Putting more water in Grandma's bucket
Needless to say both girls got rather wet, but they kept up with it for a good hour or more. They love being outside and running around.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Planting Flowers
Yesterday (7/9/11) the girls and I went over to their grandma's house to help her run a few errands and plant some flowers. The girls were all too happy to "help" with the watering part of it. Here are a few pictures that I got. Emmalyn is in the pink shirt, Brooklyn in the orange shirt.
Needless to say both girls got rather wet, but they kept up with it for a good hour or more. They love being outside and running around.
Needless to say both girls got rather wet, but they kept up with it for a good hour or more. They love being outside and running around.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Wheeler Farm
Last weekend we had some really pretty days, but we hadn't gotten our new passes to the zoo, so I took the girls to Wheeler Farm. It's a family farm here in the middle of the city and people can just go and see the animals, have picnics, etc and it's all free. There are hay rides and classes/workshops but those you have to pay for. Anyway, I love going in the Spring because that's when all the new baby animals are there. I guess it's still a little early in the Spring for too many, but there were a few and I'm gonna be sure to go back because we saw a few VERY pregnant momma animals there.
Emmalyn loved the animals and being able to go right up to their cages and see them, which is unusual for her...she usually shies away/gets scared of them. Not this time though!
Looking at one of the adorable lambs!
Brooklyn, on the other hand, preferred to stay in the stroller. Not necessarily because she was afraid of the animals, but more because she LOVES our "new" stroller. I found a Sit'N'Stand stroller on KSL for $50 and Brooklyn would probably sleep in it if I let her, okay that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. She knows that we keep the stroller in the back of the van, and EVERY time we go anywhere she goes straight to the back of the van, pounds on the back door of the van and asks to get the "oller" out. She'll even throw a fit when we tell her not this time. So here's where she spent the time at Wheeler Farm...
...until we got to the duck/geese pond. A lady gave us a loaf of bread and the girls thought it was awesome to throw the bread and watch the ducks come and eat it.
Emmalyn loved the animals and being able to go right up to their cages and see them, which is unusual for her...she usually shies away/gets scared of them. Not this time though!
Pointing at one of the goats
Looking at one of the adorable lambs!Brooklyn, on the other hand, preferred to stay in the stroller. Not necessarily because she was afraid of the animals, but more because she LOVES our "new" stroller. I found a Sit'N'Stand stroller on KSL for $50 and Brooklyn would probably sleep in it if I let her, okay that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. She knows that we keep the stroller in the back of the van, and EVERY time we go anywhere she goes straight to the back of the van, pounds on the back door of the van and asks to get the "oller" out. She'll even throw a fit when we tell her not this time. So here's where she spent the time at Wheeler Farm...
...until we got to the duck/geese pond. A lady gave us a loaf of bread and the girls thought it was awesome to throw the bread and watch the ducks come and eat it.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Easter 2011 - Caliente, NV
As mentioned in the last post, I took the girls down to Caliente the few days before Easter. Thanks to some good friends Jeff was able to join us late Friday night, just in time for all the fun Easter festivisties! They started out Saturday morning with egg coloring. Cory, Melissa, and their boys came over to join us. This is the first year the girls were really able to participate. They were a little leary about it at first, but after they realized what we were doing they had a lot of fun.
Emmalyn's first egg
Brooklyn's first egg
Emmalyn has this thing were she likes to "hide" things and ask where it went. Well putting the eggs in the darker colors was no exception! Whenever we'd put an egg in color she'd put her hands up an say "Go?!" Jeff was able to get this cute picture of her doing that.
Next was the Easter Egg Hunt, put on by the Caliente Rotary Club. They section off the park and put the kids in age groups. Once again the girls didn't really seem to care what was going on at first, but once they realized that they could run out and pick up the eggs they were hard to slow down.
Emmalyn
BrooklynOf course, I let the Easter Bunny know we were gonna be in Caliente, so the girls were able to get some goodies in their baskets!
