The Swensens

Snow Day!

2012-01-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

Okay! So we got a little bit of snow here in the Northwest. Shocking! It only happens about once or twice a year here but it's enough for us to want to throw on our rain boots (we are never prepared with snow gear) and go outside and play in the white stuff! This year we discovered the sledding hill at the end of our street. The whole neighborhood was out sledding! My kids were a little apprehensive about me sending them down the hill alone, but they survived a couple of trips! I loved it! These are the kind of days I remember from my childhood, growing up in Utah. Days that were so sunny and bright....and white from the new fallen snow! Of course, the rain had to come and ruin it all! At least we had fun while it lasted!

Officially 4!!!

2012-01-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Nicholas and Karlee are officially 4!!!! They woke up to find streamers and balloons in their rooms. Their preschool was cancelled due to snow and black ice on the roads. They were totally excited about that! I let them open a few presents to keep them busy. We went to lunch at McDonalds (crazy, but they love that place) and then waited and waited for Mark to come home to open the rest of their presents. It was torture! Luckily, the UPS man delivered a few surprises from Grandma. We went to Izzy's Pizza Buffet for dinner and then Nicholas insisted that he have a big birthday cake (not cupcakes), so I scrambled to throw one together! It's totally pathetic but they were so happy to be sung to one more time.

The Birthday Boy!

Birthday Girl!

Birthday Card and $$ from Grandma & Grandpa Brenchley.

Puzzles from Grandma & Grandpa Swensen

Nick with his Francesco remote control car!

Aunt Lezlee sent Happy Nappers! Move over Pillow Pet! This is the next big thing! They went CRAZY over them!

I'm so happy these two have each other and that we have them!

We love you, Nicholas & Karlee!

Happy Sweet 4th!

Birthdays! Birthdays!

2012-01-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

Nicholas and Karlee had their 4th Birthday party with friends at The Little Gym. It was an absolute blast and even though they aren't officially 4 until the 17th, they now consider themselves 4! I guess if you blow out candles and eat cake, it's official (per Nicholas). We invited 14 little friends to come and play in the gym. At this age, all kids want to do is run around and be crazy! That they did! We took a small break for pizza, then it was back into the gym to open presents. They sat Nicholas and Karlee on the top of this podium they had made out of the mats and had them surrounded by their presents. They took turns opening their gifts. Their reactions were the funniest! This was their favorite part! We finished it off by singing "Happy Birthday" and with Spiderman and butterfly cupcakes. No theme really! It was all about what they love!

I had to laugh at Nicholas. He was "Mr. Social" that night. One of my favorite moments was when his friend Gavin arrived. Nicholas ran over to him and said, "Guess what, Gavin? It's my Birthday!" in the most excited voice EVER! Karlee later asked me if she got to keep all of "those presents" she got to open! Of course!!!! So sweet! I just love them both so much! It is an absolute blessing to be able to experience twins! There really isn't anything like it!

Christmas Morning!

2011-12-31T00:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas morning was the ultimate at our house!!! Our kids are at that PERFECT age where they can't even W-A-I-T until Christmas morning to tear through their presents. Santa pulled through AGAIN and made everyone's dreams come true! Macy got her walking/barking puppy that she's been dreaming about, a Barbie airplane jet and a Teacher's School Kit. Karlee FINALLY got the Dora talking backpack, a Polly Pocket camper, her own Squinkies, a LadyBug that shines stars on her ceiling and a Belle doll. Nicholas wanted cars, cars, cars! So that's what he got; lots of Cars 2 cars, walkie-talkies, a Hot Wheels car hauler and a Hot Wheels MEGA garage. Santa must have thought I had been good because he brought me my first pair of UGGs and a new lens for my camera. Love! Love! Mark got a Kindle and a remote control helicopter, which in his words exactly was the "BEST present EVER!" He's like a kid again flying it around.

We played all morning, danced to Just Dance 3 on the Wii, had buttermilk pancakes for breakfast and attended church. We combined with another ward so there was quite a large crowd. During the meeting, Nicholas leans over to me and says, "Mom, where's Jesus? I don't see Jesus. Why isn't he at his party?" This made me laugh! So, SO sweet! At least he remembered the reason for the season, which reason we are so grateful for, the gift of our Savior. That was the greatest gift of all!

Holiday Traditions!

2011-12-30T23:49:00.000-08:00

Every December, we our finding ourselves looking forward to what are quickly becoming holiday traditions. First of all, girls-night-out at the Nutcracker ballet (Mark & Nick hit the bowling ally), second; driving through the Pepsi plant lights every chance we get and third, going to Storybook Land in Albany. Storybook Land is held at the Linn County fairgrounds inside a huge expo center. It's full of lights and Christmas trees and little scenes depicting various Disney movies and Mother Goose rhymes with a holiday flair. The kids LOVE it and there is always Santa at the end!

Macy's 1st Piano Recital

2011-12-30T23:05:00.001-08:00

Macy started piano this Fall and had her first piano recital in December. She was first to perform and didn't seem at all nervous. She looked so cute up there and played wonderfully. I was so proud of her. I absolutely love that she's taking piano. She LOVES it too but hates practicing. She told me she's figured out that she only needs to practice TWO days before her piano lesson to get her songs down. We'll see how long that works for her. Let's just say there is a reason I am NOT teaching her lessons. We tried that. Me, helping her practice, is conflict enough. Needless to say, she has a FANTASTIC teacher that inspires her and keeps the music fun and interesting. I told her she has to take for eight more years. I think we settled on six. I'll take it!

TRICK -OR- TREAT

2011-11-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

Halloween has to be one of my favorite holidays, second to Christmas! I love putting up decorations, carving pumpkins with my kids, Halloween parties with friends, spray painting hair, doing make-up & GLITTER, trick-or-treating and picking out my favorite candy bars from the kids treat bags. What is not to love about this holiday? It's a great kick-off to Fall.

Macy was an Oregon State cheerleader. GO BEAVERS!!!!

Nicholas was Spiderman (in red).

Karlee was a "Rainbow Fairy Princess" (her words exactly). I had to get creative with this one but I think we got it right! She was delighted!

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!!!

Pumpkin Patch Time!

2011-10-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today, Nicholas and Karlee had their first field trip to a pumpkin patch with their class. It was so sweet and they were so excited! Nicholas's favorite part was "the tractor ride" and Karlee's was, "getting an apple." They had a great time running around in the mud, picking out their own perfectly sized pumpkin and going on a tractor ride.

After picking out pumpkins, it was back on the tractor and over to the corn maze where all the kids, MOMs included, got totally LOST. Half of the kids were crying by the time we got out. Seriously?!?!? What were we thinking dragging our 3 year olds in there?

Happy to be out of the maze! : )

Pink! Pink! Pink!

2011-10-06T18:10:00.001-07:00

We moved the girls in to the same room together and what color did they chose for the walls? You guessed it...PINK!!! Well, actually, Karlee chose pink and what Karlee wants...Karlee gets! They couldn't be happier being together and all I hear are giggles and laughing at night when the lights are suppose to be out!

