LAGOON DAY!!

Today was Lagoon day for Questar (my mom's work). We decided that Eric shouldn't have all the fun so we went, just Finn and the girls! It was a great day, not too hot, not too crowded. We used to go to this Lagoon Day all the time when we were growing up but I can honestly say that I hadn't been for like over 10 years. They have really added some fun stuff, esp for the kiddies! The above pic is of Neelah and I waiting for Finn and Ya-Ya to finish their ride.
Only, Finn didn't even get on...This is Finn leaving the boat ride without even riding. He got in the boat and then realized that Ya-Ya wasn't getting in too and decided it was not for him. There went 25 min waiting in line in the sun! I was a little worried that this was foreshadowing for the rest of the day.
But alas, here we are riding Puff the magic dragon! This above shot was before the ride started and the one below...
is the action shot. I can't tell what he thinks but after getting off the ride he said he loved it! ??? Do you think the kid behind Finn is enjoying himself?
From the look on Finn's face, this was OBVIOUSLY the best part of the day. THE TRAIN RIDE!! He was so giddy to go on the train and loved every second of the 4 min ride. It made me sad to see the animals and their cages. So not anything like their natural habitats.
These next pics were actually of the beginning of the day. Questar puts on lots of fun games for the family. Here is Finn catching a ducky...and then he got a prize!
There was cookie decorating and Finn promptly spilled his sprinkles on the ground. I was generous enough to give him mine.
Enjoying his masterpiece...
And waiting his turn for yet another ride...the mini Tidal Wave. Very fun!
Watching this one made me a little ill. When did I get so squeamish?

So thankful!

There are many things that I am thankful for today. But right now I am thankful for a few specific things. I am thankful that both my kids are napping (well, as I type I can hear Finn singing to himself). But looking back through my blog over the past year, I am truly greatful for my freinds. I have the best friends! It makes me want to cry when I think of you guys who are so loyal, loving and understanding. I guess after taking that personality test, it really got me thinking about the kind of friend that I am. I really strive to be loyal, loving and understanding and so I am so blessed to have freinds that have those charecteristics.

I have really been blessed in my life with the people I have met. In good times, and bad. In Utah and Hawaii. In elementary and in motherhood. The people who read this make up that list and I am so grateful to have you in my life. It is just so good to be accepted for who we are! I am so glad to know how important that is so that I can teach it to my children. This is a little on the cheesy side for a blog entry, but since this seconds as my journal (or the closest thing to one) I had to express my gratitude!

Love you guys!!

Stealer...

So I stole the Personality test below from Mandy. It's quick and fun and fits me to a "T"!!! How do these things work so well? Horiscopes, not so much but this...Hits the nail right on the head. Especially the last line, I am not bossy, inappropriate or loud! I am trusting, idealistic and expressive! It's funny how today and for the last few weeks, I have thought that I was those first things. Through some soul searching I have realized that this is just me. You can take it or leave it. I make no false pretenses :) It was nice to have this say that although others may see me as one thing, I know that I am something else, something BETTER! Take yours and let me know if the same happens for you.

My personality.

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine. In love, you are very protective and supporting.However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous. At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential.You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist. How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud

What's" Your Personality Type?

Never too late...

These pics were taken in July when Brinn was here visiting. I miss her!! Her husband needs to get dental school done with so they can move back here pronto!
These are her darling girls, Brooklyn and Brielle. They had lots of fun playing together while visiting. We miss them!

Summer yard fun

This one was actually taken a few weeks ago, before we sold all but one puppy. The kids loved tot get in the pen with them and play around.
These pics were taken yesterday after my sister Lyndsay and her family came over for a little back yard playgroup. The kids had tons of fun on this swingset and Finn only pushed Felicity and Gabe down the slide once.
Gabe, Reagan and Finn. Reagan is such a character! Do you think she is having any fun?

Potty training incentive!

