Pine Valley Quickie

Last weekend we took a quick trip to Pine Valley. After a fantastic dutch oven dinner we went on a little hike. It was so nice to be in the cool mountains with pine trees. The stream was very cold to wade in but the girls were troopers and went for it anyway. We made it all the way to the reservoir at the end and the girls got their first up close look at the art of fishing...Cami thought it was very sad and Taryn just shrugged it off. Taryn kept looking for animals and animal tracks on the trail and Cami was able to jog back-at least she moved a lot faster than the rest of us by the end. It was just a fun way to spend an evening with the girls.

First Days

WE survived our first days of school with flying colors!!! I was really unsettled about sending Cami to school but after studying about all the schools in the area and waivering her into a different school I was excited. Cami planned for several weeks to wear leggings and a skirt which seemed really foreign to me first of all that she cared what she was wearing, and second of all, are leggings tights or pants?... In the end we came up with an outfit that she was happy with and dreamed about wearing for days. I just smiled and wondered where that came from.
She has also been REALLY excited about her sparkly hello kitty backpack. She has shown it to everyone the minute they have been at our house.
The first day they have a parent come and help the kindergartner do a treasure hunt for an hour. The second day they are on their own. It made for a really smooth transition with no tears on any one's part. She has a really gentle sensitive teacher who uses music a lot in teaching. It is a perfect learning style for her. He favorite thing so far is recess and apparently she can read...she came home the second day and said lets read and she did...Good for her and oops for me not knowing she could do it.

Cami is ready to go... forget the pictures!

Cami in front of her new school

Cami too excited to wait at the school door-yes she is plugging her ears...of course the school bell is loud and that is going to take some patience and ear plugs on her part...

Taryn started school the next week and the wait was killer. She got up each morning asking if she could go to school yet. When she finally got to go she just ran right in and I had to call her back out to even get a picture. She is definitely a child that enjoys life and I am glad school is part of that.

Ready to go...very early...

Taryn after being called back for a picture...incidentally what is with ME of all people having girls who want and beg to wear play dresses and skirts? They honestly LIKE them and I just can't do anything about it....maybe it's a phase.

Grandma and Papa's

The first week in August Brent was able to take a couple days off work and we visited Grandma and Papa Weight in Heber City. The girls had so much fun just playing outside and running around with the cousins. It was so pleasant to be outside on the grass and on the swing set (and not burning ourselves or melting any body part on the swings). Brent actually helped mow a lawn (his dad's) for the first time since leaving Michigan. (and he enjoyed the riding mower). He also enjoyed letting all the cousins mercilessly hose him down in a water fight. (He started it by getting a little crazy with the slip and slide action.)

The annual boat trip was sidelined a little because of some serious barf action. Poor Cami barfed something like 11 times and pooped several times in the period of about six hours. She was such a trooper for such a vial bug and the good part was it didn't last long and we didn't get it (although pretty much everyone else in the house did). After she had been barf/poop free for a few hours she still really wanted to go for a boat ride and Taryn had been wearing her suit all morning. I figured a 20 minute boat ride would not dehydrate her a lot more than she all ready was. We headed out and Cami rode in the boat and Taryn on the tube (thanks to Michele and Steph for riding with her). Taryn had such a blast that it was totally worth the $10 entrance fee for 20 minutes of fun. Her face was priceless. She has such a big sparkly infectious smile. Next year maybe Cami will be up to riding it.

The other highlights were going to Thanksgiving Point (of course we couldn't go to Grandmas house without the girls BEGGING to go), visiting our good friends the Francoms, visiting the open house to the new temple, and going bowling.

Taryn on her Thanksgiving Point pony ride. She held on by herself the whole time despite me being a little nervous that she would totally bite it.

Cami on her pony ride. She was really excited and had a TON of fun. She purposely chose the second biggest horse (her Natalie wanted the bigger one) and she was not at all scared. Way to go cow girl Cami!

Taryn, Cami, Natalie, and Jake in the jail at the petting farm...next time the sign says don't feed the animals I bet they won't!