Karlee loved painting! She stayed by my side the whole afternoon watching and helping me paint! She was so excited for her new room! I know, I know... some of you may think I'm crazy to let my 3 year old help, but she was so very careful and actually did a really good job!

Macy jumped in too!

I LOVED putting this room together start to finish! Before it was a bonus room that we were using as Macy's bedroom/toy room. While I was in Utah, Mark framed in a closet and built shelving and everything with help from a good friend. Now, this room is ALL GIRL and fun! The girls LOVE it!

I LOVE it!

I love this closet! It has literally changed my life! I needed storage desperately and I finally feel organized now that I have it! Oooo...I love being married to a handy-man!

Home Alone!

2011-09-18T23:00:00.003-07:00

I never thought the day would come when I would have everyone in school and I'd be home alone with the house all quiet, staring at a few hours all to myself! I had a day like that last Thursday and it was WONDERFUL! I love my kids and all but I haven't heard "quiet" in my house like that in over 3 years. It was sweet, sweet bliss!

So what did I do, you ask...well, my neighbor came over and we put up raspberry jam and had a very nice, uninterrupted visit! I showered, actually DID my hair...curled it, no less...and ate lunch. Wow! I've forgotten that it used to be like that! I know I will miss those days when my little ones were running all around me, needing me every second for this or that, but until I miss those days...and for now, I'll enjoy my peaceful...quiet... bliss if only for a few hours!

Macy is officially a 1st Grader! Wahoo!

When I asked her what her favorite part of 1st grade was, she responded, "Lunch!" She seems to be loving it. I miss her a TON when she's gone & we all get so excited when it's time to go pick her up. Nicholas & Karlee miss her especially!

Karlee and Nicholas started preschool and are loving it, too! They've been waiting rather impatiently for their turn to go to school. Their day finally arrived. They couldn't be happier & have no problem with me leaving them. They've already made lots of friends in their class.

The End of Summer!

2011-09-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

So, I kind of had this "Summer-To-Do" list with the kids. Things like playing in the water fountains downtown, meandering through the Saturday Farmer's Market, eating lots of snow cones, picking berries for jam and swimming almost every day. I think we did it all!

One particular thing on my list, that I was NOT going to not let happen, was a day at the beach. Well, if you know anything about the Oregon Coast, it's not the type of beach where you go and lay out and bask in the warm sun and swim in the ocean. First of all, the temperature is usually in the 60's, sometimes 70s and the water is ALWAYS freezing! So I was kind of dreading hauling my kids out there but they always love it. Sand is sand and the ocean is always something majestic. So with my mom still here, we took off for an afternoon and had a great time at the beach, building sand castles and looking for seashells. Of course, there was chowder and fish 'n chips at the end of it. That's worth a drive to the coast alone!

I hope when my kids remember summer, they remember these kind of days!

Macy Turns Six!

2011-09-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! Macy turned six in August! She was SO EXCITED for her birthday to arrive! She'd been counting down the days since the beginning of summer which you can imagine, felt like an eternity. Her birthday fell on a Saturday and to make it even more special, Grandma Brenchley was here to celebrate with her. My mom was a lifesaver particularly when it came to getting food ready and decorating for the party. I was so glad she was there to help! Thanks, Mom!

The first thing Macy wanted to do was open presents. It was like Christmas morning. She just couldn't wait. The thing she wanted the most was an American Girl doll, which she got and was thrilled about!

We held her "Barbie" themed birthday party at Peak Elite and had the whole gymnastics gym to ourselves for two hours. Macy was in heaven. She's become quite the little gymnast. Any bar she comes in contact with, whether it's at the park or on my treadmill, she's doing flips and pull-overs. It's fun to watch her love and enjoy something so much and be really good at it, too!

Blowing out her six candles!

Such a fun group of friends!

This girl is loved!

Six things I LOVE about Macy:

1. She loves to be silly and laugh. She gets this second wind at 8 o'clock every night and she is bouncing off the walls. I don't know where it comes from.

2. She loves music and singing at the top of her lungs. She makes up her own dances and actions to songs from Scripture Scouts to J. Lo. She should go in to acting or something yet she is so shy in front of big crowds. Primary Program...forget it!

3. She is the GREATEST big sister to Nicholas and Karlee. They ADORE her and she keeps them busy playing house and Barbies. I love that especially!

4. She is a sweet friend to every one and makes everyone happy.

5. She is very obedient and does her best to always to do what is right.

6. I love Macy because she is my best little friend. She's my oldest and I think I will always have a special place for her in my heart.

Happy Birthday, Macy!

We love you!

Grandma Comes to Visit

2011-09-16T16:12:00.001-07:00

My mom surprised us and came to visit for a week. She told us on a Wednesday she was flying in that Friday and would be there for Macy's birthday. To say we were EXCITED would be an understatement!!! We could hardly sleep! We picked her up from the airport, had lunch at IKEA and then stopped at Washington Square Mall so Macy could spend her gift card at Build-A-Bear from Grandma and Grandpa. Well... Nicholas and Karlee had to build a bear too, compliments of Grandma. This was their first experience and it was SO SWEET!!! The pictures say it all.

Nicholas making a wish before giving his bear his heart.

Karlee's wish!

Giving the bears a good scrub!

Karlee's bear "Kelly" and Nicholas's bear "Bear Bear"

Sweet Grandma that can't help but spoil us EVERY TIME!

Happy customers!

Skiing at Fern Ridge

2011-08-10T21:42:00.001-07:00

Mark's business partner and his wife took us out skiing on Monday night. Oregon keeps on surprising me with it's beauty! I don't think I've ever seen a prettier lake than Fern Ridge. It was freezing all day long and overcast, but by the time we got to the lake that evening, it had warmed up, the clouds had burned off and their was hardly a ripple on the water. It was the perfect night for skiing. I haven't had water like that in years. It was so FUN!!!! Mark and I skied until we couldn't hold on to the rope any longer and there was hardly any daylight left. Glenn even barefooted! He's an animal out there. The kids LOVED the boat! Macy jumped in the water a few times to test her life jacket. It worked! :)

Me skiing. Check out that water. Sweet!

Mark and I air chaired! Mark has done it before, but it was the first time for me. I got up on my first try! Glenn and Jeenie were great couches and awesome drivers! It's a trip when you get up out of the water! I crashed and burned several times. I have yet to master it! So fun, though!

Mark

Me, getting up the first time.

Me, getting some air.

Mark and I have a new motto: THE FAMILY THAT SKIIS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER! We've vowed to get ourselves a boat! Thanks to Glenn and Jeenie for such a fun night (& the hot chocolate and cookies).

Mark's partner, Glenn, chillin' with the kids.

Fair Time

2011-08-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

We LOVE the Benton County Fair! We look forward to it every summer! We don't know why? This year we bought wristbands for the kids and they seriously rode every kid ride 20 times! They had the look of pure JOY on their faces. The Dragon Coaster was their favorite! We were there for six hours and Mark and I (the parents) were begging to go home! Every day the kids still ask if we can go back! Second to Disneyland, it's like the happiest place on earth! :)

Cooling off with snow cones!

