Some Birdies Somewhere

Introducing...Halle Michelle Bird!

2011-09-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Halle was born on August 29th and weighed 7 lbs 4 oz. She is an amazing baby and we are so grateful she is here, healthy and happy. Brooke and Kate love her (Brooke loves to hold/feed her and Kate waves at her and gives her kisses). We are doing great and are grateful for all the love and support we received over the last couple weeks.

An update on our house situation: Our house sold!!! We will be closing on it next week. We are hoping to find out about a house we like (we put an offer in on it) by the end of the week here in West Jordan (we are hoping to get it because then we will still be close to family and friends).

Home For Sale

2011-08-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

Rob and I finally put our house on the market (we have been talking about it for months). To all our blog readers (okay to that one reader out there) if you know of anyone looking for a great home in an awesome location please give them our information. You can see pictures and find out more information on our blog: http://www.westjordanutahhome.blogspot.com/. Thanks.

PS Still no baby yet but she will probably be here in about two and half weeks...we are very, very excited!

Big NewsAgain!!

2011-05-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

I know it seems that I only blog if I like our Halloween costumes or if we are having a baby and this is no exception. We are expecting another GIRL the first part of September and are excited!!! We had our family photos taken by SIMPLICITY PHOTOGRAPHY (Angie Monson) a couple weeks ago (she is amazing!!! I have the opportunity to help her sometimes with some of her sessions and I LOVE every minute of it). I wanted some with our family now to remember what it was like with the 4 of us. We did a studio mini session(I also got a couple of maternity photos which I have never done before and I am glad I did). Here are a few of my favorites but I love them all.

Brooke and Kate just love each other. It is fun to see them interact.
Me with Brooke and Kate.
Rob with Brooke and Kate.

All of us.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

2010-10-29T16:17:00.001-07:00

It all started on a dark and stormy night (actually it was a beautiful sunny fall day at Del Sol) and the winds began to switch...
...and we ended up following the Yellow Brick Road (office tiles)...however we didn't find the Wizard of Oz just lots of treats.

There was a beautiful girl named Dorothy.
A Tin Man.
Along with the cowardly lion (doesn't it look like Kate is saying, "put 'em up, put 'em up") and the scarecrow.
The tin man's costume was so cool here it is in color
and then the whole gang. Here are our 2010 costumes...good times! Brooke looks like she has been through a twister (she didn't get a nap today).

More Pictures of Kate!

2010-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

On my photography blog (jeanabirdphotography.blogspot.com) I have posted more pictures of Kate if you want to take a look. Have a great Monday!

Katelyn Reese Bird

2010-06-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

(More details and pictures to come in the next week or so). Kate was born yesterday at 11:49 am. It was a fairly quick delivery (not quite how I remember it though...I guess I forgot a lot in 4 years) but it started early in the morning. She is so beautiful. Kate weighed 6 lbs. 9 oz., 20.5 inches long. I will post more photos later but right now we are still at the hospital enjoying this sweet girl! We love her!

Brooke meeting Kate for the first time.

Brooke got Kate a present and this is her giving it to her at the hospital. It is a pink elephant (Brooke named her Queenie). Brooke is so excited to be a big sister. It was so sweet, when Brooke walked into the hospital room and saw her she said, "my sister." Then when Brooke was looking at her she started to sing, "I am a Child of God"...it was neat.

The three girls (boy was it a really long day).

Our first family picture.

The Results are in...

2010-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

...we went to the doctor today and we are having a GIRL!!! We are beyond excited and Brooke can't wait for a sister. Now we just have to think of a name (it takes us awhile to agree). Have a happy Monday!

Big News!

2009-12-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

(this is Brooke's I really can't have a dog face)

I am sorry that months pass in between posts but this news is big. We are expecting a baby (and are so excited) the middle of June. We find out in a few weeks if Brooke is going to have a baby brother or sister (she really wants a dog but that isn't going to happen). I am never quite sure how to bring things up like this so there you have it...I'll post it on my blog (which no one reads anymore because of my lack of posts...I'll do better). Merry Christmas!

Sorry, I Haven't Posted in Forever...

2009-08-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

but it is summertime can you blame me?! I know I need to post about twenty entries but for today go over to Super Mom Central and see all the great giveaways she has going on! Her blog is full of so many tricks, tips, and ideas...I just love it!
supermomcentral.blogspot.com

New Red Couch

2009-04-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

Julie found this adorable couch and chair (not pictured) on KSL yesterday...it was such a deal! I love them and Brooke love sitting on "her couch."

I still need to teach Brooke how to sit with her knees together.

Hawaii!!!!

2009-04-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

So some of you may know but Rob and I just got back from a trip to Hawaii...it was amazing! My wonderful mom came in for the week to watch Brooke, Julie helped too, THANKS you guys. It was so nice going not having to worry about Brooke. If anyone knows me you know I have wanted to go to Hawaii for a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY long time and it actually happened. We had the frequent flyer miles and Rob won a raffle through his work so it was basically a no-brainer and free. So three and half weeks after wining the raffle we were off to Oahu and Maui. It was so much fun!!! We were able to spend a whole week in Hawaii and it really is paradise. So seriously here is a photo overload! I figured I would count this as my scrap booking so I have posted TONS of photos. So if you are bored with Hawaii photos just skip to the next entry to see what we have been up to in Jan., Feb., and March. Aloha!!!.

When we were landing on Oahu, Wed afternoon at 2:00 pm (non-stop flights are the best) We flew over a rainbow, my first time ever flying over a rainbow. Then when we landed there were a couple of rainbows, so beautiful. One of the rainbows actually ended on a beach we drove past on the North Shore. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to look for the gold!

We stayed at a condo, right on the beach about 5 min. from the PCC. It was a nice area and I loved staying on the North Shore...fewer tourists.

Some photos from a lookout right near where we stayed.

I love this tree.

On Thursday, we went to this garden. It was beautiful and it was fun to see all the flowers and trees.

Rob pulling a face on our way of the the gardens.

We went to the Dole Plantation on Thursday as well. They have the best ice cream ever! It was fun to see the pineapples acutally growing and pineapples from Hawaii are now my most favorite fruit...so sweet and juicy.

Me enjoying the icecream!

Thursday Night, we went to the PCC. It was so much fun. I wish we would have had more time to spend there, especially if we had kids with us. There was just so much to do and a lot of it is hands on.

Do you like my tattoo? We were going for a Napoleon Dynamite pose.

The coconut tree climber.

We went to the Luau in the evening before the night show. If food was yummy but this drink was my favorite and I loved how it was served.

Isn't it pretty?!

Rob and I waiting for the signal that the buffet is ready. We sat by people from KY and Canada.

Us walking to the Night Show.

The night show was awesome! and they serve these ice cream Delights things that were so tasty...a bummer that they still don't serve them in pineapple bowls (like they did when Rob went to Hawaii the first time) but still good.

Friday we went to Pearl Harbor and Wikikki and did some shopping.

A clock they found aboard the USS AZ frozen in time the moment the ship sank.

The anchor from the USS AZ.

Us aboard the Memorial.

They Memorial as we were leaving.

Oil leaking from the ship. They refer to it as the "tears from the soliders."

It was a really neat experience to be able to go to Pearl Harbor. We did a headphone tour and were able to hear some more details about the events that took place that day.

On Saturday, we went to Kualoa Ranch and did an ATV tour. It was incredible. We did the hour tour and were able to ride our ATV's back to some movie sites.

It was pretty windy the whole time we were there but the views were amazing and I loved riding the ATVs. Not a huge thrill for Rob but I thought I was pretty daring.

A little out of order, above is Hanauma Bay. We went to snorkel Friday after noon after shopping and Pearl Harbor. I couldn't stand it. It was my first time wearing flippers and I thought I was going to drown. It was REALLY windy so a lot of the sand was being swashed around. I saw four fish and it freaked me out...The water was deep where I was but it was fun practicing how to breathe in snorkel gear before going to Maui.

Saturday afternoon we island hopped over to Maui. I loved Maui. We went grocery shopping Saturday Night and then just to our Beach Resort. We stayed at the Napili Kai, on Napili Bay and it was BEAUTIFUL! I would stay there again and again. We did the Road to Hana. That road is worth it but be prepared for windy, windy, slow roads BUT BEAUTIFUL scernery. I had a book that told us different places to stop and the photo below is one of them. It was pretty lame and pointless and I would never recommend that book but there were tons of other spots that luckily we found or other people hiking told us about.

