Chloe, Stella & Fred

A Dirty Dash Birthday Bash

2011-11-20T18:37:00.001-08:00

A Loss

2011-11-20T18:28:00.001-08:00

A Baby

2011-11-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

July 2nd
8 pounds 11 ounces

A Camping Trip

2011-11-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

A week before my due date. Right after my dr. stripped my membranes.

Excuses

2011-11-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Being pregnant. Moving. Having a baby. Building a house. Moving again. And moving again. These are things that have kicked my butt.
I plan on catching up on blogging but I am still overwhelmed by the amount of things I need to get done to feel settled. And baby Clive really likes to be held, which really limits the amount of things I accomplish in a day.
So I will ease back into blogging with some teaser posts.

Some News

2011-06-03T19:30:00.001-07:00

i'm forcing myself to write this post. i am not forcing myself to use the shift key.

i have been bad at blogging. the number one reason is that i am pregnant--which equals lazy. the other reason is that we are moving and this takes up a lot of time and energy.

we always figured we would return to utah and dan got really anxious as the housing market continued to plummet with no sign of return in the near future. so we figured we would try to get out now. if we waited until the market improved (at least three years) then our kids would be older and have a harder time moving.

but we weren't too hopeful. we considered renting, buying a house in utah and then short-sale the one in idaho if it got too much for us. word got out and we immediately had three families that wanted to rent. all very good options. we couldn't decide.

so dan applied for some jobs. he got three offers. he has a talent for getting jobs. he decided to accept a job managing data for the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints (i just can't deny the shift key for that one). they have very good benefits. they also pay for closing costs and realtor fees. so we decided we would put it up for sale for three months tops.

getting a house ready to sale is no easy task. besides all the cleaning and packing we had stella's birthday, a yard sale, and three soccer games. oh, and i'm pregnant.

we had three showings on saturday and an offer on monday. we were really excited because the offer was more than the asking price. but then they negotiated the closing costs. then a self-proclaimed "nit-picky" inspector came up with a very long list of things wrong with our house. including a jet in the bathtub with low-pressure and a stove burner with a low flame. the buyers required us to fix only the most expensive things. (things that were wrong with the house when we bought it but were not pointed out to us.)

everyday for the past week someone has been coming to fix something and charge us money. i am so tired of it. i'm tired of thinking about it. i haven't been doing anything physical but thinking about all the money we are forking out for repairs and going to closing with mucho dinero--make that muchisimo dinero--wears me out. we just hope that the buyers don't back out when the appraisal comes back. our house value seems to drop $1000 a week.

so where are we going? we have spent many weekends in utah trying to figure it out. we looked all through utah county for a house and even a bit in the draper area but couldn't find anything. we finally decided to build. we spent a lot of time trying to decide on a lot.

just after we decided to move to utah county my sister rachel decided the same thing. i really wanted to coordinate our house shopping but she was busy when we were available. we decided on a lot in lehi, just north of utah lake and a mile away from my cousin natalie and friend sarah. but i didn't have much hope that rachel would be able to find a house nearby--there wasn't much available.

the week after we bought our lot rachel went shopping for a house. she checked out the cul-de-sac where our lot is and.....(this is the best part of the story) the house across the street had gone up for sale. and they bought it! ha! how awesome is that?!

more trips have been made to utah to figure out the house plans. we will be renting for the summer while the house is being built. we are renting a home from a family that will be gone for an internship and is leaving their house furnished. if our house isn't finished before the family returns we will just have to move into rachel's basement. party! (right, rachel?)

the last day of school is wednesday. we will leave that evening to go to dan's brother's nicely-timed-wedding in logan on thursday. then we will finally move into the rental on saturday.

see why i haven't blogged about all this? there is just too much going on. and don't forget--i am due to have a baby in july. one month after we move into the rental. one month before we move into the new house.

i was just thinking, could this move be any more hectic? yes, it could. remember that we only had to show our house for one day? i didn't have to try to keep the house clean for weeks. also, our house sold. not for as much as we owe but it still sold. and, i am thankful that the new job provides movers to pack up and haul away our stuff.

if this baby didn't move around so much i might forget that i'm pregnant. poor, neglected fourth child.

ok, done. documented.

pray for the sale to go through!

Bunny Birthday

2011-06-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I threw Stella a party a week before moving. Well, this year the timing was even better. Her party landed on the day our house went on the market. I must be getting better at this party -throwing because I pulled it off rather easily.

She requested a bunny themed birthday--NOT an Easter theme--just bunnies.

I made bunny ear headbands with posterboard and craft paper and stamps.
These balloons were so cute. Except they were top heavy. My favorite was this red one that stood on the tips of his ears:

The kids decorated pails with paint markers...

Pinned the tail (cottonball) on the bunny...

Ate cupcakes (or licked the frosting off the cupcakes). The ears were made with craft paper and toothpicks...

Beaded candy necklaces and had bunny hopping races...

And a pinata...

And I did it all by myself. Except Chloe drew the bunny faces for me.

The party was a success. Fun was had by all.

Gymnastics Meet

2011-03-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ski School

2011-03-05T21:15:00.001-08:00

We signed all the kids up for ski school this year. I took Stella and Fred up on Thursdays after kindergarten & preschool. Dan took Chloe up on Saturdays (I forgot to have him take a picture). Chloe & Stella are pros. Fred improved drastically.
Since I'm pregnant I don't have a pass. But Dan likes to take two kids up at a time. Chloe can get off the lift by herself and Dan can help one kid at a time. Maybe next year he can handle all three. Maybe I should get some skis so I can help out.

This reminds me...Fred is going through a phase right now. He doesn't want to go anywhere without me or Dan. Not church, preschool, babysitters, ski school...It is so annoying. He never went through this phase as a baby. It started part way through ski school. He throws a fit when I have to drop him off. I have no idea why he started this. I always leave him and he recovers but it sure is a hassle.

And another thing about Fred. We have 1:00 church. EVERY Sunday he falls asleep during sharing time. His teacher always hands off a sleeping boy at the end, telling us he is "the sweetest thing."

Shhh

2011-03-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

Fred always wants someone to lay down with him at night. Sometimes I really enjoy it. He is a funny kid. Sometimes we are not in the mood and wish he would just go to bed. So we let the girls put him to bed. They take turns sleeping with him in his toddler bed (which is just a crib mattress for those who don't know).

(Blogger thinks it knows how I want my pictures positioned.)

Every morning he joins me in bed. I love it. Sometimes Stella does if she gets up early enough. Chloe only does on weekends--she is way to concerned about being late to waste time laying around. Fred always brings his horses. They are very affectionate. I get at least one kiss a day. One horse is superior to the other because it has a "popped up tail". I can't tell the difference but the tail is Fred's favorite part and he knows which is which.

2011-03-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

It's a BOY!
(His hand is by his face. Cute. And see his boy part?)

I'm very happy to have two girls and two boys. I'm glad Fred will have a brother. I'm glad I have been able to have children. I feel very blessed. But this must be the last time.
Because:
1. Ugh. Pregnancy is such a drag. My face is already fat. I wish I could go into hiding during the last four months of pregnancy.
2. I'm old.
3. A family of six fills two rows on an airplane.

2011-02-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

We received a letter in the mail inviting Chloe to participate in the school's "gifted" program. In the same week Stella's teacher informed me that Stella is struggling and falling behind the other students.

These two are so different.

Chloe is naturally driven, responsible and independent. Stella is easy-going and carefree.