Part III Seattle

2011-08-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so our trip is almost over! Lots of details, I know! Last day in Seattle, we grabbed breakfast again at the market. This time, we found this sweet little crepe place hidden in some back corner. We ordered a fresh peach crepe to share smothered in whipped cream. Oh, my goodness! Best crepe EVER!

So, even though we are NOT coffee drinkers, we love a good raspberry steamer. Here is Mark standing in line at the original Starbucks. It was worth the wait! There is a Starbucks on every corner in Seattle. People like their coffee.

Oh, and another great thing about Seattle. The first Nordstrom store established in 1901. Love their service & we just happened to catch their Anniversary Sale!

This was such a fun trip! I recommend that everyone should visit Seattle at least once! It's such a great city! Thanks to Mary and Micah and everyone who helped watch our kids so we could get away! It was a very Happy Anniversary! Here's to 50 more!!!!

More of Seattle....

2011-08-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we woke up and walked down to Pike's Market Place. This is the famous "fish throwing" market that Seattle is known for. It was packed with people, yummy food to eat and the most gorgeous flowers. I was in LOVE with the flowers and they are so cheap - $5 or$10 will get you a beautiful bouquet. We spent the whole morning at the market sampling fresh peaches, chocolate dipped cherries and flavored almonds. Then we found the mini donut shop our friends told us about! Fresh, homemade donuts that melted in your mouth. So Good!

These are the donuts. Chocolate with sprinkles. Yum!

Later that day, we walked down to Safeco Field to watch the Seattle Mariners play against Tampa Bay. Mark played hard ball to scalp some tickets. I was impressed. We thought we were getting a great deal until we realized the game was already in the 5th inning. Oh, well! We were 20 rows off the field and in the shade. It was a great game and the Mariners WON 3 to 2! We're fans now!

We happened to be in town on the weekend of the SeaFair Torchlight Parade. It was a 3 hour parade that ran down 4th street in Seattle. There were tons of parade balloons like this. Everything was lit up since the parade ran well in to the evening.

We watched the parade for a bit and then decided to walk up to the Space Needle to see Seattle at night. The Space Needle was pretty impressive, built for the World Fair in 1962. The ride up on the elevator takes your breath (literally) and the views are spectacular.

SEATTLE

2011-08-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

Mark and I just celebrated our 10th Wedding anniversary together! I would never have ever dreamed that that boy whom I met 14 summers ago... the one that made some sly remark about me being from Mountain Crest and him being from Sky View and then something along the lines of "...now that we're graduated, I guess we can be friends" would end up being the man I would marry. Now here we are 10 years later, 3 moves later with 7 years of schooling behind us, 3 kids, a mortgage, a minivan and a dental practice. We've had to make some pretty big decisions along the way, like any couple. Decisions that we prayed so hard over. We followed our hearts and our dreams and somehow created this life that we live and love so much! I've been so grateful to have Mark by my side through it all. Mark is my very best friend and the greatest person in the world to be married to. He's handsome, hardworking and so funny! He makes me laugh out loud every day which is the reason I married him in the first place! He is kind, thoughtful, sensitive and full of surprises, keeping life fun, interesting and light. He's perfect for me and such a wonderful father to our children. I'm so glad I have him to spend the rest of my life with and so glad he chose me to be his bride 10 years ago!

So, with that all that said, of course we had to celebrate! Ten years is a big deal! I've been wanting to see Seattle since we moved here. What an incredibly beautiful city! The views were INCREDIBLE, the food AMAZING and the shopping FABULOUS. There was so much to do and see. I think we walked over six miles in one day. We loved the lively downtown and the crowds of people everywhere. We stayed at the Sheraton which was right in the middle of it all. Thanks to our wonderful friends who watched our kids so we could get away!

The view from our hotel window.

My handsome hubby!

Us! We still look like kids! :)

A fun little surprise from our friends...the Horvaths! Thank you! We love you, guys!

For dinner Friday night, we went to a place called Salty's on the other side of the bay with incredible views of the city. The food was amazing! I felt like I needed to be pinched. It was the most perfect evening.

We had the best table in the house. I could not get over this view of the Seattle city skyline!

A little friend that wanted to join us for dinner.

Sunset

Okay! The food was delicious! Did I mention that? Crab cakes for appetizers. Their famous clam chowder, halibut (so fancy) and crab macaroni and cheese! To die for!

City Lights

Penny Carnival

2011-07-22T23:54:00.000-07:00

We have missed it every year, but today, my friend reminded me of the Penny Carnival at Central Park. We scrounged around our house and gathered all the pennies we could find and went downtown. It was a cute little carnival organized by the Parks & Rec. Each game or station cost 5 pennies or 1 ticket and you won a prize every time no mater what. The kids had a blast! We fished in the fish pond, played musical cupcakes, dropped pennies into mason jars, played Blinko, kicked soccer goals and painted faces. I think we're going to designate a penny jar and start collecting for next year! This was very, very fun!

Raspberry Picking!

2011-07-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

We headed out early this morning to go strawberry picking at Twedts with some friends and found them plowing up the strawberry fields to our dismay. But we weren't completely out of luck because the raspberries were ready for the pickin'!!! They were gorgeous and so sweet! Raspberries have got to be my favorite berry. Blackberries, are a close second. But being out in the fields reminded me of picking raspberries with my Grandma Brenchley in her garden where I used to love eating them right off the vine. I had my fair share today. Now, I just have to teach myself how to make jam before I eat them all.

The little self serve area. What I love about small town USA.

1. Weigh your container

2. Pick berries

3. Weigh berries

4. Minus Container

5. Money in the can $1.15 lb

Thank You!

Nick was so proud of all the berries he picked. He filled his bowl.

So, on my way out, I stopped at this stop sign! I laughed out loud. Couldn't we all use this reminder every once in a while?

Fun Park & Family

2011-07-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

One thing our kids COULD NOT WAIT to do at Grandma's house was go to the Cache Valley Fun Park. It's a big arcade with a soft play area, bowling alley and skating rink that is fun, fun, fun! We met up with Mark's sisters, Heather and Jenni, and their cute families to play. My kids are just starting to get how these games work and the cheap prizes you win with your tickets are like the greatest things ever! But watch out if my kids are ever playing ski ball. They get crazy when they are rolling those things. It's seriously dangerous standing next to them. You will get hit!

Karlee LOVED ski ball especially! I think she spent all her tokens in this spot.

My cute nieces, Olivia and Ellie.

Later, spending time with the Swensens at Mark's sister's house. The food was fabulous! Heather and Jason sure know how to throw a party! We had the best time!

More fun in the hot tub with cousins

Nick swigging a Coke in true Swensen form.

What's a night without fireworks & mosquitos. It's Utah.

Thanksgiving Point

2011-07-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

We spent one whole day at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, while visiting my sister. We started off by visiting the Museum of Ancient Life which has the distinction of being the world's largest display of mounted dinosaurs. It was amazing! The kids got to wander there way through the exhibits, assemble their own dinosaur, play at the erosion table and dig for fossils. They loved it, except for Karlee. She later told me that the "dinosaurs were not fun." Karlee's a tough one to please.

