water now...It was a fun trip, one of our first outdoor activities in this area.

Babcocks and Cowley Days

2011-08-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

Every weekend of the 24th of July is Cowley Days here in Cowley. Our favorite part is the parade. This is Kia, Keylee, and MacKelle waiting for the parade to start.

Jenny (my neighbor again-Yea!) Looking cute as ever!

Tyson, Trace, and Corden...You'd think we were in Mud Lake again, huh? Well this same week we got to have the Babcock's (minus Stan) come stay with us because their basement got flooded. Bad for them, but Great for us! :)

Kyler, Trypten, Mason, MacKelle, Corden, and Trace...

Tobee C, Justin, Amber, and Derrik...chillin' at the parade.

The scramble for the candy...

The kids got pop-cycles and a Sacajawea dollar for riding in the kiddie parade.

While the Babcock's were here, we took them to Big Horn Canyon. It is SO pretty! I love it!

Here we are getting a good echo...

Isn't it pretty!?

Bobi and Me...notice Bobi doesn't have her braces anymore!

We stopped at a park in Lovell one day to play...it was a good time!

WOW! That is some hair!

Trypten and me...

MacKelle's new trick...

Not quite as difficult for Justin...

Trypten was having fun too...checking it all out.

Us adults just monitored and observed of coarse... :)

Callie's Wedding

2011-08-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Callie got married a couple of weeks ago. We got to go up to her wedding and reception. She looked GORGEOUS!

Kylee was a bridesmaid! Look at how cute she is!!

Here comes the bride!

The new couple!

I got to make the cake and some yummy cake bites to serve at the wedding...

Kylee looking great again!!

I love it when Justin and his siblings get together. They always seem to have a lot of fun. Even taking wedding pics!

What a great family! I am so happy for Callie! It was fun to be part of her special day!!

Wyoming

2011-07-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

My Crazies

2011-07-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

The other day the kids decided to design the outfits for each other to wear...it was pretty funny how excited they got...

The OTHER vacation

2011-07-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

The best part of our Vegas trip was that some great friends in Idaho watched our kids...so we got to hang out with our good friends that we have missed for a couple of weekends. I was having so much fun that I didn't get many pictures, but here are a few...

Mason and Ryker were SOOO cute together. Mason just loved hanging out with him, so he copied everything that Ryker was doing...and Ryker was sweet enough that he didn't even seem to mind. :)

My last picture of Bobi and I with her braces on...:) That means we need to get together again soon to get some non-braces ones ;)

The kids LOVED sliding down the stairs in the sleeping bag...that is always a good time!

Boys and their toys!

Justin and Corey...reunited

Jenny and me...(for those of you who don't know, Jenny was my good friend and next-door neighbor in Idaho...and in another month they are moving to Wyoming and we will be next-door neighbors again! Seriously!)

Bobi and my 1:30 am masterpieces...we have matching nail polish...

Kids escaping the dog's kennel...they just went in and started climbing. It was like a jungle gym for them.

The girls...

The boys...

My cute friend Julie (you'd never guess she is like 6 months pregnant!)! Julie's son and Bobi's son both got baptized the Saturday we were there, so we got to go! So fun to see them all. I loved our double vacation to Idaho and Las Vegas!

Vegas II

2011-07-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Belagio water show...

Monet picture out of flowers...

Botanical Gardens...

Gondola in the middle of a mall

We went to the Phantom while we were there...it was amazing! I loved it! They wouldn't let us take any pictures in the theater, but it was very cool...Probably my favorite thing we did in Vegas. It was a fun trip, we saw a lot, ate a lot, laid out at the pool, stayed out late, and slept in in the morning. Very fun!

Vegas Baby!

2011-07-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

About a month or so ago, Justin and I got away for a few days to Las Vegas. It was the longest we have gone somewhere without the kids. It was really fun! We WALKED, and Walked, and walked!! There is a lot to see on one road-geez!

We got gifts for the kids while we were there, Trace has wanted a flat-bill hat for a while, so we had one made specially for him, that had his name and LV on it...It was a big hit!

This Statue of Liberty is made out of Jelly Bellys!

The last month or so...

2011-05-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Easter...

Spring Concerts...

...Feeding friend's bum lambs (MacKelle laughed SO hard at how eager the lamb was to drink the bottle)

We have started Baseball (coach pitch for Trace, and t-ball for MacKelle). Justin is coaching Trace's team. He does a great job! I think Trace especially likes to spend the extra time with his dad. They are awfully cute together and Trace is really doing great! MacKelle is a great hitter and super speedy when she runs the bases. She is catching on to the game and is having lots of fun...Mason wishes he was doing it too. He "gets ready" every game with his hat, a sport themed shirt, and a baseball....in a few years...

You can see Justin in the striped pants and Trace running home...

Mason "organizing the shoes", leaving him super tired...

Last Day of Preschool

2011-05-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Last week MacKelle graduated from preschool. They had a celebration that everyone was invited to. They sang some songs, and rehearsed some things they learned.

They also each got an award...MacKelle's was the "most eager to learn" which is perfect for MacKelle. She is ALWAYS practicing writing at home too.

They also did a skit of "Goodnight Gorilla". MacKelle was the mouse, and drug the banana around...it was cute, and she was a great mouse. :)

Trace had his last day of school today! We are all excited for our second summer in Wyoming. It was fun last year, but this year should be even better now that we know some people and have more friends. It looks like it will be a busy summer though...

Just Dance 2

2011-05-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Kids playing the new Wii game: Just Dance 2. It is really cute. I love Trace's face...so serious! Sorry about me laughing. I tried not to SO hard, I just think they are too cute!

Spring Dance Recital

2011-05-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mackelle had her 2nd dance recital. She did wonderfully! I think she has a knack for the dancing thing...although I wouldn't be biased, would I? You can watch her dance HERE.

MacKelle's Daddy got her some flowers for her excellent performance. She LOVED them!!

Here she is outside the Hyart Theater...Just moments before performance. :)

The grand finale, all of the students of the Lovell Dance Academy.

Back at You Bobi!

2011-04-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

My great friend Bobi came to visit us for Trace's birthday. Bobi and I planned this trip with out telling the kids (one of the HARDEST secrets ever! I even told the kids I had a secret, but couldn't tell them...because I HAD to tell them something!). They were all so happy to see each other, but not as happy as I was to see Bobi, and to meet her newest little man, Trypten! Isn't he SO STINKIN' CUTE!?!? (To see Bobi's view of the trip click HERE)

Here is Trace and Corden when they first saw each other.

Talking about important stuff, like their shirts.

