Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Little AUbs!!

Our SWEET Aubree girl recently turned three. It is such a joy to have her in our family. She is so free spirited and content. I love the excitement she brings to our world. We love you little girl.

Here are the answers Aubree gave me during her 3 year old interview:
I feel happy when...my dad turns me upside down.
I feel sad when...my tummy hurts.
I like to play with...my Minnie Mouse puzzle.
My daddy is...happy.
My mommy is...Kalie.
I love to...swing.
My favorite color is...pink.
I like to eat...apples.
I like to play...with Olivia outside.
My favorite toy is...a cell phone.
It makes me happy when...I am being soft with Mads.
It makes me sad when...I hit Emery and make her sad.
I feel frustrated when...Maddie hits me.
I really like it when...I go to school. (Must be play school with mom)
The best thing I do is...paint.
I am excited when...Emery comes to my house to play.
I love me because...I like bananas.
I don't like...to go with strangers.
What is your favorite thing to do? Swing on the swings in the backyard
What is the best thing about your birthday? You get to eat treats
What is your favorite school activity? Eating
What is the best thing about being 3 years old? I got a new microphone.
Do you like taking naps? No
What do you like to do with your sisters? Olivia - dance Madelyn - be soft like this
Favorite animal? Lion

Missing In Action

I know that I haven't posted in quite a while. Things have been quite crazy around here recently. We have spent the last two months planning, preparing, and organizing a 5K race in conjunction with Applefest, the fall festival in our small town. What an interesting, busy experience it has been. I didn't know anything about being a race director! I think that everything will be a lot easier next year. I have met a lot of new people and now that all is said and done, I can say that it was a good, fun experience. We had about 150 people show up to run the race and the weather was beautiful, if not a bit chilly. My parents, Shay, and Alexi were all here to help. (Mom got a taste of what a handful Maddie is!) We couldn't have done it without them. Olivia ran the race and loved it. She was so proud of herself that she was faster than a seven year old. My dad has been inspired to start running and plans to run the race next year. He will just have to come in first, because we need him to run the timing equipment again. Thanks to everyone for your help and patience with me these last two months while I have neglected to read my emails, call people, keep up with friendships, and get things done. I love you all! Now back to normal life.

There is a first for EVERYTHING

Maddie Bug finally has her first tooth.

Jackson Hole

We recently returned home from a trip to Jackson Hole. Jackson is an amazing place surrounded by some of the most beautiful country side imaginable. When we received a phone call on Sunday afternoon inviting us to Jackson the following day, there was no turning it down. We knew that it would be a long drive there, so we packed up and had the car ready to leave early the next morning. Monday turned out to be a lot longer than we planned for. After making a few LONG stops, we finally arrived in Jackson at 11:15 Monday night. We had left the HOT Colorado weather behind and knew that it would be a fabulous week.

We had an wonderful fun FILLED week. On Tuesday we drove into Grand Teton National Park and hiked around Jenny Lake. The hike totals close to 8.5 miles which includes a beautiful waterfall. Our kids did amazingly well. Olivia did about 7 miles and Aubree close to 3. Maddie enjoyed the entire trip in the backpack. The week's activities also included a lot of bike riding. There are a LOT of great single track trails accessible right from town. Grandma, who is an amazing babysitter, watched the kids so that Brad and I were able to ride some of these trails. About ten minutes after we returned from our ride, Olivia fell on the ground and cut her chin open. (Grandma was very relived that she waited until we were back to do it!) Livs was very upset and hurt but didn't want to go to the hospital so we patched her up with butterfly bandages and superglue. I am afraid she will have a pretty good scar from that cut.

On our last day in Jackson, we went over to Teton Village and bought lift tickets to ride our bikes down the mountain the lazy man way. There were a lot of very technical trails and I got a good bruiser on my leg from my crash. Olivia loved it and is quite the biker! Dad and Livvy spent the evening with Grandpa, Heather, Cari, and Casten at the Bar J Wranglers Ranch. Aubs and I were able to fit in some alone time as well. We went out on the town for the night, enjoyed the end of the art show, played at the park, went shopping, and ate Kettle Corn.

While in Jackson Hole, we also found time to go swimming, play at the park, watch the wild west show, eat Thai food, go running, biking some more, barbecue, enjoy the great company, play some games, and fit in a little bit of sleep. Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for a great trip. We love you so much and really enjoy spending time with you. Also, thanks to Uncle Bruce for the use of the condo!

Fourth of July

The fourth of July was spent in Manti this year. We had a Lindsay family reunion there with cousins we hardly ever get to see. We had a great time playing with cousins, playing volleyball, eating, visiting, taking lots of pictures, painting rocks, setting off fireworks, and finished the night on temple hill where we watched the city’s firework display.

SUMMERTIME - and the livins easy

Livs went fishing with Brad and the scouts. She caught one of the two fish that were reeled in that night. She refused to let go of the big with her new friend inside of it, and fell asleep holding it. Grandma taught Aubree her new trick.

Sisters and Friends

I loved having sisters growing up and especially love it now! My sisters have turned into some of my very best friends! Each time we have a new baby and find out it is a girl, I am so excited to be giving my daughters another sister. I have always hoped they too would have close friendships.
I am currently reading a book by Dr. Laura about the joys of being a stay at home mom. She talks about how a mothers' compensation is hugs, loves, and kisses, amongst the other joyous moments you get to be present for. Sometimes, it is hard to be patient and wait for those moments.
Olivia and Aubree are beginning to form a strong friendship. They stand up for each other, watch out for each other, and even care about the others feelings (sometimes). Yeah!
I was leaving for the store with Aubree the other day and told Livs to stay home with Brad because she didn't have her job completed. Aubs broke down in big alligator tears and cried, "Don't leave Olivia, she's my best friend!" It was so sweet.
Anytime and every time I give them a choice, Aubs replies, "What is Olivia having?" She then wants to have the exact same thing as her.
While I was making dinner the other night, the girls were sitting at the table coloring. Without looking up Olivia said, "Aubree I love you." To which Aubs replied, "I love you too Olivia." They both continued to color as if nothing had been said, but I had to stop what I was doing to relish that sweet moment.
These moments might not happen too often, but this IS my compensation and I love it! I just have to remember them during all those other not so fun moments. I know what it was like growing up with a LOT of sisters. They too will hit their teens and fight over clothes and everything else you can think of, but for now, I will just enjoy these moments. I sure love these girls!