Visiting Grandma and Grandpa Smith
The week before Easter was my mom's spring break, so the girls and I went down for the last half of the week. The girls did fairly well on the trip and we had a wonderful visit with my parents, my brother Cory, his wife Melissa, and their 3 boys. The girls LOVED having some boys to rough and tumble with and spent as much time as I would let them outside. Anytime Grandpa was home they were his little shadows, and they loved to snuggle with Grandma and go for walks.
On the way down we made a pit stop at my sister Marie's house. Her kids were all too willing to play with the girls and let them get their wiggles out after being in the car for a few hours! Santa was very nice to them this past Christmas and got them a trampoline, and the girls decided to give it a try. At first Emmalyn was a little scared and overwhelmed (of course it didn't help that there were a lot of bigger kids on there with her) but I put her on again when there was only one or two other kids on it and she LOVED it. She would get so excited that instead of bouncing she would just wave arms like she was trying to fly, it was so cute! Here are a couple of pictures...
Singing on the swing set.
Brooklyn found Grandma's lipstick in her purse...beautiful!
Grandpa's little helpers!
Walking up by the Depot
Grandpa took them for a ride in his Rhino, they LOVED it and didn't want to get out!
My parents don't have a dishwasher so doing dishes the "old fashion" way was a favorite with the girls. They always wanted to help whoever was doing the dishes.
On the way down we made a pit stop at my sister Marie's house. Her kids were all too willing to play with the girls and let them get their wiggles out after being in the car for a few hours! Santa was very nice to them this past Christmas and got them a trampoline, and the girls decided to give it a try. At first Emmalyn was a little scared and overwhelmed (of course it didn't help that there were a lot of bigger kids on there with her) but I put her on again when there was only one or two other kids on it and she LOVED it. She would get so excited that instead of bouncing she would just wave arms like she was trying to fly, it was so cute! Here are a couple of pictures...
Of course trampolines make AWESOME hair-dos.
Brooklyn with her cousin Veronica.
After a couple hours of playing with their cousins in Cedar City we headed to Caliente. Here are some pictures from our adventures there.
Singing on the swing set.
Brooklyn found Grandma's lipstick in her purse...beautiful!
Grandpa's little helpers!
Walking up by the Depot
Grandpa took them for a ride in his Rhino, they LOVED it and didn't want to get out!
My parents don't have a dishwasher so doing dishes the "old fashion" way was a favorite with the girls. They always wanted to help whoever was doing the dishes.Thanks again Mom and Dad for little us come and stay with you for those few days and for letting the girls tear apart your house! :)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Good News!
Jeff got a job!! He actually started a week and a half ago, but I just haven't had time to sit and blog. There were some reservations about it in the beginning (still a few there, like no benefits) but it's turning out to be really good for him. He's learning new skills and getting more experience to add to his resume, and he's enjoying the work as well. The girls have adjusted fairly well. The first few days he was gone they'd yell up the stairs for him (which was normal) and I'd have to tell them he wasn't up there. They'd be a little sad but then go on. They're definitely excited to see him when he comes home and generally don't want much to do with me in the evenings.
The girls are doing really well and learning new words every day. It just amazes me what they pick up on and learn. It seems like they say a new word about every other day, if not every day. We finally signed up for a trial thing of Netflix and one day the girls were being particularly cranky so I was looking for a show for them to watch and saw Blues Clues. I put it on for them and they were hooked immediately. They already know some of the actions of the songs and can occasionally point out a clue. We've been working on shapes lately, but when you first show/draw a shape they always say circle, so whenever the guy is drawing the clues they'll shout out "Circle!" They're also interacting and playing with each other a LOT more, which some days is good and others not so much. I try not to "categorize" or label the girls and their personalities, but Emmalyn tends to be the more bossy/authoritative one. It's kind of funny to watch as she tries to boss Brooklyn around, or even other people, like today in church when someone was standing up she looked right at them and said "Sit down!" rather loudly. Brooklyn also is very strong, but she's the more passive one, unless you REALLY get in her way. You know when she's had enough and has no problem tackling Emmalyn to the floor. They both love to "help" whether it's cleaning, putting things away, or anything that I will actually let them help with, and what I won't let them directly help with they'll mimic what I do. They're both generally just very happy and fun girls. I'm so blessed to have such amazing daughters.