For months now, we have had this Thomas the tank engine Steam track set. Finn has known that when he went poo poo and pee pee in the potty, he got to play with it. I bought it thinking that he would jump at the chance to play with it and instantly be potty trained. What am I, a rookie? You betcha! Needless to say, he drug the box around the house showing everyone that THIS was what he got when he went in the toilet but he didn't actually do it. That is, until 2 weeks ago. Since then, he has only had two days where he has had accidents, that is pretty impressive I think but then, I am the mom.

Brotherly Love...

So since Neelah has been rolling around, she is way more interested in toys. Finn is having so much fun playing with her!! He is such a good big brother and I hope she appreciates it. There is a story about how Eric's sister Anne used to literally bite onto Eric's achilles (sp?) tendon and let him drag her around. Hopefully my kids will have a happier relationship than that! (Love that story Anne!!)
In this photo, Finn is actually tucking her in. He has been playing with his stuffed puppy and elephant and loves to tuck them into his bed. Since he has so much expertise, he is using it on Neelah.
Giving loves...Neelah is a lover just like Finn.
Happy rolling fool
And here is Finn playing patty-cake with Neelah. She adores her big brother and as I have said before, he is the only one who can consistantly make her laugh!

Can't be outdone...

I know I am so bad about blogging lately, I know this. I feel way out done by my friends (all except Brinn who hasn't updated her blog since mom's day). Even Lissa who is new to having a blog has outdone me! I just thought that I would give a little update even without pictures.

I don't think I mentioned it but I am a working woman these days! I got hired on at LDS Hospital as a Unit Secretary on the floor that I used to work on before my marriage days. I love it! About half of the employees there are from 4 years ago so I know some friendly faces. I work 3 days a week from 3pm-11pm. It has beeen AMAZINGLY fulfilling for me and I appreciate my kiddies so much when I get home. I even go gaze at Neelah while she sleeps. I can't do this with Finn because he is such a light sleeper, that if I walked in his head would pop up and he would say "hi Mommy!"

Lets see, other news.... FINN IS POTTY TRAINED!!!! I am liberated!! One day, he just decided it was a good time. We went out and bought a bunch of underwear including Thomas the Tank, Cars and Go Diego Go. Only once in 7 days has he had an accident and that time he came to me exclaiming that "poop was coming out!!" We ran into the bathroom and sure enough, he didn't make it there fast enough but then he sat down and finished his business. How proud am I?

A day at Wheeler Farm

A few weeks back we went to Wheeler Farm for a Charity carnival. All the grandkids were in attendance and everyone had lots of fun. It was really hot but worth it. Here is Finn, Felicity, Reagan and Gabe with their balloons. Gabe's popped seconds after this picture was taken.
At the top of the slide, Finn had to see Felicity go and then he was brave enough to go himself...at least on this one. There was another that Eric had to climb up the back and literally push him down. Don't think the worst, it was a bouncy house slide and he loved it after it was all said and done.
Here is my son in a Hummer...Hum-V. Whatever you call the ARMY vehicles. He loved it.
This was the slide that he had to be pushed down. It was of a big shark.

So so long...

So my 10 year high school reunion came and went. I pretty much planned the whole thing...the reunion committy started out with 10 and ended up with about 3. If you had asked me the day before I would have told you it was like planning the event from HELL but now that it is over, it was totally worth it. I may sound like the over exhuberant high school student but really, last night was so much fun! I woke up this morning with a hoarse throat from laughing so hard and so much. This picture is of me, Jenny, Katie, Mikki, Lindy, Sarah and Melissa.
Me, Mikki and Emilie.
This picture is by far my favorite of the evening...Courtney and I. Love that girl!!

