Notes to Self

Halloween

2011-11-07T14:22:00.001-08:00

Random pictures

2011-11-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is us in our car on our way to Disneyland. I can't believe we all fit. It only worked because we had a cargo box on top of the Pilot with our suitcases.

A big smile

Makenzie loves this boy. She likes to carry him around everywhere.

Colton and I hanging out in the basement.

Colton's blessing day

2011-11-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

Yes.... I am finally getting around to blogging about Colton's blessing day back in the middle of October. I found him this cute and simple outfit that fit him perfectly. I love all the faces he was making that day, including one smile.

Peach Days and Birthdays

2011-09-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Mike and his family at Peach Days in Brigham City

Austin and I watching the parade. Colton slept through the entire thing.

Everyone at the parade

Colton is really starting to put on the chub.

The double chin has arrived

Yes-- that is spit up on my shirt. This boy spits up more than any other baby I've had.

Tyler turned 9 this year. Can not belive that next year he will have been alive for an entire decade. I"m not sure I'm ready for that.

Makenzie turned 7 in August and had a water birthday party with 15 of her friends. So much fun!!

A weekend get-away

2011-08-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Maline, called me last week to tell me that she and her 3 kids were going to be in St. George for a few days. I decided to meet her down there for a quick weekend get away-- leaving Austin behind to take care of Daddy. We had so much fun, even though it was short. We played in the pool, explored a cave, jumped in the sand dunes, danced in a splash pad at night and swam in a lake. All within 36 hours and with a one month old in tow. So much fun!!!

The lake

AT the sand dunes

The cave

Tyler and Jackson in the pool

One month

2011-08-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that one month has already passed. I feel like Colton has only been here for a week or two. It's amazing how fast time flies by. It's a reminder to me to take it all in and enjoy this little sweet one while he's still so small. For the most part, he's a good baby. He'll sleep for 4 hours at a time in between feedings at night and he's eating like a champ. All of the other kids adore him.... even Austin who is constantly kissing the top of his head. I need to get pictures of them with Colton--- a project for this week perhaps.

Pictures of Colton

2011-07-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Colton Wendell Droubay

2011-07-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Colton joined our family on July 14th at 9:20 in the morning. He didn't make the turn and remained head-up to the end. After a full night of contractions in the hospital and one last attempt by the doctor to turn him, Melanie had her first C-Section and we got a beautiful baby boy. He weighed in at 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 19 inches long. Like the rest of our kids, he has old-man hair that will likely get cut off once we get home. So far, he has been golden--never crying (except during his bath) and eating and sleeping like a champ. I'll leave it to Melanie to tell the full story later but in the mean time here are some pictures. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers--Mike

Melanie and the boy

Kenzie was the most excited to have Colton here--maybe we can train her to take care of him at night? I'm sure that there are no child endangerment issues there.

Tyler getting ready to teach another brother how to be a man.

Austin holding Colton--and assessing the competition.

No luck!

2011-07-13T12:12:00.001-07:00

Well, the version attempt yesterday was unsuccessful. The doctor was almost able to turn the baby around but then he just flipped right back to where he's most comfortable..... head up. They were going to try a second time but his heartrate went down after the first time. I don't think the baby was too happy about what we were trying to do. So.... we'll have to wait a bit and see if he either turns on his own or my doctor might try another version again at the beginning of next week. This little stinker boy is causing me trouble!!

Little stinker

2011-07-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

I went to my doctor's appointment this week and this baby boy is STILL breech-- the little stinker. I didn't think he was going to turn just because he has been in this same position for as long as I can remember. He must be comfortable there. We scheduled an appointment to go in to the hospital next Tuesday for my doctor to try to turn him so we'll just keep our fingers crossed that it goes well. This is definitely adding some excitement (and stress) to these last couple of weeks.

Fun with old friends

2011-07-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Eyre's stopped by for a night on their way from California to North Carolina. It was so fun to get the kids together and see them... even if it was only a short visit. It was funny to see Jackson and Austin trying to get along. My kids have been so excited for them to come and stay for a night. The kids had a big sleepover downstairs and the girls spent a good portion of the night putting together a dance recital for us. So cute!!

All the kids together

Tramp party

Makenzie still talks about her friends in California that she misses-- especially Brooke.

Tyler's Tang stand

2011-07-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

The other day Tyler came up to me with the idea that he wanted to make a lemonade stand . Unfortunately, we didn't have any lemonade so he decided on some "Tang". Somehow he convinced Makenzie to get in on the plan and together they set out to try to make some money. It started out as just Tang and honestly, I thought Mike and I would be the only customers. But apparently 10 cents a cup and 5 cents a refill sounded like a good deal to our neighborhood kids because soon they were swarming the stand.

That's when Tyler came in and told me he needed some cookies and brownies to sell. Hours later he and Makenzie had sold all their cookies, brownies and Tang to 41 customers each making over $6. Not bad. Unfortunately, now Tyler thinks he wants to set up a stand every week selling different things.
We'll see what he comes up with next.

3 more weeks

2011-06-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

Only 3 1/2 more weeks to go with the pregnancy!! Part of me wants to stay pregnant because I'm nervous about taking care of 4 kids but the rest of me is so ready to be done with the pregnancy. The last month is so brutal. My poor kids and husband are surviving on take-out and Mac n' cheese.

I had my doctor's appt yesterday. This baby is still breech--- the little stinker. My doctor said we'll give it a couple of more weeks to see if the baby will turn on his own before he tries to turn the baby for me. I'm having my doubts about the baby turning-- he has been in this position for as long as I can remember and he doesn't seem to want to budge. Hopefully the doctor can persuade him to turn. Keep your fingers crossed!

Lagoon fun

2011-06-14T13:31:00.001-07:00

Last week Mike took a day off so we could spend the day at the Lagoon Amusement Park. We had so much fun!! Since I couldn't go on many of the rides, I spent most of the day in Kiddieland with Austin. There is something so satisfying in seeing your child so happy and amazed at every little thing. It just never got tiring or old for Austin. He wanted to go on everything. The two older kids had an amazing time hitting some of the rollercoasters with Mike.

Austin and the boat ride

Makenzie and Austin on the train ride with me

I am so lucky that Makenzie and Tyler get along so well. They are best friends and they chose to sit together instead of with me.

Isn't it cute that they would rather go together than have separate cars???

Austin's favorite ride-- the cars. Too bad it lasts literally 1 minute.

Tyler and Mike on Wicked-- pretty brave for Ty. You can see them in the front row- Mike's wearing the white sweatshirt.

I had so much fun with Austin-- we were best buds all day.

the airplanes

California

2011-05-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to get back to California for a month now and the scheduling just never worked out. I was so happy when we were finally able to go back to visit. We stayed with my parents over Easter weekend and then spent a week up near San Francisco.

The kids had so much fun with the Easter egg hunt this year considering that my sister and brother, April and David, hid probably 300 eggs. Way to go Dad for stuffing all of them!!

Here they are ready to go out back to start the hunt.

Mike helped Austin at a neighborhood egg hunt

This was Austin during the entire Easter egg hunt. He didn't care much for finding the eggs- only opening them and enjoying the spoils.

Makenzie finding some well-hidden eggs on the rock waterfall

Unfortunately, we didn't count the eggs before we hid them so it took everyone looking to find them all.

Tyler and Makenzie with their eggs

We discovered on this trip that Austin has NO fear when it comes to water. As long as he has his arm floaties on.. he's good to go. He started jumping from the rock ledge along with Makenzie and Tyler and then he even started DIVING.... yes... DIVING!!! This kid is crazy!! He would dive off the edge of the pool by the hot tub into the big pool, swim to the edge, pull himself up, jump into the hot tub and then start the cycle all over again.

Easter morning

my sister, April, and I

I was horrible at taking pictures when we were up in Fremont and San Francisco. I got some with a few friends but not nearly all of them which makes me sad now. We did get to spend a day at Happy Hollow with a whole bunch of friends and the kids loved it.

Makenzie and Brooke.

Tyler with Markus and Linkoln

Kori and I

We also had time to go down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium-- a tradition for us.

We spent a day at the Beach and you couldn't have asked for better weather.
Reminded me of old times!

Buddies

Family picture at the beach-- I despise any picture of me pregnant, by the way.

Ashley and I

Our last day we spent in San Francisco. The kids had to ride the carousel at Pier 39 of course.

Austin on his horse. I don't know how I got bullied into going on with him. Not the best idea when you're 7 months pregnant.

Family picture in San Francisco

February and March

2011-03-28T08:48:00.001-07:00

It is impossible to get a smile from this guy for the camera. Literally.... impossible.

I think I can count on my hand the number of pictures I have of him smiling in his short two years. Which is crazy because he is generally a very happy boy.

Lately anytime that Austin sees me in my bed reading he feels like he needs to join me. This always includes him grabbing ALL of his books and piling them on my bed along with 3 blankets and 2 of his favorite stuffed animals. I don't mind though-- anything for some good snuggle time.

My brother, Jon, and his wife, Angie, came to visit us last weekend. It was fun to catch up with them and have visitors. Here is my attempt at a picture of all the cousins.

I wish I could say this was a picture of us on our way to Disneyland as Makenzie's ears might suggest. But no.... it was on our way to visit Antelope Island - 10 minutes from our house. Unfortunately, not a lot of antelope were spotted. Just a few buffalo here and there. Not too exciting.

We did go to the zoo earlier this month. The kids loved it.

Oh man--- I am so tired of the snow. But the kids aren't. This was our last big snowstorm earlier this month. I hope it's our last but probably not. The odds are against us.

Reminiscing

2011-02-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

I am soooooooooo ready for a vacation. I think I got spoiled in California going on so many weekend trips and getaways. I am needing a new adventure right now. Wish I could be back here.....

Or here....

Or here....

Or here.....

Random pictures

2011-02-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

Tyler entered into a spelling bee contest at his school. He came in 4th place in the entire school.

He has such a crazy memory!!

Makenzie doing her homework

Austin and his trains-- this is what he plays with all day- trains and more trains

Austin found the boy costume box. He decided on a combination of peterpan, batman and Mr. Incredible.

I can never get this kid to give me a good smile for the camera. It's near impossible!

House pictures

2011-02-05T11:40:00.001-08:00

Finally I am posting some pictures of the inside of our new house. It's only been 4 months since we moved in :) I still have quite a few projects I need to get done like repainting Makenzie and Austin's room. And hopefully in the spring we can finish our fence.

Our front yard-- obviously this picture was taken before winter came. Now we have the ugliest hill of snow in our front yard -- A month ago Mike made a gigantic snow slide for the kids. They loved it. Only problem is now it will probably take the next 4 months for it to melt.

Our backyard

This is our entryway. Straight ahead is the living room and then it leads to the kitchen/dining on the right. To the left through the french doors is Mike's office. To the immediate right are the stairs leading up. In the hallway is the door to the basement. I love the archway here-- there are so many archways in this house.

