Bell Family

Thanksgiving in Missoula

2012-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

My parents and Chris came to stay at the house on their way up to Thanksgiving in Missoula with my mom's side of the family. It was the first time that they had seen the new place and Liam.

The kids had so much fun having them here at the house. Hali said she wishes they could live here forever, like we did in California.

I took my parents around town and some surrounding cities to show them where we lived. They loved that the YMCA was so close to us as well as some major stores. Did I mention my parents may be moving up this way with in the year?? Well I think they are going to love what Idaho has, I know I do.

The Wruck family also came up and spent a night at our house on their way up to Montana as well. Hali was in Heaven. Anytime there are a lot of people coming over to vist she thinks it is a party. Hali makes assignments and directs people as to what to do, "We will need: decorations, food party hats... It is going to be the best day ever!"

I was not looking forward to the long drive up to Missoula. It was horrible. The roads were clear luckily but they are so windy. Hali threw up 7 times, Liam was not happy and I even felt sick. On top of that we hit a deer that took us an hour and a half of schedule. The good thing was we were all okay. The car got hit pretty hard which was amazing because it only felt to me like we popped a tire. Aaron was able to get replacement parts for the van and fix most of the car by himself and I got new car seats for the kids. I love having full coverage.

When we got to Goldie's beautiful home there was lots of snow on the ground. I was so excited to be able to take the kids sledding the next day on Thanksgiving.Aunt Goldie had some presents fo the kids that they just had to open before they went out to the snow. Lizzy and Hali got these adorable pink hat, gloves and socks. Colby Liam and JT got awesome camo snow boots. Colby was super excited to go play in the snow. He slipped on the ice and cut his nose up a bit. Colby was either too cold or having too much fun to even care about it though. They all had a blast. Aunty Eva and uncle Dave had most of the "fun/work" with them and got lots of great picture of the cousins.

I love making Thanksgiving Dinner with my family there is just something about cooking, laughing and working together that makes me love the life that I have. Grandma and Karen Indreland's family came over for Dinner. It was so great to see them again and to catch up on their lives.Thanksgiving dinner was soooo good and so were the truffles, pies, ice cream and wasill (Thanks John).

That night we opened up presents from Mom and Dad and watched a movie with the kids. The boys went out for Black Friday and all got some great presents for their family Christmas's. The next morning The Cheney's, The Bells and Goldie went to Crackle Barell for a yummy breakfast because our power went out and well it sounded really good too. The rest of the Day we got to hang out with family and enjoy being with them. Mary Inderland's Family came over to hang out at

Lunch time. We ate more yummy food and desserts, watched movies and did some shopping. I love being at Goldie's place. The Next morning bright and early we left to Fairlfield to see Aaron's family.

Baby Liam

2012-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

Liam 1 day old.

1 week old

2 weeks old.

Halloween 2011

2012-01-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

So I am way behind... Here is Halloween.

Hali really wanted to be a bat girl but I already had a fairy costume for her. She was so funny about it. Anytime someone would ask her "What are you going to be for Halloween she would explain to them that she want ed to be a dark scary bat but that Mom wanted her to be a fairy. I thought she would give in eventually. So we came to an agreement that she could have dark scary bat eyes and she could be a bat fairy. Hali was okay with that and loved putting on the makeup and doing her hair.

Colby was easy going. He liked being a dog but did not want to put the face paint on it was too messy for him. I convinced him he could be a pirate dog and could say Grrrrr Matey's once ha had a patch on his eye. Colby loved that idea.

Liam was such a cute little pumpkin. It was a bit cold out during trunk or treat but he was stilll happy go lucky.

I love my sweet kids.

Liam Elijah Bell

2011-08-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning, at 6am I woke up thinking my water had started to leak but waited to go in because I did not have consistent or painful contractions. So I still went to help out my friend do our garage sale. She was very concerned that the baby would come at any moment, but he stayed put. Sat morning at 6am again my contractions started 10 mins apart then 7 mins and an hour later down to 5mins around 8:30, but not really painful. Also if I sat down they were 10 mins apart. We called the Baby Place and they said to come in because I was still leaking and they would check to see if it was my water that broke. We called my sister in law to see if we could hang out there after I was checked because it was closer to where I was going to deliver, about 25 mins away. On our way there my contractions stopped completely. Great, so no baby today, I thought.

We arrived at 10:30am. Once I stood up to get out there was a contraction but I was still thinking they were further a part and would go away like the day before. My midwife checked me and said "Oh you are at a 6, you are not going anywhere. That baby is coming today." Aaron came in and I told him the good news. He took the kids over to his brother's house and came right back. We still figured we had about 8 hours to go before the baby came. It really helped that my Midwife came in every half hour to check the baby's hart beat and every two hours for my progression. So I planned out what to do for each two hours to make time go by faster.

For the 2 1/2 hours I had no horrible contractions. I just walked around the and in the garden trying to keep the contractions coming normally. If I sat they were further a part.

I had fun naming all the plants and watching the cute pheasants running around.

Tomatoes, Broccoli, cabage, carrots beets, corn and zucchini.

There is a cute little path with lots of trees and a bench.

I loved being out there until it got to hot.

The next hour Aaron went to subway and got us some lunch and yummy cookies.

12pm I was at a 7. After lunch the contractions were pretty painful. I would walk around the room till a contraction started then sit on the birthing ball till the contraction was done. I think the ball saved my life it was awesome I totally recommend using one because it relives all the pressure.

2pm I was at an 8!! I planned on getting in the tub at a 9 so I changed into my suit.

So while I walked and sat on the ball, Aaron relaxed on the nice comfy bed. He also put on some of our favorite music on the I phone. It was so nice and relaxing.

I got really tired and took a few cat naps, in between contractions,

next to Aaron for the next hour or so.