LOVE That hair!

We all got in our van for a few min, and it was a hum of excited talking and catching up.

Then we moved the party to Chuck E Cheese.

Mason couldn't quite get up the play gym on his own, so Ryker kept lift-tossing Mason up to the next level. It was very cute and sweet.

MacKelle loved Trypten too-who couldn't love those chubby arms and legs!

Bobi, taking a picture of me taking a picture of her ...

And all this reminiscing reminded me of another trip, that I didn't get posted because it was pretty close to when we moved. Bobi and I went to Salt Lake City for a weekend last summer. It was so fun! We had pre- purchased tickets to see the Twilight movie that was coming out

but later found out that I was going to be moving to Wyoming that weekend instead, so we came up with this trip to make up for it (pretty good trade though).

I love this pic of us...

Here is our awesome room that Bobi scored a killer deal on for us!

We went to the Mayan to eat one night, it was pretty cool. It is hard to get pics because it is kind of dark in there, but there were amazing divers that would dive off these indoor cliffs into this tiny pool (they might have been a little nuts)

Bobi and the Mayan chief guy...

Went to a movie, shopped, and ate out-lots :). She is SO fun! It was a great weekend! Love you Bobi!!

Football 2010

2011-04-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics that we just got of last football season. I love them and had to post them

Crazy Coach Moss...

Lookin' good in gold

Gotta love Spitz Sunflower seeds!

Lets go Fly a Kite...

2011-04-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday for FHE we decided to try out one of our Christmas presents. We got a new kite, and it was a nice breezy day. It flew so good, and the kids loved it! MacKelle decided it was her pet dragon and even named it. :) It was a good time! So excited for spring!

Totally Random (and some very old) cell pone pics

2011-04-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Mason...being pensive as a baby...

Mason and his cousin Grady...

MacKelle at pre-school

MacKelle and friend Kassidy

Mason mixing sucker flavors...

Trace at 50's diner...

Accessorizing...

Don't even want to think about it...

MacKelle, Tyson, Trace

Princess MacKelle

She has a little bit of chub on those cheeks!

MacKelle with Aunt Becky

My hot man!

At a Jazz vs. Celtics game

Promenade

2011-04-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

MacKelle got to participate in RMHS's promenade. I had never seen something like this before, but it was pretty fun. She was a crown bearer for the prom royalty. If you know MacKelle, pretty dresses and crowns are right up her ally. :)

MacKelle with BFF Rylee...

Dancing with Dad...aawwwww.....

Trace's Baptism

2011-04-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

What a great day! Everything went so well. Trace had a lot of support from family and friends! Thank you all for making it such a wonderful memorable day! Congratulations Trace!

MacKelle

2011-04-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

MacKelle is the special person for preschool this week. Here is her poster. She is our special person every week here. We love our MacKelle and all the fun that comes with her! She has always been our princess. Being the girl between the two boys, she can hold her own, but she is definitely a girly girl! She has a huge personality for such a little girl! We lover her so much and are SO happy she is part of our family

It's great to be eight!

2011-03-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how big he is! I love this kid more than I can tell. He is wonderful, sweet, and super fun! This Saturday is the big day! If you can make it, please come!

Happy Birthday TRACE!!!!

2011-03-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

So it was a secret agent birthday party this year. We love birthdays at our house!! We have been excited for weeks! :) I got some fun ideas online and we decided to have a secret agent training unit. Once they passed off all their training exercises they got an ID badge, cap-gun, and of coarse sunglasses.

The "secret agents" decoded messages...

Carefully inched through a "laser maze"...

Had target practice...

And of coarse snacks...

Big thanks to everyone who came! It was a fun and crazy afternoon!

Trace

2011-02-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

It was Trace's week to be spotlighted at school this last week. We brought in this poster we made, and taught the class how to make Trace's favorite paper airplane. For the snack we brought in pizza, Trace's favorite food. It was fun to see him in the spotlight. He is such a good kid!! I really had fun making his poster. Just thinking about him and what makes Trace who he is. He is turning 8 next month! It is crazy how time flies!! Trace is so sweet and such a pleaser. He wants to make people happy. I love that about him! I love what a great big brother he is. He rocks!!

Love you Trace!!!!!!!!

The troubles of a 2 yr. old...

2011-01-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

It was Saturday night at our house, and Mason came into the kitchen with his potty training seat on his head, just as I told him to get it off his head, it slipped down over it, around his neck. That opening must have been a tiny bit bigger than his head, but we couldn't get it off for a while. I, being the great mother that I am, had to stop and take a few pics of his trauma. :) I finally had to cut it off...Just another Saturday night at the Moss home.

Poor Princess

2011-01-26T06:39:00.000-08:00

MacKelle was playing a game with her dad the other night. He was throwing the kids balls and, one went behind the chair he was sitting in and she ran to get it...she tripped on his foot and hit her face on a wooden ottoman. Her poor little lip got all huge, and she was miserable for a day. Justin felt so bad! He made her take the picture where she looks like she is going to punch him. She didn't want to do it, because she loves her dad so much!! So sweet!

Great Friends...

2011-01-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Rylee and MacKelle have been pretty much instant friends since we moved. They are the same grade, and in the same dance class, and they LOVE to play together! :) I was looking at pictures on my camera, and found some that they took. I just thought it was cute...

Cow Town

2011-01-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

So there is a restaurant in Cowley called Cow Town. I always figured because it is in COWley. I had to re-think that this morning. At about 9:30 a few hundred cows came down main street. It was pretty cool to watch. All these pictures are taken from my front porch. The kids loved watching all the cows and kept mooing to them. Every once in a while one cow would stop and look at them...The kids just knew they were having a conversation! :)

Crazy Fun Place!

2010-12-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

So I heard of this place right after we moved to Wyoming...A place where you take your kids to enjoy some outdoor winter fun, where you just show up, skates, music, lights, learning sleds, bathrooms, and a warming hut all provided...FOR FREE!

I know crazy, huh? Well we had to check it out. It is SO FUN! I have only been ice skating a couple of times, so I am terrible, but it was so fun. Mason loved to push around the sled things, MacKelle and Trace both got so much better after only an hour or so. By the end of the winter, we might even be kind of good. :) I am just so excited to find something to do to get the kids outside during the winter. I didn't get the best pictures, mostly because we were all concentrating on staying upright. But it was very fun, and will probably become a regular event for us!

Does this look like garbage?

