Footloose in Lehi

I am trying to do this again.

2012-01-19T18:20:00.008-07:00

OK-here is my update of 2011 since I missed a year and a half.

Casey graduated from preschool in May and started Kindergarten in August.

I decided to push myself and completed my first half marathon. My next goal is a sprint triathlon.

Abby was in two plays last year. She did "Beauty and the Beast" at the Jr High and she was in Guys and Dolls at the Scera Youth Theater Program.

Brady turned eight in March. He was baptized and started Cub Scouts. He loves scouts.

Grace is in love with softball. She played her second year of city league. She was on the Diamondbacks. They placed third in the league and played in the state tournament. After it was over, her coaches asked her to tryout for an accelerated league which she made. She plays for the Lehi Fire. They played in a league and participated in a tournament in St George.

Halloween was fun. Abby was Thing 2, Grace was a pirate, Brady was Jake Heaps (BYU football quarterback before he transferred to Kansas), and Casey was Jimmer.

We are doing so good. The kids are getting so big. They are so much fun especially watching them grow in all their activities.

Spencer's Day

2010-03-20T22:05:00.019-06:00

So, today is actually Brady's birthday. I know I have a ton to catch up on and that I need to tell about Brady's birthday but something more important happened today. Robb has a friend at work who's 7 year old son (Spencer Gooch) has cancer. He is starting a very strong form of Chemo and will lose his hair. A fundraiser was held today to help his family. They had food, games, auctions, and more to raise money. The Jazz Bear and Spencer's favorite player (Wes Matthews) came. They also had a head shaving party. Robb told all his friends about it and said if he raised 100 dollars he would shave his head. He raised over that. So, this is what happened.
This is Robb's before picture.

We went and bought some baked goods, had lunch, and then it was time for Robb to shave his head.
Half way through. All done. Brady was so moved by it, that he decided to contribute his hair also. Here is his before picture. I am glad I took this birthday picture before left our house.
He was so excited and nervous to do it. And, was so happy after he did it.
This is Spencer's dad with Robb and Brady. It turned out to be an awesome experience on Brady's birthday. And, it was a great experience for the whole family. What a lesson we learned today.
This is Robb's after picture. And, the button is my favorite. It says, "Be Brave and shave! I did it for Spencer." I will try to catch up soon, but, I had to share this.

4th of July

2009-07-10T22:18:00.004-06:00

I Love the 4th of July!! Even if it does start pretty early for us. We go see the hot air balloons. In order to be there on time we have to leave our house at 5:30. They are so amazing though. This may have been the best year so far for seeing them fly.We watch with Robb's brother Chris and his family.The cousins have a great time together.The main reason I go is for the French Toast at Kneaders afterwards.

That night we went to the Stadium of Fire in Provo. The Jonas Brothers were the main group.

The kids made signs. They looked so cute dressed for the 4th of July.It has been fun the last two years seeing big name people there but I love the dancers, the music, the atmosphere, and especially the fireworks.The kids loved the Jonas Brothers, especially Casey. He really started to get into it.We had a great couple of days but they were exhausting.Happy 4th of July!

3rd of July

2009-07-10T22:12:00.005-06:00

We got to start our holiday weekend on Friday the 3rd. Robb had the day off. We had promised the kids we would take them miniature golfing. That evening we had a hot dog roast and made smores in our backyard. I love a good cookout.After dinner, we had fireworks in our backyard. It was so fun with our family.

Family Reunion

2009-06-30T21:49:00.000-06:00

We got to go to the Luke reunion this year. It is fun. Robb's grandparents and all their kids and their grand kids and great grand kids get together. The last few years we have done it at the Sunrise P River Ranch in Burley, Idaho. We have great food, good times, and the slide is great. The first couple of days we stayed at Robb's mom and dad's house. The kids had a ball on their water slide, playing with the cousins.Every year they have a talent show. The kids love to take part.We had a great time together sharing family time.

Family pictures

2009-06-01T21:41:00.000-06:00

These are some family pictures we just had taken. Robb's friend Tim, offered to take them for us.

Taylor Swift concert

2009-05-30T21:33:00.000-06:00

I surprised my girls with a fun night out. Taylor Swift came to Salt Lake. I knew a little about her but my girls liked her. Now I think she is a great artist. She played for two hours and in between songs she talks to the crowd like she is having a friendly conversation. She actually seems shocked when people get excited.
At the end of each show when she comes out for an encore she comes out with something on that is for that state. This show she came out with a Jazz jersey on.There are tons of buses and trailers she has with her. We got to take pictures by one of these buses.I would do this again in a heart beat. She was worth every penny.

Robb's grandmas funeral

2009-05-01T12:08:00.000-06:00

Robb's grandma passed away. The funeral was so amazing. She has a lot of family and almost everyone was there. This is Robb's family. Everyone was there. Since this we have added one baby but it is amazing we got everyone there.After the funeral was over Robb's dad helped all the grand kids get a flower from on top of grandma's casket. It was a special experience. We are happy she returned to people she love.

Easter

2009-04-21T16:47:00.004-06:00

We got to spend Easter in Las Vegas with my mom and dad. This is my cute family before church.

After church, we got to see what the Easter bunny brought.we got to have a fun egg hunt in their back yard. Then we got to have a yummy Easter dinner.