At 4pm I was still at an 8 :( I was just a little upset. I decided to get in the tub anyway. I was sticking to the schedule or rather didn't know what else to do. My contractions were hard and painful. I liked the tub because it relived pressure and when a contraction came I could easily get into a position that felt better. Aaron really helped me out when I would forget to breath. Aaron was really calm the whole time and would hold my hand through the hard ones. Thanks babe!!!

4:45pm The water was getting to hot for me. I decided to get out, go to the bathroom and that is when I started to have the most pain. I quickly got back on the ball. The Midwives came in at 5pm to listen to baby. I told them, "I really hope I am not at an 8 anymore because this much pain for 4 more hours would be insane!!"

At 5:15 I could tell I was going in to transition and could not keep it together. All three midwives came in- like three little angels- they were surrounding me comforting and telling me how to breath a little differently. Wow it was just so nice for me to have them there right then when I needed it most. Then they told me I was ready to deliver the baby and asked where I would want to deliver, the tub or on the stool? I decided to deliver in the birthing stool, the quicker method. Two and a half contractions later and Liam was born at 5:31.

Just a few seconds old

Proud Daddy!

4 hrs old!

Lucky Peak

2011-08-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Our Neighbors/ good friends have a boat and take us out whenever they get the chance. They actually say we are the only family that has time to go with them most of the time. They took us up to Lucky Peak for our first time ever. It is a very beautiful lake. There are several nice docks with covered picnic tables, BBQ pits with grills and places to camp. The kids loved tubing and swimming in the cool water. I want to go there again and camp next time we are available, I guess after the baby gets here.

Pioneer Day

2011-07-24T19:57:00.001-07:00

We had a stake Pioneer Day celebration. There was so many fun things to do. I was amazed at all the thought and time put in to it. The whole thing turned out very well. There was a parade the kids got to walk in, singing time, story time, and a general store where we got old fashion hard candy. We made some butter, did some wood burning and there was a petting Zoo. There were also a ton of fun pioneer games but my kids were a little too young to wait in line to play. We also got a hot dog lunch and some yummy ice cream!

Hali and Colby in line for the parade! I had to much fun making their pioneer outfits!

Bells and the some of the Ricks from our ward.

Colby by the hand cart!

Oh I forgot we got to paint this beautiful mural as one of the activities.

They had many real carts and wagons for display.

Hali with the Zebra.

Colby with the goat.
Colby trying to touch the baby pig.

Lake

2011-07-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry about all the Smile boxes I am just trying to catch up on pictures and it is easier to download more this way. I hope you enjoy!

Personalize a scrapbook design

Happy 4th of July Parade.

2011-07-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Camping

2011-07-23T16:34:00.001-07:00

Digital scrapbook made with Smilebox

What to do on a HOT day?

2011-07-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

I bought the Kids a few squirt guns and they were dying to try them out. Hali's broke right off the bat so she has a yellow water squirter but it shoots further then her gun, she was so happy.

They attacked Dad as soon as he got home from work.

Then he stole Hali's gun because Mariah and Colby were shooting him.

You better run...
Mariah getting him back.

They Loved it!

Update on Garden and Boise Zoo

2011-07-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Create a scrapbook

I put in the raspberries

Hali Being Silly and Her New Hair Cut

2011-07-10T10:51:00.001-07:00

Colby came running in to tell me that Hali was playing with the markers. I just had to take a picture.

I asked her what she had done...See the little smirk she is giving.

"Mom I was putting on my makeup"

Hali got her 1st officail hair cut about a month ago. For about a year now she did not want to get her hair cut until Christmas. When Christmas came she wanted to wait another year till next Christmas. Only a few weeks before it was cut she decided that she no longer wanted me to do her hair because it hurt when I brushed it. She decided that she would brush her own hair. Hali soon realized she could not brush it very well either. I told her if it ws cut short she would be able to reach all her hair and do it her self. Hali liked that idea and a week later we got it cut. I loved her long Tangled hair but Hali's new haircut fits her little personality just right.
Right before the cut.
So excited!!
She sat still the whole time and watched it all in the mirror like a big girl.

Happy little girl with her brand new haircut.

We were able to cut off 15 inches and donate it to Locks Of Love.

Raftin' at Lake Lowell

2011-07-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Aaron bought us a raft at a garage sale and we have gone out to the lake about 3-4 times now. There is a nice large grassy area with picnic tables with lots of trees for shade that leads all the way up to a sandy beach.

The Kids loved playing in the sand.

Mike visited in April.

2011-07-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am very behind in updating... Mike was able to visit us for a weekend in April right after he got out of College at BYU for the Summer. He just recently got off his mission that he served in Georgia The kids just loved having him here. They warmed right up to him like no time had past.

Colby loved playing rough and tough with his Uncle Mike.

Hali just loved cuddling with Mike any chance she got.

We would all stay up late just to hang out.

We can't wait till he can visit us again!

Summer is coming!!

2011-05-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Few pictures of what we have been up to lately.

My Friend Eranda brought these over to me. So sweet! I want a lilac tree in my back yard now.

Our sweet Craiglist deals. I love the BBQ It just makes the Summer, really summer.

The shed with all my garden stuff in it. Thanks Aaron!!

The blueberry plants. With raspberry in the back.

More Raspberries.

Tomato plants.

Pea plants.
Front pots on both sides of the garage.

Twinkle Twinkle

2011-04-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sunny Day

2011-04-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

Our camera has not been working for a while. But we got a new SD card and it works so I took some pics of the kids on a beautiful sunny day.

They love their new wagon that I got for my/Hali's Birthday.

They would swing all day if I let them.

They love to slide down together.

They actually will pose for a picture. Yea!!!

Hali's Party

2011-04-24T17:49:00.001-07:00

We invited some of Hali's friends and their moms for the party. She has been dying to have lots of friends over all at once.