After lunch at the deli, we headed over to Thankgiving Point's Farm Country where we got to feed the chickens and goats, ride ponies and take a carriage ride. This may have been my favorite part of the day!

To cool off, we drove over to the Noah's Ark splash park and played in the water. See the HAPPY faces!

We ended the day at Pirate Island, for pizza, breadsticks, molten chocolate cake and arcade games! The fun never stops with my sister!

Seven Peaks Resort

2011-07-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

My sister, Lezlee, just moved to Utah so lucky for us, we got to go down and spend a few days with her and her cute family. She had so many fun things planned for us to do, we couldn't possibly get to them all! I loved every minute of our fabulous trip! The best part was just being with my sister and my mom and watching our kids have the time of their life with their cousins. If only we could live by each other and play every day like that! I would LOVE it!

The first day, it was off to Seven Peaks Resort!

Flying With Grandpa

2011-07-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Mark's dad is a fanatic about airplanes! He's been flying for over 30 years and has built three planes by himself. I think it is pretty amazing! He is so passionate about it and the best part is, he enjoys it so much! He's even cruised up to Corvallis to visit us in this little RV6 plane. It's quite a nice ride. This was Nick's lucky day...a spin over the valley sitting on Mark's lap. He loved every minute of it! I also got to go for a ride. Such fun! I keep waiting for the day Mark tells me he wants to get his license. I always tell him NOT until our kids are grown and he has a HUGE life insurance policy on him! I would be so nervous! It's in his blood so I know the day will come.

The boys taking off...

...back on the ground safely. Phew!

Three generations right there!

Fourth of July Weekend!

2011-07-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Logan Fireworks

Oh, how I love to go home to Utah for the Fourth of July weekend celebrations! I love being with my family, running into old friends and seeing my kids with their cousins. It's the best time to be had.

Meeting in our usual spot on the USU campus lawn to watch the fireworks. The wait begins....

My gorgeous pregnant sister and her hubby. Love you guys!

Macy and Luke being silly with their glow sticks! So glad we had those to entertain them. Thanks, Mom!

Cutest kid ever! Cole!

Hyrum City Parade

Monday was the Hyrum parade! Always a favorite. Our kids got tons of candy. The weather was perfect and our seats on mainstream were awesome.

Nicholas and Karlee figured out early on that if they waved & looked cute they got thrown candy. They waved the entire parade! They had quite a stash afterwards.

Barbeque at the Parent's House

Back at my parent's house, we had an awesome dinner. Grandpa put up the inflatable water slide. Kids were in and out of the hot tub, jumping on the tramp and playing soccer. Oh, and we can't forget the popsicles. It was a HOT one!

The grandkids (minus a few).

Cousins: Preston, Cole, Tyson, Nicholas & Luke

My new nephew, Jonnie...

...and niece Vivian. I was lovin' on these babies. So sweet!

Nick and Tyson were BEST of buds!

My favorite picture of the day: Tyson showing Nick and Karlee what he wanted for his birthday from the Fisher-Price magazine.

Hot tubing in 90 degree weather! Only when you are a kid is this fun.

"Yeah!" for summer!

World's Greatest!

2011-07-20T16:03:00.001-07:00

WORLD'S GREATEST DAD!

You're looking at him! He's the BEST!

Thanks for all the fun and laughter you fill our home with and Saturday morning crepes! We love you so much!

Dance Review

2011-07-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

Karlee had her first dance show at The Little Gym. She was SO SHY about getting up and dancing in front of everyone. You couldn't blame her though! We were all sitting right there.

This is Karlee sucking her thumb and twirling her hair right before the show. She only does this when she is really nervous.

Dancing with a partner. She made it about halfway through the song and then ran over to me and sat down.

All the girls in her class in position. Karlee just stood there and would not dance. I think I had to bribe her with ice cream JUST to get her to get out on the floor.

After the tap and ballet show, we went inside to the gym. Karlee started to warm up and actually joined in and showed us her skills. Here she is being SILLY for the camera! Sometimes, I don't get this girl! She is so funny to me!

All the girls receiving their dancing medals! She had such a CUTE class! All of the video is on my video camera...so sorry, Mom! But trust me, you didn't miss anything . I was proud of Karlee anyway! She is so sweet!

Goodbye Kindergarten!

2011-06-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today was Macy's last day of Kindergarten. It was very bitter sweet! When I picked Macy up from school, she grabbed on to me and broke down in tears and sobbed, which made me cry because I know how sad it is when something you know and love and have grown so much in is ending. We have absolutely LOVED Mrs. Lashley, Macy's teacher, this past year! Oh, my goodness! She is the sweetest, nicest, most lovable person ever! She has helped us through some rough patches and has offered us so much support and encouragement. She has the biggest heart and sees so much GOOD in every child. Macy has adored her and we feel so blessed to have had her for a teacher! I am so grateful there are teachers like her out there that put their heart and soul in to their work. These teachers touch our lives and change us for the better. Thank you, Mrs. Lashley! We adore you!

Now.. summer can officially begin!!!

A Love Note

2011-06-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Love

Macy

Mom is the best mom ever.

'cause she makes me breakfast.

She makes it the very best day.

and I love her.

Macy brought this note to me the other day. She had written it all by herself and just because. It completely melted my heart. She wrote one for Mark, too, but he took it to put up in his office. They are such sweet words when your children tell you they love you (even if practically every word is spelled wrong)!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

Mark and I needed to get out of town this weekend and do some serious playing! Nothing rejuvenates us like a trip to the coast. Mark was craving some clam chowder from the Chowder Bowl and Karlee wanted to "go to the beach" so we left town. Our first stop, the Oregon Aquarium where Max the seal was celebrating his 21st birthday! There were all sorts of festivities including face painting. We stood in line for 45 mintues! Yes, it was worth it...for them.

This looks like a mug shot! Why isn't anyone smiling?!?!?

Okay! Some smiles.

Second stop, the Chowder Bowl for Fish'n Chips and Clam Chowder. YUM! Then down to the beach to play in the water (which was freezing). Karlee was the only one playing in it. Macy was off collecting seashells. Next, we drove up to Lincoln City to hit the outlets and grab some Tillamock ice cream. On the way back, we stopped to watch the sunset and waves crashing in Depoe Bay. So beautiful! The kids fell asleep on the car ride home which is always a sign of a good, long, fun day! It was the perfect break from our ordinary, everyday lives and a way for us to fall back in love with Oregon (since we've had way too much rain this year to have much good to say about it). ;-)

Silver Falls

2011-05-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

Upper South Falls

122 foot drop

On Monday morning, we up and went hiking at Silver Falls State Park. The kids were so excited! This was to be our first hiking adventure as a family! Everyone is finally getting old enough that an outing like this is somewhat doable. It was raining the whole way up but once we got to the park, the sun came out and it was perfect (a little chilly) but absolutely a gorgeous day to be out in nature! Silver Falls has to be one of the prettiest places on earth. It is so lush and green. We were reminded, once again, all that there is to LOVE about Oregon.