We only made it a few miles over halfway, the curves were getting to me. But we stopped at a waterfall that had restrooms. The first waterfall was fine but then we saw some people hiking and they told us about a waterfall that was BIGGER a few minutes up the hill. IT WAS AMAZING!!!! You had to hike in the forest, use a bridge that was 20 ft. about the ground. And the waterfall was beautiful!

Here I am hiking. You can't tell from the photo but it was really high and I was fairly nervous, but again I did it.

Rob swimming in the waterfall. The water was cold and this waterfall was pretty strong so I didn't stay in for too long (I'll post a funny video about it) but Rob swam around for a few minutes. There were a couple people there that told us about another waterfall so we decided to hike to that one too.

The big waterfall, don't you just love my face.

The bridge above and other shot of the waterfall below.

When we turned around Rob found this great lookout spot. It was incredible and there were waterfalls in the distance.

See the little white church by the ocean...so pretty.

The view was so much better than this photo but hopefully you get the idea.

So these next few photos are the 2nd waterfall that we went to. It didn't have nearly as much water rushing over the edge but it was so tall (so tall). Because the water was not as strong, however still cold, I decided to jump in for a longer swim.

It was about a 15 minute hike over these rocks along the riverbed.

A view of the waterfall at the top.

2009-04-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

You gotta love timer photos!

Me swimming at the waterfall.

The rocks and you can see a lot more of the whole waterfall here.

On Monday we went on a kayaking trip...one of my most favorite things we did. We went through a company called Maui Kayaks and they are awesome!!! Our guide pulled a shark out of the cave and it was swam about 15 feet past us. I wish we had a camera under the water. But there were huge sea turtles, an octapus, Gill (off "Finding Nemo") and so many other fish. Our guide would get a few things and let us touch them. We also saw a whale before we got in the water (too bad it wasn't while we were kayaking) and dolphins after we got out. We also saw one of Tiger Wood's homes. IT WAS AWESOME...above is me and my kayak--we bonded. I love snorkling here. I had a life jacket on and my feet couldn't touch so my flippers didn't freak me out quite as much (still a little freaky).

This is where we got in to snorkle. We also had a yummy lunch on the beach provided by Maui Kayaks.

After kayaking we went to Big Beach (thanks Angie for the tip). This beach was beautiful and the weather was so nice. It was really the only sunny, sunny day we had while we were there. We laid on the beach reading (thanks Sterling for the recommendation on the book for Rob...he loved it) and then played in the waves. It was such a beautiful beach.

Don't you just love some of my poses.

So we stayed at the Napili Kai (I have mentioned this) and I loved it. On Monday Night they had something called a Putting Party. It was really windy but they paired us up with other visitors so you could meet new people. Rob and I got paired up with Harold and Jack. Harold was Rob's partner and is 98 years old and has been at staying at the Napili Kai for the longest time. My partner was Jack and he was from Alaska. He was kind because the wind was really throwing off my putting skills. We won the worst player award...Free Drinks at the resturant at the resort.

Here we are before we go and get our drinks from the resturant. I got a virgin Pina Colada and Rob got a virgin Strawberry Dacari (sp).

View from our lanai out of our room. The grounds were so pretty (notice the wind).

We left Wednesday night (we had the red-eye from Oahu). So Wednesday morning we hiked and did some shopping.

At Whaler's Village right in from of the DEL SOL store...we love Del Sol.

This tree is in Lahania. It takes up the whole block...pretty cool. One night we went to Lahania and ate at Cool Cats and had the best burger, fries, and rings...ever.

The trip to Hawaii really was a dream come true! Thanks Del Sol for making it happen! I hope to go back again sometime because it really is a place I could go again and again!!!

Siblings and Roommates...

2009-04-06T21:16:00.001-07:00

...the first weekend in March, Julie and I decided to go to Rexburg to see our brother and sister. We left the kiddos behind and headed out Friday afternoon. It was the best. We stopped at Maddox Drive-In (they have the best raspberry shakes and Lime Sodas EVER, and I mean EVER) and got some yummy food and headed on to Rexburg. We hung out with Nessa and her roomies for awhile (while Josh watched Donkey Basketball...it is fairly sad that donkeys were cooler than us-j/k) and then went to Fongs with both of them (the basketball had ended) and then to Frontier Pies for dessert. At Frontier Pies we laughed so hard they thought we were drunk and Nessa had the hiccups (enough said if you know her) and it was HILARIOUS!!! I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. It was just so funny I couldn't stop laughing. I wish I would have had my camera. Anyways it was a great night. The next day we went to Idaho Falls and saw some of our roommates from college. It was so nice to see them and just talk and laugh. We went to the Olive Garden and had the soup/salad combo and just catched up on each other's lives. Thanks girls for making the time to get together. You are all so amazing and it was so wonderful to see you again! We better not wait that long between visits next time. I had the best roommates.

Feeding the Ducks...

2009-04-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

...The weather was beautiful a couple weeks ago so Julie and I took Brooke and Trevor to go feed the ducks. We only had a few slices of bread and some English Muffins. Helpful hint to everyone that reads my blog--apparently ducks like bread but not English muffins (or at least the ducks at Murray Park). Brooke and Trevor had a lot of fun and I am so excited spring it just around the corner.

Cowgirl...

2009-04-06T21:04:00.001-07:00

...Brooke and I all dressed up for the Blue and Gold Cub Scout Banquet this year. Megan (and her helpers) did an awesome job putting the whole thing together and the theme was "Wild West" so Brooke and I dressed the part. Okay it is a pretty weak attempt at being cowgirls but I thought Brooke looked adorable with her little freckles. And I thought our matching overalls were pretty cute too...I remember when I loved wearing overalls growing up, I don't remember why though (and I still heart my new kitchen)!

Also in February...

2009-04-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

...our friend from high school was in Salt Lake for a business trip and Julie and I had the chance to meet up with her for a few minutes and chat. It was so great seeing her again, it had been so long. Hopefully we can see her again before our 10 year reunion...yikes I am getting old it is next year!!! Crazy!

I am still here...

2009-04-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

...but you wouldn't know it by my blog posts now would you. I am back and hopefully I will post more than ever...okay maybe not but here are a few posts from recent (and some not so recent things because it has been awhile). January and Feb. were really fun months. My mom and dad came into town and so did Rob's mom. Brooke had so much fun with her grandmas and grandpa.

Rob's mom came into town in Feb. Brooke and Grandma went on walks, saw the horsies, played, watched movies and we always go out to eat at Sweet Tomatoes...delicious!

My mom and dad came into town the end of January. My dad had some things to complete at the Family History Library during the day but in the evening we hung out and played games and ate Cafe Rio...delicious! During the day, we hung out with my mom. We get DIing and shopping and out to eat at the best cafe in SLC...I love it at least. While they were here we had the chance to go to the Draper Temple open house. It was such a neat experience. Brooke kept calling it her temple and when she would she pictures of the Savior, He was always, "her Jesus." It was just so sweet and tender. The Draper Temple is so beautiful and it was a great experience (Brooke was a little tired before it was all over she kept wanting to see it all the chairs but she did love the water and the cookies they had at the church at the end. She spilt the water all over...too funny. I feel really badly for whoever sat in the chair next, the napkins weren't very absorbant. Brooke loved hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa!

Another GiveAway!

2009-02-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

Nothing too exciting happening in our lives right now but over at SuperMom Central she has another awesome giveaway!!! She is giving away a stroller! Go to supermomcentral.blogspot.com to see photos and find out the details!

Super Mom Central-

2009-02-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Head on over to SuperMom Central (link below or on my sidebar) to see about her other giveways. Her next giveaway is for an adorable organic baby clothing set! So fun!

Baby Ideas!

2009-02-18T14:07:00.001-08:00

I have blogged about my favorite mommy website before (I have her button on my sidebar) and I have to do it again because this week is all about babies and she is having an awesome give away. So go to her blog and check it out. She finds the best things and has the best advice!
www.supermomcentral.blogspot.com

Time Passes So Quickly!

