Pettingill Crew

{Happy New Year 2012}

2012-01-17T00:16:00.000-08:00

After a pretty quiet Christmas, we were so excited for a house full of family for the New Year! At one point we had 22 people staying under our roof! From my side of the family, we were only missing my sister, Erin, who had to leave just before New Year's for a wedding.

It was a wonderful few days. And as expected, chaotic, messy, full of good food, late evenings, early mornings, happy kids, sports on TV, and the ringing in of the New Year.

The big kids enjoying hot chocolate out on the deck by the fire. It was a gorgeous day!

These two were instantly friends again after not seeing each other for a few months.

Grandpa's new IPad2 got passed around quite a bit.

Major Just Dance 3 tourney.

Minute to Win it games on New Year's Eve. This was good prep for Carson's 10th birthday with a Minute to Win It theme.

The kids' New Year's countdown at about 9PM.

Cheers!

And on New Years Day....some of the cousin crowd after church (missing a few!). All in their matching outfits they received from Grandma Dalley for Christmas.

Love my boys!

Best shot of all 4 kids....oh well!

Becca, Me, Mom, and Charise (Camille didn't get there until later in the day).

Chris figured out our BBQ rotisserie and cooked up an amazing prime rib. It was the biggest piece of meat I have ever seen! It was so good!! We had a great meal on New Year's Day.

The 4 babies!!

We convinced my sister to stay a few extra days before heading back to Chicago. So Rylan got some one on one time in with Graham. We hardly even saw these two during the day. They just played for hours and hours! And we didn't have to break up any fights at all...they are just two peas in a pod. Best buds!!

And of course, we got to snuggle on Ms. Claire too. What a sweetheart! I miss these kiddos all the way in Chicago!!!

It's always so wonderful to have the big group all together. We missed you Erin!! The kids couldn't be happier than spending every waking minute with their cousins. They are their best friends.

We were truly blessed beyond measure in 2011. And we eagerly look forward to new adventures in 2012.

{Christmas Day 2011}

2012-01-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning was just as it should be...exciting, warm, and cozy! The smell of cinnamon bread, the sounds of Christmas music and the kids giggling, and the comfort of a warm fire and home. I love it maybe more than the kids!

Carson slept upstairs so he could come down with the kids at the same time. We enforce a strict "no peeking" rule and had to cover the banister and railing with a big blanket so they couldn't peek down below.

They didn't wake up until about 7:30. And I told them we couldn't go downstairs until they got Rylan up AND he had to be happy. He's a grumpy gus in the morning...but it quickly faded with enticing thoughts of stockings, candy canes, and presents.

Here they come!

Addy and Car quickly found the gifts they asked for from Santa.

Addy: Electric Scooter

Carson: Rip Rider

Since church didn't begin until 1:30, we enjoyed the entire morning opening gifts. We really take our time...going one at a time and opening the toys and putting in batteries if they want. Why rush it, right? It still goes by too quickly...

Miles was so content and happy. He took a nap part way through and rallied at the end with the lasts gifts of the afternoon.

This little girl was so excited for her new sewing machine from mom and dad!

And Rylan loves this Toy Story race track (Look, the same one from Nursery, Mom!)

He also loved this rug with roads and tracks from Grandma Judy. It went perfectly with the cars, trains, tracks, animals and other toys he got that day.

No pictures of the kids in their church clothes. Honestly, we just threw something on pretty quickly, and I didn't fuss too much with hair or ties. As soon as we got home, the sun was shining so the kids changed in lightning speed and hit the street to try out their new toys.

The Rip Rider is pretty cool. You pick up speed by pedaling and then crank the wheel and the wheels on the back allow you to do multiple 360 spins. It's pretty fun (for adults too!).

Addy getting a lesson from Dad on driving her electric scooter.

It didn't take too long to figure it out.

Our parents spoiled all of us for Christmas. The kids loved the toys, clothes, puzzles, and books galore. They were truly treated with thoughtful and generous gifts. I don't know how they manage all the shopping with the grandchildren list continuing to grow!

And Trevor and I loved the emergency preparedness gear and items for the kitchen and house that were so thoughtful. I am SO excited to have my very own big-girl sewing machine too (Thanks Mom!!!). I have a project I want to start this weekend. Addy and I can learn together. I will aspire to be as good as my sister-in-law, Anne, who sent adorable quilted ornaments for Christmas.

My sister had Trevor and I for Christmas this year and put together this adorable 'Christmas Symbols' bag/story. I love it! She also took careful note of some kitchen things I mentioned wanting throughout the year, and a movie for the kids...all wrapped up in a gift that was so personal and loving! Thanks Reese & Chris!

The kids also loved exchanging gifts with their cousins. It is always one of their favorite gifts to give and to open. And they even got to thank them in person as we were all together for New Years Eve!

We were on the phone off and on most of the day and Skyped with all our family too. It was so nice to talk to almost everyone!!

Since it was just us this year, I didn't want to spend all day in the kitchen cooking, so I took some cooking short-cuts and did Rhodes rolls and a pie from Costco. Anyone notice or care? No. Add in some honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes, shrimp, and frog-eye salad...and it was a delicious, festive meal!

After dinner we tried out our new popcorn maker from Santa and played a family round of Just Dance 3.

We put together toys and set up Addy's sewing machine. She's pretty good at threading the machine and winding the bobbin now. She is using all my scrap fabric on sewing projects.

It was a wonderfully blessed Christmas. I love how it connects our family, both near and far, in joyous celebration of our Savior's birth. I feel so connected to them as we share our Christmas Day adventures and fun knowing we are all tied through the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is greatest gift of all.

And at the end of the day, two tired boys, snuggled up watching a movie.

Doesn't get any better than that.

{Christmas Eve 2011}

2012-01-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

The week before and after Christmas were absolutely crazy busy for Trevor at work. A couple unexpected events collided and he didn't have much staff during the holidays which dumped extra work on him on a previously planned relaxing week. It was hard and one of the 'cons' of being self-employed. Especially since we didn't have family in town over Christmas, it got a little lonely with just me and the kids most of the time.

I was craving family and so glad my brother and sister in law let us crash their Christmas Eve party with my parents in Vancouver, WA. My parents rotate around spending Christmas with the kids, and this year was my brother's turn. We were glad they were close enough so we could celebrate with them too (and force them to stay longer and have New Years with us!).

It was easiest to just drive down and back on Christmas Eve instead of trying to organize 6 people to stay the night before, and we really wanted to be at our home for Christmas Day. We got on the road by 7am and got there in time for breakfast!

My dad got some snuggle time with Miles.

Major bonus that Aunt Erin was there too!

The kids played some games.

Jett's eyes melt my heart every time (there is NO photoshop on those eyes!)

The kids decorated sugar cookies to leave out for Santa.

They continued our tradition of Chinese food for Christmas Eve dinner. Delish and no cooking!

The kids opened new PJs!

We sang some songs.

This little guy is sweet as can be when he sings "When Christmas Comes to Town" from the Polar Express. He knows all the words.

We acted out the nativity. Addy was Mary (the only girl cousin in attendance...she didn't have to compete with anyone for that role!). And Rylan was Joseph. In our version, both Mary and Joseph rode the donkey.

And Uncle Bryce read the 'Night Before Christmas'. And we watched 'Luke II' and had a little family devotional on the birth of the Savior. It was perfect. Meaningful and even peaceful if you can imagine that with all those kids.

The day was relaxing and fun and actually seemed like we were there for longer than just 12 hours. A lot of visiting, good food, sports and movies on TV, and a fun Christmas Eve program.

We made it home around 11 to help Santa get ready for the big day!

{Christmas Countdown}

2011-12-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Can't believe there is only one full day left before Christmas Eve. No matter how prepared and organized I try to be, it always seems rushed at the end trying to get everything in. After major house cleaning today, I still have a pile of presents to wrap, food to buy, and a couple errands to run. But hopefully after today, it will be time to relax and enjoy the magic that Christmas brings. We can't wait!

Also on my to-do list today was to get all our pre-Christmas festivities posted. Here is what we have been up to:

Lunch date with Addy to get pretty nails for the holidays.

