The Arpkes

Rudeen Ranch

2009-09-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

We got the chance to go to my sister-in-laws ranch again on our way back from Memorial Day weekend. It was the weekend of tagging humming birds. I love humming birds! We were disappointed because we missed watching the branding by 30 minutes! We still got to see the humming birds though. They are beautiful little birds. We were able to ride horses again. Always fun! Last year Brax was scared to ride and this year he loved it. This year Dawson was terrified of the horses and last year he loved them. Kids! What can I say, so unpredictable! It was a blast though! Uncle Phil and Aunt Joyce took the boys on a nature walk and Braxton came back with the coolest caterpillar. He took it home for his pet but it only lived for about a week.

Memorial Day

2009-09-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Paul, the boys, and I went to Idaho Falls for Memorial Day. We got to spend time with both families which was really nice. We got to see Paul's brother and wife which Paul and him hardly see each other so it was great for them to catch up. We visited my dad's grave and told the boys some stories about him. Their two favorite stories about him are jumping out of the helicopter in the military and him putting our pet tarantula on my hair and face when I was a little girl. They have a hard time believing that since now I am scared of just about anything that crawls!

Crazy Cousins

2009-09-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

When Dawson and Krue get together they are crazy and so much fun to watch. They copy eachother and do silly things.

Check out this video of the two crazies on the slide.

Computer Nerds

2009-09-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Brax was at school and I came out into the living room and this is what I found. My two little computer nerds. How cute!

Brax's lost teeth

2009-09-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

Braxton and Bridger's First Friend Sleepover

2009-09-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Brax and Bridge had their first sleepover at their friend Max's and they did great! I'm not a huge fan of sleepovers but I thought I would get it out of their system. They didn't miss me at all!

Easter 2009

2009-09-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Before we went to Idaho Falls for Easter, the boys decorated Easter Eggs.

Daws got distracted and wanted to swing

Brax hurrying to find eggs

Bridger loading up his bag

Waiting until we let them out to find eggs

All ready for church

Usually every year for Easter we go to Idaho Falls. My cousin's mother-in-law always has a huge Easter feast and then the little kids go on an Easter egg hunt in her huge yard. The kids have so much fun and they look forward to this tradition every year.

All about Daws

2009-08-30T10:28:00.001-07:00

He loves Baseball

Sticker Boy

Little Pirate Boy

Joe's Crab Shack

2009-08-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Before Paul left back to work we took the boys to Joe's Crab Shack. I love this place. It is so much fun! They give you bibs to use when you eat crab and the server's even dance when certain songs come on. My boys actually really liked seafood, especially shrimp!

Max, Brax, and Bridger

2009-08-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Braxton's friend Max came over to play and the boys wanted to watch

Shark Boy and Lava Girl 3D. I thought this was such a cute picture!

Soccer

2009-08-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Braxton and Bridger played indoor soccer again this year and here are a few photos with my blurry camera again. This was the day of their last game so a clown came and brought a huge ball. Then they got their awards. This is Braxton's last year of this because he is officially too old!

Daddy and the Boys

2009-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

I loved this picture of Paul holding all of his boys!

Ice Skating

2009-08-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Okay let me just say, my small camera that I carry in my purse takes the worst indoor pictures. I am so mad most of these pictures are blurry but I wanted to post this because we had so much fun! Paul and I took the boys ice skating. We left Dawson with my friend Deb and it was so nice to be able to just focus on Braxton and Bridger. That sounds mean, (we love you Daws), but I think it was great for the two older boys. They had little walkers so they wouldn't fall and I think Brax and Bridge both did so well. They loved it and they always ask when we can do it again.

Valentines Day- Kiss Kiss Fish

2009-08-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

For Valentines Day this year I wanted to a fun craft for the boys. I found the cutest idea on another blog making fish using cut out hearts from fabric. You could also use scrap book paper or really any kind of paper. The boys really had fun. They decided to call the fish "Kiss Kiss Fish!" So cute. Don't mind the bed head on my boys. ;)

Braxton and Basketball

2009-08-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Braxton wanted to play basketball in kindergarten and we thought why not? So we signed him up and let me just say it was hilarious to watch little kids trying to dribble the ball and run down the court at the same time. This was probably the most entertaining sport that we have put Braxton in. He had a lot of fun and he will probably play in first grade as well. He is #6 and he was ecstatic to be that number because it was his age!