Spring Break in Vegas

2009-04-21T16:26:00.005-06:00

We have started a tradition of going to my mom and dads in Las Vegas. The kids and I usually leave Robb and go but this year Robb had a trip in Vegas while we were there. We got to see him every night.

Every time we go to visit, my mom finds a great park. This year it was a park with reptiles all over.We go to the Bellagio every time to watch the fountains and see the garden. It is my favorite place.This year we went to Circus Circus one day. The Midway was fun. We watched two shows for free and played games. Each child one two prizes.

We also went to the Silverton Casino and Bass Pro Shop. The have a tankful of fish and Sting rays. We go and watch them be fed. It is fun the kids can ask questions. This year we shot guns at the Bass Pro Shop and then we also got to visit the Mermaid in the tank.But, our favorite thing to do is to just spend time at my mom and dads pool. It was a little cool and windy this year but that didn't stop us. Also, my mom and dad gave the kids water guns for Easter. The kids had fun at the house.

Confrence Trip

2009-04-10T16:12:00.001-06:00

Every April we go with Robb's family to Salt Lake and stay in the Marriott by Temple Square. We have fun watching conference, swimming, and eating. This year Robb, the girls, and I got to go to the Sunday morning session.

Brady Birthday and Star Wars Party

2009-03-26T15:54:00.000-06:00

Brady got two days of birthday. The first day was his actual birthday and we had a fun family night with cake, dinner, and presents.On Saturday Brady had a Jedi Star Wars party. This is my padowon.For games, we had Jedi training, a Pinata (The Death Star), an asteroid hunt, and pin the saber on Yoda. Then we had cupcakes in the shape of a light saber and Yoda Soda (lime sherbert and sprite). It was a fun party.

Abby's birthday

2009-03-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

This year Abby had a small party with her sister and one friend. She wanted a beauty party. Before the party we made all these flower clips for their hair.We went to the beauty school and had makeovers.Abby's friend had a late over and we had dinner. The girls did manicures and pedicures. They made perfume. they also watched a movie and had cupcakes. This is a picture on her actual birthday.

I am Caught Up!

2009-01-16T10:31:00.003-07:00

I finally caught up. Sorry it is long. Feel free not to read it all.

New Years

2009-01-16T10:21:00.005-07:00

We had a great time for New Years. Robb's sister Stacy came home from her mission in Korea on New Years Eve. We went to the airport then drove to Idaho for a New Years Eve party.

Grace got to celebrate her ninth birthday with cousins.

Stacy took an evening to tell us all about being in Korea. This is here teaching all the kids a game.Robb's dad's sixtieth birthday is coming up so we decided to celebrate it since we were all together.Abby took the opportunity to use her new sewing machine and made him a rice pack for his birthday gift from her.

Random photos

2009-01-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

When I started this I didn't think I had much from the last four months. I was wrong but these are some random photos I like.

January

January was slow but this is a cute picture of Casey. We were playing games as a family. He was in charge of watching the timer.

February

The girls made matching IPod valentine boxes for school.My Valentine!

MarchI got a new niece in March. Her name is Hadley Nicholle Pehrson. When she was born I went and stayed and helped her and her mom and dad for five days.
Hadley with her mom and Hadley with her dad. I made Hadley a brown tutu. While I was at her house I also did a photo shoot with her. One of the picture Jord and Nicki used for her baby announcement. Oh I love babies. AprilAbby and Grace were in the Scera Youth Theater program this year. This is grace as a lady bug in BUGZ!This is Abby as an orphan/urchin in Oliver Twist. They both did great!
I just like this picture of the kids.

Year In Review

2008-12-31T09:31:00.001-07:00

JANUARY

January was uneventful. Except that Abby got invited to an award ceremony for the video she made last year. She got a second trophy for her video.FEBRUARY

Grace turned eight in January and was baptized by her dad in February. We had fun with all the family that came for the event. I am so proud of how hard all my kids try to do what is right. MARCH

Robb's brother, Devin, got married in Nauvoo. Robb and I got to take a trip by ourselves out there. We got to be in the Nauvoo temple for the wedding, we saw Carthage Jail, and had a fun time spending time together. It was really windy and cold though.APRIL

The kids and I were able to take a couple trips to Vegas to visit my parents this year. This time we went during Spring Break without Robb. This was just one of our fun activities on our many trips.

MAY

Brady graduated from preschool. He loved his class and his teacher but it was time to move on to Kindergarten.JUNE

In Lehi they celebrate Lehi Round up days. They have 2 parades and a lot of nights of rodeos. This year the girls got invited to do a cheer clinic and march in the parade. I can't believe my kids are this big. Robb and I also snuck away again and had a quick four day trip to New York. We had to see Yankee Stadium before it closed and we saw Wicked on Broadway.

JULY

We took our kids to the Stadium of Fire this year. Miley Cyrus performed. We were lucky to know lucky people that could get tickets.

AUGUST

This was a busy month-Robb and I were in charge of his family reunion. We had a family Olympics (with games, flags, and medals). Then at the end of the month the kids started another year of school. SEPTEMBER

Brady was finally old enough to be involved in activities like his sisters. He really wanted to play Soccer but his crazy mom missed the sign ups. He played flag football instead and enjoyed it especially defense very much. OCTOBER

Trick or Treating with cousins is so great. NOVEMBER

The kids participated in a program at school. The girls made videos and Brady drew a picture. They all did great.DECEMBER

We had a great Christmas.