She cashed in her birthday coupon and we had so much fun.

Carson's Choir Concert.

Rylan playing endlessly with this musical ornament that my mom sent.

Winter dance piece for parents.

The Nutcracker

Addy was the only one who wanted to go this year with me.

And we joined up with our same group including BFF cousin, Paige.

I love this local performance where you can sit close to the stage and take pictures with the dancers afterwards. This girl, the 'Dew Drop', was my favorite! The entire company was very talented!

Making and packaging up 'Hot Chocolate' gifts for neighbors.

Painting Ornaments

Gingerbread houses. Can I tell you how much I love the ones from Costco where you pull the house, completely built, right out of the box? And the icing is already made and in its own bag with a tip? So much easier, especially when I have 3 builders now.

And last, but not least, seeing the one and only Santa Claus! The kids were terrific and I consider it our own little Christmas miracle that I got 4 kids up early and dressed, hair curled and combed, out the door, and into the mall on Dec 21st. Because we were early, we only waited in line for 30 minutes, and ended up with this shot of them all happy. Even with Miles not smiling, we are just happy he isn't crying! Yay for a non-stressful trip to see Santa.

I love the build up and excitement before Christmas more than the actual day. I am always sad to see it draw near and then vanish so quickly. We are savoring these last few days of Christmas fun before we are buried in wrapping paper, cardboard, and toys that need batteries and assembly.

But I also can't wait for those smiling faces on Christmas morning too.

Merry Christmas to all!

{merry christmas 2011}

2011-12-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

I was so happy with our Christmas cards this year. I found an awesome deal with papercoterie, and I ordered these right around Thanksgiving. I love the red sleeve with the black and white photos. It was a major stress relief to have the design decision out of the way so early.

And a letter too. It is my best attempt to be brief, but it is so hard with 6 people!

But I quickly realized I didn't order enough, so I created another card too...which gave me a chance to use our a family picture taken right around Thanksgiving.

Christmas cards are one of my favorite traditions of the whole season. Even though we have blogs, email, facebook...there is just something so fun about sending and receiving cards regular old USPS. So many have gone away with it in favor of the convenience technology provides, but I'm old school here. I love an actual Christmas card. Something to file away in my binder of family cards (that my mom gave us and starts with family Christmas letters in 1981!) And I love the growing display on the pantry door with cards, pictures, notes and letters from friends and family we love!

{Polar Express 2011}

2011-12-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

We went on our 2nd annual Polar Express ride a little over a week ago. The kids could not wait! I love my little believers.

For a boy who loves trains, this steam train in Centralia did not disappoint. And it is pure magic with Santa and the North Pole involved too!

Hot cocoa and cookies!

Santa climbs aboard after we reached the North Pole and spends a few minutes with each family and passes out a bell.

Our best attempt at a group shot.

And seeing Santa one more time after returning to the station.

The only thing this boy has asked for Christmas is a bell. I think from the movie and book, and the bell being the "first gift of Christmas", he just assumes that is what everyone gets for Christmas. So sweet. And he was sure excited when he finally got his own! (Man, he'll be surprised on Christmas when he actually gets toys!) The bell was so much cooler this year too...weighted and jingly...just like it should be!

And I love these sweet messages from Addy. It's so fun to watch the light really come on and words become more than just sounds. It has just clicked, and she loves it. We write notes back and forth to each other on this message board in her room.

"Thanks for letting me [go] to the Polar Express"

"Please can I go to the Christmas Party"

It was a fun night, and the kids were all smiles. But much harder than last year with 4 kids instead of 3. Not like 25% harder, like 50% harder...not sure how that actually works. But throw in a baby and an overly excited 3 year old, and it feels like you have 10 kids. Despite the hassle of getting our crew ready and to the destination, it was worth it, as it always is. (It's just while I am chasing Rylan or shhh-ing Miles, and gathering 100 gloves, and 45 blankets, that I say we aren't doing this again until everyone is 20!)

{Deck the Halls!}

2011-12-12T00:40:00.000-08:00

The stockings are hung!

I love pulling out the boxes of garland, trees, wreathes, dishes and Christmas decor. Nothing makes a house feel more cozy then a bunch of Christmas-ness all around. My mom always has done a great job of really making it feel and look like Christmas at her home. I hope my kids feel the same in our home too. Especially since the effort required is a little exhausting. Not to mention trying to find out where to place everything in a new home.

I had to make a few stops at the craft stores. Mostly I went garland-crazy this year. I love how festive it looks. And I have so many more options for it in this house. It's been really fun decorating in a new space.

I love having a son who helps me out. Trying to train a little gentleman. Here he is carting my stuff in from the car.

My first year trying paper-whites. Man, you can practically watch these guys grow. Can't wait until they bloom.

The hubster tackled the outside lights on Thanksgiving weekend. I tried not to watch. Especially when he set up the ladder on top of his jeep to reach the highest peak. Yes, really.

My contribution was the little trees and some of the windows, lit from the inside.

And a few lights in each of the kids room is a major hit.

Decor is up and Christmas activities and outings have begun. Up first was the Santa Parade. Last year Carson's cub scout troop had an entry and this year Addy's first grade class had one. It was freezing but not raining! I was glad Addy was the 7th entry in the parade, because we bailed after about an hour to warm up.

I was more prepared this year for this parade in the dark. The kids loved the battery operated strands of Christmas lights that I wrapped around their coats.

And this week we made a batch of Christmas sugar cookies. I really should do this more. They love it.

Don't know why this was so exciting. Ry could have rolled and cut out shapes all day.

The kids are trying to be on their best behavior for Charlie (our Shelf Elf) that is watching them every day. We're getting through our Christmas book collection, listening to Christmas music, and watching our favorite Christmas movies. We can't do as much 'stuff' as we have done in the past. It's just too hard with all 4 kids, so we are enjoying just being snuggled up at home. And really that's the best part. I love everything about being home for Christmas. My favorite Christmas memories as a kid all happened in our own home. And I want that for my kiddos too.

As for shopping, I am mostly done. Just a few things here and there. I am not a big fan of Christmas lists. I don't want anything in written format handed to me by my kids of what they want me and Santa to buy them. Nope. Not happening. Instead I take mental notes of the one item that keeps coming up when we talk about Santa (and they can write Santa asking for that one thing). And then we try our best to make it a nice Christmas without our kids feeling entitled to certain presents because they asked for it. Anyone with me here? Online shopping has been my friend this year more than ever before. I'm a believer.

Hope the season is merry so far for each of you!

{Elf Yourself 2011}

2011-12-08T22:23:00.000-08:00

It never gets old. Rylan laughed for 30 minutes straight. They have been begging me for a week now to upload their pics. Laugh at how cheesy it is, but man, my kids think this is the greatest thing ever.

{Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree}

2011-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

We got our Christmas tree a week earlier than usual. We jumped at the chance to head to our favorite tree farm the day after Thanksgiving because the sun was shining! My sister and I had been busy Black Friday shopping and then tagged the guys out for their turn. By the time they got back we were racing the sunset.

As luck would have it, our favorite spot was already closed. Thankfully an employee directed us down the road to their sister farm that has more lights for the evenings. It worked out great! And we were all relieved not to disappoint two cars full of kids.

Trying to snap a few shots before the sun was down.

By the time the tractor hauled our tree back to the entrance it was dark. The crew was so nice and kept the train open until our kids had a chance to ride. The other tree farm has a train ride too...and the experience of finding your tree wouldn't be the same without it! The kids loved it! A little prep for our Polar Express Ride coming up this weekend.

We got the tree up and in the house that night. It is by far the tallest tree we have ever cut (about 9 and half feet). We love the tree farm that charges for the type of tree and not the height. And with a ceiling height to support it, we figured go big or go home!

And then it took me a couple days to start on the lights. Since the tree is visible almost all the way around, it took forever...about 3 hours. And a ladder too. And about 22 stands of lights. Love those sparkly twinkle lights!

This little guy was pretty entertained.

And Ry was completely adorable decorating the tree. He loved it. The hooks, the ornaments, the step ladder. He spent a couple hours fixing everything just right and only a few of the glass balls broken along the way.