McCall- Winter Festival Ice Sculptures

2009-08-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

This past January Paul was actually home when they had the winter festival in McCall. So of course we had to go. We went a few years back and we all had so much fun. The sculptures were amazing! The boys loved sliding down the ice slide. We also went sledding and then we ate pizza. What a fun day we all had!

2009-08-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

I HOPE THEY CALL ME ON A MISSION

2009-08-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

I just love these little future missionaries!

Dawson's Head Injury

2009-08-29T23:25:00.000-07:00

Braxton was such a good brother because it was his birthday but he didn't even complain having to stay at the ER for awhile.

I think Dawson had a Headache

Bridger waiting so patiently at the ER

On January 20th (Braxton's Birthday), Brax had the day off from school. Paul was out of town so we were waiting to celebrate his birthday when he got back. So I let Braxton choose where he wanted to go for lunch, he chose Artic Circle. After that we went to Walmart to get a few things and to let Braxton choose a small toy for his special day. Well my little Dawson has been my biggest handful and he is so hard to take to the store. He is always trying to get out of the cart or stand up. I looked away for one second to grab some oatmeal off of the shelf and Brax yelled, "MOM! DAWSON!!!!" He fell out of the cart right on his head. For those who know me, I am such a paranoid person and that has always been a huge fear of mine because I have heard of children dying from falling out of shopping carts. I picked him up so fast and he cried for less than 15 seconds and then his eyes started rolling back into his head. I was so freaked out I left the cart and made Brax and Bridger run with me to our vehicle. I debated on calling the ambulance but the hospital was pretty close, yet it seemed like I drove forever. I made Braxton sit by him because he kept dozing off so he kept him awake. When we arrived at the ER they got us right in. He had to have a CT scan and it came back okay, which I was relieved yet still very nervous to take him home. I just had to watch for certain signs and I am so glad to say he was okay. It sounds weird saying it now, but I really thought I was losing him. The way he was acting was sooooo scary. Now I am way more careful with him in the shopping cart. If he refuses to sit, I just carry him. I know he is spoiled but I never want that to happen again.

Braxton's Birthday January 20th 6 years old

2009-08-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

For Braxton's Birthday he wanted to have his party at McDonald's so that's what we did. He wanted a monster truck party and it turned out great! I highly recommend having parties at a place like this! It wasn't on his actual Birthday and that day is a whole other post. I can't believe he is 6! My first baby! Wow how they grow so fast!

Sledding with Cousins

2009-08-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Dawson and I

Bridger

Braxton

Cole

Kydon

During the winter break still in Idaho Falls, Erin and I took the boys sledding and they all had a Blast!

New Years Eve

2009-08-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Clarissa and I. I have not seen her in years so it was really nice to catch up.

Krysti, me, Melissa, and Mindi

Since I was husbandless for New Years Eve my girls always step in for me. I always have fun when I am with them, even though it would have been nice to have Paul around also. We all went to Mindi's and drank sparkling cider and played games and ate and talked and talked and ate.... what else is better?

We

Blast Off

2009-08-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Keo

During winter break when we were in Idaho Falls, Erin and I took our boys to blast off so they could be crazy!

Christmas/ New Years Break-Krue and Daws

2009-08-29T22:54:00.001-07:00

I love these two boys when they get together!

Christmas/ New Years Break-Girls Bowling Night

2009-08-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

Krysti, Jen, Me, Erin

Our matching fingerless gloves.

Krysti, Erin , Jen, and I had a fun girls night. First we went to dinner and then we went bowling. We had a lot of fun! I love girls nights!

Shaving and a Bath

2009-08-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Braxton and Bridger got their very own shaving kits for Christmas so they could be like their dad. They have so much fun shaving. I guess its good practice. :)

Bridger's Birthday 4 years old. November 13th 2008

2009-08-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is his cousin Zoe. She was first to arrive.

Po the Panda

I can't find all of Bridger's Bday pics because I used two cameras. He had a birthday party with lots of his friends. He wanted to have a Kung Fu Panda Party.

2009-08-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY updating!!!! Can you believe it?!!! This is more for me so I don't forget the past year ever happened, so I am once again backing way up to where I left off. So please bare with me!

Family Photos

2008-11-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

My friend Gretchen's husband Owen took our family pictures this year. He did a great job! Here are a few.....