Hali's Banner
Hali loved making the Tangled cake with me. All the little rocks were fun to put on.

We had some lunch all whatever Hali wanted. Strawberries, melons, apples, grapes and pizza.

Blowing out the candles.

Hali's 4th Birthday

2011-04-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wow Hali is now 4 years old and she loves it loves it loves it. Her little song to Happy birthday melody- "It's my birthday today, it's my birthday today and i am turning 4! I am turning 4! It's my birthday today! Hoooooraaaay! "

We invited some friends and family over for cake ice cream and presents. Thanks Eranda for taking pictures.

We also got to Skype Grandpa and Grandma Rankin so they could watch her open up their presents. I always love watching kids open up presents it is just so FUN!!

Hali eating her blow up cake from Grandma Bell!

Blowing out the candles.

Repunzul Doll

Lots of gifts from Grandma Rankin. She loved them.

Dora House

The written Room

2011-04-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

My sister in law has started her own blog that is about interior design. Summer is super brilliant and a great writer. Go here to check it out!! This is what it's all about: A fun, fresh outlook on interior design, brought to you by a self-proclaimed dreamer. Here you’ll find fresh thoughts on interior design, answers to common design questions, visual examples of inspiration, tips from the pros, and a community of design enthusiasts just like you (can’t be sure on that last one since I don’t know you, but I’d like to know you…)

Best Pasta Ever

2011-03-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

I made a delicious pasta last night. It tasted almost like Bow-tie Festival that I get at Johnny Carino's, my favorite dish ever!! I could have also added some mushrooms and Gorgonzola cheese but I didn't have any. The cooking cream really had a great flavor. Each bite of this dish was sooo good.

Half a bag of egg noodles

2 chicken breast Grilled

8-12 slices of bacon

half an onion

3-4 large tomatoes

Garlic powder

Basil

1 Philadelphia cream cheese cooking creme original flavor

1/2 cup chicken broth

I grilled my breast in a George formen grill so I could use the chicken broth. While that was cooking I boiled some egg noodles, I will to try bow-ties next time though. Then I cut up the bacon, cooked it in a large frying pan. Then took it off and used the bacon grease to cook the onions till they are clear. I used pre-cooked bacon so there was not a ton of grease, just use enough to coat the pan. Then cut up tomatoes and add it to the onions. Add garlic powder and some basil, fresh would be best. Let the tomatoes cook for like 10mins so the juices run and they become very soft. It gives it a roasted tomato taste. Yummy! Then drain the pasta and put it all together in what you cooked the pasta in. Add the cream cheese and the chicken broth. To get more recipes go here.

Colby's 2!!

2011-01-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

We had Colby's 2nd Birthday down in California with lots of family on both sides.

He thoroughly enjoyed the frosting on the cake!

Thanks for all the fun gifts he is still playing with them all!

COLBY- Is now 33inches tall and weighs 33lbs. He loves eating burritos, carrots, apples, bananas, sandwiches with a dip and would you know salads!! Colby enjoys playing with his big sister and do what ever she is doing. They play very well together most of the time. It's fun to listen in on there adventures. Hali ordering him, "Get me some sticky tape!!" Then Colby says "Okay..... what Haldi (Hali).... what did you say!!!" They love play monsters, hiding under covers and then ,"Run for your life!!!!"
Colby loves being in nursery singing all the songs doing the actions. His teachers say he is very polite always saying thank you and welcome. He is the only one that also sings the "Clean Up" song. I Find its the only way he will clean up and actually finish the job. Colby's favorite songs are "Head & shoulders", "Roll Your Hands", "If your Happy and you know it", "Bumble Bee", "Twinkle-Twinkle" and LOVES "ABC's"
Colby has been working on his letters a lot lately. He can recognize B,C, sometimes D, G, H, K, L, O, P, Q, R, S but he calls it snake sometimes, T, V, Z. He also knows some of the sounds. He often brings me a letter and asks, "What does this letter say ?" Then if I think he knows he will tell me or I will tell him and he repeats it and says "Oh, right!" He could spend hours with letters, he has three different sets. All in all Colby is a fun, adorable, spunky kid that has stolen my heart.

christmas

2011-01-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas, New years Colby's B-day and our Anniversary down in the not so sunny but warmer California. We had so much fun seeing all of our family and just relaxing.

The cousins had a blast playing with their new presents under the kitchen table.

Colby's gift from Uncle Mike. We had a kick out of him ridding it around.

We loved being able to see Mike for the first time in two years and just being with him. Hali loved every minute of it and still talks about about how Uncle Mike did this or that and how he is so funny.
The Girls with my Dad. They loved hanging out with Papa and helping him out with what ever he needed.

More to come when I get more pictures!! :) I didn't take very many.

Gingerbread house

2010-12-12T16:07:00.001-08:00

Hali and I made a gingerbread house today. We used Marshmallow fondant because I forgot to buy cream of tartar for the Royal icing. She loved sticking all the candy to the "goo." It was really easy to use and very forgiving.

Feeling Crafty

2010-12-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

I Finished Hali's blanket a few months ago.

So I have started on Colby's.

My sister had an adorable hat for her daughter so I took the pattern and did Hali's hat. Then I made one up for Colby.

I made a little jacket for Colby. I just need to add a zipper.
He would not sit still, he kept running away. I got a picture of the back though.

Little things

2010-12-04T08:25:00.002-08:00

Here is the last of my garden before the snow came. I was so happy that I got like 6 green peppers this year all pretty good size. I usually can't seen to grow them. Next year I want to do less Zucchini, tomatoes and Lettuce and more peppers and butternut squash and peas. I also want to do one pumpkin plant and one cantaloupe plant.

We came home from a long day, the Y in the morning, shopping and then we went to the "star" Carl's Jr. When we got home I gave them a snack and then went to work in the office. Then Aaron came in and whispered, "come and see your kids!"

