December Fun 2010

I am feeling like I can't catch my breath. We seem to constantly have somewhere we need to be, or something that needs to be done! Yikes!

At the beginning of the month, we celebrated Phil's birthday. Unfortunately he had to work, and even ended up working two hours of overtime. Poor guy! When he got home, we headed to dinner at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries (of course!). Then we came home to open presents and eat cake and ice cream. Coleman and Teegan had so much fun "bumping" Dad on the head and helping him blow out candles! We love you Daddy! Hope you had a fun birthday! :)

The next day, we were able to go to Coleman's preschool and watch a short Christmas program. I felt a little silly that I didn't dress him up in anything "Christmas-y". Oh well! The program ended with Santa Claus stopping by for a visit. Coleman thought that was pretty neat! He is growing up so fast!

That weekend, Phil was working his 24 hour shift at the hospital, so the boys and I went looking for something fun to do to pass the time. We went to a little block party and the boys were able to see Santa Claus, meet Prancer, and were entertained by the "balloon guy".

On Tuesday we headed down to Utah to spend some time with family for the holidays. When we first got to Grandma and Grandpa Roylance's, they were anxious for us to open our gifts. They got the boys these motorized scooters, and took them to Grandma's school so they could ride them through the halls. We had lots of fun playing games, making hot air balloons, and eating yummy food.

The next couple nights were spent with Grammy and Grumpy. While there, we headed to Thanksgiving Point to see the lights and the reindeer, we also helped Grammy make lots and lots of sugar cookies, and we crashed their ward party so we could see Santa Claus (again)! :) We learned how to play new games and again, ate lots of yummy food!

On Saturday, we headed to Andrew and Kendra's for lunch. The guys all watched the BYU game while the girls played games. Afterwards, we headed to Salt Lake for dinner at Buca di Beppos, and to see the lights on Temple Square.

We had lots of fun, right up until the point where we lost Coleman. I stopped to snap a picture with him standing right next to me, and I guess he kept walking. We start searching for him, and end up running into my family. I was so grateful because that meant we had more people to help us search. I finally found him. It had only been about 5 minutes, but it was 5 minutes too many. He was wandering around crying. Poor thing! We finally got everyone back from searching, but then it was time to go. We had to drive back that night so Phil could be at church on Sunday.
While driving home, the roads weren't too bad, except for the ten miles before Burley. Which of course, is where we did a 360 and slid off the road. It was a very long 10 seconds. Phil was such a calm driver through it all, and the boys slept through the whole thing. Phil and I keep talking about it, and it was such a miracle the way it all worked out. We didn't hit any poles, ditches, other cars, etc. and our car seems totally fine. We were so blessed. When we got home at 1 am, I don't think either of us have felt more relieved and happy to be back.

Well hopefully I won't disappear off the face of the earth again, or I guess off the face of the blogging world! Merry Christmas to you all!

November 2010

November came and went with a blur. Andrew and Kendra came to visit us in the beginning of the month. However, I didn't get any good pictures of them while they were here. The next big event for us was Thanksgiving. My parents were kind enough to come rescue us from loneliness! They both helped prep dinner and it was so DELICIOUS! Can we repeat this holiday more than once a year? I love it! They flew back home on Friday and on Saturday we got a major snow storm. We spent almost all day out playing in the snow. Coleman and I made a snowman. I'm not sure that is such a great idea for pregnant ladies. :)

We also spent part of the weekend making a Gingerbread House. On Sunday I made the gingerbread and cut it out. On Monday, Phil helped me put it together, and on Tuesday the boys helped me decorate it. There was a bit of chaos trying to keep their little fingers from going too fast! And it didn't help that my frosting was ultra runny. Oh well! It all worked out in the end!

Halloween Activities

We were so busy throughout the last week of October. We headed to Utah to see family for a bit. While spending time with Grammy & Grumpy, we got to go help pick out some pumpkins.

That night, I went with all the girls up to Gardner's Village for "Witches Night Out". It was so fun to spend that time together and see all the other people dressed up. Wow! What an experience!
Mom, Me, Kathryn, Kage (who decided to stay with the boys), Misty, Autumn, Ashley, and Chelsea. Amber came too, but we took this pic before she got there. Sorry!

The next afternoon was Grammy's Monster Mash! This is the first year we have been able to go to her party. Everyone dressed up in their costumes:

The boys and I dressed up as Mario, Princess Peach, and Yoshi (aka a Dragon)! Grammy had all sorts of awesome activities planned for the party. We had so much fun!


Before we left, Ashley and I had to get a picture of our preggo bellies! We are due within two weeks of each other. I love being pregnant together!