2009-02-16T23:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted since the beginning of the year and a few great things have happened (hopefully I'll post some photos soon). The biggest highlights were when two grandmas and one grandpa come and visit. Brooke just loves her grandmas and grandpas. So now I will just leave you with the entry below of our Valentine's Day and I'll will post some photos soon of what has happened recently! Thanks for looking!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T23:29:00.000-08:00

We had a great Valentine's Day. It was low-key but fun! Trevor came over and Brooke was able to play with him all day. Brooke loves pancakes so we started the day with heart-shaped pancakes (seriously, she has eaten pancakes for breakfast and sometimes lunch for the last two weeks). We then read books, played with toys, made funny faces, waited for surprises (the valentine's man was coming), ate chocolate, played hide and seek with Trevor, and snuggled her blankie while watching a movie. We love our family and friends and hope everyone had a great weekend. *click to make larger*

Roller Skating!

2009-01-01T23:25:00.001-08:00

It was actually ice skating, but Brooke called it roller skating all day long. Today we started a tradition, going ice skating on New Year's Day! I told Rob that if we went he would have to help Brooke because I would be concentrating hard enough just to keep myself up. Well, I was right. Rob helped Brooke the entire time we were skating. Brooke just loved it. She didn't quite figure it out but when it was time to go she cried because she wanted to stay and go around a few more times. We had a lot of fun and maybe one year I'll be able to get away from the wall (we can all dream :)!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

What do you get late at night, with two tired girls and a camera? A couple of goofballs! Here Brooke and I are passing the time until the New Year (it took a really long time)!

Just for fun!

2008-12-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Brooke got a "dancing" skirt today and wore it all day and even to bed. Here are a couple of photos of Brooke just being Brooke! I love that girl!
(Rob and Brooke...just hanging out)

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning was awesome! Brooke loved it (she is feeling a little sick) for the most part and was excited to open her presents! Julie, Nick, and Trevor came over for breakfast. Julie makes the best cinnamon rolls. We spent the day relaxing, eating, and taking naps. It was so nice to be able to stay home and spend time together. We hope that everyone had a MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS! We love you! One of Brooke's presents was a tea set. We spent a lot of time pretending today!
Brooke gave Rob a couple of dvd's.

Brooke gave me a dvd too (great minds think alike).

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

Christmas Eve!!

2008-12-25T20:27:00.001-08:00

Christmas this year has been wonderful because everything is done for Brooke, and she is starting to understand it. We love teaching her about the true meaning of Christmas along with the magic of Santa and everything that goes along with that. Last night, Rob and Brooke left cookies out for Santa. This morning when she woke up she first thing she asked about was the cookies and milk. Santa even left her a note thanking her for the delicious cookies.

I hope Santa liked the skim milk.

On Christmas Eve, the last couple of years we have just stayed home as a family and done our own little program. We had a turkey dinner (I ruined everything I touched...just ask Rob) and then did the navitity story, read some Christmas books, and sang some songs (all by the warm and toasty fire). We ended the night with a few family photos by the tree.

Christmas Tree and Cold Weather!

2008-12-25T20:19:00.000-08:00

It took us a while to put our Christmas Tree up, but I loved how it turned out! This year the tree was real. Every year Rob and I have a debate about fake vs. real and at least for this year...real has won. Brooke loved helping put the ornaments on and she had the honor of putting the star up, with Rob's help.
The same day we put our tree up we ventured outside for a little fun, but boy was it cold. We only stayed outside probably 10 minutes (Brooke was bundled up) but by the time we came back in our noses and hands were frozen! Winter had finally arrived in Utah, and hasn't let up. On Monday, I went to work and it snowed at least 9 inches in about an hour and half. It just dumped snow, it was beautiful to watch!

Brooke roasting a marshmellow with Rob, trying not to freeze.

GingerBread!

2008-12-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

A Christmas tradition we had growing up was making gingerbread houses and gingerbread men. My mom would make gingerbread men every year when we were in elementary school for our classes on our birthdays. I know it wasn't on my mom's top 10 list of fun things to do but they always made me feel extra special on my birthday (our friends were so impressed that our mom would do that for us...she's the best!). My mom also made the best gingerbread houses, from scratch. I loved it! So this year Julie and I decided to make them for our birthdays. Let's just say that we have a lot of work to do to get to my mom's skill level but hey, at least they were standing! Trevor dropped a piece of my roof, hence it looks like it went through an earthquake, but I loved how they turned out.

Birthday Photos

2008-12-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged about my great 27th birthday. Robert and Nick took Julie and I (Brooke and Trevor too) to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. I love eating at Sweet Tomatoes-salads are the best, and I love some of their soups. After dinner we went back to Julie and Nick's and did the cake and icecream thing. Every year growing up, Julie and I would get a Christmas tree cake and Rob and Nick have carried on that tradition (every year getting more and more creative). This year it was a 3-D tree...pretty darn amazing!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

When we decorated our tree, Brooke took two of the bell ornaments and started dancing to the song. This is a different time but you can see her hips swing at the begining of the video just like she did with the bell ornaments (one in each hand)...it was funny! I also love her kicks. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Del Sol Style (and I turned 27 today).

2008-12-08T21:48:00.001-08:00

On Friday night, Robert and I went to his company's work party. It was such a nice evening. Great food, great friends, and just an overall great time. Brooke also loved that we went out because Cortney babysat and Brooke just loves it when that happens.

Today I turned 27! One year older and wiser too (well, I don't think I am getting any wiser but I have the older part down pretty well). I had the best day (I'll post some photos later). Robert and Brooke treated me like a princess. I also had so many well wishes from family and friends (thanks everyone)! I think 27 is going to be a great year! (ps every year at the del sol christmas party we get our photo taken and it is hideous (seriously, i have to burn it) but this year my friend heidi, she works at del sol, was taking the photos and she did such a great job (doesn't rob look handsome) ...heidi you are amazing!).

Thanksgiving and This Week!

2008-11-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!! What a wonderful holiday and what a great day we enjoyed! I am grateful for so many things: family, friends, good health, photography, the gospel...the list is endless. We had a really kicked back day. We got up, read the ads and then went to Thanksgiving dinner at lunch time. We were invited to dinner with Rob's friend and his family, we had a great time (thanks for the invite!). The food was delicious too. I love Thanksgiving when the food is divided up so one person isn't stuck in the kitchen all day cooking. We were able to have two of my sisters come to town this week (each for different reasons) and it was nice having family it (I just love my sisters!).

Rob and Brooke relaxing, watching a movie after a great meal.

Jenn and Brooke, right before I took Jenn to the airport. Brooke just loves her aunts (Brooke is pulling a face in this photo).
Last night we all went out to dinner (my sisters, Nick, Trevor, me, Rob, and Brooke) at Applebee's. It was fun and we did a little shoe shopping after. On Wednesday afternoon we went to Gardner Village to see the elves and to go to a couple of the shops they have there. Brooke looking at the elves and ducks.

Trevor and Brooke with the elves.

Brooke and I (Brooke wanted to go home at this point).

On Tuesday, we went to a small inside amusement park in Midvale. Brooke loved a couple of the rides. Here she is concentrating on keeping the lever down to fly the rocket.

Brooke and Trevor driving the cars through the jungle.

The "rollercoaster."

The swings (Brooke would rather go on a carousel).

The Carousel.

On Monday night, Nessa and I went to Julie's volleyball game. We were cheering loudly but they didn't win (next time we will cheer even louder). It has been such a great week and the frosting on the cake will be shopping tomorrow (I'll let you know how it goes). Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Dancing, Dancing, Dancing!

2008-11-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

Back in October I mentioned that Brooke and I went to the mall and she would stop at every store where she heard the music and start dancing. Well, on Wednesday we went to Gardner Village (it was a beautiful day) and she heard some music and started dancing. This time I got a few of her moves on tape (I wish I could have gotten all of it but I was too slow)! Happy Thanksgiving!

I am a Child of God

2008-11-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Here is Brooke in her musical debut, or should I say dancing debut? We will let you decide.

Tagged!