We are proud of Chloe and are trying to help Stella but we are not going to get too worried yet. We were told that children's brains are still developing and they only use a small percentage. Sometimes they use more of one side (left vs. right) than the other and it is usually around 2nd grade that this evens out. Stella loves to color and create so we are hoping this is the case with her. (Although, I will admit that Chloe has always been crafty and book smart--she's cool like that.) I am the art mom for Stella's class. There are some kids in Stella's class that can write in complete sentences but cannot do, what I consider to be, a very simple art project.

Besides, I was one of a few kids that had to go to a reading aid in first grade and I turned out ok. Not too stupid.

Chloe made it to her school's 2nd grade spelling bee. She made it to the 6th round then got out on beautiful. She said "b-e-a-u-t-i-e.." then paused because she knew she had messed up. She knows this word but last week her class had "beauties" as a spelling word and she just goofed up. She cried afterward. "Everyone will think I'm so stupid for getting out on such an easy work!" She is a worrier.

Here she is spelling in front of the judges, all the 2nd graders and the parents beyond them. I was telling Chanell that I hated the stress of the spelling bee and when it was my turn I said, "g-p-q-a-r-t" because I had a fear of failing. Failing on purpose was much better than failing while actually trying. Chanell told me about the Brian Regan comedy skit. I'm glad someone appreciates my move.

I also came across this spelling bee video and laughed.

Stupid in School

2011-02-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize how screwed up English is until I learned Spanish. As I was helping Chloe study her spelling she would ask, "How do I know if it ends in 'al' or 'le'?" And she was so fascinated when I told her that in Spanish the vowels always make the same sound--'a' is always 'ah'. She asked, "What about 'a' (as in apple)?" "They don't have that sound." "Wow!"

(I have tried five times to upload pictures to this post but the program keeps closing so I'll have to continue this in the next post.)

Valentine Box

2011-02-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

It looks really simple but it actually took a long time and a lot of sketches for Chloe and I to come up with the right penguin. She made me do most of the drawing but I made her do the cutting, gluing, coloring and glittering. And we took her name off last year's box and glued it on the bag. We added a bunch of sequins and jems for jewelry but we both agreed that we liked the simple version better and we pulled them all off before the glue dried.

She loves it and her classmates love it. Her only complaint is that when it is time to distribute valentines she will have to turn it backwards.

Stella and I were going to make a fox (similar to Chloe's, based off this) but her class isn't doing boxes.

Grandma & Grandpa

2011-01-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

My kids love discussing how family is related. I was telling them that Grandma Lang is my grandma, Grandma Goodrich is my mom and your grandma, and when you have a kid I will be a grandma.

Stella: "And Dad will be the grandpa."

Fred: "And he'll be the Big Scary Bear." (My Dad's favorite role.)

Stella: "Yeah, and you'll be the grandma and give lots of hugs and kisses."

A few days later, Dan was asking the kids what they wanted for lunch. Stella couldn't decide. Dan asked, "How about a knuckle sandwich?"

Chloe said, "Dad, that's only funny when Grandpa says it."

Accessorized

2011-01-20T22:05:00.000-08:00

Chloe has wanted to get her ears pierced for a long time. At one point I told her she could have it done when she was eight. She reminded me. For some reason I was hesitant. But I figured if she is old enough to be baptized she is old enough to take care of earrings.

She is pretty much a wimp and has no tolerance for pain. She is very dramatic and part of this may be my fault because I don't pay much attention to her wails. "It's like you don't even care that I'm hurt!" So she may play it up even more to try to convince me she really is hurt and I really should respond. And she HATES shots.

It is amazing what she can handle with a different mind set. I don't even think her eyes watered. We told her she is never again allowed to fear shots or cry when getting them.

Season's Greetings

2011-01-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

I love receiving Christmas cards. So I try to send them out. I'm never fully successful but I still try. This year we had a good start. We had family pictures taken in October. I made the family update/blurb, printed the photos, bought envelopes, collected addresses and printed them out before heading to St. George. The plan was to stuff and address the envelopes on the long drive to St. George. But I left the address sheet at home. So the cards weren't sent out until January. Oh well, I try.

In case you didn't receive one here it is:

I really should start sending out Independence Day cards. That time of year is a lot less hectic. Well, except July 2011.

My Kind of Tantrum

2011-01-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

Fred was mad because I wouldn't give him what he wanted until he asked nicely. So he took his preschool art project, walked over to the garbage can, pulled all the fruit loops off the paper and threw them away. Then he crumpled up the paper and threw it in the recycling bin.

Life would be so much easier if all my kids were willing to part with their school work like this.

While I'm here I guess I'll mention how Fred always takes his dishes to the sink. I'll leave him at the counter with a bowl of yogurt and come back to him gone and his bowl by the sink. This amazes me. One of my favorite things about him.

The Rest

2011-01-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

Rachel threw a New Year's Eve party for the kids. (And served the best guacamole I've ever had made by Frie's Fruit Market in Santa Clara. Yum. I want some right now.)*

I took pictures before the party but once it got started I was too wrapped up in the fun to think about photos. We played charades and the gift exchange game. (Fred did not allow his gift to be stolen from him.) And rang in the New Year with noise makers at about 9:30.

Other events/people not photographed during this trip:

The family Christmas party.

An awesome Indian dinner at the Wells'.

Any family of friends (other than Rachel's back).

"Pictures only prove you can't convince." -The Format

* or maybe it just fulfilled a pregnancy craving

Christmas Eve and Morn

2010-12-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Santa Clara City Christmas Eve Program.

We went to this when I was a kid. Now I get to suffer through it as an adult.

We go for the Santa photo-op.

Chloe and Stella thought it was hilarious that Santa gave Fred a "boy Barbie". Somehow Santa must have known that Fred likes to join his sisters in their Barbie play and that two Ken dolls (one whose head won't stay on) for three kids and ten Barbies is not sufficient. Enough with the Bachelor scenarios.

Chloe still believes in Santa. She's not so sure about the flying reindeer. Deer that fly? It's just a little too absurd for her.

WARNING: The following images are an assault on the eyeballs. The varying colors and patterns may cause damage to your vision. Continue at your own risk.

I love this picture: the messy hair, crazy faces, sheet keeping the loot a surprise, etc.

Fred received a balance board. Stella only asked for a Pig in a Teacup and a CD player. Chloe also asked for a CD player and horse stuff.

Meme sent the kids dress ups and a giant jump rope. Fred LOVES his sword. He ties up his victims with the rope (mostly Grandpa on this trip) then chops them to pieces.

I also bought a Grand Stable online. I couldn't find any dimensions listed. They weren't kidding it is grand (huge). We bought cousin Ashton's horse collection to go with it.

A Simple Christmas Wish

2010-12-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

Katie: Fred, what do you want for Christmas?
Fred: A motorcycle.
Katie: Where did you see a motorcycle? (wondering if he had seen a kid riding a toy one.)
Fred: Just on the road when they drive fast by us.
Katie: Oh, but little boys can't drive those motorcycles.
Fred: I know, Dad will drive it and I will hold onto the bars--the handles..
Katie: The handle bars?
Fred: Yeah.

Hmm...does anyone in the St. George area have a motorcycle that we could borrow for a ride?
Also, do any of the people I know in the St. George area want to get together? We'll be here all next week. Call, fb, email, or comment.

December

2010-12-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

Due to pregnancy I was not in the mood for Christmas celebrations. We did not do an advent calendar. We didn't put lights on the house. (I did put a strand of lights on a bush but never plugged it in. They're still there.) I didn't even want to get out the Christmas tree or decorations. The thought of cleaning up the house in order to get out a bunch of stuff that I would just have to put away in a few weeks was just too much for me. But we had guests coming so I thought I should try to make the house a little festive.

Here are the kids in their new pjs doing a very lovely job of decorating the tree. Fred is saying, "ooo afinity and deyon!"