I love our collection of ornaments. I love reminiscing about vacation ornaments from years ago, the kids' 'first christmas' ornaments, their hand-made ones from school or church, and their yearly ornaments that describe something about them that year. And my childhood ornaments too. A Christmas tree is a pretty good family history.

And here are the new ornaments for 2011. Love Target's blown glass ornaments this year. And the baby shoes from Macy's (thanks Reese for picking those up!).

Hammer (Trev), Baby Shoes (Miles), Pink Soccer (Addy)

Blue Soccer (Carson), Camera (Rochelle), Woody (Rylan).

Trying to get a shot in front of the tree is nearly impossible, but we still tried.

And the finished product. It makes the whole house feel so cozy!

And I love Christmas light bokeh.

What else are you going to do at 1am when a baby is happy and wide awake? Take pictures.

{Thanksgiving 2011}

2011-11-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

We were so happy to have my sister and her family over for Thanksgiving. They live in Renton, about 45 minutes away, so we get to see them quite a bit, but haven't had them stay at our house in years! My kids were in heaven with their cousins. The guys got in plenty of football watching. And it was so nice to have help for the meal (Reese cooked half of it!) and help in the kitchen too.

Cooking must always start on Wednesday. Rolls, Stuffing, and Pies were on my list that day. (And an unanticipated stop to the pediatrician, with 4 kids, to rule out strep throat for Rylan. It was negative, thank goodness. Then a stop to the pharmacy for some sore throat magic mouthwash, and I was officially way behind on the to-do list. But we managed to pull it off. I just left laundry undone and the house a little less clean than I hoped. Why do I even make a plan?...kids are so unpredictable!) Anyhow, keeping with tradition, each of the kids had to make a pie. Carson fizzled out a bit, but Addy and Ry helped from start to finish. Addy - Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, Rylan - Apple Pie, Carson - Chocolate Cream Pie.

And then Thursday morning the kids can't wait for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. They even stayed interested for over an hour. That's Addy with socks in her hair :-)

Addy waited by the window for almost an hour for her cousin, Paige, to arrive. She was asking every 5 minutes when they were coming!

The dining room was empty until a month ago when my mom drove up my Grandparents dining room table. My Grandpa recently moved in with my Aunt and Uncle as his health continues to decline. We all got a few trinkets, but I feel immensely blessed to be able to have this table that my grandmother served so many meals at. It's beautiful and in amazing condition. And my mom is extra amazing for driving it all the way up to my house!

All the kids (minus babies). The kids did a great job at making place cards. I never got a group shot at the table. Too much prep going on at the same time, but the kids sure look happy and excited!

Rylan called Brynn "my Brynn" the whole weekend. "Hey Carson, that's my Brynn!" These two are so sweet together.

Brynnie is so sweet!

The babies just outside the dining room in their own chairs. Finley is so sweet and so quiet compared to our loud and often cranky Miles. She is just so content most of the time you hardly hear a peep out of her. I'm sure it is a big surprise to be around our babbling (just started saying da-da-da), crying, and sometimes screaming baby. Finley had fun crawling all over the place while Miles was a slug in one spot. But they are sure interested in one another. Sure to be great friends!

Who says you can't have more pies than you have adults? Reese brought Banana Cream and a yummy Berry Pie too!

Our tradition is to stick an almond in each pie. Whoever gets the almond, gets a prize. It kind of back fired this year because we had so many pies so the chances of someone getting an almond was small. In fact, Chris was the only one. And then the kids were asking for more and more just to demolish their piece looking for the almond. So I just handed over a prize to each of the kids before all the pie was gone!

After pie, we spent a long time looking through ads and searching for on-line deals. We were trying to minimize our shopping by seeing what we could find on line for the same price and were pretty successful at that. Reese and I didn't go shopping until 7am and hit Fred Meyer (still had everything we wanted...and with very light crowds) and Toys R Us (a total bust...everything gone). We had a great time and got a ton checked off our shopping lists!

So lucky to have a sleepover with cousin Paige!

And Reese brough Just Dance 3. The kids loved it!

It was warm and sunny on Friday. Warm enough to eat turkey leftovers outside in the sun!

After the guys got in a few hours of Black Friday shopping, we raced to the Christmas Tree farm to cut down our tree before the sunset (post coming soon!)

We had a blast with Charise and Chris and all the kiddos. They are so fun and it is just so easy to host my sister. No need to worry about the dirty dishes laying around for a few hours or a house full of toys and piles from the kids. It just means the house is lived in, and we are having fun visiting, relaxing, and enjoying the good company! Thanks again Reese and Chris!

It is nice to reflect on so many things that we are thankful for at Thanksgiving. At our family home evening last week we made a list of about 100 items. Some of my favorites:

Trains (Rylan)

Birthdays (Addy)

Harry Potter (Carson)

Toothfairy (Addy)

Washer & Dryer (Mom)

Jeep (Dad)

French Fries (Rylan)

Employees (Dad)

College Degree (Mom)

Wii (Carson)

Sunshine (Addy)

Scriptures (Dad)

Cubscouts (Carson)

Emma (babysiter) (Rylan)

Temple (Mom)

PE (Addy)

Jesus (Rylan)

Skittles (Addy)

Camera (Mom)

Shapes (Rylan)

Job (Dad)

Good Health (All of us)

Baby Miles (All of us)

New House (All of us)

Gospel (All of us)

Family! (All of us)

This is just a fraction of what we feel blessed and grateful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

{Soccer Season 2011}

2011-11-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

Soccer season ended in the middle of November. Both Carson and Addy were on excellent teams once again. Fortunately this year they both practiced at the same time and days of the week. But, at different locations. Trevor and I divide and conquer and did pretty well juggling the practices and games. We only had an overlap a few times on game day. We lucked out with only 2 really rainy games. And had some awesome weather for the others. I only dragged the camera along for a couple games because managing the baby in the front pack or stroller and keeping Ry from running across the field is a full-time job. But I did get some fun shots to document another round of soccer.

Addison:

Addy's aggressive side finally came out. She was on a team of 5 girls and they were all super competitive. It was so fun to watch! These 5 girls were best friends instantly and plan to play together next year. Coach Morgan was great! And one of the girls' parents took pictures all season long and put together a photo album for each girl to preserve all the memories. It really was such a fun team. We'll miss these girls until next season.

Addy really improved this year and had only one thing in mind each game. Score goals! And she did. Each game.

Woot!

3 goals during the first game of the season!

Dad's her biggest cheerleader. She'd run over to give high fives after a goal.

Carson:

Carson played on the same team again this year as he has the past few years. We love Coach Robb and his very positive, never negative, building of confidence. He is always about the love of the game, building skills, and having fun...more so than than winning. It was a tough season as far as wins go. But they all had fun together and Carson has definitely improved.

A big smile running off the field after his first chest trap during a game! He had his best game the last game of the season. A little confidence goes a long way and I hope it carries over until next season.

Dad and our sweet little Miles all bundled up on the last game of the season. Hello Saturdays. We have you back now. Hooray!

{Miles: 6 Months}

2011-11-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

This little guys is 6 months old!

Weight: 17 pounds 9.5 ounces (40%)

Length: 28 inches (90%)

Head: 17 inches (25%)

I was telling Trev the other day that in some ways it feels like he has always been a part of our family and in other ways it has been the longest 6 months ever! This cute little guy is finally growing out of a really colicky stage that started at about 3 weeks old. The hours of crying in mid to late afternoon have diminished to about an hour. The waking up 2-3 times a night have gone away in favor of 7-8 hours of sleep in a row. And we are now able to anticipate what he needs a little better, thus keeping him happier. I can't even describe how wonderful this improvement has been.

I am never really frustrated with Miles. I get frustrated with myself. He's sweet as can be...just trying to figure out his little life too. But I just shake my head and wonder why the heck he can cry for so long. Worried he's in pain or that he just has a bad temperament that will never improve. And the tension in the house when I am trying to help child A with piano and child B with homework when there is a screaming baby in the background...just crawls up your skin and makes me stressed. It's been tough.

