If you only knew...

Here are me and my two sisters. We are quite the trio at times, and sitting for this pose was one of those times. We were laughing at how we all have the same "style" and how we've grown to look more alike..What do you think? Anyway, I love my sisters, they are two of my best friends! Now if you only knew what we were really laughing at right?????

OUCH!

The kids had to get shots today. We thought Emily would only have to get one shot but the Doc told us she'd get 4 for the Kindergarten immunizations !! Emily was freaking out with the idea of 1, let alone 4, so it was a HUGE surprise for her. Nate practically had to tackle her to the bed so that she would hold still. I was dying inside seeing her eyes so big saying, "get me outta here Mom!!" I hate that. I know shots are good, but I seriously dislike the 2-3 second torture it puts Emily in.. Easton on the other hand only got 1, and he was too busy looking for "spiderwebs" up Daddy's nose to worry about what was really going on. He just said afterwards, " leg hurt", and then he was good to go! Poor Emily though, you'd think that she was being stabbed to death! At least its over and she can hopefully forget about it until Middle School!!

Happy Birthday Emily & Easton!!

Our little miss just turned 5, cannot believe it, and it makes me cry to think of her in kindergarten this year!! She is one in a million. She is so smart, beautiful, and caring. She has like 20 kids which of course are her stuffed animals and baby dolls. She often reminds me that when she gets to be a mom she is never going to yell at her kids.. I love that when I ask her what she wants to be when she grows up she states, "I want to be a mom"! Emily is our princess!



Our little man is turning 2 tomorrow, it seems like yesterday when he was born. He is so handsome, and such a charmer with his laugh and deep little voice! We get a kick out of him saying, "yeah", only those who have heard him say it know what I mean.. He smiles and it makes me marvel at how cute he is, and I don't think much of my motherly bias is involved..its just a fact, he's so darn cute! I love how he rides his hand-me-down Dora bike. Its like Fred Flintstone, and his feet are moving 100MPH cause he can't quite reach the pedals! We love how he entertains us.



This year we decided to give the kids their "special day" on their specific birthday, and then a combined celebration with family. (and how we timed two July babies within 4 days of each other, I do not know...) With Emily's b-day last thursday, we did our tradition of waffles with candles, and then we went to the pool. It was a great way to hang out with just us, and it was quite relaxing! I love days like that where we just chill and enjoy each other! I made her Spaghetti with meatballs, her favorite and we decorated cupcakes.. She got to pick out a movie, 'Once Upon A Forest', and she got to stay up late.. It was a fun, laid back, enjoyable day!

Before the party on Saturday, we went to the pool again with my family who traveled up from southern Ut..It was like we were kids again, doing the holding the breath contest, doing underwater somersaults, jumping off the diving board, going down the slide etc. I love being a kid! Later we had the party for the kids, with both sets of grandma's and grandpa's, aunts, uncles, and cousins, plus Emily's best friend Matayia.. We ended the gift fest with a mean water-fight complete with breaking through our fence.. It was crazy fun! Thanks to all who came to support the kids, and your fun gifts for them! Thank you, Thank you!!! I am feeling extremely blessed for my two July babies! They make me smile, laugh, cry, and truly greatful to be their mom.. Tomorrow is Easton's b-day and I think he'll be good to do anything as long as I am there..He's certainly a momma's boy! So here's to a nice day playin at home with all his new cars and trucks!


Emily's "present cake"


Easton's "race-track cake"

It's crazy trying to get all the pic's on here, and the kids are starting to be obnoxious so here is a quick glimpse at the party fun!


Collective poses at the pool! Be sure to check out my goofy dad with Easton's towell!

I just love my family!

Quick side-note: My cousin, who I haven't seen in many years, made it to the party with her cute family.. Thanks Erin, for coming and getting to know us again! We will for sure stay in touch and do things together! Here we are with Erin, her hubby Jake, Lisa, Aaron, Me and Nate, Robert, and Monica and Rivers! Love you guys!