I love this saying!

Disney on Ice

2008-11-09T23:06:00.000-08:00

After Taylor's going away party yesterday, the boys and I went to see Disney on Ice. I wasn't going to go because Paul was not here and I didn't know if I could handle all three kids by myself for the whole show, but they were great! Of course we wish Paul could have been with us but we still had fun. Disney was celebrating 100 years and so they put on a great show! They had SO many characters. Braxton loved Buzz and Bridger loved Aladdin. At first Dawson was a little scared, but then he loved it and would not stop clapping. The boys were so worn out from the busy day that we had, when we got in the car they all fell asleep. That is very rare for my two older ones to fall asleep in the car.

Nemo

At the end of the show, some of the characters.

Goodbye and Good luck

2008-11-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

Taylor and the boys.

Yesterday my friend Deb had a going away party for her husband Taylor. He is in the military and is being deployed overseas. How sad! :( The boys love Deb and Taylor and so do Paul and I. Good Luck Taylor and please return safely to your wife!

Build a Bear

2008-11-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Braxton had a few days off of school this past week and so he wanted to go to Build a Bear to give his bear a bath and to get a new outfit for him. He told me his bear was getting to chubby and he had outgrown his shirt. Braxton and Bridger washed and brushed their bears and then picked out the perfect outfits for them. Bridger picked out Spiderman. (Lately he has been obsessed with him). Braxton picked out a military outfit. There was a brown camo or a green. In these exact words this is what was said......

Braxton: "Mom, should I get the brown outfit or the green?"

Me: "Whichever one you want Braxton."

Braxton: "Ummmmm, I think I will get the green outfit, it is more governmentish."

That kid! He says the funniest things! I love my kids!

Afterwards we went and got a pretzel and some lemonade and just sat and talked with each other.

Bridger washing "Baby".

Brax washing "Max".

Max's "governmentish outfit".

Spiderman

2008-11-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

One of my high school friends who lives in Texas now came up to visit. We didn't get to spend a lot of time together but hopefully we can when she comes back for Christmas. Dawson and her cute little boy Christian are exactly 3 months apart. Funny Heather is 3 months younger than me also.

Halloween

2008-11-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

I've kinda been a slacker at blogging lately so I am going to rewind back to Halloween. We all had a really fun time. The day before, Bridger's preschool had a Halloween party and he got to wear his costume. They made really cute crafts. He has a great teacher. Then on Halloween, Braxton had a party at his school. He didn't get to dress up so he wore a bat shirt and we called him "Bat Man". He had a lot of fun. After he got out of school, the boys got into their costumes and we went trick or treating at the court house. Then we came home and ate dinner and then went trick or treating in the neighborhood. It was really fun! The neighborhood was FULL of kids. After that the Stephenson's had a Halloween party so we went to that. We had a great Halloween but wish Paul could have been here to enjoy it with us!

Bridger's preschool friends!

Braxton's school party.

Dawson having fun in Brax's class.

"Bat Man"

Going "Trick or Treating"

Bridger found a spot to sit and eat his candy right when we got home.

Dawson envying Bridger's sucker.

Brax going through all of his candy.

I dressed up as a "punk".

Dawson at the party wanted a doughnut on a string.

Carving Pumkins

2008-10-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

On Monday night we carved our pumpkins. The boys had a great time gutting the pumpkin and then with a crayon they drew a face and then Paul carved it for them. Paul carved the Grim Reaper and I carved a vampire. Dawson missed out on the fun because he was sleeping. There is next year for him!

Daws in my vampire wig.

Nice look Paul!

Left to Right.... JoDee' s vampire, Bridger's face, Braxton's face, and Paul's grim reaper.

Bowling

2008-10-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

2008-10-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

When Paul is here we always try to go and do something fun. This time we took the kids bowling and lets just say that we will be doing it again. We all had so much fun. Except for Dawson who was restrained in his stroller with snacks and toys. Poor little Daws! Of course Paul won, but only by 11 points.

Vampires

2008-10-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Paul and I were invited to a couples Halloween party. Thanks again Lakel! We dressed up as vampires. Paul bit me and turned me into one. :) We had a blast with all of the other couples. I couldn't stop laughing because the games we played were hilarious! My nice friend Deb watched our kids which was such a nice break for us!

Making Ghosts

2008-10-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

One day after school the boys sat down to make ghosts to hang in the tree. They had so much fun! They even named each ghost.