The kids have been great. They take turns too...holding, consoling, shhhh-ing. We all are looking out for this little one. We all get spit-up on regularly and have learned to have our defenses ready (a blanket always in hand). But we are coming out of it. Slowly. Just when I think his acid reflux is getting better, there comes a day when we both have to change clothes by 4pm. But in general, better. And I've realized there is only so much I can control, and just let the rest be. Time has helped the most.

Some things to note on our sweet baby #4:

He lights up with the attention he receives from anyone. He has the biggest smile that just melts your heart.
He is our big kicker. Seriously. He is moving those leggies constantly. He can rock his infant car seat back and forth like a swing with his legs. All this makes it almost impossible to change a diaper or bathe him. He is a wiggle worm for sure.
He loves the binkie (thank heavens for that). And he loves his blankies right up by his face. When he is tired, you just put a blanket by his face and he pulls it over his head and his eyes roll back and he loves it.
He falls asleep almost every night in Carson's bed. Carson just begs every night to snuggle him in his own bed. And they always fall asleep together. It is the sweetest thing ever...which is why I haven't put the kibosh on it yet.
Addy is a little mother to him and jumps at the chance to do 'baby chores' like changing a diaper, feeding him cereal or rocking him. And she does a pretty good job too!
Rylan isn't so attached to the little guy. In fact most of the time when Miles is crying, Rylan is also yelling "Stop it Miles!" at the top of his lungs. So then I have a screaming baby and a yelling toddler at the same time. Both frustrated. I am trying to help Ry love him a little more by giving more kisses and having him be my helper with him. It's kind of working. Kind of.
Miles lights up when Dad is around. Trev is so good to tackle the baths, diapers, middle of the night fussing, and other dad help when is home. But really most of the time I say I'll take the 3 kids if you'll just handle Rylan. It is definitely not a fair trade.
His baby squeals and giggles are priceless. He is starting to babble and blow bubbles and it is so sweet.
He just cut his first tooth last week!
He loves the megasaucer and is getting too big for the swing.
He's almost sitting up on his own. (And made getting these pictures of him by myself while holding him with one arm, camera in the other, making crazy baby sounds to get his attention, and managing Rylan running around the deck in his underwear....it's a small miracle that I got several good shots of this little one!)
And I'm proud to say he has officially been sleeping in his crib for 2 weeks at night. Until 2 weeks ago, he hadn't spent one night away from the cradle in our room. It's been hard to let go of that. I'm so worried about him spitting up in the night and choking (remember the 911 call?) But his tummy is always more settled at night. And it's been ok. I may check on him 2 or 3 times, but he's in his own room like he should be. And maybe I can start getting some sleep.

Oh the first year just goes by too quickly! I am grateful for his personality coming through and for fewer rough and cranky days. I do just love having a baby in the house. All the work, all the cleaning, all the special needs of newborn....is all just so worth it to snuggle that sweet boy during the day. Mine. All mine.

{October Halloween Wrap-up}

2011-11-04T23:17:00.000-07:00

This might just be one of my favorite pictures of all-time. I love it.

And I love this little Halloween crew!

Like I predicted, we ended up carving our pumpkins the night before Halloween...barely squeezing it in after church, dinner, and the Stake Priesthood session. It was a busy Sunday evening...but they all seem to be this way with 1:30 -4:30 church. Can't wait to start attending in the am for 2012!

I didn't have to gut any pumpkins this year. Carson was the master and did 4 of the 6 in less than 30 minutes.

Addy did her own too.

And Ry was so happy to carve his little "pumpkin patch" after he woke up from his 6pm-8pm nap.

(yes, seriously).

He loved the bat I cut out of one of the pumpkins and thought it was a mustache. He kept saying "I'm not a Mister". Apparently you are 'Mister' if you have mustache.

I carved 4 of the 6 pumpkins though. I value speed over precision and ended up with a missing arm on my ghost, but I don't think anyone noticed.

6 pumpkins!

Left to Right: haunted house (Trev), ghost, witch, bats, 'evil eye' (by Carson all by himself), and one happy pumpkin.

The kids have been talking about their costumes for about two months. Addy pretty quickly decided on a witch...but a NICE witch. She was pretty clear about that.

Carson really wanted to be an angry bird, but I didn't order it in time and by the time I started looking they were 'sold out for the season' at every imaginable place. Maybe next year! He settled on the ninja and sweet-talked his dad into the matching sword.

This little guy picked from the over flowing costume box and settled on the cowboy costume. My mom made this for Carson when he was 3. Still looks adorable!

And the cutest costume of all time: My baby lobster in a pot! I have wanted to do this costume for a couple years after I saw it on-line somewhere. But Ry was too little in October when he was a baby. You really have to have a baby right in the 4-6 month range to make it work (sitting up a bit, but not mobile enough to climb out). Oh man, he was adorable. I still can't get over it.

And he stole the show at the ward Trunk or Treat. I had several people I have never even met taking his picture. So amazingly adorable if I do say so myself.

We usually have some cousins with us on Halloween night, but the school night prevented anyone from coming. So I tried to do a few unexpected things for the kids that night.

They came home from school to the porch looking like this:

And we had our traditional yummy dinner of chili and cornbread and hot cider.

And I added in these cute mummy juice boxes.

And spider jello.

And force fed them the good meal before they left trick or treating.

They each have two gallon ziploc bags full of candy. I hate being the candy police every year. But they are actually losing interest in it all ready. I guess since ~~mom~~ we have candy around here all the time, there isn't a big freak out when they get a whole bunch.

Miles and I passed out about half of the candy I bought while Trevor took the kids out trick or treating. We were really surprised by our lack of trick or treaters. I guess we are down in the part of the neighborhood where there are more....er... retired people. We aren't in the hip section of the neighborhood down the block where more of the kids live, but that's ok. It was a peaceful and fun night.

October was busy and so much fun! Onto Thanksgiving festivities!!

{Addison's Birthday}

2011-11-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Photos by Kali Leenstra

The only problem with having her birthday party a week early...is planning another little party on her actual birthday. Not sure how to remedy this...but I feel badly not celebrating on her ACTUAL birthday too. We kept it pretty low-key.

She started off with a yummy, hot breakfast made by dad.

The little boys and I took treats to her class. It was my first attempt at Oreo pops and they turned out pretty good. And they are so yummy too. Perfect combination of chocolate and cookie.

She helped me bake this cake. And yes, that was cake #10 in less than a week. I really wanted to try out that ruffle icing (which was not too difficult, by the way). But, just between you and me, I only had enough icing to go around 3/4 of the cake. No super mom here. But we didn't care.

She picked out that hat from Target with some of her birthday money. It's pretty much glued to her head now.

Dad met up with us after work and brought the birthday girl a balloon and flowers. And then at her request we headed to Applebees for dinner. It's a special treat now when we go out as a whole family to an actual sit-down restaurant. We just don't do it as much anymore because the little boys are hard to handle. But, we managed ok for her birthday. And it helps when there are less people in the restaurant on a week night, which means less people we can bother.

We opened her presents from her grandparents and cousins at home. Her present from us was the party. Add the fact that she is completely spoiled by grandparents means I don't need to buy her anything else. But she did get a coupon to go on a date to get her nails done. That, and this cupcake maker from Grandma Judy and art projects from Grandma Dalley = one happy girl.

Candles and cake, again.

Happy 7th Birthday Addy!

You have grown-up so much in one year!

You are such a good ballet dancer. The jump to an intermediate level class has been challenging, but so good too.
You continue to voice your independence. Wanting to choose what to wear, how to do your hair ... with no input from mom. Small battles have begun.
I love what a fun little reader you have become. You are not afraid to tackle the hard words. And willingly practice spelling words.
The aggressiveness has come out in you during soccer. You are so competitive. I love it.
You are a baby-lover and just can't get enough of Miles.
You never. stop. eating. I don't know if it is a continuous growth spurt, but you are never full, always hungry, always snacking. And always wondering when the next meal is coming.
You have been very out-going in finding and making new friends after we moved. It's been hard, but you have adapted so well.
Your dimples kill me. You are simply adorable.
I love how positive you are about almost anything. You get so excited to start a new project, meet up with your cousins, talk on the phone to grandma, head to McDonalds, pull out the Halloween boxes, etc. We love how happy you are!
We catch you singing all the time...usually making up your own songs and singing away while playing.
You love projects. Taping, gluing, markers, paint.
You make up for being the only girl with 3 brothers in over-the-top girly-ness. Pink, purple, nails, hair, clothes, princesses, make-up...you love it all (and your brothers are secretly jealous!).