Christmas

2008-12-30T08:41:00.002-07:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!

We started celebrating the day before Christmas Eve. We have had the tradition the last two years to get together with Chris' family for a party. This year we had a brunch. We ate Crepes, had a nativity, and sang Christmas carols. It was fun.

My parents, my brother Jordan, and his cute pregnant wife Nicki came to stay and celebrated Christmas with us this year. It was great we spent Christmas Eve finishing stuff up, eating our favorite soup and bread bowls, hunting for PJ's, and having a Christmas Eve program.Don't the kids look cute in their new PJ's? We also take a family photo every Christmas Eve. This year we didn't have to rig it to get everyone in, my dad took the photo.With so many people here we had hang our stockings with a tow rope.Brady got his double sided light saber.

Grace got her Skateboard.Casey got a fun helmet that makes noise and he pretends to drive a motorcycle around.And, Abby got her sewing machine.We got tons of snow right before Christmas. SO Jordan took everyone out sledding in an empty parking lot close to our house on Christmas Day.Even when they fell off. So, much snow it didn't hurt.

Casey thought he was big and could do it and laugh by himself.A little of our new WII before bed on a long busy day.

A busy time of season

2008-12-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

So, December was very busy as usual. The girls had a concert at the Scera with their drama groups. For some weird reason I have no pictures of this. Abby also had her concert at the school. She loves being in a choir at school. It is great the principal runs it and they do actions and everything.Tree Decorating and decorating the house.

I love decorating but I have a hard time letting it get done and not have it be my way. Especially when they think it is funny and first just throw the beads on.

It looked nice when they did it the real way ( even though it still wasn't how I would do it) and I didn't have to do it this year.I loved it and was more relaxed this year. I even let the kids help put up my village which I usually always do myself. It sure was a lot faster. This is the kids around the tree like the whos in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Halloween

2008-12-01T08:01:00.002-07:00

Halloween was fun but long this year. The girls are in a drama program in Orem and they had a Halloween costume party on a Wednesday. Then our ward always does a Trunk or Treat, but they want us to be home on Halloween. So, we dressed up again Thursday and went to the Trunk or Treat. Then the kids had to be dressed up for school and Trick or Treating on Halloween. I am a little sick of green paint still.

Halloween is fun. We go with Karina and Elise around their neighborhood. We also always love to go visit Robb's Aunt Shanna.Abby and Grace have been very into the musical Wicked this year, so we used this idea for this holiday. Abby is Elphaba (the green witch).Grace was Glinda (the good witch).The boys love Star Wars and decided on their own what characters they wanted. Brady told me his idea first which was Commander Cody.And, Casey wanted to be like him. So, when I went to get a Commander Cody I found a Captain Rex costume and he loved it.For not being into the Halloween holiday I think I do ok dressing up my kids.

Reflections

2008-11-12T14:58:00.006-07:00

Our three kids that are in school entered a program called Reflections. It is all art areas (music, theater, dance, video, literature, and visual arts) and the children have to do every part of the project by themselves. Abby entered last year and inspired everyone this year. The two girls each made a video and they won medals and are moving onto the next round from their school to the area we live in. And, Brady drew an awesome picture and got a ribbon and a certificate for participating. I also gave Brady a trophy. I thought his was awesome. Since Robb is in Dallas he missed the school assembly so I thought I would put these pictures on so he could see.

2008-10-30T15:49:00.001-06:00

I know I have been slacking since July. So, I spent all day today catching up before Halloween tomorrow. IT is a lot so don't feel like you have to read it all but we have been having fun.

My Jedi

2008-10-30T15:35:00.005-06:00

While we were in Disneyland, we got to see a Jedi training show that Brady enjoyed. The first time we were there we sat on the far side in the front and they didn't pick any of the kids to help out. It was a great show though.So we went back on the last day and Robb took him early so we could sit right in the middle front. He also wore his Clone wars t shirt and they picked him. He got to fight Darth Maul it was neat. These are some pictures we took but hopefully in a month or so we will have some better ones of him actually fighting Darth Maul.

Disneyland

2008-10-30T14:18:00.017-06:00

We took UEA to go to Disneyland for a family vacation. We decided to take the whole week off and it was great. We left on a Saturday night, after the BYU game , and stayed in Las Vegas that night. We drove on a blizzard part of the way there. But once we got there it was hot and sunny. The first night we were at Disneyland I surprised the kid with new Disney PJ's.

The park was so cool and decorated for Halloween.It was fun to see the kids there all together and old enough to enjoy the trip. (Casey still talks about staying in the hotel) We stay in the Howard Johnson across the street. It is great and within walking distance. Everyday we would go home around lunch time and have lunch and swim. They had a big pool and then this great play area for kids. We enjoyed the pixar parade together and our favorite character of the whole trip Crush (from Finding Nemo)We went to Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast one morning. As you can tell it was very healthy.One night while we were in LA I took the girls to see the play Wicked. We had a great time riding rides together and had a great time spending lots of time together without trips or other interruptions.

Then the next Saturday we headed back to Vegas very tired. We got to Vegas and the kids were brave enough to get in my mom and dads pool even though it wasn't heated and they had been in the hot tub.