Dawson decided to try to eat a cotton ball.

Hanging the Ghosts was their favorite part!

BOO AT THE ZOO

2008-10-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Paul and I took the kids to Boo at the Zoo. It was packed but the kids had a great time. Paul isn't able to be here for Halloween this year so this was a great day to let Paul be with the kids and see them in their costumes.

My two Pirates.

All of my Boys!

Little Dragon

My Handsome Boys

2008-10-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

I love when my boys are dressed up! I think they are so handsome. They look so grown up! It gives me a sneak peak of what they will look like as men. Best Brothers forever!

Trick or Treat

2008-10-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight while I was making dinner, Brax and Bridge came into the kitchen with their blankets over their heads pretending to be ghosts. They said today is Halloween and they were trick or treating. They came to me holding out there hands for a treat. I just happened to be slicing olives so that is what they got. They loved it! So did Dawson! I have never given Dawson a whole olive but I couldn't leave the poor little guy out!

Bridger chomping on his olives.

Dawson loved it on his finger. He just stood and stared at it.

For dinner tonight, I tried to fix something healthy. My boys love grilled chicken salad. It is very quick, easy, and delicious!

Flexible Dawson part 2

2008-10-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted a picture of Dawson sleeping in his crib titled "Flexible Dawson". In that post I said that I needed to post a pic of Daws doing the splits, so tonight while we were playing on the ground, I decided this would be the perfect time. Brax was our photographer. I really think Dawson is double jointed!

Future Olympian!

My little egg.

2008-10-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Cute little Dawson all ready for story time. I feel like I take so many pictures of him. This stage is just soooo fun! I posted the pictures backwards. His bath should have been first but oh well!

All bundled up in his towel.

Brushing his hair.

Cute little, I mean chubby bum.

He loves his Bath!

Nickels and Yew Nork

2008-10-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post some funny things about my kids. Today Bridger wanted to play Doctor on me so he had me lay down, and with a magnified glass he started looking at my arms. He said, "Mom, you have a nickel." I said, "a what?" He then began saying, "there is another nickel, and another nickel. Mom you have lots of nickels!" I looked at my arm and it turns out Bridger got the word freckle confused with nickels! How cute is that?

On another note, yesterday while we were driving in the car, Braxton said he wanted to go to Yew Nork City. I laughed hysterically! Kids say the cutest things! I love my boys!

Dancing Brothers

2008-10-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

While we were in the parking lot of Rafiki waiting for our friends to arrive, Braxton and Dawson started dancing. It was so funny I had to record it! Bridger wouldn't dance. All he wanted was chocolate! Be sure to pause the playlist at the bottom before playing the video.

RAFIKI

2008-10-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday and Friday there was no school so on Thursday some of my friends and I took our kids to a play place called Rafiki. It was such a cool place for kids and parents to hang out. They had nice sofas for the parents and even healthy food. They had so many things for the kids to do from rock climbing to dressing up, a play area, a craft area, karaoke, air hockey, a Wii room and so on. It was the perfect place to be except it was kinda far from where we all live but that's okay! I think we all had a great time!

Craft Table

Does anybody know what superhero costume Braxton is wearing?

Daws wanted to climb like his brothers

So professional! ;)

2008-10-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

My little fireman

There was even a Toddler section

Brax still loves Buzz

Silly Dawson

2008-10-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

I love this picture!

While Paul was having a pillow fight with the superheros in the background, Dawson decided to put on Braxton's shoes. He looked hilarious especially when he tried to walk in them. This is such a fun stage!

Making Carmel and Candy Apples

2008-10-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

Again, I will say, "I Love Fall!" so after our drive to almost Hells Canyon we came home and made Carmel and candy apples with the boys. Braxton and Bridger thought it was the coolest thing! Paul was a great sport. He got stuck with cleaning up the hardened candy in the pot. It was almost a disaster, but Paul came to our rescue!

I think next year we will only make Carmel apples. The candy makes too much of a mess!

2008-10-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

All of us eating our yummy apples!

Dawson even woke up to taste!

Our candy apples.

Drive to Hells Canyon

2008-10-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

On Sunday when Paul was here he left his luggage in Texas because he almost missed his flight. All of his nice shoes were down south and there is NO way Paul would wear tennis shoes with his dress pants. So we decided to take our fam for a drive. We read scriptures and listened to Primary songs and just hung out together. We were on our way to Hells Canyon but decided not to go all the way because it started getting late. It was fun though!

