take care of this moment.

2011 wrap up

2012-01-01T12:34:00.003-05:00

HAPPY New Year's Day 2012!

Before I can properly ring in the new year, I've got to take a moment to wrap things up and update the end of the old.

A few weeks a go we had a fun evening with Bryan's sisters (next to me left to right: Audra, Rachel, Grandma Meyers (Bryan's mom's mom) and Tay) Bryan's grandma lives here, but his sisters both were visiting from the east coast + we were so excited to see them - it's been a few years too many! Rachel is moving to Italy in just a couple of weeks so it was nice to see her + give her a hug before she leaves...but mark my words, we'll be coming for a visit! Italy is one of those places on my list :)

We took a boat ride to the North Pole (aka:Coeur d'Alene lake shores) to see Santa, of course.
A few days later we left for a visit to see my family in Salt Lake. After 30 hours in the car roundtrip, I turned to Bryan and said 'promise me we will never drive that again!' But it did turn out to be well worth the trip in the end...I can say that now!

We met up with all my cousins and their kiddos for a party Sunday evening. It was so much fun and as always, can't go wrong with the bag game!
We had a great time running around Gateway Mall with my brothers, sisters, niece + nephew and mom. Also on our list was taking the kids (who had never been before!) to temple square! We've been living in New England for all of their lives... it was one of my favorite times together.

It's just soooo beautiful, everywhere you look.

Being here reminds me how lucky we are to have the gospel in our lives.
Bryan's one of 12 kids so there's always a wedding or birth or something...I rushed back to Spokane to take bridal pics of #10 of the 12 to get married! Abbey + Alex. They are so cute. I know Alex will fit in great + I'm so happy for them :)

We took this pic ON TOP of my father in law's frozen lake!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T11:50:00.014-05:00

I love traditions....they make the holidays so fun. The kids declared this one the best one of all. I'd have to agree! We're definitely going to adapt this one on Christmas Eve day from now on. Bryan came up with it, he's super fun like that, one of the things I love about him...

We loaded the kids up in the car and drove .8 miles to our backyard which is a state park filled with trees + a river + forest animals.

Then we saw it...the perfect tree...
To decorate!
So we pulled over, Bryan pulled out the video camera and the kids went to work.
Easton loved the little red balls + got in on the action too...
Everyone wanted to be the one to put up the star...Brody had a chance, but it didn't quite make it up (a little tricky to put the loop on) so Connor officially hung the star this year...
Then right on que the snow flakes started to fall...
We declared it the best tree ever + ran home to whip up a batch (or two!) of hot cocoa + curl up by the fire.
Merry Christmas!

Fall Update

2011-11-09T23:42:00.004-05:00

We have been so busy!

Busier than I ever remember being in my entire life really.

These last few months have just flown by. The kids and I keep saying to each other, "it's already the end of the week?!" CONSTANTLY!

Soccer sure has been a big part of our fall!

3x a week - 2 practices and a game keeps us over on the fields - watching Connor make goals almost every game. So happy Grandpa + Grandma {and Clyde} have been close by to join us for a few!

We love living just down the road from them.

My BRODY turned SIX!

Oh this is one sweet, funny, wonderful kid. Can't imagine life without him! He just bring pure FUN to our family + keeps us all laughing. Love you Brody-boy!
He had a party this year, I let him invite SIX boys. It was a LEGO theme party.

Hours earlier I brought other cupcakes to school. I LOVE his teacher - she is so perfect for Brody. I love that she took him up on her lap in front of the class + asked him what he'd like to learn this year that he is six...his reply??? SCUBA DIVING. HUH? :) Ok!

Loving the fall weather + all the choices of farms up on the bluff to pick pumpkins we headed up one evening to make our picks...

One night for FHE, Bryan taught us all how to repair a meniscus...
Taylor joined the Cross Country team at school, they had a combined 5th and 6th grade team. It was her first year being a runner and she certainly improved over the weeks of running - 3 days every week after school. I love that these two are such great friends!
The race at the end of the season was her personal best! All races are 1 mile. She did a 7:30! I was SO proud of her.
Speaking of running...I snuck in a race myself! I had been running nearly every morning at 5:30 since moving here. One weekend a bunch of girls from my new ward ran a half marathon about 3 hours away in Leavenworth, WA. Cute little Bavarian town west of here. We had a great time, ran my best race {1:48 - felt great!}

Living in the apple state we've gotten loads of apples! Easton is a professional peeler + we make yummy applesauce.

Our traditional Halloween donut eating contest pumpkin carve went off without a hitch. This might be one of the kids' favorite times of the year - mine too!

Trick or treating was great. Taylor + Connor went with friends. Brody went with Bry + Easton and I after hitting a couple of houses (Easton still fighting a cough + cold) was happy as could be handing out the candy.

This past weekend we finally took a little family overnighter out of town. Our first since moving to Spokane. I love Seattle! What a great town...I loved this little pic Taylor took and then cropped on her phone of the needle.
We stayed the night downtown in the cutest little room overlooking downtown + conveniently were the first ones in line ready for the aquarium the next morning...
Octopus suckers...so life like! At least Bryan thought so! Love ya honey :)
They loved the otters, jellyfish + star fish. It was fun little outing, I'm sure we'll be back to see more of Seattle soon!

All moved out + all moved in.

2011-09-02T23:47:00.005-04:00

Packing up the moving truck in Aspen seemed like a whirlwind. Bryan still had 8 more days left of work, but the timing was great to have my mom, brother + sister come help the kids + I get up to the new house. I'm not going to lie, I was getting anxious to move + get settled. My dad even came all the way from St. George to help us get things loaded up. My family...don't know what I'd do without them :)

Easton was so cute. Loved every chance he could get to be in the big truck.
And just like that 18 hours later we were there! Ya right. Moving is always eventful isn't it? Running out of gas somewhere mid-Montana was a fun highlight. Good thing my mom in the moving truck was a good hour back with a gas can.

After packing for days + two days on such a long, exhausting trip this was the best sight - our house! Our sweet new ward had organized about 20 guys to come help us move everything in, it took us 2 days to pack it, 20 minutes to unload. So nice.

Our lovely street. Such nice neighbors we have all coming over to greet us with cookies + bread.
The second night we took a walk. My cute sister Kenna and Taylor found huge dandelions + the tiniest frogs you ever saw!
The next morning we headed down to my sister Brooke's house in Oregon. I just love her + being around her family + their house is a fun place to be. The cousins had so much fun playing + staying up late. Even though it takes about 11 hours one way between our new homes, I'm just happy it's an option to be able to drive to see eachother!

We left Brooke's + headed back home just hours after Bryan made it in from Colorado. It was so nice to be all together again under the same roof! We've lived in a condo/townhouse for the past year so we took advantage of having a yard again + whipped out the slip n slide. Ahh summer...
We also made a few trips out to what I think may be our new favorite spot on Coeur d'Alene lake. I just love it here! Bryan had a little time between flying out to Maine every weekend to work a few shifts, we took advantage of exploring our new digs.

Even got to meet our cousins there one afternoon.

Brody even learned how to ride his bike!
Perfect timing too before he broke his collarbone last week. {wrestling match with older brother gone wrong}

Bryan's first patient. The only thing good about this was sneaking thru the back door of his new office, getting an xray and a sling + outta there in 10 minutes flat! He's doing fine + can play legos just as well with one arm as he did with two.
We've made a couple new {best} friends...Taylor's new friend Jennifer lives across the street, she is in most of Taylor's classes at school, they love all the same things and even have lockers one locker a part plus they pointed out how they're both short! Taylor said to me...mom, I think I just made a best friend for life :)

First "day" of school for Taylor. It was bring a parent for a half day orientation, but we'll count it anyway!
School is .8 miles, 2 minutes door to door from our house. It is tucked a half a mile into the state park behind our house.
A river on the other side of that bridge runs alongside it. This was the next morning when the boys joined in on their first day. It was a little foggy + just so beautiful.
Brody's having a little bit of a hard time rolling his backpack with his "broken arm", but I have a feeling by next week he'll be running ahead + all healed up. I walked them into the their classes. Brody + Connor are about 30 yards up the hill from Taylor + the middle school.

I didn't realize until I saw this picture how color coordinated those boys are :) This is the butterfly bear that greets them at the door.
This week has been filled with lots of fun at school.

Oh he is SO cute, but let me tell you... he is by far my hardest 2-year-old times like about 50. He has a high pitched squeal that seriously my hearing may need to be checked at some point + energy that NEVER stops.
I think I made the mistake of taking him today to the kids' dragon 'parade' which I missed much of since that little stinker above spotted the playground + didn't want to miss the chance to play. Then I saw the little signs each grade held. Taylor: class of 2018, Connor: 2020 + Brody: 2024...It's then I realized I have quite a few more 'dragon parades' to attend + so this one time to play on the slides with my stinker turned out okay.
Bryan started yesterday. He already had a surgery to do + 7 new patients to see. Things are really going better than I ever expected + I am so grateful to have grandma + grandpa Mitchell up the road, they are so wonderful. This means lots of the family coming our way for visits all year long! YAY! One month in to our life here in WA and as they say, so far so good!!

graduation day.

2011-07-16T23:43:00.007-04:00

Tonight we went to Bryan's Fellow farewell dinner.

It was at the same home we had the welcome dinner last year.

Absolute dream of a home belonging to Dr. Purnell.

They had 100ft tall Cottonwood trees that towered over their yard + were shedding like crazy! So much so you'd think it was snowing.

Looking at the river immediately 2 things enter my mind. Easton + panic.

Dr. Purnell assured me in the 21 years they'd lived there no child has ended up in the river. For some reason that really didn't make me feel any better. Has he met my child yet?