2010-12-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

My kids like projects, they are ALWAYS creating things...To be honest, I think I started it with Trace's Star Wars ship I made him for his birthday last year. To cut down on the clutter, I told them that if it looks like garbage, or is left on the floor, it will get thrown away. Justin asked me to take pictures of these. He says that the kids make something and bring it up to him and ask,"Does this look like garbage?" He told MacKelle "Yes", the other day, and she said "oh, I need some wrapping paper". They are funny, and very creative.

So the above picture is Trace's "Electric guitar"...which he said didn't sound anything like he hoped. :)

Totally random, but had to post this. Mason REALLY likes his binkies...

This is Trace's "ship" he made...

MacKelle made this "car" for her Zhu-Zhu pet...

MacKelle's "ship" she made...

Another of Trace's "ships"...

ANOTHER of Trace's "ships"...

MacKelle made this "hamster cage" for her Zhu-Zhu pet...

This is Trace's collection of airplanes...some of which came all the way from Idaho. Their favorite game with these is to throw them at a ceiling fan and pretend the fan is an alien ship that they are attacking...:)

So the real question is, what to get the kids for Christmas, when they only like to play with the trash!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-12-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

This is the view we woke up to this morning. We didn't get any extra snow, but the trees all had beautiful white frost all over them. It was so pretty! It certainly helps to get us in the Christmas mood.

Award and Snow

2010-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Trace was given an award by his teacher at an award ceremony on Friday. It was for being a good example of "This is it-Making every moment count". I think he was excited about it. He looks rather serious in the picture,but I think it was the audience...

The other day we got our first snowfall of the year. It was the perfect snow! It was deep enough and wet, so perfect for snowmen and snowballs. They had to go out before school and play in it...So fun!

Up to no good...

2010-11-14T17:13:00.000-08:00

Around Halloween we played a Halloween game (we drop off boxes at people's houses and try not to get caught and try to protect our house from getting boxed). One night I found myself with a couple of boxes and a husband that was too tired to help me get rid of them. I called up a good friend who said she would come with me to box some houses.

You have to know that I am not a real adventuresome person. Why?? Because if I am doing something that I can get caught or get in trouble for doing, I ALWAYS get busted. This started at a very young age...once when I was a kid, maybe 4 or 5 yrs old, I stuck my tongue out at someone driving down the road...they stopped their car and yelled at me. This is just one of many examples of how I am NOT stealthy.

I figured that if I was going to get caught, I was going to do it right, so I got all camouflaged up, and got ready to go. Justin thought it was funny and took some pictures. He keeps reminding me to post them, so here they are...by the way, I DIDN'T get caught!!

My New Love...

2010-11-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

This was my project this last week. I needed some more storage for the bathroom and this is the new vanity table I came up with. It is a trunk I got at a garage sale this summer, right before we moved. I just built a bottom for it and recovered the interior.

...And I LOVE it!!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

Powell Aquatic Center

2010-11-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

The kids get out of school early every Friday. A couple of weeks ago my friend Julie and I brought our kids to the Powell Aquatic Center. It was a pretty fun place. There was hardly anyone there (probably because it was early and most people are still in school). So we pretty much had the place to ourselves. It was great with kids, there is a lazy river, and a sloped wading area, kind of like a beach, with a little slide for the little kids. Then there was this, I don't know, obstacle coarse? Trace and Taylor had lots of fun on it! They spent most of their time there. Best of all, it was only $10 for me and the kids to get in...pretty good, I think!

They started to get a little blue around the lips after a while, so here they are warming up.

What is it with girls and horses?

2010-11-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

I think I may have mentioned that we used to have horses behind our house.

A couple of months ago they were sold and we have been horseless. Recently a friend of mine started putting her horse in that pasture. MacKelle has been MORE than excited. She LOVES this horse, named Diesel, and my friend was nice enough to let MacKelle ride on him one day. MacKelle was in heaven!! Thanks Shayla!

Here is Mason and Cameron. He is a beast to her, but I am sure one day he'll regret it...look how cute she is!

Homecoming

2010-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last week was our homecoming week. It was really fun. They dressed up for themed days all week at school. and had lots of activities. Thursday was a dinner and bonfire. Justin is coaching football here, so he got to speak at the bonfire. It was so fun to be at! The fire was HUGE! They had to dowse it a bit so we could stand the heat.

Friday morning they had a parade. It was also brown and gold day, so MacKelle wore her cheer uniform that Geranne R. gave her. She looked SOOOO cute! When the parade came by, Geranne saw MacKelle all Grizzed out and picked her up and put her on the float with the cheerleaders. It was so neat for MacKelle!

MacKelle with Elly from her pre-school class.

After the parade, the High School and Middle school came to the elementary to put on an assembly. Here is Trace's class in the crowd. I couldn't get a very good picture of him. The assembly was fun and the RMHS athletes gave sports trading cards to the underclassmen. Trace got Guy Jone's card. He was SO excited. he LOVES Guy. Guy was his swimming lessons instructor.

Unfortunately I didn't think to take any pictures at the game, but we did win! We beat the other team by 27-6 (or something around there) Ü. We even got to escort Justin onto the field when they introduced the coaches. He works so hard and loves it so much. I think he is a great coach.

WAY TO GO GRIZZ!

Pumpkin Adventures!

2010-10-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

So we went to another fun pumpkin patch this year. We had a blast!! Here are a bunch of pictures of our fun time!

Bike Rodeo, Ballet, Teeth, Baby Shower, and Projects...

2010-10-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

So in Lovell, there was a Bike Rodeo...I know, I never had heard of one before either! It was fun though. They gave the kids all helmets, and did safety inspections, taught them some other safety stuff, and had an obstacle coarse. It was a good time!

MacKelle is in jazz dance classes every Thursday. Here she is at class. She LOVES it (Here is the picture dad, so no need to send me yours Ü )

Brandi and I threw a baby shower for Bobi last weekend. Unfortunately my pictures from that didn't turn out very good. (Brandi or Bobi, maybe you can email me some if yours turned out.) Here is the "cake I made for it.

Yesterday I made this bench (it goes around an oval table). We have been using folding metal chairs since we moved because our old table and chairs didn't fit in our new place. I HATE the metal chairs! I loved how this turned out. Mostly because we got to get rid of some of those chairs! YEA!!!

Oh, and I took my dremel to it to make it look a bit older. I thought it looked better than a regular old 2X12.

And last but not least, Trace has lost his front teeth. This picture is with just one out, but he lost the other one a few days later (in the middle of sacrament meeting at church he pulled it out!)

What a Kid!

2010-09-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Mason has more personality than we know what to do with sometimes. He is a total boy sometimes (loving to play with balls, wrestle, and run), but he does have MacKelle for a big sister, so he is also into accessorizing. Here are a few funny pictures of him and his unique style...