2008-11-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

1. What is your husbands name? Robert Randall Bird

2. How long have you been married? 5 Years

3. How long did you date? 9 months

4. How old is he? 30!!!

5. Who eats sweets? Definately me. Rob likes sweets but I seem to get them before he does (this is a result of my childhood...growing up my mom rarely bought treats and when she did you had to be quick or you wouldn't get any).

6. Who said I love you first? Rob said it first but I could have said it a long time before it actually happened.

7. Who is taller? Rob

8. Who can sing better? Rob (sometimes in church he'll laugh at me and tell me I am way off...we have a good laugh and then I sing louder).
9. Who is smarter?

Rob 10. Who does laundry? No one (that's the problem)

11. Who pays the bills? Me
12. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I don't know (I get my rights and my lefts confused). 13. Who mows the lawn? We both do but I mow it more.
14. Who cooks dinner? we both do (we eat a lot of cheese sandwiches)
15. Who drives? Both of us.

16. Who is first to admit they are wrong? it depends
17. Who kissed who first? Rob (and I wasn't not expecting it and it was pretty bad).
18. Who asked who out first? Rob
19. Who wears pants? We both do (except on Sundays and I wear a skirt).
**I tag anyone who wants to be tagged**

RV Pad

2008-11-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

I posted some photos last May of our backyard and sideyard getting torn up and ready for our RV Pad...well the last week in October it finally happened. To make a long story short the circumstances surrounding the cement were not the greatest and to top it off we just couldn't find anyone to help the day of, we were doing it midweek. Two of our neighbors were unbelievably kind and generous and they helped all day long, again not in the best circumstances, truly sacraficing on our behalf. I am so grateful for their love and help (and their families too) because it is a huge blessing to have it done and doesn't it look AMAZING!!!

A Little of This and a Little of That-

2008-11-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I would share just a few photos about what we have been up to.

This is Brooke's BFF (okay babysitter but seriously Brooke just LOVES her). Anytime we pass her house she is asking to see her for at least an hour after. Sometimes just randomly throughout the day Brooke asks for her and just won't stop asking until, well I am not sure why she eventually stops. Brooke loves sitting by her at church and basically just loves her. She is coming to babysit Brooke tonight but I am not mentioning it until she comes over, otherwise it would be a really long day. Thanks for everything Cortney! I have the greatest mom in the whole entire world. There isn't anything she can't do because if she doesn't know how to do it then she will figure it out. While we were in IN we went to Goodwill and I found this cute shirt there for 4 dollars. It was in the wrong size but my mom worked her super powers and altered it for me! I just wanted to post a photo of me wearing so she can see how great it turned out! THANKS MOM!

I am so grateful for the opportunity that we had to vote. Brooke and I showing off our "I VOTED" stickers. Brooke wasn't very excited about her sticker!

Rob and Brooke getting ready to walk across the street to vote (the school where we vote is right out our front door). I let Brooke kinda choose her outfit. Rob wasn't so sure it worked...I thought it was funny (and warm)!

New Blog I Discovered...

2008-11-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, I didn't really discover this blog. The "SuperMom" herself moved into our neighborhood and she told me about it. And because I LOVE blogs, I just couldn't wait to check it out! It is a great site full of fun ideas and helpful hints. Check it out (the button is on the side) because she is doing a giveaway each day next week if anyone is interested. Added bonus, here is a link(http://supermomcentral.blogspot.com/2008/11/thankful-home.html) to one of my favorite ideas for Thanksgiving that she has posted!

Kite Flying

2008-11-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

Rob was cleaning out the garage yesterday and Brooke wanted to fly a kite, so he took some time and showed her how it was done. She just loved!! Yesterday was such a beautiful day...the perfect day to fly a kite!

Trick or Treat!

2008-10-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight was filled with a lot of TREATS! This was the first year we took Brooke out to go trick- or- treating. She loved it and did a really good job knocking and saying, "trick-or-treat." Julie and Trevor came over, we all ate dinner and then went down our street. It was a lot of fun. I wore my costume (Rob didn't feel so inclined to this time) and just enjoyed ourselves. The biggest plus side was the weather was perfect, about 68 degrees (or so).

This was Brooke's official trick-or-treat house (our neighbor's house).

The three of us in front of our house (I don't think we take enough photos of the outside of our house and one day we will look back and want to see it...maybe?!)
Rob and Brooke at Brooke's second official house.
Here are all the treats.
Brooke and Trevor at the end of the night, ready to dig in.

Happy Halloween Monster Style

2008-10-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!! Brooke and I went to the mall and hung out before Rob's company Halloween party. We went to the fountain and made a wish. We then spent the majority of the time going up and down the escalators...Brooke loves 'em! Brooke would also stop in the front of each store where she heard music and just busta move. She would just break out into these awesome dance moves for a few seconds and then we would keep walking until she heard more music at the next store and do the same thing...it was HILARIOUS! It was a great start to Halloween. We then went trick-or-treating at Rob's work, to all the different departments. Brooke and me.
Rob and Brooke. A group shot. Julie and I made our costumes this year..thanks Jules for your help. I had this idea to be Monster's Inc. for a long time but we didn't start making them until Tuesday. Julie and I had never made and outfit before so it was a lot of trial and error but they turned out AMAZINGLY (if I do say so myself). Brooke was Boo, Rob was Sulley and I was Mike (if you couldn't tell). Brooke even wore her costume for the entire party, which made me very happy. What a great Halloween and the day isn't even over yet...it is almost time for trick-or-treating!!! Happy Halloween!

FHE and pumpkins!

2008-10-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

This Monday we went to a pumpkin patch and carved the pumkins for FHE.

The final products.

Me carving and Brooke coloring her pumpkin.
Brooke wanted nothing to do with gutting the pumpkin...she wouldn't go near it.

The pumpkin patch. Brooke wanted to push the wheel barrow.

So here she is pushing it! Brooke found the perfect pumpkins (I think Julie helped her)!

SAN FRAN

2008-10-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

After we got back from IN/KY, Robert and I (along with our good friends) went to San Fransisco. It was a blast. We went to SF because Rob won some concert tickets. So we all hung out together seeing the sights and the night of the concert Rob went with his friend, Adrian to the concert and then Stacie and I just hung out at the hotel and watch a movie.

We went to the beach and found a lot of sand dollars. Rob and I being goofy.

Me showing off our sand dollars. There were a lot in that one spot...Adrian and Stacie got a bunch.
We went to Union Square and did a little shopping, none of us bought anything but it was cool to see all the people. We also went to Chinatown.

Here is the yacht we are going to purchase one day...it was huge!

We went to the Aquarium at the Pier.

I had a hard time touching the fish (but I touched the shark and the star fish).

One of the highlights of the whole trip was going to Alcatraz (sp). It was really neat. We walked around with this recorders and listened to some of the stories and things that happend on "The Rock."

You can see the three floors in the background of this photo.

Adrian and Stacie in one of the cells...Rob too.

"The Rock"

Rob and I at the Pier.

A sidewalk show, I thought it was pretty funny.

We went to Golden Gate Park and did the paddle boats. I felt bad because Adrian and Stacie ended up paddling more than half. I was also terrified the whole time because water just kept coming in (unless you were paddling backwards...go figure). It was really fun though.

Golden Gate Park.

We had so much fun. Thanks Julie for watching Brooke and letting us take this little vacation!

IN and KY

2008-10-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

So the first part of October I "surprised" Rob with a trip for his 30th birthday to see his family. We had so much fun and hope to go back sometime in the next couple of years! I uploaded the photos in reverse order, so either scroll down or just start at the end!

Rob and Brooke waiting for Julie to pick us up at the airport. We left IN's 80 degree weather for SLC's 45 degree weather. The weekend we were gone it snowed in SL.

On Tuesday, the day we left IN we went to the Children's Museum...and it was INCREDIBLE! Seriously, it had everything you could possibly want in a museum: trains, dinos, cars, cartoons, and so much more!
Here we are as a family in front of a T-Rex and
in front of the Batmobile (car #8) they used in the Batman Begin, Dark Night movies.
Grandma B. and Brooke on a pony. Brooke didn't like this ride very much.
Brooke and Grandma B. in a Soda Shoppe

Robert (having a really fun time) and Brooke on the Carousel (sorry for the blurry photo...low light and movement).