Dawson must have gotten bored.

Paul looking at the GPS.

Idaho Corn Maize

2008-10-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

On Saturday after the Harvest Race we went to the Idaho Corn Maize with our friends the Ruegner's. There was so much to do! There was a huge bouncy thing I have know idea what you call it but the boys had so much fun on it. Paul and Jay were like little boys seeing who could bounce each other the highest. There was a "corn box" which was full of corn. I think that was Dawson's favorite part of the day! They also had duck racing using old water pumps. The boys got to go on a pony ride and then a cow train. After all of those events, we went through the corn maize. This year it was McCain and Obama. You could go right or left and of course we went right. "Go McCain!" Paul is a walking compass, so of course it was his job to lead us through and he found our way to the end pretty quickly. After, we let the boys take a rest and have snow cones while a folk band played. To end our wonderful busy day, we picked out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch. It was fun seeing which pumpkins the boys picked out. Dawson even started eating his. What a great day to get us into the fall spirit!

Daws jumping with his daddy!

All of my boys!

Paul and Jay like little boys!

Bridger and Max

2008-10-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Daws in the Corn Box

Dawson

Bridger sinking in the corn

Brax is in his own little world

2008-10-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

Brax on the pony

Bridger

Paul and Jay leading us through the maize

buddies

2008-10-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Bridger on the peddle car

Brax

Daws and I on the cow train

the boys on the cow's

duck racing

The Pumpkin Patch at the Corn Maize

2008-10-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

My wife Paul and her husband JoDee

Our family and our pumpkins

Dawson eating his pumpkin

Bridger wanted all of the baby pumpkins

Brax's pick

Harvest Race continued.....

2008-10-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

Paul and Brax and Jay and Max

the boys enjoying frozen yogurt

Daws enjoying outside

Brax and Paul and the basket full of goodies he won.

Harvest Classic Race

2008-10-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Braxton's school was participating in the Harvest Classic Race so we decided to sign him and Paul up. Braxton's friend Max and his dad Jay also signed up. It was a mile long race and to my suprise Braxton ran the whole way!!!! I was so proud of him! They had a blast. There was also food and a drawing to win baskets full of stuff. Paul's name was drawn! He got a soccer ball and a bunch of passes to basketball games, ice skating, the Discovery Center, bowling, and more so that was very exciting. It was a great morning. The weather was perfect!

Paul and Brax before the race.

Max and Brax

Paul and Braxton getting close to the finish line.

the end of the race.

My Baby Stud

2008-10-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sweet Dawson! I just had to post this cute picture of my baby. Even with his dirty nose he is my handsome boy!

Boys Funny Outfits

2008-10-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

When Paul is home he is always trying to help out around the house and with the kids. I walked into the living room and this is what I found. Paul got the the baby dressed. Oh Paul, I know you mean well but do you actually think Dawson's outfit matches? Bridger also picked out his own clothes and Braxton wanted to wear a bandanna. Silly boys! I love my husband for trying to make my life a little easier. Thanks hun!

Halloween Crafts

2008-10-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

I love the fall! Everything about it. So right when October 1st hit, I started doing Halloween projects with the boys. They love doing "crafts". It is a great way to spend quality time together and we all have so much fun! The boys painted pumpkins and made puppets. Bridger painted his entire pumpkin blue and Braxton wanted his to be spooky, so he stuck with Halloween colors. I love their faces when they are concentrating!

2008-10-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Boys end of summer Pics

2008-10-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

My friend Kacey who is also a photographer was going to take pictures of my family and she suggested to put my boys in ties and plaid shorts. Well I had no idea when we were going to be in Idaho Falls again and I thought the outfits were adorable so I had to take them myself before it gets too cold. I hope you don't mind Kacey! It was soooo hard to get Dawson to sit still so they didn't turn out very well.

