I CAN!!!!
...and apparently Megan can too!
...and apparently Megan can too!
Ta-da!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
To The Best Daddy in the World!
Savannah and her dad
London and her dad
Daddy and his girlies!
Nate and Savy fishing
happy father's day, honey!
You know you are a good dad if. . .
you can make up a new story about the fairy princess sisters every single dang night
you can whip up a mean bean burrito when mom's incapable of cooking
you can wrestle with your girls after a long day at work
you can have the patience to fish with a toddler
your children sometimes choose to dress up as you rather than in their princess dresses
I could go on and on . . .
they adore you just as much as you adore them!
Friday, June 15, 2007
I'm back! Update...birthdays!
I may have to update on all recent events in a couple entries because there is so much to tell and so many stinkin cute pictures to post!!! (I love Amy's new b-day present because she takes as many pictures of my kids as her own and they turn out great).
So I need to recap: Cyndee's birthday swim party, my Nate's birthday dinner, and all the fun I have had the past week playing with my mom, Amy and Megan.
So I need to recap: Cyndee's birthday swim party, my Nate's birthday dinner, and all the fun I have had the past week playing with my mom, Amy and Megan.
Birthdays!
Saturday, June 9
Cyndee's birthday:
Mom and her favorite grandchildren (just kidding!). London and Davyn do like snuggling her though.
Collin, London, Laraine, Savannah, Talin and Aidan
We spend my mom's birthday at Aunt Laraine's house in Sun City. Nothing like a swim party in the hot Arizona sun. Like Amy wrote in her blog, it was fun to see how Laraine loves the children. She was the one out there throwing them onto the "boat" (see pic below) or filling up their water balloons and planning the attack on the birthday girl (see below also). She was such a fun aunt growing up and has not changed at all. London absolutely LOVES her and always ends up sitting on her lap.
This was the excitement of the day for the kids -- the "boat." They all went crazy jumping onto it from the side and jumping off it to swim to the side.
Colin
Colin got a little over excited after lunch and, forgetting he no longer had his floaties on, jumped in and missed the boat. I think that seeing mine and Amy's kids swimming without floaties maybe made him think it was easy and he didn't need his. Sinking fast, his mom (Megan) thought even faster and without hesitation took off running and heroically jumped into the pool to save her baby. What a mom! Never mind that Mary was less than 2 feet away from him in the pool. I admire Meg's quick thinking. I did feel a little bad that I was not so quick in noticing what was happening since I was standing next to Megan and still in my swim suit whereas Megs had already changed into her clothes and so went into the pool fully dressed. Colin is a crazy boy and always doing something that results in bodily injury -- definitely an adventure being around that boy!
Savannah jumping onto the boat. The kids seriously could have stayed there all day playing! Even London would get up there and then slide off and swim to the side. I was really quite proud of how much she has improved in the few times we've been swimming since her last swim lesson in the middle of May. I love it that my girls know how to get themselves to the side, but I still watch closely, just in case.
The grandkids loved Aunt Laraine's water balloons, but loved the attack on Grandma even more. As you can tell, a certain someone is more inclined to be the cheerleader in the background rather than take part in the violence. London, on the other hand, gets right out there with the boys, aiming away at her beloved Grandma Cyndee.
Talin
Talin is Megan's oldest son who just turned five in April. The cutest and sweetest little boy alive, I just love hearing stories about him from Megs. He definitely has a sweet spirit and is always teaching her something -- like telling her that the song on the radio is saying bad things and she should change it or last week in church he sat next to his new primary teacher (he was visiting for the first time) and waving his scriptures in her face, exclaimed: "I have my scriptures ready for primary!" Our family affectionately calls him "prophet-boy."
Sunday, June 10
Nate's Birthday
29 years old!
Next year we will have to have a big BASH, but this year was nice and relaxed. Well, it kind of has to be when it falls on a Sunday. We did go to a D-backs game this week together which was fun. But for his big day, we just went to church and then relaxed -- actually that is probably what Nate prefers since he has been so busy at work and hardly ever gets downtime lately.
We had a lot of family over for dinner: Pat & Norma (Nate's parents), Jill & Marc (Nate's sister) and their 3 boys, Amy and Jim and their 2 boys, Megan and her 2 boys, and Cyndee. Full house. Everyone contributed to a lovely meal of apple-glazed pork loin, mashed potatoes, salad and rolls with cherry limeades or shirley temples to drink.