We came home that Tuesday and on Wednesday we carved our pumpkins. Phil got a little carried away with the knife and ended up needing stitches in his finger. When he got back from getting his stitches, he went right back to work on carving. He makes me laugh!

On Saturday (October 30th) we went to Zoo Boise for their annual "Boo at the Zoo". The boys got to trick or treat there and see all the animals. Always lots of fun!

That afternoon we spent outside playing in the leaves. The boys were so cute and had so much fun!

Later that evening we headed to the church for our ward's "Trunk or Treat". They had pumpkin rolling contests (or balancing if you're my husband), blow up toys, and of course, trick or treating. The boys got SO MUCH CANDY!

Pumpkin Liner

Last Saturday, we decided to go on the "Pumpkin Liner". We hadn't been since Coleman was 3 months old. The boys LOVED the train! It took us to a pumpkin patch that was a 45 minute train ride away. We ate snacks, sat both in the open car, and the inside car (it got a little too cold!).

Once we arrived at the pumpkin patch, we were able to go pick out our pumpkins. Someone had to always be guarding the ones we picked, so they weren't chosen by someone else . . . at least until Phil was able to get them all loaded onto the train! After the pumpkins, we walked through the little haunted house that was set up (pretty much a dud) and then we picked apples from an apple tree and sat down to enjoy them. Coleman and Teegan LOVE apples. Actually, they love almost any fruit, but apples are a definite favorite! And these ones were YUMMY!

We got back on the train and headed back to the depot. Somehow, I got grease all over my pants, and it then transferred to everyone else in the family. It was a disaster to say the least! Anyway, I'm glad we got to go, but I'm not sure if we will do it again.

During Conference Weekend, I started working on some cute crafts that I found from here. I am now completely addicted to her blog! Anyway, it took me forever to finish them (not because they were difficult, but just trying to find time and desire!). Here is what I made:

I just wanted to share! Happy Fall everyone!

The Farmstead

Last night we headed to The Farmstead with some friends. It was so much fun! We first watched the pig races. Teegan was picked to represent one of the pigs that were racing, and he won! His prize was a pig nose and a free bag of popcorn! Good job Teegs! :)

There is a huge corn maze, and every year, they create a different design. We only spent about a 1/2 hour in the maze, but with little ones and pregnant ones, that was long enough!

Besides the corn maze and pig races, they offer a bunch of other activities, like slides, a "corn" box (aka sand box), a cow train, and a giant jumping pillow. I think Phil really enjoyed being a kid again! Love you! :)

I LOVE fall festivals, and this one is a definite favorite! Thanks Gardner's and Fowler's for coming with us!

House Projects

We have been very busy since we moved into our house. We have been slowly taking on one project at a time. (Besides the yard . . . that is ongoing!)
When we first moved in, this was what our backyard looked like. YIKES!

Phil has worked so hard and has really turned it around. He has also worked really hard in the front, but I keep forgetting to take pictures of that! In front of the Family Room windows, there were three HUGE rose bushes. I made Phil keep them throughout the summer so I could enjoy the roses, but now that it is fall, I decided it was time for them to be pruned. They were taller than the windows, and I really want as much sunshine as possible for the approaching cool weather months!

Back in the end of August, we decided to put Coleman and Teegan together in one room. The boys have adapted to the change so well. We haven't had any problems!

It still doesn't have that "finished" look for me, but it works for now! If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears!

When we bought the house, we knew one of the first things that needed to be fixed was the Master Bathroom. The tile in the shower had cracked, and the water was leaking into the wood. The bathroom also had carpet in front of the sinks, and we didn't like it, so we decided to totally remodel the bathroom.

Just like the yard, Phil has worked so hard. He did all the demolition for the bathroom by himself. Thanks sweetheart!

We actually had a remodeling company come in and do all the rebuilding. They did such an awesome job, and were so fast. I never took pictures while they were here, but this is the finished project. We LOVE it!

As we finished the bathroom, we decided to go ahead and paint the Master Bedroom too. We just painted an accent wall, and then I found a great deal on all new bedding. Once again, I forgot to take before pictures, but I am so happy with the way it turned out. (Thanks Chelsea for all your great advice!) I still want to add a bench at the bottom of the bed, and something above the headboard, but we'll save that for another day!

Announcing!!!

Well this isn't much of an announcement since most of you already know, but we are expecting a GIRL in January! We are super excited and completely nervous. Oh and in complete shock, too! Not that it wasn't planned, but that it is a girl! I was POSITIVE that it was a boy. In fact, even after the ultrasound, I still have doubts! My DR. said she would double check for me at my next appointment in October, just to help me relax! Anyway, she was ultra wiggly, and most the pics came out fuzzy. Oh well! Enjoy!

