Osness Family Zoo

10 Years of Wedded Bliss

2011-04-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our 10 year anniversary we took a quick cruise to the Bahamas leaving from Miami. We stayed at a great french hotel in Miami the night before and had a fun fancy breakfast. I LOVE eggs benedict. Our boat had a water slide on board. We boarded early enough to slide a few times before it got crowded.

Still waiting for the boat to take off just relaxing in the sun looking sexy for my man.

Every night we had a new creature on our bed.

Jeffs favorite part of the cruise was the comedy routines. We went to almost every one of them.

The one day we were docked in the Bahamas we rode over to the Atlantis resort to spend some time in the sun and at the beach.

We took so many pictures I just picked a few of the best ones.

This foot shot is pretty much how we spent the first half of the day. We just cruised around the lazy river enjoying the view and the company.

We never even had to get out of the tube to go on the rides. They had these crazy conveyer belts that would just haul you up to where you wanted to go.

A beautiful view of the resort.

In the afternoon we ended up at the beach where I fell in love with the warm clear water. It was so hard to tear myself away tand go back to the boat for dinner.

They had some wonderful aquariums there and we spent a little bit of time conversing with the locals.

Another tube shot.

And pne more of the beautiful beach.After the formal dinner that night we headed back for more comedy.

And more pizza, I have about twenty pictures of me eating!Our friendly creature the second night.They also had a miniature golf course on board so we headed up there Sunday morning but it was at the highest point on the boat so it was quite wavy up there.

The last night on the boat we just kind of explored and enjoyed eachother.Mr Elephant was there to say good night for the last time.The next morning we were back in Miami. So we went to see some of the true local wildlife.

We thought we would be lucky to see one or two alligators, but we saw at least 20 or 30 they were lining the canals on the sides of the freeway on the way to the everglades.

I made a new friend but I had to pay three bucks to hold him. He felt like a purse!Our last adventure was to try frog legs and alligator tail. They were both very good I would recommed them.

We had a wonderful time together it was a perfect way to celebrate what has been so far a wonderful marriage and I am sure will only get better. What a wonderful thing to say that you are married for eternity to your best friend!

The pitter patter of little "green?" feet

2011-03-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

As you can see we had our annual little green visitors. And they were so kind as to decorate our milk for us again this year. I have got to remind them that one jug of green milk is plenty for any family!

Bad to the Bone

2011-02-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

Some would say I have too much time on my hands.....its more like I am just avoiding the work I should be doing.

Make new friends, but keep the old

2011-02-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

We took Jeff to Snow Canyon Park for his birthday and Abby made a new friend. It was her first experience with a bug up close and personal. She had a good time trying to figure this little guy out and oly tried to eat it once. I am not so sure that the bug felt the same way about her as she did about it.

Here are some more picture from that fun day. We ended up buying a park pass because we had so much fun so keep an eye out for some more fun outings to the state parks this summer!

Where is my camera

2011-01-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

Someone walked off with my camera! No worries I found it a few day later, I wonder where it was all that time?

DUCK!

2011-01-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have never seen so many ducks in one place so we HAD to get out and say hi. They swarmed the van when we pulled up and I felt bad that we had not come prepared with a snack for them. There was a nice family that shared the bread they had brought, Abby liked to share with the ducks and geese too. She would pick up the bread we were tossing and try to eat it too. So gross!!

New Years in San Francisco

2011-01-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

Wow by the time we hit California I think we were all about done. Abby had passed on her tummy germ to Jess and eventually Cassie. Jess unloaded her stomach contents all over the kitchen floor. I am just so glad that Rogers family never got sick. I spent the week in general laziness reading three books by the end of the week. I did help cook and Jeff helped Rog with little projects around the house. New Years Eve Day we got up and headed into the city to the Exploratorium. We had a great time learning about all kinds of science things. We also fed some ducks outside while we ate lunch. We had a rather smooth trip home with a stop to some friends and a night in a hotel. We got a nice new souvenier on our bumper from some dork who cant park a car. After two weeks on the road we were so happy to be home.

Christmas in Phoenix

2010-12-26T06:55:00.000-08:00

We made the trek down to Phoenix this year for Christmas and then tacked on a trip to San Francisco to see Roger and Hillarys new house. Here is the Phoenix portion of that marathon trip. I was so relieved to not have anything on my plate that I didnt really take as many picture as I should have. We all got together for marshmallow roasting around the fire pit. I find it funny that my parents opted out of the pool this go round and put in a fire pit! (do you think they forgot they live in Phoenix?) It was actually a lot of fun and I dont mind not having a pool that the kids could drown in. I know Christmas is not about the gifts but how fun does that pile look! This was the night that we shared gifts between the sibling and parents. We also had some fun family games including our anual white elephant exchange.

Here is Grandma trying out Grandpas new gift. They built a fun sidewalk that surrounds the yard so we thought this would be a perfect gift for them. (I know they go out and have races when all the grandkids go home)

Grandmas best gift was the turbin towels for all the girls.

Christmas eve finally came and it was nice that it was just us and Grandpa and Grandma. Here is the traditional pajama opening that night.

We woke up the next morning and opened our gifts then headed out the next day. A few other things that heppened during the week, the trip to the Mesa Temple which turned out to be rainy and cold we were only there for about 10 minutes before we packed up and headed back to the house. We hate being left out of anything so when we came upon a large group of cars that had flat tires we joined right along by hitting the large piece of wood in the road which resulted in the need to replace the tire and the rim....again. We left grandma with one last gift from Abby, the stomach flu....SORRY!

A Magical Week

2010-12-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

Cassie and Jessie are not new to the Magical Kingdom so they were quite excited for our trip this year. Ryan had no clue what he was in for but caught on quite quickly. We had an awesome time and despie all the pictures of us standing in line we did little of that. I think that when we would finally stop to stand in line was when I would remember to take pictures.

We happened upon Jessie and an Army Guy so we had to say hi.

The Bug show is aslways entertaining and a great way for mom to get a break for a minute.

we enjoyed the new Toy Story Ride but after waiting in line for 40 minutes decided it wasnt worth waiting for again.

The girls were so excited to play model with the California letters.

Space Mountain was one of our favorites and we rode it quite a bit, but not nearly as much as the "Crazy Train" Big Thunder Mountain.