Hallway upstairs. Straight ahead is the kids' bathroom. Makenzie and Austin's rooms are at the end of this hall. They are a work in progress still though. To the left is the laundry room and I am standing in the master bedroom doorway.

Master bedroom

The hallway from our bedroom to bathroom. His and her closets on each side-- one of my favorite features :)

Master bath-- with his and her sinks-- one of Mike's favorite features

Back downstairs--- Mike's office. Funny story-- I had some cute pictures up on the wall behind his desk and Mike came in and just said-- "nope.. that's not going to work. My office can not be cute." So he found this awesome canvas of NYC at IKEA and I love the way it looks. Definitely more manly.

Living room -- don't mind the valentine's day decorations :)

Kitchen

Kitchen and dining room

Dining room

Straight ahead is the door to garage-- bathroom on left-- closet on right

This is our basement living area-- I should refer to it as Mike's room since he loves to spend a lot of time down here

More basement

There are 2 bedrooms down here, one storage room and one full bathroom.

This will be our guest room. Right now it is our computer/piano room.

Tyler's room. This is the room that flooded 3 days after we moved in b/c it is right next to the furnace/water heater room. I'm glad it's been put back together.

Big news

2011-01-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

Yes--- I know....... can you believe it? I've updated my blog and am posting a new post. It is a miracle!! So much has been happening over the past few months and I haven't been able to get around to blogging. The biggest news is that I am pregnant with number 4. I'm due on July 23rd. Hooray!! Or atleast I thought it was hooray until I got sick and all the recollections of how awful pregnancy can be came flooding back to my mind. I always say thank goodness we forget or we might not ever have more than one child. I know it could be a lot worse and I know the end results are totally worth it -- but I still don't have to like it. It's like I'm a completely different person-- a pathetic person. I'm spacey, unmotivated, sick, tired, depressed and chubby. Hopefully another few weeks and I will be feeling less sick and more like myself.

Last weekend all my family flew in for my Grandpa's funeral. He passed away at the age of 86 after complications with a heart surgery. It was sad, especially for my Grandma. They were married for more than 60 years and were sweethearts. It was a blessing that only a week before his surgery I took the kids up to Logan to see him. I had no idea it would be the last time they would see him.

Besides that, we've had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas; Austin turned 2 years old; we've had a few snowstorms to go sledding in; the kids had 4 weeks off for Christmas break so I put them in swim lessons; and we've been trying to get our house in order---still. Pictures to come soon... I promise.
anyways- here are a few shots from the past few months.

Disneyworld

2010-11-05T16:33:00.001-07:00

David and the kids at Epcot

Because my youngest brother, David, got home from his mission in October, my parents planned a family reunion down in Disneyworld to get all of us together. We had so much fun seeing everyone again and spending a week at the Disneyworld parks. It was sooo hot - 90 degree weather most days so we spent some time at the waterparks too. The kids had such a blast and I know we will be talking about this trip for years to come. I don't know why but I was horrible at taking pictures this trip. I don't have a single picture with my sister and only one with David.

This might just be the only picture of this guy smiling. He was sick with a bad cold for most of the trip.

Grandma and Grandpa with the kids in front of Fantasy land at Magic Kingdom

This picture is more like it-- He is a little stinker sometimes... but we love him anyways.

Nate, my brother, and his girlfriend, Alicia and some of the cousins

At Typhoon Lagoon waterpark

Tyler and Jackson

Alan, Maline and cooper on the Jeep ride at Animal Kingdom

Love these two cute girls

Slacker

2010-11-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yes.... you can say it. I know... I've been a complete blogging slacker lately. But things have just been so busy in the last couple of months that I just kept forgetting. But I'm back...hopefully for a while. It's been so long I'm not sure where to start off. A week after Tyler's baptism we moved back to Utah after purchasing our first home. Hooray!!

We had promised ourselves after the last move that we weren't ever going to get a Uhaul and do it ourselves but did we listen?? No. So we packed up everything ourselves again (minus 3 shelves, one tv unit, 2 50-gallon water storage containers, one kiddy pool and a tricycle which all woudn't fit) and drove the Penske truck up and over the Sierras at a whopping 50 mph making it to Utah in about 14 hours. More importantly-- we and all of our stuff made it in one piece. But NOW I can officially say that we will never "do it ourselves" again. Too stressful trying to pick which furniture you are going to leave behind if it doesn't all fit.

Then 3 days after we moved in, Tyler woke us up and told us the carpet in his basement bedroom was soggy. Yep, not exactly what you want to hear first thing in the morning. Sure enough we find out that the main drain out of the house has clogged and backed up flooding the furnace room and Tyler's room in the basement. We had to have everything the water touched ripped out and then put back together again. 4 weeks later the house was finally back in its original condition.

3 days after that was finished- we left for a family reunion down in Florida at Walt Disney World. It was so much fun and completely exhausting!! We played hard every day at a park or waterpark with my family and the kids had a fabulous time with their cousins. We got back late Halloween night and now Austin and I are nursing bad head-colds. Must be from too much fun. Not enough sleep. Now it's back to reality...

I will post pics tomorrow...

Tyler's baptism

2010-09-21T21:35:00.001-07:00

Eight years ago this little fella was born. I can't believe how fast time has gone by and how grown up he is now. Saturday was his baptism. Both sets of grandparents were able to be there and participated in the baptism program. Makenzie sang a solo. Tyler has been so excited for his baptism and I'm so relieved that everything went smoothly. I love this boy!!

My little missionary!!

A family shot. Unfortunately it was raining so we couldn't take pictures outside. And my nice camera is in the repair shop (thanks to Austin) and so I had to use my 8 year old camera.

Our First House

2010-08-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

It is official. Today we closed on our first house! We are so thrilled to finally be home-owners after 10 years of renting. About 6 months ago, Mike's work told him that he could work remotely. At that point we started thinking that maybe we would try to buy a house in a year or so. But then when it was time to re-sign our rental contract- they decided to raise the rent to $2500. That definitely sped up our decision to buy. We found this beautiful home in Syracuse, Utah that we fell in love with. I am so excited to start decorating and buying some furniture (our old couch is staying here along with some other choice objects). We have a little more than 3 weeks and then we'll be there. Crazy!!!

18 month pictures....... 3 months late

2010-08-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

I finally took Austin in to get his 18 month pictures. Too bad he is already 21 months old. I did almost get around to it in May. But then we had our trip to Arizona and then after he got 4 ear infections in 2 months, he had tubes put in his ears. Then our trip to Utah came and went and since then we've been busy having fun with friends during the summer. And then just when I remembered that I still needed to take him in, he fell down on the coffee table corner and had a big bruise on his cheek for the past two weeks. So finally he is getting his pictures done. Hooray!! It feels good to check that one off the list. Atleast until 3 more months when he turns 2. Maybe these can count for both!!

Lake Powell

2010-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky this year to have a family trip planned to Lake Powell with some of Mike's siblings and relatives. And we were extra lucky that my sister-in-law Heather was willing to watch Austin for the 4 days so we wouldn't have to bring him. It was delightful!! The kids had so much fun tubing, jetskiing, cliff-jumping, going down the houseboat slide and just being in the water 24-7. It was such a fun and relaxing trip!
Tyler and Cooper on the tube

Look how small that boat is next to the rocks

The kids.... and Jeff

This girl LOVES the water!!

Playing in Arizona

2010-06-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the chance to go visit our good friends, the Johnsons, in Mesa, Arizona.

The drive wasn't nearly as bad as we thought it would be since we stopped

at my parent's along the way. And with the beautiful weather, it was like a mini-summer

vacation for me and the kids. Mike worked with Alex from his home office while the kids and I mainly hung out in the Johnson's lovely pool.
We went out to eat, the boys hunted scorpions at night, we went jet-skiing on the lake, off-roading in the mountains and did a lot of hanging out together. We can't wait to visit again!

Austin LOVED the water. He is a fish. Only problem is that he thinks he can swim by himself. Mike tried to teach him fear of water by tossing him in a few times but Austin thought it was more funny than anything else. What am I going to do with this boy??

Makenzie and Allie- cute little ballerinas. Unfortunately I never got a picture with Makenzie holding the baby. Makenzie was always asking Amy to hold the baby and she is already trying to convince me that we need to have another baby girl.

The kids had so much fun at Amy's sister's pool which had a baby pool, diving board, waterfalls and yes-- a built-in water slide. So much fun!!!

The only picture of Amy and I together- - Unfortunately in our swimsuits

All the kids

One night, Alex took us all out (minus the babies) in rangers for some off-roading. The kids loved it, especially the girls who spent most of the time giggling in the backseat. Makenzie even called it a "desert Matterhorn ride".

Yes...... Mike is already saving his pennies for one of these (might take him a while though).

A typical conversation

2010-05-16T19:45:00.001-07:00

This conversation took place the other afternoon in the car. Mind you, Makenzie and Tyler argue about these kinds of things ALL the time. Half the time I think they argue just for the sake of arguing. It drives Mike and I crazy!!

Tyler: Mom- you are an "A+" mom.
Makenzie: She's not April's mom.
Tyler: Makenize, you don't even know what an A+ is.
Makenzie: Mom is not April's mom.
Tyler: An A+ means really really good.
Makenzie: Grandma Lewis is April's mom.

D-land

2010-05-14T12:52:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite picture from our trip to Disneyland. Most of the time Austin was good but 18 months is not the best age for lines and rides.

Last weekend we took the kids down to Disneyland for a quick fun vacation. Both April and my mom came down for a day to see the kids and on Saturday we were able to hang out with Brian and Heather who came out from Utah.

The kids LOVED spending time with their Aunt April. In fact, both of them spent most of the day fighting over who got to hold her hand, sit with her, etc. And both Makenzie and Tyler started crying as soon as she left. It was so cute and I'm glad that they love their Aunt April as much as I do!!

Austin and I on Dumbo. He loved the rides!!

It was so fun to see Brian, Heather, Meg and Adin. We went on all the rides together and got some pretty silly sitting situations. Somehow Mike and Brian ended up going on Pinnochio all by themselves while Heather and I had all the kids. We laughed pretty hard about that. Meg and Tyler were both really brave on this trip and went on Screamin' . Meg even braved Tower of Terror. And Adin took a liking to Mike and wanted to sit next to him on most of the rides.

Mike, Makenzie and Tyler on splash mountain

Yep--- there he goes. Luckily we caught him before he got out of the park.

Matterhorn-- one of my all time favorite rides!!

He is sooo amused here.

Mike and austin on nemo. Austin loved this ride.

Austin growing up

2010-05-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how big Austin is getting now. He has definitely lost the baby look. Everywhere I go, everyone says how much older he looks. It makes me a little bit sad that he is becoming more of a little boy now. He says and does the funniest things though and loves it when we give him a good laugh. We think he might end up being the family jokester.