Then again, they busted out so maybe they will...

Cami LOVES bowling...She got a great score with the ramp assist and bumpers...Two spares and a strike. No wonder she loves it!

Saturday's explorations

So Saturday Brent wanted to go check out a new camp ground for the scouts so we decided it was a great day to explore and hike. After two hours in the car and a bumpy dirt road (and several comments about now this is why we own a truck hehehe!) we found the camp site. I don't think Brent thought it was worth the drive but it did have some cool rock formations and trees and the girls were really excited to get out and run around for a while. We decided to go on a mini hike and got stranded in a random mountain thunderstorm. The girls were a little nervous until we told them just exactly how much fun we were having. We waited it out for a while then just bolted to the car for the ride home. It was fun to just go explore no man's land and not see anyone out there for forever. Anyway, here's some pictures.

Taryn and her AMAZING balance and motor skills. She constantly looks for things to balance on.

Cami and Brent checking out the edge of the cliff.

Everyone enjoying getting stranded in the rain.

More Summer Fun

The last two weeks have been filled with fun again. We had swimming lessons and Barbie Princess Camp and Cousins to play with etc....The girls really did learn a lot in swimming lessons despite having teachers that I would not recommend. Cami came home most days in tears and very frustrated but in the end she really did great with learning to glide underwater and learning to float on her back. Taryn did level one instead of mom tot and it was very painful for me the first day wondering if she would listen to the teacher enough and obey so she wouldn't drown. She did great! She could hold her breath for a long time underwater (a few seconds) and LOVED floating on her back. She and Cami were also was able to go under and get rings off the bottom. I am proud of them of working so hard despite less than stellar circumstances.

Barbi Camp was tons of fun. Every day they came home singing "I'm a barbie girl in a barbie world..." Not necessarily the lesson I hope they learn in life but they had a blast learning a new dance and some new tumbling. The last day of class Taryn walked out in the parade blowing kisses to everyone and Cami didn't miss a step in the whole dance. It was especially fun because Cousins Anna and Rachel did the camp with them.... I can't wait for soccer season to start.... :)

So far the baby is great. She is usually very active and definitely likes chocolate. She is a girl after my own heart...Let's all pray for no colic and lots of sleep full nights....I am getting a little nervous. We have not chosen a name...Don't even have a list of names yet...It seems much harder to come up with one this time around. According to the 20 week ultrasound my due date is the 20th. This kiddo seems bigger than Cami or Taryn ever was (42% versus 25% at most) so hopefully she'll come early...or maybe my estimated due date of the 11th is closer to accurate. Does anyone want to place bets on when the blessed day will be? Cami was born 10 days before her due date and Taryn was induced 3 weeks before hers... And if anyone has name suggestions we are open to considering them....(although NO PROMISES!)...

Taryn without mom and loving it!

Cami kicking really hard

Taryn blowing kisses in all her Barbie glory

Cami's got the princess beauty queen wave down...
Sadly this is the best picture of Cami, Rachel, Anna bolting, and Taryn....If you have a better one Rebekah I would love it. But they all look really happy at least.

Me and little miss GINORMOUS!!! Seriously I am a lot bigger this time...within 5 pounds of my delivery weight with Taryn by 13 weeks....This picture is about week 20 (dr time scale)...I love a good baby belly-sorry if you are scandalized....

A Moment of Bad Parenting and Good Childing

Last Sunday we were getting late for church. The girls seemed to me to be taking FOREVER eating lunch. They kept getting up and messing around. Well I was tired from the 4th of July festivities the night before and having to wake up ten times to pee during the night. It seemed pretty rational for me to start getting ticked. I told both of the girls in very certain terms that they better quit messing around and sit down and eat. If they didn't they could go to their rooms and not eat lunch at all and be hungry during church.
I then went back to my room and started getting ready myself. Brent went to check on the girls a few minutes later and came in laughing.
He said "You know what Cami just told me? She told me "I think Mommy needs a Break! She was getting all mad at us and we didn't even do something wrong!" "
I asked him what he told her and he told her she was probably right about the break. That it was hard work to be making a baby and they should try SUPER hard to be helpful....
Anyway, now I can laugh at it but at the time I though what am I doing having another baby when I am making the two I all ready have miserable. I guess not all moments of parenting are perfect but at least I am lucky enough to have good childing even when I am not a good parent.