Jessie got picked to do the Jedi Training again and did a great job! She even got to fight off Darth Vader. All in all another great disneyland trip under our belts and I am already looking forward to next time when Abby can come!!

Going on down to the Library

2010-11-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

There is always fun things to do at our library and one night the firemen came to show us their truck and equipment! The kids got to try on real firemens gear and then we went outside to see the truck!

Beep Beep here comes Jessie!

Going tropical

2010-11-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

The girls had another great year in hula. Cassie even had a bit of a solo in one song and made it almost the whole way through without crying. She is amazing she gets so nervous but she powers through it and she never turns down an opportunity to perform. I cant wait for next years performances.

It just keeps getting better...

2010-11-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have such great kids and a wonderful husband, I am pretty sure I dont deserve it, but I will take it. And it just keeps getting better...

Happy Birthday Ryan

2010-11-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

I couldnt think of a better way to celebrate the third birthday of a boy whos sole pleasure in life is dirt, so we had dirt cupcakes with gummy bugs. He got a sweet computer from grandma.

Happy birthday Ryan our family would not be the same with out you in it and we LOVE you!

This ones gonna cost you (it was totally worth it!)

2010-10-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

So I had to bribe Jeff to wear the bumble bee costume but it was totally worth it! We had the cutest monkey dinosaur bat and vampire this year!

And the award goes to.....

2010-10-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Cassie Osness for outstanding achievement in Photography!

Bye friends!

2010-10-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Our San Diego friends were headed home after a summer full of fun so we had one last hurrah at Stahlei Farms. There was the red neck trampoline. cattle roping

and of course the corn maze. We had a great summer guys!

One is so much FUN!

2010-10-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is one and she is such a doll! Abby is known around town for her crazy hair and her kisses. She likes to say Buh Bye and Dada. Every morning and afternoon after her nap we try to sneak down the hall to daddys office but we never make it all the way cause she gets so excited she starts saying dada in a really loud whisper. Abby can stand up on her own and even take a few steps but only if it is HER idea. She also loves having a blankie around but isnt particular to any certain one. She loves loves loves her sisters and brother and will giggle even if the just walk into the room. Abby has been known to strip herself at bedtime so mommy has to take extra precautions to keep her clothed. She wont sit paitiently for anything unless you have her shoes and socks because that means we are getting outta town! We are so blessed to have another bright happy child in the family. We love you Abbers!

A birthday haunting

2010-10-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

I had started to plan Cassies tea party bithday when she came home from school and said I want a Halloween party! Well I thought that should be easy so lets do it! Cassie was a vampire, I looked like a drag queen but was supposed to be a witch.

We had fairies and pirates and even a mummy and a bat!

The crazy weather was awesome, we knew there was a chance of rain but there wasnt a cloud in the sky so we set up outside and at 5 on the dot the clouds came in and the rain came down and down and down. So we did what we could inside and then I sent them out to play in the rain. It actually added to the experience. Cassie had a great birthday party and even journaled about it at school that next week. She wrote "I know my mommy loves me because she gave me a fun party." That made it all worth it!

A birthday romp in the jungle

2010-09-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Karin and James gave us some tickes to go see him in Tarzan for Cassies birthday. It was the perfect night and we had a blast!

Cassie got a gorilla serenade of "Happy Birthday".

And we even had an encounter with the local wildlife!

I couldnt resist getting one more photo with our new friends.

And we just HAD to get little Tarzan and Cassie together, dont they make a cute couple?

Happy Birthday Jaxson......and Abby!

2010-09-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

What is better then getting your own cake for your birthday?

Sharing that cake with your friend! Happy birthday babies!!

Ward campout 2010

2010-09-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Jeff was actually able to join us this year for the ward campout! But because he had to work the next morning we just went up for dinner and the program and were home in our own beds by 10! The best of both worlds.

We "heart" Grandmas!

2010-09-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

We made a very quick trip down to Phoenix to help celebrate Grandmas 60th birthday. It was so fun and we really love the new house. Every night we were there I took a picture with mom before we went to bed. I was trying to get her to give me a sexy face.

This is the fire pit in their backyard. It was a big hit with the kids.

Night two lets try the sexy face again...

Grandpa with some of his girls.

We made mom her favorites for her birthday dinner. Eggplant Parmesan and a whip cream cake that is a recipie from her Aunt Toots. Mom was teaching me how to make the cake and told me about Toots and I decided that I wanted to be called Toots too so I spent the rest of the weekend training the nieces and nephews to call me toots. Montana got it the fastest and was calling me tootsie by the end of the weekend.

Here is the cake. I spruced it up with some raspberries. I am not sure why mom likes it so much it was a ton of work but what momma wants momma gets right?

Sweet Timmy at dinner.

After we ate we headed out to the fire pit for some family photos. And then it was back to reality and school and work for us.

The last swim

2010-08-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

We took what will probably be our last swim of the summer on Saturday. It was a bit cloudy which made for a chilly swim but the kids had a blast. The older ones weren't ready to go home but Abby had had enough and was ready for a nap. Good bye pool we will see you again next year!

Happy Birthday Jessie!

2010-08-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Abby saw an opportunity for some ketchup grabbage while we were all distracted, on with the main event! Two days into school and Jessie turned 5. She is the youngest kid in her class but also one of the smartest. Now if she can learn to not talk when the teacher is talking she will be golden! I picked her up from school and we went out to lunch and then we all went to Red Robin for dinner that night. Even uncle Glenn joined us for some celebrating at dinner.

That Saturday we had her Hello Kitty party. Wow 15 kids for two hours and my head was spinning! We had ears and wiskers for all the kitties. We decorated gift bags played some games and then it was time for cake and presents.

A few words on my 5 year old. Jessie is the peace maker of the family. She will do what she can to cheer up and help out. She does her fair share of naughty things and gives you a big old pouty face if she gets caught. Jessie loves to learn, when she brought homework home for the first time she asked me if she could do it in the car on thne way home. Jessie rides her bike to school every morning and participates in Hula with Cassie on Monday afternoons. She can count to 35 and writes her name with out help. Happy Birthday Jessie Girl! We love you so much!!

Surprise!