This one is MacKelle's leotard. he has his head through the leg hole and his foot stuck in the sleeve...

Trace's pants on his head...

MacKelle's jazz shoes on...

MacKelle's glasses...upside down.

Happy Birthday Justin!

2010-09-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

So it was Justin's birthday on Monday. We made him a cake and had presents, you know the birthday stuff. He later watched a football game with his coaching buddies. I got a couple pictures of Justin right before we had cake and ice cream.

Look how eager Trace is!

Victorious!

Here is a picture of the cake, and the other side the kids decorated... They did such a good job and had so much fun!

Finally...Soccer!

2010-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Trace has been looking forward to soccer since we moved. It was something we didn't have in Mud Lake. The season just wrapped up and I thought I'd post a few pics of our soccer player. He loved it and was sad that it had to end. He did really good and had a lot of fun!

Cowley Corn Cookout

2010-08-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Now for those of you not from Cowley, the Cowley Corn Cookout is a FUN event! There are all kinds of free things for the kids to do (Jumpy toys, slides, water slides, obstacle coarse, free cotton candy (as much as they want), bottled water to drink) and then after they've played all day long there is a wonderful dinner consisting of super yummy pulled pork sandwiches, or bbq beef sandwiches, corn on the cob (of coarse), and tables full of salads and desserts (pot-luck-style). So the kids just play all day and the adults can hang out and chat. It was great! I didn't get many pictures of Trace because I hardly saw him. He was having a blast hanging out with all his friends...each time I saw him he was with someone new!

This is a picture of MacKelle and I with our friends: Shayla and her beautiful kids (minus 2 of them, who were probably running around like Trace and having a blast)

This is MacKelle's new good friend her name is Rylee. She is a cutie. In fact, she has glasses too, and when they are together (especially if they both have their glasses on) they look quite a bit alike. MacKelle LOVES Rylee. They are in the same grade and will hopefully be friends for a long time!

This is the only picture I got of Trace, he was hard to get to hold still long enough. Here he is with Remmington having a snack break. Remmington is in Trace's grade too.

Summer fun in Montana

2010-08-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Since we were moving during the beginning of the summer, we made our annual summer trip up to Montana a couple of weeks ago. Here are LOTS of pictures of all the fun!

Happy Birthday MacKelle

2010-08-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

I Can't believe she is FIVE!! It is crazy how fast time spirals quicker and quicker. For MacKelle's birthday, we went to Billings on Monday to Chucky Cheese's (since Justin couldn't go on Tuesday). The kids had fun, and we got to see Tia Francis (from the college days) and her son, who we met for the first time. It was fun and great to catch up a little. On her Birthday we had a few friends over for cake and ice cream. MacKelle wanted a Topsy turvy cake (that wanted to fall down! But we got it to last through to the cutting). She was VERY specific and knew just what she wanted. Ü I worry that every year they will want more and more detailed cakes...pretty soon, I won't be able to meet their expectations. But we had fun making it together. She put some of the flowers on, and cut out a bunch of extra ones with Trace.

And of coarse there were presents... We did a little remodel on her bike as a gift, so she put as many gifts as she could in the basket, in the back, hanging off it...She told me she was "organizing"

The Family at Chucky Cheese's

Our good friend Tia!

Exploring the Big Horns

2010-07-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

This week has been really fun, our next door neighbors from Idaho came to visit their family and us in Wyoming. Tobee grew up here in Cowley, so they have been showing us the sites. Yesterday was so fun, we went on this crazy STEEP road up the mountain (this picture is towards the top of the road). It was BEAUTIFUL!!

One of the first things that Trace and Tyson had to do was throw rocks off the edge...I don't blame them, I kinda wanted to try it too. Ü

Here is Jenny and I (and Justin and Mason-notice them in the background)

After we got to the top, we went to Bald Mountain for a picnic. The girls were SO excited to see all the beautiful dandelions and worked hard to pick some bouquets for us.

Tyson and Keylee's grandma and grandpa Monk were the planners of this excursion. They found some stuff so we could pan for gold in this little creek. The kids loved it,and after about 15 min or so, all the adults had taken over and the kids were off exploring. It was pretty fascinating. We found some pretty sparkly specks of something (we'll say its gold).

Mason had a blast, he played in the creek, climbed into an old fire pit, drank some water out of someones panning-for-gold pan...nothing like the great out doors.

It was a great day and we all had a lot of fun. Thanks Christiansens and Monks!!

Holy Cowley!

2010-07-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

So we made it here to Wyoming. We've been here a little over 2 weeks now, and we've been busy. We have been unpacking, got a pass at the pool and have been going there regularly, putting up a fence, a wall, making friends...The kids have been going to a "Summer Fun Program" that is Mon-Wed. mornings with field trips on Thursdays. It has kept them pretty busy, and has been great to help them get to know a few more people. I haven't been taking pictures like I should, but here is what I have so far:

We have lots of trees in our yard, one of them is a Mulberry tree. The kids and I love to go out and pick yummy berries for a snack. There are even some branches low enough that Mason can get in on the action.

Here they are working on the fence. There are some VERY nice horses that come over whenever we are out, and they were more than happy to breath on us while we worked on it.

This is the back door of our house, I'm not sure why I didn't get a front one, but this is the part we are fencing in to keep the kids away from the highway.

Yesterday we had a BIG thunderstorm come through town. After it was done, we walked around town with our new neighbors to see how much water we got. These were taken at the elementary school parking lot. The kids LOVED to ride through this mud puddle!! (Sorry, there were some technical difficulties and I can't get these any bigger)

Goodbye Home

2010-06-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

So in one week we will be moving...Leaving our home of the last 6 years. I am really excited, but am DREADING leaving. I have always loved living in Mud Lake. It has been home since we arrived-mostly because of the AMAZING people that are here. Some I've know about as long as we've lived here, some I have gotten to know more recently. All seem to be family. I've tried to figure out what I love so much about Mud Lake...I have joked around in the past that is my Hawaii (not because of the warm tropical breeze, and all the palm trees-probably wouldn't be moving Ü), because it is where I always want to be. Whenever we go on a trip, on the way home when we come down into the valley and see signs of human habitation Ü, I feel so happy to be home. We have never lived very close to family, and have adopted many families here. I will always love it here. It will always have a piece of my heart.

It is Sunday morning (Father's day) and here I sit crying at my computer. I have to talk in church today. Our last Sunday. How mean is that?? I doubt anyone will be able to understand anything I say for my whole talk. I can't even type on my blog about how grateful I am to all of you wonderful people without balling. You might want to be about 30 min. late today...Justin talks second, he is more in charge of his emotions (for his sake I hope anyway!)