We love you Addy. Don't grow up too fast ok?

Happy 7th Birthday to our sweet girl!

And this concludes what feels like a month of celebrating the birthday girl.

{Addy's Cake Boss Birthday Party}

2011-10-31T01:20:00.000-07:00

Addison loves 'Cake Boss' (on TLC). We have the DVR set for all the new shows on Monday nights. It's always been funny to me that she loves it so much at age 6 (and now age 7!!) She's begging to watch it all the time (and I've had to censor a few of the shows recently that are veering from family-friendly....darn). But, we thought it was the perfect theme for her 7th birthday party.

The party took over my life for the better part of 2 weeks, but it was so much fun!! I learned a lot of new things along the way. I love it when I get to do fun crafty projects. A party forces me to do that when I normally can't find the time. And one again, Pinterest offered a slew of ideas.

Loved how this display turned out! I made the burlap banner and sewed on fabric that I ran through my printer to create the letters (using freezer paper...google it...that stuff is amazing!).

The cake plates I made for $2 each. I bought a plate and ice cream sundae dish from the dollar store. Spray painted each white and glued together using E-6000 glue.

And the cake....man, oh man, that was a lot of cake! This was my first time covering cakes in fondant. Wow. It's harder than it looks on tv! I baked the cakes ahead of time, wrapped in plastic wrap and stuck them in the freezer until I was ready to frost. I put on a thin layer of butter cream and then covered with fondant. I had two kinds. My friend Mindy gave me two buckets of the pre-made stuff (THANK YOU!....that was a life savor!). And then I made one big batch of marshmallow fondant. Both were pretty easy to work with once I got them rolled out, but it seriously was an ab workout.

I did the birthday cake in square to change it up a bit. And found these cute wires at the craft store. I actually think I could make a really cute fondant cake now after learning from my mistakes, but it turned out cute for the party.

The other major project was these aprons. I love how they turned out! I found the plain white aprons at Joann's and then sewed the ruffles on (thanks to my mom's tutorial on how to gather the fabric). The cupcake was another thing I ran through my printer and then used a heat bond to iron it on. They were a little bit timing consuming since I have never sewed anything in my life! But if you don't look too closely, they turned out pretty cute! I totally have the sewing bug now. I have been borrowing my MILs extra sewing machine, but I must get one for myself ASAP. After the aprons I sewed a table cloth and napkins for the party too.

Addy couldn't wait for the party to get started once she got home from school.

Still feeling like the 'new' girl in the area, her party consisted of girls from all over: one cousin, one friend from church, one neighbor, one friend from dance, one friend from school, and one family friend = 7 girls total with the birthday girl. I don't think one of the girls knew another girl at the party, but they all knew Addy (one girl missing below who arrived after the picture). Despite not knowing each other, they had a great time together and were such a cute bunch!

First up was the craft in the dining room. I got to re-use that felt garland I made for Ry's party. Love it. We made a little cake topper to go on the cakes and cupcake wrapper flowers.

And then we had a little 'Cake Boss Training' in the kitchen.

Then they were ready to decorate their cakes!

They had a blast decorating, piping, sprinkling, rolling and cutting out fondant shapes...all while snacking from the 'Bakery Shop' (I didn't bake a thing...all store bought. I was baked-out from all the cakes!) Thanks to my sister and my husband for the hands-on help that was really needed with fondant, icing bags, etc. Couldn't have done it without them!

We opened up presents and ate the birthday cake right at the decorating table because there was no pulling these girls away from their cakes!

All the girls with their finished cakes! The cakes, cake plates, and aprons served as the party favors. The girls were so excited to take their cakes home to their families!

I only wish I would have stretched it out to 2 hours instead of an hour and a half. It just wasn't quite long enough. It was a wonderful afternoon and a joy to plan. I asked her what her favorite part was and she said "EVERYTHING!". That makes it all worth it! Her actual birthday wasn't until a week later...so it's been birthday mania around here (along with Halloween and all the festivities). So happy with how it all turned out. And I have a few months to recover before Carson's birthday in January!

{Pumpkin Patch Outing 2011}

2011-10-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch. I think this is 7 years in a row we have gone to Spooner Farms down in Orting. I love a good tradition. But, I seriously cannot believe it has been an entire year since last time. A move + a baby has made time just fly by this past year.

The kids were over the moon when we decided on a whim to head out on a Friday after school the second week of October. Usually we are trying to cram it in the week before Halloween...along with Addy's birthday, school harvest parties....so I really wanted to go earlier and also on a week day to avoid the massive Saturday crowds. It worked out perfectly. Warm-ish weather, happy kids, no crowds.

I usually carry the baby, but I passed off the job to Trev so I could take pictures. Next year he'll have to balance Miles in the wheel barrow too.

Duck races are always a hit.

The light was fading fast since it was late afternoon, so we got these shots just after arriving and then I tried to ease up on all the photos the rest of the time.

Love the fall colors...it makes for such pretty pictures. Not to mention cute kids.

This was the 'Flynn Rider smolder' look I got upon request. Man, he's a cute kid.

And this girlie will always pose for the camera. Those dimples!

How can you not love this face?....even if it was the only 2 seconds he held still for a shot the entire evening. He is my relentless picture avoider.

Such a sweet smile from the littlest one.

Trev is a master at the corn maze, as usual.

Trevor told Carson he could pick out any pumpkin that he could lift into the wheelbarrow.

He was done with his boots after an hour, hence the bare feet.

I was disappointed that I didn't pass off the camera to get in one single shot! I am usually pretty good about getting in front of the camera to document my presence no matter how much baby spit-up I have on my clothes. But it just didn't happen this time.

We left with 100 pounds of pumpkins, caramel corn, and caramel apples. Delish all around.

The pumpkins are still on my porch waiting to be carved. I guess that will need to be crammed in right before Halloween. Always plenty going on this time of year. ...Enough to make me happily stressed!

{Soccer Trip #3: UW}

2011-10-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

The final game on our trifecta of trips to see Erin play was close to home at the University of Washington. After a whirlwind trip to Pullman, we had a one day break for my own kids to play two soccer games on Saturday, and then on Sunday we headed up with the fam to UW campus. It was pouring buckets as we left, and I was slightly panicked about leaving our big golf umbrellas back home by mistake. But by the time we made it to Seattle the clouds had burned off revealing a beautiful, sunny afternoon. After peeling off our layers, and putting on our sunglasses, we were ready for the game!

The whole group! Another great cheering section! And another tough loss, but they bounced back and beat #18 Oregon State last week in OT, by a game winning header goal by none other than, Erin. Sah-weet.

I believe at least one of my parents have traveled and attended every single game she has played in during her 5 years at the University of Utah. Only the newborn grand-babies kept my mom from a few games. Major fans and supporters, I tell you what. My Dad is even a member of the Crimson Club. Yah. Seriously. And we all have enough Utah red gear to keep cheering for years to come.

Erin, thanks for being such an awesome Aunt to all my littles. They love their Aunt Erin to pieces!!

The season continues for a few more weeks, and we are cheering her on from afar. Good luck Ern!

Love this sweet pic from the Daily Utah Chronicle. See the article here too.

{Road trip to Pullman, WA}

2011-10-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

I've been to Pullman, WA four times now. Once in high school to visit WSU. And 3 times in the last 5 years to see Erin play. We can actually navigate a bit in the cute college town. This time we were there for less than 24 hours. We left Seattle on Thursday night and rolled in about midnight. Unfortunately my Mom and Dad got stuck in Denver due to weather, so they couldn't meet us until Friday afternoon. My sister and her baby flew into Spokane Thursday night and got a hotel as she waited for my parents to arrive the next day. Anyhow, we all made it to the game despite their travel hiccups.