2010-08-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

When mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday I told her all I wanted was for her and Dad to come up for the weekend. She told me they had plans and couldnt make it. But when I opened my door on Wednesday night, two day before my birthday, there she was with Erin! What a fun surprise and definately the best birthday ever! We ate out A LOT and shopped all day on Thursday. Friday morning we went out for one last meal and then they were on their way back home. It was such a quick trip but we squeezed in a lot of fun times. We kept trying to get a good photo at the mall that twenty pictures in we were laughing so hard it was hopeless. Thanks Mom and Erin for working so hard to put all this together. Oh and thanks Satcey and Leslie for watching the munchkins so it was all possible. I could have had a better way to usher in my last year as a 20 something.

First Day of School (Its all about the fashion)

2010-08-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

The girls started back to school in style this year. Cassie was raring to go and so excited to be at school all day this year. She bought a new green lunch sack and came home the first day proudly reporting that they had THREE reccess' that day. Jessie started back a few days later. We were running just a bit behind that morning so I asked her to get her shoes ond socks and have dad help her get them on. She made quite the first impression in class that day. Go Jess!

Idaho 2010

2010-08-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

Our annual trip to Idaho was a bit different then normal but made for a super fun weekend! We stayed in the "circle hotel" at the very top where we could see the whole town! We got to bed very late Friday night so the kids were a bit crabby Saturday morning but they snapped right out of it when we got to Pres. Walkers house. As soon as we pulled up Ryan hopped out of the car and said "SEE YA!" then he was out of there. We saw the kids very little that day until it was time to pack up and head out.

We drove to American Fork to see our friends and spemd the night. The kids slept almost the whole way there. At Beccas house Abby got herself into some interesting spots the silly little baby. And Grandpa Tucker played with the kids too. They always love going to Beccas house.

San Diego

2010-07-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

We left Abby with Daddy and took off to San Diego to visit the beach for the first time. It was kind of a long car ride. Not much to look at on the way there. But we took lots of potty breaks to run around and get the wiggles out.

We stopped at Chuck E Cheese for dinner. Another first for the kids....and probably a last the food was HORRIBLE! But they had a blast running around playing games. I hardly saw Ryan the whole time. It felt good to be out of the car for a while before we finished the trip.

The next day we headed out to the beach. We picnicked on the grass before heading down to the sand. The kids had a blast feeding the seagulls and chasing them around the playground.

We even buried Ryan in the sand for a bit. He held still pretty good and had a blast breaking out of it.

The next day we decided to forgo the sand and went swimming at the pool and then headed for home in the afternoon. We were missing Daddy and Abby and wanted to spend the weekend with them.

Our last stop on the way home was the Barstow McDonalds that is a train car. It was kindof late and the kids were getting drowsy but they still love it. We had a great time and cant wait to take Daddy and Abby back next time!

The lost weekend

2010-07-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Becca Tiff and I headed to Las Vegas for a little R&R last weekend. I dont think we got much rest or relaxation but man we sure had fun. I guess I was having too much fun to take pictures cause these two are just about the only ones I took. And what a good sport Jeff was for taking all the kids for a few days so I could get away. You are the best babe!!

The EQ Pool Party

2010-07-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Just when you think the swimming is done.....here we go again! Lots of good food and swimming. The girls swam and jumped off the rocks so much that they tore up the bottoms of their feet.

Abby had a blast but was so wiggly I couldnt hold her in the pool for very long so we spent the second half on the other side of the fence with Jackson. She wasnt very happy about it.

Cassie was a dare devil and had no fear when she started jumping off the rocks. It was a fun time had by all for sure and a great way to end the summer.

Cats

2010-07-27T09:01:00.001-07:00

I took the kids to go see Cats at Tuachan and they were so excited to dress up for it. Ryan found his twinner cat.

They really enjoyed the whole experience, I really enjoyed the night as well.

And still more swimming

2010-07-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

I guess it is no surprise that my kids all look like coppertone babies here are some more swimming adventures.

Independance Day

2010-07-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

We had a few scraped knees (mine) some watermelon and a good old fashioned BBQ. It was an eventful day. I have not become more graceful in my old age, if anything just more clumsy. I took a step off what I thought was a flat curb only to realize as I went flying through the air that it was one of those two foot deep gutters! My body was battered and bruisd but we pressed onward to the park. The park lasted us all of about an hour before we were all boiling and starving, so we headed off to Taco Time for lunch. Nothing like some good oldfashioned American tacos for the 4th of July eh?

I this picture you can see the flat street that drop off into a cliff right where I took a major stumble. Atleast I had an exscuse to take it easy the rest of the day.

Tarzan, part two

2010-07-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get a free ticket to go see Tarzan so Ryan and I went with some friends. He had so much fun and kept asking me where the monkeys were. I think he liked all the attention he got from his loin cloth as well. He made it almost all the way through before falling asleep. Check out that cut big ol belly.

He was so asleep I transferred him to the momma monkey for a picture and he didnt even stir until the flash went off. Then he woke up a bit onfused to be in the arms of a monkey!

I wanted him to just be in the picture but he was a bit scared by that time so we all posed together. It was a fun date night for me and my boy, he did so well I really enjoyed being with just him and me for one special night.

Swimming....lots of it!

2010-06-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

We have been doing lots and lots of swimming this summer in a few different places. We took the kids to the Washington County Rec Center to enjoy their super awesome pool. Abby thought she was a big girl and kept trying to crawl into the deep end, luckily Cassie was around to help keep an eye on the silly girl. Poor Cass still had her staples in so she couldnt get her full fish on. Sorry Cass!!

Ryans favorite part was the slide. He went down that thing so many times. Thanks for a great night pool we will be back for sure!

The ball game

2010-06-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

We finally made it out to a baseball game last night! The kids had a blast, not so much watching the game, but getting balloon animals and dancing and running around. It was a bit hot for Abby, but she did great after we soaked her onesie for her.

We let Cassie take a few pictures. It is always fun to see what she sees.

Seth Leslie and their kiddos joined us later on in the night, and after the game we got some ice cream at McDonalds. It was 11 by the time we got home but the kids are thankfully all still sleeping this morning! We will be hitting up the ball park again for sure it was a great night!

