Hallie's Sept Art Projects

At Hallie's Kindergarten they do a lot of art projects to learn their letters, numbers, and to help build their creativity and although I love it I wasn't quite sure what to do with all of them! So we are going to try a couple different things that were recommended to me. First, I'm going to take pictures of them so Hallie will have something to look at and remember. And secondly, to put them in sheet protectors in a book so she will be able to once again have a way to remember them. These are all from September

 Hallie also got to celebrate her birthday this month. This is a card she recieved form her teacher and her all about me sheet.

Gracie & I's Treat Run

Anytime we are in the Kaysville area we have to stop and grab treats at my favorite gluten free bakery...Sweet Cakes Bake Shop. Usually I have both girls but this day Hallie was at Kindergarten so just Gracie and I got to have a sweet little treat. Gracie was really excited about picking her cupcake. Then they put it in an individual plastic container so she could hold it all the way home.

And this gem of amazingness is what I has its a apple cheesecake bar and it was so delicious. Its probably a good thing we don't live closer I would go there every day!

I love the one on one time I get to have with Gracie while Hallie is at school. I love our sweet little conversations and how she always makes me laugh.

Our Busy Saturday

Why does it always seems that some days you have absolutely nothing going on and then some days include just about everything! Well Saturday was one of those days that included just about everything! We started out with Matt getting up and going to meet with his group for a school project. While he was gone the girls and I got up and going for the day. Matt got home just in time for us to all head over to soccer. It was one of the best games this season the girls had a great time and the teams were really evenly matched. After soccer we came home and grabbed some lunch before we loaded up to spend the majority of the rest of our day in the car. 1st on the agenda was looking for lots to build on. It has gotten to the point that we aren't saving as fast as interest rates are rising so I think we are going to take the plunge, buy a lot, and build our dream house. I am pretty stoked and also nervous at the same time. Although we have been looking at lots in the Mountain Green to Morgan area for about a year now we have always come back to some of the 1st lots we looked at in a place called Stoddard. It is in between Mountain Green and Morgan. We would be about 15 minutes form Matt's work and about 20 for me from the hospital. After about 2 hours of looking elsewhere we finally decided to drive up threw the Stoddard lots. By this point Matt and I were both somewhat frustrated. We couldn't find what we were looking for, for the price that we were willing to pay. As we walked around the lot that we had had our eyes on for quite sometime I couldn't help but notice the peace I felt. The joy as I watched the girls run around in the open space and felt like just for a moment that I had watched them grow up before my eyes in this very space. Matt wandered around talking to the  real estate agent and asking a bunch of necessary questions.  After about 40 minutes we loaded back in the car initially both Matt and I were quiet. I didn't know what he was thinking but also didn't want to feel like I was pushing him into picking this lot. After a few minutes we looked at each other and at the same time said, "That's the lot isn't it?" Unbenounced to me he had the same feeling I had standing there. And although I thought I would feel relieved(which I momentarily was) a whole flood of questions started. After we left the lots we headed to Salt Lake to attend the gluten free expo. The girls quietly watched a movie while Matt and I discussed what our next move would be. I just had so many questions...would there be other kids in the neighborhood that the girls would row up with, what was the ward like, what would our neighbors be like, would we love it there, would we be accepted, along with the financials...if we buy now when would we be able to build, what would it cost us between now and then? All of which these questions will be answered in due time but surprisingly enough I'm not stressed about it I feel like it will work itself out in time and I want to enjoy this experience. Then we got to the expo. This is something I look forward to every year. It gives me a chance to try new gluten free products without having to buy an entire container. I usually go early in the day and we arrived just an hour before they closed. I wasn't sure what to expect some of the booths had packed up and left for the day but there were still plenty of things to be had. I had won 2 tickets for free admission so Matt came with me as well. We all got a bag to collect our goodies. I was surprised at the fact that it was slower than when I had come in years pasted bu that was probably because of the time. We received so many free things every ones bags, the stroller, and our bellies were full in the 1st 30 minutes. We had to get creative with how we packed things. I think since everyone was getting ready to leave they were trying to get rid of their stuff. Seriously one person gave us 20lbs of polenta for free...now to figure out what to do with it. Then we quickly packed up and headed for the car so we could meet with Matt's family for dinner since Tiff was in town. We decided to meet at the Pizza Pie Cafe. Matt and I were really excited to see Tiff and her family. We were glad they had made the time for us since they were in town for Aaron's sister's baby blessing. Our family, Tiff's family, Chris, Krissy, and Joy joined us, Joy had decided to bring 3 of Brit's kids with her since they decided not to come. It made it really hard. They were loud and disruptive most of dinner. Joy spent most of her time trying to get them to either eat or not hit each other.  It was chaotic and I was disappointed that we weren't able to actually visit and catch up. By the time dinner was over my patience was gone and I was ready to call it a day. Our original plan was to go back to the hotel to swim but after dinner we decided to call it a night and head home. Once Matt and I got in the car we decided that we shouldn't let others actions effect our relationship with Tiff and her family so we decided to go swimming and give it a try. I was so glad we did. The kids stayed occupied in the pool while the rest of us finally got in some catching up and visiting. Tiff and Aaron are so down to earth and easy to get along with. We really wish they were closer and that we got the chance to spend more time with them. Hallie was so excited that the hot tub didn't have an age limit so she could play in it as much as she wanted.