Austin loves being outdoors.... that is as long as he has free access and can go wherever he wants. He loved going to Tyler's last baseball game although he tried a few times to go onto the field.

I still laugh when I see this picture although trust me, at the time I wasn't laughing.

It was quite the night that this happened. Bath #1: Gave Austin his usual bath. Unfortunately as I was getting ready to put his pjs on, he peed in his room on the carpet and on himself which resulted in Bath #2. I got him out and QUICKLy got him dressed in his Pjs. As I'm getting his toothbrush ready to brush his teeth, he very quickly jumped back into the bath tub- although this time with his pjs on and two of his stuffed animals resulting in Bath #3. Yes-- he does LOVE the water. Sheesh. I'm going to have to keep a close eye on this one.

Oakland zoo- spring break

Makenzie's silly sayings

2010-03-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

This girl makes us laugh so much. She's always saying the silliest things.

Today she told me that my chicken parmesan tasted "graceful". Yep, graceful. I bet you've never heard that compliment before.

Yesterday we were playing together with all of her stuffed animals and she started to tell me all of their names. This is part of the list:

Fluffy bear's name: Fluffy

Brown cat's name: Browny

Spotted dogs' name: Spot

Purple polka-dotted dragon's name: Purple polka dot

Dolphin's name: Jumpy

Horse's name: Runny

Camel's name: Lumpy

Bunny's name: Hoppy (see a pattern yet?)

Oh... and the best I saved for last, my personal favorite--

Unicorn's name: Horny

Our Hawaii trip

2010-03-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Aaahhh...... just looking at these pictures makes me want to go back. Mike and I just got home from celebrating our 10 year anniversary on Maui. It was amazing!!!! 8 days, 7 nights on a beautiful island in an exceptional hotel without kids and nothing to do but relax. Oh... and eat..... A LOT.
This is on Ka'anapali beach where our resort was. Our last full day there we rented a cabana right on the beach and boardwalk and stayed there from 8:30 in the morning till 5:00 at night. Delightful.

Of course we had to do a Luau. So we went to one at the Old Lahaina center. It was fun and there was even a couple at our table from Provo, Utah.

The northwest coast of Maui

Mike's rental car for the week. The convertible was well worth the extra money- we only drove with the top up one night when it got too cold.

Here we are on our way to Molikini crater to go snorkeling. It was by far the highlight of our trip. I couldn't believe how many fish we saw and the visibility was close to 200 feet. On our way out we saw a lot of whales and on the boat ride back we saw a ton of sea turtles. Too bad we didn't get any pictures with our goofy snorkel gear on.

We spent an entire afternoon in one of these and watched the sunset. I want one of these in my backyard. Although the view wouldn't be anything to look at.

Our beautiful hotel grounds. It looked like paradise.

One day we spent driving the Road to Hana. We stopped at a ton of beaches and hiked a whole bunch of waterfalls. It was fun but took an entire day with all of our stops. Here is a hidden red sand beach we found.

A popular black sand beach.

Mike and I inside a lava tube

Our hotel was great. Right on the beach with other resorts and had a great view and pool.

We would stay there again and even bring the kids there since it was very family friendly.

Step into Manhood

2010-02-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we have reached this new milestone in our family. Mike took Tyler to the store last weekend to get a cup. And I'm not talking about the one you drink out of. Tyler's little league started this week and it's required. I was so grateful for Mike so he could take Tyler to pick one out and explain it to him. The funny thing was that Makenzie wanted to know all about it too since everyone was talking about it. Tyler just turned to her and said, "Makenize, it's like a helmet for your wee-wee".

Baseball mitt- $30, Baseball bat - $25, Cup and briefs to go with it- $20, Ty's first step into manhood........... Priceless.

Austin portraits

2010-02-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

I was feeling guilty the other day. Guilty that Austin has only had one professional picture taken in his life and that was back when he was 4 months old. He's 14 months now. I remember with Tyler how I diligently took him to the mall every 3 months to have his picture taken - 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months... you get the idea. I didn't do quite as well with Makenzie but she still had newborn, 6 month and one year old pictures taken. I had to return something to the mall last week so I spontaneously decided to take Austin to Picture People. I almost laughed when they asked how many wardrobe changes I had for him. Instead I politely replied, "zero". To get Austin to sit or stand in one place for the picture was impossible. I chased him around trying to get him in a pose and was sweating by the time the session was over.... which only lasted 15 minutes. The photographer kept asking if I wanted to use a different prop or background for more pictures. I looked at her like she was crazy. I'm really impressed that even one picture turned out.

Countdown to Hawaii

2010-01-18T23:58:00.001-08:00

Mike and I celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year. I can't even believe that. We always told ourselves that we would go somewhere great for our 10 year anniversary but I'm not sure I ever really allowed myself to believe it. You never know if things are going to work out with pregnancies, nursing babies, kids, jobs, etc. But it looks like we are really going to make it happen and have made plans to go to Hawaii in March!!! I can't wait. Mike and I haven't been on a vacation without kids for years. I am seriously looking forward to just laying by the pool and beach and doing absolutely nothing..... all day long. In preparation, we have already started our "Hawaii diet" and exercise routine. Mike's been jogging and punching the bag like I've never seen before. Let the countdown begin!

December Fun

2009-12-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

This December has been busy,busy, busy. Especially the last two weeks. The time I've spent baking alone would probably add up to a good solid 36 hours. But we've been able to do some really fun things together as a family too which I love around the Christmas season. This year I decided to take Makenzie to the nutcracker ballet in San Francisco. I've never been and neither had she so it was exciting for both of us. She LOVED it!!! She kept looking over me and smiling and of course, had to comment about every single outfit, especially the dresses and tutus. What a great mommy/daughter date.

We also went up to the Oakland temple to view the lights and visit the Visitors Center. We missed the snow and lights we would have seen at SLC but lights on palm trees are pretty cool too.

And of course, no christmas would be complete without a visit from Santa. Thankfully a good friend had a Christmas party at her houe that Santa came to which saved me a dreaded trip to the mall. Austin and Makenzie were both a little wary of the big man in red.

Yesterday we went down with some friends to San Jose Christmas in the Park. It was fun to walk around and see all the trees and decorations. Tyler even got lucky and saw some random Star Wars Storm Trooper walking around (maybe from the Tech museum close by??) and got his picture with them.

Our Christmas Tree

2009-12-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

We cut our tree down again this year. We decided we wanted a bigger tree-- you know.... get our money's worth since it was one price any size. Tyler and makenzie were so excited-- they remembered how much fun it was last year. Last year the day we cut down our tree was the same night that Austin was born so it has good memories for all of us and we want to make it a Christmas tradition.

Mike found this beauty--- Perfectly shaped, just the right size......

or so we thought. Somehow we significantly misjudged the height of our ceilings
and the height of the tree. We got home, brought it inside and tried to put it up and couldn't get it past a 45 degree angle. We had to cut almost 2 feet off!!! Now it fits but it is so wide in girth that when you sit on our couch you can't see the TV. And forget about seeing the clock on the wall behind it. Mike keeps trying to convince me that it is "majestic" and "regal". The tree is so big and tall that the star on top looks microscopic. Next year we'll have to reign it in a bit but for now we are going to enjoy our gigantic "majestic" christmas tree.

Thanksgiving in Utah

2009-12-07T22:07:00.001-08:00

This year we decided (somewhat last minute) to drive out to Utah for Thanksgiving and spend a week visiting with our families. It was so much fun to see everyone and catch up and we were even able to celebrate Austin's first birthday with Mike's siblings and their families. I can't believe this guy is already one year old. It has really flown by. He is so close to walking and I'm dreading it because then he will truly be into everything.

Tyler and Austin are best buds. Austin's face just lights up when he sees Tyler and Tyler is so good at making him laugh and smile.

Everyone singing happy birthday to Austin

Aunt Kimber and Austin. Thanks again Kimber for putting us up and for being my Black Friday shopping partner....... even with no sleep.

All 17 cousins

I took a pictures of all the girls and then asked the guys if I could get a picture of all of them and of course, they couldn't do it without being silly. Look at these goobers :)

Luckily, our timing of coming out to Utah happened to coincide with my new nephew's baby blessing. It was so neat to see him get blessed by my brother Jon. This is the only picture I got from the day though--- baby andrew was sleeping.

Ty and Kenzie got to spend a lot of time with Sadie and Cooper, two of their cousins. The first night we stayed at their house, the four of them were up until midnight. Tyler was too cranky to get in this picture-- that's what having a lot of fun, staying up too late, and no naps does.

The kids went bowling and golfing with Grandpa-- it's tradition!

Mike and I still can't understand how Wendell managed to win in the last frame.
Unbelievable.

Tyler at the aerospace museum

For Thanksgiving we went out to Toelle and stayed with Mike's grandparents. I'm salivating just looking at these pictures again. YUM!! So much good food. Funny story: Our last night at Oma and Opa's house, Opa decides to make a fire downstairs in the basement fireplace to keep our kids warm. So the kids are down there watching a movie while Opa gets to work and 10 minutes later, Mike goes down to check on the kids and finds a cloud of smoke hovering through the entire basement. Not just a little smoke -- a CLOUD of thick smoke. So we start opening some windows and my Mike and Mike Shelley start trying to waft some of the air through one of them and five minutes later Opa tells them they aren't going to do any good with that window because there is a cover over it outside. Ha!

It ended up being colder in the room than warmer since we had to open all the windows and doors for a good 30 minutes to air everything out. Mike and I also had to wash every single item of clothing that was out since it all smelled like campfire when we got home. So funny!! Maybe someone needs to take the matches away?? :)

I couldn't get either of them to look at the camera... sheesh!

Wendell with the two youngest grandkids.. Sam didn't want to share him though.

4 generation picture

Going the distance

2009-11-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot this picture--My friends surprised me last month for my birthday by taking me out to dinner at El Patio. I thought I was just meeting Ashley there. It was so yummy and such a fun girls night out!!

I had my 30th birthday last month. I thought I would be a lot more sad and depressed about this milestone but I wasn't. For me, thinking about the fact that I have a 7 year old makes me feel older than my age. Or saying that I've been married almost 10 years and out of high school for 12. Those kinds of things make me feel old. But this birthday was a good one-- Mike and the kids surprised me while I was at work and bought me 30 balloons, 30 flowers and made a 4 layer chocolate cake with 30 candles. Then Mike and I rented bikes in San Francisco and rode them across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, took the ferry back to San Fran and went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants.

I did it!!! I finished my very first 1/2 marathon on Halloween morning. I've always wanted to do one and a few months ago my friend, Laura, convinced me that it would be a great way for us to get in shape after having babies. So we started training. Things were going well until after an 11 mile run, we all got injured. Thankfully, none of the injuries were serious and karen, laura, and I were all able to finish the race.