So cute how they had badmitten + horseshoes set up for the kids. The volleyball ended up in the river. Oh Easton!
The spread was amazing. Brody was totally crazy about the pig. He kept wondering and asking everyone how an apple got in his mouth. I dared him to kiss it and I would take a picture. Um, as you can see no picture.
Easton ate no less than F I V E ears of corn.
A couple of the docs he's worked with this year gave him a few things. The first picture was two diplomas. One was Diploma of Orthopedic Surgery of Sports Medicine + the other Arthroscopy. Tito (middle pic) mentioned how it's been years since he's seen a fellow marry the head + hands in surgery like Bryan has this year. The other thing they gave him was a sterling silver belt buckle engraved with his name made by a local silversmith. It has an aspen leaf on the front.
It was surely a nice way to end a great year. We feel so grateful to have spent our final year of training in such a beautiful place with awesome people who I'm sure we'll be back to visit + always remember!

Picked up the 20ft moving truck today.

So it begins...

Looking forward to Tuesday morning + our 18 hour drive north.

July 4th weekend.

2011-07-08T15:25:00.005-04:00

What a way to end our last few weeks in Aspen!

Fourth of July here did not disappoint + having my brother + his family with us made it all the more sweet + oh so much fun!!

They arrived late Friday night, like 1AM late!

The next morning I hurried everyone into the showers + out the door. I had plans to catch the Saturday morning downtown Farmer's market. That day we ate ALL our meals outside!

We walked downtown. On the way we found this, couldn't resist...

For breakfast we ate maple bars + chocolate dipped sugary donuts as we walked the streets covered in vendors selling everything from grass fed beef to some awesome Etsy sellers with cute (expensive) homemade finds.

We played at the park + let the kids run around a bit then headed home to pack up a picnic. We headed up Castle Creek. It's a road Bryan has enjoyed biking this year, it's so beautiful as it runs along the river + up to the ghost town known as Ashcroft.

Near the end of the road we found some private land (that required some convincing it was okay to picnic on) and I'm so glad we did, because I'm pretty sure we found the most beautiful picnic spot ever in history. I think. Cute little tree stumps and all. It didn't take long for every ant within the 5 mile radius to find us tho!
After lunch everyone (but me + E who was asleep in the car) went for a little history walk to see the historic townsite of old Ashcroft. I'd been before with the kids last year, it is a fun little place to visit.
Bryan packed the bikes up hoping some of us would enjoy biking the downhill ride back towards home. It was fun to leapfrog down the pass.

That evening we packed up dinner + headed for East Maroon Portal. One of our favorites. Ending with s'mores of course!

Love this picture! My brother is such a great dad! All the kiddos love him.

The next morning the guys went on a hike + fished at the top of a mountain on American Lake. They caught lots of big fish + were as happy as could be. Rachel + I felt like moms of the year as we geared up to take all 6 kids on a 'hike'. I decided on Smuggler Trail in town since it's short + the top looks over the entire city. I knew it was a steep hike, but we are tough! The kids made it about 1/3 of the mile and a half and we turned around before they all started to sit down from exhaustion. The thing about this 1.5 mile hike is it also ascends 1500 ft at the same time. Straight UP! Rachel + I took full advantage the next few days + tried to beat our time each day + got some great work outs in!

That afternoon/evening we packed the grill + made our way up to the bells. It's our absolute favorite. Eating by the river, it's so clean + comfortable. A little chilly still, but I'd say just right!

After dinner we decided to take a little hike to see the giant waterfalls from all the snowy runoff up the trail a little ways. I wish cameras could capture exactly how beautiful it is up here, but I'm afraid you just have to come!

Monday we woke up to the 4th of July + I had a FULL day planned! Starting with the annual parade. Everyone was ready by the sidelines...

100 floats came down Main St. I'd say about 50 too many (we left early!) but they did have some great ones...
I loved when the little old men who served our country came walking/riding down. I love this picture....

I'm sure THIS guys has some stories to tell!

We left the parade a little early around 1pm + we were all STARVING! We were on the hunt for a quick pizza when my friend Angel called to tell us about the free lunch at the Art Museum. Free? In Aspen? OK! Plus, we were standing right in front of the museum when she called - gosh the luck!
We pulled up to the grassy front of the museum first ones there! Plopped down our blanket + waited for our catered pulled pork BBQ FREE meal! Ok, and this is one of the things I'll miss about Aspen - her name is Angel. My good friend (from St. George!) who has led me thru the thick + thin of Aspen life. I don't know what I'd have done without her! Cue the tears. Ok, so I thought this was awesome...as people came to find their free meal which free meal = LOTS of people no one wanted to be first in line, but Angel is awesome she just came up to me + said 'we got kids to feed - let's go!' Seriously, 30 seconds after we lined up look at the line behind us!! We're all like sheep aren't we?? haha!
Waiting for our yummy food...

The band was playing + we were DANCING!! Jojo LOVED it.

This is for Rachel (OMG that kid!) Hope you're laughing?!!

Looking at this picture you'd think Bryan was holding something really amazing everyone was fighting to see? (hint: they are boys)
It was this! And they all were fighting like crazy to 'take their turn' to hold it. Bryan had to step in + save it's life.
This is American spirit!! LOVE this Jojo girl!
After a couple naps were complete + we were well rested we left for the park downtown. My branch invited us to a little potluck after the rugby game + before the fireworks.

Kids played, adults visited.
Andrew + Jo found a balloon animal guy. Meet T-Rex + Rapunzel...

Oh yes I made Texas White sheet cake shaped into the America Flag of course.

Bryan handing out sparklers (this drew kids from all around - we were POP.ULAR!!)
And the fireworks against AJAX mountain were perfect. Getting home in the Aspen traffic not so much!
If you ever have the chance to come here for the 4th - DO IT. :)

Thoughts.

2011-06-20T21:35:00.004-04:00

The closing on our house in Washington happened today! It feels official, we are moving! We leave our home here in Aspen one month from today.

Naturally my thoughts have been full of retrospect lately as I make plans to move our family forward. Over the weekend my dad + I were talking about a book he is writing. It's about always striving to find the passion within you that moves + keeps you moving forward in every stage of life. I feel like we can connect on this sort of thing, I love to talk to him about how to live a life of purpose + direction. The thoughts I took away that certainly rattled in my brain the entire 8 hour drive home were a couple things...first and foremost before I am a mother, I am a Daughter of God. I believe that we are designed to find our highest potential, but we are also designed not to take the journey alone, but that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is always there to show us + help us find our true, best selves. My goals for myself this year are many. I feel a great need to improve + be the best me + mom I can possibly be. What are we here for if we're not constantly working on being better people?

I am so grateful for the gospel + my role of being a mother. I cannot imagine anything more fulfilling than both.

I wanted to write down my thoughts + remember how I've been feeling as we're closing a chapter of a road we've been on for quite sometime. Although as moms we'd like to do everything perfectly + sometimes it can be overwhelming, I'd like to think there are daily TEN things I can try to do everyday. If I can do MOST of these ten things, that would be a good day.

My 10 things are:

1)Prayers as family + individual

2)Take time each day to play with my kids

3)Time to reflect

4)Scripture study

5)Meals planned + get the family to pitch in and help!

6)Keep a clean + organized house.

7)Exercise - both my brain + body each day.

8)Quality time with Bryan.

9)Teach my children something new everyday.

10)Pursue interests + develop skills.

I feel like these are majorly broad + I can think of a million subtitles + thoughts to accompany what each of those mean to me, but for now I hope to keep this list close + keep working on it + growing.

A couple of weeks a go I took the younger two boys (older two were still in school) on a hike up to where the old silver mine used to be. The entire hike over looks over downtown Aspen. If I wasn't such a wimp with Easton on my back we would have made it to the top!

Yay for Spring + Mammoth-sized bones!

2011-06-19T15:57:00.003-04:00

I was so happy upon returning home this past week that Aspen now looks like this! I was getting worried I would never seen green again...

It was worth the wait, it is breathtakingly beautiful!

This weekend was the annual Aspen Food + Wine Festival. Downtown is CRAZY busy + full of celebrities, celebrity chefs + really rich people that could afford the $2000 a person ticket to attend this thing. I tried to avoid the craziness of it all, but a Father's Day menu was on my mind so I ran for the grocery store super fast. I was half way there as a guy from no where ran right in front of me across the street to Hotel Jerome (where they serve an awesome tower of garlic french fries by the way) and all I saw was a flash of bright orange Croc sandals.

For some reason I thought to myself Mario Batali wears orange Crocs (I was so excited to tell Bryan in which he replied...who is that?) He's this guy. For someone who enjoys watching way too much Food Network especially in the residency years late at night while hubby worked all day + night - that was kinda fun!

Anyways, we decided to avoid all the people + went to the town next door known as Snowmass. We really loved Snowmass this year. It's a great place no matter what time of year.

We rode "Skittles" up to the Conference Center.
They recently uncovered a whole bunch of Mammoth bones late last year + for 2 days were showing them free to the public. Nothing moves the Mitchell's like Bones + Free!

This guy made this whole "suit" mammoth skeleton out of foam rubber. He carved it and everything. You can't really see, but he's inside controlling it.

They had different stations where you can create the animals in different ways...

As I was saying about Bones... this was Bryan's favorite part! He was so excited to see how big these things were + tell us different features.
They let the boys "dig" for bones. It was so funny when Brody found that gigantic tooth - he held it up for everyone to see like he had just unearthed it for the first time. He was grinning ear to ear!
It's the acetabulum. They let him hold it - for a second. It was his favorite thing to see.
After the bones we went to the cutest place to get treats you'll ever see! I mean can you think of a cuter place? It's where Taylor + I would come after a long day on the slopes + share a big bag of sour green apple candies. Oh they always tasted soooo good!
Bryan got Easton this lollipop while I waited in the balloon/tattoo line with the boys.
Those boys loved those balloon swords + it was the perfect end to the day until we rounded the corner + Connor's hit some bushes + POP!
PS we sure miss Taylor round here, but we know she is having such a blast with Grandma + Grandpa Wilson + her cute girly cousins + aunt. She'll be back in 2 weeks!

2 coasts. 2 beaches. 2 trips: in one week.