Meme flew out for a visit and Val and Kate & co. drove up from SLC. We had a very busy week with projects at school, giving gifts to refugees and trying to figure out our gifts for our kids and other family. I'm afraid I was too tired to be a good hostess. We were trying to keep the pregnancy a surprise for Christmas but I don't think I was good at hiding it.

The only picture we took of their visit was this dinner of Omaha Steaks courtesy of Grammy and Pepe. (Thank you!)

The day after Dan's family left we loaded up the car and drove to Santa Clara to spend Christmas with my family.

Never Dull

2010-11-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

One night before bed, Fred decided to march around wearing a knit hat and banging on a milk jug. Then he and Stella decided to play outside. In the snow. In the dark. They brought in snow to eat.

Then they dressed up and danced. (Stella really knows how to rock out.)

Gymnastics

2010-11-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

We started the kids in gymnastics this summer. They all really love it. But Fred really loves it. Every day he asks if he has gymnastics. He cries when we take Chloe but it isn't his turn. And he gives thanks for it in his prayers.

Things That Go 'Bump' In The Night

2010-11-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Fred: ghost, Dan: zombie, Stella: mummy, Chloe: vampire, Katie: witch, old hag, Gypsy...

Chloe's eyes are gold because she is fed. (Twilight reference.)

We bought Chloe's costume at Walmart, necklace at Old Navy. She was trying to be Jane from Eclipse. I hot glued strips of fabric to Stella's shirt and leggings. I made Fred's cloak to wear over a pillowcase.

My Walmart nose wouldn't stay on but that is ok because I have a pointy nose of my own. My dress and shoes are from the DI. I died cheesecloth to go over it. The wig is Dan's mom's.

Dan ripped up old and thrifted clothes then rolled around in the dirt for added effect.

Here in Idaho they don't change holidays just because they are on Sunday. So we didn't let our kids go trick-or-treating on the sabbath. But they got plenty of candy at the trunk-or-treat at the church on Saturday and enjoyed handing out candy to kids that came by on Sunday.

We really enjoyed the haunted theme. I think I will do this every year. The kids can be whatever they want but it has to be a spooky version. I think the zombie version of Wizard of Oz or princesses or Toy Story or whatever will be more entertaining. We'll see if the kids are on board next year.

She is Loved

2010-10-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Because we wanted to make it easier for family to come, we went ahead and did the unthinkable--we scheduled a private baptism. I did not know this was discouraged and, boy, did I have to jump through some hoops to make it happen.

We planned her baptism to coincide with Utah's fall break so the Utahan's could stay longer.

We had nine from southern Utah, one from northern Utah, three from southern Nevada, three from Maine and five from down the street!

The family:

The priesthood:

The cousins and siblings:

The grandparents:

The proud parents:

The sister but not the brother who was unwilling:

Chloe was baptised and confirmed by her dad. Uncle's Zach and Ben gave the talks, Meme and Grandma gave the prayers.

Since we conveniently planned this baptism the same day as stake conference we had to schedule it in the morning. So we served crepes afterward. Chloe's favorite.

We didn't want to throw a party but we did allow her to have the traditional pinata:

And here is the lovely cake that Rachel was supposed to make but I went ahead and gave it a try. And failed:

She was starting to feel sick by this time and was not entertained by the trick candles.

Baptism

2010-10-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have an 8 year old.

And such a pretty one.

And smart.

And talented.

**Thanks brother Jordan for the photography, sister Rachel for doing her hair (since I don't know how to use a curling iron) and cousin Kristin for the invite design.**

Fall Soccer

2010-09-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Stella's soccer season was very painful to watch. They were slaughtered every game.

Chloe's started out badly but improved by the end. This was her first season playing with goalies. Each girl had to take a turn. She cried when she got scored on. She hates to fail.

1st Day of Preschool

2010-09-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get a picture of Fred on his first day of preschool. He was not in the mood. So I tormented him by taking lots of pictures.

Stella came out to see what was going on. She was willing to pose.
But Fred didn't want that either.
Then I bribed him with a pear.
(In the second shot he is trying to show his backpack.)
Then he finished his pear (and even shared).

The end.

2010-08-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

It was a cold morning. I made my girls endure without their jackets while we took pictures. Fred just assumed he was invited to be in the photo. His inside-out pants are an example of how he is trying to take control of his life.

I'm so glad we live close enough to bike. And I'm glad we live close enough to walk when they are grounded from their bikes.

There she goes. This is not emotional for me. (Did anyone think that it might be?)

Fred cried. Not because he loves his sisters so much and will miss them, but because he thinks he should be able to do everything they do. He really wanted to go to school.

All done.

(The quickest three hours of the day.)

Tuscany Triathlon

2010-08-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

Some mothers in the neighborhood put together this triathlon for kids.

Chloe and her best friends, Ashley and Chloe V.

Swim.

(Chloe, Stella, Fred)
Bike
(Kate & Fred)

Run

(Kate & Fred)

(Stella, Dan, Chloe & Ashley)

The race was for ages four and up. Of course, Fred wanted in so I made him a number and did a shortened version of the race.

Only Stella cooperated for the photo. Fred really didn't want to pose.

Champions.

(Fred, Stella, Kate, Annie, Chloe.)

Trek to the Island

2010-08-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Everybody's Learning How

2010-08-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Dan would get Fred set on the board and then let him go and we would yell, "Stand up!"

He had lots of practice with Aunt Valerie and Pepe.

Much more of Maine to come.

Two-Year-Old on a Two-Wheeler

2010-07-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Are you impressed? I am. Check out his maneuverability.

We believe in buying quality bikes. This was Chloe's, then Stella's and now, after painting over the pink and replacing the stickers, it is Fred's bike.

Bogus Mountain Biking

2010-07-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Bogus Basin (the ski resort here) had a discount on lift passes so we took the whole family.

"All levels. All ages."

They were just kidding.

Dan took Chloe on the easiest trail. He ended up carrying her bike most of the way.

But she liked the moss on the trees.

I took Stella and Fred to the top and rode around a bit. Fred was on his balance bike so he would cruise and then drag his feet. We didn't go far but it was hard getting back to the lift.Dan and I each took a turn watching the kids while the other rode. It was really pretty. Next year we'll go without the kids.

July 4th Weekend

2010-07-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

WARNING: very long and boring travelogue.

Dan had to work in Utah on Friday so we decided to spend the holiday weekend there since his company was paying for gas and a hotel one night.

I searched for a campsite the week before but couldn't find anything available in Idaho or Utah but we took our tent-trailer with hopes of snagging one of the few walk-up sites. Dan woke up early Friday morning and drove the whole Alpine Loop. Nothing was available. I was stressing out because I really wanted to camp and really didn't want to have pulled the trailer five hours for nothing. My friend Amy came to the rescue. She is efficient. Everyone needs a friend like her. She found us a site that the campground host said she would hold if we came right away. Well, when we got there the site was no longer available because of a fallen tree. But! they were able to get us a spot in a different campground near Solitude.

We lived in Lehi for five years and never camped in the mountains surrounding us. They are pretty.
The kids actually wanted me to take pictures of them.
So I did.

Watching the very redneck but very nice people set up camp. Playing tigers on the rocks.

Playing around on the slack line. Riding bikes.

Saturday morning Dan rode his bike down the canyon then back up. Then I rode my mtn. bike over to Solitude and hopped on a trail.

We met Amy and her family in Sandy for fireworks. When we got back to the campground at 10:30 the gate was closed. We had never noticed the closable* gate or the sign telling us about it. We didn't want to drive 30 minutes back down the canyon because it was late and we had paid for the night but our site was too far to walk with three sleeping children.