Brady plays flag football

2008-10-30T13:28:00.003-06:00

Brady played organized ball for his first time. He wanted to play soccer, but we forgot to register him in time so he played this instead. He was still really excited to play. He had an awesome coach.We played in cold, wind, sun, and rain. We also got treats.

When they started they were rough but by the end of the season they had really improved.

And, he got a great medal.

Casey's 3rd Birthday

2008-10-30T13:14:00.002-06:00

Casey just turned three. After the mishap early on his birthday with his cake, I turned it over and this was the finished result. But, the next day it looked almost the same because he ate all the frosting off.

He had a great time. We went to IHOP, his favorite restaurant. He loved cake and BYU football ice cream.

He loves trains. He got his Geotrax last birthday so he got new pieces this year.

The girls first BYU game

2008-10-30T13:08:00.003-06:00

This year we bought an extra season with Chris. They had an extra ticket for three games and so do we. we decided it was time to take the girls. they had fun. Notice the clothing attire in each picture. Abby gets to go back to the last home game. Maybe she will experience the cold weather BYU football can have.

First Day of School

2008-10-30T11:41:00.010-06:00

School started for the girls on August 18th. They always have a school theme for the year and "Band of Brothers" is this years.

The principal had army people lined up to welcome the kids and even had an army jeep there. Fun for the kids.

Abby is in the 5th Grade. And, her teacher is in our ward.

Grace is in 3rd Grade.

Brady started Kindergarten a week later.

Casey misses them all and is bored every morning.

Final summer trip to Vegas

2008-10-30T10:57:00.003-06:00

We went to visit mom and dad the week before school started. This was a more laid back trip the kids lived in my moms pool or my uncle's pool.We also love to go to the park.I love chilling at my moms and dads house.

Justin and Becca's

2008-10-30T10:49:00.004-06:00

While we were up at the reunion we decided to stay a few days more and went to my brother Justin's families house. It was so fun. The kids went to movies, played, played in the water, and had some fun time together. Thanks for the great time!

Garner Reunion

2008-10-30T10:18:00.004-06:00

You may have seen some of this before but this is my version. So we have this reunion every summer with Robb's folks and all the brothers, sisters, and their families. This year Robb and I were in charge. We had our version of the Olympics.
We started with a great family spiritual experience to the temple. I didn't have many pictures of this.
Next, we started our Olympics with a real Olympic torch relay to light our cauldron.We had each family create their own family flag with a real flag from the family mission(The flag was related to the area each child served their missions, mom and dad had a Korean flag for Stacy) in the middle.

We played a lot of fun games that were related to real Olympic games (horse racing, diving, etc.)

Then on the last night we had an amazing meal prepared by everyone which included a dish from each mission everyone that attended went to. It was delicious. I loved it all.After the meal, we had a great talent show with a special guest appearance. If you want to see photos we may have to negotiate.The highlight of the whole weekend was the homemade slip and slide. It was so fun and actually almost got everyone on it at some time.

True BYU fans

2008-10-27T08:12:00.005-06:00

It is red ribbon week at the girls school to celebrate drug free week. Each day the kids wear things to dress up. This morning they were supposed to wear red to show they participate. Abby did not want to so she wore her BYU shirt and wrote a tag that said she is drug free and red free.

Grace wanted to show her support for her school, so she wore red. But, then when I was writing Abby's tag she asked for one that said I am wearing Red but I still hate to.

Go Cougars!

Where I have been

2008-10-06T16:37:00.003-06:00

visited 16 states (32%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or determine the next president
I stole this from Robb's cousin Jessica. I want to get going. I want to visit every state in my life.

My Baby is THREE!

2008-09-18T11:55:00.004-06:00

I know that I am way behind and I will try to catch up in the next week or so. But, today my baby turns three. I am almost out of anything to do with babies. That makes me kind of sad but on the other hand I love doing things with my kids now.

September 18, 2005September 18, 2008One thing about three year olds they cant wait for cakes to be frosted to enjoy them.

Update on the birds

2008-07-24T12:51:00.004-06:00

We know that there are at least three baby birds in the nest.

They are so cute how they stretch there necks so high when they are hungry.They have little tufts of feathers on them now.Sorry the pictures are not better but, the nest is high and my camera isn't great in that lightning and height.

Baby birds

2008-07-21T16:19:00.005-06:00

At the beginning of the summer, we had two birds who loved flying around under my patio. I finally figured out the reason. They had built a nest up in the corner of my patio.Then yesterday the bird was flying around frantic in the patio and I didn't know why. The kids found out today. They saw a baby birds head hanging over the nest.

Brady and his bike

2008-07-21T16:14:00.003-06:00

Brady got this bike for Christmas with training wheels on it. But, this past week he decided to learn how without them. He can do it by himself if Robb starts him. He will be riding by himself in no time.

Stadium of Fire

2008-07-21T15:48:00.011-06:00

This post comes with a warning. "It may be long" The show was so good and my kids had a ball. So, if you don't want to read it all I wont be offended.

Miley Cyrus was the hot ticket on the 4th of July in Provo. She sold out Stadium of Fire in 2 and a half hours. Our good friends the Clarks thought of us and helped us get tickets so both families could go.

Glenn Beck was the MC and he came down right in front of us for part of the show. Also, I love the dancers. They did a show about the Olympic games and they had all kinds of athletes perform their sports with them. Right in front of us there were runners and bikers and horses. It was awesome. This is the dancers doing synchronized swimming.