What to do

2010-06-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

What to do when it is melting hot outside and Cassentien cant get her staples wet so no swimming allowed? Go to a movie! Toy Story 3 was excellent and we stayed nice and cool in the theater. I did miss about 10 minutes of the movie since Ryan had to go pee TWICE! But it was still a great time. Thanks for taking us Pam!!

Cassenstein

2010-06-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

Visit to instacare.....$3

Coupon for ice cream.....free

A sticker for each staple in your head (5)........also free

Being able to call your 6 year old Cassenstein for a week while the gash in her head heals.........priceless!

Story Time

2010-06-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

On our weekly trip to the library this week we actually made it there during story time. I left the girls for a minute so Ryan and I could go get some mommy books and when I came back there was a PRINCESS reading a story to the kids! We even made crowns, and the girls got to pose for a picture.

Did I catch a "niner" in there?

2010-06-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Its been nine wonderful years with my best friend! I love you Jeff!!

Summer Fun

2010-06-14T15:05:00.001-07:00

I have one week left of class then summer kicks up a notch for us, I am studying right now as these pictures download. Whew!! This is what we have been doing when we can get out to take a break... the girls had their second hula performance and did a great job.

We have been spending time at the splash pad which Abby LOVES. Oh and testing out the waterproof camera some more.

We have been making out to the pool at least once a week as well. The older girls are just regular fish now and Ryan loves floating around in the kiddy pool.

Me and Karen and Lilac chilling at the pool.

Abby packing in the fiber at dinner. Silly little creature will NOT let me feed her she mucst do it herself.

We just discovered a family has moved in on our porch! I am not sure what this momma humming bird was thinking when she built this nest but we have had the best time watching her. It is way too high too see if there is an egg in there but I am guessing she might have one from all the time she spends sitting up there. We have big plans starting next week and I am so ready to have some more summer fun!

What?

2010-06-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

I guess I shouldnt have left Tucker in charge while I was at school.

WATERMELON!!!

2010-06-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Abby has discovered on of the best parts of summer.

Memorial weekend

2010-05-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

We put the slide up Monday and had the usual suspects over for some fun. After everyone had their fill and went home we headed over to Iggys for some free ice cream and family time. Another great weekend with the family!

Cassie is movin' on!

2010-05-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is growing up way too fast! Cassie had her kindergarten graduation today and it was so so cute! They gave her a speaking part and she had the first line. Her nerves got the better of her half way through her line but she finised and sat down and sang and danced like a champ!

They gave her the cutest diploma and picture of her in a cap and gown.

Afterwards Dad treated us to Golden Corral. We ate and ate and ate then went home and napped! Cassie we are so proud of you and what a wonderful person you are! Congratulations, we cant wait to see what you do next!!!

Phoenix

2010-05-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

We had quite the adventure to Phoenix this time, with Grandpa and Grandma in an apartment while their new house is being built it was tight quarters but and awful lot of fun anyway. We spent our days finding fun things to do outside of the house. So we went to lots of parks and even went to the zoo in Tucson. This was at the Riparian Preserve in Chandler and saw some ducks with their babies. We even came across a family of Canadian Geese! These parents were very protective and would hiss anytime we got too close. Luckily there was a bench nearby so we could sit and observe with out disturbing them too much.

We made our traditional girls lunch at Sweet Tomatoes.

Later in the week we celebrated Uncle Mikes graduation from ASU!! Wow what an accomplishment for him. ANd what a fun BBQ the next day. The kids got a taste of college life, the girls chilling by the pool,

and Ryan sleeping it off on a recliner by the pool. That boy was TIRED! I finally woke him up and he slammed four marshmallow brownies right before we went home.

Abby was the star of the show and got passed around form grandma to grandma.

Someone slipped her a rice krispy treat while I wasnt looking (dad) and when she was done he brought her in to me looking like this.

On the way home to St George we stopped at In-N-Out Burger for lunch. Abby was so excited to sit up at the table like a big girl. What a fun busy trip it was. We cant wait to go back and see the new house at Christmas time!

A visit and a caveman dinner

2010-05-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Becca and the kids came down to visit and help pass the time before we headed to Phoenix. The first night they were here we have a dino caveman dinner and let the kids eat out on the grass and throw their food and bones around. It was quite fun. Friday night we put the kids to bed and went out for some wings. This has to be the tiniest pickle I have ever seen! Thanks for taking the time to come down Becca! It is always a good time when you are here!!

Mothers Day

2010-05-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

SInce we are traveling to Phoenix for mothers day Jeff gave me my present a bit early. Isnt she a beauty? The girls have also been saving their money for a long time and bought new bikes too! So now we can do family bike rides with Ryan and Abby in a carrier on the back of Jeffs bike. Thanks Jeff!!

Look out kindergarten, here she comes!

2010-04-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

She knows her colors and shapes. She can write her given name as well as her nick name. She can count to twenty and knows her phone number. This girl is ready for kindergarten. Jessie graduated from preschool this week and did such a great job on her performance! Since she goes to a two day preschool four days she actually graduated twice!

Jessie,

You are so smart and getting to be such a big girl. You are always dancing and singing and you take such great care of your baby sister. We love that you are so girly but still willing to play in the dirt and have fun. We cant wait to see what you will do next and know that you are gonna be great in kindergarten!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Date Night

2010-04-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Jessie finally had her turn to go on a date with Daddy, so I took her out in the afternoon to get her hair done and of course I had my toes done while we were waiting. Then we went to get ice cream before we headed back to get ready for her date. We pulled out four or five dresses and she tried them all on and then showed Jeff her favorites. SHe made a very cute choice and finally got dressed.

Jessie is such a sweetheart, she told us that we could tag along on her special date with dad. We walked around downtown for a while and then ended up at a chineese buffet for dinner.

There was watermelon a flowing and it was all so yummy. Thanks for letting us share in your date Jess!!

Hula firsts

2010-04-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today was the first performance of the season as well as Jessies first performance ever. She was a bit shy but very excited, I think as the year wears on she will get better and better. This performance was for the workers at the Temple. Every year they do a dinner and have the girls come to entertain. Cassie is an old pro and did so good.

Here is to a great first show. Way to go girls!!

Birthday Captain

2010-04-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jessies school year is coming to a close so they celebrate the last week by having a water day and then graduation. School started in August right after her birthday so the teacher scheduled her "birthday captain" day for today. She brought otter pops as her snack for the day and I got to go to school to help out. It was so much fun to put on swim suits and run around playing in the water. Luckily the weather was warm today.

