We were searching online one morning, trying to decide which hike to take when Justin's dad called and asked if we wanted to go on a hike with them. That worked out well! We went to Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was mostly uphill, but Molly did great. Good thing Grandma was there to distract her! And it's always easier going down. The waterfall was beautiful, although I'm told that the big round rock that the waterfall went through (hence called "Donut" Falls) had eroded away. Justin, Molly, Gene, Stockton, and I explored a little further and went as close to the top of the falls as we could get, which was still only halfway there. In the past Stockton's been a little scared of the sound of the waterfalls but he was okay this time. I guess we're getting him used to it!Our next hike was in Pleasant Grove, Battle Creek Falls. This was all uphill, but I was proud of Molly. She got a little tired but she made it! The waterfall was cool, it split at the top and came down in two different waterfalls. We had our dinner at the bottom of the falls and them spent some time wading and playing around. Of course my kids loved the dirt and mud. I don't know how Molly did it, but she ended up with dirt all over her face, legs, and arms. Oh well, she sure did have fun!We're having so much fun on our hikes. We're hoping to do a couple more this summer and a few in the fall before the weather gets too cold. And we still need to squeeze in that camping trip this summer...
-decorate bike and ride in the parade-watch parade-take a nap in the stroller-dress like your cousins-play on the bounce toys-get your face "stamped"-enjoy a snow cone-jump on the tramp with the sprinklers underneath-go swimming Things to do in Spanish Fork on Pioneer Day:
-go to the parade-play with cousins-swim OR-play in the water table-watch the Eric/Justin/Gene/Brett/Matt fireworks show-sparklersWe love that our July holidays work out so well with families-the 4th with the Moyes' and the 24th with the Goodrich's. My only regret this summer is that we didn't see any real fireworks. We didn't stay to see them in Plain City and had expected some on the 24th but they didn't happen. Oh well. Maybe we can still catch some, sometime. I think Molly would really like them this year. Anyone know of any coming up?
We wore Stocky out so much last Saturday night (he wouldn't sleep at Eric and Heidi's) that he took a power nap on Sunday. He fell asleep the last hour of church, didn't wake up when we put him in the car seat to come home, stayed asleep when I put him in his crib, and slept a whopping FOUR hours longer. 11 am-4pm, 5 hours total. Whew! Boy was he happy when he woke up! :)
Our first six weeks of summer was go, go, go! It's starting to slow down just a little, but only just a little. This is the scene many a summer night...the kids fall asleep in the car and we carry them up to bed.Here is just a little recap of the first 3 or so weeks. Keep in mind that we did all of this AND went on two family vacations. Whew!
We kicked off the summer with a day at the zoo.Justin's branch took first in a contest. The prize was dinner at Brick Oven Pizza and a movie. This was a late night since the branch doesn't even close until 7 and all the employees had to drive from the branch in Heber to Brick Oven in Provo. Needless to say, the kids and I did not go to the movie.
We swim a lot at home. Molly has become a little fish this summer and can't seem to get enough water! It was fun before but now it's even more fun thanks to the big slide Justin's parents gave to Stockton and Molly for a combined birthday present.Molly got to stay at Grandma Kay's all by herself for a couple of days so that she could go to Chloe's birthday party. Chloe had a pinkalicious party for her 4th birthday...oh how Molly was excited. She planned her "outfit" all week...it was pretty bad. Think old pink hand-me-down skirt with a hole in it, and some pink shirt. I finally talked her into a pink shirt and a denim skirt which I called her "party skirt." Apparently the party was a hit, with pink popcorn, pink popsicles, pink bubble gum, and pink cupcakes.While at Grandma's she also got to go to the Dinosaur Park with her cousins.
Some girls from my ward and I formed a soccer team in April. We played every Saturday morning with the tournament in mid-June. We were all pretty rusty but once we got the hang of playing again (and didn't feel like passing out after running for 2 minutes) we made a pretty good team. We ended up winning the championship in our division. It was fun and exciting...the season is over now, but not to worry, it starts again this Saturday. Can't wait!