2011-06-16T19:44:00.003-04:00

Not every day {or ever} that I get to fly straight out of the tiny Aspen airport. I LOVE tiny airports with their tiny lines + very little craziness. I also loved that I had magazines + a book in my hand for the flight....trying to remember the last time flying was this easy! No kids - just Bryan + I heading to Naples, FL. It's amazing how defined the Rocky Mountains are from up in the air, you can see straight down the range forever - beautiful.

We got in really late, but woke up to palm trees, warm blue skies + HUMIDITY. Wow, humidity! I lived in the east for 9 years, but this is CRAZY. Showering 3x a day pretty much sums it up!

We spent our first evening watching the pinky/blue sunset, taking our time eating at the Turtle Cave restaurant. Naples has some pretty views + most WHITE sand beaches I've ever seen. You'll never see more retirees in one place + I can see why!

We had so much fun just the two of us! Even though Bryan spent all day in course classes it was still worth if for me to come along. I slept in, went shopping, did some spin + yoga, ate the best frozen yogurt, walked around Whole Foods, looked at appliances for our new house + laid out by the pool. It was definitely the exact little refresher I needed...then we would meet for dinner + try local, interesting places. One night we had some of the best Italian I've ever tried, we were licking our plates clean for sure!

While we were away my parents took the kids for us + headed down to southern California. That is my parents, always up for an adventure! They went to Legoland (the boy's version of heaven!)+ the beach. I flew in on their last full day. Such a difference in coasts - Florida I was melting, Cali I wore my little sweater. I could not wait to see my kids + hear all about how much fun they'd been having with grandma + grandpa.
My boys could collect sand crabs ALL day + Taylor spent most of the time boogie boarding.

After the day at the beach, we cleaned up + headed down the pier where we ate burgers + french fries at the cute little diner, I so wanted a milk shake but just couldn't fit it in. On the walk down we watched as the local fisherman caught fish + even a stingray. I thought Taylor was going to lose it when we watched a small stingray lying there taking it's last small breaths. It was quite sad. The guy told us he likes to BBQ it's wings. Yuck.

The next morning we headed home, but not before a quick Anthropologie-therapy with my cute SIL Rachel. I love California shopping! Then we headed home...sunburned + exhausted.

The next day we decided on a BBQ with Tony Roma ribs + baked potatoes. We also had to celebrate the May birthdays which are Taylor, Connor + my so-cute-nephew, Andrew, who turned 5. We picked up this red velvet cake from Costco (which I highly suggest!) and had a great time making + eating food in the backyard. This is my most favorite way to spend time with my big family + my little family. Something about touching + preparing the food + all the the talking + laughing + running around just brings everyone together. I hope heaven has BBQs! :)
The next morning + just hours before heading back home some cute friends of mine I've known since elementary got together for a little visit at the spray park with the kids. I hadn't seen most of them for 5+ years! Amy on the left lives in Japan with her husband + 2 kids, Jana lives in St. George with her little family (+ hope to see more of her!) + Audrie lives in St. George, recently married + has the cutest little 2nd grader boy. It was sure fun to catch up, even if every 5 years we only get 2 hours, I'll take it! So glad it worked out. Missed you Holly! I'm coming over for a swim next time :)
And my LAST 8 hour drive before the move that I don't really love from St. George to Aspen. May miss the beautiful drive, but certainly not the distance!

preschool graduate.

2011-05-31T22:13:00.006-04:00

Shine the spotlight, cue the music...

It's all about Brody tonight!

Brody had three teachers this year, but his absolute FAVORITE has got to be TINA!

WE love Tina!

The graduation started off with some dancing, hoola hooping + shaking to the beat. Who can resist 4+5 year olds smiling to their parents proud to show off their moves?!
Then comes the climb up the side of the school.

This is the moment all the kids are waiting all year for...

Singing "Skinnamarinky Dinky Dink" on TOP of their teletubby-like school. His school is about 15 minutes from our house, it is way up the mountain all by itself (next to Kevin Costner's house) at the edge of the river. Love the heart/leaf garland :)

Connor enjoyed a cookie + watched with me below.

Bryan chased Easton + Taylor found her BFF Sarah and watched from hmmmm... ? Where did those girls go? I found them on the seesaw later. (yes, Taylor is this much shorter than all her friends)
Brody was so excited to show me where he played every Wednesday + Friday from 9-3:30. He sure loves his little school! So proud of you Brody! You're going to be one awesome little Kindergartener!

moments of the past 2 weeks.

2011-05-30T12:26:00.005-04:00

Taylor turned ELEVEN this month.

On the ELEVENTH that is.

Am I ready for this??!

Easton + I attended her presentation on her State (Washington) report.

Where she received 105% (extra credit)

I am SO proud of this girl, she has been such a great student this year!

Birthday party with the fam.
Her party was a hit! It was also a workout for me, but I LOVED it. We made Hawaiian haystacks for dinner + vanilla with coconut frosting heart shaped cupcakes for dessert.

I decided 11 year old parties are the best...they're not too cool yet for crafts (made tiny owls out of felt) or scootering around the neighborhood spying on boys or just being absolutely silly with music blaring.

She has made some really good friends here.

Some days I catch her with red teary eyes pleading to stay another year. But other days she asks if we can move TODAY! (we're all a little anxious)She'll make new friends, but it's always hard to leave the old.
Connor's birthday was the 26th.

He turned NINE.

I made cupcakes for his class. In NY homemade treats were not allowed so I took full advantage of this rule being lifted this year.

CUPCAKE SUNDAES!

It was perfect timing because the class was delivering their 'bug reports' that day. He picked the 'Hercules Beetle' - I always think of Connor as pretty shy - thoughts are changed. He had everyone laughing, oohing and aahing. So funny.

{class singing Happy Birthday}

Every morning the week before Connor's birthday, Brody would wake up and say you know what the day after tomorrow after tomorrow is Mom? And then yell CONNOR'S BIRTHDAY! He wasn't really excited that his brother was turning a year older...it was knowing there will be LEGO ships to build.

This is all it takes for happy boys in our house!
Finally the end of May, right after Connor's bday, first Sunday to be going to church coat FREE. Yay! Little tulips all around our place are sprouting daily.
After church the Naivalu + Foley Families joined us up Maroon Creek Portal to enjoy some new spring weather + take in a picnic. I awed over the buds growing on the trees. You appreciate this kind of thing after 8 months of snow! :)
It was seriously perfect.

No shortage or food, laughs or BOYS...

I made these

CAKE BATTER RICE CRISPY TREATS:

So easy + a total hit!

3 T Butter

1/2 cup yellow cake mix

10 oz mini marshmallows

6 cups rice crispy cereal

white chocolate melts

sprinkles

Melt butter, stir in cake mix, melt in marshmallows, add rice cereal. Pat into 9x13 glass dish. Cool. Melt chocolate + pour on. Sprinkle the sprinkles.
Easton especially enjoyed running up + down the super long picnic tables + just about giving me a heart attack every time.
He also enjoyed finishing everyone's s'mores + hot dogs they mistakingly left sitting on their plates...
We saw horses walk past our part of the wood.
TEN kiddos playing for hours...

ages:11.9.7.6.5.4.{2)3's.{2}2's.+2mon.
Could not be complete without some scrapes + cuts.

{Brody was not the only one}

Taylor + TEN boys!

MOAB :: Arches National Park ::

2011-05-23T11:37:00.014-04:00

Moab was a perfect getaway for our little family this weekend. I think one of my most favorite ways to spend time together is enjoying nature. It has this renewing effect on the soul + helps me to step back + appreciate the small things. I love it!

As it was snowing in Aspen we couldn't pack our bags fast enough + sped off for 80 degree sunshine! {it's what we ALL needed}

The desert is especially beautiful in the springtime. It reminds me of home. And why I've spent my entire growing up years in Utah + have never been here amazes me! I guess with Zion's in your backyard it's hard to justify, but it was definitely worth it.

{we live just beyond on top the snowy mountains}

Bryan had the great idea to have the kids draw the arches as we hiked to them.

It was nice to stop + take a moment to sit quietly, hear the sounds around us + discover what was living nearby.

Like lots of these:

For a treat after our big hike we stopped in at one of the cutest little picnic areas I've ever seen to eat watermelon + roast marshmallows for s'mores.

It was the perfect treat after hiking up to 'Delicate Arch'. It was a beautiful hike filled with petroglyphs, flowering cactus plants + small puddles to splash in. The weather was absolutely perfect - not too hot for hiking.

The next morning we were one of the first families in to enjoy 'Sand Dune Arch' it was a tiny hike up to an arch that below was a giant sand dune. The kids LOVED it.

With just over 2 months left here in Colorado we're definitely glad we made the quick trip over to enjoy this simple, yet absolutely majestic + beautiful land.
{Balanced Rock + blue skies}

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T21:54:00.006-04:00

After we celebrated Easter (Easton's nickname) turning TWO -

It was time to celebrate Easter Sunday! (One of my favorites!)

Easter morning the kids each got a little chocolate from the bunny.

Easton wasn't sure exactly what it was, but when it was unwrapped boy oh boy the phrase 'death grip' comes to mind!

If you saw my selection of stores here in Aspen you'd understand why we'd be lacking baskets + went for more of the pile approach :) It worked! No one even asked where the baskets were. And I didn't even have to pick up that Easter grass for days!

Today the kids had the day off from school. The boys spent hours putting together lego cities while I did some cleaning + Taylor worked on her 'state' report gathering information. I remember that assignment when I was in Elementary school. Pick a state, draw the major geographical features, research state symbols, history, etc. For fun Taylor picked our future home state to do her report: Washington.

Speaking of home in Washington, we just bought a one last week + here it is:

It's just a mile from the kids school + backs up to a state park with 30 miles of hiking trails. The river with boat access is across the street along with a white tailed deer reserve + fish hatchery. It should be a good little place for our family's next adventure in the northwest! We move in 3 months, can't wait.