Summer Days

I know I have been terrible at posting but I have to blame it on Eric. He has been in Hawaii for the last 2 weeks for his Drill time and has taken our laptop with him. It is so much easier for me to upload pictures with our computer than with my moms.
Doesn't he look like a little angel here? Yeah right! He's actually a holy TERROR!! We love him though. Last night we were sitting on the porch swing and he said, "MOMMA! I spy a rainbow with my binoculars!!" He was holding up his hands as imaginary binoculars and looking at the rainbow in the horizon. Then he proceded to tell me all the other things he could see with his binoculars.
Now this is the little angel! Grandma Sharlene brought this dress back from Cancun for Neelah. Isn't is so cute!!
Here we have a rare moment where Finn is playing with Neelah. Actually, they happen often but I never catch them on camera. Neelah LOVES her big brother and he can always make her smile!

Fun in the Bath

At first, Finn didn't know how he felt about sharing the bath with his sister but he quickly decided it was fun.
He is such a good big brother. He insists on giving Neelah kisses and hugs before bedtime. He is really good at entertaining her when she is fussing.
I love this kid!! Seeing pictures like this make me forget what a MONSTER he is on days like today. Church is always a struggle...with it being right in nap time and all. But when I see my son like this....he is an ANGEL and all I want to do is kiss him forever.
This one is post-bath. Finn found a pair of Mr Potatoe Head glasses and walked around telling all of us "I see you!!"

London Bridges!

Here are the kiddies prior to getting all wet. Finn, Reagan and Felicity all posed for Ya Ya but none of the pics were perfect. Trying to get "nice" smiles from the kids at the same time is near impossible.
I started out watering the flowers but at 7pm last night it was still at least 85 degrees. Finn wanted to play London Bridges and so we did. The kids had a blast and were all soaken wet!
Then the wind started to blow so we wrapped them in towels and turned the water off.
Finn can't decide if he is cold or what.

Independance Day!

Yes, we did allow Finn to play with fire...sparklers, that is. He loved them and really surprized me with not being scared of them. We had Grandpa Rick and Grandma Sharlene along with aunt Amanda over for a little BBQ action and fireworks. After the big wedding day, a chill night was REALLY nice!
This one is a little fuzzy but it shows just how much Finn loved the sparklers!

The Burgoynes come to visit!!

Our friends from Hawaii came and stayed with us on Friday night. It was great to have their "aloha spirit" in our home again. We love Nate and Heidi and their girls. The kids played so well together, well...when Finn wasn't hogging his toys! Kezia (sorry guys, I may have spelled her name wrong :) anyway, she LOVED Maile! Finn shared his Thomas bed with his friends and didn't put up too much of a fight about having to sleep on the floor in our room. At first, it was cool to have a little bed on the floor but when he realized that he was actually going to have to sleep there, he got a little concerned. The picture above is Finn, Maile, Kezia and Ivey. Thanks guys for your friendship and fun!!
Here we all are from L to R: Kezia, Heidi, Ivey, Nate, Me, Neelah, Eric and Finn with Maile on the floor.

More Pictures #2

Poor McKinney...she didn't want to have any more pictures taken.
Here are the princesses...Riley and Neelah.
This is a shot of Neelah today. We are all recovering from the big wedding day. I know you are all going to see this post first before the post where I explained that it was April and Nate's wedding. That is the one thing I don't like about this blogger...

Wedding Pictures.

Our sleeping Angel...what a princess! Grandma Sharlene bought these darling dresses for all the little girls.
McKinney, April and Nate at the luncheon.
Finn spent most of the time at the luncheon underneath the table reading his Thomas book. It was a LONG day!
The Family
The WHOLE family!! Finn was screaming the entire time!

April and Nate's wedding!!

This picture doesn't do justice to the amount of cupcakes we made for the wedding. Alisa came up with the unique idea of having cupcakes instead of a huge wedding cake. She and I made Honey Lavendar and Citrus Rose cupcakes. She is such the chef!
The kitchen afterward...aprox 2am the day of the wedding.
Jeff and Amy and Neelah at the temple
Here is the finished product...the cupcake cake!
The big day has come and gone. July 3rd...Eric's grandpa Miland's birthday and April and Nate's anniversary. They were married in the Bountiful temple and then had a luncheon at the Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg. Everything was beautiful! Here are some of the pics.