Summer Vacation 2010 (cliff notes version)

We've had a very exciting summer and it has run it's course and school is officially underway. We had a great time visiting family from Montana to Utah.

We began our trip with cousins in Utah and enjoying their fabulous pool they built. Jared who was just okay at swimming picked it up rather quickly and had no problem with the diving board. Though he did learn fast that belly flops are not fun but quite painful. Payton also who really had so swimming skills to speak of is now a fish and with a pair of goggles has no problem either. He also enjoyed the pool. Liza liked the pool as long as someone held on to her for dear life. She had an incident where she fell in and wouldn't go back in after that without some coaxing. The twins loved the water and really liked sitting on the edge and falling into someones arms. We are grateful for our DeMille cousins in Utah for all the hospitality and how much they love our kids.

Next was the Montana reunion with my mom's side of the family. My great-grandparents both passed away 2 years ago and due to one of their daughter's living outside of the US for the past 2 years the services we postponed till she would return. My mom's four siblings came from all corners of the US, my 8 cousins, the 7 great-great grand kids and many other family members were there to celebrate the lives of George and Julia McDonald. July 3rd was the internment of their ashes up on their old ranch that looks over the current ranch and Dillon. It was a lovely day and great to hear so many stories of them. July 4th we relaxed and had a picnic with my Grandpa who recently moved to Dillon from Corning, CA. Later that night we headed out to the the ranch to light fireworks and watch the Dillon Jaycee fireworks show.

Monday the 5th we drove to the capital city, Helena, and took a river boat tour down the Missouri River. It was very interesting learning some history of the area including stories of Lewis and Clark and The Mann Gulch Fire that in 1949 13 smoke jumpers lost their lives fighting a fire near the river and 5,000 acres were burned.

We had a great time in Montana while also enduring sick puking kids for the time we were there.

Once again we were able to celebrate our anniversary with family on July 8th. It just wouldn't be right if we were actually alone! 10 years already? Hard to believe that one little question lead to all this!

We spent more time with the DeMille family in Utah for a 2-day pit stop before heading to Moab for yet another reunion, this time with Barry's family.

Moab in July in one word.....HOT! It was 105 all four days. Thankfully there was a cool pool at our condos where we all spent the afternoons. Air Conditioning was a blessed item as well. There were 51 of us all in different condos. We split ours with Barry's cousin Jim and his family. It was great getting to hang out with them more. We ventured to Arches Nat'l Park and took a hike to see the delicate arch. We were disappointed by the hike thinking the view would be better and we should've done the real hike rather than the scenic one, but with Liza and the twins it wasn't a possibility. Small walk about were more our speed this year. I was worried about the kids getting dehydrated and made them all chug water even when they complained that they weren't thirsty. I didn't care though, I felt too much water was better than not enough. Initially we had decided that we wouldn't do the jeeping that is an attraction in Moab due to the price tag, but Robert, one of Barry's cousins was generous enough to make sure everyone who wanted to go got to go. I was less than thrilled after finding out the Jared and Payton were taken out to a cliff that was a complete drop off. I took my chances the next night amid my fear of heights. It was amazing to watch the jeeps crawl up and down those rocks and now it's a "been there done that" feeling.

Jared was able to go on a rafting trip down the Colorado River with his cousin Donovan, Grandpa Clark and Uncle Brian. They enjoyed getting out of the raft and swimming down the river as well. During the raft trip they were able to watch a rock slide in the distance and the tour guide said it was a once in lifetime opportunity to see such a thing.

The week ended with a chuck wagon dinner and show. All the little kids ran out and danced to the music that the performers played. The kids were more entertaining to watch than the actual show!

All in all it was a great place to meet up with family. The kids had fun playing into the late night catching frogs, riding Donovan's scooter and swimming. Thanks for the memories!