We saw the Southern Falls. Apparently, there are ten waterfalls in all, but we just saw two of them and made about a two mile walking loop! The kids were troopers. There was a little whining and complaining about the mud on their shoes and "knees hurting" from walking so much but we made it!

You actually get to walk down behind the waterfalls. The mist and water is spraying in your face. It's awesome!

Karlee insisted on wearing her rain boots. She was probably the smartest one because the trail was a little muddy in parts. However, every puddle she came to, she contemplated whether to walk through it or around it. In this picture, Nicholas is telling Karlee to just walk through it. What did she do? Of course, the opposite. This girl was cracking us up the whole time! I think it's her red hair!

The Lower South Falls Waterfall

93 ft.

Love the skinny jeans and rainboots. Those boots were made for walking!

Butterfly Farm

2011-05-22T10:06:00.001-07:00

Macy's friend invited us along on their school field trip to the butterfly farm called Wings of Wonder in Independence. I have been wanting to go for a long time. It was a gorgeous day! The gardens were beautiful and it was so neat to go inside and have butterflies flying all around you. Nicholas was scared to death! I had to hold him the entire time. The rest of us loved it! We learned a lot about butterflies that day.

In the gardens, doing sidewalk chalk, playing and having snacks!

Easter Best

2011-04-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Easter came and went at our house and was full of fun and CANDY!!! We had our annual neighborhood Easter Egg hunt. We colored eggs. We hunted for chocolate eggs in our house left by the Easter Bunny on Easter morning and loved all the candy we found in our Easter baskets. The Easter Bunny also left new outfits for church. My kids were on a definite SUGAR HIGH when I tried to take these pictures. They were cracking themselves up! I think I was yelling at them the whole time but they didn't listen! Obviously! They turned out pretty cute!

Karlee: "Stop squishing ME!"

Okay! So, my FAVORITE!

Mindy Gledhill in Concert

2011-03-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Last night, Mark and I drove 2 hours to Hillsboro, Oregon (right outside Portland) to see Mindy Gledhill in concert LIVE at the Venetian Theater. We've been listening to her new album "Anchor" for weeks now. We know her songs almost by heart! You should see my little kids singing along! Mindy has such a unique voice and writes very fun, catchy music. I was so excited when I saw that she was coming to Oregon. Who doesn't love live music? Concerts are so great because you get to hear the stories behind the songs which makes them so much more meaningful, plus, you get to catch a glimpse into the life and personality of the artist. Mindy was adorable and sweet and funny! She is very, very talented and I hope she keeps on singing and writing music!

Meeting Mindy after the concert! She was so sweet! I had her autograph a CD for my Mom and some sheet music for me!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

We love celebrating any holiday at our house! My kids just EAT it up! For St. Patrick's Day, we made this trap out of an oatmeal can and decorated it St. Patty's style with a tempting pot of gold on top. We caught this cute little leprechaun a few weeks ago and he has been playing tricks on us ever since!!! One morning, he turned all of our dining chairs upside down on the table, another morning...we found our dvd cases stacked all the way to the ceiling. Once he poured himself a bowl of Lucky Charm cereal and was standing in the middle of it, and another time, we found green water in our toilet bowls. He is a trickster, by all means, and my kids can't wait to see what kind of trouble he's been up to while they've been sleeping. Nicholas calls him the "Elf" probably because we had an elf at Christmas time that did similar things. We'll miss this little guy when he's gone but...

....it's been fun!

Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your hair!

2011-03-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

I had to share these precious photos! They are too cute! We are obsessed with the movie Tangled at our house! We all wish we were Rapunzel! Our sweet friend, Mary, picked up these wigs for the girls. We dressed Karlee up and it was as if she WAS Rapunzel transformed! So much fun!

March 29th, Tangled is out on video!!! We'll be the first in line!

Valentines Day!

2011-03-13T10:15:00.001-07:00

Wow! I'm really behind blogging. Here it is almost St. Patrick's Day but I had to share this CUTE Valentines wreath I made. It was so fun to make and it looked so adorable hanging from my front door. I got the idea from my new favorite blog, Our Best Bites. Definitely check it out!

Below are two of my little cuties on Valentines morning.

Gymnastics

2011-03-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Macy had the opportunity to show off her cartwheels and handstands before the Oregon State University's Gymnastic meet. It took a little convincing when I first told her I had signed her up and that she would be performing in front of a lot of people, but after a few practices, she could hardly wait (let alone sleep at night)! She did GREAT! This girl loves to flip!

Nicholas & Karlee showing Macy their support!

This little girl was especially happy to be there! She can't wait to be "BIGGER" so she can do gymnastics like Macy.

The popcorn helped entertain!

Macy getting ready! She is on the far left.

This was such a positive experience for Macy! It's exciting to see her so passionate about the sport and for her to see how hard work and practice really pays off!

Sea World

2011-01-26T00:35:00.001-08:00

What's a trip to Disneyland without a trip to Sea World! We left sunshine and 75 degree weather in Anaheim and traded them for clouds and cold in San Diego! Shamu, you were worth it!

Disneyland!!!

2011-01-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

Seriously, BEST VACATION EVER!!!! We just got back from Disneyland last week and we had an absolute blast! I fell in love with the place all over again. There is nothing like seeing the magic of Disney through your children's eyes. It has to be the best feeling EVER! We cannot wait to go back!

The kids on the first day at Disneyland! You could just feel the excitement! I don't think any of us slept the night before!

Nicholas and Karlee celebrated their 3rd Birthday while we were there! We treated them to breakfast with the princesses at Ariel's Grotto! It was the HIGHLIGHT of the trip for me! Not only was the breakfast amazing, we were able to meet five of the Disney princesses. I think I teared up at one point seeing the look on my girls faces! It was my own dream come true! :-)

Ariel greeted us when we arrived!

Getting her autograph!

Breakfast is served!

The Royal Announcer! Introducing....

Belle!

Karlee couldn't take her eyes off of the princesses.

Cinderella!

Nick being all shy!

Princess Aurora

Snow White

So Sweet!

We all sang "Happy Birthday!" and Nicholas and Karlee blew out their candles. Talk about the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

On to more princesses, rides and FUN!!!!!

Princess Tiana! Gorgeous!

Jesse and Woody! We are obsessed with Toy Story! I think we watched 10 hours of it on the drive down and back!

Loving Mater and McQueen!

Mr. Incredible! Boy, was he ever! Hee! Hee!

Yes, we waited in line for 45 minutes to meet Rapunzel but Flynn Rider made it all worth it! (Sigh)

Jasmine herself!

Nick's favorite...Buzz!

Cousin Luke and Nick being BOYS with their blasters!

Meeting Mickey Mouse!

Karlee's birthday present from Grandma and mom was picking out a princess dress! She choose Cinderella and got to put it right on in the store! Wow! Did she EVER feel beautiful!

The princess and her prince! Ten minutes later....

...out cold! Disneyland will do that to you!