So we pulled out the sign and placed it over the wrong-way-do-not-enter-tire-puncturing-spikes and drove over. (Photos were taken the next morning. Dan wasn't able to find the hole out of which he pulled the sign.**)

We drove back to Sandy for church on Sunday then Kyle and Angela came up to visit us.

We had dinner--including roasted corn-on-the-cob. And we roasted marshmallows. Very, very big marshmallows. And we made smores with strawberries. So good.

Those marshmallows are ridiculously big.

We also played Frisbee golf.

Kyle is great with kids. See him carrying Stella on his shoulders? I discovered later that she had peed her pants. Sorry, Kyle.

I used our Lagoon bounce-back passes on Monday for a few hours while Dan worked. Then we drove home. The weekend turned out great. If I ever move back to Utah I think we'll camp closer to home more often.

Hmmm...there is a lot of camping near Boise. I guess we should try that out too.

*Not a word.

**I do not end sentences with prepositional phrases.

Da Gagoon

2010-06-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

I love Lagoon. I've been to Disney Land & World and I think Lagoon is way more fun. Especially with Rachel and her fast-pass (wheelchair).

Tanner, Stella, Dan, Cyndi, Ella, Grandma, Fred, Drake (sorry for chopping your head), Sara, Chloe, Ethan, Rachel, Ashton.

June

2010-06-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Stella graduated preschool. One of many spills.

Chloe and SidDan made bunk beds for the girls dolls. And I helped them make quilts. Except Stella's still isn't finished.

Fred spent a lot of time naked--because he was potty training and because he likes being naked. Sometimes he made his way out front or answered the door.

Some things found in the central vac.

Fred dresses up nearly every day.

The water park. Without Dan. Things got a little rough during Fred's nap time. He's the type of kid that runs away from his mom. This is especially aggravating around water. Instead of chasing him I would watch him from a distance. This concerned many people who couldn't see his mother.
Toy Story III. We never take our kids to full-price movies--especially not 3D but we were out of town and Dan was working.

Peaceful Slumber

2010-06-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Dan put the kids in our bed while I was away at girl's camp.

Fred started wanting to sleep with his sisters this summer. Notice the plastic sheet. That is for Stella. Notice where Stella is. We need our carpets cleaned.
Stella and Ella.
Fred and Chloe.

Funny Fred

2010-06-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Fred has a talent for remembering lyrics.

The other day he said, "Mom, you are the music in me." (Highschool Musical)

And today he said, (in a high-pitched, sweet, pleading voice)

"Mom, please can I play playdo? Please, mom?

I said, "Sure, Fred."

He said, (in a high-pitched, excited voice) "I can? Yeah! Thanks mom. (singing) I love my mom. My mom is cool." (Sid the Science Kid)

Then he sat ON the kitchen table to play...and peed his pants. Oh, and he was wearing a dress-up skirt.

May Leftovers

2010-05-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we make things. Like books specifically for dress designs.
Another piano recital. Painting garbage bags and the doll furniture Stella received for her birthday .

Playing with Annie and Kate . Swinging outside.

Snaggletooth.

One Day...

2010-05-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

..we rode our bikes to Chloe's school. And stopped to touch the leaves.
We admired Chloe's project.

We stayed until Fred peed his pants.

On the way home, I convinced Fred to ride his bike down a hill.

He crashed and got a mouthful of grass.

We lost the garage opener and had to climb through a window to get in the house.

The End.

Have I mentioned that I love this neighborhood? The school is new and only two blocks away. There are walking paths and parks and swimming pools.

Suburbia at it's finest.

p.s. I think it looks like Stella is levitating in the fist picture. Can you see it or do I just have a good imagination? Maybe if you squint your eyes.

Five

2010-05-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Stella turned five. She has grown up a lot in the past year. She is a good girl. We love her.

Biggest Celebration of the Year

2010-05-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

I guess the huge party we threw her in Santa Clara wasn't sufficient. We thought we should recognize her on her actual birthday. We also wanted to celebrate with her cousins (and best friends) here in Idaho.

In the morning she got to open her presents from her family.

Chloe made this for her Littlest Pet Shops.
We had cupcakes at preschool.

Then we went to Wahooz and she got more presents.

We ate pizza (and pickles).

Drove the bumper boats. This was a little nerve racking because spectators/parents couldn't be inside the gates. There was only one close call when Fred decided he wanted to switch boats. The kids loved it.

Stella's Party

2010-05-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Stella chose a soccer theme for her fifth birthday party. Since we were going to be in Santa Clara the week before her birthday, I planned this party with all her cousins. It turned out to be a really long party, and my whole family (minus Zach) was there, so really it was more like a family reunion.

The activities included:

Dribbling relays

Shooting a goal with your eyes closed. Pizza and sports drinks. Decorating inflatable soccer balls.

Soccer bowling. Swimming.Kicking a pinata.A soccer tournament. Lauren had a broken leg so she was the referee.Cake & presents. Hooray for Stella, birthdays, cousins and soccer!

Easter

2010-05-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

I did this egg hunt every year when I was a kid. Now the next generation does it.

Fred got a prize egg but was more excited about the candy.

Stella was mad because she only got two prize eggs. See how many kids there are? And there were only about ten prize eggs. And she got two! (Which is against the rules.) And that was not good enough for her.
Chloe was crying because she didn't get a prize egg. I was not proud of my girls at this moment (except for Stella's ability to get two prize eggs--that was awesome).
Is anyone else ever ashamed of their kids? I'm ruining them.

Stella gave one of her prize eggs to Chloe. We were all satisfied at this point.

Other traditions:

Dying eggs.

Hiding and hunting for the dyed eggs.

A scavenger hunt to find Easter baskets.

Stella's loot.

Fred, Halle & Chloe

We also watched Ashton and Ethan do a triathlon. My kids wanted to do it but I missed the registration deadline.

And we went to the narrows on the Red Hill. Rachel's brace broke and her shoe fell off--that was epic. And Dan was very determined to get his barrel chest through after a chubby, busty lady made it ahead of him. When there's a will there's a way.

Spring Soccer

2010-04-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Stella really wanted to play soccer this year so we gave her another chance. She started out the season aggressively but kind of faded toward the end.

Chloe had another great season. She is on a team full of friends and has a great coach.

City of Rocks

2010-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

The weekend after we returned from Florida we went camping at City of Rocks with Dan's parents, his brother Ben and his sister Valerie and her husband Stu.

It was windy and kind of cold but still beautiful.

Dan bought some dutch ovens and his mom made some really good meals. Including her birthday cake. The kids love their Pepe.

Kids get wimpy as they get older. Fred climbed all the way up to the tree multiple times. Stella climbed to the line where Fred is in the below picture and Chloe only climbed half-way to the line.

Florida

2010-04-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

Dan had to go to Florida for work. I got to go with him.

His mom and dad came to our house to watch the kids.

I read on the beach while he worked. It was nice.

We went on a river trip. It was beautiful and the weather was perfect.

At first, it was a bit creepy because we were told that there were lots of alligators but we weren't seeing any.

Here we have Dan screaming like a little girl:

Disciplinary Action

2010-03-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

These two play pretty well together. Mostly because Fred isn't too bossy (yet) and Stella is good at giving in. Recently, they've started fighting more. Yesterday I enacted a new law: If you hurt someone you are punished with hot sauce on your tongue. I realize that this stings which means I am trying to teach my kids to not hurt by hurting them. I'm not sure how well it will work. They'll probably just acquire a taste for spicy foods.

I had to pin Stella down after her first offense. After her second, she was willing to take it.