As for myself there's really not much to report. Right after Jeff started his job I actually got offered a job, but after a lot of praying and discussing things with Jeff we decided it would be best for me to still stay home with the girls full time. I've had quite a bit of cabin lately, and the moodiness of the weather has not been helping. I watch the weather closely and anticipate the warm days and always try to plan outings with the girls. We've been the zoo a few times, and I'm currently in the process of trying to clean out the patio area we have in the back of our town home and making it more kid friendly and ready for some summer days playing out there. As you can see in the first picture below...the girls were great helpers!
Another thing the girls have started doing is trying to dress themselves. It's really cute what they end up with some times. Here's an example...
Those are actually shirts that Emmalyn apparently thought worked better as a skirt and whatever they may be around her feet.
The girls are doing really well and learning new words every day. It just amazes me what they pick up on and learn. It seems like they say a new word about every other day, if not every day. We finally signed up for a trial thing of Netflix and one day the girls were being particularly cranky so I was looking for a show for them to watch and saw Blues Clues. I put it on for them and they were hooked immediately. They already know some of the actions of the songs and can occasionally point out a clue. We've been working on shapes lately, but when you first show/draw a shape they always say circle, so whenever the guy is drawing the clues they'll shout out "Circle!" They're also interacting and playing with each other a LOT more, which some days is good and others not so much. I try not to "categorize" or label the girls and their personalities, but Emmalyn tends to be the more bossy/authoritative one. It's kind of funny to watch as she tries to boss Brooklyn around, or even other people, like today in church when someone was standing up she looked right at them and said "Sit down!" rather loudly. Brooklyn also is very strong, but she's the more passive one, unless you REALLY get in her way. You know when she's had enough and has no problem tackling Emmalyn to the floor. They both love to "help" whether it's cleaning, putting things away, or anything that I will actually let them help with, and what I won't let them directly help with they'll mimic what I do. They're both generally just very happy and fun girls. I'm so blessed to have such amazing daughters.
As for myself there's really not much to report. Right after Jeff started his job I actually got offered a job, but after a lot of praying and discussing things with Jeff we decided it would be best for me to still stay home with the girls full time. I've had quite a bit of cabin lately, and the moodiness of the weather has not been helping. I watch the weather closely and anticipate the warm days and always try to plan outings with the girls. We've been the zoo a few times, and I'm currently in the process of trying to clean out the patio area we have in the back of our town home and making it more kid friendly and ready for some summer days playing out there. As you can see in the first picture below...the girls were great helpers!
Another thing the girls have started doing is trying to dress themselves. It's really cute what they end up with some times. Here's an example...
Those are actually shirts that Emmalyn apparently thought worked better as a skirt and whatever they may be around her feet.Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A much needed weekend!
The first weekend of March I got together with my mom, sisters(in-law) and oldest niece in the beautiful, green Davis, CA. My sister Vera owns a funeral home there and was nice enough to host our annual girls weekend there this year. And yes, her home is ABOVE the funeral home...don't worry, her clients stayed nice and quiet for us :). We all traveled (some by plane, some by car) Thursday and arrived that evening.