This is the only picture of us running and unfortunately it is in the ugliest spot of the entire race. The marathon was up in Healdsburg which is wine country and our run was through most of the vineyards with the leaves changing colors. It was BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks to Laura and Karen for keeping me motivated, to Mike for driving us and the kids up to the race at 4:30 in the morning, and to my parents for coming up to support me and cheer me on. What a great experience!!

The kids at the pumpkin patch. I'm surprised the wagon didn't break.

Look at that sunset!

Makenzie and Tyler trick-or-treating. Tyler was batman and Makenzie was a cross between a witch and a fairy (don't ask). They had the trick-or-treating thing down this year. They literally ran from house to house for 3 hours straight. it was so nice not to have to follow them up to the door and help them ring the doorbell and make sure they didn't fall on the way to the next house. I could get used to this.

Our pumpkins --

September/October pictures

2009-10-18T23:36:00.001-07:00

Tyler turned 7 last month. He got a nintendo DS for his birthday after saving his money all summer long --He's wanted one ever since our Bear Lake family reunion.

I like to think that there are some things that I am good at-- like organizing, scrapbooking, cleaning, etc..
But cake decorating is definitely NOT one of them. This is the cake I made for Tyler's birthday. I had to take a picture of it because of how horrible it turned out. This is why I buy cakes or have friends make them for me. I'm just no good at it. I don't know why... I try really hard sometimes. My sister-in-law, Amy, once made a volcano cake that erupted for her son's birthday. I can't even get mine to be completely covered with frosting. Luckily, at this point in their lives, my kids don't care. Thank goodness for that.

Love this picture of Austin on his tippie toes... looks like he is trying to escape.

Went in to check on Makenzie one night before I went to bed and this is how I found her. The next night she was sleeping on the floor. Wierd.

First day of school picture.

We just got back yesterday from a day-trip to yosemite. It included 6 hours of driving, 5 restroom breaks, 4 hikes, 3 waterfalls, 2 exhausted parents, and one very happy baby in a hiking backpack.

Here we are in front of upper and lower Yosemite falls.

Mike and half-dome.

Tyler took this picture of Mike and I. This is why we were exhausted- carrying this 25 pounder around all-day.

It was beautiful though. Can't wait to go again in early summer.

Earlier this month we went to the Tidepools at Half Moon Bay to see if we could find any creatures. This is one of Tyler and Makenzie's favorite things to do and we love it because it's free and not too far away. We found crabs, sea urchins, starfish, anemonies, and fish.

Ty and Kenzie with the first starfish they found.

LOVE this picture that Mike took of Austin climbing through a tube we have. Cool.

Worst Mom Ever!!!

2009-09-23T15:16:00.001-07:00

I can not believe this just happened. Mike called me at 2:00 today from work. Here was our conversation:

Mike: Hey- do you know what day it is today?
Me: Yea, Wednesday... so?
Mike: So guess who is sitting in the principal's office.
Me: What? Tyler is in trouble?
Mike: It's early out day today.
Me: What? What?
Mike: It's EARLY OUT today. They got out at 1:20! They need you to pick up Tyler.
Me: (silence)....................... OH CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes... I FORGOT!!! The sad thing is that I was just sitting at home doing nothing except folding laundry and trying to entertain Austin until he could take a nap (after I picked up Tyler). I was just sitting there waiting for 2:30 to roll around. AFter Mike called, I booked it over to the school with the other two kids, all the time thinking what a horrible mom I am. Poor Tyler was the last kid to be picked up. He had been sitting there for almost 45 minutes waiting for me. I felt so bad I took him straight to McD's for ice cream... Isn't that HORRIBLE?!!!!

How could I forget???!!!!! I still can not believe it.

Busiest (and Best) August Ever

2009-09-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it is already half way through September and I am blogging about August. I am a little behind. But our August was so busy that I didn't have any time to do blogging, or go through the 300 pictures we took during that month. Even looking back, Mike and I can't believe how much fun we had and how much we did. Here is the rundown of our August 2009: Leiws Family Reunion in bakersfield, CA and camping in sequoias; Brian (mike's brother) in town for a weekend which involved surfing, San Francisco trip, Muir woods 2 mile hike, and yankee/A's game with the boys; Mike and I to yankee/A's game; baby shower for a good friend at my house; Mike and Tyler go to Oakland Raiders/49ers football game; family trip to santa cruz boardwalk; 5 day trip down coast which included Monterey Bay aquarium, drive along Big Sur and highway 1, Hearst Castle, and Pismo Beach; oh... and celebrating Makenzie's 5th birthday along the way. Sheesh.... I still can't believe it. We had so much fun that we have deemed this past August to be the best ever.
The boys at the Yankees game. We had so much fun with Brian that weekend trying to give him the whirlwind tour of the area.

I had a baby shower for Ashley at my house-- she is obviously very loved because a ton of people showed up. It took over an hour just to open all of the presents.

Tyler at the Raiders/49ers game

I LOVE this picture!! Look at the terror on Makenzie and Tyler's face. The funny thing is that both the kids had to convince me to go on it... I don't particularly like wet rides. And then they were the ones screaming on the way down.

I can't believe how big Austin is now. He is standing up and trying to take steps and full on crawling. He is still mostly a happy baby but is EVERYWHERE! He's already starting to get into trouble.

On Makenzie's birthday, we went to one of our favorite spots: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. And because most of the other schools were already started and it was a weekday--- there was hardly anyone there. Here they are petting the sting rays.

austin and I

These two are still best friends......... most of the time.

Love this picture -- this aquarium has some seriously HUGE tanks full of fish.

Our attempt at a family photo-- Austin is too squirmy.

I can't believe my little girl is already 5 years old and in kindergarten. I still imagine her as being my little 2 year old. She is such a sweet girl... happy and just kind of goes with the flow most of the time. She was sooo excited to eat dinner at Chili's and have a whole bunch of people she didn't know sing to her.

We took Highway 1 through Big Sur and down the coast and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!!

We got out probably every 10-15 minutes to stop at a turnout to take more pictures because around every curve was another view that took our breath away.

Need I say more????

The kids and I (and Makenzie's horse that came everywhere with us on this trip, I mean, cmon... how can you say no to that sweet smile?)

An unusual picture of Austin....... holding still for more than a second.

We played at two different beaches over the course of our 5 day trip. One in Cambria where we were staying and one at Pismo Beach. We all went boogie boarding and had so much fun.... except when I got hit by a huge wave which knocked the board right into my face, turned me upside down so I didn't know which way was up, and left me rag-dolled with a bloody nose. I thought I was going to die for a split-second. That was at the Cambria beach and on our way out we saw the sign that said there were unusually big waves and a strong rip current and it wasn't the best place for surfing......... ya think?? Why did we have to figure that out the hard way?

this bird did not move and the kids were close enough they could touch it. Bizarre-- (and yes.. it was alive)

One of our day trips was to the Hearst Castle. We could not believe this place... talk about fancy.

Look at that pool behind us.... CRAZY!

Playing at Pismo beach. Austin kept booking it right towards the water. I think he will be a "fish" just like Makenzie and Tyler and love going swimming.

Playing in the ocean

Makenzie's attempt at making a "bird bath". unfortunately for her, no birds used it.
she couldn't figure out why.

Finally.. mike convince the kids to try boogie boarding and they loved it.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the entire vacation. There has always been something I've loved about the Pacific coast. I love the layers of waves and the sound of the ocean.. it is so relaxing and peaceful to me. And with the surfer and pier in the background and the sun going down... ...... aaahhh. Love it!

Lewis Family Reunion

2009-08-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went down to my parents in Bakersfield, California for a family reunion. It was so much fun to spend time with my sister, brothers, nieces and nephews. My mom is a music teacher and as tradition she usually gets out these bells for the grandkids to play with. Kenzie and I were a good team and I just realized that our bells match our shirts-- -I swear that wasn't planned. ha ha.

For the weekend, we all went up to a ranch in the Sequoias, stayed in cabins and played. We went hiking, swimming, horseback-riding, white water rafting, and paddle-boating. The kids had even a better time than we did. There favorite thing was just playing outside in the dirt and going on hikes with their uncle Nathan.

I borrowed some of these hiking backpacks for Austin and Cooper, my brother's baby.
They loved them although Austin kept trying to grab my hair, that little stinker. Austin and Cooper were born only 13 days apart. Maline and I both have 3 kids all the same ages pretty much (plus or minus a few months). I wonder how long this pattern will keep up.... what do you think Maline????

The kids most favorite activity was going on "hunts" with Uncle Nate. They all got hiking sticks and Nate was named "chief hunter" and he called all the kids his "junior hunters" and they pretended they were hunting for snakes or other little creatures. One day Nate took the four older kids out and was gone for almost 2 hours. When they finally returned I was amazed that no one was crying, fighting or being carried home. Later I found out that Nate had had to spend 30 minutes helping all of them put their shoes and socks back on after wading in a river.

From left to right: My sister, April. My oldest brother, Alan and his wife, Maline. Me and Mike. My younger brother, Jone and his wife, Angie. My brother, Nate. We were missing my youngest brother, David, who is on a mission in Mexico.

I LOVE this picture!!! These cousins are best friends when we get together. Even if it is only once a year... somehow Makenzie, Jackson, Tyler and Savanna just start up right where they left off. It's been so much fun through the years to have cousins the same age. Makenzie and Tyler are always mentioning throughout the year how they wish they could go back to NYC and stay with Savanna and Jack. Maybe one day we will actually live in the same state again and not on opposite coasts.

The grandkids (minus the babies) -- Christopher is just barely old enough to want to follow and play with the big kids. He just keeps getting cuter and cuter (although he's still pretty hard to get to hold still for a picture). I was pretty amazed with this one.

Makenzie and Uncle Nate found a salamander on one of the hikes.

This picture cracks me up. Up at the sequoias, the trees are enormous and this one had a cave inside. So we all tried to squeeze in and here is my attempt at a picture. ha ha.

One of the big trees

The kids at grandma and grandpa's

So if any of you have been to Bakersfield before, you know that it is hot, hot, hot. All there is to do is go swimming and thankfully my parents have a wonderful pool. My kids are fish when it comes to the water-- they love to be in it so it made for a good time for everyone.

Here's to swimming, laying out, and relaxing.

The foursome.

My brother, Alan, doing one of his many tricks.

This picture isn't from our reunion but from before. We went with the johnson's to a Giants game. It was so much fun but the weather was crazy. It was the middle of July and not only am I wearing a sweatshirt and scarf-- but if I would have known how cold it was going to be I would have brought earmuffs, boots and gloves. You can see the fog a little bit in the background. San Francisco weather is so random!!

Bear Lake and Utah Vacation

2009-07-16T15:56:00.001-07:00

So..... yes, I have been a total blog-slacker. I really don't have that good of an excuse.