Brooke and I in a race car.

Brooke playing at the water station.

While we were at Grandma and Grandpa B's house, Brooke and Grandma loved baking.

They made cookies and apple crisp. When you mention making cookies now Brooke says, "Grandma."

While they were making the apple crisp, Brooke would take a bite of an apple slice, say "delicious" and then add it to the pile and take a bite from another slice, it was adorable.

In Indy there is the best children's park. It had a few hiking trails, this pond, and two toy sets (one for bigger kids and one for smaller kids). Just look at those beautiful fall colors. It was gorgeous.

Brooke loved the swings.

We went to KY for the weekend of Rob's birthday. We were able to hang out with Rob's brothers and their families. We had a really great time.

Will sneaking out of bed to see what is going on.

Us singing "Happy Birthday" to Rob. Rob is pouting in this photo like Brooke does.

I took some other photos while we were in KY but I haven't gotten around to processing them yet. It is on my to-do list.

Brooke eating icecream after she made cookies.

Brooke and Grandpa B. Grandpa has these things called Trikke's and Rob and I got pretty darn good at them while we were there. It took me a while to get the hang of it but by the end I thought they were really fun.

Making cookies.

In IN Brooke and I both got our haircut. Beverlee's cousin/friend (so related to us also somehow) Jenna is an amazing hair stylist and cut/color my hair while we were there and I just love it.

Brooke and I all prettied up. Brooke got a sucker because she behaved so well, I didn't get a sucker?!

Brooke at Rob at the SLC Airport waiting for our plane to take us on our trip. Brooke was so great on the airplane and the flights both ways were really get, hardly any turbulance. We flew on an airline (no names mentioned) that charges for everything so we carried on all of our stuff). I didn't know that one of the bags could roll down the aisle of the airplane so on the first leg I ended up hitting some guy in first class about three times with my bags...he wasn't very happy with me (a woman in first class though was very nice and helped me get my bags through some of the seats)...too funny.

We had such an amazing time and we are so grateful for family! Thanks for all your help everyone in IN and KY for feeding us, letting us sleep at your houses, and for "bakin' a cake." THANKS for EVERYTHING!

Birthday Bash!!! Surprise Style!

2008-10-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Caution...this is a HUGE post!!! On last Friday, Stacie (Adrian's wife) and myself (along with the help of my wonderful, amazing sister Julie) planned a surprise party for Rob and Adrian (their birthdays are just a few days apart). And because Rob was turning 30, I decided to go all out! Here are Rob and Adrian (being very kind and posing for a photo)! Happy Birthday you guys!

The planning for the party started about a month ago. It wasn't until I was in Idaho for my sister's wedding that I had a brillant idea (after watching Ace of Cakes). To make a life-size electric guitar cake. So on Wednesday, Brooke and I went over to Julie's house and baked a cake.
Here is Brooke helping (or not helping I can't remember at this point).
Here is the pan of left-over pieces of cake. I am glad Julie had mutual because most of the "scraps" got eaten.
Julie and Trevor helping out!
Because the cake was so large we had to cut it into sections to freeze. Here is the handle part.

Here is the body of the guitar, and part of the handle. This cake took up Julie's entire freezer. I am just glad it fit.

On Thursday, I told Rob I was going to play volleyball but instead I went to Julie's house and we decorated it. It was a lot of fun. It didn't take too long and I think we did a pretty good job.

Here is how we had to cover it Thursday night. We used legos to hold the foil up so it wouldn't smudge the cake.
Here is the final product! Look at all those details! Thanks for all your help Julie!

Finally the big day. Brooke was napping over at Julie's house so I could finish shopping and cook some food. I get this call at 3:15 from Julie that Brooke's arm hurts. That she won't let anyone touch it. Julie is really worried so I hurry up and finish the food and change my clothes and head over. I get there around 3:40 (20 minutes before it is time to set-up and we still need to get balloons) and Brooke's arm looks a little funny...it is just hanging by her side. So my first thought was just to bag the whole party. But Julie said she would go and help Stacie set-up and I would take Brooke to the InstaCare for x-rays.

We wait at the InstaCare, for what seems like forever (2 hours) and finally we get some x-rays. The doctor said he thought it was her elbow so we go into the x-ray room and the tech has me hold Brooke's arm in a couple different positions, the whole time she is crying and then I start crying because she is in so much pain, to take x-rays. We finish and go back to the room. By the time we get back to the room Brooke is just fine. Apparently she had dislocated her elbow and the tech "popped" it back into place while she was trying to take the x-rays. By this time it was 6:10 pm and Rob and Adrian had already been "surprised" but we headed over to the party.

Just a few more photos of the cake.

We reserved the church so the kids could just run around in the gym.
Decorations.
Food table.
Here are Rob and Adrian ready to blow out the candles.
Making a wish.
We decided to take the party a little "old school". We played musical chairs and had a pinata.

It got a little competitive near the end.

(Trevor had to borrow Brooke's clothes, hence the hot pink shirt).
The pinata kept falling off the rope so in the end they just used it as a baseball.
It was a great evening. Thanks everyone who came (not everyone is pictured).

Brooke waiting to leave while we are cleaning up! "Let's go guys!"

Fixing the Car

2008-10-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I helped Rob fix our car. A couple of weeks ago we found a few things needed to be fixed on our car (yah, major bummer...but I guess that is how life goes). Rob decided to try and fix some of the things himself. Here we are fixing the Knock Sensor. Rob's hands were too big to loosen the sensor but after a few attempts I did. I wanted Rob to document this day because it probabably won't happen again. So here is the proof.

Helmet Hair

2008-10-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Brooke just loves wearing Rob's motorcyle helmets. Rob and Brooke were taking dinner to a family down the street and this was what she wanted to wear...funny girl! I think she looks adorable in her boots and helmet.

And then there were...

2008-09-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

twenty-three! Here is a family photo of the "Wadsworths." I seriously have the greatest family in the whole world and it was so wonderful to spend time with them last week. I am trying to talk all of them to move to Utah but I don't think that will EVER happen (but maybe we could move to Nampa?!) It was a really hot, long day (just look at Brooke and Trevor) but it is so neat to have EVERYONE together because I am not sure when the next time will be.

Families are the BEST!!!

A Trip to Idaho

2008-09-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Brooke and I have spent the last week and a half in Idaho (Rob spent four days there) for my sister's wedding. We did her open house on Tuesday (September 16) and then we drove to Washington where she got married on Thursday (18th). I had so much fun and Jaymee was so beautiful. It was so great being together as a family. We took a family photo, once I finish it I'll post it here. My mom and dad's family is just getting bigger and bigger and older and older. I can't believe Jaymee was old enough to get married but I think she is really happy and Jason is a great guy. It was so cute seeing them interact as husband and wife.

While we were in Idaho we went and saw a couple of movies, "Ironman" and "Get Smart". We also played tennis. Robert and I haven't been able to play tennis for a while, but he still has it. I am the exact same too...pretty horrible. It was fun to play though. My brothers and Julie and Nick really get into it. Maybe one day I'll be able to challenge them. I did a little shopping (more like looking) while I was there (a trip is never complete until we go shopping). It was so fun and I can't wait to go back.

Happy Birthday Brooke!!!

2008-09-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

So on Friday we celebrated Brooke's 2nd Birthday!!! I can't believe she is already two. She really is the best girl in the whole world and every day she makes me laugh (sometimes cry) and we just have FUN! Her birthday party was wonderful. We invited her neighborhood friends to come and play at our house for about an hour. The hour was filled with bean bag tosses, sidewalk chalk, and BUBBLES. We appreciate everyone that come and helped us celebrate. It was a great little party and we really enjoyed ourselves. ***And if you look closely you can see our NEW kitchen***Here are the favor bags...ready to hand out at the end of the party.
I put all the items we were taking outside in coolers (to go along with the theme) for easy transportation (isn't our kitchen beautiful?!).
These are smiley sunshine cupcakes and watermelon cupcakes. Does it get more summer than sunshine and watermelon.
Her birthday banner and presents.
Kids enjoying the sidewalk chalk.
This was Brooke's first time using sidewalk chalk and her friend Adam had to show her the ropes. She was trying to color on the plastic lid. She eventually got the hang of it and loved it.
More sidewalk chalk.
Cupcake time (like the tile floor).