I will always remember...

All the people who stopped by to let us know they cared

All the yummy meals brought to us or eaten at our adopted families homes

My kids playing with their amazing friends-listening to their conversations

Talking for hours on the phone with friends to get through dishes, or some other boring chore

(Still going to do that one)

All of our fun FHE group activities

Trips to town with friends

Tee-ball, and Pee-wee in the freezing June wind

Popcycles in the park

Walks around the loop

Mud Lake Fair time (especially the parade)

Girls nights

Driving out to Mud Lake

Lunches at KG's

Christmas time

Sledding in the snow (with hot cocoa)

Sprinklers and trampolines

BBQ in the warm summer evening

I know I will still be doing a lot of those things still. It will just be different. I know I will be happy at our new home. I've moved around a lot growing up and have ALWAYS felt ready to move, wanting to move on. This time I don't. I wish it was a little bit closer. I am already planning trips back though (for my sake). Sorry this is getting to be a long post. I just want to say I love all of you, and I am so grateful for the roles you've played in my life and my family's...

Culinary Arts Progam at Ricks College

2010-05-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some of my friend's pictures on Facebook and found a couple of Culinary Arts pictures. I didn't have a digital camera then, and don't really have any pics from then, so it was fun to find these.

This was our Graduation Day! Me, Kathryn, and Jami. Not sure why I look like that. I don't think I'm mad. Maybe just bored. I don't think I knew I was going to be in that picture.

Here is another one with Kathryn. I think we may have been in Boise on a field trip in this picture. I always thought Kathryn looked a little like Cameron Diaz. What do you think?

Also, Just had one of the other students highlight my hair...went maybe a little too blond. Ü

Our Crazies

2010-05-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Justin gave the kids these WJ hats the other day. They LOVED them! Mason was hilarious with his!

Mason is also going from 2 naps a day to 1. It is harder on him than he likes to think. Sometimes he just can't make it.

We figured we better go out to the Mud Lake before we leave. We drove around it with the kids. Trace brought his binoculars from Christmas. We saw lots of birds! Wish it would just warm up a bit more.

House for Sale

2010-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

We've loved living here in Terreton! I have loved my house too. I guess I've become a bit attached to it...maybe because I'm a stay-at-home mom and am here all the time. It almost feels like part of the family (silly, I know). I would totally take it with me if I could, but since I can't I'm letting you guys know that it is for sale to someone who enjoys living in a quiet community, with a great yard (thanks Justin). There are 2 trees that are PERFECTLY placed to hang a hammock on if you want-FYI. Someone who either has a big family or likes to have people visit (since there are 4 bedrooms). There are 2 bathrooms, both of which we have done quite a bit of remodeling to. Almost all of the house has been re-carpeted. I love color, so there is a lot of that (which can be changed easily if you're not too keen on that). There is a LARGE shed that you can even use as a garage (with a car-I think a van or truck would be too tall, although we haven't tried it Ü). I spend most of my time in the kitchen and I think it is really cute. I remade the cabinet doors and painted.

Anyway, I think I could go on and on, but I'll just say that we're selling it for $119,900. If you are interested you could check out our house blog. If you want to see it in person, give us a call, we'll set something up. Thanks!

We're Moving!

2010-05-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Justin got a job in Cowley, Wyoming. He will basically be doing what he is doing here, teaching middle school math and coaching. We will be moving there this summer, probably in July. We are really excited! It is a cute little town and there are some great opportunities there for us. We will really miss all of our friends here and have already decided that we will have to visit REGULARLY!

If anyone is looking to buy a great house (We have really loved it!) or knows of someone who is looking in the area, check out our house online.

Honesty

2010-04-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

On Sunday MacKelle's primary class was talking about making good decisions. She has two wonderful teachers that she LOVES! One of them was teaching the lesson and asked, "What would you do if you found a purse with some money in it at the park?" The kids in the class answer something like: "I would leave it there", or "I would turn it into the lost and found", then MacKelle answers "I would take a little bit of the money and leave the rest"...One of the teachers turns to the other and says "Watch your purse."

I guess that is honesty.

Picnic at the playground

2010-04-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

So, it wasn't as warm as we thought, but we had fun anyway...Until it looked like it was going to rain on us. We picked up some personal sized pizzas and sodas and went to the playground. It was a blast! I love how fun and energetic kids are when you get them around toys!

It all goes in the mouth!

2010-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

So, for the last, I don't know...12 months, everything Mason picks up goes in his mouth. Usually it is one of MacKelle's toys. I honestly think he tries to irritate her.

The other day I was running a bath for MacKelle and found this:

I don't think that Mason enjoyed that bite. It is just funny to me because I'm always threatening to use the soap in my kid's mouths when they are mouthy, but...YUCK! I would have loved to get a picture of his face when he bit that off. Maybe it won't go strait into his mouth so much anymore...

What we've been up to...

2010-04-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

Trace finally lost his first tooth! Yea!! He has another one that is getting pretty loose too. Crazy how grown up they keep getting!

Bobi and Ryker stopped in for a little bit and I thought this was too cute. The kids just hanging out. MacKelle helped Mason onto the bed and they were just watching t.v. Ryker just fits in with my kids pretty good I think. He could be a Moss...

I've been busy making these little heads lately. They are for a baby shower this weekend. I made some last weekend for another baby shower, so we're getting it down with all the practice. It's kind of funny to see the herd of little giraffe heads.

You'll have to check into my cake blog later to see the end result...

What a weekend!

2010-04-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were lucky enough to have Justin's family come and visit. They got here on Friday night and stayed until Monday afternoon. We were all so excited to see them, and had so much we wanted to do.

But you know how it goes...It started off with MacKelle getting sick. She was sick the first night they got here. She wanted to go to the community Easter egg hunt SOOO bad. I let her go. (mostly because everyone else was headed to town after the Easter egg hunt and she wouldn't be able to go there.)

Because MacKelle was't feeling good, she got carried (which, if you know my Micky, she LOVES to be held-so it was great medicine for her). We also got a LOVELY spring storm on Friday night (notice the snow in the background-so much for spring break!). So when we got there, they were just handing out eggs. The wind and snow were just too cold I guess.

Easter morning was better, MacKelle was feeling better and the Easter bunny came, so that gave her the eggs-tra energy she needed (in the form of peeps).

Trace seemed to have fun too, he found his Easter basket under the sink in the bathroom, sneaky bunny.