Nick riding the Toy Story 3 ride (one of our favorites)! I think this kid had the best time of any of us!

The view from our hotel! One to remember! It was hard saying good-bye to this! Thanks Mom and Dad, Brad and Lezlee, Luke and Cole, Ryan & Angela, Hannah & Karina for making this the best trip ever! We love you guys!

CHRISTMAS FUN!

2011-01-04T14:58:00.001-08:00

This was such a fun December! Christmas could not come soon enough for our kids! Christmas Eve finally arrived. We had friends over for dinner and after everyone had gone, the kids opened their Christmas pajamas from Grandma & Grandpa Swensen.

Modeling their new P.Js.

Santa found us Christmas morning! Macy was the first to wake up around 7:30am. We had her go in and wake up Nicholas and Karlee. They all piled down the stairs and went straight for their stockings.

It took Karlee F-O-R-E-V-E-R to open all of her presents. She took her sweet time playing with each thing she opened. Nicholas, on the other hand, tore through his presents, shouting "Hooray!" with each new toy and tossing it into his pile. Next!

This boy scored a Cars Race Track, cars and more cars and a rug to drive his cars on. You guessed it...he's in to cars!

Macy receiving her Barbie Vacation House. She was definitely happy!

Santa also brought us the Wii. We are late adopters. Very late adopters! We had so much fun playing it on Christmas Day! Macy kicks all of our cans at bowling! I can't figure it out!

Karlee's favorite present was her "PINK CASTLE" and all her disney princess polly-pockets. It was all she wanted for Christmas along with a Tangled Rapunzel Barbie Doll. It was such a fun morning. I think Mark and I had just as much fun playing with all the kids toys on Christmas Day as they did. It's fun to be a kid again!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Best Wishes for the New Year!

A New Tradition

2010-12-12T00:31:00.000-08:00

Macy had a friend in the local Nutcracker so I took the girls to see her perform! I was a little worried they wouldn't be able to sit through the entire performane but I was COMPLETELY wrong! Karlee did not MOVE, let alone breathe, while she watched and Macy literally cried when we left because she didn't want it to be over! They were mesmerized! I hope to make this a tradition with my girls every year!

The Polar Express

2010-12-11T23:30:00.001-08:00

We caught the Polar Express train in Hood River today. It was so much fun! I don't know who was more excited...me or the kids. The weather was HORRIBLE getting there! Sheets and sheets of rain poured down but turned to snow once we reached the higher elevation. It made for an even more exciting train ride. It was just like the Polar Express movie! They played all the great music from the soundtrack, served hot chocolate and cookies and took us all the way to the North Pole to see Santa's warehouse. Macy DID NOT believe we were at the North Pole because the ride wasn't long enough. We tried to convince her otherwise.

The kids holding their tickets. All of the children were encouraged to wear their pajamas...which we did!

Waiting for the train ride to begin

Karlee sipping on hot chocolate!

Macy loving every second

Nicholas glued to the window

The conductor came through and punched our tickets. The kids loved that!

While we were at the North Pole, we picked up Santa who came through each car and hugged and greeted all of the children. This Santa was AWESOME and so sweet! Check out his beard...it's real!

Macy getting hugs

Look how excited I am to see Santa!

Nicholas....not so much!

Santa gave out silver bells to all the kids to help them remember to always BELIEVE.

Turkey Day

2010-12-01T00:41:00.001-08:00

We ate ourselves sick this Thanksgiving day! We had GREAT food and a whole lot of it! We decided not to travel this Thanksgiving holiday but spend it at home with some of our dearest friends. Thanks Mary and Kory and the whole family for having us over and letting us spend the day with you. We count you among our greatest blessings.

All the beautiful people

One cute kid

Gorgeous sisters

Mary & Girls

One cute couple

Beautiful Molly

Cute Oliver

Snow Day In Oregon

2010-11-24T08:37:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, we woke up to SNOW in Oregon!!! Not that much, but enough for school to be cancelled. (These Oregonians would never cut it in Utah!) The kids were outside by 8 AM stomping around in their rain boots. It was the best we could do. Mark came home at lunch time and helped the kids build a snowman!!! My friend, Jamie, gave us a snowman kit years ago and this was the first time we've been able to use it! "Frosty," as we named him, turned out pretty cute. He just needs a hat! Macy asked why we skipped Thanksgiving and went right to Christmas? She thought it only snowed at Christmas time. I wouldn't mind it if stuck around until then! It definitely has put us in the mood!

Look at those rosy cheeks!

Stomping around!

Nicholas did not like the snow sticking to his gloves.

Our snow gear!

Halloween Night 2010

2010-11-03T13:10:00.001-07:00

The kids all dressed up on Halloween. Notice Macy's leg....so girlie! :-)

Karlee was a "Pink Princess" and wouldn't consider anything else.

Macy was Merliah from the Barbie & a Mermaid Tale movie.

Nicholas was a "doggy" & a cute one at that!

We had a little get together for dinner before heading out for some lite trick-or-treating. The spread was delicious including some fun halloween treats and of course the chili! It turned out to be such a nice evening. We went through over 150 pieces of candy and had to turn off the porch light! Even then, the trick-or-treaters were STILL ringing the door bell! Our neighborhood is awesome to trick-or-treat in! I don't know how else to describe it other than "magical" with all the lights, the haunted house on the corner and cute goblins running around! I think Halloween is becoming my favorite holiday!

The Halloween spread!

Nicholas laying out his candy so he can count it all! He scored! When the kids score...Mom scores too!

Trunk-or-Treating

2010-11-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was our ward's Trunk-or-Treat in the church parking lot! It was awesome! The kids got LOADS of candy & fast. Afterward, they had a carnival inside put on by the young men & young women groups. The kids loved it! There was a bean bag toss, musical chairs, a fishing pond, face painting, a witch's hat toss, a donut eating contest and even a haunted maze (which Mark's group was in charge of). It turned out pretty scary!

Here is Macy playing musical chairs. She made it into the top 3 but dropped out because it came down to her and the big kids and she just got scared. I was so proud of her though!

Karlee and Nicholas getting their faces painted. A rainbow for Karlee and a paw print for Nicholas.

A family in our ward just had boy/girl twins (#6 and #7). Isn't this the cutest thing you've EVER seen? The grandmother made these outfits! I was dying over them!

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Friday was a gorgeous day to get out and carve pumpkins. The kids were in to it for about 5 minutes so Mark and I got to spend some quality time together finishing them up. Our pumpkins turned out pretty cute thanks to the Perfect Pumpkin tool kit! They make it so easy these days!

Karlee wearing her princess dress which she has been wearing EVERYDAY for the past 2 months. Luckily it was still in one piece for Halloween night!

Our pumpkins all a glow!

Pumpkin Patch Time!

2010-10-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

We made our way up Hwy 99 to the Airlie Hills Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch today. It was a gorgeous Friday afternoon and I have to say, this farm was AWESOME!!! The BEST pumpkin patch we've ever been too! It was in such a beautiful setting and there was so much to do. There was a hay maze, trike racing, a corn maze, a wheat box, farm animals, a fun tractor ride, GIANT pumpkins and the coolest thing ever...a huge tube slide that the kids could not get enough of (and the parents ;-)). I think we spent a good 3 hours at the farm. We can't wait until next year...and might even sneak back next week.