I loved Blue Man Group. I could have watched more of them performing. IT is great entertainment.

Then the main event, Miley Cyrus. My girls were in seventh heaven. Grace felt a little under the weather and still enjoyed her and Abby was having a ball. We were not very close, as you can see. But, all the big screens they put up help a lot. My girls enjoying every song. Then after her great show the best part of the whole night was the fireworks. They were great. My whole family loved this part. When we got in our seats we had these cool glasses under them to look at the fireworks and it made them look even bigger and better.

4th of July in Provo

2008-07-21T15:16:00.008-06:00

So, we have been staying at home on the 4th of July the last three or four years. we love it. We have started our own traditions and have a blast as a family even if it is a long tiring day.

We start at 6 in the morning in Provo watching the hot air balloons. We have been going with Chris and Jodi and their family. After, we go to Kneaders for the best French Toast breakfast. Then we hang out with Chris and Jodi and their family for the day. This year the kids played Rock Band, played in the water, and we had lunch together.

People get so tired this is how much fun we have.This year we went to Stadium of Fire (I will talk more about it in the next post.) on the night of the 4th and this is what we looked like even before it started.

My own Rockband

2008-07-01T14:57:00.005-06:00

Robb got Rock band for his birthday in February and the kids think it is fun to play as a family. This is my very own rock band. The kids named the group Yankeeography.

We all take turns but my favorite is taking pictures. Robb likes to be part of the band also.The girls usually end up singing.

But, they do play a little also.Casey thinks he is big enough to play along but not when we are in our band mode. So, he plays Grace's Hannah Montana guitar.When we finished playing last night, we did give him a chance to rock out on the drums with the kids.Boy, those girls make a great duet on Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive.Brady had started getting ready for bed. That is why he has no shirt on. We don't usually let him rock out half naked. But, he does look like a real guitarist now.

Look he can even rock with his elbows!

We can't wait for our next jam session.

Lehi Roundup Parade

2008-06-28T12:39:00.007-06:00

I love parades and miss being in Burley for the fair and rodeo. So, the past few years we have tried to make up a little by going to our community days parade. This year we not only attended but the girls participated. At the end of the school year the Jr High cheerleaders for next year did a fund raiser by doing a cheer camp not long after school got out. They spent one morning learning cheers and dances to perform in this parade.This is how cute and excited the girls were before the parade started.

We went early to get a good spot and have donuts (It is a tradition). We also had to go early so the girls could eat and get to where they were supposed to meet early enough. But, the poor boys had to wait in the sun for a long time.

This is Abby and Grace's voice teacher. She just won the Miss Lehi pageant.Our boys were happy about the spot we had though, when the parade started. They got a lot of candy.

In this parade all the wards in our area make floats. ON Friday night, there is a smaller parade for just them and they get judged. Then they get to show their awards in the big parade. Our ward did a float. The theme this year was tall tales. Ours was about bedtime stories with tall tales. We won honorable mention.
Finally here comes my cheerleaders (two hours later). They were close to the end of the parade. OH, they are so cute dancing to a song called "Ice Cream and Cake".

And, here they are hot, tired, and happy when it is all over.

Yeah-I cant wait till next year!

A Day at the Gateway

2008-06-25T16:56:00.020-06:00

I am so glad Brady had such a great preschool teacher. If it wasn't for her my kids would be crazy bored. Today we Went up to the Gateway in Salt Lake and went to the children's museum called Discovery Gateway. We went as a school class so they gave us 25 minutes in each area and moved us along and then we had to leave after two hours.

First they sent us to a new exhibit called Invention at play. It showed the kids how to invent things through play.

Next, we went to the studio. It is an area where you can learn about arts and science. Casey loved the wind tunnel and making things fly out the top of it. Abby made a house and then shook it with a simulated earthquake. And all the kids loved playing on the life flight helicopter.
The last place we spent a lot of time at was the Kids Eye View Area. IT was a whole town built for kids. Casey loved the construction area and it took me forever to get him to look at anything else. They had rock walls. And another favorite was the grocery store or post office stuff.

When we were done at the museum, we had taken sack lunches and the kids suits and they enjoyed time at the fountains and lunch at the Gateway. Everyone that is except Casey.

The fountains went of all the time, but, there was something special that happened every so often. It was cool every half hour we had our own Bellagio. They would play music and the fountains would go off.

A Day at the Aquarium

2008-06-22T11:29:00.006-06:00

Brady's preschool teacher invited all the kids from school and some friends to join in field trips for the summer. We get together as a class so we can get good deals and go in together. We went to the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. We went with our friends the Irwins.

The kids had a blast. They got to touch live Sting Rays and watch them eat.

As you can see from Abby's picture the pool was deep and the kids had to get right down in to touch them. Also, they fill really slimy.

There was a Corral place the kids could climb through it and play around it. So I snapped these pictures of them in the coral.

It was fun for the kids. Next week we go to the Discovery Gateway.

ABC Book of New York

2008-06-17T14:52:00.044-06:00

OK- So disclaimer first. This may be long, don't feel obligated to read it. Second, We love New York. This was our first trip back to New York since close to our one year wedding anniversary. We had a blast and loved spending time just the two of us.