Upon returning home we were anxiously awaiting the wedding of our friend Brittney. Brittney played basketball for Barry when she was a freshmen, babysat for us throughout high school and even college. I volunteered months ago to make her wedding cake and as the day came closer I began to feel the weight of my commitment. After talking in more detail with Brittney and her mom I felt more at ease with our decision of flavors and display. It turned out fabulous!! The cake was tasty and was eye catching as well, but not to out shine the bride on her day! It was a a wonderful day to be a part of and we're so grateful for Brittney, Keith and Logan.

Next on the summer agenda was to completely finish the basement. We succeeded! The bathroom is fully functioning and the handrail is up. Yay!!

I also got a hair in my rear and decided to resurface my kitchen cabinets. They are standard oak builder grade cabinets and since my kitchen is in the center of my house it's always felt dark. I have only the sliding glass door to let light in and it wasn't enough for me. I added bead board, primer, paint and an antique stain. They turned out great and added more light to the room!

School started last week with a 1/2 day on Wednesday and then in full swing on Thursday. Jared is in 3rd grade while Payton is in 1st. Liza is doing some home school and doesn't quite understand why the boys get to go to a real school. She desperately wants to go to "Payton's school" and even went so far and getting her own backpack on and starting down the sidewalk to try to catch up to the boys on Friday. It's great having them back in school and getting into a routine once again. Football camp starts on Monday for Barry and then starts school on the 16th.

It's hard to believe that our summer is over. We had a great time and look forward to next year when the kids will be another year older and be that much more fun!

Bonding

Just another gorgeous day in Colorado.

Much needed post

I'll admit that since Facebook crept it's way into my life I haven't been so good at keeping up on the blog. I remember when I'd post multiple times a week. Now I'm lucky if I get two posts in a month. I thought a couple of new pictures might liven up the blog today.

Jared continues to lose teeth at steady pace. I noticed last week that he was getting another loose tooth and figured it would be a couple of weeks before it came out. Last night when Jared went to bed I came out to inform me that it was "really loose". I was sure it was one of his little games he likes to play at bedtime so that he wouldn't have to sleep right away, but sure enough it was barely hanging on and with a little tug came right out. He is currently growing in two new teeth, one on top and one on bottom, but now has three empty spaces. He does look quite funny. He's growing into that weird awkward stage of childhood, with little to no teeth and/or big teeth that don't quite fit his face. It's shocking to look at him and not see that baby boy looking back at me. Thank goodness there is a faint resemblance of that baby boy when I look at Payton.

Here's one cute story about Liza this week. One of Barry's players has a younger brother who is 11. A great young man who loves Liza and is happy to carry her around and spend money on treats for her at games. Someone was recently asking him about Liza and the twins and he said that he "just loves Liza. I'm gonna wait for her." Only 2 years old and she's got the boys wrapped around her finger! 13 more years and we're in a whole lot of trouble. Dad better get that shotgun sooner rather than later!

Sienna and Briley are great as well. They're beginning to take a couple of steps but are quick to fall. I'm not too anxious for them to walk but it is still fun to watch. They are both cutting some molars this week, which is a blast!

Life is good.

Funny kids

Jared decided that he should model my new boots. They were actually pretty close to fitting him. Nice look Jared!

While making cinnamon rolls this afternoon I turned around and this is what I found. A couple of mischevious babies. At least it wasn't sugar all over my floor.

Lacking football updates

I remember in years past posting newspaper articles and many updates on the happenings of Kadet football. This year however, there isn't much to report on. Barry probably wouldn't like it much if I posted each Friday with a single phrase saying, "we suck." We are now 1-4, which is bad...really bad. The first half of our season was supposed to be the easy half. Our team seems to be dwindling each week, either for ineligibility or quitters or injuries.

The most excited part about football, though, is watching the handsome ball boy. Jared is doing so well that he thought he's get in on the action and make a play last Friday. He literally TOOK ONE FOR THE TEAM. Each game he is instructed to stand by the ref and follow him along the sidelines ready to pitch the ball to him for the next play. He also runs behind the up-rights to get the PAT and return it to the team. He has done great and even finds time to have some conversations with said ref. This week as he was standing just where the play was coming, with no time to react he was tackled by not one but two football players, who were both in the air prior to the time of the collision. The sideline doc checked him out and said he'd be fine. He was more shook up than anything but did have a pretty good headache and Saturday complained of his neck being sore. I figured as much since it probably felt like he'd been in a car wreck. He's feeling much better now and will surely never forget that moment.