Ryan was happy that he was able to come and play too. He fit right in with the other boys running and splashing. He cant wait until it is his turn to go to preschool too.

Kite Festival

2010-04-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Cassie has been reading every night since January so she could earn a kite at the Kite Festival this weekend. When the day finally came all the kids were brimming with excitement. We parked and got our kite in no time and proceded to set it up. Jeff left the girls to do that and took Ryan out to look at the booths. After a little coaxing and a slight burned rubber smell from too much thinking we were ready to fly. Aunt Malissa kept and eye on Abby at their Hot Zing booth so she didnt get too much sun.

Ryan even managed to squeeze in a little ball play after the kite flying.

We had everything you need to fly a kite, except wind! So Jeff and I both attemped multiple times to make our own wind by running up and down a small hill. Ryan even tried to help. After that we headed to Costco and Walmart to get the fixings for nachos. All that activity and sun was a it too much for Ryan and he

crashed with the cheese on the way home. Next year we will have two kite to fly! I cant wait!!

Who's that?

2010-04-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

We made another trip to Whoville this year and Jessie Loo Who came back with us.

Abby 6 months

2010-04-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Abby had her 6 month appointment today. She has been coughing off and on for about two months but wasnt quite sick enough for us to treat it until it finally developed into pneumonia last weekend, so her stats are kind of off but we are hoping to get her weight back up in the next few months.
weight 13.6 7%
height 26 in 53%
Head 25% She can now roll from front to back and back to front. She is eating rice and LOVES green beans, peas, squash, zuchini, pears, applesauce, bananas and whatever else mom will let her put in her mouth! Just Thursday she started getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth.

She is experimenting with her voice but isnt quite making mama dada sounds yet. Abby loves her siblings and will smile for them at the drop of a hat. She is a really good sleeper and loves her daddy. This past 6 months has gone by so fast I cant wait to see what she has in store for the next 6 months!

You cant handle the TOOTH

2010-04-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

After years of waiting, and hoping, and wishing it finally happened. Monday Cassie lost her first tooth after much begging and pleading for me to pull it for her. Tuesday she had something special planned for her next tooth. So when I came to school to help out that afternoon she said mom pull on my tooth. So I just pushed down on it real easy and it popped out! She got to go to the office and get a tooth necklace and when we got home from school that afternoon (4PM) she said mom is it bed time yet? SHe is so funny. The tooth fairy brought her something special for all her efforts, a shiny gold dollar for each tooth.

A new do

2010-04-06T08:04:00.001-07:00

I gave him a premature summer haircut, but he was wiggling so much I left it long on top. He had a mohawk for a few days but we cit it Sunday morning before church.

Need a ride?

2010-04-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Ryan to the rescue with his trusty tractor. A ride around the yard will set you back $5. However he is more then willing to cross the street for free (as long as mom isnt looking).

aDOORable!

2010-04-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is warming up the construction has begun again on the house. So we cut out a hole where the door used to be It was quite a dirty job.

Then Jeff and a buddy framed in the door

Then we added the new door. The kids had a blast knocking on the door and going in and out that afternoon. We finished just in time because the weather has turned nasty again and we are back in to the 50's.

Happy Easter

2010-04-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am getting kind of frustrated with this stupid computer! I rotated the pis so they are the right way but blogger picks them up in their original form and I dont think I can rotate them on blogger. Anyway Happy Easter!

Family Time

2010-03-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

I cant figure out how to get these rotated so turn your head! Here is just a sampling of what we do in our spare time together as a family. Lots of park days,

Going to Iggys to get free ice cream for the kids,

And of course we go to Costco two or three times a week.

Its official

2010-03-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

So you all remember the last post I did......well it should sound familiar it is practically the first scene in the movie Annie. Yeah you know the one where Ms Hannigan comes in and screams and yells at the girls cause they arent sleeping. So then she makes them get up and clean IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT! Me me me me all me.......so from now on no more cranky old hag. This is my new goal in life......

Spring Break Part one

2010-03-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

I decided that it was time to venture out of my comfort zone and take a trip with the kids alone. So for the first half of Spring Break we headed up to Beccas house for some fun fun fun. Jessie discovered true love with Bampa. He is probably one of the most awesome men I have ever met, and was so nice he even let us have his room for the time we were there. We visited Bampas work at a school. It was way fun to be there after hours and let the kids loose a bit.

I LOVE this picture of Ryan. He looks a bit like an alien dont you think?

We were so excited to visit the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point. They had so many fun things to do and the kids wanted to do it all. This was an awesome tube that had a fan at the bottom and a hole that the kids could put paper into. Then it would shoot up the tube and float back to the ground.

The erosion table was for sure Ryans favorite. I had to drag him away from that one long after the girls had moved on to the next thing.

Oh Ikea! I had soooo much fun with Becca here. Lunch was A-Mazing! Here is a pic halfway through. Then we wandered through the store and I found so many cute and fun things for the kids.

So for as long as I have known Becca I had no idea that she was hiding a secret. She is part of a set! She has a sister that is just as awesome as she is and when you hang out with BOTH of them wow, that is a good time! This was our dinner out with out the kids.

What trip would be complete without life size body drawings? Those were a blast. Abbys turned out so cute! Surprisingly Ryan held still the best of all the kids!

We got stuck in Cedar City on the way home for so many hours I finally got a hotel room. I let the kids jump on the beds while I took a bath, then we headed out to find some dinner. I saw that the freeway had re opened so we checked out and headed home. It still took us two and a half hours to get home from Cedar but I slept in my own bed that night. This was a snowman that we came across at the top of Cedar Mountain. He is resting up against a guard rail. So obviously some people had it worse off then us. At lest we could turn around and wait out the accident in Cedar City. I am so grateful for our safety on that trip as well as my family who were so concerned for us. Oh that was a spring break to remember!

Loooong day

2010-03-04T04:53:00.000-08:00

It started at 12:30 AM with Jessie wetting the bed.....again. Bleh. Then a few hours later, Ryan gets up and starts crying and wandering around. By 4:30 we had been up three or four times with Ryan and Jessie so I decided if they wanted to be up then lets get up. So I got them out of bed and made them come downstairs. I fed them breakfast then got to work on my housework. Ryan keeps asking to go back to bed but I wont let him. Jessie was smarter and just went back to bed. It is gonna be a looooong day.