A is for: Apple store-There is a huge store for apple computer stuff on 5th avenue for those that aren't aware. On the trip there, I decided I need new headphones. We decided to go check them out there and lets just say they were a little out of my price range.B is for: Buffalo-My brother Josh is on his mission by a place called Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. The story goes along with this setup we saw at the American Museum of Natural History, so I had to take a picture.C is for: Computer Chairs-We had a lay over going to and coming from New York in Chicago. We had time to sit and wait and we found that the airport had these awesome chairs. We also found these chairs in the Long Island airport. It was great on the way back because there was a bad thunder and lightning storm and we were delayed two hours.D is for: Johnny Damon- As many of you may know WE are both huge Yankee fans, so we attended 2 games while we were back there and both we exciting with huge Yankee wins. The second game we went to, Damon went 6 for 6 and got a hit to win the game in the bottom of the 9th inning.

E is for: ESPNZone-We love eating at the ESPNZone. So we decided to go to the one in Times Square the first night. It was also the first night of the NBA Finals. So, it was crazy and loud and fun, and good food.

F is for: following traffic signs-Take a good look at this photo. We walked a lot around New York and this always happened. I guess the rule is even if the light says Stop if there are no cars GO!G is for: Jason Giambi-In the first exciting game we saw he hit a walkoff- 2 run Home Run to win the game.H is for: our hotel- Our hotel was also an H-Hilton Garden Inn. It was just off Times Square. and we had a great room. It was so close to walk to almost everything.

I is for: Illegal photo- This is for Erin. When we got into see Wicked, people were taking pictures all over. So, I got out my camera shot to photos and quickly put it away before they came to tell the people in front of me to stop. J is for:Jorge Posada- He is the Yankees catcher. He had been on the Disabled list for most of the season. The day we went to the first game he came back to play. We were happy. Also, the second game he hit a home run.K is for: K counter at the game. To keep track of how many strike outs. As you can see and tell from the scores there were not a lot of strike outs. L is for:Long Island Railroad-We flew into Long Island and rode the Long Island Railroad into New York. It was fun. They come and punched your tickets and we were hoping they would make words like on Polar Express but no luck. M is for:mission food-After Wicked we walked around the corner to a little restaurant we found in the play bill that served food from Argentina. Robb was excited to have food from his mission. We had the best empanadas. Our table was the one on the right hand side back in the corner.N is for:New Yankee Stadium- The reason we went to New York was to see Yankee stadium before it is torn down. We have now decided we are making another trip next year to see the inside of the new stadium. O is for:Old Yankee Stadium-We love Yankee stadium. P is for: Pigeons- I hope it has been long enough this wont hurt feelings. The last time we were in New York, we went with Robb's parents. We went to Yankee Stadium with a whole group of people. While we were walking under the subway track, a bird made a mess on Cathryn. I have always thought of that, so this is homage to that day.

Q is for: Quandary-So, the Quandary on our trip was losing our Wicked tickets three hours before the play and not knowing if we had come all this way and would get to see it or not. It all worked out and we did see it but if you want the whole story you will have to call or email me. It would take up too much space. Unfortunately there is no photo because of the stress, but, I wish I had taken a picture of our tore up hotel room.

R is for: Rexy-For all of you who have seen Night at the Museum, that is the museum we went to and so here is a picture of the dinosaur from the museum. S is for: Dwight Shrute and strange men- Robb and I enjoy watching The Office. As we walked back from the museum we went the long way. We went through Central Park, to the Apple store on 5th Avenue, and down fifth avenue to Rockefeller center and past all the studios. As we walked past the NBC place we saw this display of Dwight Shrute bobble heads. Also, the strange men were by the Plaza hotel on 5th avenue. T is for: Times Square- I love all the lights and there are always a ton of people there.

U is for: Underground Subway-I love riding the subway. And, I got pretty good at it by the end of the week.

V is for: Very Hot- The day of the second game was the day the heat wave started in the east. It was 95 and the head umpire almost passed out. The stadium set up hydration stations in the stadium with free water so people wouldn't get sick.

W is for: Wicked- One of the best plays I have ever seen. It was all I had hoped for.

X is for: Extremely large museum- The American Museum of Natural History is much larger than it looks in the movie Night at the Museum, but it is pretty fun after seeing that movie.

Y is for: Yankees- I love everything Yankees!!

Z is for: Zig Zag- Central Park is huge. and, it seems like to get through it we had to zig zag through it. Also, sorry this is the only photo I took in Central Park. I was worried about getting through walking in my boot and not getting lost.

Sorry this is so long if you have made it to here. But we had a great time.

Wanna be Photographer

2008-06-13T18:42:00.003-06:00

So I want to be a photographer. I don't know when t his dream will come true,but for now, I take them of my own kids. Here are the latest.

Mother's Day weekend

2008-06-13T18:24:00.010-06:00

Since I was up in Idaho for my brothers graduation mother's day weekend, Robb decided to come up with the kids and stay for mother's day. The boys helped Grandpa Luke take his deck down and thank you to Erin for helping with my kids til I got there. When we were done we went to Minidoka Dam for a picnic and some fun.

After a great dinner, we had fun playing on the playground and riding bikes.

Robb set up an awesome golf course around the park. Everyone, including the little ones, got into golfing.