Camping in the Living Room

2008-10-01T21:32:00.001-07:00

On a Friday night a few weeks ago Brax and Bridger convinced me to let them sleep in the living room with their tents. So after Dawson went to bed the boys set up camp. They even made me a bed on the couch. We went to bed at about 9:00 (past their bedtime and early for me). At about 9:30 Bridger decided that he didn't want to sleep alone so he got in Braxton's tent with him. That lasted until about 10:00 and then Bridger said he wanted to sleep in his own bed. So now it was just Braxton and I. My phone rang so I went in the other room to talk and then Braxton said he was hot and he needed to go lay in his "real" bed for a few minutes. I thought he would fall asleep but no, when I got off the phone I came out of the room and almost stepped on Braxton. He was asleep in the hallway using his bear as a pillow. Why didn't I take a Picture?! I don't know. I woke him up and asked him where he wanted to sleep. He said "let me work this out. Okay mom, you sleep on the big couch and I will sleep on the little one." At about 3:00am I decided to sleep in my own bed. As I was getting off the couch I looked at Braxton and he was starring at me so I told him what I was doing and asked him if he wanted to stay on the couch or go to his bed. He said he would stay on the couch. About an hour later I hear Braxton crying like he was broken hearted, so I went into the living room to see what was wrong. Sobbing he said, "you left me all alone." He didn't remember me talking to him and long story I took him to his bed and we will not be camping for a long time. It was fun while it lasted though!

Picking Nectarines

2008-10-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

The boys and I went with some friends from the ward to pick nectarines. The boys had a great time! Dawson was perfectly content with his babysitter Nicole. She held him so I could pick and he was in heaven munching on a nectarine. He loved it! When we got home I made jam out of most of them and then we tried eating the rest before they went bad. Delicious is all I can say! I love love love everything about harvest and fall.

Brax rides the bus

2008-10-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

When Braxton first started school I was car pooling to and from with my friend Marci. When Bridger started school it got to be too much and I felt like I was spending half the day driving. So I decided to let Braxton ride the bus to school. It is only with kindergartners so that makes me feel better. After school I still car pool so it has worked out great! Brax loves riding the bus so that makes us both happy!

Daws' War Wound

2008-10-01T20:48:00.001-07:00

So last month our little Dawson fell and hit his head on our couch. He cried and cried and at first it didn't look too bad. The next day it looked horrible! I kept putting neosporin on it to hopefully reduce scarring. Poor little guy! It is looking much better now and hopefully his scar will heal completely. These are pictures of the first day and when it was at its worst to when was getting better. My friend Marci thought it looked like it was a cigar burn.

Fun Factory

2008-10-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

As if life couldn't get any busier, I decided to sign Bridger up for the Fun Factory. It is only once a week and it is for preschoolers. They do arts and crafts and music and Bridger has shown so much interest in all of these areas, so I knew he would have a blast there. The first day he was exhausted and it did not turn out well. He was fine on the way there and outside of the building, but when we went in he had a meltdown so we ended up going home. These are a few pictures of before we went in. The following week Bridger did great and now he knows what to expect when he goes and he has loved it.

GYMNASTICS

2008-10-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Last month Braxton and Bridger started gymnastics with their friend Max. It has been great for them and myself. They are able to release a lot of energy. It is something new and different for them other than soccer and T ball.

I am Happy!

2008-09-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

I just want to ramble for a moment and say how grateful and blessed I am to have such a great, kind, and hard working husband and such wonderful, beautiful, healthy kids. I am so truly blessed. Sometimes I forget to take a step back and breathe and just enjoy my life right now. The days are full of craziness, driving around taking a kid here and there, and kids making messes after I just got the house clean. Like spilled milk or mushed cheerios in the carpet. And in the evening when it is quiet I try and picture how it will be when my kids are grown and the house is empty. I am saddened by this thought. Time is flying by. I think I will miss the ruckus and the spilled milk, the cries in the night when one has a bad dream and needs a hug and a glass of water. I love the pure innocence of a child. The way they get so excited when they learn something new. I love my hands full. When I was at the store a couple of years ago, (when I only had two kids), a lady stopped to tell me that I had my hands full. It was one of those days when one is running around the store and the other was throwing a tantrum. It made me feel very overwhelmed and the lady knew it in my flushed sweaty face. But then the thought came to me how very blessed I was. I would much rather have my hands full than empty! I am so grateful that I am able to have children and be a mother on this earth. I love that feeling so much! I am also very blessed to be able to stay home with my children to help them learn and to watch them grow. Thank you to my husband for that! Okay sorry it is late and I could just go on and on. I am happy!