I fried my WHAT?

2010-02-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

My computer is out of commission....apparently the motherboard got fried and stopped working. The darn thing wouldnt even turn on, I didnt know us mothers had a choice! Soooooo until we decide what we are going to do I guess I will be taking a break from the blogging world. (maybe I will actually get some housework done now)

Give us a kiss

2010-02-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that &1.25 would buy so many hours of fun?

Snow Day

2010-02-17T07:26:00.000-08:00

We have had to take a few trips up to Brianhead for work so we thought we would take the kids along and have ourselves a snow day. The older kids did not even make it long enough for me to pull out the camera, but while they were living it up back in the van I managed to take a picture of cute little Abby. I also got a few of Jeff before he got tired.

Their favorite part of the outing was eating at the Mexican restauraunt. It was good food and really fun because we were the only ones there.

This was Ryan trying to sit "chill" just like his daddy.

MMMMM Tasty

2010-02-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

The doctor said I needed more substantial food, I think I am gonna like this stuff.

There was no learning curve for this little gal, from the first spoonful she was hooked. My little baby is growing up WAY too fast!

A tribute to THE MAN..........

2010-02-12T07:43:00.001-08:00

To the man......... the one willing to get out in the cold and get er done.......

you are such a hard worker in everything that you do, you make us all want to be better people

I love trying to make you laugh, but you usually make me laugh harder in the process.

You are so good with all of the kids, not every dad has the patience to teach two kids to ride bikes in just hours.

You are always up for an adventure and luckily you have some tag-alongs that are right there with you. You are the best part of my life and I cant wait to see how the next 33 years turn out! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! You DA MAN!!

Through the eyes of a child

2010-02-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

These are just a sampling of the 150 pictures the kids took with my camera the other day. Some of them are quite interesting.

Laundry

2010-01-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

I swear I do laundry every week. But some weeks it seems to pile up faster then others. This week was one of those, and I was dealing with a sad stuffy nose baby too. So what do you do.......

Let her help! She actually sat in there for a long time happy as a clam. I think it was a combination of the warm room and the white noise from the dryer that helped keep her happy. Now if I could just get her to start folding it!

Girls weekend

2010-01-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

Jeff had to go out of town for work last weekend so my super awesome friend came down to keep me sane. Here is a little of what went on that weekend. We kept super clean in the tub,

We took advantage of the few hours of sun Saturday afternoon and went to the new park in town.

There was a friendly competition for a pretty girls affections.......I dont think Ryan won that round.

There were some great games of do as I am doing...

And of course the moms had a blast too.

Stuck

2010-01-25T14:19:00.001-08:00

Dont ask.......I have no clue how she did this.

Clones?

2010-01-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have successfully cloned Jessie. Did a good job too.The other night Ryan was having a hard time going to sleep. Mostly because he kept getting out of bed and trying to hang out with us. The first two times he did it he came walking into the back room thinking we would let him stay up. Nope he went right back to bed. A few hours later Jeff and I headed to the bedroom to go to bed and we found Ryan sitting in bed watching T.V. "Hi mom" he says. Man I hate it when he is doing something naughty but being so cute about it! So of course we let him stay up a little longer. I just had to add this one since it was so so cute. He just wants to be like his daddy.

It is time

2010-01-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that I am actually posting these but it has to be done. IT IS TIME! We joined a gym and we are gonna get fit. So far so good. Jeff has been riding his bike there in the early mornings and the kids and I get over there around 9 in the morning. I really enjoy the classes, I have been doing some yoga and Zumba. These were taken the beginning of January.

Party like its 2010....cause it IS!

2010-01-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

2009 came to a close in a great bingey fashion. My friend Lisa took me to the seafood/sushi buffet for lunch. I have been keeping an eye on her pup while she has been a world traveler for the holidays. That night we had our first of many Hen Partys. Jeff took off with Seth to see how St George's finest do keep the peace on New Years Eve. So I had all my lady friends over for more binge eating and game playing. I was so sick from eating by the end of the night I LOVED IT! :)

Abbys big day

2009-12-31T08:57:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that this is the only picture we took on Abbys big day! We took advantage of having all of Jeffs family in town and blessed Abby on Sunday. My mom and dad came up from Phoenix and Aunt Judy and Uncle Paul came as well from Salt Lake. After Church we came back to the house for soup and family time. We ate and chatted until it was time to go to Grandma Harriesons ward for Gelnns homecoming talk. Grandma and Grandpa Hilton stayed back with Ryan and Cassie so we could enjoy the meeting. After that we came home and had lots of leftovers and played games until Grandpa and Grandma had to leave to go home. What a fun special day we had.

The stockings were hung

2009-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve this year was spent with Daniel and Pam and their family. We had yummy chicken pillows and then made cookies for Santa. Abby made a special present for mommy by way of a super blowout. After the children were safely tucked in their beds mom and dad awaitd the arrival of Santa so we could help him set things up. He loved the cookies and milk so much he broke the plate!

The next morning Ryan and abby were the first to wake up so we went into the front room to wait for the girls.

Finally they came down and the real party started. If you are wondering why Jessie is not wearing her jammies, well there was an accident in the night. Oh well thats life I guess. So of course we broke into the stockings first. There was a label maker for mom and pens for dad. The girls got wands for the bathtub, and Ryan got a new truck.

Then we started on the gifts under the tree. There was something for everyone to wear that day. Grandma got us an icecream maker and a super cool scooper. Dad got mom a new dress and some cool baskets for the closet...more on that later. After gifts we had a yummy breakfast and headed to grandmas to hang with the family. What a great end to a wonderful Christmas season. And the last Christmas tradition? Taking down the decorations Christmas day and getting the house ready for the new year.

The wait is finally over!

2009-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Jeffs brother Glenn came home from his mission TWO DAYS before Christmas. Can you say best present ever! We arrived at the airport about noon in anticipation for his arrival at 12:20. Then we waited.... and waited.....

and waited......

played a little...

and waited some more.

Abby had lunch while waiting while the rest of us dreamed about the yummy enchiladas waiting for us at home.