I now have a 3rd Kindergartener

2008-06-13T17:20:00.005-06:00

Man, Brady has graduated from preschool and is into kindergarten.We love his teacher Ms. Tina. We will miss her this coming school year. Thank goodness we still have Casey going in two school years.

Brady had a blast for two years with his best friend Dexter. They were inseparable. They are hoping to get into the same kindergarten class.

Brady was quite the performer. He sang, danced, and performed Hey Diddle Diddle as a dog.

The graduation ceremony was just like a real ceremony, with cap and gowns included and marching in to the right music.

Last month of school

2008-06-13T16:33:00.018-06:00

Well, I am so glad school is out for summer. That last month is so hectic to be involved with all that is going on. I didn't make it to all, but, I got to as much as I could. Abby went on a field trip to an old army camp called Camp Floyd. They taught them about the school they had there and how to shoot guns like the army men did in those days.

Grace had to do a report on an animal. She choose the Cheetah. Then after they were done, one night the parents of all the second graders got to go to the school and look at the projects the kids had done.

Brady's preschool went to Farm Town at Thanksgiving Point for one of their last field trips. I decided to go along because I could take Casey and because it was his last time in preschool.

Abby was involved with her school choir this year. It is for grades 4th, 5th, and 6th. She loved it and tried out for a solo. She didn't get one this year but she will keep trying.

On the day before the last day of school the girls had a field day at the school. In the morning they had dry activities. I went and helped with Grace's younger class group. I took the boys with me and it was windy and they thought it was boring because they couldn't play anywhere there was to much going on. In the afternoon, the had wet activities. Luckily, the wind kind of stopped and my boys got more involved.

Spring Break

2008-06-12T17:24:00.027-06:00

I decided to take the kids to Vegas to visit my folks for Spring break by myself. We had a week of great fun. My favorite thing to do is to go to the Bellagio and see the flowers and the fountains. We also did a lot we had never done before. We went to Hoover Dam and we parked on one side and walked all the way across the dam. The kids did great.

Las Vegas also has the best parks. We always like to find new ones. These are the two we went to this trip. The first was for bigger kids and had dinosaurs and big slides. the second was flowers and bugs. It was so cute.

Our friends the Clarks were down that way so we met up and talked them into hanging out with us. We hiked and went to an aquarium. It was a blast. Maybe the women should take the kids there every spring break. OH and by the way Casey was a champ hiking. He walked at least half of the mile hike.

But the best is always just swimming at my mom and dads. I think we will go back once more this summer just to swim.

Devin and Erin's Reception in Idaho

2008-06-12T16:35:00.013-06:00

Wow what a fun time to celebrate new family.

I had such a great time watching all these cousins together. It is fun how some of them are so close together, but they all get along so great.

The color scheme was cute and so was all kids in their matching outfits. And, how great to see these kids singing for Devin after he sang for most of us at our weddings.

LOTS TO CATCH UP ON

2008-06-12T16:34:00.001-06:00

I have a ton to put on here so I will try to get it on as soon as I can. Keep checking for more and Kim you especially....I have an ABC Book from New York coming.

Two Conversations from my boys

2008-04-03T12:21:00.002-06:00

Today I had the boys in the back seat of the car. These are two conversations I overheard...
Casey: I miss Abby, Grace and daddy.
Brady: It's ok-hold my hand, that will be comfort.

Ever since we went to Chuck E Cheese for Brady's birthday Casey has said he wants to go.
Casey: Go to Chuck E Cheese for my birthday.
Brady:I know- you don't have to say it a million times.

Willy Wonka

2008-03-29T14:35:00.002-06:00

So, we got back from Nauvoo and our week got hectic. Abby has been working on the play Willy Wonka since January. This was her first time in a play and she got a speaking part as Phineous Trout the reporter. To make more parts for more kids they made more than one reporter.

Abby's friend Jade, who is Tim and Barbara Irwin's daughter. Tim is Robb's college roommate. They both got to be Oompa Loompas together because Abby's part was small.

We had dress rehearsal on Monday and then the play was Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. She was so good and the play was great. I have put pictures of her below.

Nauvoo

2008-03-29T14:18:00.005-06:00

We got back from Nauvoo on Monday. Except for the cold weather and the wind we had a great time.

The wedding was beutiful and so was the bride and groom.

Pictures were a challenge in the wind and cold.

The reception was fun and so was dinner after.

Warm days

2008-03-29T14:04:00.008-06:00

It has been warm enough at least two days in the last month to go out to play. Here are some pictures of Brady finally getting to ride his bike that he got for Christmas. There are also pictures of Casey on his scooter and the kids at the park while Abby was in play practice.

Brady's birthday

2008-03-29T13:38:00.009-06:00

Brady turned five on March 20th. We as good parents were gone on a trip to Nauvoo. Luckily, he was with some of our kids and my brother and sister in law. But, before we went we celebrated two days early. All he wanted was to go with his best buddy Dexter to Chuck E Cheese.

It was fun. Grandma and Grandpa Garner were in town so they came and brought Karina and Elise.

Chuck E Cheese is fun and lots of cash.

We played games and had cake. It was a Star Wars cake. We also opened gifts.

The kids had a blast and Casey ran around yelling "More money dad."

What the kids want to be...

2008-03-29T13:32:00.003-06:00

When Abby was little she would say she wanted to be a Vet, or a Dentist, or a teacher. Now she wants to be an actress, especially on Broadway.

