Aspen Grove- Part 1

Last week my family had a reunion in Utah at the BYU Aspen Grove family camp. This was the first time my entire family has been together in 10 years! There was so much for everyone to do, even with the very few breaks from the constant downpours (always seeming the hardest when we would walk to the dining hall). The kids had groups to go to each day with the other kids their age. They swam (even with it being COLD!), did crafts, hiked, learned camp cheers and more. There were also a lot of fun activities for the adults and family activities. We paintballed, fished, raced remote control cars, mini golfed and shot air rifles. Since the camp is only a few minutes from the Sundance Ski Resort (where Eric asked me to marry him) we snuck away for dessert one night at the Tree Room. It was so funny because they sat us at the same table we were at a little over 10 years ago.

A big thanks to my Mom, Dad and Grandma for making this trip possible! We can't wait for the next one!

A few shots of the rifles. When the instructor was giving us a quick lesson he brought the gun up to his cheek and said and line that was quoted many times through out the rest of the week. "You need to get intimate with the butt of the gun" Thanks Tim! I managed to get all my shots on the target and my brother Andrew won the first place prize for the best shooting. I guess he had a slight advantage being a police officer and all.

Chris ready to take a shot.

Amy looks like a pro.

Matthew giving Alycia some pointers.

My first time shooting.

Jolene looking good.

Rachel getting close with the gun.

10 Years!

I can't believe that is had been 10 years. It seems like yesterday and forever ago at the same time. I remember thinking about this day when we celebrated our early anniversaries and thinking how far away it seemed. I would love to say that we have fabulous plans to celebrate this big day, but instead we are working, getting a 2 year old off the counter, having playgroup, getting a 2 year old off the counter, cleaning house, getting a 2 year old off the counter, packing for a family reunion in Utah, enjoying the last day of first grade, last day of the swim session and getting a 2 year old off the counter.

10 Reasons I love you

10. My favorite things are volleyball, puppies and light tan and those are all your favorite things to do everyday.

9. You know who I am, who I'm not and who I want to be.

8. You love your family and mine.

7. We share the same goals and ideas about life.

6. You are kind to everyone.

5. You can still make me laugh.

4. You can build or fix anything.

3. You are the hardest worker I know.

2. You are a fabulous Dad!

1. You really love me no matter what.

Love you, XxOoxxooXXOO

Last Ballet Class

Ella had her last ballet class this past week. Parents were able to stay and watch and it was so fun. They did their warm up routines and then a little dance they had learned over the course of the class. Ella was very focused when she was dancing which was very cute. She has a great memory and really knew her stuff.

Family Get Together

We had some of the extended family come over on Saturday for a BBQ to celebrate Cameron's birthday. It is nice to have family close for things like this. The kids loved being able to play with some of their cousins and they all had a blast playing outside since we finally had some sun! We had a Curious George theme because Cameron loves his George! My parents gave him a stuffed George for Christmas and he LOVES it. He kisses him good night, hugs him and even shares his binkies with him; for a minute anyways. Eating a dandelion.
Maddox, Kaylee and Natalie

Yummy cake!

Cameron had no problem letting Griffin help him open presents. Here he is intently looking at the robots on the wrapping paper. "Robots, robots!" I don't know how he even knows what they are, but he did.

Mother's Day

Chiara wrote a really funny post about Mother's Day and I have a lot of the same feelings, but I just don't write that well. :) So click the link to her page and read it! There are a lot of guilty feelings that I have noticed come with Mother's Day. These cards, both made and bought, that go on and on about how great of a mom I am and how can you not feel like you don't live up to that? It is a good thing this day only comes once a year or I might be feeling really bad about my mothering skills.

The day started out pretty great. I got to sleep in until about 7:30 when I could no longer block out the noise coming from downstairs. Natalie was so excited to give me this cute book she made at school along with her hand print in plaster. They are so sweet, but I couldn't help laugh when she wrote how I make "fabulous enchiladas" because she HATES them and acts as if they are poison when I make them about twice a year. There were 2 dozen beautiful roses and a sweet card waiting on the counter. Eric gave me my present Saturday, a planter box so I can start our garden! I am excited and better get planting!

We were going to have dinner at my parents but about 5 minutes before we left Ella threw up all over the kitchen floor (THANK GOODNESS IT WASN'T ON THE CARPET!) so we stayed home. My Dad was so sweet and brought dinner down for us. She hasn't thrown up since then so I don't think she has swine flu, but believe me that was my first thought!

Happy Birthday Cameron

I can't believe that today my little guy turns 2! These two years have gone by way way too fast. Cameron has been so much fun and adds so much to our family. We all love him to death! He had his 2 year check up today and weighed in at 26lbs! That is more than I thought he would be so it was a pleasant surprise. He did have to get one shot and after he stopped crying said, "Owie, got a poke!" Cameron is constantly talking, climbing on stuff, trying to into whatever his sisters are doing, work along side Eric in the garage or back yard, and be as independent as possible. Happy Birthday buddy!

"The Best Week of My Life!"

A direct quote from Natalie. "I can't believe it. This week I lost a tooth, had my nails painted and got my ears pierced! I can't believe I have earrings in my very own personal ears! This is the best week of my life!" It has been quite a week for Natalie. Tuesday night (when I was at work of course) Natalie lost her first tooth. I was sad I missed out on the big event, but luckily the tooth fairy still went off without a hitch. Eric said at first she was crying and then the cries turned into squeals of delight. Natalie is the LAST one (or so she says) or everyone in first grade to lose a tooth and has been anxiously awaiting this big milestone. She dose look pretty cute with that little hole in her mouth. Then Ella found the nail polish Friday as I was leaving for work and asked if I would paint her toes. So I did a quick coat on twenty little toes and headed out the door. Not quite the spa experience Natalie seems to think she had. Today we went shopping and as we passed Claire's I asked Natalie if she wanted her ears pierced. I didn't think she would say yes because I have asked her before but the fear of pain has always kept her from getting it done. However, today she said yes. Well it is a good thing that they have "FREE" ear piercing. You just pay $25 for the tiniest earrings ever. Seriously people who are you kidding when the rest of the earrings in the store are like $3 each. She said is hurt a little bit but she did great. She also picked out a few pairs but she won't be switching for the next 6 weeks. I think I should have held off on the extra pairs because I have already been asked maybe a million times when she can put the other ones in. It is going to be a LONG 6 weeks. And so concludes the best week of Natalie's life. Much cheaper and easier than Disneyland was.