Fred: (crying)

Me: Stella, did you hurt Fred?

She: (standing defiantly) Yes.

Me: Stick out your tongue.
She stuck out her tongue and took her punishment. And even smiled.

I really like this about Stella even though it is slightly maddening. If she doesn't want to eat her veggies then she (usually) is fine without getting her dessert. She is not a conformist. Which makes it really hard to discipline (control/manipulate) her. Plus, she is so forgiving that I have a hard time following through with a punishment because I know that she quickly forgives me when I make her feel bad.

Like the time I popped her balloon. I had taken all three kids to a restaurant where Chloe's school was doing a fundraiser. When we got home it was bedtime. Bedtime is always hectic and I was already frazzled from dealing with the kids in a restaurant. I was trying to get them to focus on getting ready for bed but they were focused on the balloons they had brought home. Stella let hers go and couldn't reach it. She kept asking me to get it and I told her I didn't want her to play with it when she should be getting her jammies on so I would get it after she had changed. She kept asking and asking and I finally said, "If you don't stop I'm going to pop your balloon." She didn't stop. (She doesn't usually respond to threats.) So I stormed in her room, grabbed a balloon and stomped on it. Fred started crying. Stella stopped crying and stared at me wide-eyed. Then I realized that Stella wasn't upset--she was confused. I had popped Fred's balloon. So I gave Stella's balloon to Fred and then she started crying. And Fred continued to cry because he wanted his balloon. About five minutes later, as I was getting Fred settled in bed, Stella came in and gave me a hug and cuddled up to me. She gave me a hug. Because she is loving and affectionate and forgiving. So I promised her another balloon.

I want to be more like Stella.

Spring Skiing

2010-03-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

Spring skiing would be a lot easier if I had skis.

I set the timer for a family photo then a kind person offered to take it for us. My shot is the middle picture. I win.

A Sister's Influence

2010-03-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

Fred LOVES to dance. He turns on the music, grabs his sister's hands and says, "Let's dance."
Here is a video of Chloe giving him a dance lesson. The dress was his own doing.

(Try to ignore Stella's fit. As we were.)

He does sing other songs but I am always entertained when he starts singing this song out of the blue. (You have to admit it's a catchy tune.)

Valentine's Day

2010-02-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

The kids had a good V. day. I left them each a little gift in their Valentine boxes and bought Krispie Kreme donuts for breakfast. Dan gave them each a box of chocolates and boquets for the girls.

Valentine Box & Cards

2010-02-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

I loved making Valentine boxes when I was a kid and this was my first chance to do it--I mean, help do it-- as a parent. I spent a lot of time searching the internet looking for good ideas but found nothing. I finally came up with a heart-robot-guy-thing and after I explained to Chloe how the arms would be crazy straws and the cards would go through his mouth and feathers and foam and tp rolls, etc., she said, "I was thinking a school bus. Ya know, cuz its school."

Oh.

I could have saved myself a lot of time if I would have just asked her if she had any ideas. I didn't have a problem letting go of my robot idea. I liked the school bus idea (not so much the logic behind it--kinda like how she thinks "cutey" and "fluffy" are perfect pet names).

Dan constructed the bus out of a Capri Sun box. I wrapped it. Dan drew the lines. I made the 'Love' sign, Chloe added stickers and jewels and glitter glue and gold marker.

The back doors opened for emergency exit of the cards.

I made a card out of a photo taken of Chloe last month. We taped them to Capri Suns.

p.s. I hate that she has to be Chloe L. but I can't convince her to change her name.

A Good Day:

2010-01-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

-Skiing-

Dan and I took Stella & Fred skiing.

(Chloe had a soccer game so Dan took her skiing the night before

and we left her with a teammate/friend while we took S & F.)

This was Fred's first time. He's a pro.

-Thai food-

Pretty Boy

2010-01-11T21:05:00.001-08:00

Fred, don't feel bad that you get into your mom's makeup and your sisters never did. I didn't have makeup when they were your age.

2009-12-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

We finished off December with the perfect snow day--a big storm followed by warm sunshine.

We don't get much snow here so we enjoyed it while it lasted.

We spent awhile building a snowman and Fred decided to bite his head when I tried to get him to pose for the camera. Of course, natural instinct.

We invited Annie and Kate over to play with us.

Extreme sledding. Not really. Slightly sloped sledding.

BSCF's

(Best Second Cousin Forever)

(Which makes them my first cousins once removed. Fyi.)

The Goodrich Family

2009-12-27T09:58:00.000-08:00

Part vampire-part Na'vi (Avatar). (We tried to get a picture of the whole family but none of them turned out.)

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

We were in Santa Clara for two weeks of the Christmas holiday. The time always flies by.

Chloe lost a tooth before Christmas, like, really lost it--it fell out and she didn't notice. But she knows the Tooth Fairy is understanding so she wrote a note explaining the situation but saved it until Christmas Eve in the chance that she might meet up with Santa. Well, it worked. The T Fairy left Chloe a note and said she told Santa to brush his teeth after eating all the cookies. Chloe thought she was pretty clever.

Here we are opening stockings and reading notes from the T Fairy.

Fred got a slide, Stella got a Leapster and a scooter. Chloe got Nintendogs and a bike. She wondered why Santa gave her a used game (ebay). One of her clever cousins said that one of the elves must have played with it.
We opened presents with my parents, Grandma Lang, Jordan and Zach. I am very proud of myself for not getting very many presents. I was afraid they would be disappointed because there wasn't much to unwrap. I was wrong. Both girls mentioned many times how happy they were.
Fred received a gummy snake in his stocking. He liked to shake his head vigorously while tearing off bites.

It was a merry Christmas.

Goodrich Christmas Party

2009-12-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

Featuring:

Talent show

Pinata

Gift exchange

Nativity

Vomit

Holding Still

2009-12-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

We took Fred to get a haircut at Great Clips. The stylist was soooo slow and Fred got impatient. I would hold his cheeks and tell him to "hold still". Later, when my mom was fixing the haircut, I told him to "hold still" and he held his cheeks.

Jammies

2009-12-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

We let the kids unwrap their jammies a couple of weeks before Christmas so they could actually wear them during the season. Fred loved his 'bun bob' pjs.

Christmas at the Zoo

2009-12-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

We went to the zoo to see Santa (since the mall was too expensive).It turned out to be a great day to visit. All the animals received Christmas gifts. Every cage had a wrapped gift (some sort of food). In the picture on the left there is some sort of cat eating a white bunny. On the right is a komodo dragon eating a hunk of meat.
We were watching the spider monkeys lounging around in the trees when they suddenly went bananas--screaming and swinging around and fighting each other. Then one came up to the glass right in front of Fred. He (the monkey) had both hands on the glass and was screaming, baring its teeth and bulging its eyes--all inches from Fred's face. It was very exciting (and scary for Fred). The lions, on the other hand, were very cuddly and playful with each other. Fred now thinks monkeys are scary and lions are cute. He talked about lions, monkeys and nakes (snakes) for days.

A Day in the Life

2009-12-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

This video starts with Fred eating breakfast.

Then singing with his pants off.

Then eating lunch. I was very fascinated by his noodle eating abilities.

Two year olds are interesting creatures.

Lights

2009-12-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

We went with the Reichner family to see the lights at the botanical gardens. (They do not compare to temple square.) It was one of the coldest nights we've had this winter. I had snow pants and the kids had snowsuits so we were fine. Dan was freezing. I gave my scarf to Brock and he wrapped his head turban-style.

I love this picture--Chloe is pouting and Stella is doing her signature disabled child pose and my nose is bright red.

He Likes to Move It.