Profile

Hand

Left Leg and Foot

September Happenings

Coleman started preschool! (Well technically it started in August, but I'm including it here!)
He is starting to get used to the routine of things for every Tuesday and Thursday. I can't say that he loves it, but he doesn't cry or fight me too much about going. Well, I take that back. One morning, I told him that he needed to get ready for school and he told me no. I replied with "Yes". He then said "Mom, look . . . see my eyes, they are not happy." I couldn't help but laugh! Silly boy! Even sad eyes have to go to school.

On the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, we got up super early, and headed down to one of the city parks for the Boise Balloon Classic. It was such a neat experience! Coleman and Teegan were so bug-eyed, watching the balloons get blown up. However, Teegan was NOT a fan of when the flames would blow to get the balloon up. We may have been a bit too close!

We loved the rocket ship balloon, and couldn't help but laugh when I caught an image of the balloon with the moon in the background! Of course, who would we be, if we didn't cheer for the Boise State balloon when it went up!

That afternoon, Grandma and Grandpa came into town, and we headed back down to the park for Night Glow. It was very crowded, but still fun to see the balloons glowing at night! I wish there had been as many balloons, as there were in the morning. It took us awhile to walk out of the park with the hordes of people, but once we made it to the car, we zipped home fast!

We had a really fun weekend with Grandma and Grandpa, and even got to celebrate Grandpa's birthday while they were here. Phil made some awesome dutch oven, but I forgot to take pics. Anyway, thanks for coming! Come again soon!
Later that week, our friends, Jeff and Kayci Bitton came and stayed with us for a bit. It was so fun to see them and catch up! They have the cutest family! Once again, I forgot to take pictures, so you will just have to believe me that they were here!

That next weekend was "Art in the Park". One of my favorite events to go to in Boise. While walking around checking out all the booths, we passed this guy, and I just HAD to document it! We enjoyed watching his "talent" for a bit!


I still have more to blog. We have been doing a couple remodel projects. But I'm waiting for the complete finished project before I post about it!

Goodbye Summer!

Through out the month of August, we kept very busy with all sorts of summer fun! One afternoon was spent at the Boise Zoo. It is a rather small zoo, but the boys still love it! We got to see lions, giraffes, penguins, zebras, hyenas and monkeys. We came at the perfect time too, because all the animals were being fed their dinner. The penguins were the best to watch. They were diving and swimming all around!

The neighborhood that we moved into has a swimming pool, and we definitely put that to good use! Sometimes just the boys and I would go in the morning. Sometimes, we would go in the evening when Dad was home. Sometimes it was super crowded and sometimes it was completely deserted! Either way, we always had a blast!

One of the things I will miss the most about summer time, is the delicious fruits and veggies. This meal may look ugly, but it is heaven on earth for me! It is something my Mom would make, and I don't know what she calls it, but I call it Ramen Stir Fry.

Here is the recipe:
2 packages Ramen (prepared as directed)
1 Summer Squash (also known as Yellow Squash), sliced
1 Zucchini, sliced
2 Green Onions, chopped
1 Bell Pepper (I like red, but any color is fine), chopped
2 TBSP Olive Oil
Seasoned Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Shredded Cheese (I like cheddar)

After slicing veggies, add to pan with oil. Saute and add salt and pepper. Cover with lid, and let heat through. You may need to add a little bit of water, about 1/4 cup. When veggies are cooked, put drained noodles on plate and add veggies and cheese on top. So Easy, so Yummy! Well, at least I think so. Phil doesn't exactly agree. :(


Another favorite is Fresh Peach Pie!!! MMmmmmmm!!


We went down to the Boise farmer's market a couple times this summer! Our last trip was on Coleman's birthday. My parents were here visiting, so we enjoyed the market, and ate a delicious breakfast at Goldie's! If you are ever in Boise, you MUST go eat breakfast here!


We were definitely sad to let summer go, but we are already looking forward to all the fun fall activities!

Coleman turns 4!

So I posted on his birthday, just to wish him a Happy Birthday, but here are some pics of the birthday events! My parents flew in on Friday morning, and our first stop was the zoo. The boys loved going on the carousel with Grammy. Unfortunately they don't get opportunities like that very often, because their parent's stomachs are too weak! We also ate at one of my favorite places, Westside Drive Inn, and then Coleman got to go birthday shopping with just Grammy and Grumpy, while Teegs and I headed back home for a nap!

In the weeks preceding his birthday, Phil and I constantly asked what he wanted for his birthday, and his answer was always "Toy Story". So he had a "Toy Story" birthday, and I think he really liked it!

Coleman was so SPOILED for his birthday! Thanks to everyone for thinking of him!

4 Years Old!!!

1 day old

1 Year

2 Years

3 Years

4 Years (almost)

Happy Birthday Coleman! We LOVE you so so so so much!