Megan, Amy and my mom got creative with the rolls and put a pecan inside one of them. The lucky winner who got that roll had the honor of being Nate's personal slave for the day. Unfortunately Jill got the nut and older sisters are never too keen on being personal slaves to little brothers so Nate got a raw deal, but other than that I think he had a great day with all our loved ones.
I made him his FAVORITE cake -- German Chocolate -- from scratch and it turned out great although a bit lopsided (if anyone likes to cook, check out America's Test Kitchen, they always have good recipes and tips - thanks Amy for the introduction!).
Blowing out the candles
Do not Notice:
I wish I was better at the computer so I could crop myself out of this picture, but it's not about me, it's about Nate and this was the best picture of him blowing out the candles of the cake.
Do Notice:
So, please just ignore me and look at the birthday boy and the darling kids surrounding him -- Ryan, Dallin, Davyn, London, and Savy. Also, notice the look of admiration and worship on Davyn's little face. Amy's boys LOVE Uncle Nate. Just the other day, Aidan was out in my backyard picking weeds because "it will make Uncle Nate happy when he gets home from work."
I just had to throw this picture in because it was so dang cute! This is Grandpa Pat (Nate's dad) and Luke (Jill's youngest). I love Luke's onsie with the tie on it almost as much as his crazy hair. This picture makes me think of how much all the grandchildren ADORE Pat. He always takes the time to play with them and pretend or sing songs or tell stories with them. Whenever we go to his house, we usually end up with a little talent show where all the kids show off for Grandma and Grandpa.
So that's the recap on the birthdays from last weekend! I'll be working on all the fun we had swimming, playing at the park and going to the museum with Megan for my next entry. Stay tuned for more. . .
p.s. I am having real issues with fonts in this entry and no matter what I do, the computer is doing it's own thing, so sorry but I can't change fonts or sizes or italics on this entry no matter what and I'm tired of trying to fix it.
Saturday, June 9
Cyndee's birthday:
Mom and her favorite grandchildren (just kidding!). London and Davyn do like snuggling her though. 
Collin, London, Laraine, Savannah, Talin and AidanWe spend my mom's birthday at Aunt Laraine's house in Sun City. Nothing like a swim party in the hot Arizona sun. Like Amy wrote in her blog, it was fun to see how Laraine loves the children. She was the one out there throwing them onto the "boat" (see pic below) or filling up their water balloons and planning the attack on the birthday girl (see below also). She was such a fun aunt growing up and has not changed at all. London absolutely LOVES her and always ends up sitting on her lap.
This was the excitement of the day for the kids -- the "boat." They all went crazy jumping onto it from the side and jumping off it to swim to the side. 
ColinColin got a little over excited after lunch and, forgetting he no longer had his floaties on, jumped in and missed the boat. I think that seeing mine and Amy's kids swimming without floaties maybe made him think it was easy and he didn't need his. Sinking fast, his mom (Megan) thought even faster and without hesitation took off running and heroically jumped into the pool to save her baby. What a mom! Never mind that Mary was less than 2 feet away from him in the pool. I admire Meg's quick thinking. I did feel a little bad that I was not so quick in noticing what was happening since I was standing next to Megan and still in my swim suit whereas Megs had already changed into her clothes and so went into the pool fully dressed. Colin is a crazy boy and always doing something that results in bodily injury -- definitely an adventure being around that boy!
Savannah jumping onto the boat. The kids seriously could have stayed there all day playing! Even London would get up there and then slide off and swim to the side. I was really quite proud of how much she has improved in the few times we've been swimming since her last swim lesson in the middle of May. I love it that my girls know how to get themselves to the side, but I still watch closely, just in case. 
The grandkids loved Aunt Laraine's water balloons, but loved the attack on Grandma even more. As you can tell, a certain someone is more inclined to be the cheerleader in the background rather than take part in the violence. London, on the other hand, gets right out there with the boys, aiming away at her beloved Grandma Cyndee.
TalinTalin is Megan's oldest son who just turned five in April. The cutest and sweetest little boy alive, I just love hearing stories about him from Megs. He definitely has a sweet spirit and is always teaching her something -- like telling her that the song on the radio is saying bad things and she should change it or last week in church he sat next to his new primary teacher (he was visiting for the first time) and waving his scriptures in her face, exclaimed: "I have my scriptures ready for primary!" Our family affectionately calls him "prophet-boy."