2009-12-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

Fred loves to dance. He thinks he's the boss of the radio, though. Whenever I listen to NPR he yells, "Song!" And I flip through the stations while he says, "Not dat one...Dat one! Dat one!" And he starts busting a move. And then he yells, "Woud (loud)!" Sometimes it is rock, sometimes hip hop or mariachi or classical.

Party in the USA

2009-12-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Chloe got a Miley Cyrus cd for her birthday and listened to it over and over for a few days. After about a week of not listening to it at all, she asked Fred to put his hands up for some reason. (I think she wanted to give him high fives.) She said, "Fred, put your hands up." And Fred replied, "they're playing my song, butterflies away."

So I hurried for the camera...

Fred. October & November.

2009-11-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

He really loves his horse and bink.
First professional haircut.
All he wanted to wear was a dishtowel on his head.
Sister's makeup.

He is wearing my shorts up over his belly and my tanktop around his waist.

fyi: blue chalk stains when ground up and liquefied.

Eating butter. He threw up ten minutes later.

He loves that green sweater vest.

I don't know if you can tell, but Fred is my favorite. Because two-year-olds are funny. The favorite child title usually lasts until about age three.

p.s. everything photographed was of his own doing (except the haircut) with no encouragement from us (especially the butter).

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

The Nate & Cyndi Goodrich family came to our house for Thanksgiving. They drove all the way from southern Nevada. We really appreciated it. It would have been a really sad day without them (we probably would have gone out to eat).

While they were here we did some crafts, went to the Discovery Center museum, ice skating, out to eat (during the BYU vs. Utah game--sorry Nate--why didn't you tell me?!), to a movie, played Blokus, and just hung out. Oh, and we had a really yummy Thanksgiving meal. Home cooked. Not by me. I just did a pudding pie. The kids spent a long time raking these leaves so they could slide into them. Click on the picture to enlarge. Fred was so excited to be part of the train. Then he was left behind, "Hey!" Then he was happy again because he was on a slide that ended in a pile of leaves.

Thanks so much for the visit! (And sacrificing football because we don't have cable.)

Fun with Dad

2009-11-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

Ice skating for the first time. Riding the trails.

Fred's Room

2009-11-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

One of my new year resolutions was to get settled into our home. I lost sight of my monthly goals but I did, finally, accomplish something. Here is Fred's room:
Chloe painted/drew that picture of her and Fred.

The Other Corn Maze

2009-10-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Better to See You With

2009-10-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

First of all, when I got Fred's shirt out of the halloween pile to get him dressed I found this spider. Creepy.Poor Stella, it's not easy being the villain. Fred kept chopping her and he doesn't even know the story.

(Slipping wig.)

Didn't you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood has a lumberjack terrorist?

When Chloe was four she wanted to be the Big Bad Wolf. We were so happy that she didn't want to be a princess that we granted her wish--even though the costume cost us $50 off ebay. That is why Stella had to wear it this year (even though she wanted to be a princess) and Fred will wear it when he is four. Then we will sell it on ebay. They were going for $75 this year.

Tablerock

2009-10-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Failed Christmas card photo.
This isn't as bad except for Fred.

Cousins

2009-10-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

My kids loved having their cousins visit. We celebrated Chloe's birthday, went to the Discovery Center and mini golfing.

At the D.C.: bed of nails, animal hospital, grocery store.

Our kids do what we did when we were little--make up dances and plays. Ethan is a good sport. Here we have Ethan and Chloe in a dazzling display of precision choreography:

Can you believe they haven't received any formal training? Chloe would be really good at dance but we can't afford piano, a sport and dance. So, we'll stick to piano and soccer or gymnastics.

Thanks for the visit Gma & Gpa, Rachel, Ashton & Ethan! Come again soon.

Mermaid Party

2009-10-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Chloe told me she wanted a mermaid party before she got too old. I couldn't resist that.

It takes a village to throw a party. Rachel and her kids and my mom AND dad came up. They all helped clean and decorate. And Rachel made the awesome cake. My aunt Cheryl was in town and she and Rachel and two teenage girls from the neighborhood put make up on the kids.
They played with moon sand (mermaids probably make sandcastles, right?).

Played charades (Ariel lost her voice).

Hit a Sponge Bob pinata (he didn't seem to mind).

And found hidden treasure chests.

I took pictures of the girls in front of the beach sunset my dad painted. (They are supposed to look like mermaids.) Ethan is a crocodile. Stella is an Egyptian mermaid.
I sewed these tails. I am pretty impressed with how they came out because it took me four prototypes before I figured out this designs. They are basically aprons with a hot pad at the bottom--the fin is open in the back so they can slip their feet into it.

Rachel made the cake out of fondant, brown sugar for sand, hard tack candy for water and a scalloped fruit roll up for the tail. Poor mermaid was being swarmed by sharks. She survived the attack but not with her tail. She is now naked with legs.

Chloe is a really good helper. She is small for her age. And smart for her age.
She is good at following rules and instructions. School comes easily for her. She also loves any kind of art or craft project. She loves riding her bike (just not to school in the morning but I make her anyway) playing soccer, Barbies, Polly Pockets & dolls. She just started gymnastics and I think she is a natural. She loves dancing around to music. Her favorites are Fiona Apple and Miley Cyrus.

Happy Birthday, Chloe! We love having you in our family.

Thanks everyone who helped. Chloe loved it! Oh, and the crowns were behind the recycling in the pantry.

Footballs

2009-10-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Every year we let the kids design their own pumpkin face. Chloe even carved hers herself.

Stella's is on the left, Chloe's on the right.
I was really impressed with Fred's pumpkin. I told him to draw a circle for the eye then another circle. He was able to do this very well considering we have never taught him shapes. Then I told him to draw a line for the mouth. I carved around the line to create the mouth. I think it is a very charming pumpkin.

Mom's pumpkin on the left, Dad's on the right.

Next to Fred's plate is a pumpkin. (Yes, he's eating with his helmet on.) We picked out this football shaped pumpkin then Chloe painted it like a football. It screwed Fred up. He called all pumpkins footballs the entire Halloween season. We tried to correct him. "No, football!" he'd reply.

JibJab Halloween Fun

2009-10-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Cleft continued

2009-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Fred doesn't NEED to get it fixed. The muscles in his lip and his palate are completely fine. It won't interfere with his speech. It is strictly cosmetic (though insurance covers it because it is considered a birth defect). I really don't imagine kids teasing him about it. Maybe in elementary a kid will ask, "Is that a scar?" And Fred will say, "Yes." "How did you get it?" And Fred can reply, "I was born with it." --or-- "I fell down some stairs when I was a baby." (I think it is more likely he'll get made fun of for missing teeth or being named 'Fred'.) I can't recall a time when a kid has inquired about his lip. Maybe I should start asking children what they think.

Ha ha. I just asked Chloe's friend if she had ever noticed Fred's scar. She tried to look but said she couldn't see it. So I pointed it out. Chloe said, "Whoa! I never noticed that." Neither had Stella or Annie.

I prefer to just leave it until he wants it fixed (and hope we have good insurance). Or at least until he's old enough to sit still and watch movies/color/play video games while it heals. Or until summer when I can ship off the girls. Or until we have money to cover the deductible. Or until we're about to lose our insurance.

Microform Cleft Lip

2009-09-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

I just found out that Fred has a minor cleft lip. I'm sure many of you are thinking, "Duh, I could have told you that." Here's the thing, I noticed it the first time I held him and we asked the doctors about it. The pediatrician on duty said he'd never seen it before, checked him out and told us that everything (palate, lip) was formed but we could probably smooth out the ridge when he is older if we wanted. I also asked his pediatrician at following visits. No one ever told me it was a cleft until his third visit with the pediatrician here in Idaho. She asked me who fixed his cleft lip. When I told her that nothing was fixed, he was just born like that she said that it was a cleft lip and recommended a surgeon. Insurance covers it.