Finally at 1 PM!!! His plane touched down on St George soil. We gathered up all the kids and gave them some signs.

Ryan couldnt wait to see this Uncle Glenn he has heard so much about, perhaps he would be a new buddy to wrestle with.

And finally there he was fresh off the plane and finally home.

What a reunion it was and what a lunch we had afterward! The food was so good we forgot to take pictures but trust me there is nothing better. We are so glad to have him back and so proud of the work he did while he was gone.

Whoville

2009-12-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

The last day of school for Cassie was a fun one. They dressed up as Whos or Grinches and made "grinch punch" and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the cartoon one. I cant believe how cute her cotume turned out. She really looks like Cindy Loo Who.

A little off the top please

2009-12-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

This boy does so good with his haircuts so we wanted to get it on film....uh memory card. I am getting better with Jeffs hair too. I love being able to do this for my two boys.

Celebrate

2009-12-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

The ward Christmas party was semi formal this year so we broke out all our fancy duds and partied!

There was an awesome musical program and they had the children participate. The girls lookes so sweet sitting up on the stage.

Santa Baby

2009-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

Third time is the charm. Here is our annual Santa visit.

It wasnt what I wanted

2009-12-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

As a little girl I would try to imagine what my life would be like when I was older. What would I look like, who would I be married to, how many kids would I have....Then BAM! Life happened and eight and a half years later here I am and I keep thinking that this was not what I wanted. It is soooooo much better! I could never have dreamed I would be married to a man that was my best friend and such a perfect match for me. There isnt much that we agree on except that not agreeing with eachother makes life interesting. I have four wonderful children and a beautiful home in the perfect spot in the perfect city. Life is good.

Check me out!

2009-12-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

Abby had her 2 month check up today and she is packing it on like a champ!

Height 23.03 in 68%
Weight 11.2 lb 52%
Head 35%

Abby goes to bed around 7 or 8 and usually sleeps until 5 or 6 in the morning. She hates being naked and taking baths but loves to tell a good story, usually right after she eats when she still has milk on her chin. She eats like a champ and loves to pull on Cassies hair if she can reach it. She has been sleeping in her own room for almost a month now. She is such a joy in our lives and by far the happiest baby yet for us. We cant wait to see what she does next.

Christmas Kickoff

2009-12-03T11:53:00.001-08:00

I have been planning this event for a few months now and it is finally here. This year we started the night off with Turkey Rolls, fresh green beans and pears. I broke out the Christmas dishes too so we can enjoy them all season. Then we listened to the Christmas story and talked about why we celebrate Christmas. We also read our first story out of out Christmas book. There is one for each night until Christmas.

Dad helped us finish the countdown calendar, then we hung it up on the wall. Here is hoping Ryan doesnt get to it.

The kids were so excited to get their new pajamas and ornament. My mom gave us each a new ornament every year and I have loved doing the same thing for us. This year Cassie got a special ornament that is a chalkboard with the ABC's on it. Abby of course got her baby's first Christmas ornament. And Jessie and Ryan got cute snowmen.

After a quick costume change we were ready to decorate the tree. It was so fun to tell the girls about each ornament as they put it on the tree. Ryan found his own things to enhance the tree.

Abby didnt quite make it through all of the festivities.

All done with the tree so we moved on to the stockings. I have an awesome friend that made them for us. Everybody has a theme for their stocking, so that on year I cant find a meaningful ornament they get a themed one. Cassie's is Santa, Jessie's is snowmen, Ryan's is gingerbread, and Abby's is candycanes. Their stocking holders also tie in with their theme.

After all that activity it was time for some sugar cookies and the event the girls have been waiting for since Thanksgiving, the breaking of the wishbone! It was pretty even this year but I think Cassie's piece was slightly bigger. Good luck next year Jess!

Where is Ryan?

2009-11-28T09:00:00.001-08:00

The girls are at school and the house is clean and quiet.......too quiet. Where is Ryan, not in his room, not with Jeff, wait I think I see his blanket under the table.

The poor guy was so tired he fell asleep under the table. It was a good afternoon. :)

Best Thanksgiving ever

2009-11-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that I went two days full of fun and family and I didnt pull out my camera once! This year we met up with some stray family at a chapel and did thanksgiving there. Pam brought the fixings to do gingerbread houses and we ate and created and played. Afterwards we met up at Daniel and Pams house to watch a movie and eat leftovers. This morning we slept in and enjoyed a lazy day. Dad took the kids to Lowes while Abby and I ran to Smiths for a few provisions. I made some cinnamon rolls and we went tree hunting with Malissa'a family and Daniel's family. We all met up at the house afterwards for hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls. Ryan got an awesome fat lip from a little accident outside and now we are getting ready to have some more yummy leftovers and pull out the Christmas stuff. Cassie put it best when she said "This was the best Thanksgiving EVER!" Amen Cassie!

Ward Luau

2009-11-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

This year our ward had a Christmas Luau and unfortunately it was the day after my surgery. I braved the crowds with my "surgical mustache" so I could see Cassie perform. She did such a great job and it was totally worth it to see how much she has improved since she bagan.

This was the twelve days of christmas and Cassie represented 9 sweet pineapples. I had to make the costume and I am quite proud of how it turned out. Great Job Cassie I cant wait to see next years performance!

The "job"

2009-11-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

My version of the Pain scale.

For as long as I can remember I have had a super hard time breating through my nose. I thought it was normal until last year when I tried using a netti pot for the first time and nothing happened. So I went to and Ear Nose Throat doctor and he informed me that I had 100% blockage on the left side of my nose. Last Thursday I went in to have that fixed. I can not believe what a miserable process it has been I go in today to get the splints out of my nose and hopefully we will have free flowing air again!

Together again

2009-11-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

The grandkids practicing for a song. 17 in total

the great grandkids practicing their song (somewhere around 30 of them, not all shown)

The Pall Bearers

And ah the highlight of the day luch at Chck A Rama after the funeral. This was one of Grandpas favorite places to eat.

My grandfather was finally reunited with his eternal companion and we were blessed to be able to make the trip to Salt Lake to celebrate his life. He was an extremly giving and caring man and I am so blessed that I got to call him grandpa and I am so happy that he is home again. It was a good weekend with family and memories.