Our family also watched any World Cup match that we could. Sadly, this was not many since we don't have any sort of cable. So mostly we watched the Saturday and Sunday afternoon games. Next time I think we will definitely splurge and pay for one month of cable so we can watch all the games. There is something really addicting about a World Cup match-I can barely peal my eyes away from the screen.
We have frequented Hobble Creek Canyon in Springville three times now, usually on a Sunday afternoon. We walk on the bike trail and end up at the river. The kids just can't get enough of throwing rocks in the river and we love getting out of the house and being in the beautiful mountains. I have told them that they can get as dirty as they want because we're just going to go home and get right in the tub. What kid doesn't love getting dirty? It is my opinion as a mom that I should let my kids explore dirt, worms, sand, all that filthy stuff (even if it grosses me out). Isn't that what being a kid is all about? Besides, they clean up pretty easy.Ali and Gavin came to visit for three weeks (Jeff went home the day after our trip to Jackson) so I went down for a couple days to stay at my parents with them. Of course it's always fun to see them but it was so fun getting to know Gavin better. I swear he is the funniest 2-year-old I have ever met. He had me laughing just about every minute. We miss him so much and are sad that we won't see them until next summer. Sigh.
One thing we did while in Plain City was visit the Trout Farm. What a blast! All the kids were able to catch 2 fish. Most the kids were a little wary to touch the fish at the beginning. They would bend down to look at their just-caught fish lying in the grass and would jump a mile when it moved. It was hilarious! By the end of the night Molly got brave...she went from poking it, to petting it, to actually picking it up and putting it in the bucket! Way to go Molls!Stay tuned for more summer adventures...there's much, much more!
Stockton will put anything away in a box, bag, you name it. This particular day it was cookie cutters. We had them out while we were playing play-dough. Molly wasn't much into helping me...but Stocky was!
As please ignore the mess. It just gets like that some days.
You have been one for three weeks now. I don't know where the year has gone and I can hardly remember what you were like as a small baby. Sometimes I wish I could have you little for a day, just so I can cuddle with you. You are too busy to let me do that now. But as much as I miss my tiny baby, I am loving this stage of your life. You are learning something new almost on a daily basis. I love staying home with you and watching you explore and just enjoy life. Here are some of the things that you are doing...
You have 6 teeth, 2 on bottom and 4 on top, with one more coming in.
Whenever you are asked, "Where's the light/sky?" you point up and say, "Der." Actually, when you are asked, "Where's (fill in the blank)?" you do the same thing.
You take two naps each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You sleep anywhere from 2-3 hours for each nap.
You throw everything. I mean everything. You usually choose to throw with your left hand.
At your one year check-up you weighed 20lbs 2 oz (13th%) and you were 29 inches (25th %) long. You got three shots.
During choir practice, you stand by me and pound on the lower keys of the piano. It's very noisy. I could try to make you go somewhere else, but you would cry. Besides, I think it's kind of cute so I let you pound away!
You like to put your fingers in your ears. You put your fingers in Dad's ears when he gives you a shoulder ride.
You like books as long as they have a lift-the-flap feature. Or a different texture. Both combined together will keep you entertained for as long as five minutes, if we're lucky.
You've been cruising up the stairs for months but are scared to go down. You only started to go down this week and have only done it a handful of times.
You still really, really like to watch Baby Einstein videos. You are also starting to like Super Why.
When I'm in the kitchen or getting ready and you need me, you come and stand right in between my legs. I almost always trip over you and cause you to cry.
You crawl really fast.
You don't walk yet, although you are getting closer. You love to go outside and walk behind your wagon walker. You like to walk back and forth to Mom and Dad. And yesterday Molly saw you let go of her little table and take 3 or 4 or 5 steps to the couch, all by yourself.
You have a laugh that is totally fake. You open your mouth as wide as you can and force out a laugh. It always brings a smile to my face.
You've discovered cupboards and drawers and the mysteries kept in them. You like to pull everything out.