Mark in on the action! Giant tube slides are for grown-ups too!

Adorable!

Tractor ride out to pick our pumpkins.

Someone else on our tractor ride found these pumpkins! I was so jealous! Aren't they beautiful?

Looking for that perfect pumpkin.

We could not get the kids out of the wheat box. This was the only place Karlee wanted to be.

Wheat everywhere!

One bumpy potato sack ride!

Such a beautiful baby calf!

One crazy looking turkey!

Some of my favorite shots!

"Look, Mom. It's as big as me."

Countdown to Halloween

2010-10-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

I got together with some cute ladies and made these darling advent calendars for Halloween. Is it bad that we've already eaten all the candy? We couldn't resist! Ha!

Fall Soccer

2010-10-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is Macy's first year playing AYSO soccer. Her team is the Llamas & Mark is the head coach (thanks to his sweet wife who so willing volunteered him)! He's been doing an awesome job and has been taking his coaching job pretty seriously, designing drills and honing in on his key players. Macy hasn't been loving it! Two out of the four games, it has poured rain. Maybe when she scores her first goal, she'll catch the bug. If not....maybe softball?!?!?

Sunday Drive

2010-09-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday Drive found us here....

...it was a beautiful day at the coast!

First REAL Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Macy had her first "REAL" day of Kindergarten and she loved it! She is acting so "grown up" lately, it's killing me! After big hugs and kisses good-bye, I left my little girl in her big classroom. She never even looked back. I am so proud of her but sad too! This is a brand new start for her and she is so excited about everything! I hear about all the kids that she knows and plays with on the playground and how she can't wait to ride the bus home (I'm easing in to the idea). What is everybody's feelings on that? I think I'm okay with letting her ride the bus home, since it would have only kindergartners on it but I can't tell how I feel about having her ride with the 5th graders to school. All in all, I am so proud of this girl!

Sitting at her assigned table.

Hugs good-bye

Finding a friend after class

Macy drawing her new kindergarten teacher

Kindergarten...here we come!

2010-09-09T23:45:00.001-07:00

So after much, much stress, sleepless nights and going back and forth about whether to start Macy in Kindergarten due to the fact that she only makes the cut-off by four days, we decided to start her in school anyways. She is ready! I have no doubt about that.

With kindergarteners, they like to break them in easy. So on Wednesday, Macy and I met one-on-one with her new teacher (who we are SOOOOO excited about)! She is a DOLL. The kind you get the warm, fuzzies from and FUN. She is going to be amazing. On Monday, Macy goes with half of her class. Tuesday, the other half goes and on Wednesday, they all go together! More pictures to come...

At first I thought I was going to be alright about sending her. No tears from me... but I'm starting to really see the big picture. This is it....she's growing up and starting school and those days of staying home and following me around all day are almost over! Let's not talk about that right now...but just on how cute she looks on her first day at school!

Blackberry Picking

2010-09-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things about living in Oregon is all of the fresh berries available! Blueberries, marionberries, strawberries, blackberries. My freezer is full of them. My personal favorite are the blackberries and there are wild blackberry bushes every where. For Family Home Evening one night, we rode our bikes down to our "secret" blackberry picking spot and filled our bowls, which made for yummy blackberry shakes later that night! Every year we make the mistake of wearing shorts and short sleeves and come home with scratches and scrapes! They are worth it!

Notice the bike situation. We've become true Oregonians...

...so have they!

Macy Turns FIVE!!!

2010-09-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my little girl is 5!!! It's like over-night she just grew up and turned in to this little girl who loves to rock out to Hannah Montana. She is full of spunk & that is why I love her so much! She is my best little friend who loves to give me advice, clothes shop and hide out in my closet with me to paint toe nails while Nicholas and Karlee nap. She's beautiful and smart, sweet and tender hearted with a little sass and a whole lot of silliness. I am so grateful for such a wonderful daughter and so lucky she came first. She is the BEST big sister and a great "little mom." Nicholas and Karlee adore her. We all think she is pretty special!

The morning of Macy's birthday was filled with opening presents and decorating cakes. The kids pitched in and went heavy on the sprinkles and ate way too much frosting.

Macy requested a butterfly cake. Youtube, thank you for making this so easy!

Macy couldn't wait to open presents.

This Barbie microphone that plugs in to your ipod was one of her favorite presents. This girl loves to sing!

To make her birthday extra special, we took Macy down to Build-A-Bear in Eugene where she got to pick out her very own bear. She'd been dreaming about this day for a very long time!

Filling the bear with fluff.

Rubbing the new bear's heart to get it pumping!

Washing and fluffying the bears!

Accessorizing!

Happiness!

Happy to be at the party!

Fun playing at the mall

Macy & "Sparkle"

Afterwards, we had a fun family dinner at Olive Garden and then invited friends over for cake and ice cream! Macy stayed up way past her bedtime but commented that it was the BEST birthday ever! It was a great day to turn 5!

Brenchley Reunion

2010-09-09T15:58:00.001-07:00

At the end of my Utah visit, was the Brenchley Family Reunion. It was a three day event filled with aunts & uncles and cousins I hadn't see for 10 years or more. We had fun catching up, eating and hearing fun stories about my grandparents, Preston & Alta Brenchley, who have both passed away.

The hight-light of the reunion, for me, was the guided tour by my Uncle Paul of some of the historical sites where my grandparents and my very own dad grew up and played and worked. It was a sweet reminder of the wonderful heritage that I come from and the legacy that my grandparents started and left in each of us.

This was the house my Grandma Brenchley grew up in in Mt. Sterling.

Here we all are, in the fields where my Grandma Brenchley's family, the Coopers, farmed. One of my favorite stories was about the dinner tree, where the family sat and ate all of their lunches and dinners brought up to them from the house.

My nephews and cousins catching grasshoppers in the fields.

My sister-in-law, Rachel, and my sister Lezlee! You girls are gorgeous!

My dad and his brothers and sister.

J. Paul, Mark, Deonne, my Dad, and Richard

The blacksmith shop and hardware store my Grandpa owned and operated. He was the best horse shoer in the valley & had a reputation for being able to shoe even the wildest horses. I remember going to visit my Grandpa in this store when I was little. There use to be a sign above the store that read "Brenchley's Hardware." I use to think it was so cool that my last name was on a store.

The house my Grandpa Brenchley grew up in in Wellsville.

My dad milked cows in this barn every morning as a child.

My dad with Macy in front of the barn. This brought back a lot of memories for my him.

Pictures inside the barn.

We found these initials engraven on the silo of the barn. P.B. stands for Preston Brenchley, my Grandpa.

The house my dad grew up in just down the street from where my Grandpa was born. I remember the raspberry bushes, the tire swing, Grandma's roses and eating ice cream cones on the front porch.

Me, my sister, Lezlee and brothers, Greg and Jon. My oldest brother Ryan wasn't there this day. I love these guys!