Friday we rode the Amtrak to San Fransisco and enjoyed shopping, eating, visiting, touring, eating, and sight-seeing. We started at Pier 39 and Fisherman's wharf, then went on a downtown San Fran tour which of course included a stop at China Town. We ate some delicious food and saw some amazing sights...including a sunset tour over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Saturday we went the Davis Farmers Market. We sampled fresh local fruits, veggies, nuts, desserts. etc. After the Farmers Market we walked around and looked around a few shops in Davis. I have fallen in love with that place and the fact that it's very quaint, small, and walkable! That afternoon we had a baby shower for my SIL Melissa, she's due with her first girl (after three adorable, rambunctious boys) in May. After that we went to Trader Joe's and World Market and I got my favorite treat ever...Candy Cane Joe-Joe's (basically an Oreo with candy cane bits in the filling). That night we went out for Thai food (YUM) and then spent the evening visiting and relaxing.
Sunday we all went home. It was such a wonderful weekend and I had a great time. It was definitely a much needed break for me. Here are a few of the pictures that I got.
Waiting at the Amtrak station
My sister Marie and I on the Amtrak
All of us the double-decker tour bus
I loved these...just had to take a picture of them :)
Playing games at the baby shower.
Friday we rode the Amtrak to San Fransisco and enjoyed shopping, eating, visiting, touring, eating, and sight-seeing. We started at Pier 39 and Fisherman's wharf, then went on a downtown San Fran tour which of course included a stop at China Town. We ate some delicious food and saw some amazing sights...including a sunset tour over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Saturday we went the Davis Farmers Market. We sampled fresh local fruits, veggies, nuts, desserts. etc. After the Farmers Market we walked around and looked around a few shops in Davis. I have fallen in love with that place and the fact that it's very quaint, small, and walkable! That afternoon we had a baby shower for my SIL Melissa, she's due with her first girl (after three adorable, rambunctious boys) in May. After that we went to Trader Joe's and World Market and I got my favorite treat ever...Candy Cane Joe-Joe's (basically an Oreo with candy cane bits in the filling). That night we went out for Thai food (YUM) and then spent the evening visiting and relaxing.
Sunday we all went home. It was such a wonderful weekend and I had a great time. It was definitely a much needed break for me. Here are a few of the pictures that I got.
Waiting at the Amtrak stationMy sister Marie and I on the Amtrak
All of us the double-decker tour bus
I loved these...just had to take a picture of them :)
Playing games at the baby shower.Busy, Busy, Busy
That word is what best describes life for us right now. Two little 19 month old munchkins running around everywhere really makes life BUSY.
Brooklyn is finally walking...she's still a little slow and wobbly, but she's getting better and better every day. Emmalyn is a little smarty pants and just amazed me with what she says and does every day, and of course anything she does Brooklyn has to at least try to do too (and she usually succeeds too). Both girls love to "help" with everything that we will let them help with, i.e. laundry, vacuuming, throwing away diapers, putting (some) things away, etc. They're both very talkative and expressive and are so fun to watch when they play together. Here are some pictures for ya...
"Helping" me vacuum.
Reading in the chair in their room together.
Our little monkeys!
They love to do "big girl" things...like eating their lunch in the big chairs, not the high chairs.
This was actually just taken tonight...I thought it's be fun to put bubbles in their bath, Emmalyn didn't agree. She screamed the entire time. Needless to say this was one of her shortest baths ever!
Brooklyn is finally walking...she's still a little slow and wobbly, but she's getting better and better every day. Emmalyn is a little smarty pants and just amazed me with what she says and does every day, and of course anything she does Brooklyn has to at least try to do too (and she usually succeeds too). Both girls love to "help" with everything that we will let them help with, i.e. laundry, vacuuming, throwing away diapers, putting (some) things away, etc. They're both very talkative and expressive and are so fun to watch when they play together. Here are some pictures for ya...
"Helping" me vacuum.
Reading in the chair in their room together.
Our little monkeys!
They love to do "big girl" things...like eating their lunch in the big chairs, not the high chairs.
This was actually just taken tonight...I thought it's be fun to put bubbles in their bath, Emmalyn didn't agree. She screamed the entire time. Needless to say this was one of her shortest baths ever!
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