You give big, open-mouthed kisses. But not on our lips very often. More like anywhere else you can plant your lips. You like to crawl up to someone and dive on their belly, leg, etc. and slobber wherever you land.
You love playing in Molly's room. Sometimes you escape upstairs and I find you happily exploring her room.
You have started to throw mini-tantrums if something gets taken away from you.
When you pick up a phone you put it to your ear. When you pick up a remote, you point it to the TV. You picked up the lid to the bubbles today and tried to put it back on the bubbles. I think you are very smart.
You like to play with Sister Tucker's music stand during choir practice. It's one of those silver, flimsy ones and she's always worried that you are going to pull it over on yourself.
You've started to play peek-a-boo. I put your hands over your eyes the first time and then you try, and try, and try...you put your hands on your cheeks, your neck, your ears, your nose, anything but your eyes. Then you jerk them off really fast and giggle when I say "Boo!"
Whenever I'm sitting on the ground you crawl over to me and sit right in my lap.
You like to sit on the floor across from someone and roll a ball back and forth. Balls are probably your favorite toys.
Just tonight you started saying "Cheeeeeeeese" when we try to take your picture.
We love you Stockton, Stock, Stocky, Boy-boy, Stocky-wocky, and Brother! How happy we are that Heavenly Father sent you to us!
Yes, it's hard to believe, but my baby is one. His birthday was on the 25th and we tried to celebrate how a one-year-old would like, not like he really gets it. When they turn one, it's probably more for the mom than the baby, right?
His birthday was on a Friday so with Justin at work all day I tried to make it fun. He still takes two naps (and on this day they were both about 2.5-3 hours) but in between I took the kids to a puppet show at the library. This was really probably more for Molly than Stockton, but at least it was something different than normal. Truthfully, the puppet show was pretty lame, but there were lots of bubbles which is always a kid-pleaser.
When Justin got home, we gave Stockton his presents. He mostly got the Radio Flyer wagon/walker. It's in hopes that he will walk soon! I know I shouldn't wish my kids through stages, rather just enjoy where they are at, but I am so ready for him to walk. He's been crawling forever (5 1/2 months) so I guess I've had plenty of that stage. Plus, going outside is hard. He puts rocks, bark, and anything else he can find in his mouth. It seems like once they're walking they don't do that so much. So, he likes his walker and I take him outside almost daily to walk behind it. He's getting closer but I imagine he still has a few more weeks.I tried to think of a fun activity to do that a baby would enjoy. I can think of plenty of things that Molly would love, but Stockton's a little harder. We ended up going to a pond and feeding the ducks. Perfect for a one-year-old. Actually perfect for both of them. They loved it! The ducks were super friendly and, unlike some very overfed ducks (like the ducks at WheelerFarm), these ducks gobbled up our bread very quickly. There were even huge fish that would eat our bread. We fed the ducks/fish for a while, walked around the pond, and then went home.Of course Stocky found the one little bit of mud that was there.We had Stockton's party on Saturday. It wasn't much, just dinner with the grandparents and then cake and ice cream with a few friends. His cake doesn't look that impressive from the outside. Actually, it doesn't look that great since I'm a horrible cake-decorator. I can't even frost a cake and make it look smooth. But it was pretty cool once we cut into the cake. I didn't get a good picture, but this is what it looked like when it came out of the oven. I loved the bright colors. These layers got stacked together and frosted, obviously. I also made 24 cupcakes that looked the same, but on a smaller scale. And it tasted delicious, which is really the most important part, right? Stockton really liked it.
Blowing out the candle...Hmm, what's that?Mmm, that's good.Dad, you want some?Now he's really enjoying himself.He had to get a bath before we could continue the party.
He opened a few more presents, with lots of help from Molly, Gavin, and some neighbors.Then we all gathered outside and played and visited until bedtime. All the kids loved the wagon and they took turns pushing and being pushed!Well, that's it. We officially have a one-year-old and I'm having a hard time believing it. We sure do love him. Right now as I'm trying to type this, his little fingers are reaching up, typing his own message. So I'll end with his contribution:
2ht t bb['/ bdxjrfo.ezujb j, gc o.j n (I think it says, "I love you Mommy. Please get off the computer and come play with me.")