Jared's Baptism

Today was a very special day for our Jared. We had a wonderful time during the baptism and afterward all day celebrating this exciting milestone in his life. We are proud of him and his choice to make his first covenant with his Father in Heaven. We are also thankful for all the friends and family that came to support him today. Keep it up Jared! We love you!

Army men

So last night Barry's dad had a surprise for the boys which was only described in short as marital bliss. Fred gave Jared and Payton his old army coats from when he was in Korea and they were still stiff from the original Korea starch. He then presented them with two toy over under rifles. Bedtime was delayed for about 1/2 and hour so the boys could play army. When the boys went to bed Payton muttered in a deep voice, "Good night Army Jared." Then promptly upon waking this morning the first words uttered from Payton were, "Where's our guns?" By 7:30 they both had their coats on and played till it was time to take Jared to school.

Blessing day

Sienna is the top pic and Briley on the bottom.

Today Barry and Fred blessed the twins. All of our good friends stood in the circle to help. It was wonderful to have so many there to be a part of our day.

Some recent happenings around here include lots of breastfeeding and diaper changing. Barry is struggling with his basketball team and only has 4 weeks left. The babies are receiving a shot to ward off RSV and they got it Thursday. The shot is administered by weight and is very pricey. The nurse comes to our house which is so nice that I don't have to take them out, she weighed the babies before the shot and Sienna is 7lbs 8oz and Briley is 7lbs 3oz. They have some catching up to do and they sure are doing it.

We've had Barry's mom here since the 15th and his dad arrived Thursday afternoon. They've been great and have entertained the kids while I'm tied down with the babies. They leave tomorrow and we aren't expecting any company for a long time. Since December 5th we've had 12 days without company. It's been a great blessing that so many people could come and help us with the babies and the other kids. It's always bittersweet when the help leaves.

The older kids continue to keep us busy also, Liza mostly. She has learned to climb. Every time a chair is empty she is quick as a whip to climb up onto it. I usually turn around to find her on the table causing mayhem. It's great having Jared at school but when it comes to help he's the most useful and able. He's great at helping the babies burp. Payton continues to do his own thing and tries his best to help Liza.

I am feeling pretty confident but I've also had help. We'll see how this week goes. I'll actually have to make Jared breakfast and try to feed the babies sometime before school too. Wish me luck!

Just a cute picture of Liza from tonight's dessert. She loves to lick the beaters!

Bedtime

Payton has a knack for going up to Jared's bed and sleeping for the night. I love that they are such buddies, but this can't be comfortable. Barry found this one night before turning in for the night.

Just hangin' out

Jared is out of school for a 2 week break and we've almost wrapped up the first week. I've tried to find fun things to do to keep the kids occupied and busy. Tuesday we went to the Denver Zoo for their free day. The kids had a great time and Liza's thought everything said "nay". Yesterday we built a skeleton out of milk jugs that I've been collecting for a month or so. The boys loved hanging it up on our porch but I'll tell you what, that will be that last time I make on of those things. Talk about labor intensive. This morning we went to the park with the little girl that I used to babysit. It was fun to see Sydney again and how much she has grown. She was a bit timid to play at first but then her old instincts kicked in with the boys and they played just like before. It was fun to see them bond and that Jared and Payton still treat her like a sister.

The boys are excited to go with dad to watch a football game tonight. They'll have their boys only night drinking soda and eating candy and the girls will hang out, no soda or candy though. I'm just not that cool. I can't wait till bedtime so that I can watch all my favorite Thursday night shows! Maybe I do need some soda!

The things kids say

Last Sunday we were sitting down eating dinner and I asked Barry if we even had home teachers anymore, being that we haven't seen them since probably March and Jared chimed in: "It's because we're so righteous!"