After the party we had dinner with Julie, Nick, and Trevor. Brooke loved her big cupcake. The sign over our head was from her first birthday (my plan is to use it every year).
For her birthday, Robert and I bought her a new dress with "baby legs". I also got a new dress that is similar in style so today we snapped a few photos, we both wore them to church.
Brooke had a great second birthday and we look forward to this year!!

Farm Animals and Gardens

2008-08-26T13:21:00.001-07:00

Today was a really, really fun day. Brooke and I along with a couple other moms and kids went to Thanksgiving Point in Utah County. The month of August they had $2 Tuesday to each location, so we went to the Farm Animals Barn and the Children's Gardens. It was great! and Brooke was so brave. She went on the pony ride all by herself and she fed the sheep right out of her hand (she didn't like when the sheep licked her so by the end she was just throwing the food in). Brooke loves animals so it is really nice that she is feeling more comfortable around them (I try not to be a chicken so she can be brave but deep down I want to run away screaming). We then went out to eat...I love great days! (I forgot my camera but luckily Julie had hers...thanks Jules).

Our Kitchen Update!

2008-08-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that we are in the process of updating our kitchen. The cabinets are in and it looks great but there are still a few things to do . So until the countertops are in and the backsplash I am not going to post a photo. I want you to be able to see the finished product! Hopefully that will be in a week or so. It is so nice to have a new kitchen and I am so grateful for Robert, his Dad and his mom for making my new kitchen a reality (it was a good 3.5 years in the making). Thanks!

Chocolate Muffin

2008-08-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Brooke had a chocolate muffin for breakfast this morning and it got all over her face. Lately she has been asking to go to church everyday so I am glad when Sundays come so she can actually go to church.

Taking her Clothes Off.

2008-08-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Brooke is in a stage where she doesn't like to wear clothes anymore so she just takes them off and runs around in a diaper (but at least she still has a diaper on).

Tuesday at the Beach and the Cheese Factory!

2008-08-24T08:05:00.001-07:00

Tuesday we headed off to Canon Beach, Pacific City, and the Tillamook Cheese Factory (I had to get some icecream!). Brooke at the cheese factory watching how they make the cheese. Brooke got bored of watching them make cheese.
I am not sure what she is doing here but it makes me laugh.
Brooke running from the waves at the beach.
Walking into the ocean.
Brooke drying off after Canon Beach, she fell.
We had someone take this for us at the end of our trip.
Family Photo.
Brooke and I laughing and eating icecream (I LOVE this photo).

Brooke tired after a long day.
Brooke found a sand dollar in the water. I wanted to keep it for her but she threw it back into the water.
She is showing Robert her great find.
We had a wonderful trip to Oregon and loved every second of it. Hopefully we can go back sometime soon.

Waterfall...

2008-08-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Rob (and Brooke) with family at the base of the waterfall. We hiked the mile to the top and the kids did a great job. It was a fun hike!A little over halfway. Brooke is really tired can you tell?
At the top, on the lookout. Brooke is sleeping.
We didn't want to wake Brooke so we just put her on this rock.
I think she thought it was pretty comfortable (the cool rock felt nice...it was pretty warm after the hike).

Cont. from the Post Below-

2008-08-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

Brooke and I at The Rose Gardens.On Sunday we went to Rob's Aunt's House to eat a delicious dinner and to visit. We saw his grandma, his cousin and his Aunt and just enjoyed the whole evening together. It was so nice seeing them.
On Monday we made our way to some waterfalls. We stopped at this lookout point and walked around.

Here we are playing in the creek at the bottom of the falls. We had a delicious pinic lunch and let the "kids" play in the water.

It Has Been a Few Weeks...

2008-08-24T07:15:00.001-07:00

...so lets catch up! We went to Oregon on August 2nd for a little family vacation! We had a lot of fun!

Brooke and Robert waiting at the airport to board the airplane to fly to OR.

Brooke was really lucky and got a window seat all by herself.

The Saturday we arrived we went to The Rose Gardens. It was beautiful and Brooke had a great time running around. Right next to The Rose Gardens they had a great playground that Brooke really enjoyed.

Brooke with her Aunt and her cousin at the Rose Gardens.

Brooke with her other Aunt (families are so wonderful)!

5 Years Ago on August 9th-

2008-08-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

I married the greatest guy in the whole world! He is so absolutely amazing! This photo was taken in the exact spot he proposed to me over 5 years ago, when we were in Oregon a few weeks ago, and he even gave me the ring of my dreams (I lost my first engagement ring about 10 months after we were married and I always wanted another one)! I am so lucky to be married to Robert. I love him and I am excited to see what the next five years has in store.

Just Brooke

2008-07-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Brooke loves putting on this hat, even though it is too small (and she loves bubbles). She also loves putting buckets on her head.
She loves her baby and her purse.
She loves watching "Jungle Book," "Nemo," and "Little Mermaid."
She loves putting boxes on her head too. Funny girl!

"Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime...

2008-07-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

...with a roll of foil?"I saw these photos somewhere and though it was funny. Someone had way too much free time on his/her hands.

We Will Miss You--Grandpa!

2008-07-27T16:19:00.001-07:00

This past week, Robert's grandfather passed away. His funeral service was in St. George on Friday and his burial service on Saturday in Orem. Robert's family (all his siblings and his mom and dad) were able to go to the funeral in St. George. Though the circumstances weren't the best it was so nice to be able to have all of Rob's siblings and parents here for a short visit. I just love his family and we will miss his grandpa dearly. These couple of photos were taken a couple of months ago (May) when we were able to go down to St. George to visit Grandpa and Helen. What a sweet blessing it was to be able to go and spend time for a couple days. Memories we will treasure forever. We love you, Grandpa!

Discovery

2008-07-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

My brother and his family are in town this weekend so we decided to do something fun. We went downtown to Discovery Gateway an interactive museum for kids. Brooke and her cousins had a lot of fun. I'll post a few more photos later but here are a few.

Brooke 'climbing' on the rock wall.

Brooke going to the market.
Brooke playing with a puzzle.
Brooke in a helicopter (one of her favorite words).
Brooke driving the helicopter.

7.11

2008-07-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had a great evening together. It started with Robert getting off work a little early and we headed to Raging Waters (a local water park). We enjoyed ourselves for a couple of hours and then on our way home we stopped at Seven-Eleven. Since today is July 11th (7.11) they give out free slurpees so we all got one. As you can tell from out tongues we all got Wild Cherry. Things tend to taste better when they are free. We had a lot of fun.

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th, I went to Idaho to visit and left Rob and Brooke alone! They had a good time together and I enjoyed myself too. Here are a couple of photos from Rob and Brooke's weekend (I had a couple of photoshoots with family members and you can see those on my photo blog). Here Rob and Brooke put "stickies" on their noses. Brooke loves stickers.

Brooke is watching Rob play WOW and she loves seeing the horsie.

Rob took Brooke to ride the carousel and they had a great time, until they were ready to leave...Brooke hates leaving places.

Rob kept Brooke up so I could see her Sunday night (photo). It was actually pretty funny when I got home, let's just say that she wasn't too excited to see me.

We both had great weekends and it was definately fun to get back home to see Rob and Brooke, I missed them a lot. I am grateful for the 4th and for the freedoms we enjoy and the people who fight to protect those freedoms. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend too.

Motorcycle

2008-07-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Robert got home from work and Brooke and I just happened to be outside so Brooke got on his motorcyle (she loves saying that word). She already looks like she is enjoying herself too much.

Brooke...

2008-06-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

Brooke and her daddy, she just loves him. Brooke loves sitting in these baskets and they having someone fly her around the room.
Here Brooke is on the golf course last Friday night. She was so cute and just loved picking up all the range balls that were around the course. It was a fun evening and I did pretty good golfing (the second time ever and it had been 3 years since the first time golfing).
"CHEESE."
Brooke just makes us smile and laugh. She is so funny.
Brooke and me. I just love that girl! She is the best ever and so good at giving hugs.

Yesterday Was A Great Day!

2008-06-19T11:03:00.001-07:00

Brooke got to play with Trevor for a couple of hours. She loves Trevor.