Bridger's First Day of Preschool- Sept. 2nd

2008-09-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

My sweet little Bridger started his first year of preschool. He loves it! I know I say this a lot, but where did the time go? He is growing up way too fast! He already acts older from just being in it for a few weeks now. I know I have to start letting go but it is hard! I do admit it is a nice break to have the boys gone for a few hours. It makes me realize how quiet and lonely it is when they are gone. It is easier to shop without them though! :)

Boondocks

2008-09-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

Boondocks

2008-09-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Boondocks

2008-09-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

On Labor Day we took the boys to Boondocks where we played miniature golf, rode go carts, and played games inside. It was great! We all had so much fun! Paul scored on the tickets they just kept coming out! I won three dinosaurs for the boys and the kids had fun choosing prizes. What a fun place to go!

Drive In

2008-09-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

On a Friday evening the boys and I decided to go to the drive in to see Space Chimps. The boys got into their jamas and we went and got Sonic to eat at the movie. We all had a great time! Dawson is the first baby of ours that will actually sit pretty good through a movie which makes it so much easier on all of us.

Muddy Buddies

2008-09-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

After Braxton's first day of school he came home with so much energy, so I sent him and Bridger to play in the backyard. When I went to check on them this is what I found. Muddy boys! They

had so much fun putting muddy hand prints all over the back porch!

Braxton's First Day of School Aug. 20th

2008-09-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby started Kindergarten! Man do the years go by fast! He really loves it and his teacher is great! He also has about six kids that are in our ward that are in his class so that made it easier. He came home and said, "It was funner than I thought it would be. It is way different than preschool." We will be car pooling with his friend Max.

Feeding the Ducks

2008-09-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

On the last day of our trip to Idaho Falls Erin, Krysti, and the boys and I all went to the river to feed the ducks. The kids all had a blast! Dawson ended up eating the bread instead of throwing it but he was happy so that's okay. Little Krue who is so cute and tiny kept up pretty well with all of the "big boys". I love doing things that make the kids smile!

Braxton the Clown. I mean Ninja.

2008-09-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

We stay at my cousins when we go to Idaho Falls, there is just more room there and plus each kid has a playmate which makes it a lot of fun. When I went downstairs to check on the kids this is what I found. A "Rock Band Ninja". Braxton is one of the funniest kids I know. He looks so serious but I couldn't help but laugh.

Reed's Dairy

2008-09-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of Reed's Dairy. The wagon ride with all of the kids. Can you believe all of those boys?! I loved the picture of Cole and Bridger eating ice cream.

Reed's Dairy

2008-09-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

I am finally almost done blogging our summer. A week before Braxton started school we took a trip to Idaho Falls to visit family and friends before I had a Kindergartner and had to be on a stricter schedule. When we were there the local dairy was having the dairy days which they do every year. The kids had so much fun. We went with Mauna (my mom), Erin and her boys, my niece Azlynn, and Krysti and her nephew Treyson. Poor Erin was pregnant, hot, and miserable. We got to go on a wagon ride to see all of the cows, we went through the building where they pump the cows, make cheese curds and ice cream. There was a petting zoo and the boys were able to milk fake cows. We also had lunch there and ice cream. What a wonderful day to start wrapping up summertime!

Great Grandma giving Dawson POP!

2008-09-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

When we were in Idaho Falls we had a family get together at my grandma's. She decided to give Dawson a drink of Root Beer for the first time. At first he pulled the funniest face but then he really liked it. Great grandma Amy was his new best friend! After that he would not stop kissing her. I love my grandma!

Sorry my small camera has been taking blurry pictures but I think I figured out the problem.

Pots and Daws!

2008-09-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Our little Dawson is always getting into everything lately. He loves to play with the pots and pans and when I went in the kitchen I found him in the oven drawer just as happy as can be!

Discovery Center

2008-09-15T21:50:00.001-07:00

Before Paul was going back to work we took the boys to the Discovery Center of Idaho. The boys all had a great time. I think Paul enjoyed himself the most! Everything was hands on from electronics, to an animal hospital, even a cute little grocery store. We could have spent hours there! The boys keep asking when we can go back.

CAMPING

2008-09-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

CAMPING

2008-09-08T21:28:00.001-07:00

CAMPING

2008-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

CAMPING

2008-09-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

We took the boys camping because we all love to camp. Especially the boys. They love everything about it, getting dirty, roasting marshmallows, hiking, sleeping in sleeping bags, etc.... We went to a place called Silver Plunge Creek. Let me just say that it was one of the best places to camp! We all had a blast just taking it slow and getting away from society for a bit. I took so many pictures so please bare with me.