And I tell you, that Easter bunny knew just what Mase wanted. The basket is behind him, unnoticed with exception of the ball.

... I ended up getting sick the next morning...I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to eat ham again.

Here is MacKelle with Aunt Kylee. The kids LOVE their aunt! But unfortunately for her, she got sick the day after she got home. Trace also got sick that day. Justin just started getting over it too.

So, besides the sicknesses and the snow it was a great weekend. Dena highlighted my hair (which desperately needed it), we got to watch New Moon (again), had some good visits, got to watch some awesome conference talks, and the healthy ones had a fun trip to town. It was good to see Dena, Paul, and Kylee and so nice of them to drive down and see us. Kylee is so grown up! I just can't get over it! Watch out boys!!

Our April Fools

2010-04-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

For April Fools day I got some ideas from Family Fun. I made a fun dinner for my kids and the Babcocks. We had a blast laughing at the kids. I made mashed potatoes (ice cream) and gravy (caramel syrup) with fish sticks (kit-kat covered in graham cracker crumbs) with ranch (frosting)

Then we had cupcakes (meatloaf with mashed potatoes on top).

The drinks were Jello. They just had to see how much they could eat through the straw. It sounded like a group of intoxicated crickets. It was interesting.

The kids didn't know what to think. Sometimes it is hard to eat something when it looks like something else.

Some thought it was fun, but some were NOT amused. Ü In this picture of Ryker, he JUST barely took a bite. He wasn't a fan.

Corden was pretty sure he wouldn't like it either.

Trace hardly ate anything! He usually loves all of those things, but couldn't stomach them when they looked like something else. It was a good prank.

Our FIRST Kid-Free Trip!

2010-03-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

So we did it. We took our first kid free trip. It was so fun! A big THANK YOU to Bobi for taking care of the crazies for us while we were gone (and still talking to us after we got back Ü). The things that we noticed were: How little luggage we had to bring, how quick we could pack up, that if we wanted to take a nap we could, that we could spend 2 hours in IKEA and still be sane, and that we still missed the little buggers anyway.

We stopped at my sister, Hillary's new house the first night. Here is a pic of her and her daughter Clarissa. It was a good visit, their new house was fun and comfortable, plus we got spoiled by her great baking!

Then we went and met Justin's old roommate and his wife for lunch. They hadn't seen each other since Trace was a baby. It was pretty entertaining listening to their stories. They've know each other since the pre-mission days. They REALLY did have some stories.

For Christmas this year I got Justin some tickets to a Jazz vs. Celtics (Justin's fav. basketball team). The game was Monday. We had fun there (although we had VERY far away seats.)

This is what our view was:

It kinda makes me a little dizzy. But the atmosphere was great, not the best night for the Celtics, but fun anyway.

Then we had to visit Temple Square before we left. It was kind of a rainy day. It was nice that the sun peeked out for this picture. We TOTALLY got bombarded by sister missionaries (probably because no one else was out because of the rain). They were so cute! It is amazing how many different languages are spoken there!

It was a good trip. Might have to make it a bit more regular though.

Trace is SEVEN!

2010-03-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

This year Trace decided to go with a magic themed birthday. Here is his his birthday invite to his friends!

Here is Trace with some gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Mack. Thanks! He LOVES them! (Notice he is wearing 2 hats. One is his crown from school and the other is his magician hat. Funny kid!)

More presents...

This is a gift from me to Trace. I always tease him that he is a garbage collector (you should see what he keeps around Ü), so I made him this space ship for his Star Wars guys out of pop bottles, hot glue, and all kinds of trinkets/garbage I've been hanging on to. He LOVED it! I was so happy. I guess like mother like son.

Here is Mason enjoying a new gift of Trace's. He is practicing to be on American Idol in a few years.

We had to sit picnic style because we didn't have enough chairs. Good thing 7 year olds don't mind that too much. We gave each kid a magician's hat, magic wand, and a bag of things to perform magic tricks for their family. It was fun trying to teach the kids some tricks. I'm not sure if any of them will remember them, but it was fun.

Another shot of the crew.

Trace blowing out his candles. Yes, those are tea light candles. In all my planning and everything, I forgot to get some candles. The kids didn't even ask, I guess all they cared about was that they were lit. If you want to see a better picture of Trace's cake click HERE.

It's almost out!

2010-03-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

Trace is about to lose his first tooth. He is SO excited and really wants to lose it before his birthday on Friday. Justin and Trace were trying to pull it out. MacKelle REALLY doesn't like to be around things that might hurt. So while they were doing this:

MacKelle was doing this:

This is also how she spent most of their visit to the dentist's office while Trace got his cavity filled.

West Jefferson Junior Miss

2010-03-14T19:19:00.001-07:00

Last night was our West Jefferson's Junior Miss program. For those in Montana, it is a pageant/scholarship program. MacKelle and I decided to make it a girls night. We found a seat next to Bobi and enjoyed a GREAT evening! I CAN'T believe the work that goes into those programs!

MacKelle was in little girl heaven! She LOVED all the beautiful dresses and performances! I just had to give you all a few MacKelle quotes from last night:

"Look, Everyone is wearing high heels!"

"She looks like Cinderella, except she plays the piano."
I asked her if that makes her cooler than Cinderella.
"Yes!"

"Hey they are getting out of order!" (spoken Loud enough that a lady 2 rows ahead of us turns around to see who's talking)

"I'm going for the one in the light pink dress, who are you going for?" (I think she liked the dress especially Ü)

"I miss my pillow and my bed" (About 8:30 pm)

"Dang it, ours isn't winning" (when MacKelle noticed the one she picked getting less certificates than some others).

She did tire out kinda quick, but we had a good time. She was so excited she was singing "Girls just wanna have fun" on the way there. It was fun to get to spend a little time just the two of us. It isn't often that I can just sit and hang out with her for 3 hours and hold her on my lap. Mason usually demands someone pay attention to him after about 5 min.

Trace and Justin were still up when we got home. Justin said when it was time for Trace to go to bed, he protested, "but then MacKelle gets to stay up later than ME!" so they stayed up and watched some "Star Wars". That was nice of Justin since he's not a fan. It was a good night, but we had some GRUMPY kiddos today. Ü

Becky and kids!

2010-03-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

This last weekend my sister and her kids came to visit. I forgot my camera most of the time, so maybe I'll get some pics from her later (Becky, they didn't show up on my email).

This is Ally, Becky's oldest. She is funny and fun and full of energy.

This is Enrique, the baby (even though he weighs more than MacKelle-Becky grows BIG boys!) He is kinda quiet and definitely a momma's boy. Super cute! Love his eyelashes!