Yesterday Payton was invited to a pizza party at his primary teacher's house. He was so excited and couldn't wait to go all day. I took him and Barry picked him since I went off to General RS meeting. When I got home at 8:30 they kids had just gone to bed. I went in to kiss them goodnight and Payton told me all about his party. I then came out to relax on the couch and the boys came sneaking out and Payton peered around the corner and said with the cutest face ever, "I'm so lucky!"

I just love those boys!

Re-cap

Yesterday, as I mentioned in my last post was Jared's 7th birthday. He had a great day at school and then we were off to the high school to celebrate with Barry. We ate cake in his classroom and Jared opened the rest of his gifts. He got more Legos, a book and a reading lamp for his bed. We then went to McDonald's for dinner, I know backwards but hey, it worked. We then went back to the high school for the big homecoming game.

Jared and Payton got to help hold the American Flag in the middle of the field for the National Anthem. Payton's name was even said over the loud speaker. Jared was also asked by our team captain to give his girlfriend and rose while the announcer asked her to the homecoming dance. It was pretty cute watching Jared give a girl a rose. In the 3rd quarter the basketball girls lead the crowd in singing happy birthday to Jared. Jared has quite the celeb status around the high school kids. Even an old student who is attending Auburn talked to Jared and wished him happy bday.


It was a great day. It's amazing how fast time goes. I can't believe that he's getting so big. It's seems like only yesterday that he was born. He's a great kid and we're so happy to have him in our family.

Switching gears now to the football game, we lost. 7-20. It was ugly. Sierra had way too many penalties and we couldn't capitalize. We fumbled twice, but recovered one and did nothing with it.


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Jared is 7

Today is Jared's 7th birthday. He woke up with a big smile on his face and was excited to see a few of his presents. Payton got him some cars and Barry's cousin Lee gave hime some Legos. Jared is way into Legos these days.

He took football cookies to school today for his class and last night I finished decorating his cake. We will go into the high school at 4 today to celebrate with Barry before the big game.



Here is Jared's cake. I thought that it turned out great. He loves the Denver Broncos so it was either this or a Kadet cake. We have entirely too much Kadet stuff around this place so this was a nice change. We're all excited to dig in tonight with Barry.

I'll update more birthday festivities later as Jared is at school right now and nothing exciting is happening yet.

I thought Halloween was still 2 months away!

Jared lost his "first" tooth last night. I say first because it was actually loose and was ready to come out as compared to the three that HAD to come out! So now he looks like a Jack-O-Lantern. The tooth has been loose for quite some time and it was finally dangling last night. I got tired of it and his lisp he has developed because of the tooth. I asked him if he was ready for it to come out and I gave it one quick tug and "pop" (it really made a popping sound!) it came out! He was excited to have the tooth fairy come last night. He put it in an envelope, addressed it and sealed it up.

This morning upon waking up he was on the verge of tears and I asked him what was wrong and he said that the Tooth Fairy didn't come last night. I told him that maybe the tooth fairy took the tooth out and put the money in the envelope so he wouldn't loose the money in the night. Sure enough $2. He wants to go to the dollar store and buy him and Payton a toy. I was surprised that he was so willing to share his money with Payton. He's also excited to get a sticker from his teacher at school for loosing it!

(Side note: this was also the very first tooth he got when he was a baby!)

Drum roll please.....

Today has been an exciting day for us. To begin our day we dropped Jared off for his first day of 1st grade this morning. He was so excited to go but said that he was a little nervous. We walked him to where he will line up each morning, said goodbye, wiped our tears, and left. I can't believe that my baby is in school all day. To tell you the truth it has been a little odd not having him around all morning. I keep looking at the clock thinking that I need to go pick him up. We are excited for him and hope that he has a great time.

The other exciting news is that we got to have our fourth ultrasound this morning. This was the most anticipated one because we have been wanting to know their gender. The lady was great! She talked to us the whole time about what she was measuring, why it was important and explained their positions to us.

Most importantly they are perfect. All the right body parts in the right spots. Their hearts are great, kidneys are great, they even had a little drink of water in the tummies. Baby A is about 7 oz and baby B is about 6 oz. They are right on track and laying with their heads at my right hip, meaning they are getting to the head down position.