This evening we helped Bryan pack 40 pounds of medical supplies + surgical instruments. At 6am tomorrow morning a coordinator from his office and an Aspen ambassador will accompany him to Patagonia/Bariloche, Argentina where he will offer supplies, teach/work with other local orthopedic surgeons + help where he can for 10 days.

(reusable injection needles you can boil between shots to sterilize)

We're sure going to miss him while he's gone!

Happy 2nd Birthday...

2011-04-21T01:00:00.002-04:00

My beautiful, baby boy!

:: Easton Crew ::

........

t u r n s 2 t o d a y !

* :: we're busy baking cakes + blowing up balloons + wrapping gifts :: *

More to come...

a month flew by.

2011-03-24T20:01:00.004-04:00

I don't know where or how this month has flown by so fast! I didn't try to make it go that way, but it's still amazes me we're welcoming April in next week.

February (after my sister's stay with us) the kids + I traveled up to drop Easton off with that sister at BYU. I worried for a second and then remembered if Kel couldn't do it, really who could? She was amazing and I'l be forever grateful because I had a busy couple days ahead of me + lots of traveling. The three older kiddos and I went the next morning on a flight to Spokane. The kids did their "interviews" and testing for their new school + I did a little house hunting. I spent lunch with a very good friend (who's husband + mine are legendary friends since 7th grade) who I cannot wait to be living near! I also made a new friend who I adopted from my sister Brooke who we are already planning running dates + play dates with our kids who played like long lost buddies... We went to the movies with my wonderful sister-in-law Cheryl and dinner with Bryan's aunt and uncle. All of this in literally 48 hours before flying back into Salt Lake and then driving all the home to Aspen all in one day. It was exhausting, but I thought a successful trip + made me all the more excited to get up there + begin our newest adventure!

The week before last was hard. I had some stressful moments (and phone calls) with my renters in NY (I hate having renters!) and some issues that had my feathers quite ruffled. All better now + just looking forward to getting that place SOLD! Anyone know anyone moving to Rochester?! Then the next morning Bryan called + told me the most shocking news I could never been prepared to hear. My brother-in-law Emmett had been killed. I was instant tears + thinking like a mother of their cute 5 children + my sweet sis-in-law Ash. I didn't know the details, I knew we had to be there for the funeral. So in comes my visiting teacher + dear friend Angel (appropriately named!) who stepped in for Taylor, Connor + Brody + off we went on our 11 hour drive that worked perfectly to split it up both ways with a stay at my grandma's in Salt Lake. It was a beautiful service, after the viewing they closed the casket and Ash's brother blessed Ash + Emmett's youngest 9 week little baby boy. I'm so glad we got to be there. It was all so surreal and heartbreaking, but I felt like no matter what family does whatever it takes to be there for each other. My inlaws are moving to Spokane about a month or two after we are. My inlaws are the best anyone could ever have. I could not be more excited to live near them - planning on lots of Sunday dinners, hikes + four wheeling with grandpa!

{Easton hour 21 of the drive}

It was a long stressful trip, we didn't sleep much or well which for me always gives me a little break at the end, but not the kind I like and just like clockwork I spent this week sick (Easton too) hacking mucus + sporting golf ball size tonsils.

Plus Bryan + I have matching cold sores. Saaawweeet.

what happens in aspen...

2011-02-22T00:01:00.003-05:00

It was a FUN, jam-packed weekend.

We were nonstop getting in as much as possible.

I can almost guarantee the best time of your life if you come to visit + I also made the guarantee to one of our guests they will touch Flava-Flav too. BOTH were accomplished. Phew!

4 BYU students:

My sister, her roommate {Jess} + their BF's came for a visit.

Left to right:

{Evans (Connor's friend), Connor, Caleb, Mi'kel, Taylor, Jess + Dalin}

It all went a little something like this...

{pretty much nonstop}

After a small car issue, they made it here late Friday night.

Next morning our guests (Tay + Connor too) went skiing at Highlands.

They had a great time.

The next day Bryan, Kel, Taylor, Caleb, Connor + I got schooled in powder skiing! We took the bus over to Snowmass. It was crowded being a Saturday, but we found some secluded places + spent the day mainly laughing our guts out at how many times we all fell down. Kel you're the best sport + I have my famous spill forever on video. At the end of the day we got up so high in elevation Taylor got altitude sickness so we came down quickly + loaded up on our favorite sour apple candies (something I knew would cheer Tay right up!) before catching the bus home. Video to come. Everyone was so exhausted upon returning home, I was way too tired to cook so we headed out on the town.
We can't let anyone leave without trying our favorite burger place!
I don't have any picture of the next part.

(Might be better that way, right guys?)

Bryan + I suggested they go to a concert while they are here. It's a really small concert place + you can get really good seats. It took a little convincing ($70 on their student budgets) but they all felt like when else would they have the chance to see PUBLIC ENEMY featuring FlavaFlav in person upclose ever again?! So off they went. They got FRONT ROW seats + had the time of their lives. Until they couldn't find their way back home at 2AM I think...

A little phone call to Bryan + they made it just fine ;)

After they slept in I told them it might be a good idea to take one of our favorite hikes to get some fresh air before they made their way back to Provo. I gave Mi'kel my camera to catch it all. Now I wish I had joined them...

Guys photoshoot:

Girls turn:

Work it girls!

{Jess is HILARIOUS!)

It's just such a pretty walk, I LOVE it!

Thanks guys for one fun weekend!

We know you'll go far places too...

Now back to studying!

This guy.

2011-02-18T10:55:00.006-05:00

I was so touched yesterday when out of the blue I received two emails.

One from Connor's "main" teacher + the teacher he goes to for "advanced" math.

"The JULIES" as they're called.

One Julie said....just a quick note to tell you that Julie Wille and I were talking about how great Connor is-he is such a great “thinker” and So sweet..! Thought you’d like to know-

A little later in the day another email came from Julie #2:

I want to add that he loves robotics. He is intuitive with the problem solving that it often requires.

Wow! Seriously, so proud of this guy.

(And when I remind him for the 14th time in the morning to get his coat, I won't worry so much :)

be mine valentine.

2011-02-14T01:00:00.001-05:00

H A P P Y

H E A R T

DAY!

cross country skiing 101.

2011-02-12T01:00:00.001-05:00

A while back I signed up to help in Connor's class I was especially excited since I heard they were going to be going cross country skiing. Anything outdoors, sign me up! Plus, I had never tried + have wanted to for quite some time.

Today was the day! I was really hoping it was going to be good weather + not the negative temperatures we'd have been having. It was the BRIGHTEST sunniest day I think I've ever seen, so bright that with the snow I think I might have damaged my eyeballs. They hurt! Wish I had put my sunglasses on sooner than later.

We got all the kids ready to go by getting their boots lined up next to their lockers + helped get skis + poles matched up. We then walked across the school yard to the school's very own cc ski course.

It was both of our first time ever trying this out.

I love hanging out with this kid. He is seriously so much fun.

Before going down our first hill...

I have to say I was a little nervous, especially as Connor wiped out ahead of me. It was not very graceful, but I made it down without falling!
So as I was saying I was there to help and the teacher knew I hadn't ever done this before + the other 5 parents were like PROS so where do they stick me? With the beginner kids. Can we say blind leading the blind? But I made sure to stick with (er, behind) the others + just go at our own pace and we were as happy as we could be.
At least I was until this girl came round the corner + my heart about leapt through my throat!
There apparently is a race on Saturday + they were timing each other not the least bit phased by a bunch of dazed + confused third graders.
You'd think a kid who spent so much time on skis would just take right off...
But he spent much of his time like this. Smile still glued to his face!
Those skinny little things are quite an adjustment.
I'm a little biased of course, but I think this kid has a lot of girls chasing after him.

Right now girls are stupid.
Except for me of course. I'm his favorite girl.

Some how I think in a few years that all changes.

For now I'm enjoying it!

ski dates.

2011-02-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

Special time with dad.

:Daddy:Daughter:Monday:

Connor gets out early on Wednesdays so it happened to be an early day for Bryan too.
Sometimes I think this is some of the best ways to spend time with the kids, they REALLY feel special when it's just them + they get their dad all to themselves. Especially since he takes them to places like 'Sherwood Forest' + then makes their own special ski movie staring them.

I hate that they're growing up so fast!

healthy muffins.

2011-02-10T10:54:00.009-05:00

Trying to get my kids to eat healthier snacks + choices for breakfast.

Connor now loves Greek yogurt + granola with lots of OJ.

Taylor....oh how I would love to say Instant Breakfast is "healthy" but I can berly get that down her, she's the nonbreakfast type, but it gives me guilt all day if I don't insist she has something.

Brody: Cinnamon Toast Crunch please. For Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner, pretty PLEASE! I cringe.

Easton: He eats very little + if I can get him to do anything I'm smiling ear to ear.

I found this recipe from Jessica Seinfeld in a magazine which are super healthy kind of muffins...grated carrots + apples - I think of that + think dry + tasteless especially with NO sugar? But you would never know with the 1/2 c of syrup! 198 cals each, 5 grams of fat.

They were REALLY good, worth sharing...

Maple Spice Muffins

Yields: 12 muffins | Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 25 minutes

Nonstick cooking spray
¼ cup trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 (6 oz) container of low-fat lemon yogurt
½ cup nonfat sour cream
1 large egg
1 large carrot, washed and grated
1 small apple, grated
½ cup raisins
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ground clove
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 350F. Coat a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper baking cups.

In a large bowl, stir the margarine, maple syrup, yogurt, sour cream, egg, carrot, apple, and raisins, breaking up the margarine with a spoon.

Sprinkle the 2 types of flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, clove, and salt over the margarine mixture. Stir until just combined, but do not over mix – the batter is supposed to be lumpy.

Divide the batter among the muffin cups. Bake until the tops of the muffins are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn the muffins out onto a rack to cool.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month.

(I just used 2 cups whole wheat flour instead + greek yogurt because I didn't have any lemon)

preschool pick up.