A Saturday Free of Distraction

Yesterday Brent didn't have to go to work or do anything with Scouts. I suggested we capitalize on the opportunity and take a drive/picnic in the mountains. I have been wanting to go back to Navajo Lake for years. My mom took us there shortly after we moved here when I was in high school to prove to us that there were in fact mountains and trees not too far away still. So we loaded up and took off not really exactly knowing where we were going. The girls occupied themselves by looking for mysteries and place to explore as we drove. We found the lake and it was a lot bigger than I remembered.

We then wandered around the mountains and tried to hike to some water falls. Unfortunately the trail was closed half way to the falls but it was still fun for the girls to look for cool rocks.

We then discovered Cedar Breaks was really close so we decided to check it out too. The views were phenomenal but since there are no fences before the 1000 foot drop offs and Taryn wasn't being real cooperative in the holding hands department we opted out of hiking too far. Unknown to us, it was the wild flower festival up there and there were hundreds of beautiful wildflowers everywhere. It was so beautiful Cami could help but bust out in really loud song. For a minute I thought we were in the alps and her name was Maria.

We then realized hey Brian Head Ski resort is right here we might as well check it out too. It was so fun to be in the mountains with trees and just explore without having a schedule to stick to or obligations to fulfill. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday-or any day really.

Daddy and his girls at Navajo Lake

Ginormous and proud of it mom and girls chowing down on Jimmy Johns

Super Dad and his super girls who were taking REALLY big steps to avoid the "itchy" grass

Two girls ready to see some water falls.

Two parents who can read much to the girls dismay...

Cedar Breaks..beautiful but no fences....

The song inspiring flowers...

The top of Brian Head look out thing...We saw a forest fire and Cami said a prayer that all the animals would get out safe...We then noticed the lightening and decided to get off the mountain since Brent has the height of a lightening rod and Taryn was freaking out a little....

4th of July and a BIG Milestone.

The fourth was really fun this year. We had our annual breakfast scavenger hunt. It was quieter than years past-only one cousin was around for the festivities but the doughnuts were good despite the small crowd. After breakfast we headed over to the park for the festivities.

The girls rode the big swing carousel thing, slide down the big blow up slides, jumped in the blow up castle, and got their faces painted. Daddy even got the girls snow cones to stave off the extreme heat while waiting in lines. After we had heat exhaustion we decided to go shopping instead of hanging out outside.

We finally ordered some new bedroom furniture for the girls so we can clear some room for the baby. It was exciting since we have purchased only 2-3 items in our 10 year marriage at a store (versus garage sales/family give aways). Brent almost had a stroke paying but was a good sport.

Brent then took his girls out for lunch and home for naps. We told the girls if they wanted to stay up for fireworks they HAD to take naps. We then promptly fell asleep. Two hours later we woke to hear the girls quietly playing with each other-even whispering back and forth...They didn't sleep but could we really complain since we did?

We had a BBQ with Grandma and watched the fireworks at her house. Now the HUGE milestone is that Taryn AND CAMI made it through the fireworks without meltdowns about the noise. Every year they are in tears scared to death. This year even though fingers were in the ears they did not cry or complain. They told me how BEAUTIFUL they were. Not only did they watch the show they EVEN HELD SPARKLERS!!! They were both super proud of themselves and so was I! Way to go brave girls!

What holiday is this? OH THE 4th! The girls and cousin ready for the breakfast scavenger hunt.

The hunt in progress...finding the clue daddy hid behind the liscence plate...who wouldv'e thought?

The Busy Summer so far......