Rambling Rundown

Nate is in Denver(above pic) for a National drug training conference. He and Chris went together with a bunch of other SLCPD officers and I'm sure they are having a great time! I've only been there once and I remember it was really pretty.

I've really missed him! Its a dang good thing I've been super busy cause it makes the time go by so fast. Sunday, Tanielle asked us over for dinner and we had delish food as always! Even though she isn't feeling the best because of pregnancy she makes a killer meal! We had fun, and I helped the kids roll out some snickerdoodles, which sorry Tanielle, sugar got pretty much everywhere! Then the kids were ready for a bubble bath. It was amazing how those jets made ENORMOUS bubbles..

We could barely see Bergen and Easton! And of course the girls were having a blast. Let's just not tell Easton when he's older that he used to bathe with 3 other girls.. Thanks Tanielle for having us over. (and also for the pic, I had to post it!)

On Monday we played with our little neighbor Tyson..I'm so glad that he and Easton played because East is always playing with girls.. Not that that's bad, but its cute to see him interact with a boy close to his age. We later took Emily to swimming which is an iffy situation. Depending on her mood she either likes it or dislikes it. She did really good though and the Johnson's met up with us at the pool. Then a yummy BBQ at our house and yet another bath time for all 4 kids! Man, its a ton of work and it makes me admire all those out there with 3 or more kids! Sheesh, how do you do it???

Today, well, I had a Doc visit, a trip to Wal*Mart for b-day stuff (Emily's b-day on thurs and Easton's on Mon) and then lunch at Carls Junior with my friend Shannon Cook and her cute girls.. It was awesome cause the kids played for about 2 hours while Shannon and I talked and talked! That hardly happens, and it was so fun to visit for once while the kids were entertained!! Its been busy which is nice! It wears me out, as with the kids and we will love crawling in bed tonight!! And if you are still reading this, sorry for the rambling rundown of our days!! Hopefully your week is going good!

Peanut Butter Bliss

When Easton was two weeks shy of his 1st birthday, he ate a few pieces of my Peanut Butter sandwich. I figured he was close enough to a year anyway.. Soon after he developed a swollen lip, which looked like someone hit him with a baseball! Then he expelled all that he ate onto his Uncle Kenzie (sorry Kenzie!), and then later became blanketed with the worst case of hives EVER!!! His ears ballooned into adult size, and I was worried he wasn't breathing well so we rushed him to the nearest Medical Clinic. They basically told me he had a terrible allergic reaction to Peanut Butter, since that was the ONLY thing that he'd had different that day... So unfortunately he has been deprived of a childhood food staple. Until today. We thought since he is turning 2 soon, we'd see if he's outgrown the allergy. ( Since the Dr told us that happens with children) We served him a small portion of creamy Peanut Butter and a few bites of Emily's PBJ.. He was hooked and begged for more even though he says, "budda sick!" So cute. We waited anxiously with his Prednisilone and benedryl in hand.. NOTHING happened! He went about his normal routine of the day without any symptoms!! I think with a gradual intro to the stuff he'll be cured! Can I say how relieved I am because there is nothing worse than having to make Emily her favorite PBJ and then something different for the little man. Phew! Keep you fingers crossed that it stays in the clear!

Tagged!

I thought this tag from my sister was fun, kind of helps remind you of how people affect your life. So since everyone reading hers was tagged, here is my version!

So here are the rules:

1. Answer the questions about the list of friends and/or family on your blog.
2. If you don’t have 18 names answer the question about the next name that you have not had a question for on your list.
3. Tag other people. (Anyone that sees this is tagged!)

When did you meet the 1st person on your list?

Audrey, we met when we lived in Stansbury Park, and I saw her at church.. I thought inwardly of how beautiful she was, and what a cute family she had! She and I don't talk or see each other very often since we've moved, but I check out her blog often! Which bytheway Audrey, you need to update already!! =) She used to do my hair too, which were always the best times to chat and get to know each other! You are awesome Audrey!