But I finally have gotten around to downloading and then uploading all of our pictures from our Utah excursion. We had so much fun while we were there. Unfortunately I wasn't all that great at taking pictures while I was there... which I didn't realize until I got home and it was over. I'm still upset at not getting more pictures with friends/family. Oh well. Not much to do about it now. Here are some of the great pictures I got though....

Makenzie and two of her cousins, Meg and Lucy. Cute girls!! I was amazed at how well these girls played together. I guess that must be the beauty of being 4, almost 5.

I love this picture. This is everyone that went to Bear Lake (minus Mike who is taking the picture). Unfortunately, Brian/Heather and Chris/Jeni weren't able to come (missed you). But we had a great time hanging out at the lake, playing games and just getting to know each other really really well :)

Kimber had a great cousin water party at her house. Tyler and Makenzie were in heaven.

I adore this picture of the cousins who came to the water party. Can you believe that they lined up this way by themselves?? It's almost perfectly tallest to smallest.

On one of the days in Utah we drove up to Park city to go to the outlets and stopped at the Alpine slide and coaster on the way back.

Tyler and his closest cousin, Cooper. These boys are so cute together!!

Mike's grandpa had a birthday party and family picture in Toelle. It was a miracle that every single person was able to make it to the picture. It was so good to see them again and to see Mike's uncle and cousins while we were out there.

Happy Birthday Opa!!

Some of the group who gathered for pizza at opa's house before the picture.

One of the very few pictures of Mike I have from our vacation.

One of the very few pictures of Me from vacation. Jeni and I at Uncle Richard's house.

Uncle Richard and Ryan (Mike's cousin) were so nice to let all the little kids (and some of us big kids) ride on their horses. Unfortunately, no one got a picture of me and Mike riding.

Makenzie was in heaven--- she LOVES horses! Thanks Richard and Ryan!! I was so glad to get my horse fix until next year.

Here we are finally up at Bear lake--- Cooper and Makenzie running out of the water. Why?? I'm not sure. Possibly because Kenzie just peed--that happened quite a bit.

Tyler did this literally all day one day. He loved throwing sand into the water over and over and over again. Easily entertained, I guess.

Austin was great at the lake. He loved the sand and water.... until he put some in his mouth.

Mike's dad surprised us all by getting on the waverunner and taking some of the kids out with him. Kenzie loved it!

Ty and coop get their turn with Grandpa.

Makenzie and Maddie had the same swimsuits. Aaaah, cute.

All smiles.

Makenzie's "Gradulations"

2009-06-15T19:50:00.001-07:00

Last week Makenzie graduated from preschool. They had a graduation ceremony which Makenzie has been looking forward to for weeks. She was mostly excited for the marching song where they got to play their kazoos. Each one had their name called and got to go up to get their diploma from their teacher. At the end of the night, Makenzie said to me, "Mom, I love gradulations and getting my plomba." (she meant diploma). I can't believe she's heading off to Kindergarten next year (sniff, sniff).

Makenzie playing with her "plomba"

with her teacher, Miss Darlene

A Day of Relaxation

2009-06-06T09:04:00.001-07:00

So........ I did it. I finally got my very first massage. And it was WONDERFUL! I have been saving up these gift cards I got for this very occasion -- a few for my baby shower at work, one from a co-worker of Mike's at Christmas. Mike was working from home and said he would watch the kids so he told me to go use them yesterday. I had enough saved up on the cards that I was able to get a spa package- THE OASIS: one hour hot tub room, one hour body massage, 30 minute foot treament and 30 minute facial. The hot tub room was amazing- a whole room to myself that had a resting area, shower, hot tub, sauna and cold plunge (yes, I tried them all multiple times). But my favorite was for the last 10 minutes of my massage she used hot stones. oh my goodness. WOW. I came home feeling like a new woman and a million bucks. Mike said the scent of rosemary mint followed me for the rest of the night :)

Camping at Gualala

2009-05-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

This past Memorial day weekend, we drove 4 hours north to Gualala to go camping with some families in our ward and our good friends, the Johnson's. It was such a great time! There was a playground right across from our campsite so the kids would run between there and our campsite all day long. The food was great thanks to Mike and Alex and all of their Dutch oven yumness. There is nothing I love more about camping than the FOOD!!! Just to name a few we had mike's famous chicken dutch oven, tin foil dinners, apple cobbler, peach cobbler, barbecue pulled-pork sandwiches, smores and we even got to try some abalone which some of the men in the ward go skin-diving for. Oh, I almost forgot the breakfasts too- pancakes, french toast, sausage, eggs, bacon and even biscuits and gravy. I think I came home 5 pounds heavier. Another great thing about this trip is that there are so many people in the ward who go that they are able to have a sacrament meeting up here and even hold a primary, youth and adult sunday school class. I had a hard time picking just a few pictures out of the many we took- each of them make me smile. I can't wait until next year to go again.
Gualala is named after this river. The kids loved playing down here- especially Tyler. The beach is rocky and so he spent all of his time throwing rocks in the water and jumping (with his windmill arms) while he watched them make their splash. Next year we might just have to borrow someone's raft to go paddling with the kids on the water.

This is by far my favorite picture of Austin camping. He was a really good sport. The first night in the tent was a bit rough but then it got better when I started putting him down for naps in the car seat in the car where it was quieter. Luckily, someone had mentioned to bring a space heater for the tent since it gets mighty cold up there at night (Yes, they do have electricity and hot showers at this campsite which I love) so he was able to sleep in his pack'n play and not with me.

Tyler was a hoot on this trip. I don't think he ever stopped from the minute he woke up to the minute he fell asleep. He would go from playing in the trees with Max, to playing pingpong, to chasing the girls, to playing catch with Mike, to playing whatever. He would keep on asking me and Mike if we would go play with him and when we couldn't he would go to Amy and Alex and ask them. One day he asked Amy if she would take him down to the river to play and she made the mistake of saying "not right now, maybe later". He never let it rest after that. He probably asked her every 5 minutes if it was later. Finally, I think out of exasperation, Amy told him that she had to wait and talk to Alex about it. Unfortunately, Tyler was too smart for that and went right up to Alex, got his attention and told him that Amy needed to talk to him right away.

Needless to say, Tyler had a great time and can't wait to go again.

Our campsite

My good friend, Amy, who made camping survivable with a baby. She was always there to hold Austin and help rock him to sleep when he was getting cranky.

Austin getting fed.... again. Boy does he eat a lot.

Our campsite and the pretty surroundings. The redwoods were gorgeous. It was wierd to come back to the real world on monday after being in this beautiful area for the weekend.

Mike and I by the river.

Makenzie loves camping. She remembered our camping trip a year ago with my family and got more excited than anyone else did before we left on this trip. She loves getting dirty, she loves to eat, and she LOVES sleeping in her sleeping bag and tent. Every night we would let her watch a movie in the tent on the laptop before bed-- and whenever we went in to tell her it was time to go to sleep she would just say, "ok" and get in her princess sleeping bag, zip it up and close her eyes. The best thing about Makenzie is that she is so laid back and so friendly that she can make friends and be happy with just about anyone. She would go play on the swings and come back 30 minutes later telling me about some new friends she made. And sure enough the next day when we were down at the river, she saw one of her new friends, a girl named Emma, and introduced her to me. I hope she stays this way forever- she is one of the happiest go-lucky girls I've ever seen.

Overall- the trip was a HUGe success and we all can't wait for next year to come.

Grandma's Funeral

2009-05-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago I flew out to Utah with Austin to go to my Grandma Lewis' funeral. She was 92 and died in her sleep. It was so great to have an opportunity to see my family and to see most of Mike's family. Thanks to Kimber and Wendell/Kathy Droubay for letting me crash with Austin at their houses for a couple of nights.

My siblings and I (minus David who is on his mission)

I love this picture of my mom and sister and I. I'm going to blow it up and get it framed :)

Mike's dad, Wendell, and Austin.

Mother's day, T-ball and More

2009-05-12T20:48:00.001-07:00

I took some pictures of Austin today. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. I love the stage he is in now--almost 6 months. He's just the perfect size to snuggle and cuddle with. He rolls over all the time and tries to sit up on his own although he's still wobbly. He loves to smile and is super squirmy -- I think I'm going to really have my hands full once he starts crawling.

Part of me wishes that Austin could stay in this phase forever. I love this guy!

Tyler's been playing on a t-ball league this spring. It's been so much fun to go and watch his team, the Rivercats, play. Here he is... Mr. Intensity.

For the Mother's Day weekend we drove down to Bakersfield to visit my parents. The weather was great so the kids went swimming. Makenzie and Tyler love jumping off the rocks into the pool. I love this picture becausde it looks like Makenzie is jumping so high.

tyler doing a cannonball into the pool

This picture cracks me up. Austin started using this bouncer about 3 weeks ago. He loves it just as much as Tyler and Makenzie did. Only difference is that he occasionally falls asleep in it. I don't know if he is sleep-deprived or just finds the bouncing really relaxing. Mike and I got a video recording of it that I'm going to try to put on the blog. It is hilarious! What a silly boy!

Makenzie's painting

2009-04-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad that I got my super-talented friend, Jana, to make this painting of Makenzie before she left for school in Utah. We love it! Jana is not only a talented painter but also does amazing photography. She did some family pictures for us - you can see a few of them on her website: janalaurene.blogspot.com. Thanks so much again Jana for your hard work! We'll miss you.

photography

2009-04-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

My friend, Cheri, just taught me how to use my photoshop to edit photos. I've been experimenting a little bit and here is one of my favorite pictures. Isn't she such a doll?? She reminds me of how cute girls are and why I want another one someday.

Easter

2009-04-16T17:24:00.001-07:00

4 months old and happy about it

2009-04-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Austin just turned 4 months old. He weighs 15 pounds and is growing like crazy! I'm always amazed at how fast they grow the first year. He is very strong and always wants to be standing or sitting up. He is extremely smiley- especially in the morning.

Austin is currently amazed with his hands and what he can do with them. He is trying to grab everything and stuff it in his mouth. And he drools like none other as you can see in the next picture.

Makenze wanted some pictures of her taken since I was taking pictures of Austin. She is so tall now. Here she is with one of her new favorite toys- BOLT.

Her expression in this picture cracks me up. She is always making us laugh.

Austin does like his saucer but only for a little while at a time. He mostly wants to be held and toted around.

Tyler and Austin are already great friends.

I hope they grow up to be best buds.

Yesterday we started feeding Austin rice cereal. He LOVED it. We can't feed it to him fast enough.

Disneyland

2009-03-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

I know it's taken me way too long to post these but better late than never. A few weeks ago we went down to Disneyland to spend 5 days in the park with Jeff and Amy. It was so much fun!! Austin did fairly well after the first day of adjustment and Makenzie and Tyler were in heaven.