We went to the WaterPark!!!!! This year we got season passes to a local water park and it was so fun to go with Rob. Brooke and I went by ourselves Tuesday morning but when Rob came with us on Wednesday evening it was a blast. Rob isn't a chicken and took Brooke into the wave pool and even down a slide. When they were going down the slide they lost their tube and Rob had to finish going down on his bum with Brooke on his lap. He said the water was really cold. Brooke and I went in the lazy river and Rob went down this insane water ride (you will never ever catch me going down it). I'll get a photo of it next time we go.

Rob and Brooke in the wave pool.
The wave pool again.
Us getting ready to go home. Brooke LOVES the water and when it was time to go home she was screaming at the top of her lungs, "water, water, water, water, water." It took a while for her to calm down.

We went to Wheeler Farms, a working farm in Murray, Utah. They have animals that you can feed and pet and then you can just walk around and see the sights.

Here is Brooke looking brave and feeding a sheep, right after this picture was taken she came running back saying, "hold you, hold you" (hold me). She almost feed the sheep though, maybe next time.

Okay so I thought this was the funniest thing. This pig was huge, enormous. She comes waddling over and tries to fit into her watering pan. Her bum was just sticking out of the air. Funny stuff! Brooke and I outside the main barn. After we had walked around, Brooke was pretty tired.
Brooke and some of her friends ready to go home. It was a great time at the farm.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T19:43:00.001-07:00

For Father's Day, Brooke and I made Robert breakfast in bed and we watch a DVD that I made with photos from Brooke's birth (when Robert started fatherhood) to the present. The DVD ended with the photos of us tearing up the side yard. We then we to church, came home had a yummy lunch, hung out, and then had dinner: Mexican Lasagna (sp) Robert's favorite. It was a great day and Robert is such a wonderful husband and father. Brooke and I are the luckiest girls in the world. I took these photos when Robert was eating breakfast with Brooke (I love the black and white photo).

Side and Back Yard

2008-06-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

If it isn't one project then it is another. We are going to put cement on the side yard, to the back of the house. Then in the backyard we are having it graded and then we will seed it again with grass. We are also putting in a new patio and we will finally finish the play area! I am so excited.

Brooke is always helping!

Get-Together

2008-06-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening, we went over to Rob's friends house and had a BBQ. It was a group of Rob's friends from Ricks College. It was a great evening and it is crazy to think how fast time is going. PS Do you like Rob's new haircut? It is his summer style! Sorry Josh's eyes are closed...it was the one with me in it (Rachel is taking the pic).

Lagoon Day Videos

2008-06-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few videos from our recent trip to Lagoon!

A Little DDR

2008-06-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day Rob and Brooke got me DDR (well the knock-off verison). I was so excited and I just love it. Here is a video of Brooke dancing and shaking.

Lagoon--Del Sol Style

2008-06-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday, Robert's work, Del Sol, had their 4th Annual Lagoon Day and it was great. We got there just in time for lunch, Great Harvest Sandwiches-yummy. We ate lunch and then had time to go on just a few rides before we had to leave. Brooke went on the helicopter, Puff the Rollercoaster, character ride, and the carousel. Robert went on Wicked and loved it. There wasn't any way they were going to talk me into going on a rollercoaster--I am a chicken. The park was really crowded but it was still fun.

When I was growing up Lagoon was the 'BIG' vacation we took every few years, so it is kinda weird having it so close and if we wanted to we could go every weekend (we don't want to go every weekend, but still it is possible). It brought back a lot of memories seeing Brooke go on all the rides. I love Lagoon!!!

Brooke loved this push-up, can you tell?!

Rob and Brooke are sitting in the front of the rollercoaster.

Red High Heels

2008-06-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

I just love Brooke and she is all girl already! She loves make-up, jewerly, and shoes. She doesn't love the shopping part (I hope this changes) but she does love to accessorize.

Kitchen Remodel

2008-06-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved into our house we have always planned on remodeling the kitchen. Well, we are one step closer. When I was in Idaho, Rob took the soffets (sp) out and we plan on installing the cabinets in August. It is really cool being one step closer, it makes it seem more real and that it will actually happen. Below are photos of Brooke "helping" and what the kitchen looks like with the soffets out.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2008-06-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Brooke and I have been in Idaho for almost a week and we just have two days left. It has been a lot of fun hanging out with family, but we miss Rob so this photo is for you!

Party Time in Idaho (a really large post)!!!

2008-06-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

Brooke and I came to Idaho last Tuesday for my youngest brother's graduation from high school. We are staying here until Wednesday of this week and today we had a birthday party for Trevor and Blake (Brooke's cousins) and here are some photos from the event.

Trevor riding on his present from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Melissa. Me, my mom, my sister Nessa, and Brooke hanging out at the party.
Brooke with her great-grandma Jean (my namesake).
Trevor with Grandma Jean (still my namesake).
Julie and Trevor opening presents.
My beautiful mom and my handsome dad. I have the best parents ever.
Julie and I thought this photo was funny. Can you tell who is who (we are doing the exact same thing)?
The theme for the party was "balls and balloons" and here some of the cousins are playing with the balloons. Carter, Kaiden, Abby and Mallory (look at the face Mallory is pulling).

Grandpa and Abby. "What does a hippo say, Brooke?"
Blake and Lisa opening presents.

Brooke stealing the show or rather Blake's presents. Blake got a Thomas the Train set and she really wanted to play with it.
It was a really great Sunday and birthday party!

The Month of May

2008-05-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

The month of May has been filled with so many great people. We had Aunt Michelle come and visit (another entry) we went to St. George and saw Grandpa Mann and Grandma Helen (another entry) and Grandma Beverlee came to visit. Brooke just loved playing with her, singing songs, and going outside on walks. We are so glad Beverlee could come and visit we love her so much. We also get to have my sister, Janessa come and visit this weekend. Then on Tuesday Brooke and I are headed to Idaho for my youngest brother's graduation where we get to see so many other great people !!!! I am so grateful for FAMILY!!!

Our Trip to St. George

2008-05-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had Rob's mom in town and so we made a quick trip to St. George to see Grandpa Mann and Grandma Helen. It was a great trip, but it went by too quickly. It was great to visit with them and Helen made us feel so welcomed. We love them so much and hopefully we can visit again sometime soon. Here are some photos from the trip (not in any particular order).

Obviously, us driving in the car. About an hour after this photo was taken we were almost attacked by a porta potty on the freeway. Luckily no one was hurt.

Rob's mom, Grandpa, and Rob

Brooke is ready to EAT!

Grandpa and Beverlee (Daddy-Daugther)

Grandma Helen, Grandpa, Beverlee and Brooke. Brooke just loved that balloon...thanks Helen.

We are getting ready to leave Sunday afternoon.

Brooke just couldn't get comfortable sleeping. Beverlee was such a great help and sat in the back the entire way and entertained her...thanks Beverlee.

Brooke loved (and I mean loved) getting pushed in Grandpa's walker. Beverlee kept her amused for hours. We might need to invest in one because she loved it so much.

Robert and his Grandpa...I can see some resemblence.

It was a nice trip. While we were there we also went shopping at the Outlets, bought a few things for Brooke and then we went swimming. Brooke loved the water and didn't want to get out. It was so cute and I am glad we have a summer pass to a local water park...I think we will get our money's worth. We also went out to eat at a delicious Mexican Resturant.

WE LOVE YOU, GRANDPA!

Aunt Michelle's Visit and the Zoo

2008-05-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Aunt Michelle came to visit the weekend of the 10th and we had so much fun. We went to the Zoo, out to eat a couple of times, did the "Race for the Cure", and then we went to an indoor arena football game. Not my favorite sport to watch but it nice to say I have been to a game. Some of the fans were really into the game, so that was entertaining as well. Michelle also bought some Kettle Corn which tasted delicious. Here are a few photos from the zoo. At the zoo we went on a little train ride and Brooke was afraid of the animals. She kept saying, "no, no, no" when they would make a noise. Maybe next time she can enjoy it a little more. I don't have any photos from the "race" but when I get some (they were on Michelle's camera) I'll post a couple.

Rock On!!