What do you like about the 3rd person on your list?

Tanielle, my best friend, there are too many things I like about you to list. I like that you always are an ear to listen to me. I like that you are there when I need you, a great resource for so many things! I like that you have a knack for organizing and decorating..cause I copy you, I don't have the same gift! I like that our husbands are both Cops (we can relate)and are great friends, and that our girls are inseperable, and that Easton has such a cutie to play with! I like your outlook on life. I feel like I can't ever say a bad thing about someone around you. And that if I ever slipped and swore you'd look down on me! Thanks for making me a better person! The list could go on, you've been a fabulous friend!!!

What do you like best about the 5th and 6th person on your list?

I'll say the 5th person is my cousin Erin, the sixth person is Heather, an old friend from Hurricane..

Erin, well I havn't seen her in years, but she and I are cousins who grew up spending many summers together! I like that she has red hair like me! I love all the memories at Grandma's house with her, going camping etc... I would like it more if we could get caught up on life and that I could meet her husband and daughter! That means we need to plan a getogether soon!!!

Heather, who is from good ol' Hurricane! She always hung out with my sister, and was a year or two younger than me. I talked to her though a couple years ago at the famous Peach Days in Hurricane and realized we had much in common with a girl and a boy of the same age! I like keeping in touch with her through her darling blog! Thanks for being a great friend throughout the years!!!

How long have you known the 9th person on your list?

Jen, I met her the first week we moved into our new house on Crystal Bay Dr. She was outside with her boys, and Tanielle introduced me to her! She was so welcoming and thoughtful cause she invited me to the park a few days later! We've since moved in seperate directions but blogging helps us stay updated on life with each other. Love ya Jen!

What impresses you about the 11th and 12th person on your list?

My number 11 person is Lacee and number 12 is my sister Lisa! First of all, Lacee and I go way back... She moved into my neighborhood when we were in High School and we were instant friends. We had a fun time hanging out, having sleep overs, riding in parades on her horses, etc.. Her horse Licorice is why I have a sweet looking scar on my right wrist! ANyway, Lacee you impress me with your kindness and friendship! You are a wonderful mom, and are so good with your horses! I can't wait to go riding with you again!!

Lisa, well you are my little sis, who is gorgeous inside and out! You are so thoughtful and are such a great example to me! I love having you around, we don't even have to be doing anything and I have fun with you! You impress me because you are so positive and happy all the time!! Love you tons!

What is a memory you have with the 16th person on your list?

Nicole...My fondest memories are being able to just visit for hours on end.. We can talk about anything and everything, you are such a good listener! I will always remember going to the park with you and Chantell right after we moved into our house. You have been such a good friend right from the beginning! We've had fun 4-wheeling, picnic's, playdates, cleaning, trips to SLC, etc.. You are an awesome friend!!

Say something nice about the 18th person on your list.

Shana.. Beautiful, kind, thoughtful, good friend.. Those are the words that came to my mind right off the bat.. I am so thankful that you moved here, even though it was short lived! I miss you tons!

Okay so thats my tag! I am blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life! You are all loved by me! If you read this then you are tagged!

Little Pyro's

Thanks Michael for a great firework show! What a pyro! We had such a good time eating and setting off fireworks!! Thanks you guys!

Happy Fourth!

More Free Graphics and Myspace Layouts at pYzam.com

We hope everyone enjoys the 4th of July!! We are excited to set fireworks off with Uncle Mikey, Aunt Melanie and kids.. Thanks for having us over since Nate will hopefully be confiscating illegal fireworks from those living in SLC! He is SO excited to watch the firework show at Sugarhouse, making sure people and traffic are in line! Sense the sarcasm in that... He'd much rather be home with us! We'll miss him! HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!!

Busy Fun!!