Finley and Miles at the hotel before the game. Man, seriously cute.

I actually got a few shots of her during the game this time.

I have to say WSU players and fans, in general, were kind of mean. Especially the fans. They had a group of guys that stood behind our goal and were heckling our goalie big time. Not much sportsmanship here. Do you think this player below is going for the ball?

Grandma and Addy

We weren't prepared for the cold...so we huddled up tight!

The team lost a hard-fought match. Always tough playing on the road. We headed back to Seattle after the game so we could be home for our own kids' soccer games on Saturday morning. It was a lot of driving, but I'm so glad we went!!

3 of the 4 sisters (We missed you Milly!)

{Utah Soccer}

2011-10-19T01:06:00.000-07:00

We have been so blessed to be able to attend three University of Utah women's soccer games in the last month. This is the final year for my sister, Erin, playing forward for the Utes. And she is having a phenomenal season! Despite the knee brace, ankle injuries, and overall pain that Div 1 soccer will do to your body over 5 years, she has been the Pac-12 player of the week not once but twice!! She is pretty much awesome, and we love to see her play. So, we rearranged some schedules and made it work to see 3 of her games this season.

I thought I could get all the photos up in one post...but I took too many (shocked, I know). So here is trip #1: Eugene, Oregon against U of O. We stayed at my brother's house in Portland and drove down to Eugene Friday afternoon for the evening game.

All the kids making posters.

Miles with the crazy Ute hair. I have similar picture of Ry at this age here.

Grandma doing some face painting.

We got to spend a couple hours with Erin before they headed to the field.

And the whole crew, minus Trev, who was screaming down from Seattle in time for the game to start.

Our cheering section was slightly obnoxious. But, along with a handful of other Ute fans, we had quite a group to cheer on the team playing on the road.

It was too bad it was a night game because it doesn't make for great pictures, but Miles and Ry were a handful anyway. Don't you love the baby food stage of mixing up rice cereal and dealing with bibs, spoons, dishes ... all away from home? No. Not me. And trying to keep your toddler within sight distance. It was a little crazy.

But, here she is during warm-up. She is always so gracious and attentive to her tiny fans who insist on yelling her name over and over.

After the victory over University of Oregon, 2-0.

How awesome of the team to pose with our kids after the game! My kids really look up to Aunt Erin. To them she is a total celebrity rock star. What a cool opportunity for them to see the success she has had over the years in the sport. And the years and years of dedication and practice, all paying off in the greatest season in her soccer career!!

Go Utes!!

{Scooter Party!}

2011-09-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

This was seriously one of the funnest birthday parties I have ever done for my kids! When I was trying to think of a theme for Ry's 3rd birthday, I really didn't want to get sucked into Toy Story, Cars, or other Disney mania (Disney...I luv ya. No hard feelings). Since Ry has loved his scooter this summer, I typed in Scooter Party on Pinterest and there it was...an amazing party oozing with fun activities. Creativity heaven just waiting to be scooped up . Thanks to Gallamore West for providing such a great party idea. I emailed her and she even kindly sent me her scooter image that I was able to manipulate and use for all the printing. I am a CPA, so I can totally execute plans, but I love all the right-brain love on the internet!

I was feeling extra crafty...so I made this cute burlap banner and added some ball fringe to the party hats.

(Pinterest makes you crazy like that).

And I love this felt circle garland. 300 hand-cut circles and my MIL's help with a sewing machine, and I now have yards of garland to use over and over. I love it!

I found this vintage toy scooter on ebay as part of a doll-house collection for the cake. So perfect. But when I put it on top of the cake it sunk into the frosting. Oh well. It still looks cute.

All the party guests....Ry's cousins! He couldn't love these guys more. They truly are his bestest friends. Even the older ones. He adores them. Thank you SOOO much to my SIL for driving up from Portland with her boys and my sister (who major injured her back the day before) miraculously making it with her girls! Ry was in heaven with this crew to celebrate!

Activity #1: Make you own sweet scooter. Royal icing for the glue.

Next up. Dinner.

Some of Ry's favorite including hot dogs and donuts.

Activity #2: Pin the hubcap on the scooter. Check my mad art skills.

Activity #3: Birthday Parade.

When I was little I totally remember decorating my bike for the local parade sometime during the summer. Why don't we do that anymore??

The kids thought it was the greatest thing ever.

Getting the bikes and scooters all decorated. As luck would have it, we were doing this in the hottest part of the day. But the kids had a great time perfecting their decorations....especially Paige. She loves all things art. It was so cute. She could have spent all day just taping and cutting. And Brynn just got her new scooter the day before as her potty training reward! Good timing!

I also taped playing cards to the bike frames so it would hit the spokes and turn their bikes "into" motorcycles. My kids still have them on there 3 weeks later.

Let the parade begin!

After the parade...presents and cake.

And party favors in mason jars.

It was so much fun to plan! And even better to see the smile on Ry's face. He loved it.

The kids were all great and only minor stresses...

(including Addy spilling juice which attracted bees to the lunch table! And the unusually hot weather which we aren't used to in the PNW).

So grateful for this little person all my own.

Happy 3rd birthday to my sweet scooter-loving boy!

{He's Three}

2011-09-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

My sweet, little toddler is three! Rylan's birthday was at the beginning of the month (on our anniversary, remember?). Hard to believe he is three years old, I really do feel like I just had him. He is our rambunctious and wild one. He'll karate chop you and then turn around and melt your heart with his sweet kisses.

He loves:

David Shannon Books: 'No David!' and 'Fergus'
Jake and the Neverland Pirates
Toy Story movies (going on almost 2 years and still a favorite)
Dancing
Music. Current favorites are: Dynamite by Taio Cruz & Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
His scooter. He wants nothing to do with the tricycle, but man, he can speed by you in his scooter. He's shockingly fast and coordinated with it. His love for his scooter prompted his Scooter Birthday Party (post coming soon!).
Grandmas and Grandpas
'Pond Belly' (aka Pine Valley, UT)
His blue crocs
Toy Story lunch box
Trains and matchbox cars
Toy Story 'guys' (see what I mean about Toy Story? Man, Disney...you are killing me!)
Chips, Juice, Granola Bars, Popcorn
Fries and Pepper! This is code for: French fries and Root Beer.
Bugs (he calls them 'Bugga Bugs'). He'll reach right down and pick up ants, grasshoppers, etc.
His cousins. He has a sweet spot for Brynnie. So glad she lives close by. And misses, desperately, the others his age: Graham, Owen, Kai, and Beckett who he doesn't get to see as often.

I love:

His raspy voice (just recently referred to an ENT for this...but I think it's just cute).
Sweet hugs and kisses.
Watching him learn how to hop. He holds one knee up with his hand and with all his might leaps about 1 cm off the floor. And then exclaims..."I did it!"
Bedtime stories. He is a joy to read to at night.
His small size. He's our little guy...wearing some of the same clothes for multiple years. Just caught him wearing 12mo. shorts the other day and they still look great.
His one liners. Best one recently was the first time he went #2 in the potty. "Mom, that was amazing!"
His enthusiasm. He has always been so energetic about everything. Movies, fast food, lunch, Dad coming home, the phone ringing...pretty much anything. He'll run into the room and say "I love dinner!" He's a pretty positive kid.
His sweet prayers. He wants it to be his turn for family prayer every night. They are sweet and tender.

This is hard:

Melt downs (semi-frequent). I always say three is worse than two. I am hoping that is wrong, because two has been pretty dang hard. I am dreaming of the day when I can reason with him.
Potty Training. It's all relative. He's been my easiest BY FAR. And he's pretty great at it...the only battle is just getting him to go on his own without my prompt. The stubbornness kicks in big time.
Church/Nursery. Let's just say 1:30pm church does NOT go over well. Most of the time he falls asleep after the first hour and sleeps through hour #2, and is cranky in hour #3. I don't see this getting better until we switch to 9:30am church in January.
Cleaning up. We are working on it, but he'd rather throw a 30 minute fit instead of spending 2 minutes picking up the cereal he spilled on the floor. Then he'll come up to me and completely switch gears and say "I'm sorry mom" and then clean it up. Don't know why he can't figure out it that it is just easier to do it in the first place!
Going to bed. He's a night owl through and through. He'll battle us until 11pm or later some nights and finally crash in the hallway or on the stairs.