Sunday, June 10
Nate's Birthday
29 years old!
Next year we will have to have a big BASH, but this year was nice and relaxed. Well, it kind of has to be when it falls on a Sunday. We did go to a D-backs game this week together which was fun. But for his big day, we just went to church and then relaxed -- actually that is probably what Nate prefers since he has been so busy at work and hardly ever gets downtime lately.
We had a lot of family over for dinner: Pat & Norma (Nate's parents), Jill & Marc (Nate's sister) and their 3 boys, Amy and Jim and their 2 boys, Megan and her 2 boys, and Cyndee. Full house. Everyone contributed to a lovely meal of apple-glazed pork loin, mashed potatoes, salad and rolls with cherry limeades or shirley temples to drink.
Megan, Amy and my mom got creative with the rolls and put a pecan inside one of them. The lucky winner who got that roll had the honor of being Nate's personal slave for the day. Unfortunately Jill got the nut and older sisters are never too keen on being personal slaves to little brothers so Nate got a raw deal, but other than that I think he had a great day with all our loved ones.
I made him his FAVORITE cake -- German Chocolate -- from scratch and it turned out great although a bit lopsided (if anyone likes to cook, check out America's Test Kitchen, they always have good recipes and tips - thanks Amy for the introduction!).
Blowing out the candlesDo not Notice:
I wish I was better at the computer so I could crop myself out of this picture, but it's not about me, it's about Nate and this was the best picture of him blowing out the candles of the cake.
Do Notice:
So, please just ignore me and look at the birthday boy and the darling kids surrounding him -- Ryan, Dallin, Davyn, London, and Savy. Also, notice the look of admiration and worship on Davyn's little face. Amy's boys LOVE Uncle Nate. Just the other day, Aidan was out in my backyard picking weeds because "it will make Uncle Nate happy when he gets home from work."
I just had to throw this picture in because it was so dang cute! This is Grandpa Pat (Nate's dad) and Luke (Jill's youngest). I love Luke's onsie with the tie on it almost as much as his crazy hair. This picture makes me think of how much all the grandchildren ADORE Pat. He always takes the time to play with them and pretend or sing songs or tell stories with them. Whenever we go to his house, we usually end up with a little talent show where all the kids show off for Grandma and Grandpa. So that's the recap on the birthdays from last weekend! I'll be working on all the fun we had swimming, playing at the park and going to the museum with Megan for my next entry. Stay tuned for more. . .
p.s. I am having real issues with fonts in this entry and no matter what I do, the computer is doing it's own thing, so sorry but I can't change fonts or sizes or italics on this entry no matter what and I'm tired of trying to fix it.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN!!!
Okay, he is a little bit older than this today, but I love old pictures and was he not the CUTEST little boy ever??? Still is and I am lucky to have him! I have been a slacker with writing this week, but I had to do a quick tribute to my love. So, happy birthday and we love you and appreciate all you do for our family!
Love,
Your girlies!
Savannah, London, and Mandi
Love,
Your girlies!
Savannah, London, and Mandi
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Happy Birthday Mom!
I couldn't let today pass without a little birthday note to my mom. She is the greatest and I did not have much time to do anything for this entry, but everyone who knows her knows that she is the best. She is always there for me when I need her and all her grandchildren ADORE her. Need I say more?
Today we went to a barbecue and swam at her sister, Laraine's, house and then "the girls" (mom, Amy, Megan, and I) went to Charlestons for dinner. Lovely to be without our six children. Good food and good company made for a good time despite a bad waiter who never refilled drinks or came by to take Megan's order for more croissants (to die for croissants). Eventually, Meg got her croissants and we were all happy. I am hoping Amy took some good pictures of the swim fun with her new camera that I can post later this week.
Today we went to a barbecue and swam at her sister, Laraine's, house and then "the girls" (mom, Amy, Megan, and I) went to Charlestons for dinner. Lovely to be without our six children. Good food and good company made for a good time despite a bad waiter who never refilled drinks or came by to take Megan's order for more croissants (to die for croissants). Eventually, Meg got her croissants and we were all happy. I am hoping Amy took some good pictures of the swim fun with her new camera that I can post later this week.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Homework
The other day (or week) during London's nap time, Savannah and I did our homework.