Aaron got me a cool rack to put all my canned food on so I didn't ruin our cupboard above the fridge. I asked Colby and Hali to help. I started out putting them down on my stool and Colby came by and picked them all up. I yelled after him, "Colby that's too many put them down." All he said was, "Thank you!"

He walked them all the way out to the garage and came running back for more.

Hali then took them from the crate and put them on the shelves. We had lots of fun!

Picture updates

2010-12-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

We went to the pumpkin patch. The kids loved it.

For Halloween Hali was a Butterfly and Colby was a Bee

Our Snow Day

We loved sledding

Making a snowman was a big hit!

Colby ridding the scooter

2010-10-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Loving Life!

2010-10-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Bath Time Fun!

I don't ever pour water when rinsing their hair, just dunk them under water.

Ready...1...2...3!

Colby's hair was funky when I pulled him out of the water.

So I had to take a picture

I am really loving the city I live and thought I should share a few photos of the place.

This is what I See down our street.

This is the pretty view I get to see in the morning on my way

to work out. I love how open it is.

Beautiful hills on our way to go

Ridding our bikes.

This is over looking Marsing

at my friends mothers house

The kids love going on walks just about everyday.

Hali now can ride her bike and Colby rides her scooter.

I have so much fun with these crazy kids!

hali

2010-09-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Vacation

2010-09-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Wow the summer is pretty much over and fall is arriving. I love it when the seasons change- beautiful leaves, the weather is cooler, the smell of Autumn, I don't know I just love it!

Goldie's Beautiful house

We went up to Missoula Montana for a family reunion a few weeks ago. From there went to visit Aaron's Family in Fairfield. Then went down to Rexburg for a family Wedding and now we are back. It was so great to visit all out family on both sides but its also nice to be home and sleeping in our own beds.

Cute Amy!

Lizzy and Hali

Colby-Bolby

Hannah-Banana

Painting the teepee's

Nana and Papa

What else we have been up too....

We had my sister in law and her daughter stay with us a few days which was a blast.

Hali and Jordyn

Shawnna taught me how to make some adorable hair bows

and a cute board to hang them on.

My other sister in law that lives in Rexburg inspired me to decorate Hali's room. I love it!

We took our bombardier and the little Yamaha out with some friends.

Aaron went up a steep hill and the 4 wheeler did a wheely. Aaron luckily caught the bike from falling on him. Poor baby... a little scared but he was okay.

Aaron has been working on my shelves and for now he is done.

I love a nice clean and somewhat organized garage.

I have been making some jackets for the humanitarian center

Root Beer

2010-09-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

A Bell favorite that is made at every Thanksgiving I have ever been to. Got to love homemade Root Beer.

5 POUNDS SUGAR

4 GALLONS WATER

5 POUNDS DRY ICE

1 BOTTLE ROOT BEER EXTRACT

IN 5 GALLON COOLER ADD WATER, SUGAR AND ROOT BEER EXTRACT. STIR WELL SO SUGAR IS DISSOLVED. CAREFULLY ADD DRY ICE. LET MIXTURE FINISH BUBBLING AND BREWING BEFORE PUTTING THE LID ON.

For more recipes click here

The Summer Fun!

2010-08-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while so here are a few pics. We haven't been up to much just hanging out and enjoying the summer.

Hali took some pictures while I was blogging, a few turned out.

"Shh Colby's Slleping"

"I want to take a picture of you Mom. Look the dog is sleeping too, he is tired."

The dog we found and has not left. We named him Dog. Hali likes Cookie though.

Hali's quilt we have been working on.

I finally refinished it. The kids love it. Thanks Babe!

Aaron is putting up shelves for me! I can't wait to organize all my food storage, gardening and camping stuff.

Colby after Aaron cut his hair.

Hali giving me a hug."Cheese!"

Cucumbers, Zucuhini and some tomatoes from the garden. Yummy!

Hali eating a pineapple.

We love having our friends over. Here they are all Dancing.

Our Thrifty Buys For Our Home

2010-07-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

Aaron traded straight over his bike for this wonderful Bombardier. I really like it and so do the kids. I love that we live colse to places where we can actually go play with it!

The Bookshelf is new.

Entertainment center and Aarons speakers!

Our Table!

We got some furniture for our room. A dresser with mirror, head borad and a chest of drawers
that all match. Then we got the comfy chair too.

Our gadern- Peppers, chili, jalepeno, garlic, cilantro, and three kinds of leafy lettuce.

Our garden! Raspberries, tomatoes, butternut squash, cucumbers, peas, beans snd zuchinni.

Our latest purchase that I am super excited about.... A play structure for the kids. We also got a sandbox and a tonka truck! We got it for like 1/3 the cost of what it usually is. We still need to put it all together.I'll take a picture when its up. I have been looking for one with a picnic table and thats just what I got, I am sohappy. now Colby will hopefull stop digging in my garden.

I know it seems like a lot but all of you should know that Aaron only buys when he can get an awesome deal. We found most Everything on craigslist or thrift stores! Okay so I think we are done shopping, well maybe a few more decorations and curtians...I'll keep you updated!

New Home

2010-05-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

So here is our new home!

So this is what you would see when you walk in

This is the couch and Hali being silly.

The Kitchen. The Door straight back is the garage. The room on the right is the laundry room.

Our dinning room and Colby eating cereal.

This is the beginning of my garden just outside the dinning room window.

Aaron's office.
The kids play room/craft room.

Kids Bathroom.

Kids Room

Our Room.

As for the kids they are adjusting well and like the house. They are doing very well at playing with each other. They some how understand each other for the most part. Colby knows a lot of words now and can say a lot too. book, cracker, see you, open, throw, no, up, sit down, car, duck back and 1,2,3 for jumping, I can't think of more right now. Hali is recognizing more and more letters all the time. I am glad I have time to spend with her. Hali is also learning how to write her name, she has the H down.