2011-02-07T23:25:00.008-05:00

I can get from my house (which is on the very west end of town) to the other side of town in 2 minutes flat.

If I made all the lights probably 45 seconds.

Every Wednesday + Friday I leave the house at 3:42 pm to pick up Brody when the bus drops off at 3:45.

I rush out our front door that looks like this.

I drive down Main street Aspen.

About .2 miles.

Always behind a bus dropping off skiers it seems.

To around the corner at Koch Park.

(Pronounced "COKE")

And just like clockwork...

The bus drives down from the mountains to meet the eagerly waiting parents (who can be found huddled together shivering).

Then I wait my turn to pick up my little star student to see what he has learned today + because it's Brody + he's hilarious...

Look mom...

I can suck my nostrils together + hold it. {For like 5 whole seconds}

Awesome.

And then we laugh all the way home.

This kid.

2011-02-05T02:00:00.001-05:00

knows just how to run me ragged.

And just for fun takes everything out of ALL the drawers, then goes for the garbage can...

no worries, it was in the garbage can!
Stinker.

Brothers.

2011-02-04T02:00:00.001-05:00

Love it when I happen to come upon moments like this.

They have had their share of 'not-so-brotherly-moments'

My FAVORITE part of this picture?

Brody's pants.

AMS Show!

2011-02-03T18:09:00.016-05:00

AKA. {ASPEN MIDDLE SCHOOL SHOW}

Taylor has been working so hard lately.

: CELLO : SCHOOL : SKIING :

+ straight A's this quarter (which was a LOT of work on both our parts :)

I'm so PROUD of her!

:: She's working on organizational skills + staying focused. ::

+ graduating from a level 7 to level EIGHT in skiing! The definition of that level is: I ski blue bumps and groomed blacks, but no double blacks (yet). I am linking short radius turns in the fall line. I can ski advanced terrain on all four mountains.

+ Media Club meets on Wednesdays after school. She has been involved since school began + made her debut yesterday as cohost with her BFF Sarah on Aspen Channel 12 TV for local programming as well as her school for weekly updates of what's going on in town. (Watch video below: it takes about 10 sec to start!)

+ Feather Extensions Our newest Obsession!

My friend Heather put it in last night. {Got them on Etsy} It is a bundle of 5 feathers together glued in but easily can be removed. When you're sick of those you can put different ones! You can dry, curl, shampoo just like normal. Last 2-3 months. When her hair is all the way down you can just berly see them thru her hair. Super cute + just plain fun!

Watch Taylor's Debut here:

If it doesn't work, AMS SHOW (and click on WATCH NOW)

Black Diamonds.

2011-01-31T09:46:00.007-05:00

(thanks to Rick Atkin for video coverage!)

RUN: BACK OF THE BELLS :: AJAX Mountain

I'm so glad that on Saturday I was able for the first time EVER (+ on purpose) ski a black diamond run. It was the best feeling in the world. I've been working so hard to get better! Even though I still have a long way to go - Yay skiing is FUN!

A night at the XGAMES!

2011-01-30T17:55:00.005-05:00

This will be I'm sure one of the top 10 things we got to do this year.

Go to see the XGames!

Although there wasn't much going on for Thursday night, it was just fun to be there, walk around + see the whole thing up close. The busy nights had upwards of 42,000 people, I'm glad we took the kids THIS night!

We rode the bus about a half a mile + when we got off this is what we saw... (half pipe to the left, big air jumps to the right)

All the booths handing out TONS of free stuff from bags to candy to sunglasses, customized magnets + license plates...it was so much fun for the kids.
These snowmobile guys take turns taking the snowboarders from the bottom of the pipe back up to the top.
It's just PURE ENERGY! To see this in person + not TV or pictures is so different. I'm so glad we went.

Try to find the guy in the picture below:

to the left in the air, above the ladder thing! WOW! And this isn't even Shaun White :)

2011 XGAMES.

2011-01-27T20:42:00.002-05:00

3 days of FUN.

MORE TO COME...

Date Night.

2011-01-26T18:32:00.005-05:00

I LOVE date night.

Probably because it should be once a week, but for us is more like once a month.

New Year's resolution is to get better at that, I think it's so important to keep it a priority! Most Friday/Saturday nights were so exhausted from the week were so content to just find ourselves in front of the TV with a movie or series, but it's so different to actually take the time to get ready + go out. I'm always glad we did!

We have this thing here in Aspen to never go to the same place twice.

Speaking of LOVE:

These little sticker/cupcake toppers/tiny lunchbox notes are adorable.

Favorite new recipes + the snow shovel crew.

2011-01-24T22:36:00.008-05:00

I am constantly trying new recipes.

Some work out, some not so much...

These are some of my (+ the fam's) new favorites!

Pork + Tomatillo Stew:

{perfect for cold winter day, reminded me a bit of Cafe Rio. We had it with corn tortillas instead of rice + SUPER easy, I let mine sit in a low temp oven for hours}

I made these yummy rolls today for an after school snack. I knew I'd have a crew since they were bringing home sister/brother friends of theirs today.

They were soooo good + simple to make.

A day where I want to just be home + relax usually involves making bread of some sort. Bonus for today was when Bryan did get home early + we traded off to each get four runs down the mountain a piece while the dough had a chance to rise.

Brown Sugar Mini Buns:

Is this not so funny?

My next door neighbor (older, single lady) grabbed my kids + their friends + gave them a little lesson on starting a business, manual labor + saving for a rainy day. Then she gave them each a shovel + they scooted the snow off her patio. While they did this she prepared each of them an envelop identical to this one with $2 (plus .50 tip) in it. It made me smile/laugh, she is one funny lady. She even named them the 'snow shovel crew'. The kids were over the top thrilled + were even asking each other what they were going to save up their money for.

Introducing the Snow Shovel Crew.

{Okay + have I mentioned Connor scored the highest in his class for dramatic ability?}

It's true.

It's what we do.

2011-01-23T19:00:00.004-05:00

We live in Aspen. What else are you to do?

The mountains are literally 1 min up the road, immediately north of our windows, the gondola is the block over from where I grocery shop.

We're feeling a bit more like locals + I love it.

Been here 6 months, leave in 6 months. We're at the half way mark.

We will surely miss days like this where the whole family can jump up to the top of the mountain + take turns riding to lift 3 + back.

Back to this view at the top.

My camera was on a bad setting for bright sunlight. I was sad when I realized the shots were so overexposed + had been used to shooting indoors. Now we have another excuse to try this day again...I'm sure we will.

It's amazing what can happen when you have the right setting!

And not a cloud in the sky.

The kids + I had a great day yesterday at our lessons! It was not clear like it was today. It was foggy + snowing. But still great. Bryan even got to spend the day with a couple of ski enthusiasts like himself while a friend watched Easton. I think I'm finally getting the hang of this skiing thing...I want soooo badly to be good and someday (maybe) ski The Highland Bowl (above) with Bryan. If I don't faint first of the hike you have to do carrying your skis with death ravines on each side. That would be a good day.

banana bread + busy boys.

2011-01-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

I'd have to say these are some of my favorite mornings.

Still in my pjs, busy with boys + baking.

This Chunky Monkey Banana Muffin {that I made into mini bread loaves} recipe we tried today was sooo good.

Going in the tried + true for sure:

1 c. sugar

2 whole eggs

1 T. vanilla

4 whole bananas, mashed

3/4 c. buttermilk

1 c butter, melted

3 c flour

2 t baking powder

1 t baking soda

1 t salt

2 T cinnamon

1 c sweetened shredded coconut

1 c chocolate chips (I didn't add these, maybe next time)

Preheat 350.

Cream eggs through butter. Combine dry ingredients. Mix together just until flour disappears. Fold in coconut + chips. Place in lined muffin tins or sprayed loaf pans + bake for 20 min. or until toothpick comes out clean.

Brody's been sick this week. So we have been doing quite a bit of this...

{For preschoolers - we love this computer learning center on the net. Brody will sit + answer math questions for 30 minutes at a time, he loves it + can do most of the kindergarten questions. IXL.com - questions adapted for ages preK thru 8th grade, good one.}

Bath time.

2011-01-20T10:25:00.003-05:00

Our favorite: Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

2011-01-19T01:00:00.002-05:00

BEST CINNAMON SWIRL BREAD

1 c. (whole) milk

1/3 c. butter (which is 5 1/3 t.)

3/4 c. water

In a small saucepan combine these 3 and let simmer until butter is completely (or almost completely) melted. Let cool until it is warm, but not hot.

In mixer bowl add:

6 c flour

7 T. sugar

4 t. yeast

1 1/2 t. salt

5 T. vital wheat gluten (this is not required, but so a must now, it's night + day for me!)

3 eggs

I add all the dry + stir with whisk, then with the hook attachment of your blender start stirring low while adding the 3 eggs. Add the lukewarm liquid from above. Let mix until all flour is incorporated. If the dough is sticking to the sides add a 1/2 cup flour at a time until the sides pull away. The last time I added a 1/2 c., today I didn't. Everyday can be different! Don't worry if you add up to 1 1/2 cups!

Let the dough rise in bowl, covered, for 40 min or until doubled.

In the meantime, make the Filling/topping below + melt 3-4 T butter.

Take dough out of bowl on lightly floured surface. Cut the dough in half. Roll out one at a time into a rectangle. About 9x14 should do it.

Filling/topping:

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. light brown sugar

3 T. cinnamon

Mix.

Preheat oven to 375. (Although I think my oven runs hot so I set mine to just over 350)

When rolled out about 1/4 to 1/2 in thick, spread half the melted butter over top. Sprinkle about 1/3 of the filling mixture over top. Roll the dough (I tuck in the sides as I go) + set in Pam flour sprayed pan. Repeat with other dough + sprinkle remaining sugar over top of both breads.

Bake 35 minutes.

Sundays.

2011-01-18T02:00:00.000-05:00

Some snap shots I realize now I need to do more often, the time after church when we're walking in the door + everyone's looking their Sunday best.