The last day we finally found Mickey Mouse to take our picture with. What a great ending to a great vacation.

Here is a picture of Jeff and all the kids (minus Sam) watching Mike and I go on the Boomerang in California Adventure.

Makenzie got so tired by the end of the day that she would literally fall asleep if she stood still long enough. Here she is asleep on Mike's shoulders. She also fell asleep at the dinner table at Cafe Orleans and on my lap after the fireworks. This girl needs her sleep!!

This trip Tyler mastered Thundermountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain. He screamed the entire way on the Indiana Jones ride. Makenzie didn't even bother to try any of these rides. Maybe next time.

The kids at breakfast with Minnie. YUM!!!

This River Run ride was so much fun. Amy convinced me and the kids to go on it by saying that you don't get very wet. Then while we are in line I read the sign that says, "You WILL get wet. You MAY get soaked." Great. Luckily, I wasn't the one to get soaked- Lucy and Josh were. We screamed and laughed the entire ride- Tyler screamed and cried the entired ride. Apparently he didn't like getting wet. This was one of my favorite disneyland moments! thanks Amy.

One of Kenzie's favorite rides- the teacups.

Austin and Makenzie

2009-02-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

Austin in his blessing outfit. He's getting so good at holding his head up for longer periods of time.

I had to put this picture on . Makenzie is such a pack rat. This is her attempt at cleaning her room. I told her that she needed to pick up everything on her floor and put it away. So she piled everything on her dresser.

I took Makenzie to this field full of yellow wild flowers to take some pictures today since the weather was so nice.

T-bone

2009-02-18T14:30:00.001-08:00

I saw these pictures from last fall as I was browsing my photos today and had to post them. I adore Tyler. He has so many good qualities, one of them being he has a huge heart. He genuinely wants to help people be happy. As much as he sometimes gets annoyed with Makenzie, he tries to make her feel better when she is sad and crying. His teacher wrote on his report card that he is always encouraging others around him and trying to help them do their best. He's ambitious and loves to learn. He has a great memory and actually learned to identify the ABC's as soon as he could talk. He's a super helper- especially with his new little brother. Today I hurt my elbow on the microwave and Tyler immediately went to the bathroom, got a washcloth wet with cold water and brought it back saying, "Here mom, this will help it feel better." I'm so thankful for this handsome guy in my life- I couldn't imagine going through the day without a big grin and an "I love you" from him.

8 Things about Me

2009-02-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Here are the Rules:

1) Post rules on your blog

2) Answer the six '8' items

3) Let each person know by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV shows

1. LOST ( my favorite by far)

2. American Idol

3. The Office (sooo funny)

4. The Bachelor

5. Designed to Sell

6. Extreme Home Makover (I always cry)

7. Headline News (I know... I'm a dork- but I watch this all the time)

8. The Suze Orman show

8 Things I did Yesterday

1. Went to three different grocery stores to get the best "deals"

2. Took Makenzie to a valentine's tea party

3. Attended ward temple night with Mike

4. Dropped off and picked up Tyler from school

5. Changed 6 diapers

6. Took a bubble bath

7. Cleaned the house

8. Went to bed way too late

8 Things I'm looking forward to

1. Disneyland with Jeff and Amy in 3 weeks- HOORAY!!

2. Droubay Family Reunion at Bear Lake

3. Getting back into prepregnancy shape so I can go clothes shopping

4. Angie and Jon coming to visit in may

5. Summer so I can take the kids to the beach every week

6. Austin sleeping through the night

7. Eating chocolate again

8. Scrapbooking again someday.....

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Cheesecake Factory

2. Cafe Rio (I miss you)

3. Macaroni Grill

4. Texas Roadhouse

5. Blue Bayou (at disneyland)

6. P.F. Changs

7. Chili's

8. Cafe Rio ( I still miss you)

8 Things on my wish list

1. A caribbean vacation- just me and my hubby

2. Adobe Photoshop

3. A new wardrobe

4. A big pan of yummy gooey fudgy brownies

5. A master bedroom set and new bedding

6. A new couch

7. A piano

8. Scuba diving lessons

8 People I tag

1. Kimber

2. Amy D.

3. Heather

4. Kim

5. Angie

6. Alyssa

7. Cheri

8. Mike

Austin's baby blessing

2009-02-10T13:16:00.001-08:00

Since Austin had just gotten home from the hospital, we decided to have his baby blessing at home with only family. I had two different outfits- one was fancy and formal and the other wasn't. I decided to go with the less formal outfit. Mike thought Austin looked somewhat like a Jedi in it. I thought it was cute.

Austin is so dang cute- I just can't get enough of this guy.

Our attempt at a family photo. Tyler's eyes hurt because he said it was too bright and Makenzie is in that wierd smile phase. Oh well.

Mike's parents

My parents.

The Droubay men

Happy Birthday Mike!!

2009-02-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

There are so many good things I could say about Mike that I had a hard time narrowing down this list. But here are a few of the great things I love about him:

1) Mike is a far better husband than I am a wife. He is so patient with me and is the one who keeps me from going crazy. He is my rock and knows exactly how to get me out of my discouraged moments.

2) Mike is a great father. The kids completely adore him and he has a special bond with each of them. Tyler and him love to goof around and wrestle each other while Makenzie has him wrapped around her little finger. Mike has been so helpful with Austin too- staying up late at night with him and getting up in the middle of the night to do feedings so I can get more sleep.

3) He's likable-- I don't know anyone who's met him that doesn't end up liking him. He just gets along with everybody.

4) He's one of the most honest people I've ever met.

5) Mike's all about family. He loves to just stay home and spend time with us. He loves his parents and can't say anything but good things about them and his brothers are some of his best friends.

6)He makes me laugh. Mike is SO funny!! He'll always come up with something to say when I am mad or sad that will make me laugh. And it works. Plus, he's a great storyteller!

7)Mike is good at his job but doesn't know it. He works so well with people and really understands them. Yet, even when he does really good and gets praise, he stays humble.

8) He's good-looking. Need I say more? :)

9) He's as dorky as I am which makes us a perfect match.

10) He's my best friend.

I love you mike!!

Back home again

2009-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

We were able to bring Austin home this morning. They diagnosed him with pneumonia in his left lung but because he wasn't wheezing anymore and his temperature had returned to normal they let us go home with oral antibiotics. We are so glad to have him back home with us and to have him detached from his IV and wires. Plus, it is just in time to have his blessing although we are going to do it at home instead of bringing him to church. Thank you for all of your prayers in our behalf.

Austin's hospital bed and room - it was a LONG 36 hours.

Austin was so squirmy that they had to double tape everything. He kept trying to suck on his right hand and would just end up hitting himself in the face. Poor guy!!

Sick Austin

2009-01-31T13:11:00.001-08:00

So we were planning on blessing Austin this weekend in church. My parents came up last night and Mike is picking up his parents from the airport today. Ironically, last night I tried to wake up Austin for a midnight feeding and he was really lethargic, wheezy and had a temp of 102. We took him in to the ER and they admitted him to the pediatric floor. Fortunately, they have ruled out RSV and the flu but aren't sure if it is some kind of bacterial infection or maybe the start of pneumonia. Either way he will be in the hospital until atleast Sunday and maybe longer. We will try to keep everyone updated but would appreciate it if you could please keep him in your prayers.

2 months old

2009-01-25T19:48:00.001-08:00

Austin is getting so big now. He's almost 2 months old and starting to lose that newborn look. I'm glad that the newborn phase is almost over but it's also a little bit sad because I feel like it is all going by so fast.

He's finally smiling pretty consistently at us. He especially loves Mike when he uses a high-pitched voice.

Austin officially has a nickname. For some time now we have called him "the bug". I don't know why or how he got this but then again I don't know how our kids get any of their nicknames. Most of the time they originate from Mike and it just catches on.

Our kids current nicknames: T-bone, Sis, and the bug :)

This week

2009-01-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

This week the weather has been soooo nice here - 60s and 70s. The kids and I have taken advantage of it by going to the park a lot and walking to and from school. Yea California!! Austin loves being outside and almost always falls asleep if I push him in his stroller

Austin... almost smiling in this one. It's hard to catch. He is super good at holding his head up now.

What a good big brother.

For some reason, Makenzie and Tyler love to pet Austin's head. maybe they figure that is the only "safe" place to touch him.

In the swing

One month old

2009-01-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

Austin is over one month old already! I can't believe how fast it has gone by. He is already 10 lbs and over 21 inches long. He loves to eat and loves to be held. He's not a very good sleeper at night yet but hopefully with time, he will get better. We miss you all and hope you are having a good January.

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

We decided to drive down to Bakersfield on Christmas Eve to spend a few days with my parents. It was fun to open all of our presents there. We always act out the nativity story on Christmas Eve. This year Mike and Makenzie were Mary and Joseph, Austin was baby Jesus, and Tyler and I were sheperds.

I love this picture of Makenzie. It's a true miracle because she is actually smiling nicely AND looking at the camera at the same time. AMAZING!!

Here she is holding Austin. I literally have to keep Tyler and makenzie from fighting over who gets to hold Austin first. They ADORE him!!

Just a few weeks old. Look at those hands!

Bath time in the kitchen sink. Austin LOVES the bath. He always makes the silliest faces while he's in there.

So-- as you can tell, I chopped my hair off. I'm still undecided as to whether or not I like it as much as my long hair. I think the short hair makes me look a lot older. But it's nice because it's so easy and fast to do. Now I can work at growing it out again. Here is a picture of April and I together. April surprised my parents this year and just showed up on their doorstep a few days before Christmas! It was so good to see her and so nice to have her around to help out with Austin. She loves babies and I swear that Austin LOVED her. She could always get him to calm down when he was fussy. Too bad she can't come home with me too.

Another silly face!!

This Christmas was a Lego christmas for Tyler. He got four different Starwars Lego ships to build- this was one of the smallest. Unfortunately it only took him a few days to do them all and now I have nothing left to entertain him with :) ha ha.

My mom, April and Austin.

I know it doesn't really look like it, but Austin is finally putting on more weight. He almost has a double chin now and his thighs actually have some fat on him. I'm glad that all those feedings are doing something.

My little peanut

2008-12-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how much I am enjoying having another little one in our family, even with all of the sleep deprivation. I just can't get over how cute Austin is. I am trying to take in every minute of this stage because I know he won't be a newborn for long.

Just a little guy.

So handsome! I love the few moments when he is actually awake.

How to Induce Labor

2008-12-02T17:41:00.001-08:00

Many of you have reached out wondering how we helped Melanie successfully induce labor. I thought that it might be useful to lay out last Saturday's activities so that those of you planning on having more kids will know how to get the ball rolling. The good news is that the formula is pretty simple--the bad news is that you will only be able to use this method if your baby is due in the end of November or early December.