We had a little family birthday for him on his actual birthday and his Scooter party a few days later.

Making chocolate cupcakes and chocolate frosting with mom.

I made a birthday crown this year because I felt badly I didn't make him a 'back to school' one like the other kids. And he actually wore it!

We love our 3 year old little Ry Ry.

{Back to School!}

2011-09-10T01:04:00.000-07:00

The kids have been in school over a week now. They have been antsy about it for weeks....packing and unpacking their school supplies, organizing new school outfits, counting down the days. So fun to see them so excited. (Although the honeymoon phase is quickly fading...). I'm excited too...the sibling arguing seems to escalate all summer until I am ready to ban them to their rooms all day. And then school starts just in time and they just seem to get along better when they aren't together so much.

We were so glad to find out they have wonderful teachers and adorable classrooms. We attended back to school night two days before school began to re-learn where everything is (remember they were only in the school for about 7 weeks last year after we moved and before school was out for the summer). Helping Addy figure out where to line up and where Carson picks her up at the end of the day, and where they meet me after school. Got that all down. And school supplies all delivered and tucked away in their desk and cubbies.

And then the night before school started we had our traditional back-to-school feast. (well, as much of a feast as I can put on which consisted of home-made soup and dessert and pretty much store-bought everything else). We raced home from soccer to enjoy a little party! I made crowns this year for the kids (a la nie nie...love her!).

That night Trevor gave them each father's blessings. A little prayer and blessing that things will go well for the kids this year. I love that. It's such a wonderful start to the school year for all of us.

And then 7AM came pretty early to these kids who usually are getting up at 8:30 or 9:00! Yah, we are in for a major adjustment!!

Got to have a shot in front of the front door. Here's our 1st grader. She's gone all day! I miss her!!! She is my big helper at home and keeps me company too. She's so excited though, it's hard to be too sad.

And this handsome kid, is in 4th grade. I seriously don't know how I have a 4th grader. I am definitely older than I feel!! And man, he looks so old in this picture!

I am now home with the two little boys and love it (and I'll love it more when that darn tax deadline is over). We don't have to go anywhere!! No preschool, no kindergarten drop offs, no dance. Just my 3 year old and baby. This hasn't happened in years!! It'll be a great (quiet) year...which I am really looking forward to. Ry will have 2 years of preschool starting next year, so I'm not rushing anything and we are just going to enjoy being at home. Because once school is out, the chaos begins. The start of school also means the start of dance, piano, soccer, and cubscouts!

Here is what Ry and I were up to the first week:

Potty training...a family affair. I don't know who was more excited Rylan or Car and Ads. They were great cheerleaders! (And yah, not much modesty here either...).

And yes, Rylan (who turned 3 last week) is potty trained!! I seriously cannot believe how easy it was. It took about 2 days. I am shocked actually. Carson and Addy were the WORST potty trainers ever. Partly my fault...started too young, I think. I wanted to wait until Ry was 3, but a week before his birthday he wanted to use the potty so we put him on the toilet and he went. Ever since then, he's just wanted to use it. I have to remind him to go in and go, but he goes on demand. No pull ups (except at night). Very few accidents (we had a 3 day no-accident stretch going until yesterday). I have taken him on errands for a few hours at a time and he's been fine. I still can't believe it even typing this...but I'll take it. Something has to be easy when the other little boy in the house is crying all the time making me want pull my hair out! Good job Rylan!!!

And, totally unrelated, but my flowers have been awesome. Remember when I planted all those pots in the spring? They are at their peak right now as we near the end of summer and all the watering and dead-heading is paying off. They're beautiful! I am not a green-thumb at all, so this is huge for me...to actually keep plants alive the entire summer. It's such a treat to sit outside and enjoy these!!

And we also have a piles of tomatoes from the garden too. It's amazing how vegetables will grow when I'm not responsible for watering them...hooray for a sprinkler system in the new house. Very low maintenance and yummy produce!

I am enjoying the pace and routine after a busy summer. And the groove we get into when school starts. If only this warm weather would stick around too...

{Last Summer Hurrah}

2011-09-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we snuck away for one more camping weekend with my sister and her family. We decided to make it as easy as possible after a summer of chaos. I think I only spent 50% of the actual summer sleeping in my own bed. It just seemed to fly by with everything going on. But, we wouldn't have summer any other way. We love the packed-in schedule and time to vacation.

So we headed to Dash Point State Park which is literally right outside of Seattle. Just a skip from my sister's house and about 45 minutes for us. It was perfect because neither one of us wanted to travel, and we still managed to get our camping fix. The campground wasn't the greatest. But we made it work and these ones didn't notice. My kids adore cousins, Paige and Brynn. They all had so much fun!

They spent Saturday morning filling most of the roadway with sidewalk art.

Uncle Chris and his attempt to start a fire with a magnifying glass. It actually worked and Carson (the eager cub scout and pyromaniac) was attempting it himself the rest of the weekend.

Brynn and Paige watching a movie and dancing in the trailer.

Miles and Finley both smiling at the same time!

Trev stuck in our set of youth golf clubs that have been collecting dust for 5 years since he bought them at a garage sale. Here is Addy in a fairly decent golfing stance.

Saturday afternoon we headed to the beach area. Again, not your lay-in-the-sand kind of beach, but the kids had fun. Especially Ry who really was taken with Uncle Chris (which sounded like "Apple Crisp" every time he said his name). He was good to play with Ry in the water because Trev's new surgery incisions wouldn't fair so well in the salt water.

(Did I ever mention he had surgery on his meniscus the week prior??)

And I never get to take pictures in ideal lighting. Let's face it...the photo-ops just always seem to happen when the sun is directly overhead or late at night. There is no planning the best photography light into a family schedule. But since we hit the beach area so late in the afternoon, the light was golden the last 30 minutes before we headed back for dinner. Loved it. Love these next few shots of the kids on the beach.

Ry & Brynn

And just to document that Reese and I were there too.

Thanks Reese and Chris for great company, good food, and a fantastic end to the summer. The trailer is already winterized and in storage. It's been a great summer, but I think I am ready for a routine. Things are a little out of whack around here. And by out of whack, I mean attitudes and housework. Time to catch up and reel in the behavior!! Oh, and potty train that almost 3 year old.

{And A Summer Wedding}

2011-08-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

What would summer be without a fantastic wedding to attend? I love summer weddings! Okay, I think I just love weddings in general...any time of year. I was so sad to miss my cousin, Jessica's, wedding earlier in the summer. But we were lucky enough to attend a wedding of a close (practically family!) friend a couple weeks ago in Portland...Mary! We attended her sister's wedding in the exact same spot last summer. I have known this girly since she was a toddler. Babysat her during my teens and now consider her a life-long friend! She has had a rough year: surviving a massive brain hemorrhage, brain surgery, and a year of recovery. (All about her story here). We almost lost her. And now here she is, a miracle, and a beautiful bride marrying her prince in the Portland LDS temple. Blessings were abounding every where that day.

She gave me the task of taking some candid shots while the main photographer did the wedding photos. It was so fun because I got to linger with the family and enjoy the day with them a bit more than usual. Being at a wedding makes you wish you had that $1500 lens and top-of-the-line camera. Or even just a chance to pose the bride yourself, but it was fun to just sit back and watch the photographer do his thing. It would be way (and I mean WAY) too much pressure for me to ever do that on my own some day. I think I like my little niche as a hobby photographer. It was really fun though!

Mary and Zane
Oh my goodness. They are both gorgeous. They could be on a cover of a bride magazine!

Addy and Paige were all ooohs and ahhhs the entire day. They couldn't get enough of the bride and Mary was so good for indulging them over and over.

The bride and groom with the Dalley group. Minus Trevor and Ry. Guess who decided he didn't want to be in the group picture...again!

But seriously, this little guy. I am so biased, but man, he is adorable.

Love going to weddings with my husband too. It's nice to take a moment and reflect on your own wedding and love for one another. Weddings bring out the sappiest in yourself, don't they? Our lucky 13th anniversary is just a couple weeks away.