This summer has started off just right with lots of busy fun. The second week in June I signed the girls up for princess camp at the place where they take dancing during the school year. They learn new steps/tricks, do crafts and snacks, and dress up as their favorite princesses. They have tons of fun. Last year Taryn was too young to go and cried everyday as I dropped off Princess Camilla. This year she was so excited every day that I didn't think she could contain herself. On the last day of camp the girls do a princess parade (and wave princess style) and then show us a princess dance they have practiced all week. Both girls had great waves and dances. Grandma and Papa Weight were able to come and watch and the girls were really excited to have them there.

Princesses by their castle...Cami is Tinker Bell and Taryn is Cinderella

Both girls mid princess dance.

That same week we had "The Flood." At 2 am on Monday night/Tuesday morning I heard what I thought was the bathtub running and splashing. Well in my groggy state I assumed (unjustly in a really bad mommy moment) that Taryn had gotten out of bed and decided to play in the bathtub at 2 am. I was really mad and got up to go spank her and send her back to bed. When I stepped out into the hall I splashed onto the hard wood floor...I thought oh crap this is A LOT of water. I flipped on the hall light and could see it flooding down the hall from the kitchen. I ran to the kitchen and water was spraying from under the sink and hitting the fridge and cabinets on the other side (if you have seen the width of the kitchen you can appreciate this). The spray was about the size of the bathtub flow at full force. I slide and slipped back to the bedroom and rallied Brent to turn off the water somehow. I got towels to start building a dam to keep the water off the hardwood floors and carpets as much as possible (the other floors are tile). After every towel in the house was soaked and the water sucker on the steam cleaner was full after sucking water up for two seconds we decided to get serious. We hurried and carried all our furniture out to the back patio/sidewalk and Brent decided to call emergency flood people so the floors could be saved. There was probably a couple of inches of standing water from our closet (one end of the house) clear to the pantry (other far end of the house). So they came (after making us call the landlord to make sure they would pay for it) and were there until sometime after 5 am sucking all the water out and pulling up carpet and putting in hurricane fans (which are incredibly loud even if you aren't 5 with insanely sensitive hearing). In the mean time being pregnant and having two little girls who pee frequently made camping out at grandma's a necessity for several days while the plumbing was resolved. We were really lucky to have such a comfortable place to hang out while the plumber came (having to saw apart the kitchen cabinet to get to the hole in the pipe) and while everything dried. Then Grandma Rice and I cleaned everything and brought back in the furniture and replaced stuff in the closets. Luckily we acted fast and while you can see some damage I don't think anything is ruined beyond use. Brent kept saying the whole time how happy he was that we were renting...(I groaned for the millionth time :) )

The next week we had the girls and 7 of the cousins signed up for swimming lessons and hip hop camp. Four of the middle aged kids were in one swimming class together, the four youngest were in mommy tot class together, and the oldest was in a class so we gave all the teachers a good taste of our family. Cami has been saying she wants to take hip hop dancing next year but I didn't really think she knew what that was so when I saw their dance studio was offering a one week class I thought it would be great to give it a noncommital try and see if she really liked it and also fun for all the cousins. When they weren't swimming or hip hopping they were playing together at parks or where ever just having a blast. We all went camping on Father's Day weekend and the kids loved the s'mores and stream and trails...I think this coming week will be very sad and quiet for my kids after so much fun.

The hip hop gangsters...

Cami Rachel and Luke looking "buck"
The video of the routine...I hope this works....I had some issues

ok it didn't work because I have no idea what enclosures are but I can try to email it to the siblings...

Both girls really did great with swimming. Cami can swim a little underwater now and jumped off the diving board for the first time despite being scared enough to cry about it before (I bribed her with ice cream if she was brave and it went a long way). I love that she over came her fears and in the end DID enjoy it and have fun.

Practicing "safe swimming" on safety day

Taryn was successful in that she didn't drowned. She is full force and passionate about everything she does so I wasn't surprised that she would just run and jump right in and clear across the pool trusting me to catch her. She will let me totally dunk her now too if I warn her to plug her nose first. I love my little spirited girl.

Taryn kicking so hard she is splashing all the babies and tots but boy is she loving it!