And now que the drum roll. We are excited to find out that Baby A is (90% sure) a girl. She was being a little modest and had her legs closed. Baby B is (100% sure) a girl. My favorite picture of them is with their heads together. Baby B is on her tummy while A is face up. They look so cute snuggled up to each other and will be great roomies!

Jared's new mouth

Thought you'd enjoy seeing the damage of Jared's mouth, post dentist.

Bumblebee Program

Here are a couple pics and a video of Jared's program today. Enjoy!

A day of firsts

Today Jared had his Kindergarten music program. They were bumblebees and sang around 6 songs. They were all dressed like bees and looked adorable. Jared was looking rather dapper with is toothless grin. It was fun watching him perform and do such a good job. It even brought tears to my eyes. I know, I'm a total wuss. Barry was only slightly embarrassed to be with me.

Since planting my garden last Saturday I've been diligently watering those tiny seeds. I was surprised to go outside this afternoon and see that my radishes have sprouted. I was so excited. I just hope that they will all continue to grow and I'll get a crop of delicious veggies.

I also tried a new recipe tonight since we had some friends over for dinner. It was a major hit. The kiddos gobbled it up. I was even surprised that Liza loved it too. Here's the recipe:

Lasagna roll-ups

15 oz. ricotta cheese
1 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. bread crumbs
10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. garlic powder
12 lasagna noodles
spaghetti sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 c. mozzarella (or more for top, if desired)

Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl. Boil noodles. When noodles are done lay them on a towel on a cookie sheet and pat dry. Smooth filling (about 1/3 cup) down noodles leaving 1/2" at the end. Roll up the noodle, it should seal itself if it's dry enough. Lay seal side down in a large baking dish. Pour spaghetti sauce over top and evenly spread tomatoes over sauce. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and melt.

I served this with salad and garlic bread. It was so yummy and like I said the kids ate it and it had SPINACH in it! I have the best eaters in the world. Let me know if you dare to try it and how you like it!

A trip to the dentist

This morning I was able to contact the pediatric dentist and get Jared in with impeccable time. They were able to squeeze Jared in at 11:15 instead of 2:45. We were under the impression that this was just going to be a consult and then we'd be back for the extractions on another day in the near future. After the exam the Dr. informed me that indeed 3 teeth needed to come out. They were messing up his bite and weren't aiding in his healing one bit. He then said that we could do it today and get him on the mend. The sooner the better. The longer we waited the longer to heal. They put him at ease with some laughing gas and numbed him up pretty good. Once he was numb the work began. He very gently "wiggled" the first tooth out (wiggle is a term the dentist uses in place of yank or pull.) I was surprised at how easily the teeth came out. He was done within a matter of seconds. He was a trooper but the tears began immediately after the Dr. finished. I think he was mostly in shock from the experience. He did say that his teeth hurt and I can only imagine that they would a little. He just wanted to be held. My heart just broke for him as I sat and held him in the car. We met Barry for lunch so that Payton and Liza could eat and before we were out of the Wendy's parking lot Jared was asleep. He is still sleeping now which makes me think that he's at least not experiencing any pain thus far.

Eating will be a challenge for a while, but for tonight he gets to have a Frosty for dinner. Lucky guy. The other upside to it all is that the payload is double when teeth get pulled by the dentist. He'll be loaded. He's been saving his allowance for a Nintendo Gameboy. We'll see if he will get to buy it.

Reading and sniffing

You might think that this is a face that would be appropriate for a food that is less than yummy. It's not. This is Liza's silly flirty face. She does this while sniffing through her nose very loudly. She makes everyon laugh when she does it. I was finally able to get a good picture of it before she found the camera fascinating. She is such a funny girl.

The other day I decided to get down the magnet words for Jared and put them on the fridge. he is reading so good and learning how to make sentences. This is a great way for him to put words together. These magnets are great. It's fun to see what words Jared has put together and they are usually hysterical.