We have been busy having lots of fun!!! Our summer has been filled with 4-wheeling trips, camping on a whim, family reunions, and Raging Waters! Our month of July is extremely busy as both the kids have birthdays, along with both Grandma's and other numerous extended family members! I feel like I've been stuck in the middle of a whirlwind lately! Between doing laundry, packing, unpacking, and keeping the house clean I'm exhausted! Not to mention the kiddos...they keep me on the go for sure! This last weekend we were fortunate to go up to Hanna, UT for our annual Duke family reunion! We have the Warm Springs Retreat reserved every year, its fully equipped with cabins, tent area by the river, pavillion, and ampitheater for campfires! We were so lucky to have my older brother and his cute family there from Virginia.. They sure had a time getting here on standby tickets! After going from DC, to Atlanta, then Cincinatti,(they had to get a hotel also) they FINALLY made it to Utah!! All this with Sammy who is 3 and Caleb who is almost 1.. Sheesh! Anyway, we had a fun time seeing family, eating yummy food, floating down the river, going on a hike, riding some horses, herding some intruding cows, doing the paddle boats, and just being in the outdoors! The trip to Hanna is never complete until Emily vomits in the car on the drive home due to the windy road! Good thing we had a large cup for that.. We are just thankful that she is now at an age where she'll tell us its gonna happen! It was cute to watch Sammy and Emily play since they don't get to see each other very often with them living so far away.. And Caleb is too cute with his dimples and smile!

Emily holding Caleb! Isn't he adorable! He was born on Easton's first birthday so they are exactly one year apart!

Sammy and Emily are such good friends! Sammy is seriously so cute, with her naturally curly hair and dimples, she makes you smile just to look at her!! They played so good together!


Here's my brother Marlon, his wife Alysia, with Sammy and Caleb..And us of course!



The horse back riding was not a planned activity but it worked out that we were able to talk these ranch hands into letting the kids ride around the field.. We lucked out! Emily was a pro, and Easton was a little nervous and I was afraid the horse was going to buck us off with his screaming! She was a mellow horse so it worked out great!


They picked up right where they left off! Being apart and not seeing eachother for a long time doesn't matter to these two! They love each other!!!





The river tubing was a hit, everyone got into it..literally! The river was freezing cold, but after being dumped several times it didn't matter! After the kids all got turns some of us married and almost married folk went farther down stream! Man, we hit some rapids that dumped us a few times, and we got dunked after getting caught up in the branches near the river. It surprised me at how deep it actually got! And we even saw a bat swimming, making his way to the edge! Crazy!


Here is my beautiful Grandma Duke! She hasn't been in the best of health but look at her smile! You'd never know.. She doesn't get around very easily so it was a strong effort on her part to make it to the reunion.. She is such a trooper!


My dad invented the name of "S'mores" did you know that? At least that is his claim.. Sitting around the fire at night, talking and getting caught up with family makes for some fond memories!

Oh so cute.. love ya hun!

At the pond we love to have paddle boat races! Last year Emily caught her first fish in this pond! I enjoyed every minute of this trip!! Can't wait until next year!!


After getting home on Sunday and unpacked, we seriously just vegged.. It felt so good to lay down watching TV for hours doing NOTHING!! I normally can't sit that long and do nothing, but it was easy for me after such a fun-filled weekend! We then woke up early Monday morning and packed up for Raging Waters for the day with Nate's mom, sister and most of the cousins! I felt like a kid again sitting at the top of a really steep slide and getting those nervous jittery feelings about going down! We had a blast!! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for treating us to such a fun day at the waterpark! Seriously Easton feel asleep sitting up in his lawn chair! The cutest was when I was tucking him in bed Monday night and he said, "fun day!" What a cutie!

All the cousins, soaking up the sun at Raging Waters!


Playing in the water makes for a strong appetite!


Check out those lips! She was trying to get sandwich from the roof of her mouth!


Winding down after lots of fun...But not as pooped as Easton was!

This NEVER happens! He fell asleep sitting up!

I am looking forward to some time at home getting caught up with stuff. It feels good knowing that we will stay put at least until our next trip planned at the end of July. We will have fun celebrating birthdays and finishing up swimming lessons!