Yesterday was the consultation with the surgeon. he said it is a microform cleft. From wikipedia:

A mild form of a cleft lip is a microform cleft. A microform cleft can appear as small as a little dent in the red part of the lip or look like a scar from the lip up to the nostril. In some cases muscle tissue in the lip underneath the scar is affected and might require reconstructive surgery. It is advised to have newborn infants with a microform cleft checked with a craniofacial team as soon as possible to determine the severity of the cleft.

Basically, it is a cleft lip that decided to fuse together just in time. They are usually fixed at about three months. The doctor said he can make it look better--take away the peak on his lip and smooth out the ridge.

Here's the thing--actually, there are a few things.

1. I'm not bothered by it.

2. But maybe Fred will be one day.

"..children with clefts tend to report more dissatisfaction with peer relationships and higher levels of social anxiety. Experts conclude that this is probably due to the associated stigma of visible deformities and speech abnormalities, if present. Children who are judged as attractive tend to be perceived as more intelligent, exhibit more positive social behaviors, and are treated more positively than children with cleft lip and or cleft palate.[15] Children with clefts tend to report feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and alienation from their peers. Yet these children were similar to their peers in regard to "how well they liked themselves."

Maybe I'm just biased but i don't think Fred's is drastic enough to make him 'different'.

3. We can get it fixed anytime. We don't have to do it now. But we have insurance now.

4. Fred would have to take it easy for ten days after the surgery.

TEN DAYS.

TAKING IT EASY!

I don't even know if that is possible. All throughout the visit Stella and Fred were hugging (which usually results in falling over and wrestling), playing choo choo train, climbing around the room, etc. The doctor recommended shipping Stella off for a week. He said we could have a grandma come stay with us (both grandmas are pretty busy) but that doesn't eliminate the sibling play dynamic. I'm not sure how Stella would do away from the family, by herself. Summer would be better when I could send Chloe with her.

I just don't know if it is worth the hassle (and deductible). I would love to know what everyone thinks.

fyi: Joaquin Phoenix has a microform cleft.

Ken's a Playuh

2009-09-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning the playroom while Chloe and Stella were playing with Barbies. I heard Chloe say, "Everyone who hasn't had a chance to sleep with the prince, get in line."

I asked, "Sleep with the prince?"

"Yeah, each girl gets a turn sleeping with the prince one at a time."

"Like a sleepover?"

"Uh...kinda. And some of the other Barbies are babysitters for the little kids."

"Why do they need babysitters?"

"They (the prince and princess) just don't want their kids around."

Huh. I'm still trying to figure this one out.

Apple Picking

2009-09-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Chanell took the preschool kids on a field trip to an apple orchard.

This is what Fred and Stella were doing when they were supposed to be getting in their car seats. Gloves. Johnny Appleseed.

Worm. I was trying to get the kids to pose for a picture. But Fred saw something SO EXCITING!
A tractor.
This is how I found Fred after his nap.

September

2009-09-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

After all the traveling we did in August I didn't want to go anywhere for a long time. But we left the very next weekend. Cousin Ethan was getting baptized on Labor Day weekend. So I packed the kids up again (leaving Dan behind) and traveled 11 hours to St. George. I didn't get any pictures of the baptism but I documented their favorite things--swimming and cousins.

Chloe, Ethan, Sara
Dan did an xterra triathlon (mtn. bike & trail run).
I would like to point out that Dan's head is round, Dalls' is oval and Kyle's is square.
Dress up.
Dresses. Pioneer hats. Capes.

Corn maze.

The first photo is of Chloe and Fred waiting for a ride that would never happen because after the photo I found out it cost $2/kid. But the petting zoo was free.

Some Injuries

2009-09-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

August:

Fred was wounded and had to get a staple in his head. The doctor said, "Hold him tight, this is going to hurt." Fred merely winced. I'm not going to detail what happened but you can watch the following movie for a hint.

September:

My pedal fell off my bike during a triathlon. This is what I was thinking:

Maybe I can pull out of it.

Nope.

Asphalt.

Thank you, helmet. (As my head hit the ground.)

"Ow. Ouch. Oh." Repeated many times over the next half hour.

DNF.

RIP helmet and shifters. Also damaged, knee, hip, shin, knuckle.

On the mend. I think this is the stage from which road rash gets its name. It was very itchy.

October:

This is Stella's finger. This injury is significant for two reasons.

1. It happened right after the long process of picking out fabric at Joann's. Right as I was ready to checkout Stella came crying to me. Still not sure how it happened.

2. I went straight from Joann's to the instacare where I spent an hour trying to keep Fred from getting into things he shouldn't and then was sent home with a bandaid. That turned out to be a very expensive bandaid.

August: Part 13: Other Stuff

2009-08-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures because:

Bed-head.
Stella is feeding Fred and opening her mouth.
Fred is holding a bear with a pretty dress.

He always gets it wrong.

The first picture is of Fred wearing one of Dan's socks and a pair of mine (the match is wadded up in the heel) and Chloe's cleats on the wong feet. The second is when he insisted on wearing socks with his sandals. Another day he was wearing Stella's church shoes. We were heading out so I switched Stella's shoes for a pair of his. On the way Chloe informed me that he was wearing Stella's. He pulled a switch-a-roo on me. He got to go grocery shopping in maryjanes that day.

On the 31st (my birthday) the girls started school. I am teaching preschool with three other moms. I am very proud of myself since I am a lazy person. I actually enjoy it and get so much satisfaction out of not paying $100/month for preschool--not just saving money but the actual act of writing out a check and giving it to someone (on time).

First grade! And Chloe V. and Ashley are in her class!!!

We didn't do anything for my birthday and I didn't care--I was too worn out from the month. Thirteen posts to document four weeks. Well, it is done. August was eventful, to say the least--oh wait, I didn't say the least. I said a lot. In thirteen posts.

Even more pictures here.

August: Part 12: Roadtrip: Olympic Nat'l Park: Sol Duc

2009-08-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

Day 5: Hiked to Sol Duc Falls.

Drove through Seattle to a town I don't remember and stayed in a hotel.

Day 6: Drove home. Went out to eat for Dan's birthday.

Kids chillin' while we pack up the trailer.

The girls were complaining again about hiking. I told them the sooner we finished the hike the sooner we could head to the hotel and swim. So they ran.
I worried that they would fall off the bridge.

Sol Duc Falls.
I didn't realize when I mapped everything out that we would be taking a ferry.
It was very exciting. We also got to see a plane land on water in Seattle and had to wait for a bridge to split so ships could pass by.

I was afraid they would fall through that hole.

I'm very glad I got to see these parks. I'm not so sure that taking the tent trailer was much cheaper. Gas was a lot and campgrounds aren't that cheap. But it was fun!

August: Part 11: Roadtrip: Olympic Nat'l Park: Kalaloch

2009-08-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Day 4: Played at the beach. Drove to the Hoh Rain Forest (in Olympic). Then drove to Sol

Duc (in Olympic--the park is HUGE!) via Forks.

A jellyfish?

The kids loved playing on all the drift wood.
The water was freezing! A lot colder than Maine. I didn't even like to put my feet in. But my kids are crazy and had a good time splashing around. One of the many times Fred fell in the water. There were signs warning about the riptides. I was afraid he would get swept away.
Fred entertained himself for a long time with feathers. My kids could play on the beach for hours.

I really wanted it to rain in the rain forest but it was sunny (rained the next day).