As for Aaron and I we are keeping busy. Aaron is setting up a part time windshield repair business with a friend of his. So far so good the first stand was open on Saturday and did way better than expected. Aaron is still working for Apx part time and is looking for a full time job.

I am working on getting stuff done around the house, keeping kids entertained and am starting up a garden so that all keeps me busy. I am excited to be a part of our new ward. They all seem very nice. There are plenty of young couples with kids Hali and Colby's ages too.

I am sure I will post some more once we have all the decor. But for now that's about it. We are having fun searching for great buys and organizing for now. We miss all of you in sunny California. But love meeting new people and having our home.

Hali's 3rd Birthday!!

2010-05-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Blowing out the candles
Yummy!!
My cupcakes. I can't find the pic of her cake :((

Present from Kaylie
Hunt!

I love birthdays they are so much fun. I remember always having great ones growing up and I want Hali to be blessed with them as well. I hope she will always remember them.

We had a fun playing outside, dancing, eating and going on a treasure hunt. I LOVE parties!!

Easter

2010-05-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

I know I am super late but I finally have a minute to post some pics.
Hali loved dying the eggs as well as finding them. Colby did a good job at finding the eggs too.
Thanks Dave for taking the great pictures!!

Hali is being the big sister and helping Colby find the eggs.

Hali was so excited to find the eggs. She is jumping!

Hali playing trumpet

2010-04-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Scott taught Hali how to play

Just Having Fun

2010-03-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hali and Colby love to dance.

Moving!!

2010-03-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

So if you have not already heard we are moving to Idaho in about two weeks. We found a beautiful house and look forward to making it our new home. Here are some recent pictures of Hali and Colby.

Fun!

2009-12-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

So we put up the Christmas Tree last week.
Hali loved helping put all the ornaments on the tree, we had lots of fun.
Dave took all the great pictures. Thanks!

I am so excited for Christmas this year.I love the getting ready process of it all, decorating, buying gifts,putting gifts together, making cards and food!Its all so fun!!
We will be going to visit Aarons family in Montana. I am not thrilled that it will take over twenty hours to get there though. Aaron did get the kids an early present for the drive, two dvd screens to watch movies on. That should help a bit. I am excited to see and play in the snow and watch Hali play in the snow. I love that Aaron has a big family so there are lots of people to talk to and lots of little ones to play with. When we come home most of my family will be here so I am excited for that too!

Words

2009-11-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hali has been using some big words lately. I thought I should write them down before I for get. This is what she has said today and yesterday.

Hali went up to Aaron and said "Chris is pointed"
Aaron-"what... he is pointed?"
Hali- "yes"
Aaron-"what do you mean?"
Hali- "I am pointed with him...with Chris"
I chimed in- "you are disappointed with Chris?"
Hali- "yes I am disappointed with him"
Me-"why?"
Hali- "he made a mess, there is water all over the floor, he has to clean it up!"

Hali was playing with my moms big exercise ball with Colby I passed it to her but the ball got stuck too close to the couch.
Me "okay pass it to Colby"
Hali-"ahhh" in frustration. "I got to move it in a different direction!"

So I was teaching her how to cut paper using scissors and she said, "wow, that's Brilliant!" I never use that word I found out later she picked it up from watching Bob The Builder.

Hali- "I want butter and jelly sandwich"
Me- "Are you hungry again?"
Hali- "yes can you go make it for me. I will stay right here and watch my movie. You go in there and make it!"

Colby is working on his words too. He says uh-ho, ball,cheese, apple, up and cracker kind of. He can sign more and he says no-no with his finger. He loves singing along with the ABC song, he tries out all sorts of different sounds its so cute!

Here is a clip of just how crazy my kids are watch Colby in the back too!

Picture

2009-11-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Lincoln Football

2009-11-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

Here are some pics of us and Chris at his football game. He is a defensive end and plays very well. The JV team as a whole are doing great! They are undefeated. They only have one more game. Last night they played Bear Creek and whooped them 34-0!! GO Trojans!!

This pic was taken by Dave Wruck http://www.wruckphotography.printroom.com
So much better than mine. Thanks Dave!

Colby is 10 months!

2009-10-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Colby

You are now 10 months old and growing so fast. You are such a little sweet heart. I love that you are happy almost all the time and love to smile. You are walking very well now and love to talk,sing and dance. You always seem to have purpose and watch everything very closely. You are very adventures go anywhere and try to do anything your sister is doing. You have a sense of humor already you like tease your sister and laugh about it. I think you get that from your Dad. You are a great little eater you eat just about anything. You prefer to use your fork and spoon and feed your self. You can clap to patty cake and throw it in the oven. You can tell me when you are hungry and when you are all done. You love reading books, you will cuddle up with me, look at all the picture so closely, point and say "this, this."I love watching you grow and learn new things every day.I love you my Colbster!

Trip to L.A.

2009-10-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

We are back from our short but eventful weekend in Southern CA. Aaron has his mothers side that lives in the L.A area so his mother and two sisters and a brother were flying down for the weekend so we decide to join them. On Saturday Aaron went with Meggna's family and Hali to the L.A. Zoo.

I went to the the swap meet with Colby and Shawnna's family, Teresa (MIL) and Sherry(Grandma). I like going and seeing what others have to sell. I got a few things like socks and some jewelery and and Peter Pan the DVD, the one with real people. It was the first movie Aaron and I saw in theaters together. Colby slept some so I got to spend time getting to know my niece Jordyn, she is going to be two soon. She is so cute and has lots of energy.