Feb 27: We went shopping with my mom and sister. We spent a lot of time at one store and Molly got hot and bored. When we were leaving she said, "I'm so glad we are done. That was so hot and...like...fashionable." Big sigh.
Jan 7: "Dad, today was so busy I didn't even get an opportunity to fight with boy."
January 2012: Stockton found some Tums and was wanting to eat them. I told him no because they would make him sick. Molly explained it further: "Stocky, it's just like what the devil does. He makes something look really good or exciting but it's not really that good or exciting at all."
November 1: "Mom, can I have some ranch for my carrots? Oh never mind, I didn't know they were melted." (cooked carrots, rather than raw)
November 1: "Wow, this water is ice hot!"
October: Every time a decision has to be made, Molly plays eeney-meeney-miney-moe . She tries to do it so nobody notices but I know exactly what she is doing!
8-30 Molly and I were playing a guessing game in the car. I was trying to get her to guess the word "arrow." Me: "It points you in the right direction..." Molly: "Jesus!!"
8-12 Molly was reading the story of Nephi getting the brass plates: "And then Nephi found Laban and he was drooped." (she meant drunk)
7-15 Molly was playing with an attachment for the vacuum-twirling it in the air like a baton. "Mom, watch me crouton this!"
6-26 Molly told us this joke on the way home from church: Which ghost has the best hearing? The eeriest!
6-13 Molly trying to get Stockton to say "helicopter:" "Stocky, say hell. Stocky say hell."
6-12 To Stockton: "The car won't say hi back to you, buddy."
6-10 Molly and Gavin were eating sour watermelon candy when Molly asked Gavin, "Do you want me to suck the sour off for you?"
USU Graduation, May 2007
Seattle, Washington, August 2008
Louisville, Kentucky, May 2009
June 25, 2009
Stockton Ray
2 years
April 29: starts sleeping in a "big boy" bed
May 2011: gets confused with hot and cold-calls everything hot; becomes obsessed with cars and trucks; can finally say his own name
May 30: Figured out how to climb to the top bunk-yikes!
end of May/early June- Stockton's last tooth comes in
August: says "Da-ee" and "Mo-ee" for Daddy and Molly
August 17: poops in the toilet!
August 21: pees in the toilet
September: calls Justin "Daddi-o" (he does this when he's happy, angry, sad, silly, you name it!); knows all his colors; counts to ten: "one, free, four, ten!"
October 2nd: We were watching General Conference. Stockton heard the congregation laugh after something President Monson said so he giggles and says: "Si-ee prophet."
November 5: Justin and I were watching a college football game downstairs long after we'd put the kids to bed. All of a sudden we hear Stockton clear upstairs yell "Tackle football game!" and run downstairs to watch.
November: His night-time farewell: "Night-night M&M face head!" in the silliest voice he can muster. He came up with it on his own.
November: At dinner each night we say what we are thankful for. Every time we ask what he is thankful for he says "crayons." All month long.
Dec 15: "Stocky, is daddy a boy or a girl?" "A boy." "Is Stockton a boy or a girl?" "Boy." "Is mommy a boy or a girl?" "Girl." "Is Molly a boy or a girl?" "Girl." "Is Brynn a boy or a girl?" "A baby."
December: It's been fun watching Stockton get excited for Christmas. He says "Merry Santa!"
Dec 21: Stockton has croup. He had to get a steroid shot.
Jan 12: Just playing tonight and out of the blue Stockton says, "Dad, I be baby Jesus!" and lays down on Justin's chest
Jan 19: Stocky is constantly telling us this joke he make up: "Mom, I have a joke for you." "What?" "What you eat for breakfast?" "What?" "A crib!" And then he says the whole thing again.
late February: Asking Stockton why Brynn is crying (he hit her): "Stockton, why is Brynn crying?" "Whaaaa!" "No, Stockton, why is Brynn crying?" "Whaaaa!" He gets his "who, what, where, when, why, and how's" a little mixed up.