Muddy Sunday

2009-11-03T09:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Cassie Jessie and Ryan,
This was documented so you can see what fun ways you found to occupy your time while I was taking a nap on Sunday afternoon. We kept hearing you giggle and couldnt figure out what an earth you guys would be doing. It was cute but naughty, Daddy told you not to do it again. SO what did you find to do today while Mommy was feeding Abby and folding laundry? Cupcakes and popcorn all over the floor grrrrrr. Someday (hopefully) I will look back on these times and laugh. And someday (for sure) you will get your comeuppance, just you wait!

Woo Hoo he is finally TWO!

2009-11-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

My little man turned two today. We had a low key day but I did take him out to get popcorn at Target while the girls were at school. He also got to spend some time at Preschool with Jessie. We took him to Applebees for dinner and opened presents there. He got socks and undershirts, sorry bud, and some shake and go cars and a soccer ball. Grandma and Grandpa Hilton gave him a bucket of dinosaurs some board books and some little treats. He slept with the dinosaurs under his pillow. Hope you had a super birthday buddy!

Some things Ryan enjoys doing are hitting the baseball around the yard, Kicking soccerballs, playing in the mud and dirt, playing in the gutter, holding Abby, and anything his sisters are doing. He can speak in simple sentences like "where Jessie" "hold it" "help you" oh and he LOVES to be a helper. Anytime we are carrying things into the house he will run out and say helper helper and grab whatever it is we are carrying. Sometimes it is not so much help but it is way cute.

Dear Ryan,

We are so happy to have you in our family. You add just the right ammount of boy to all the girls but you arent afraid to get dressed up when the occasion calls for it. Thanks for keeping me active and for loving your sisters so much. Right now you are quite the handful but you always do it in such a cute way we cant get mad at you. I cant wait to see what a handsome young man you become. Love you forever! Love Mom and Dad

Halloween Fun

2009-11-01T16:24:00.001-08:00

Every time we did something Halloween related this year I never had the time to blog about it so it is all condensed into one big Halloween post. So here we go! We gutted and carved pumpkins. The girls were having so much fun playing in the guts and Jessie thought it would be a good idea to shake her hands and get the guts all over the place. I found them in her hair days later.

We went to a Halloween party at the college. There werent a lot of peopl there but the kids enjoyed getting dressed up and getting their faces painted.

Jessie had a costume parade at preschool on wednesday and Thursday. I went on Thursday to watch them sing. Ryan came too and followed her everywhere and tried to sind with the big kids. Very cute!

Friday was Cassies big day at school. The whole school weaves in and out of every classroom in a giant parade and all the parents come to watch. I really enjoyed seeing all of our ward friends in their costumes. After the parade was her class party which I had planned since I am the room mother. It went over well with Halloween bingo, donut eating races and balloon games. I was so relieved when it was all over though.

Saturday we spent getting our chores done so we could have fun that night. The ward had a little party down the street so we stopped off there for dinner first. Everyone loved Abby as a cow and ryans big chicken butt.

Here is abby and her treat bucket. She really got a big haul by the end of the night.

After walking our neighborhood for a bit we drove over to another neighborhood where things were really hopping. Ryan took a quick cat nap on the way over and was ready to go again when we got there.

There was a great house with Mr and Mrs Santa passing out ice cream cones. That was for sure the kids favorite house and a nice breather besides.

It was a fun and busy Halloween and we cant wait for next year!

Just thinking

2009-10-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

I needed to document how much I love you! Thanks for being such a support for me and the family. You work so hard for us and we love you for it!! You are the best!

Abby's 3 weeks

2009-10-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

Abby is now 3 weeks and she is starting to smile and coo. Thankfully she is also stretching her night sleeping out a bit longer so we are getting about 3 hours at a time. Ryan is still obsessed with her and I am constantly finding binkies and stuffed animals on top of her. He tries to help her eat too, but mom isn’t so thrilled about that one. Abby spent Saturday with Daddy and it went quite well, I think by the end of the day though we were happy to be back together. I think she is looking forward to dressing up this weekend and going trick or treating!

The Piano

2009-10-19T09:36:00.001-07:00

I cant believe I was lucky enough to get my Grandpa and Grandmas piano! Here she is fresh off the truck from Salt Lake. Nancy and Randy happened to be up there this past weekend and were so nice to bring up their trailer and load this beast up (along with a few other things) and haul the lovely lady back to St George for us. Jeff has been wanting a piano for a while so he was as excited as I was to get it all set up. He even started some online classes with Cassie last night to teach her the keys. I am thinking I may even take some lessons sometime. Soon our house will be filled with lovely music. Or at least the kids banging on the keys!

Two weeks of Abby Kadabby

2009-10-16T14:41:00.001-07:00

After two weeks with Abby we are getting used to our new family of SIX! Abby has her two week appointment next week so we will see how she is growing. She has been eating good but always seems like she is a little hungry still.

She went on her first shopping trip with the girls today and slept through the whole thing. Ryan is still loving his baby sister although I wish he wouldnt feel the need to kiss her at 6:30 in the morning when she has finally fallen back to sleep.

Here are a few pictures of how she has grown in the last two weeks.
Abby @ 2 weeks

Abby @ 1 week

Abby @ 4 days

Welcome home Abby!

2009-10-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here she is! Abigail Ann Osness born October 2nd at 8:01 Am. She weighed 7 lb 2 oz and was 19 1/2 incesh long. Labor was quick but extremly painful so after about two hours of contractions at home we rush over to the hospital about 5 AM to get some relief in the form of an epidural. Abby and I were also interviewed by the local news about the hospitals new visitor policy. That should air tomorrow night so we will keep you all posted.

34 hours in the hospital was enough for both of us. Abby was tired of being woken up all the time for silly things and I was tired of them asking me when she ate last and how long she did it for. We were also excited to see everyone else.

The kids were so excited to meet Abby and are very good about holding her and making sure their hands are clean before they touch her. Our first night at home went well, she slept for about two hours at a time and would go right back to sleep after eating. So far so good. Now we are just snuggling and enjoying conference. Grandma Hilton arrives tonight and we cant wait to see her!

Happy Birthday Abby!

Look at these guys

2009-09-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

I just snapped these today right before we loaded up to go to school. I cant believe how good they turned out and how old Ryan looks. Wow time flies when you are having fun.