Love these kiddos with all my heart.

Words to think about + live by this 2011...

2011-01-17T01:00:00.002-05:00

:: I LOVE this poster ::

'take care of this moment' especially has me thinking...

2011 is going to be GREAT!

Our third child.

2011-01-16T02:00:00.002-05:00

Things about Brody:

:: he tells at least one person a week it's his birthday just so they will wish him a happy day (it was in October)::

:: he asks me just about every other day when we are going back to "my world" (which is our old house in New York)::

:: lately his favorite thing to add to his nightly prayers is to 'bless the hungry ones + the naked ones' uh....NAKED?!! I have to laugh (to myself) every time. ::

:: when he plays video games his WHOLE body moves - WHOLE BODY!::

:: his favorite foods are mac n cheese, ham sandwiches, apples dipped in peanut butter, oranges, pears, cocoa puffs, yogurt smoothies::

:: the first thing he says when I pick him up from school is always "I didn't hurt anybody today mom!" ::

:: he knows all the body parts in Chinese (or maybe it's Japanese?) Thank you karate! ::

:: he's not afraid to talk to ANY BODY! If there is a kid near him there will be an instant introduction: 'Hi my name is Brody, what's your name?' If you start talking to him, he'll never stop asking questions or the conversation...ever. ::

:: he has to talk about 'his day' before going to sleep. ::

:: I laugh daily about what comes out of his mouth. ::

:: he can count to 100, by 2's and 10's, knows all his letters + can write his name. ::

:: he loves to build legos with Connor, read stories with Taylor + is almost always very helpful + kind to Easton. ::

WE LOVE HAVING BRODY IN OUR FAMILY!

Bryan recently made a video about the little guy.

Click on the link below:

THE STORY OF BRODY

On the plaza.

2011-01-15T02:00:00.001-05:00

This weekend marks the 60th annual weekend full of events known to Aspenites as Winterskool.

Today in the plaza (outdoor mall area) they held a snow sculpture contest for both professionals + kids. It was a beautiful day + we were so excited to go see!

But first we had to play on the playground...

with some friends from church...

And I watched the local daycare play 'how many preschoolers can fit in one hammock?'

I think they could have gotten one more on there...
We watched them begin to carve HUGE square chunks of snow into lots of things...squirrels holding diamonds, wine glasses, buddhas...we'll have to come back to tomorrow to see them finished. They have 48 hours to complete them!
The kid's ones were finished + were so good! I was totally impressed. A gingerbread house, an elephant + this was my favorite. A cup of hot cocoa with whip - YUM!

We were so inspired we had to stop + get a cup of our own!

Ice ball to the head.

2011-01-14T10:21:00.003-05:00

{Connor on ground in fetal position}

I thought while Connor had his two buddies over (Evans + Ty) yesterday that I would open the door + take a quick shot of them playing in the snow. I had envisioned a nice little shot of them laughing together or sledding or see cute little snowballs streaming thru the air, but hello real life: this is what I found...

Me: 'Connor! Are you okay?'

Evans (the one standing up): 'Yeah, he's ok, just took an iceball to the head'

Me: 'uh, no more iceballs, please'

An hour to skate.

2011-01-13T02:00:00.001-05:00

For Taylor!

I was so jealous of Taylor when she announced that for lunch time yesterday she was going to spend it eating pizza + skating outside at the rec center.

I asked if I could come to take pictures + she politely said 'that's okay, mom - I got this' Meaning, yeah, don't come + embarrass me with your huge camera taking pictures of me eating pizza + ice skating with 6th graders + 7th graders + heaven forbid the all powerful, all knowing 8th graders!

So I thought about it for a minute {second} noticed it was a beautiful day, grabbed Easton (and the huge camera) + enjoyed it with her.

At first I didn't even make eye contact just walked along with Easton who joyfully threw snowballs + ran his gloves across the ground + I just watched. Then...oh no, she saw me! Then waved + said....HI EASTON!!!

She seemed happy to have us there (the only parent) so out came the camera.

This place is just too amazing to not capture!

{eating her pizza + skating}

Even the signs are adorable.

My next planned weekly activity will be to take up snowshoeing!

I recommend that while skating:

Look to your left for this view...

Then look to your right for this one...

{Aspen Highlands ski run}

Now breath in that crisp, cool, refreshing air...

awww, that's better!

CP Burger: Must go.

2011-01-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

I have the cutest friend here in Aspen, meet Whitney.

She + her husband Matt are in our ward.

She's just one of the nicest, sweetest people I've ever met.

The kind that you can sense right away is super classy + would be a great friend.

Her two cutest little boys are always dressed JCrew/Gap picture perfect + you'd never know it, until she took off her coat off, but she has the tiniest little 7 month preggo pumpkin belly I've ever seen!

We've been meaning to get together for weeks now, but the holidays made sure to sabotage those plans more than once. Today was the day, we made it out {with Easton + Brody too} to a place I LOVE: CP Burger. (FYI: If you ever come to Aspen - you gotta eat here!)

We had fun chatting over french fries + grilled cheese + hot chocolate.

Snow + Sunday Skype

2011-01-11T10:47:00.004-05:00

This is where I live...

SERIOUSLY love it.

We got 2 ft of snow yesterday + I woke up to -15 degrees.

It's beyond beautiful + I'm truly loving every minute!

Bryan spent the weekend on call + thus, we never saw him.

I saw this cookie recipe on picky-palate and thought we should make them on Sunday. My kids have really wanting me to make them chocolate chip cookies!

Then I saw that Oreo cookie in the middle + instantly thought of my sister, Brooke (biggest Oreo lover I know) + wished she could come over so we could make them together. Immediately the idea popped into my head - what if we could make them together without even leaving our homes?

Thus, Sister Skype Sunday was born! {coined by Brooke}

My mom + Kenna came too...

{YUM!}

Dad was honorary taste tester.

It was seriously so FUN + we're already planning for next week!

My cutest ever SIL Rachel was there too until she had to go, but she'll be there next week + we're making Chocolate cheesecake squares - can't wait.

A little catching up.

2011-01-09T12:51:00.004-05:00

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas!

Easton was the first to wake up, leave it to the kid who has no idea it's Christmas to wake the house! We tried to quietly just slip him into bed with us, but shortly after when I heard footsteps coming up the stairs I knew no one could wait. I just couldn't send them back to bed, have you seen my kids eyes when they know presents are at stake?! It was an early 4:30AM start, but we had so much fun everybody was having a great time - I don't think the kids even realized just how early it was.

A tradition in the Mitchell family was making these Date Nut Balls. It seems like baking traditions only follow the girls to the next generation since guys don't usually care so much about baking + such, but sometimes Bryan will surprise me (and since he's great at cooking) he has started making these for us around Christmas - they are something his mother made this time of year + all I can say is I hope my kids remember and take this recipe for their traditions when they are grown. Plus, the are super YUMMY!

The kids happy as can be with their new loot:

Guess Who? game.

Taylor + her ipod + headphones.

Brody + his ski goggles.

Boys building their loads of legos in their matching Star Wars PJs.

Connor could build legos ALL day.

You think I'm exaggerating?

Come on over.

Bryan spent some time interviewing the 2012-2013 (next year's already been picked, done, waiting to come - they interview basically 20 months out)

Yesterday the kids (Taylor + Connor + Brody) began their every Saturday for the next 9 weeks ski clinics. They are skiing from 9-3, except the 30 min to eat lunch they are on the slopes getting better at skiing! Taylor has really taken off + is getting quite good. She really likes it + has little fear of things like black diamonds, moguls - moguls on black diamonds. She tested + is already a level 7! I'm so excited to see how good she gets after 9 weeks!

This is about 1/8 of the kids participating so imagine left + right for yards, lucky me at the end of the day gets to play "Where's Waldo?" Try to find your kid in this!

Then all of the sudden I saw her!

Way over to the left, sitting talking to her BFF Sarah.

She's a hand talker, just like her father.

Had to get them all to give me a picture! Look how cute they are!

Sarah, Taylor, Catherine (good friend from Taylor's 5th grade class) + Emmerson (my friend Heather's daughter) I don't think these girls have had a mom like me with a camera in their face as much as my poor daughter! Come on girls...

That's better!

They are the cutest little group of skiing girls you ever saw...

I'm sticking to that cuz I saw a LOT of groups that day!

I'm sad I didn't get a picture of Connor with his buddy Evans. They greeted me with huge smiles + ugh missed it. I think I was too busy concerned that Connor told me he had only thrown up once that day. Poor kid has something with skiing + puking.

Brody spent all morning telling me he did NOT want to go skiing. He never wants to go skiing, it's like pulling teeth. I was so happy that when I got him over to the area where the little first timers go he was so glad to see so many other little kids just like him that he was more than willing to give it a try. Brody miss out on a social outing? I think not! At the end of the day he was bused over from the bunny hill where he spent most of the day drinking hot cocoa + riding the "magic carpet" I was waiting + waiting to find him getting off the bus and after a good 20 minutes I turned the corner + there he was...this is SO Brody:

Smiling at absolutely nothing, just standing there being a happy kid. My heart was happy to see I knew instantly he had had a good day.
And then do you love this?

He looks at me, still not realizing it's me (big camera in front of face)

Then the recognition!

Mouth starting to form the word "MMMMM"

OOOOOMMMMM!!!"

He was so excited to tell me everything.

"I LOVE skiing class mom! I did way awesome"

I love this kid.

Christmas Eve Eve...

2010-12-23T21:40:00.007-05:00

FAVORITE highlights this month:

+ Brody's obsession with HOME ALONE 2: if you need a laugh watch this with him, instant (crying) laughing.

+ Actually getting out on a "date"

+ Kids texting me while skiing last Saturday with things like "Having a blast!" "This is awesome"

+ Making lots of yummy treats + eating them!

+ Bryan & I taking Taylor to a performance of "Messiah" in an old Catholic church - breathtaking!

+ Brody getting his YELLOW belt in Karate!