After the swap meets we went shopping and got stuff for a Hot dog roast at the beach around 4:20 that afternoon. When we got there the weather was nice but the water was too cold for me to get in all the way. It was nice to see the beach again and all the cousins playing together. I loved having a big fire at the beach. We had chips hot dogs and s'mores yummy!! Hali played in the sand with her cousins until it was cold and dark. Then the cuddled up with with Grandma Bell and did not want to leave.

Sunday we went to church then to the park to see even more family and eat a big lunch/dinner. The kids played in the park too.

On Monday we all went to Disneyland and California Adventure. The parks were all decorated for Halloween.

WE didn't get to see many Disney character but we rode some rides and spent time with family. Hali loved the rides. Hali's expressions were fun to watch when she rode the rides. She loved the ladybug ride in A bugs life and the Airplane ride in Tomorrow Land.

I liked going on rides with Aaron he always makes them fun to be on. I also like going on the airplane ride because we were so close to the fireworks that were going off, it was a great experience.

It was so fun to have family there so we could visit and trade off watching kids. Luckily Hali stayed in Shawnna's stroller most of the time and Colby was either sleeping or walking around close by. Thanks to all who watched my little ones. We left early Tuesday so we could have Aaron get to work. I wish all of our family could be close enough to do this kind of get together more often, we loved it too much!!

Out on the boat

2009-10-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

These were taken the day we went out on Dave and Eva's boat. We had a
great time! Dave also drove us over to see all the big cargo ships in the Stockton port.

Colby's fast crawl

2009-10-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

I thought that I should post this before he stops crawling...

Fall time

2009-10-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

We have been having fun the last couple of weeks. Every Wednesday we have the chance to go to gymnastics for Hali and Colby. They really enjoy it. Hali loves the swings and the foam pit. Colby likes to climb the ladder and hang on the bars. We don't go every Wednesday like today I totally forgot but when we don't go we usually go to the park with some friends.

Hali on the swing

Hali on the bars

Colby going through the tunnel

WE have also been picking all of our zucchini, squash, cucumbers and pumpkins.

Hali helped me make some pickles

we hope to make bread, cookies, rolls and soup with all the pumpkins. We will give some away and make a jack-o-lantern for Halloween.

I have been loving the weather just like everyone else. It is so nice to wake up to a crisp fall day. I am able to want to get more done because it is not so hot. I have a million little projects going on like getting ready for Halloween and presents for Christmas. I am excited to start making bread and soups for Dinner and yummy hot chocolate for breakfast.I really love this time of year!

Hali will be starting Joy school soon with a few friends from Church. I am hoping it will help her learn to play with other kids and learn some skills needed for kindergarten. She finally knows all her colors... well at least the important ones. She knows most of her shapes. She is funny when it comes to letters. She knows some of them but she is so good at getting off subject she asks me questions and turns it around. Hali has also been asking why like every second of the day. I love though that she plays so well with Colby. He often pulls her hair and teases her by taking away her pacifier but she deals wit it most of the time very well. She encourages him to walk and plays peek-a-boo in the car so he will laugh and not cry, she is so sweet to him.

Colby is pretty much walking now. He can crawl supper fast so he does that more often. He can say Moma, Dada, and all done. He is getting so big so fast he is already 25 pounds and fitting perfectly in 18 month clothes. He has three teeth on top two on bottom and loves to brush his teeth. He is happy all the time and loves to snuggle with me. I love my cutie little Colby.

2009-09-12T15:09:00.001-07:00

Well we are back from another great trip to Idaho. Mom and Eva made the long trip with us. Hali threw up once but not too bad. They slept a lot and were good most of the time. Eva helped a lot by feeding Colby while I entertained Hali with books, Flashcards, play dough, stickers, drawing, everything. We were able to visit our Friends Tara and Chad and there three adorable Munchkins in Pocatello. We meet up with Tina's family, Sara and baby Hannah and Heather (family Friend) at Costco in Pocatello, ate some lunch. Then to Blackfoot to see Sara's place. Colby threw up on the way there all over me yuck! Luckily sara's my size and let me borrow some clothes. I really liked her new home. They made lots of improvements and I love it all, especially the nursery. I love that they have lots of land and can make a fire right in their backyard.

Hali and Lizzy playing ring around the rosy
I miss having those two hanging out with each other. It is fun to watch them interact with one another.

On Sunday we went to Sara's church to see Hannah blessed. There was a lot of family and friends there we got to see too. My Aunt Goldie and Kelsey her Granddaughter. All of T.J's(Sara's husband) family. Angie and Marry (Friends of Sara's)and their families. The blessing went great! I loved seeing about 10 guys get in a circle holding this cute tinny little baby. IT was so sweet to watch.

Hannah Rylee

After the blessing we went to TJ's Parents house to have a BBQ. John (Tina's Husband) made some great honey mustard BBQ chicken. There were also great salads, dips, cake and ice cream!!!! TJ's parents place was amazing. I found a few things I would love to have in my home someday. Colby loved flirting with all the girls at the BBQ. Including Kelsey and Heather.He loved the attention.

Mom and Hannah

Sara, Hannah and Heather

All the grand babies and Eva

Later that night we went back to Sara's place to make a fire. I so enjoyed sitting around the campfire listening to great stories by TJ, having most of my family around, looking at the stars with a s'more in one hand and hot chocolate in the other. That is my perfect night.

We sadly had to leave the next day but enjoyed spending a few hours holding Hannah, taking pictures and watching the girls play. We drove up to Boise to met up with Jared and his family at their soon to be new home. We liked there place, it was nice and big. I can't wait to see what Summer does to the place. I am sure it will look great. Then we went over to Mckay's home and had a BBQ. McKay is a friend that grew up with Jared and Aaron in MT. They have three cute kids that played very nicely with Hali and Maci. I got a tour of there house too, lots of great Ideas. McKay's wife Katie is so crafty. I Loved seeing all the cute home decorations that she has made. We had a fun time visiting with old friends and family. That night we slept at Jared's Apt. Summer was very sweet and made us all beds and made sure we had everything we needed to sleep. Jared and Summer even woke up really early just to make us German pancakes...they were sooooo good. I crave them now!
The ride home was not bad, it didn't take as long as we had thought it might and were glad that we were able to visit so many people in such a short time. We did not get to see everyone but that would have required more time. We miss all of you and we thank you all for a great weekend.