I am working on finishing my BYU education which was cut short by a few major fun and exciting things that I definitely do not regret: study abroad in London, mission to Chile, marriage to Nathan, two lovely daughters. . . need I go on?
Savannah is practicing her name. Her name is so long that I feel bad she has to remember so many letters. She can do it if I write it out for her to copy (like above), but by the end of the summer we hope to be writing it all alone from memory.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Zoo Trip with Daddy
Better late than never.
Saturday (almost a week ago) was our sixth anniversary and we decided to spend the day as a family at the zoo. We took off for an early start and had a blast! I take the girls to the zoo a couple times every winter, but having daddy there was a treat! It is so fun to just be alone with your own little family. Here are a few pictures we took to remember the day:
London trying to not get eaten by a large snake.
The ride
Savannah and Nate checking out the animals. I do not know who was more excited about all the animals - Nate or the girls. We actually saw the cheetahs running around (anyone who knows the Phx Zoo knows that this is rare) and so we had to return after lunch and stake out the cheetahs. Nate spotted them bedded down under a tree about 20 yards from us. It kind of freaked me out when he brought it to my attention how close we were to them and yet could barely see them. I am scared to ever go to Africa now - -who knows what may be lurking right next to you!! Oh well, I guess I still want to go someday. We have some good friends who are going in August and I cannot wait to hear all about it and see the pics.
Sisters.
It got a little hot just as we were finishing up and so we got some Popsicles to cool us down a little. They did the trick.
Can you see the excitement on those faces? They recognized the shell from The Little Mermaid and begged for a picture.
The girls.
The ones I love the most.
Ready for anything.
Savannah's been into Lion King lately and so she had to have a picture with Timon's family.
London has an uncanny love for anything monkey.
Can you tell? Maybe I'll post about that another day.
"Mom, is that where someone was buried?"
Savannah was paying attention last month when we went to Cherry and visited the cemetery. I just thought it was funny that she would remember and then make that connection.
Did we see any animals? I am not really one to take pics of animals, but Nate did and I was glad because I LOVE the monkey and the scarlet macaw pictures he took.
Antelope and Elephant. The beginning of the zoo and the end. The elephants rarely do anything exciting, but we saw him sucking up the water and spraying himself - the girls were enthralled. Too bad our camera did not catch him in the act.
Saturday (almost a week ago) was our sixth anniversary and we decided to spend the day as a family at the zoo. We took off for an early start and had a blast! I take the girls to the zoo a couple times every winter, but having daddy there was a treat! It is so fun to just be alone with your own little family. Here are a few pictures we took to remember the day:
London trying to not get eaten by a large snake.
The ride
Savannah and Nate checking out the animals. I do not know who was more excited about all the animals - Nate or the girls. We actually saw the cheetahs running around (anyone who knows the Phx Zoo knows that this is rare) and so we had to return after lunch and stake out the cheetahs. Nate spotted them bedded down under a tree about 20 yards from us. It kind of freaked me out when he brought it to my attention how close we were to them and yet could barely see them. I am scared to ever go to Africa now - -who knows what may be lurking right next to you!! Oh well, I guess I still want to go someday. We have some good friends who are going in August and I cannot wait to hear all about it and see the pics.
Sisters.
It got a little hot just as we were finishing up and so we got some Popsicles to cool us down a little. They did the trick.
Can you see the excitement on those faces? They recognized the shell from The Little Mermaid and begged for a picture. 
The girls.
The ones I love the most.
Ready for anything.
Savannah's been into Lion King lately and so she had to have a picture with Timon's family.
London has an uncanny love for anything monkey.Can you tell? Maybe I'll post about that another day.
"Mom, is that where someone was buried?" Savannah was paying attention last month when we went to Cherry and visited the cemetery. I just thought it was funny that she would remember and then make that connection.
Did we see any animals? I am not really one to take pics of animals, but Nate did and I was glad because I LOVE the monkey and the scarlet macaw pictures he took.
Antelope and Elephant. The beginning of the zoo and the end. The elephants rarely do anything exciting, but we saw him sucking up the water and spraying himself - the girls were enthralled. Too bad our camera did not catch him in the act.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)