Love these next two shots of Mary with her dad and then the parents of bride together bursting with happiness.

At the reception, Paige and Addy in another picture with the bride. I had to bribe Addy to wear that hat. Isn't it adorable? She got so many compliments that now she'll willingly wear it. I'm sure it won't be the first time she second guesses my taste, but hey, I have good taste, don't I??

My other adorable little boy.

Ry escorted Brynn to the drink station, helped her fill her drink, and then walked her back to the table. Sometimes he really busts out his charm.

Congrats to the happy couple! Thanks for letting us be a part of your day Mary and Zane. It was a beautiful day to start your new life together. xoxo.

{Pettingill Fam Reunion}

2011-08-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

The first week of August we headed to Coeur d'Alene for Trevor's family reunion. We got the un lucky opportunity to be in charge this year. The planning was a little bit of a roller coaster at first, but I think it turned out great and everyone at least seemed to have a good time. If not, they did a pretty good job of faking it. For us, it was one of our favorite camping spots we have been to!

We camped at Farragut State Park. The park was gorgeous. And the best part: The weather was absolutely fantastic. 80s during the day, but cold enough at night for a campfire and hot chocolate in the morning.

Ry has no shortage of boy cousins his age. There are 4 boys born within 9 months of each other and they are all ages 2 and 3 now. They sure had a great time and played together really well.

Here are Ry and Beckett enjoying hot chocolate in the 'friend' camping chair.

Trevor made his grandpa's famous pancakes (from scratch, mind you). They were a big hit and I am so glad he is carrying on the tradition. Trevor has always been the breakfast-maker in the house. And these pancakes are his specialty!

Miles spent a lot of time being held and snuggled by all. Here he is with Uncle Tyler.

And if he wasn't being held, he was in the bumbo. He's at the perfect age for it right now.

Craft time is always a must for my kids. (Thank you Michael's dollar section).

Carson and Dallan up to no good with water balloons.

And who knew cheap squirt guns would provide so much entertainment?

All the kids thought it was pretty funny getting Uncle Trev and Uncle Dan all wet.

We spent one afternoon on Lake Pend Oreille.

Gosh, Evee is adorable.

And we spent all day at Silverwood Amusement Park on another day. Needless to say the kids had a blast.

Carson has a secret crush on his aunt Mindy. They were buds the whole weekend.

Owen and Ry waiting in line.

And the water park at Silverwood was just as much fun as the rides.

Mindy and Kai

(who were off to Paris just a day after the reunion ended!)

3 of the 4 boys (Beckett, where are you?!) Kai, Owen, and Ry enjoying dinner. Kai wasn't feeling well, but man, he looks cute in this picture!

Back at camp in the hammock that we finally set up after having it in the trailer for 3 years. Just happened to have the perfect trees for it right in camp.

Elle was at a hard age for camping (just over one and walking). But she did so good and was content the entire weekend! Look at this sweet face and those eyelashes!

The grandmas brought little presents for the kids...which were a major hit. I love these superman capes that Grandma Judy made. So cute! You should have seen these boys zipping around the trees playing super-hero.

We had a little party for Evee (turning 4!)

The whole group (minus Tyler who had to leave early). Thanks everyone for coming. It was a huge traveling effort by all. And Onjali handled her two kids without a husband the whole week (we missed you Todd!) . It was awesome being together in this big group. The cousins just can't get enough of each other and it is so fun to watch them grow and become friends. Until next year!

{Pine Valley Wrap-Up}

2011-08-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Since my mom and sisters are the only readers of my blog, I won't feel badly about having one more post from our time in Southern Utah. I *only* took 1500 pictures during those 2 weeks. And then my sisters and I share pics (via dropbox...have you tried that yet? It's an awesome way to share files) which adds even more to the collection. But, I love it.

So here are a few final activities from our vacay.

Uncle Bryce helped the kids fly a kite during a windy afternoon.

My Dad, Chris, and Trevor braved the boat with 5 kids to go fishing one morning. Carson caught the only fish. He was pretty excited! Thanks to the guys for taking these cell phone pictures.

And , one of the highlights of our time in Pine Valley was attending the Enterprise Rodeo! I really wanted to do this as I haven't taken my kids to a rodeo since Carson was a baby. AND, my former roommate, Melinda, from BYU (who lives in Enterprise) met me there AND her two boys and husband were competing! Seriously, how many of you KNOW actual rodeo competitors...you know, the cattle ropers and such? They did great!

Here is Melinda's husband, Bret and her son. Oh. My. Word. Can I just bottle up this kid and steal him? His hat, buckle, boots, and smile made me want to sell all I own and move to rural Utah so I can dress my boys like that and have them compete in a rodeo. He is the cutest darn cowboy I have ever seen.

So glad Bryce & Camille and my Mom and Dad joined us too. My dad loves a reason to wear his cowboy hat and boots! And he's also started wearing Wranglers. My mom just shakes her head, but we think dad is a cowboy at heart. And Claire seems pretty darn excited about it too!

And where else can kids from the audience participate in the chicken chase? Carson was brave enough to run around with the rodeo regulars to chase chickens in the arena. The downside: if you catch a chicken, you keep it. What??!? A real, live chicken. I was in a different world for a minute. Thankfully Carson was no where near as brave as some of those kids who caught those chickens and hung on for dear life as the chickens went berserk flapping there wings. We saw the cutest little girl (maybe 6) hugging one so tight. It was extremely entertaining for us city folk.

And then Melinda invited my kids to come ride their horses out in the parking lot before we left. This little girl was pretty excited. It's not every day you get to ride a horse.

And here is Melinda (holding Ry so he doesn't spook a horse) and 2 of her cute kids. See what I mean about her son? Cutest little cowboy ever. But don't let her 4 year old daughter fool you. She got to ride around the arena on her OWN horse at the start of the rodeo and will start barrel racing next year. So adorable.

It was such a treat to see Melinda and her sweet family even though it was so short! Thanks for making it such a fun night!!

And one final gem, caught on video by my sister. This is Ry saying "Pine Valley". He doesn't have a problem saying P's or V's..., but apparently this is how he hears it. We laughed about it all week (and are laughing still).

{Miles' Baby Blessing}

2011-08-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

We were so grateful to be able to do Miles' baby blessing while we were with my family in Pine Valley. What a treat to be able to bless our sweet baby boy in a historic and completely adorable chapel with so many loved ones attending including Miles' namesake, his great grandfather. 4 generations all around to celebrate. It really was so sweet and memorable for all of us.

It was a beautiful day! We had to be at the chapel about an hour early to get seats. They welcome everyone, but if you aren't early, you'll be in an overflow area or even outside in the shade (watching on a tv monitor). So, thanks to everyone for getting up extra early so we could all sit together!

Love this smile!

Trevor did a great job with the blessing. Our normally fussy baby was calm and quiet as could be. We were all touched and reminded again what a sweet and precious gift a newborn baby is to the world. A tiny life full of possibilities. I can especially feel of God's love for His little children during these special moments because I have an overwhelming feeling of love for my own little ones.

Okay, here comes more pictures (a ton!). I have no filter. Sorry. My brother had to remind me it wasn't a wedding. We go a little picture crazy around here.

What a group! I almost photoshopped Ry out of this picture, below. Yep, that's him on the ground in complete resistance of the group photo. But that is reality of my life with this 2 (almost 3!) year old. Good grief. Maybe I'll laugh someday?What am I going to do with this kid?! Luckily I have that sweet picture (above) of my baby with my baby.

All the men in the circle. So grateful and proud of these priesthood holders. What a blessing they are in my life. And what amazing men my boys can look up to.

Miles and his great-grandpa Snow.

And with great-grandma Snow too!

4 generations.

So lucky he is mine!

Grandma and Grandpa Dalley.

My sisters and our babies. Miles is the caboose in this cousin baby train!

My cousins and Aunt Amie.

Mom walking home from church with her cute grandsons.

Loved this of Ry and Graham.

All 4 babies again.

Love this little sweet pea in his adorable blessing outfit that is already too small. Sigh.