Colby started taking a few steps this week. This was taken lat night.

Boating

2009-08-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last night we had Colby and Hali take a bubble bath. Aaron gave Colby a bubble hat.

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We went boating with the Bradfords on Saturday, it was so fun. It was a hot day, I thought we would burn but we didn't. Once we started going the wind and the mist from the water really helped to cool us off. It was a great day!

We were both able to knee board, wake board and go on a huge tube and be thrown around. We liked the tube the best!Hali loved the boat. Watching the water and putting her hands in the water as it splashed by on the side of the boat.The hmmm of the boat put Colby to sleep. We got time to swim a bit in the water too and Hali and Colby really enjoyed that.

Now we are on our way to Idaho to visit lots of family and some friends! I am so excited to see everyone.I will try and post pics as soon as I get back!

Colby 8 months old

2009-08-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hali making dinner for Colby

Colby and Hali are so great with each other. Colby loves that he can get around and is content playing by himself or with Hali for some periods of time. Hali loves being a big sister. She helps out with all she can. Today we were doing star fall and when it gets to the b for bear the bear roars and she came up to Colby and patted him on the head and gave him a side hug and said, "its okay Colby, your okay Colby." It was cute, but funny because he was not scared. Yesterday Colby made his way down the hall and was roaring. Hali pretended to be scared, screamed and hid behind papa at the other end of the hall saying, "mom, Colby scared me." Then she would run back laughing. All the while Colby was crawling down the hall and when she got close he would roar and they would both just laugh and laugh, it was really fun to watch. He eventually made it down the hall with lots of encouragement from Hali, "come on Colby you can do it... come on."

Hali also loves to do laundry sometimes. Hali helps me put all the clothes in and out of the machines and helps fold. She has been able to fold a towel for a while now but I got it on tape. It's fun to watch her!

Colby is now standing on his own for about 8-10 seconds at a time, as of last night. He just lets go, stands and gets so excited. He is such a little funny guy. He has been walking behind this little toy box all day to get around.

Colby can now wave hi or bye, clap and say da-da! I have yet to get them on tape though :(

A few updates

2009-08-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hali is close to being potty trained which makes me think we should have waited till after the trip to Idaho but oh well. She has been in big girl undies all week, night and day with only two accidents. But her nap time is all screwed up, it's really hard to get her to nap any earlier than 4. I wake her up earlier but she is just cranky till 3 than falls asleep.Most of the time she won't nap at all. We are working on it this week to figure out the best schedule. I need to get back to working out in the morning!
Hali's little personality:
So My brother does not always do what I ask him to do when I tell him... typical. Well I had asked him several times with in a two hour period to turn off the sprinklers...so he says to me well I am off to take a shower than to my friends and before I could swallow my food Hali says, "No,you not," then points outside and says "change the sprinklers..garden" Well he at least listens to her.

Colby is crawling all over the place he can pull himself up on to almost anything. He even tries to stand alone and he can for a few seconds. He can say milk in ASL and touch down. He gives bunks on the head and high fives and he dances to music. He also plays peek a boo. I bet he will be walking around by the end of September. He just loves getting around.

Aaron bought me a notebook computer to do my own work on. It's nice to have cause I can take it where ever the kids are and still print ;) He also bought me an early 5th year wedding anniversary present. He is such a sweetie.

Saturday My friend Ali invited me to ride her horses in lodi. She lives in Reno and doesn't get to see me or them very often so we all went and had a great time. I about killed myself though with in the first 5 mins or so. I guess I might have kicked the horse when putting my foot in the stirrup. The horse, Shelby, took of galloping. I felt like she was going so fast and would have jumped over the fence she was running straight at. luckily I pulled hard enough she listened and stopped. Ali says she does not jump fences though so I would have been okay unless I had fallen off. I learned how to sattel the horse, brush her and clean her feet. I also learned how to make her turn, trot, gallop, stop and go of course. Hali got to ride as well, first with Ali then with Aaron. I would have taken her too but Colby was hungry then it was time for lunch and a party so we had to be going.

So the blog is not uploading the pics right so I will post them soon

2009-08-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

We finally got it on video last week!

Colby

2009-08-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Party Animals!

2009-08-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

We have had a few busy moments last week
The best news first Sara had her baby! She was born August 1st 2:50 am. 6.6 lbs. and 19.75 inches. Blue eyes and a little blond hair. She is so adorable! The baby was originally due the 18th but this works out way better because she is on vacation from school for the next three weeks! It just came in that she will be naming her Hannah Rylee Bingham, So Cute!

Hannah Rylee

Yummy!

On Saturday the kids and I went to Mickie Grove park to meet up with my friend April, whom I had not seen in like three years! We had so much fun! She has two adorable kids. I also got to visit with her husbands side of the family and visit with my friend Roberta and her family. We had a lot of catching up to do. There were lots of witlle babies there for Colby to play with.oh when Hali saw the pool full of water she took off all her clothes and jumped in. I had to put her diaper back on for the pics though

Colby and Chase

Hali in the pool

Hali and Samuel

Then we drove back to Stockton for a Birthday party for Hali's friend Madison she was truing two. The kids had a blast with the slide going into the pool and the cupcakes! I loved the cupcakes so Yummy also a great idea for the young birthday parties (note to self) then I stopped by yet another party my friends Anita was having. I couldn't stay long Hali wanted to jump in the pool and I wouldn't know what to do with Colby. By the time we got home I was so exhausted. We all got a little sun burnt too. But it was a fun day!