Dawson's Birthday continued.....

2008-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pics of Dawson on his b-day. We always have our kids wear party hats and I forgot to get them so Paul made one out of construction paper. Nice job Honey! Dawson loved his cake and he also enjoyed throwing it across the room onto our carpet. What a Boy!

Dawson's Birthday July 19th

2008-09-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am still trying to get the rest of our summer blogged. I can't believe Dawson turned one in July. This year went so fast. Dawson has been such a great blessing and joy in our lives. He loves his brothers and he is always trying to keep up with them. He has such a sweet spirit about him. It was so cute watching him open his presents and eat his cake. We love you Daws! The first picture posted is when Dawson was just a few days old. They grow so fast!

Dawson the "Rock Star"

2008-08-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Dawson loves music. He also loves to dance. While we were on our way to the store Paul looked in the rear view mirror and saw Dawson head banging to a song. It was so funny we had to record it. Sorry the quality isn't very well. I was using my cell phone. Dawson never wants to put down his drumstick so he looks like a conductor.

Adorable Dawson

2008-08-27T00:18:00.000-07:00

Whenever I change Dawson's diaper lately he always tries to escape. This time he went to his toy and stood up. I looked at him and had to snap a picture of his adorable chubby legs and little bum cheeks hanging out! Oh Dawson! Please don't grow up too fast!

SK8TER BOYS

2008-08-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

Braxton had been saving his money to buy a Bakugan space ship. He needed $15.00 and so far he had saved $8.00. When we went to Target the boys saw some skateboards that were just the perfect size for them. Instead of saving his money for the space ship, Braxton decided to use it to buy a skateboard which was the amount that Braxton had. Bridger had saved $5.00 so I spotted him a little bit. :) I am so proud of them for learning responsibility. I hope these little moments help them learn that you have to work to make money and that it just doesn't grow out of my purse or Dad's wallet!

The Ranch

2008-08-26T23:55:00.000-07:00

The Ranch

2008-08-26T23:40:00.001-07:00

On our way back home from the fourth my sister-in-law Joyce invited us to her family's Ranch to ride horses. It was so much fun. I loved the horses they had the sweetest look it their eyes. Bridger had so much fun galloping with Joyce's mom, then with Aunt Joyce, and then with Uncle Phil. He did not want to stop. Braxton is scared of heights so he enjoyed petting the horses and playing with the dogs more than riding them. Dawson liked it up on the horse. He loves to do what his brothers do. Even Paul and I got to ride on them. When I was riding I got stuck because the horse went to the barn where he gets saddled and I could not get him to turn around so Joyce had to come rescue me. They also have tons of humming birds there that were so pretty. Joyce's mom took the boys to catch bugs and Uncle Phil took them for a walk. Then Joyce's parents had a barbecue for us. They were very nice people. I would love to go there every weekend to get away. It was up in the mountains and it was just so peaceful.

4th of July

2008-08-26T23:26:00.001-07:00

We spent the 4th of July in Idaho Falls this year. In the morning we went to the parade and for lunch we went for a picnic with "Mauna" (my mom). Later on we went to Paul's parents and hung out with his brother and wife and his three aunts who were all visiting. Then we went to the river to watch the fireworks. Bridger fell asleep on Mauna's lap. I couldn't believe that he could sleep through the loud bangs but I guess he was tired. This year was Dawson's 1st 4th. I think he had a great time! Brax loves the 4th. We were all so happy that we got to spend it with Paul because the past two fourth's he had to work.

Swimming Lessons

2008-08-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

Swimming Lessons

2008-08-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

Swimming Lessons

2008-08-26T00:29:00.001-07:00

This summer we did two sessions of swimming lessons. The first session Dawson and I did mommy and me lessons. He is such a water baby! It didn't matter if the water was cold, he still just splashed around. It was so cute. Brax and Bridger were in the preschool lessons. Braxton was too short to move to the next level so hopefully by next year he will be taller. ;) The boys all did great however Brax and Bridger were both scared to jump off the diving bored. I told them that they had to try it at least once. So I was proud. Braxton and Bridger's instructor wore a bandanna everyday so on the very last day, Brax and Bridger each wore one. They were so proud to be like their teacher!