The first piece of nature's birthing puzzle lies in the delicate wings of a butterfly--more precisely the Monarch butterfly. The butterflies spend the winter near Santa Cruz California and if you want to be successful inducing labor, that means that you will have to pay us a visit here in the bay area...consider it an open invitation.

Tyler and his friends Emma and Tyler Wirthlin walking down the trail to see the butterflies.

We're not sure exactly how the butterflies fit into inducing labor, but we figure that it has something to do with communing with nature. Living here in California has made us extra sensitive to mother nature and all of her granola goodness....

We had seen a few butterflies flying around and thought it was pretty cool, then another observer pointed out that the majority of the butterflies were still grouped together high in the trees.

Lots of butterflies.

The noble labor-inducing Monarch.

The next ingredient required to successfully induce labor is to be near the unending rhythm of the sea. We chose Natural Bridges Monument because of its proximity to the butterflies, but I'd guess anywhere with regular wave sets will do. It seems that the approaching and receding waves encourage contractions.

Big contraction-causing waves.

Grandma and Grandpa Lewis hoping that the waves get things moving with their very pregnant daughter.

Tyler looking longingly toward the sea for his soon to arrive little brother.

I'm not sure if you can tell from this picture, but Melanie is actually mid-contraction. Note the smile on her face indicating that we are still missing a key ingredient to full-blown labor.

The final step is to locate and fell your family Christmas tree deep in the wilderness. You will have to go full on Griswold on this one. To make sure that we were in the right spirit everyone but me got into the cheesy elf-face insert for the above photo, while I filled the mountain air with echoes of O Tannenbaum. Magical...

After hiking around the side of a mountain for the better part of an hour, my proginy laid claim to the tree behind them in the picture. We had heard that the scent of evergreen sap helps to lure out the baby, so we kept Mel's nose close to the saw as I took down one of mother nature's best.

The sacrificial tree strewn with ornaments.

Butterflies + Ocean Rhythm + Felled Evergreen=Austin

We've proven this can work--now we are offering the recipe to all of our friends and family before we go to market with this to turn a buck or two. Let us know when you want to come out!!!--Mike

More Pictures of Baby Austin

2008-12-01T20:12:00.001-08:00

Well, we made it back home today. I didn't want to stay in the hospital since I wasn't getting any sleep there anyways. Today we came home and Mike watched Austin while I took a nice, long and much needed nap. Tyler and Makenzie are both so excited to have us home - they fight about who gets to hold Austin first. We've decided to name him Austin Ryan Droubay.

These are the only new pictures we've gotten so far but I will post more as the days go by. I still can't believe what a little peanut he is.

What a big yawn!!

Austin (TBD) Droubay!!!!

2008-11-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has finally happened!! This morning at 12:51 AM Austin officially joined our family. Other than a pronounced lack of sleep, mother and baby are doing great. He weighs in at a slim 6 pounds 6 ounces and is 19 1/2 inches long. He has long fingers and a pretty even layer of fuzz all over his head. Now that all of the important details are out of the way, I'll share a bit about how things played out yesterday.

Saturday morning we decided that we would take a bit of a day trip. Melanie was feeling good, the weather was phenominal and we were all pretty sick of hanging out around the house so we all piled in our car with grandma and grandpa Lewis (who were visiting for Thanksgiving) and headed for the coast. We had a great day looking at the Monarch butterflies resting during their migration, walking along the beach and cutting down a Christmas tree. Melanie was a trooper and walked up and down the mountain side in search of just the right tree for the better part of an hour.

Apparantly all of the climbing did the trick because after we got home in the evening she started having pretty regular, stronger than usual contractions. Things were pretty significant by about 9:30 or so, but Melanie wanted to make sure that she was actually in labor before heading in to the hospital. You see, since she is a labor and delivery nurse she thinks that getting sent home by fellow nurses would be the ultimate humiliation. After a few more very strong, increasingly painful contractions she finally agreed to go in. Long story short, when we got there she was measuring an 8 and delivered within about 2 hours of arriving at the hospital.

Things went very fast and we worried that she wasn't going to be able to get her epidural in time. She was in a lot of pain, but held herself together far better than I did. She gritted her teeth, let out a few Mormon cuss words (I remember a lot of "crap" "o my gosh" "gosh dang it" and "shoot" flowing) and squeezed the blood out of my hands to get through the labor pains. Eventually the epidural was in place and she got enough medication in her system to take the edge off of the actual delivery. After 5 good pushes Austin was out and crying. Awesome. Tyler and Kenzie came to the hospital this morning and took turns holding their baby brother. They will be great siblings and I'm somewhat confident that Austin will survive their company.....

I'm always amazed at the kind of person that my wife is, but I don't think I've ever been more proud of her than I was last night--she was dominant. It was wonderful to have Melanie's parents here to help in the delivery room and take care of Ty and Kenny at home. Thank you Lewises!!! We have realized how much we miss all of our family in other places and wish that we were closer so that we could see you all and enjoy your company, but we are aware of your prayers and thoughts. Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts--we will keep you posted as things happen over the next weeks. I'm posting a lot of pics--hopefully they all show. We love you all--Mike

Visiting baby brother.

I'd forgotten how much newborns like to do this.

Bundled up.

Tyler doing a great job of holding Austin.

Kenzie making us a little nervous.

We hope that he keeps sleeping as well as he has so far.

Muir Woods

2008-11-25T08:34:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we drove up to see the redwoods in Muir woods, just north of San Francisco. Mike wanted to see the trees and I wanted to see if hiking could induce labor. ha ha.

It didn't.

Here's a picture of us with the huge trees- we are way down at the bottom.

Pregnancy Countdown

2008-11-17T21:00:00.001-08:00

Well, I have officially three weeks left until my due date! I am getting both excited and nervous. I'm hoping that I won't make it that far before going into labor. I would much rather prefer to be done before December comes but only time will tell. I secretly wish I could be back in Utah at American Fork Hospital where I delivered my last two- just to be someplace familiar. I don't really think that is an option anymore though, ha ha. Anyways- wish me luck. I will try to keep the blog updated weekly on any pregnancy news.

Ardenwood Farms

2008-11-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

Today we went to a nearby farm with my friend, Amy, and her two kids since both Tyler and Makenzie had no school today. The kids loved it! We just walked around slowly and let them do pretty much whatever they wanted which included feeding the animals, playing in the leaves and hay, finding dirty old corn husks, and throwing mud clumps out into the fields. It's amazing at how much fun they were having. All the kids came home worn out and tired but there were no break downs or tantrums while we were there. I would call it a complete success. Hey- BTW- only 4 more weeks left.... ... not that I'm counting down or anything.

Halloween

2008-10-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, this will be one of my last belly shots. As you can see it has certainly grown since last month. Only 5 more weeks to go (hopefully less).
This year for Halloween, Makenzie was Tinkerbell and Tyler was Peter Pan. They had such a fun day- Both the kids went to Makenzie's preschool halloween party in the morning and then Makenzie and I went to Mike's work to go trick-or-treating. After Tyler got out of class, we went to his school's carnival. And finally after dinner we went trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Makenzie was just excited to be in her costume all day.

Digging into the candy

Love the vampire teeth!!

Tyler with his pumpkin. He drew the face and Mike helped carve it. He was so proud of himself for scooping out all of the "guts" by himself.

Makenzie with her pumpkin

Peter Pan with Tink

Half Moon Bay

2008-10-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to Half Moon Bay to see the tide pools. It was so windy (as you can see by the pictures of my hair) and the kids had a great time finding crabs, fish, shells and other sea creatures.

Another belly shot.

Kenzie and my sunglasses- what a cheeser!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

2008-10-06T20:17:00.001-07:00

Tonight Tyler and Mike made peanut butter blossom cookies for me since I was having a major craving. Here was their conversation while they were making them:

Mike: Ty, do you know what peanut butter is made from?
Tyler: Sure.... nuts!
Mike: Do you know what kind of nuts?
Tyler: Yea, peanut butter nuts of course!!

AFter the cookies were done we ate some of them.

Tyler: Mom, can I have two cookies?
Me: No, just one. It's almost bed time.
Tyler: How come you just ate two?
Me: Because one was for me and one was for the baby.
Tyler: Man, I sure wish I had a baby in my tummy.

Missing Utah

2008-09-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to say that up to this point I haven't gotten too homesick for Utah. I don't mean to say that I haven't missed friends and family a lot because of course I've missed you all. But this summer was pretty nice with going to the beach and the boardwalk and 80 degree weather versus the hot and dry 100 degrees weather I would have had in Utah. But now.... I'm not so sure anymore. Fall is my favorite season of all. I look forward to it all year long- when I can put on my jeans and boots and a sweater for the first time; when I see the mountains turn red and orange; or that first night out when your nose and ears get red from the cold. I look forward to those things and according to me they should be happening soon and they aren't. It's still been 80 degrees here every day. I can't even force myself to get out my fall decorations because I just don't feel like it's fall. So I'm sitting here now wishing I could be back in Utah for a few months to really enjoy my favorite season of the year.

A few more pictures of me and the kids

Monterey and the Untimely Death of an Xbox

2008-09-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hello all, Mike here. Hope that you are all doing well and feeling as good about BYU football as I am right now. Did we pick the worst year to leave Utah or what? Why couldn't the Cougs have been this good last year? My only consolation is that I get to travel to Utah this coming weekend and go to the Wyoming game with my family--needless to say I'm very excited for the game and to see those of you I will get to see. We decided to go on a mini trip this weekend to Monterey. For those of you unfamiliar with the area, Monterey is about 75 miles southeast of where we live here in Fremont. It is probably best known for its aquarium and the golf courses at Pebble Beach. Friday afternoon we took the kids to a park and let them blow off some steam before going on what is called the "17 mile drive". The drive takes you along the coast right past Spyglass Hill golf course and eventually by the famous Pebble Beach course. All in all a pretty swanky area--I think that I would like to play one of the many courses there someday (after I take out a loan to pay greens fees) but I wonder how long they would let me play considering the damage I would likely do to the course and surrounding properties. It was an incredible drive.

We stayed in a hotel overnight and the kiddies got to share a bed. The kids were pretty excited and were making quite a bit of noise so I told Kenny that we weren't at home and she needed to settle down. She told me that for 2 days the hotel room was our home. How do you argue with that logic? I think she's getting too smart for her own good.....

Saturday we went to the aquarium. It was a really cool place and they had more fish and seaweed than I ever knew existed. The kids enjoyed running around and touching everything that they could see and we enjoyed chasing them. What are we going to do with another one?

As one might expect, Kenzie's favorite part of the aquarium were the "Nemo Fishies", while Tyler liked the huge million gallon tank that had a couple of hammerhead sharks and huge yellowfin tuna. Melly liked the Jellyfish so much that we had to go back twice to look at them. Cheesy as it may sound, my favorite part was watching the kids get so excited about everything that they saw. T really likes to show us things that he finds and Louie likes to try and guess what the fish are thinking or feeling. Pretty fun.