 Some much needed adult conversation

 Gracie and Hallie both do really well with Tiff and her family. Tiff was great and played with Gracie letting her jump to her probably about 100 times..lol

 Then Tiff and Chris passed her back and forth...flying wise 

We were able to stay longer and have some time with just us, Tiff/family, and Chris/Krissy. I was grateful for that and the time we were able to spend with them. We are looking forward to seeing them at Thanksgiving and again after Christmas for Chris/Krissy's wedding. 

To Grandma's House We Go!!!!

Last week the girls and I packed our bags to head for Vegas for a couple days. But before we did that I decided to get a yucky stomach bug...it was miserable. So needless to say I wasn't ready when the time came to board the plane but we made it work. I made sure I pack plenty of things to settle my stomach and even packed a coke through security just in case. Brit was nice enough to drive us to the airport. We quickly did sky cap, got through security, and to our gate shortly before boarding began. Matt was great enough to give me a blessing before we left and I felt at ease that everything would be ok...which is way not like me before I fly. I was grateful for that. Once we boarded the girl quickly found the menu and decided what they would order for a drink and snack. You would think they had done this before. I hope they always love to fly and don't get my motion sickness.

 This is our group selfie once we were belted it.

 Grandma here we come

Each of the girls packed their own rolling suitcase and were pretty thrilled to pull them. It also slowed them down and kept them at my pace so we could easily stay together without having to hold on to both of them

 Once we got to grandma's house we ate lunch and had a naps before we loaded up and headed to watch Maddie play volleyball. Here was our line of friends headed into the game

 The game was a lot of fun. The kids had a few moments they got antsy but a few flights of stairs settled them back down and about half way through we took a treat run to the snack bar. I loved watching the girls cheer for Maddie and yelling for her. I really enjoy watching volleyball and I hope one day one of our kids chooses to play. Friday we got up and ready and went to run some errands. We found yarn for the girls Frozen hats, some leggings at Ross, and did some grocery shopping for Luke's birthday party before grabbing lunch and heading home. Gracie was exhausted and quickly crashed. Hallie stayed up and played with my mom while I napped to..

 While we were there we also celebrated Hallie's birthday. My parents gave her a drive-able Barbie car that they spent the remainder of the weekend playing with

 Thursday after nap, actually everyday we were there after nap time was swim time. My parents were great to swim and play with the girls. My dad actually got Gracie to float on her back.