This picture is Enrique with MacKelle. Ally was there too, but DIDN'T want to take pictures so she was looking a little miserable. So I took advantage of Enrique being close enough and snapped one with him and MacKelle.

Here is Trace and Diego. They had a blast together! Diego is the middle kid. He is so cute and LOVES to be strong and fast! He even did push-ups for us! He drank out of the superman cup the whole time he was at our house. I'm not sure what to say about Trace's face. I'm not sure if he is trying to be funny or tough...

And here is my baby sister! Isn't she cute! She is a "Friends" fanatic like me! We had a blast hanging out and playing "Friends" trivia on the PS2. We took the kids to Leo's place, and to the gym to let them run around. We also made cakes. She made her very first fondant cake. I think it turned out super cute, see? Thanks for making the trip Beck! Love ya!

RJump

2010-03-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

This place is SO fun! We had to make another trip back. The kids LOVED it (Again!).

We met up with some friends there. It was a great day to go because the kids didn't have school. I bribed them. They had to help me clean the house with me (without complaining-which they did) and as a "thanks" I would take them to RJump and McDonalds. The best part was that when we got back the house was still nice and clean.Ü

Double Dipper

2010-02-26T19:05:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't like a little ranch with their broccoli? I just thought it was cute. This is Mason's first attempt at dipping.

A Visit From the Macks

2010-02-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

Tuesday and Wednesday my brother took "The Bar" exam, so his wife and kids came from Kansas to Idaho to visit for a couple of weeks while he prepared. Tiffany (Adam's wife) grew up in Idaho Falls and has been staying with her family. She made the trek out to visit us. My kids were SO, SO, SO excited to see their cousins that live so far away. We also got to meet Ella, their newest addition. She is ADORABLE, and just a perfect little princess. I LOVE THE CHEEKS! I still can't get over them, SO CUTE!

Trace and Jordan were best buds! We were surprised at how good they got along, especially with the almost 4 year age difference, but they just played and played all day!

I got to spend time with my sis-in-law and had a blast! I hardly ever get to see her, let alone get some one on one time with her. We even squeezed in a craft! She is a wonderful mom, it is fun to see their cute little family. Adam, we're proud of you! Hope that the bar went well, and thanks for sharing your family with us!

RaNdOm

2010-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

Just a couple fun pics.

My little photographer!

2010-02-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I took this picture of her...Today I got a new camera because my old one doesn't turn on anymore. We decided to try it out at lunch. MacKelle HAD to be the first to use it, and took pictures of our group. We ate at a yummy burger place,that I can never remember the name of (Big five (or guys) burgers and fries). Any way, it was GO-OD! Loved it!

Here is Bobi and Oaklyn enjoying lunch.

And Valerie with her kids Oaklyn and Aspen (MacKelle's new friend).

And Ryker...what a cutie!

And me and Mason! So I think she did pretty good. All blogable pictures! Maybe we have a photog in the making!

To the loves of my life...

2010-02-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

Just thinking of you...

Justin...is all the things I need (even when I don't know it Ü). My best friend, my boyfriend, my guy. Competitive. Dedicated. Hard worker. Hotty. Love you!

Trace...always discovering and trying to make things, collecting "treasures" (trash) along the way to make into something new. Pleaser. Nice. Star Wars Fan. Oldest. Role Model. Sweetie.

MacKelle...Adorable. She is all glitter, lace and "high" heels. She has a huge personality for such a little person. Little mommy. Persistent. Mischievous. Mean streak. The queen. LOVES to help, ALWAYS.

Mason...Funny, always laughing at himself. Teased. Takes it. Gives it. Sweet. Cuddler. Re-arranger. Loves chocolate. Loves Us. Precious.

Jump!

2010-02-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

A few days ago we met up with the Christiansens at this new place in Rexburg. It has a bunch of those inflatable jump toys. It was a fun place, I would've gotten more pictures, but my camera batteries died. Trace and MacKelle were CrAzY! Doing flips down those BIG slides. MacKelle and I played a game that I had to go down however she did, I almost couldn't do it. How are kids so fearless? It was a good time. It kind of makes you feel like a kid again (adults are allowed on with a kid for an extra dollar-totally worth it!)

Kids and Snow

2010-02-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

The other day we bundled the kids up, grabbed the sleds and headed to the only hill in Mud Lake (by the football field) to meet up with the Babcocks. I was a little nervous about how Mason would be because he hadn't been out playing in the snow before. He didn't like being bundled up-probably because he couldn't hardly move. I tried him out on the sleds when I'd help a kid pull theirs up the hill. I laid him down on it and pulled him up too. HE LOVED IT! He kicked his feet the whole way up. Then we started putting him on with the kids. Let's just say, he IS an Idaho boy. He loves his winter sports! Now when he gets super grumpy I bundle him up and pull him around our neighborhood on a sled. Works like a charm (if only it wasn't SO much work to get ready Ü).

These pictures were taken by Bobi from her four-wheeler. She pulled the kids around the neighborhood a little while back. They had a blast!! My kids have been asking if we can get a four-wheeler ever since. They were little dare-devils! I think one of these days we're going to have to invest. The four-wheelers are fun!

Happy Birthday Mason!

2010-01-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been a year already! Mason has added so much to our family. His little personality keeps getting bigger and bigger. He makes us all smile and keeps us moving.

For his birthday we invited our friends over for cake and ice cream. Mason really had no idea what was going on, but he loved all the people over.

And I HAD to have MY fun and make him a much bigger cake than we needed. But, hey, you're only one once, right?

The monkey reminds me most of Mason, partly because the monkey on Madegascar is named Mason, but mostly because he is our little monkey. He is ALWAYS climbing on things. He gets SOO frustrated when he can't quite reach.

The top tier on this cake is a removable smash cake for Mason to dig into...and he DID.

Some of his friends even helped him open some presents. Notice the gift we gave him was some baby shampoo. MacKelle dumped the other one we had out in the tub because she wanted the bottle. Poor Mason.

Trouble

2010-01-18T08:02:00.000-08:00

Mason recently found the Kleenex box. Here is how I found him. He has been into ALL kinds of things since he started walking. He has also discovered toilet paper rolls...goody!

Just the Boys

2010-01-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture of Trace and Justin at the Montana Grizz game a while back. Justin said that Trace was the only kid around, and that he handled the cold pretty good. They had a really good time. I think it will be one of those trips Trace will always remember. Don't they look cute in their matching beanies?