Feb. 28: Stocky threw his binkies away today!!
Mar. 1: love that he says cute things like: "doonin'" = doing "Hold you" when he wants to be held
Mar. 25: "Mom, let's go play rice frisbee." (He wants to play catch with the frisbee.)
May 12: Stocky stays dry in underwear all day!
March 2010
March 7, 2011
Brynn April
13 months
June 30- rolls over belly to back
mid July-starts playing with her toes
September 7-turns 6 months old and has her first taste of baby food: rice cereal
September 11-Brynn's been getting up on her hands and knees and rocking forward and backward for very short amounts of time. I'm hoping that crawling is still a long way off!
September 18-She's been practicing sitting up on her own and is getting so strong. She can sit on her own for long periods of time now and only falls over when she is reaching for something.
September: Molly and Stockton have been calling her "coo-coo"
October 5: starts crawling!
October 20: Today she went from crawling to sitting. She is also trying so hard to pull herself up on things.
October: starts babbling a lot: mostly "da-da" but a few "ma-ma's" and "ba-ba's" too
October 31: First Halloween. Noticed today that her first tooth was starting to come in. On the bottom (middle left).
November 30: Second tooth. Bottom, middle, right.
end November: Brynn has not been sleeping well. She's always gone right back to sleep when I feed her but now she's up for hours at a time. We've had to start letting her cry it out if she wakes up before a certain time at night.
December: saying "ma ma" a lot
December: Brynn has been mimicking us. At dinner we all put both arms in the air and she smiles and does the same.
December 10: Brynn stood on her own for literally a full 5 seconds! She starts doing this more and more over the next few weeks. She's getting very brave.
December 12: Noticed first tooth coming in on the top. Middle right.
Dec 19: first ponytail!
Dec 25: starts walking along furniture
last week in December: Justin's been holding Brynn's fingers and helping her walk all around the house. She is getting so strong and is actually very stable.
Jan 3, 2012: Brynn slept all night!
Jan 9: first steps...very wobbly, but they were steps alright!
second week in Jan: 4th tooth came in. Top, middle, right
Jan. 22: starts climbing the stairs
mid-February: gives kisses
last week in February: starts climbing on everything!
March 14: At her 12-month well-check she weighed 14 lbs 4 oz. She also got 4 shots!
Mar 21: 5th tooth-top left
April 1: nursed Brynn for the last time
tooth #6, 7, & 8: mid-April, end April, mid-May
June 23: first haircut
Disneyland, June 2011
October 2011
"Every sister who stands for truth and righteousness diminishes the influence of evil. Every sister who strengthens and protects her family is doing the work of God. Every sister who lives as a woman of God becomes a beacon for others to follow and plants seeds of righteous influence that will be harvested for decades to come."
Our next hike was in Pleasant Grove, Battle Creek Falls. This was all uphill, but I was proud of Molly. She got a little tired but she made it! The waterfall was cool, it split at the top and came down in two different waterfalls. We had our dinner at the bottom of the falls and them spent some time wading and playing around. Of course my kids loved the dirt and mud. I don't know how Molly did it, but she ended up with dirt all over her face, legs, and arms. Oh well, she sure did have fun!
We're having so much fun on our hikes. We're hoping to do a couple more this summer and a few in the fall before the weather gets too cold. And we still need to squeeze in that camping trip this summer...
Our next hike was in Pleasant Grove, Battle Creek Falls. This was all uphill, but I was proud of Molly. She got a little tired but she made it! The waterfall was cool, it split at the top and came down in two different waterfalls. We had our dinner at the bottom of the falls and them spent some time wading and playing around. Of course my kids loved the dirt and mud. I don't know how Molly did it, but she ended up with dirt all over her face, legs, and arms. Oh well, she sure did have fun!
We're having so much fun on our hikes. We're hoping to do a couple more this summer and a few in the fall before the weather gets too cold. And we still need to squeeze in that camping trip this summer...