 Saturday morning was the biannual yard sale for the entire community my parents live in. This is not just any yard sale it is the best yard sale I have ever been to it is totally my favorite. We started at the park where there was 60 yard sales alone. After the park we hauled our loot home before we headed back out to the individual communities. We ended up with a lot of great stuff!!! I love yard sale shopping in Vegas. Then we headed home to prep for Luke's 2nd birthday party. Kimber had found these cute ideas for cakes. Luke currently loves Cars and minions so the theme was minions. The cake and cupcake 

The kids had a ball playing in the splash pad and on the playground. The weather was just perfect for them to run around and play

 Then it was time to eat. Kimber decided on hot dogs and chips since that is one of Luke's favorite foods. After we had our fill of them we moved on to cake and cupcakes. Hallie was playing before I got a picture of her but Gracie took her time licking all the frosting off of her cupcake...and seemed to really enjoy it.

 We played as long as we could before the sun went down and we couldn't see any more then we headed home for baths and bedtime. It was a day full of fun for both the kids and me. Sunday we got up and were able to listen to the 1st session of conference before papa took us to the airport to fly home to our daddy. By this point I was missing Matt so badly and couldn't wait to get home. Here we are just before boarding we sent this to Matt to let him know we were on our way home.

When we got to the airport I was so thrilled to see Matt standing in the recieving area. I was exhausted and thrilled I didn't have to haul the girls and all our stuff to find him in the parking area. He had made this darling sign with our name on it....it was really thoughtful

Although we had a good time I was so happy and relieved to be home. Weekends like this remind me of what a homebody I am! Gracie never slept good while we were in Vegas so I was very ready for a full nights sleep. We had a great time spending time and making memories with everyone. Im thankful for technology and the opportunity we have to be able to fly and be from one place to another in a fraction of a time.

The Frozen Party

Last year when Froaen came out all Hallie talked about was having a Frozen birthday party. Matt and I both thought she would possibly change her mind in the following year but she didn't. So now that she was turning 5 it was finally time for the much anticipated Frozen party. I had called all over to finally find a Frozen themed bounce house Hallie was thrilled. But as the date got closer the weather was looking worse and worse. I luckily was able to schedule the church so we had a dry place to play. When the day came I was so glad we had an alternate location because it rained pretty much all day!!

 Here is the cake!! Hallie and I had multiple party planning "meetings" in which she picked out most of the party details. It was a lot of fun and gave she and I some alone time to work together. Matt is a rockstar. We were able to put the cake together. I showed him a picture of what she wanted and while I frosted and filled cupcakes her completed the Elsa cake. He seriously amazes me everyday!

 Hallie even picked out the cupcake flavors...tagalong with pb frosting, oreo, pink lemonade, and chocolate carmel

 Then we had some Frozen snacks complete with character signs

 With all the snacks out once everyone arrived we decided to eat while everyone got settled and visited. It was a hit pretty much all the kids sat at one table while the adults all sat at different tables....it was pretty funny

 Then we decided to sing and do cake and ice cream. Hallie had a funfetti cake with a blueberry filling layer...mm good

 I think she sampled everyone but your only 5 once right ?!?

 Gracie was happy to eat the frosting off of the Elsa doll once she came off the cake...this girl loves frosting

 Then present time. Hallie got several very nice gifts. She got mostly books which I love for so many reasons.

 This is quite possibly Hallie's favorite gift...she loves this Tinkerbell

 Some of our party guests

 I could never get anything done without this guy. My partner in crime and love of my life

 Never a dull moment with this guy

 This was our "prop" to take pictures in front of the kids really seemed to enjoy it

And maybe some of the adults..lol

There wasa bridal shower at the church at the same time they were gracious enough to move to a smaller room so we could have the gym. So we thought it only appropriate to share our bounce house

Then it was time for clean up. We have wonderful friends that helped us set up and take down. They are willing to jump in and help us when we most need it. There help was more appreciated than they will ever know. I really missed having my family there to help me with everything. This is the 1st birthday party we have ever done without them and it was a lot more work for just Matt and I. That is one really frustrating thing with Matt's family is that they are  perfect at asking if we need help just as everything is cleaned up and then leave but we just try to plan for that so we aren't left cleaning up alone....maybe someday that will change. All in all it was a great time celebrating this sweet and spunky girls 5th birthday. Happy birthday to the little girl that made us parents!