Cookies and Crayons

2010-01-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have to bribe your children to be civilized for church? My bribe today was cookies. I brought some Oreos and some chocolate chip cookies (along with Jelly Bellies and fruit snacks-Nothing like a little sugar to CALM? the Kiddies-What was I thinking???). The Oreos were for Trace and MacKelle because, well, if Mason eats an oreo he ends up looking like he's been playing in the mud. He somehow found the bag with the oreos in it and just HAD to have some (probably because he wasn't supposed to). When we realized what had happened it was too late. We did a switch-a-roo with the Jelly Bellies and cleaned him up as best as we could.

Meanwhile. . . . MacKelle had been coloring and SOMEHOW the entire box of crayons was dumped out through the crack in the seat of the pew. I've been to other wards that don't have the dreaded crack. It is about an inch gap between the seat and the backrest of the bench. I'm sure it keeps the seats cleaner, but is a pain when you have kids with little toys and snacks that fall through it.

Back to Mason. . . He finds the bag of oreos again and figured out how to open it, in the process, flinging one under the bench to the row behind us. Next thing I see is his foot disappear under our seat. He crawled back to the cookie and was making MORE slobbery chocolaty mess. . . .All the while Trace is telling me he wants to go home and that he and MacKelle are thirsty and Mase is playing peek-a-boo with the poor family that will I'm sure never sit behind us again after the crayons and the cookies. Did I mention that it is ward conference? Justin said we must look like investigators who's kids had never been to church before.

I love church. . . It keeps life exciting. But I'll try a different bribe next time.

Starting Early

2010-01-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

I was a little surprised when I found Mason like this. My first instinct was to send MacKelle to her room for writing on him (she has been known to write on herself-and other things too). Then I saw the pen in his little fist. I'm not sure what he was doing, but he managed to get himself pretty good.
The worst part is that he was buckled in his booster seat, so I must have left the pen within his reach. But in my defense, I think that babies have go-go-gadget arms.

The Cousin Party

2010-01-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

After Christmas we went to Montana to visit my family. My kids had a blast playing with my sister's kids. Here they all are having a "party". They started planning a "Christmas party", but my mom talked them into a cousin party since Christmas was over. They each decorated a little cake and they danced to Bert and Ernie classics like "Rubber Ducky" and "Dance myself to sleep".

Trace and Diego really had fun together, and MacKelle and Ali were adorable playing together. Makes me wish cousins weren't quite so far away.
I didn't get any super great pics of it, but Grandma was getting her groove on too. Ü

An Unexpected Guest

2009-12-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

The other night we were hanging out when I heard some bells jingling outside with some Ho, Ho, Ho-ing. There was a knock at the door and when I opened it, SANTA was there! I called the kids up and they were SO excited to see Santa. Tyson was at our house at the time so he got to see Santa too. They each got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Here's the breakdown: Tyson wanted a Rams wallet and a poster, Trace wanted Star Wars stuff, and MacKelle wanted a Barbie. While Santa was here, the kids were ALL over him, they kept giving him hugs and telling him they hoped he had a merry Christmas. It was interesting to see how much they loved him, even though they didn't know him. After he left, Tyson said "This was the best day of my life!"

There was one, however, who wasn't quite as excited to see Santa:
Need I say more? We'll give him a couple years!

What a Night!

2009-12-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

What is this, you might wonder. It is the gas station a few blocks from our house. Tonight it started on fire! This is a picture of when a tank exploded (at least from what I understand-Justin took these). It was so weird! It was like a mushroom cloud with the explosion ( saw from our neighbor's house). It was SO tall. Everything lit up outside and you could feel it shake the ground! We were so grateful no one was hurt. Big thanks to all the firemen and those who got the fire out! I can only imagine how scary that would be, to be right there. FOR A MUCH BETTER DESCRIPTION OF THE NIGHT GO TO Bobi's blog

Girls Weekend

2009-12-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Justin took Trace up to Missoula for a Montana Grizz game. MacKelle started to feel left out, so Justin told her that she and I would have a lot of fun of our own. He said we could have a fashion show. She was so excited! She kept asking when the boys were leaving. Finally Saturday came. We Started getting ready. We did our hair, nails, and even make-up. Our "Fashion Show" consisted of MacKelle making her grand enterence while Mason and I cheered. She then showed us her "moves" and told us we could call her "MacKelle the Great" . I tell you that girl is entertaining. Here are a few pictures of her "Fashion Show". To explain the clothes, we have a box of clothes that are hand-me-downs that don't fit her yet. There are some high heeled shoes in there that she wanted to see if the fit yet. When we got the box down, she saw the high heeled boots and fell in love with them (even though they were about twice her size) I let her wear them last weekend (and she did-to the movie we went to and to church) . She also wanted to wear a dress that was a size 8. So she looks like she's drowning in it in the pictures. But she knows she looks beautiful! Check out these "moves".

Here are our high heeled boots. Mackelle wanted me to wear a dress, but I (unlike her) DON'T like wearing dresses/skirts. So dress pants had to do.
We put nail jewels on MacKelle. She LOVED them! I couldn't get a very good picture. But it was a fun day with just the girls (and Mason). After our fashion show we went to town and watched "The Princess and the Frog". The boys had a good time too, but that is for another post.

Just Having Some Fun

2009-12-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

I was working on a cake the other day and MacKelle asked if I'd make her one. I told her that it is a lot of work just to make one and that I'd make her one for her birthday or some occasion. She told me that she was celebrating her baby doll Anna's birthday. Finally she wore me down and I made her a rice krispy treat cake with some extra buttercream and some left over cake decorations. She was SOOO happy. We had to sing Happy Birthday to Anna (Who had a different name until yesterday). MacKelle is so fun and creative. She is a sweetie who loves to be a little mom to everyone-even those much bigger than her.
For preschool the other day we were learning about the letter "G" so we made graham cracker houses out of graham crackers and gumdrops. Here is MacKelle with her finished product.
As we decorated our tree on Sunday, Mason was having a blast getting into all the Christmas decor. He LOVED the ribbon! He unraveled about 1/2 a roll of it in this picture. You have to love their first Christmas! It is the only one where an empty box is the best present!
Last night we had a few extra kids. I had to get a picture of them. Jenny and Tobee are in Mexico for a week, so Tyson stayed the night last night. Bobi and Stan went out for their 10th anniversary, so we had Kyler, Corden, and Ryker for a bit too. It was a PARTY!! We had pizza and breadsticks and pop and watched movies. They were all really good! Justin and I even got to watch a movie while they watched theirs. TGIF!

New Family Pictures

2009-12-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks Geri at Orchid Photography.