2008-05-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

Robert bought this shirt for Brooke a while ago and today I decided to see if it would fit her...and it does. I am sure this will become one of Rob's favorite outfits on her! We are now on the lookout for a shirt that says "I listen to Rascal Flatts with my mommy" which is a truer statement!

(the red thing in her hand is a Sour Patch Kid...she loves candy)

I've been Tagged

2008-05-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

How To Play This Game of Tag: Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

My friend Shannon tagged me so here goes nothing...

3 JOYS

1. Rob
2. Brooke
3. My family

3 FEARS

1. Mice
2. Car Crashes
3. Airplane rides

3 GOALS

1. Become a better wife/mother
2. Become an amazing photographer
3. Get our kitchen and eventually our entire house remolded.

3 CURRENT OBESSIONS/COLLECTIONS

1. Learning PS
2. Finding another chair (at least I found one-thanks Jules)
3. "Gilmore Girls"

3 RANDOM/SURPRISING FACTS

1. If I could have been anything when I grew up it would have been a country singer (that dream was shot the moment I was born...I can't sing).
2. I want (and hopefully one day will) to own my own store/cafe. I have it all designed it my head and let me tell you it is going to be awesome.
3. I would love to live in NYC (for a short period of time).

If you read my blog and have never been tagged, consider yourself tagged.

Softball Game

2008-05-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Robert's work, Del Sol, has a co-ed softball team on Monday nights and for the last few years I have been playing on and off. I enjoy softball but having never played it before this team started I am not very good...until last night. Okay, really I am still not very good but I caught TWO, count 'em TWO balls in the outfield last night, hence the photo. I was so excited. After the first one I even took a little bow--very unprofessional I am sure, but hey I actually caught the darn thing and was very excited. I just closed my eyes and stuck my glove out there and it worked (I really need to try and keep my eyes open a little and when I bat too) The photo is a little blurry but you get the idea.

Quack, Quack

2008-05-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after my softball game we went over to the park and fed the ducks. This is one of my all-time favorite things to do. My grandma and grandpa would take us to feed the ducks when we were little and then we would go to McDonalds. It just brings back some of the best memories. Anyways there were ducklings. Some of the cutest, smallest ducklings ever. You can see then (not in too much detail though) in this photo. Brooke was a little scared and none of her pieces got to the water, but I am sure she'll get the hang of it.

We were looking at these ducklings and this girl, around the age of 8ish, started to walk along this fence to see the ducklings better. The mom and dad duck would have nothing to do with that so they started honking, flying, flapping, lunging toward this poor girl and she had no idea what to do. So she started running towards the ducklings to get away from the parents. Not the best idea because they just got more upset. Robert told the girl to run towards us, and then they finally left her alone. Poor girl. It had me a little scared and the girl had this panic look on her face mixed with tears. It is a little funny now, but when it was happening I didn't think it was too funny...if I would have been that little girl I would have been terrified. I probably would never have fed the ducks again.

Brooke is So Helpful

2008-05-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Brooke loves to help out. If I am working on the computer, she loves to work on the computer. If I am doing laundry she loves to put the clothes in the washer/dryer, and pour the soap in. She also loves to clean things. She will take a baby wipe and "dust" of chairs, bookcases, and etc. I am glad someone in the family likes to clean...hopefully it stays that way!

Brooke Singing a Few Songs

2008-04-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

The following songs (as well as this one) were taken this morning. Brooke loves doing the actions to songs so we thought we would get it on tape and share it with everyone. Pardon my singing. "The Wheels on the Bus" is for Grandma Beverlee. Enjoy!

2008-04-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

2008-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

2008-04-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Carousel Ride

2008-04-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, Robert and I took Brooke to the South Towne Mall for a Carousel Ride. She was a little scared at first but once she found the perfect horse (yes, she had to pick it herself) she was buckled in and ready to go. She loved riding on the carousel. She was smiling, waving, blowing kissses and saying "wheee" (this is how she shows excitement) as they circled around each time. It was a hoot to see her ride it. Sorry no photos, we couldn't find the camera but trust me it was pretty stinkin' cute and we will definately do it again and I'll bring the camera.

DI Find

2008-04-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

This week Julie and I went to DI and I found this toy for Brooke for only $3.00. I was very excited. In nursury, they have a blue horsie that Brooke loves to ride so I had been thinking about buying one for her. Well when I saw this one I just had to get it for her. She loves it. The day we bought it she rode it all over our family room, saying "wheee" the entire day. It doesn't look like anything because it had a cloth cow cover over it that I took off because it wasn't in the best of shape (and I didn't think it was that cute) but she can use her imagination to make it a yellow horsie.

Lipstick

2008-04-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you leave your purse on the ground for Brooke to get into. She got out my lipstick (the only one I own--sorry Jenn I loved it while I had it) and ate it, wore it, rubbed it on the carpet and walls...what a mess but she thought she was "pretty." (You can kinda see the lipstick around her face, she also had it on her arms and in her hair...too funny)

Most Recent Photo of Brooke

2008-04-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken last night before Rob and I went to Park City.

Julie and Nick watched Brooke overnight, while Rob and I went to PC to stay at the Marriott and hang out with all the Del Sol employees. Del Sol reached their 2007 goals and so they invited all the employees up to PC for an evening of fun and friends. We got there around 7:00 pm, ate yummy food, drank yummy drinks and then played video games. Rob was a total rocker with "Rock Band" and I tore it up on "Guitar Hero." We enjoyed ourselves and are very grateful Rob works for a great company.

Today we just slept in, had lunch, went to visit Joe and Miranda (Rob's cousins who live in PC), and then came home. On the way home I got a huge urge to eat a carmel apple from Rocky Mountain Candy Factory. I wish I would have had this urge in PC because they have two, but we were already on our way home. So I called my mom and she found one in Fort Union. Some of you may already know this but when I get an idea I just won't let it drop. So Robert, being the best husband in the whole entire world, humored me and said we could go. We couldn't find it, so after a few more calls to my mom, and a half an hour later we were almost ready to give up but then there it was. I have the greatest husband and little girl (look how adorable Brooke looks in that photo--she is so beautiful and can always make you laugh). I love Rob, Brooke, and Snickers covered carmel apples.

Brooke and Her Blankie

2008-04-06T11:15:00.001-07:00

Brooke LOVES her blankie and takes it pretty much everywhere (it gets so dirty so fast).

Brooke snuggling her blankie.

I love toe shots.

Along with her blankie she sucks her thumb, they go hand in hand.

Brooke has one corner of her blankie that she just loves. She has to have that corner or she won't go to sleep. She twitches her blankie (like my sister Julie did with her blankie) and sometimes puts her favorite corner up her nose (she got that from her Momma). Too funny!

Brooke Again

2008-04-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

One of Brooke's favorite things is to watch the kids go to school. So she stands on the couch and looks out our front window. She loves people watching.

I mentioned in a previous post that Brooke is getting good at giving hugs and kisses. Here is her pucker, look at those lips.

Shout Out to Mr. T

2008-04-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Brooke is very fortunate to live by her cousin, Trevor. She gets to see him alot and for the most part enjoys it (she is in a phase right now where she doesn't like him to touch her, but hopefully that will pass soon) and she loves him very much. Since Julie doesn't have a blog I decided to post a couple of Trevor. So here goes.

Trevor has the biggest blue eyes, but his eyelashes are also incredible.

Here is Trevor just hanging out (Jon-do you recongize the pants?).

Julie and I have both passed on our "crinckle noses" to Trevor and Brooke (respectively). So here is Trevor doing a pretty good crinckle.

Potty Time

2008-04-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Brooke went potty in the toilet about a week and half ago. I am not potty training but just trying to get her used to the idea. She has only done it again one other time so I think it will be awhile. But I was so excited when she went I had to "capture" the moment. Robert thought the last one was digusting but I imagine everyone looking at this blog has seen something more disgusting than baby pee, hence the post. In the first photo you'll notice Brooke is saying "cheese" again.

Just Hangin' Out

2008-04-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Brooke and I were just messing around with the camera one day. I love the 2nd one because she is giving me a hug. She is getting really good at giving hugs and kisses...we LOVE it.

Rob and Brooke. Brooke is into saying "cheese" when her photo is getting taken and this is the face she pulls. You'll see it often in some of the upcoming posts. It makes us laugh.