Anyway, this has been our busy summer so far and the next couple of weeks are scheduled to be slow and easy going....I have a feeling we'll bust out the slip-n-slide more and play with the neighbors a lot. I love summer and having the girls around all the time.

ps-If any of you have pictures of the past two weeks email them to me..I didn't manage to get very many taken...

Loyal Follower?

So Brent said this was a good way to see who reads our blog....And a good way to reward our loyal followers.....Today we took a sneak peek and it is a girl!!!!

Follow up to funnyisms....

So last Sunday in church the kids started to practice a new song. Taryn who had been wild and oblivious through church suddenly stopped and said "OH NO! It's the lalalalalala song on my cd player! I hate this song!" And sure enough it was the lalala song....too bad the song has a great message....

Preschool graduation, slip and slide, and Dance Recital

The last few weeks have been busy. Cami officially graduated from preschool. It was an exciting day for her but a little sad for us. When did she get so big. She had a really great year and a really great teacher whom she will really miss. Good thing Taryn will have her this fall time.

After her graduation we bought a slip n slide and she went CRAZY! She totally loved the thing and spent like 2 1/2 hours playing on it in the heat of the day. That night she insisted doing it again for 45 minutes for family night. It has been a better summer toy than the usual blow up pool because it doesn't require the blowing up or the cleaning and the girls still love it.

The girls also had their dance recital and it went great! Cami for the first time was REALLY nervous to perform (scared to mess up-she is turning out to be her Daddy's perfectionist child). For this reason I think we need to keep up with it so she gets over it. Taryn pleasantly surprised us by actually dancing the right steps for most of it. YEA! and she said she had a good time even doing the steps so I think she is really learning. It was fun to watch. You know all those things about parenthood that no one tells you about and that your not really prepared for? I was REALLY unprepared to feel so intensely proud of my dancer girls-Cami for doing great in spite of fear and Taryn for finally following directions. I don't think I would ever in a zillion years have predicted myself feeling so happy and proud at a dance recital. Funny how that works... Anyway here's pictures of the latest event.

Cami saying the pledge of allegiance and singing patriotic songs...

Cami getting her diploma/scrapbook and special king sized candy bar for being able to count to 100 by the end of the year

Cami and Miss Megan. She really loved her and she will be hard to replace with a kindergarten teacher!

Post graduation party!

Taryn before the dance ready to go.

Cami before the dance checking on Taryn.-She really looks out for Taryn and is a great sister.

Taryn happy afterwards with her very own flower (a first)!

Cami after with her very own first flower.-She was REALLY psyched about the flower...

Funnyisms...if that's a word....

Cami-getting dressed for the dance recital and getting nervous-"Mom! THIS IS JUST WAY TOO MUCH PINK FOR ONE GIRL!!!"-it's a good sign....

Taryn-after the recital while she is still insanely hopped up on adrenalin or sugar or whatever and wouldn't stop-
Daddy totally exasperated..."Taryn! You are SERIOUSLY pushing my buttons little girl!"
Taryn very sweetly and "knowing better"..."Daddy, you don't have buttons!"

Kids and what they say....

So usually our kids are good at going to bed but the other night Taryn kept having issues....drinks, potty, cuddles, etc...You name it and she was struggling with it. SO after a few go arounds and it being after 8 and mommy losing it and telling her if she got up again she would seriously get spanked she was quiet for a minute...Then she walked into our room to DADDY and in a very sweet voice she said "Daddy my music just keeps going lalalalala (singing it)" and sure enough her cd was scratched and stuck. Just the way she quietly walked in and told Brent her problem made us both crack up....Luckily no spank and that was the last interruption....

The other day I heard a little disturbance while the girls were playing doll house (Taryn wouldn't give up the baby she had and Cami wanted it). So I hear Cami yell "TARYN YOU ARE GROUNDED F-O-R-E-V-E-R!" And Taryn runs in crying "I grounded for revea mommy!!!wawawa!!!" ---We have never actually grounded anyone and I have no idea where Cami got the idea-especially the idea to ground her sister.....