It was moments like this picture that made the trip for me. As much as I tried to help her look through the telescope the right way, she insisted on marching to her own beat.

We made it back on Saturday afternoon and Tyler wanted to play his Lego Star Wars game on my Xbox. When I turned it on a single red light started flashing and an error screen popped up. I told Ty that it was broken and he was almost as devistated as his dad. That night the first thing in Ty's prayer was that the Xbox would get feeling better. Awesome.

Another good Ty moment from a few days ago. We have been talking about what we are going to name the new baby for a few weeks now and the kids are always coming up with different and interesting ideas (Kenzie's always seem to involve Disney characters). Out of the blue T comes up to me and says that he has the perfect name. I asked him what it was and he says "Baby John McCain". I don't even know where he learned the name. What a guy.

Anyway, I hope you are all well and I'm excited to see some of you this week.

A New Belly Shot

2008-09-13T17:51:00.001-07:00

Somewhere in the middle of my second trimester I gained some serious girth in the belly. It seemed like all of a sudden one day- there it was. Even Mike thought so. It was small, small, small then whoa- what happened? Now I feel the abdomen muscles starting to seriously stretch and have a hard time sitting in an upright position for too long. Oh- and the heartburn has begun. I can't believe that it's still going to get bigger but I know that it will get to be humongous. But that means that we are getting closer to the end. Only about 2.5 months left- hooray!! Anyways- here's the belly shot for everyone.

So grown up, what's a mom to do?

2008-09-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

Today I sent both Tyler and Makenzie off to school, came home and wondered for a minute what to do with myself. Of course, I then spent the next couple of hours finding plenty to do- and not fun stuff either. But still- cleaning the house, paying the bills and running errands is so much easier without "little helpers". Tyler started kindergarten last week- his is from 11:35 to 3:00. So I put Makenzie in an afternoon preschool from 12:45-3:30. We'll see how it goes. Right now I'm just sad looking at these pictures. I always thought it was so hard when they were both little but now I would rather they be three and one again then almost 6 and 4. It's scary when you realize that now your little ones are off in the world and you can't control their environment anymore. I don't like the feeling...... worry, anxious.... I'd much rather spend the day at the park chasing them on the slides and pushing them on the swings. I don't want them to grow up anymore. Good thing I have another one coming, eh?

The Beginning of the End

2008-09-06T13:32:00.001-07:00

So.... it's started. The beginning of the end. How do I know this?? Because I woke up in the middle of the night last night in excrutiating pain with my first "charlie horse" of the pregnancy. I had forgotten how much I hate those things. They always sneak up on me while I'm sleeping. Out of nowhere they attack and then there isn't really anything I can do but writhe around in bed saying "Ow, ow, ow" and "shoot" until it's gone. It seems like they shouldn't hurt so much- after all it's just an extreme muscle cramp in a way, right? They make me feel like a wimp but part of it, I think, is that I can't prepare for them since I am sound asleep when they hit. And poor Mike.... I think he thought I was having a bad dream last night when I started crying until I said, "NO, my leg my leg". Today I've been walking around with a limp because my muscle is so sore. And it feels like another "charlie horse" might attack that leg at any moment if I make a wrong move. So unfortunately that's how I know that the dreaded third trimester has started.

Makenzie's 4th birthday

2008-08-30T09:14:00.001-07:00

I decided to throw Makenzie a prince and princess pizza party for her 4th birthday. I was feeling really guilty because she's never had one. It was fun- especially all the decorations. Thankfully my friend Amy made the cake (I don't do cakes) which turned out GREAT and another friend picked up the pizza. All the kids had a great time although it was way too hot by the end of the party. Funny thing- all the kids went home and as I was cleaning up I noticed that the princess castle pinata was still hanging above the table. great, just great. Luckily, Amy came back to pick up some stuff and so her kids helped Ty and Kenzie break it open.

The princes

The princesses

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk

2008-08-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Every Monday and Tuesday night during the summer, the boardwalk has 75 cents night where the rides and hotdogs/drinks are only 75 cents. We've already gone a couple of times so far and are planning on going at least once more before the summer is over. Makenzie and Tyler LOVE the rides. Unfortunately, Mike has to do double duty a lot since I can pretty much only go on the ferris wheel and sky ride.
This is Makenzie's favorite ride. It's called Rock'N'Roll and zooms around in a circle forwards and then backwards. She always has a smile on her face for the entire ride.

Tyler and I on the ferris wheel.

Kenzie and I on the sky ride with Tyler and Mike after us.

The Belly

2008-07-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

So you've asked for it and here it is. The belly. I know that from here on out it's just going to grow exponentially until my stretch marks can't possibly get any larger without ripping apart. I always think that pregnant women are so cute until I'm one of them. Unfortunately for me, I'm not one of those woman who gain weight only in their belly. It seems like at first I gain weight everywhere but my belly. What is up with that? Oh well, it is what it is. Atleast I'm halfway there - 20 weeks. Only 20 more.

The Campout

2008-07-24T20:12:00.001-07:00

So..... we bought a tent last week. Partly in preparation for a family reunion campout that we're going to have in August but also because I've always wanted one. We put it together on Saturday in our backyard just to make sure it worked and Mike said, "I was thinking it would be fun to sleep out here with the kids". Unfortunately, he incorrectly assumed when I said, "Yes that is a good idea", that the fun would also include me. To make a long story short, I slept a good night's sleep in my bed while the rest of the family bonded in the tent. Let's just say that poor Mike didn't look too good at 9:00 church the next morning. The kids loved it though and are already asking when their next campout with Daddy is going to be.
What a cheeser!!

Fun-Filled Summer Days

2008-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

For the July 4th weekend we drove down to Bakersfield and spent a few days with my parents. The kids loved the pool- they are like two little fish. Tyler learned how to dive in and can now swim across the pool and Makenzie has learned how to jump off the rocks with floaties on her arms.
We went this past weekend to the San Francisco zoo.
Tyler has become quite the photographer. Here are two pictures he took of Mike and I.

It's a BOY!!

2008-07-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got into the doctor for the pregnancy and we found out it was a BOY!! Mike and Tyler are so thrilled. I'm still in shock because I really thought with the way the pregnancy was going that it was going to be a girl. We will get the official ultrasound in a few weeks but it was pretty definite.

I also got a job last Friday!! I got a per diem nursing job on a labor and delivery floor. I only have to work 32 hours in 4 weeks and the shifts are from 3:00 to 11:00 in the evenings. PERFECT!! I am so excited about NO more graveyard shifts. And the best thing is that since I am per diem I make way more than I would otherwise. I am making 3 times what I made in Utah!! I will probably start by the end of July. Wish me luck AFH girls.

The Beach

2008-06-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday we spent visiting the coast. On Friday I went with a bunch of girls from my ward to Rio Del Mar beach. Then on Saturday Mike and I went with the Johnsons to see some redwoods and to Natural Bridges beach. It was so much fun. I love the ocean and the waves. And Tyler and Makenzie weren't afraid at all. They loved trying to jump over the waves or running away from them. I love how much fun they have playing with each other. They are definitely the best of friends.

So pregnant

2008-06-17T11:35:00.001-07:00

I am sooo pregnant. You can just tell by what I am eating. Today so far has been an exceptionally "pregnant" eating day. So far this is what I've had: banana, 2 fried eggs with toast and orange juice, 5 clausen dill pickles, and now I'm sitting at the table eating stove top stuffing straight out of the pot. And the worst part is that it isn't even 12:00 noon yet. Sheesh.

San Francisco

2008-06-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we finally ventured out with the kids to San Francisco. We took the BART train to and from the city which only took about 30 minutes. We went with our friends, the Johnsons, who are also here from Utah and working for Cisco. We had such a fun day- going to the farmer's market, eating pizza, taking a cable car ride and shopping at H&M.

Our New House

2008-06-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been asking for pictures of our new place that we are renting so here they are. Granted, I only took pictures of the rooms that were decorated and unpacked. We were so lucky to have found this place though. It was such a breath of fresh air after looking at old, dirty, and run-down places for the same price. This home has 3 bedrooms plus a loft and 2.5 bathrooms. The main floor has hardwood floors which I love and the upstairs has carpet that is WHITE!! Yea, good luck with keeping that clean, eh? It has a 2 car garage which is going to be great for storage too since there is no basement. Yes, I know there is a huge tree blocking the view of half of the house. We are going to trim that but haven't gotten around to it just yet.

I love being able to send the kids to the backyard to play. They love playing in the sprinklers and just running around. There are also lemon and lime trees back here.

Here is the view from the front door as you walk in. There is a small room off to the right and then there is a bathroom on the left. The hallway leads back to the main room in the back of the house.
On top of the stairs is the loft which I haven't decided what to do with yet. We have the computer and the piano up there for now.
Pictures of the front room.
The family room
The dining room. This is the view from the kitchen. Off to the left is the big patio door leading to the backyard.
Our dining room and kitchen (view from the family room)
Kitchen

Makenzie's room (obviously)

I don't have pictures of the master bedroom, bathroom or loft b/c they are still full of boxes. My favorite things about the house so far: the big family/dining/kitchen room, the backyard, and the garage. My least favorite: the white carpet!!

We made it

2008-06-06T05:41:00.001-07:00

I know it's been a little while since I blogged last. Right now we are in the midst of unpacking. We moved up to Fremont (just north of San Jose) on Tuesday and now are attempting to get boxes unpacked and furniture moved. It really is quite the big task. But we are making progress and I will take pictures soon of our place as soon as we are done. Today we are making a trip to IKEA and Target to look for lights since a lot of the rooms in our place don't have any. Mike starts work on Monday - right now we are a one car family so we'll see what happens. I hate being stuck without a car but I also don't want to drive him if the commute is long. I haven't located the camera yet so I can't put any pictures on. I will blog more later.

First Lost Tooth

2008-05-30T14:10:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it. Tyler just lost his first tooth last night. I was so excited for him especially since he was so brave and so proud when it came out. He couldn't stop grinning and then running to the bathroom to look. But to me, I'll admit, it was a bit sad too. Every milestone Tyler goes through makes me feel like time is passing by way too fast and that I'm just not ready. I can still envision him as my little two year old, my little boy. And Makenzie as my baby. It's hard to admit that he's not a little boy anymore and we all know that Makenzie isn't anything close to a baby. But it's hard to let go of that. And while I'm so proud of him and of all the progress he makes and all the stages he goes through, a part of me just thinks, "Please don't grow up. Just stay my little boy forever". But time goes on and there isn't anything we can do about it except treasure the little moments.

Here's a quote I found that helped cheer me up a little:

"One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering".

I love you Tyler, you silly boy!