When Grace was little she would say she wanted to be a doctor. The last year of preschool, her teacher made a video and asked all the kids what they wanted to be. She said on camera she wanted to be a cowgirl (I am not sure where that came from). Now she wants to be a singer. Watch out American Idol!

Brady told me he wanted to be a police officer or a firefighter. Then the other day he came to me and said he had changed his mind, now he wants to be a Pilot.

Casey can't tell us yet but from what he likes he will be a train engineer (thanks Thomas) or a stunt driver watch out for him on his scooter.

Abby's Music Birthday Party

2008-03-06T11:33:00.005-07:00

So- on the Saturday after Abby's birthday we had a little music party. We made invitations that looked like Cd's. And, we had 11 girls to our house.

We played games like Name That Tune.

We also played a game like charades with music and dance moves.

And, the girls made up performances with Cd's I asked them to bring from home.

Snacks were fun. I made an Ipod cake I found on the web.

And, Abby opened gifts. I think she had a pretty good birthday this year.

Abby's 10th Birthday

2008-03-06T11:18:00.004-07:00

Well, my baby has turned double digits.

On her birthday, February 28, we just had a fun family day. We surprised her with breakfast before school. I made her a special silly birthday lunch. And, we went to dinner at IHOP as a family. I also made her a simple chocolate cake.

She had fun opening presents with her sister and brothers also.

Kids do the funniest things

2008-03-06T11:11:00.005-07:00

My children love IHOP. They love funny face pancakes and going on their birthdays. The store gives free ice cream sundaes and sing a silly song to the birthday person. Casey loves it so much he recognizes the building and will say, "Mommy, pancakes", when we drive by. On Monday, we were driving to Salt Lake for a dentist appointment and Casey saw on of the signs on the side of the road that leads you to were different restaurants are located. On the sign was the word IHOP and Casey yells from the back seat, "MOM- PANCAKES!" I look around for an IHOP building but all there was was this little sign. My son is so smart.

A mishap on Robb's birthday cake

2008-02-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

SO, yesterday was Robb's birthday. We had a nice family evening. We went to Chilis for dinner and then came home for gifts and cake. I had made a chocolate cherry cake that Robb likes. I noticed before we left for dinner that the extra chocolate chips used to make the frosting had been sprinkled all over the cake, as you can see in this picture.
I thought for sure Casey had done it, since I saw him snitching chocolate chips. When we came home to have cake, I told Robb that Casey had "ruined the cake" but it would be good. While I was trying to get kids to the table to eat their pieces of cake, Abby left and Grace brought me the following note from her
Man do I feel bad, first of all the cake was not ruined and I made her feel bad. Second, she was letting me blame my baby. And, third am I so scary she can't tell me. What a laugh Robb and I got last night.

Grace's Baptism Day

2008-02-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Grace had a very special day on Saturday. She was baptized on the same day as President Hinkley's funeral. It was gorgeous and sunny. She was the first to be baptized. It was so special to see her and her dad in the baptismal font.
It was very great we had lots of friends and family there to support her. Both grandparents and lots of aunts and uncles.

After the baptism we all went out to lunch. I decided that was easier than planning a meal. It was fun sitting and eating and visiting.

She said the water was cold. She had a smile from ear to ear. I was so proud of her. It is so great to have children in your home who love the church so much. It makes being good easier. What a special time for our family.

Brady said something interesting...

2008-01-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yeah- I have a way to write down memories of the kids I want to remember.
Lately Brady has been really interested in Heavenly Father, and what will happen after we die and stuff like that.
We went through the drive through at the bank the other day and Brady saw the tube that goes into the bank for the first time. He said to me, "Mom, I wish that we could send notes to Heavenly Father with a thing like that!"
He is so funny.

On to January...

2008-01-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Our New Years Eve and New Years Day are always great. New Years Day is Grace's birthday. She loves staying up til her actual birthday and drinking apple cider (which she thinks is for her birthday and it is for us). She also loves seeing fireworks on her birthday. She turned eight this year. She cannot wait for her baptism in a couple of weeks. We will let you know how that day is.

We had a birthday party with 14 little girls. It was a makeup party. They were able to play a blindfold game putting makeup on each other then they took it off and we let them have real makeovers. Grace thought it was great.

The winter we have had more snow than usual. This has been great for the kids. They have made 3 snowman so far. It is also great because Brady is home more and i can send him out for something to do.

Abby has had a great few months also. She entered a competition at school. She had a topic and decided to make a video for it. She had to think of the idea and the text. She also had to do all the filming and editing herself. At the school level she got second place and a trophy and then they sent it on to the next level. We went to a big award program the other night were she got an award of merit there. We are so proud of her.

Starting with Christmas

2008-01-15T18:49:00.002-07:00

We had a great Christmas! It was our fourth year to have it here at our house alone. Our kids enjoy being here and enjoying our new stuff. Brady's quote of the holiday was, "This Christmas is OFF THE HOOK!"

Casey is two and enjoys trains. Santa brought him new Geotrax to go with the set we gave him for his last birthday. All he wanted was to play with the train, forget the other gifts. He has talked nonstop about Choo-Choo trains for a month now.

We have kept alot of the Garner traditions. My children LOVE Codfish on Christmas morning.

We hope you all had a great holiday.