+ Sledding with the little boys

+ Watching "Christmas Vacation" with Bryan.

+ Winning CJane's gift certificate! (and getting an email from her!)

+ Visiting teaching with some great ladies at the Maroon Creek Country Club! (if you have been there you'll understand why it's a highlight!)

+ And probably my most favorite is skiing almost every Friday morning just me & Bryan then having lunch with the best burger, sweet potatoes fries + s'more shake known to man.

We are so excited for Christmas around here.

Aspen is just amazing + with our only year to experience it, we are living it up + fitting as much into the day as we can!

Today was no exception...

We went to visit two of Santa's reindeer.

(downtown)

Then these two decided to ski with Santa on Ajax, a mountain with no green runs - all blue + black, they were kinda nervous.
The BEST santa you ever met! Brody + I sure had fun waiting for them at the bottom.
Here they come!
Proud HAPPY pops...

NOTHING puts a grin inside + out on this guy like a day on the slopes!

Easton would NOT let go of this pole, not for NOTHIN'!!

(skier in training?!)
He is stinkin' cute in ski gear...

I'd give it that today too!

I love this.

Catching my two boys (who need haircuts) chatting about their favorite parts of the day...

Busy December

2010-12-22T21:58:00.005-05:00

Trying to keep up with everything that's going on this month...

more to come.

First, we are so proud of Taylor making the honor roll this past quarter!

Also, Bryan helped her with her science project this year.

They had a great time together breaking femurs + recording how they break.

We made Christmas ornaments at the rec center + sat on Santa's lap.
Easton turned 20 months yesterday!

My little sweet baby is now a cute little boy. I hate it.

thanks.

2010-12-06T17:43:00.002-05:00

So back to the great weekend we had with my family!

They came even though it looked like this...

While we waited for their arrival we prepared for the dinner table:
They came + we were so excited!
We all pitched in to make the meal.

Our menu:

Maple + Apricot Roast Turkey

Raspberry Cranberry sauce

Green beans + dried onions

Cornbread + sausage stuffing

Rainbow Jello

Mashed potatoes + gravy

Homemade crescent rolls

Pumpkin Pie

Oreo Pie

After the meal we rode up to Basalt to watch "Tangled". Perfect Thanksgiving Day!

The next day, most of us skied while some of us played in the snow...

Tay, Kel, Connor + me

But my favorite part had to be when Kel got stuck in her coat...Saturday we went to the US Woman's World Cup races up the street. We enjoyed free yummy food + sunshine.

We also:

Watched Home Alone 2, Star Trek (the new one), Dad + I ran up to Costco to grab my "Black Friday" of a deal vacuum with the little cousins, we shopped at the thrift shop, rode in the basket of a snow cat, dressed like indians during our meal (thanks Kel!), made sock monkeys (thanks again Kel - this was a BIG hit) and I'm sure there was more I'm forgetting, but they have to come back soon because we still have to fit in ice skating + sledding + all the other things we didn't have time to do!

Tis the season.

2010-12-05T15:39:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with my family.

Who so kindly drove the 8+ hours once again to celebrate a special time with us.

They are so nice like that.

Going back a bit. About a month. I was having such a difficult time in my life trying to figure out a new shift/place/chapter in my life.

More and more I started to find myself as that "glass half empty" girl. And feeling bad about it. Ashamed. Closed + teary. I tried desperately to see the good in everything. I had everything. Everything! And I just couldn't for the life of me relax, stop worrying and enjoy things as they happen and go.

It was HARD.

Good days and lots of bad days to be honest.

In Rochester, a year a go I was ready for this next adventure here in Aspen.

So over the top excited about it actually.

We are here for only one year, I want to soak it all in.

I planned, researched, bookmarked, recorded and looked forward to it ALL.

We enjoyed such a fun summer, like a loooong needed wonderful vacation!

Then the summer ended.

Fall was welcomed.

October came without an ounce of snow and I was finding my groove with the kiddos.

Bryan hardly worked a full day. Life was good.

Bryan's schedule picked up.

He spent a few weekends away trying to earn enough money for us to live in this Manhattan in the west kind of place - we are grateful!

I was here. Kiddos well adjusted. Fully unpacked and waiting for winter.

It was then I felt an antsy-ness that I just couldn't shake. A worry that took my mind to instant tears. I was getting good at it really.

I was surprised at how isolated I could feel with four children around me.

There are very few young families in Aspen.

I am here for one year, is it worth the effort of finding the few there are?

I think my feeling of adventure had ended.

Like I was on a vacation and ready to go home.

But I am home.

I think.

An adventure sounded fun last year.

Like it was one step closer, one last hoop to jump thru.

Then I realized was I more excited for Aspen or the hoop?

And I instantly just wanted to hit fast forward and get it over with.

It's not like I have haven't done my share of waiting.

13 years to be exact.

I felt DONE.

Gave all I could give to the cause of our goal of him becoming a doctor.

I've given my worry to it.

My heart.

My tears.

But now, it is December + I can reflect.

Because now, I can say I am okay.

I've come to a peace I was praying for.

It was healing. And felt like love.

I am amazed at how peaceful I feel.

How grateful I am to lessons I've learned these past few weeks.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

I realize now I was focusing more on the finish line than I should.

I'm a mile 25 in this big chapter of my life + I've learned that sometimes patience even when you feel like you have none left there is always more.

Mile 25 can feel tired.

It can feel high and it can feel low.

Letting go + losing yourself in everyday life can teach fine lessons.

Letting life surprise + teach changes you. For good.

It's what I needed.

Not just for now, but future me.

Bryan calls me "future girl".

Because many of my thoughts to him begin with "Won't it be great when..."

But I'm over it, I love "future girl" + I'll always be partly that.

Because I am a dreamer, but really want to start being "now girl".

Because that's where we are. And I realize truly where happiness lives.

I'm in love with life again. It's always been so good to me.

I've felt a renewed sense of being I have never felt or maybe just missed.

I'm taking things as they come, being grateful most of all + letting go.

And embracing snow! Glorious snow.

For it has brought with it joyous moments with my family. And skiing.

Big B, little B ... what begins with B?!

2010-10-19T11:51:00.004-04:00

How about:

Brody.

Birthday.

Black Rock Canyon.

Broken nose.

Brody + I baking his rainbow cake!

A fun surprise gift from Grandma + Grandpa W, Josh, Kel + Kenna!

Balloons, suckers + this cute little guy.

He named the raccoon Brody two.

We traveled 3 hours on Saturday to see the famous Black Rock Canyon.

It's 2500 feet deep which with the recent rescue of the Chilian miners 2000 feet under ground, it sure put it in perspective! I could hardly look over the edge.
Brody found his new favorite number!

The boys climbed trees.

Looking over the edge...
My camera really doesn't do it justice!
The day after Brody's birthday, he fell flat on his face + broke his nose! Yikes. It bled + bled. He balled and balled. Looks much better now.
Yesterday he + I decided to make Q-tip Skeletons.

He drew his own skull with scary teeth.

Love this boy!

this week

2010-10-01T22:19:00.004-04:00

Connor spent hours making Brody this Luigi hat + a Nintendo mushroom hat for Easton. I wish I got a picture of the mushroom - it was awesome.

Brody got a huge splinter stuck in his little finger,

dad to the rescue.

Bryan's brother Bart + SIL Cheryl came for a short visit. We went to take in all the beautiful fall foliage. We ate dinner up at our favorite spot + took a stroll around the lake.

Taylor came home from her 4 day class field trip to Arches National Park.

We sure did miss her! Easton just kept hugging her, it was SO sweet.

I love, love, LOVE Brody's school.

He attends 2 days a week.

Wednesdays + Fridays.

8:30 till 3:45.

He rides the bus getting picked up from a park down the street + drives to his school located up the canyon in the forest next to the river. It looks like it's the set of the teletubbies with the dome structure with tall grass on top. One day I'll take pictures. His teachers are amazing. He is so lucky!

His teachers always tell me... "we love Brody, he always looks like he's going to explode with excitement" Good description.
He takes a lunch to school.

I've been trying to get good at bentos.

I think making lunches everyday can get a little mundane.

It's fun for me to make + him to eat.[I love this site]

Ham + cheese (cheese shaped in car cutouts) kabobs, apple flowers, sweet bbq potato straws, flower fruit leather, mini granola bite.

Bryan left to Maine yesterday to pick up some extra cash working at a rural hospital in the middle of nowhere for the whole weekend it's today that I noticed how spoiled I've been with his new schedule as a fellow. Normally he'd be here to help me with my crazy Friday afternoon schedule, but instead it was pick up Brody from school, hurry and drop off Taylor at cello, go home and grab snack for Brody, get Connor ready for soccer game, pick up Taylor from cello, take her to the pool to meet a friend, go to the soccer game 25 minutes late with both boys to chase while I "watch" the game. The boys were pretty good.

And Easton is pretty good at games as long as he can pet every dog he sees...

And steal all the oranges he wants from the team's half time snack bowl...

Santa Monica Pier

2010-09-27T18:23:00.009-04:00

A few days after we picked up Josh and before we officially welcomed him home, my family + I agreed to jump in the 15 (and then the 15 became a 12 because our A/C went out in Vegas) passenger van in July and head to southern California for some time to hang out.

We had so much fun + since Taylor left for Arches National Park this morning I let her take my small camera + proceeded to remove the pictures giving her an empty ready-to-be-filled camera card. It was then I discovered these pictures...

When we arrived we took a walk on the pier and let the kids pick a ride. Rachel + I thought it would be fun to take the boys on the ferris wheel. Our teeth were chattering the whole time. Good {freeezing!} times, right Rach?! :)

I was laughing so hard looking at these pics I'd forgotten we'd taken as I remembered how much we all so wanted to be like the girl who had the right swinging attire + gloves, she was "showing us how it's done" and making it look oh so easy.

Connor: he probably (sadly) did the best.

My mom (and Lauryn) trying to help Taylor up to the ring!