EVERY store in Forks is playing the Twilight card. If they don't sell Twilight junk then they post signs that read, "Bella shops here."

August: Part 10: Roadtrip: Olympic Nat'l Park: Kalaloch Beach

2009-08-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Day 3: Drove to Kalaloch Beach (west side of Olympic Nat'l Park).

Had a wiener roast.

So HAPPY! Lizzie & JillWarming up.We loved Kalaloch Beach. The campground is awesome. The beach is beautiful (but cold).
I would love to go back but doubt we will. It is sooo far.

(In case you didn't notice we went coast to coast in one month.)

August: Part 9: Roadtrip: Mt. Rainier

2009-08-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Day 1: Drove to Mt. Rainier.

Day 2: Hiked in Mt. Rainier.

Dan had some time off for Independence day and I wanted to head off on a road trip. He wanted to relax at home. Instead of pouting about it I told myself that I would just go later without him. So about a week after we got home from Maine we took off again. I knew I couldn't handle three kids while hiking and camping so I recruited two girls from church to come with us.

First fuel stop--still happy.

First campground. We didn't stay in the same place twice and these girls became experts on setting up and taking down the trailer. Their record was 5 minutes. Notice how Stella is comfortable with the babysitters--this only lasted the first day. Then she would only let me do things for her, like zipping her jacket.

Camp Ohanapecosh/Lizzie & Jill
Our first hike. Silver Falls. Stella doubles as our special needs child.
Hike two. Christine Falls. Stella and one of her many refusals to pose for a photo. Sorry Stella, I'm just stating the facts (except that special needs part). But I'll give her a break since she threw up three of the six nights we were gone. She had reason to be grumpy and want to be carried on the hikes. She is a champion up-chucker and dry-heaver. Doesn't even cry. Good thing I brought lots of blankets. The tent-trailer has three beds. The plan was to have Chloe sleep with one sitter, Stella sleep with the other and Fred sleep with me. Well, Stella and Fred slept with me every night and Chloe even joined us once.
Hike three. Bench lake with Mt. Rainier in the back.
1. Hair in faces 2. Squinty eyes 3. A bit blurry
Big slugs at our second campground.

August: Part 8: Fred's Bday

2009-08-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

The day after we got back from Maine we celebrated Fred's birthday at one of those smelly indoor playgrounds.

So happy:

So sad:
Then we ate mexican food.
(Maybe I'll post about his milestones sometime soon.)

August: Part 7: Boston

2009-08-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

We took a day trip to Boston.

Went to the aquarium.
Saw sharks and turtles.
Then went to an IMAX movie.
Thanks Pepe!
Fred loved the subway. Chloe's eyes match her coat.

August: Part 6: Maine: Lake Ossipee Olympics

2009-08-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

I think the highlight of our trip to Maine was the Lake Ossipee Olympics. It was so much fun because everyone was into it. It ended up being a multi-day event but nobody lost interest. Dan's family is really into exercising and there were some challenging events and intense competition. We decided to make it a decathlon, so here are the ten events:

1. Ping pong tournament.
Not just around the world--a full-on tournament with winner's & loser's brackets. (I won.)
Kate & Wayne (dad/pepe) staring each other down. 2. Hula Hoop.
Two weighted hula hoops. (I won.)
3. Weight throw. (Sam won.)
Dan's pop was a college hammer throw coach. He has been coaching Dan's mom. She won two gold medals at the Outdoor Master's Track and Field Nat'l Championships. She was the one to beat. Check out her form...

..then she hit a tree.

4. Ping pong toss. (Wayne won.)

It was supposed to be target shooting but we were out of pellets. Too bad. I think I would have done better with a gun. 5. Boggle (Scott won.)

We wanted to reward intelligence also.

6. Time trial. (Stu won.)

We biked a three mile loop starting 30 seconds apart.

7. Jump rope. (Kate won.)

Most jumps in 30 seconds.

8. Kayak rolls. (Val & Stu tied with nine.)

Most rolls in a minute. Since three people couldn't do this we were all required to take a zero in one event.

9. Swim. (Sam won.)

Dan's mom swam in college and is a swim coach. All his siblings were on the swim team. I took my zero in this event. There were some discrepancies about the standings since the time sheet for one wave went missing.10. Sculling. (Mardie won.)

Dan's mom does this for exercise so she had an advantage. I was really bad at it.
Scott (bro-in-law) was the overall winner but the scores were really close.

Aftermath.

I love these picture because it shows how much fun we were having. All chores (and maybe sometimes the kids) were neglected. Rule is loser gets to come up with the next year's events. I can't wait.

August: Part 5: Maine: Lake House

2009-08-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Our second week in Maine was spent at the lake. Dan's parents bought and renovated a house on a lake. This was our first stay there. It was beautiful and full of fun:

Swims across the lake (Meme paddling along side Dan, towing Chloe).

Bbq's. (Thanks for all the meals, Kate.)
Pop & Meme. Great Grammy & Pepe. Fred is a mooch.

Meme shuttling kids to the neighbors trampoline.

Sal kept sliding next to Stella and Stella would slide away--until they tipped over.

Smores.

Pretty Chloe.

Camp-out with Pepe.

Fred's Birthday. We flew back home the day before he turned two.

Ugh. One more ticket from now on.

I love Stella's curls in the East.

August: Part 4: Maine: Beach House

2009-08-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

You didn't think I was done, did you? This is only the first week of our trip. Last beach post then it's on to the lake.

Every year we like to walk out to the islands when the tide is low. It is all about discovery.

We love having team Hyldahl visit us from Massachussets every year.

Everyone wanted a turn.

Even more pictures on flickr.

August: Part 3: Maine: Beach House

2009-08-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

Across the street from the house and over a bit is this sandy beach without waves. It had been a cool day and I wasn't expecting the kids to swim--that's why Fred is in a diaper.

Crab walk.

I took off Fred's bloated diaper and put Sal's shorts on him. They were a little too stiff and sandy for him.

August: Part 2: Maine: Beach House

2009-08-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Across the street from the beach house is what we call "The Rocky Beach". The kids love to climb on the rocks, play in the pools, hum to snails, and catch crabs. Dan's family, minus Ben (on a mission) and Valerie.
Sand and freckles.
Chloe was all about climbing on the rocks this year. Too bad she doesn't have an older cousin to keep up with her.
Chloe in 2006 & again with Stella in 2009.
Sal is totally working those glasses.
Kids love Rowe.
In the beach house.
Fred loves the iphone.
The guys were worried about the lobster--the pot was a little small.
Fred on Dad's lap at dinner time.
The carnage.
Chloe loved the muscles and continued to eat them long after everyone had left the table.

August: Part 1: Maine: Beach House

2009-08-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

A foggy day at the beach. (Aunt Kate & cousin Sala)

More July

2009-07-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

Spudman Triathlon Summer Rain
You may think Fred is doing a Nacho impersonation but he is actually saying "cheese". He really gets into it.

Mtn. Biking up Bogus Basin

Fred loves his horseys and his binks.

I leave these in his crib but he climbs in after them. I bought two horses in case anything should happen to one. (Stella's dog was left at a hotel this summer.) Usually when he has them it means it is nap time.

HOA

2009-07-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things about our neighborhood is the pools. There are four pools in the development. The nearest is half a block from our house.

July 4th

2009-07-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Every year I realize that we need some Independence day traditions.

Our neighborhood has a kid's parade.

Sometimes Dan closes his eyes in pictures.

Then we went to the park.

Funtastic!

Hmmm... recycled water.

Fireworks with the Reichner Family.
fyi: it doesn't get dark in Boise until after ten o'clock.