UTAH

2010-08-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Ice Cream Truck delivered!

What a crazy summer it's been! You know what I'm talking about. The kind of summer every kid DREAMS about because it is full of never-ending fun. Staying up late, sleeping in, playing with cousins, eating five to ten popsicles a day, getting a nice swimsuit tan line and throwing naps out the window because there is just "no time." That is what kind of summer it's been for us and we have so much fun! The proof is in the pictures....

Macy and her cousin, Luke. These two were inseparable for two weeks while together in Utah. We never saw them...seriously. They played so well together! We love you, Luke!

More cuteness...

One of my favorite boys EVER!!! Cole, I miss your love!

Grandpa's hot tub...the place to be!

My two best friends in the whole world!

Luke "bending air!" I still don't know how he does it. :-)

Fun at the Splash Park in Providence

Macy's first bee sting. She and Luke were stung 3 times thanks to the wasps nest under grandma's porch swing. We are still traumatized from it! Thanks to Grandpa, those nasty bees are long gone!

Nicholas, Preston, Karlee & Macy

My Karlee girl!

Nick's summer look! Somehow the ice cream mustache never seems to wash off. He always has it!

Loving the tramp at Grandma's house!

Bedtime stories with Grandma Brenchley.

Wagon ride celebrating Pioneer Day in Utah.

Macy holding on tight to Nicholas

Karlee horseback riding with Madison

Suited up and ready to go! Boating at Pine View Lake with my brother Greg and his cute family.

My beautiful mother with Macy and Weston! Love those cheeks!

Macy and Sophie ready to tube

On the water again!

Me and my cute boy!

Babe, you've still got it!

The twins first tube ride behind the boat! They almost fell asleep, they were so comfortable.

Almost the perfect ending to a great summer! And it's not even over yet!!!

The Wedding

2010-08-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

The entire Swensen clan the night before the wedding!

Mark's younger brother, Matt, got married in the Jordan River Temple to his beautiful bride, Christine, on July 20th. It was a beautiful day and a sweet ceremony. Most of the pictures were taken right after and I did not have my camera on me. I wish you all could have seen Christine's dress. It was gorgeous...beaded and vintage looking. The reception was later that night and I only captured a few photos because my kids were being "handfuls" and I was busy chasing them around. This is all I got! I am so disappointed. But...oh...how I love weddings. This one was perfect!

Macy making Kennedy smile!

Ellie, Macy and Nicholas looking adorable!

Appointment with Dad

2010-08-20T16:39:00.001-07:00

Macy had her first dental appointment with her dad. She actually asked to be seen. She was very excited about it all! Her favorite part...the "tooth vitamins" (aka...strawberry flouride treatment). She picked lip gloss out of the prize basket. She gets a toy every time we go in to visit Mark at random, but this time was extra special because she actually earned it for being a good patient. She is happy to report....no cavities!

Trying Mark's loupes on for size.

Pool Time!

2010-07-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

If you asked us where we've been all week, we'd say, "...at the pool. Everyday!" Macy started swim lessons at our neighborhood pool with a friend of mine and has been doing AMAZING! She is like a completely different kid. Before, she would cry if she got splashed and would only attempt to dip her nose in the water. After the first lesson, she was doing bobs and by the end of the week, completely swimming underwater and diving for dive sticks! Her confidence has soared! We cannot believe the progress she has made in a week and we credit it all to a fantastic teacher! Thank you, Kristen!

"Toofless!"

2010-07-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right! You are looking at a 2 1/2 year old boy that knocked out his front tooth yesterday. I'm completely devastated!!! I am mad, sad and just sick to my stomach over the whole thing. He is going to be toothless for the next four or five years and there is NOTHING I can do to fix it! We had just spent a great day at the coast. When we got back, Nicholas went chasing after his dad in the kitchen and fell SMACK down on his face. Blood came gushing out of his mouth and he immediately started screaming! Lucky for him, his dad is a dentist. We could see the tooth hanging by a thread and then all of a sudden, Nicholas just spit it out! The whole tooth, root and everything all intact! Pretty amazing! We couldn't stick it back in because of the damage it could do to the permanent tooth bud. So there you have it! Gone! Gone forever! It's very SAD!

Nicholas was a champ, though! He calmed down very quickly and just wanted water and his blanket. Macy was bawling her eyes out during the whole thing! She was so worried he wouldn't be able eat again! Karlee was crying just because everyone else was crying! Mom wanted to cry! Needless to say, we are all okay. Sort of....I'm still trying to come to grips with it! It is what it is.

We put the tooth in an envelope with a note to the tooth fairy that asked for a toy instead of money since we're so little! Luckily, the tooth fairy had just been to Wal-Mart and had something on hand. Nicholas was scared that the tooth fairy was going to come in to his room so we left the envelope outside his door! He was very happy to find his new Buzz and Woody in the morning! He hasn't put them down all day.

Beautiful Day at the Coast!

2010-07-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Nicholas petting a baby snapping turtle. He was the only brave one!

Watching the sea lions. They would come right up to the window and do flips in front of us!

Mark and I were craving seafood so we picked up and headed out to the coast with the kids on Saturday. We forget that when it's 90 degrees here, it's always 70 degrees there and a little chilly, but a perfect day to walk around the Newport Aquarium. They have a new exhibit, the Swamplands and it was awesome! We saw an anaconda, alligators, and Nicholas even got to pet a baby alligator snapping turtle. The exhibit was very well done! It was one of our best days at the aquarium.

Afterwards, we headed over the Chowder Bowl for a big bowl of chowder soup and fish 'n chips. I went with the fish tacos. Very good! I also had to make a stop at Wal-Mart since we don't have one! I got my fix!

I just loved this view! The coast is beautiful! Still chilly, even in the summer, but beautiful.

Fourth of July Weekend!

2010-07-08T00:56:00.000-07:00

We had a very fun 4th of July weekend! It was great being with friends, eating good food and letting the kids run wild. I swear they were up until eleven or so every night! It's summertime.

Saturday, we BBQ'd with friends and then went to a Corvallis Knight's baseball game. The stadium was packed, but it was the perfect night for a game. They had a great fireworks show afterwards, which almost made sitting through all 9 innings with the kids on our laps worth it. Our kids did actually really well, with a little candy, popcorn and glow sticks. This was our second game of the week and we have found that we really enjoy going to them. Nicholas loves to watch for "Mack" the Knight's mascot and can spot him a mile away. At one point in the game, Nicholas couldn't find him and concluded that "...he must be sleeping. Yep!" So funny!

Sunday, we topped it off with more food, more fireworks and of course, more fun. We did have to cut the night short due a complete meltdown by all 3 kids. It's all good now! They were good, tired and dirty after playing with sticks and fire all night long, every kids dream! Who could blame them! It's a beautiful country we live in and I am so grateful to be living in it!

Nicholas made a new best friends and ran around with him the whole night. It was so fun to watch them just be boys...poking around with sticks, finding rocks and playing with fire.

I love this picture with Karlee in the background! She stood like this the whole night!