Calling in reinforcements.

Good ole uncle Bry.
This is the best picture ever.

Probably because you can't tell that she's trying to reach rings.

Just looks extra really CRAZY happy.

And she is.

Really.

My turn, watch out.

I've been working out.

It was SOOOO hard.

Couldn't even get off the ground!

(The girl at my 10 o'clock is the MASTER!)

Uncle Bry comin thru!

These are their impressed faces...

And like always (right Brooke?) the one COMPLETE little family there, had to get a pic.

Aren't they so cute?

They are my favorite.

After we went straight to eat at Cheesecake Factory out on the deck, it was such a fun day!

Scavenger hunts + rain puddles.

2010-09-24T18:04:00.003-04:00

Most days (Monday, Tuesday + Thursday) it's just Easton + Brody + me. I love it. There is no other place I'd rather be than getting inside their world + playing as much as possible. With a schedule of course! So right before lunch + nap time yesterday and after the rain had stopped...we ran out to jump in the puddles!

Easton could do this all day.

And hunt for a list of nature scavenger type things...like pine cones.

I love that even for a curb he still turns around to get down!

I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!

2010-09-22T16:02:00.005-04:00

Connor a few minutes before getting baptized.

He was SO excited!

Before.
After.
We all were so happy my family {most of them anyway} could be there! It really meant a lot to me + Connor that they came.

Taylor (her black eye was from playing catch with a 6th grader, classic 'elbow to the eye' during recess) minutes before the thing was to start was so cute to ask if she could play on her cello "I am a Child of God" for Connor. She played it at her baptism 2 years a go and really hasn't played it since, she had completely forgotten the notes and being minutes from starting the control freak in me wanted to say "Are you kidding!?!" But I said felt like I should give her a chance, with that kind of confidence I felt I owed it to her so I asked her to play it for me first, she figured it out all by ear, practiced a few times and played it after the 3 minute video of Connor's birth to now video of pictures. She did awesome, lesson to me, have faith in your kids' abilities!!

Uncle Josh fresh off the mission delivered a great little talk on receiving the Holy Ghost. Grandpa Wilson gave a talk on baptism, it was a packed room with members of the branch as well. I was so happy everyone could come!
LOVE Aunt Kel.
With dad before the program began...
The night before we had dinner at the bells, I was so excited to take my family to see what an amazing place we live.
I couldn't wait to capture their excitement.
I don't remember the unabomber being there with us, do you guys?!?!

The bells just brings out the love I think...

Then Taylor found some tiny fish in a tiny creek who if not rescued would die so off everyone went to throw those fish into the big pond.
It was funny to watch everyone running around with fish in their hands! (It is alive, promise)

Thanks so much for coming guys!

Next time, stay for a FULL 24 hours would ya?!

Oh and the best way I've decided to end any and every post...

with a picture of Easton. Or Easter. Or Billies. Or Easter Billies.

He's my (youngest) love.

Baptism + Bells.

2010-09-19T20:12:00.002-04:00

These are the bells...Maroon Bells to be exact.

They are in our backyard (sort of) or we'd like to think so anyway.

They are our favorite place to take + eat dinner.

We ate dinner here last night.

Chicken chili with cornbread + cherry crisp for dessert.

We had ourselves some visitors.

(more on that to come)

Connor was baptized today!

It was a beautiful, perfect day in so many ways.

First day of school + other firsts.

2010-09-12T08:47:00.003-04:00

Taylor + Connor's FIRST day of school AUGUST 31, 2010

Taylor: Aspen Middle School {5th grade}

Connor: Aspen Elementary School {3rd grade}

(the schools are right next door to each other along with the HS)

Bus [picks up] at 7:32

Bus [drops off] at 3:38

We live just under a half a mile away, so they usually take the bus to school + either ride it home or tuck their scooters in their back back + scooter or walk home.

They are so cute!

Connor has the awesome Mrs. Zats! (or Julie as they call her)

And Tay has Mrs. Gray (but here they call all their teachers by their first name, so Amy)
Brody started school on the 8th so for a few days (especially during Easton's 3 hour naps) it was just he + I, pretty fun to do lots of things together. I got him this great "My FIRST sandbox" and he LOVES it! Hours of fun...
Easton is usually keeping his eye on the actions of the front door, if it opens for a second he's making a run for it! He LOVES the outdoors...good thing since he was born into our family. {Our "front yard" is the parking lot, whatever works right?}
Last night while making dinner (with fresh peach cobbler - yum!) I heard Bryan calling me out the front door wanting me to see Easton's FIRST time riding the scooter.
He did NOT want to get off!
That kid is the sweetest thing ever...I'll take 20 more, please.

(But don't get any ideas!)

Settled in.

2010-09-10T13:46:00.004-04:00

I'm determined to getting back to posting about my family + our life here in Aspen. Kids are back in school + enjoying it. Even Brody goes 2 FULL days a week leaves me with just one at home. You'd think things would slow down around here then, but my schedule could not be more full...between soccer, karate, cello, activity days + scouts, plus those little things like cooking, cleaning, laundry + my new calling in the nursery, I'm feeling maxed out! But life is oh so good, we feel incredibly blessed and happy to be here! More on that later...

For now, some pictures taken as I was travelling from NY to CO with a pit stop in St. George to celebrate the homecoming of my little brother Josh returning from his mission in Canada.

June 2010

My sisters + Josh: (-Bryan)

For Father's Day, we took a train ride...

2010-06-20T18:36:00.005-04:00

Small model trains.

Medium sized trains (with buttons).
and some more cute boys.
And BIG trains.
We just had to...
First we rode this (built in 1890) trolley train.

(incase you haven't noticed Brody is in HEAVEN - this is HIS Disneyland)
waiting for the Diesel engine!

waiting...

and waiting...

waiting some more...

(Brody's face makes me laugh!)

More waiting...

awwww Easton.

Then it came!!!!

Totally worth the wait.

We rode to a small train museum a few miles down the track. We learned about the Rochester train history, a bit about Morse Code + saw giant pictures to learn the parts of the trains.

It was a fun day just being together - trains, planes, wherever.

I sure LOVE my little family, they are the best!

Here are two recipes we tried lately + they were yum!

Definitely going in my go-to recipes.

Peanut Butter Pie (reminds me of eating Reese's PB cups or PB blossoms)

Recipe is HERE.
And these "surprise cookies" - marshmallows inside chocolate cookie + frosting!

The recipe called for cutting a large marshmallow in half, but I used the medium sized star marshmallows out for the summer + they worked perfectly. These disappeared quickly!

Go here.

we should be packing . . .

2010-06-06T16:00:00.006-04:00

but we've been having way too much fun!

This picture makes me want to cry...he's getting so grown up + wants so badly to be a BIG kid. He tries to keep up with the older kids, it's so darn cute!

We went to the older kids' school for the end of year fair they hold every year. This is their playground.

This was his very first time EVER going down a big slide -

look at his face!
Brody going up the bigger slide, he was too nervous when he got to the top + came back down.
The kids had a blast going booth to booth, collecting toys + candy + playing lots of games (including toss the rubber chicken) Oh those chickens so remind me of Taylor about age 2 - she slept with a rubber chicken for months!

2 firsts in one day!

A sucker...

(don't look, Bry)

I'm so glad Taylor's good friend Madeline was able to join us, it made it all the more fun!

Taylor tried to dunk her Teacher's assistant! She is the cutest girl, so sweet + just loves Tay. Taylor hit the target, but it didn't fall so she let Tay come up and hit the button herself. It was great!

Brody loved the bouncy house most, no surprise there!

Oh and digging for golden coins too of course.

We have been making loads of this YUMMY Cinnamon Swirl Bread, infact some is baking in the oven now. It's been great for thank you gifts too. It is SOOOOOOO easy - despite how much I try to convince my sister I don't think she's made it yet, but seriously if you can make pancakes from scratch you can make this. Your family will LOVE it.

I bake ALL the time, sometimes Bryan has to put his foot down + some recipes are okay + those I don't post, but some are GREAT + this is one of them! I made these a couple days a go + YUM - Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes...

Best Lemonade cupcakes EVER.

1 cup flour

1/2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

pinch salt

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. vegetable oil

2 egg whites

1/4 c. thawed lemonade concentrate

1/4 c. buttermilk

1 t. vanilla

Oven 350. Line 12 muffin cups with liners (makes 12). In small bowl, mix flour through salt. In large bowl, combine sugar through concentrate. Alternately mix in flour mixture with buttermilk into the large bowl. Beat until smooth. Fill muffin cups 3/4 way. Bake 20 min or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

I used my favorite strawberry frosting...it's from SPRINKLES CUPCAKES.

Sprinkles Strawberry Frosting

about 3-4 large strawberries (either frozen or fresh)

2 sticks unsalted butter, firm + slightly cold

pinch of salt

3 1/2 c powdered sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

Put strawberries in food processor. Process until smooth. Beat butter + salt. Slowly beat in sugar + stir in vanilla. Add 3 T. of the strawberry puree. Mix well. Chill if needed for a minute then frost cooled cupcakes.

Bryan spent the entire day Friday on call + arrived home with not a wink of sleep Saturday morning. I let him sleep the morning away while I took Brody + Connor over to watch Connor's soccer game. It was such a beautiful morning. Then the boys and I headed straight over to the gym for my absolute favorite spinning class with my 6 month pregnant instructor who beats the heck out of me - and I have to say - I LOVE every minute of it! It's one of the things I'll miss about this place.

After a lazy afternoon followed by not the slightest bit of interest in cooking dinner we ran over to Five Guys Burgers - we love that place, juicy burgers + a mountain of fries, some cajun style of course. Then we decided that eating that many calories in one sitting deserved a walk on the canal.

I ran in the house, grabbed the bag of bread in the freezer + some popsicles + off we went...

Minus the fact that it's Sunday + Bryan's working a 24 hour call shift once again, it was quite the perfect weekend for our little family. Okay, I'm packing, I promise...starting tomorrow!