Hali in the pool

Hali on Madison's new Bike

Colby and Kayleen eating ice cream

The yummy cupcakes!
Colby is now officially crawling as of last night. At the beginning of the week he would crawl out to things with his hands and scoot his legs but he has figured out how to lift them and he loves it.

My Garden is growing like crazy I have way too many zucchinis I have made so much bread, muffins, salads, stir-fry's and grilled zucchini its crazy not to mention I have given away maybe two dozen of them as well. The rest of the garden is going well two. I get two cucumbers a week and a good amount of tomatoes. There are a lot of butter nut squash like 20 a few should be ready in a week or so. There is like 7-9 pumpkins. My cantaloupe fell off the vine before they were ripe so I am waiting for the others to get big:( The raspberries this year never bloomed so I am not sure what happened there. The beets are good though!

Butternut Squash

Small pumpkin

Big pumpkin

plant or weed not sure yet .

2009-07-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well its been busy these past few weeks. We had the Cheney Family down to visit then the Grigg Family. I love having a big family!

Hali and Lizzy in the new pool

Hali saying good bye to Lizzy

All the grand kids in the hammock with Aaron

The Griggs cutting down our tree

The Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream we made.

The cake I made for Momm's, Timothy's and Fouth of July party!

Colby and Amy playing on the jungle gym

Emma holding Colby

!

Colby watching the Ball

Family Reunion

2009-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we went to Dawnata Hot springs For the Bell Family Reunion. When we arrived it was dinner time and there were a lot of family there. I was so excited to see them all. I had missed them a lot. They loved seeing Hali. She again took a while to warm up but was soon walking around and bossing everyone around. Everyone loved her hair. But she would say, "hey whatcha doing... my hair!" and give her sour face and s quenched up her nose. They all loved Colby too. Colby is fun to cuddle because he is big and squishy and he loves to smile and laugh. We spent most of the time in the hot spring pools or going down the slides. The Hot springs were so fun. Hali loved the water and so did Colby. I even got to spend time with Aaron because Grandma and Grandpa Bell watched Hali and Colby for me! What a blessing that was. We had about 70 people there so we all traded off cooking meals at our own camp sites. It worked out very well I thought because if we all had to cook our own meals the women would be stuck cooking all three meals and had no time to play. We had a campfire one night and got to roast some mallows, which is seriously my favorite thing to do while camping.The Reed Family had a Go Cart and let Aaron and I drive it for a bit. I had a great time. Hali wasn't even scared, she loved it too. Now the go cart is on are list of things to buy someday! Sunday morning we had a testimony meting there, which was really cool to hear everyone speak from their heart. That afternoon we left for Boise To stay with his cousin Clint and his family. Then on Monday morning we went back to Cali.

Top 10 favorite things
1.Visiting with all my family!
2.Meeting my two new nieces and Cousins
3.Grandma and Grandpa Bell watched Hali and Colby for me.
4.Going on the Go Cart Ride!
5.Roasting marshmallows!
6.Going down the scary water slide.
7.Watching Hail be brave going under the water on her own!
8.Swimming around in the warm pool with Jordon and Hali.
9.Eating yummy food!
10.Hali got a cute Tinker Bell sleeping bag from Grandma Bell and family.

Top 10 worse things
1.Hali got stuck under the octopus under the water =(
2.Our room got extremely hot at night.
3.I wish it were a few days longer.
4.Didn't get to make bows with Shawnna=(
5.Hali stole a chicken and potato from the basement.
6.Aaron got a little sun burn.
7.We didn't get time to Scrapbook.
8.Not everyone made it to the gift exchange that had a gift... oops
9.Forgot to pay at Johnny Carrinos...lol The Reed family fixed that. Thanks!
10.We all got colds on the way back home.

Now that we are back we are working on getting Hali potty trained and having her lean her colors. Also a better set nap time and Bedtime. She now has her own room! She can fall asleep by her self for nap time and is sleeping there most nights. Colby is sitting up now and starting to babble. ma-ma-ma da-da-da- blah-blah-blah and la-la-la. He is like 19lbs and fits nine month clothes but he is only 5 1/2 months old. He is joy to have he is easy to put to sleep during the day but does short naps. Hali is crazy, she wants to always go Home where ever that is and wants to go shopping or go to church.

Idaho

2009-06-08T00:35:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Rexburg Sunday and visited Andrew Bell and his wife for a bit.We had Pizza an Ice cream. Hali liked hanging out with my sister in Law Megan. Hali warmed up to her pretty quick, it's probably because she is such a fun loving person. That night we zipped over to St.Anthony to stay at Aarons Uncles house. When we lived in Rexburg We would visit them as often as we could. They have four fun kids ages 8-14. While we were there the boys played Wii together and I had fun with Aunt Michele scrap booking. She has so many great craft ideas I love Hanging out with her. I was so glad to spend some time with them.

On Monday night we went out to Wingers in Idaho Falls. We met up with Aarons friend Brent from college who had just gotten married 2 weeks earlier. We also had Megan and Andrew join us along with Sara and TJ. Sara is such a cute pregnant girl. I had fun chatting with Sara and Tj. Hali was glad too see them even though she acted like a grump at first, she warmed up later.

That night we stayed at Brent's house watch a movie and had ice cream. The next day we spent most of the time in our storage unit in Rexburg gathering and organizing our stuff. We also met up with our friends Troy and Keri for a short visit. It was nice to see them and their adorable Children they have an awesome family. That night we went back to Brent's for dinner and to sleep.

The next day we went to Pocatello to visit our friends Chad and Tara and their three kids.It was So great to see them and spend a few days catching up with them. We have missed hanging out them. While we were there we went bowling with Sara and TJ too.It was so fun!!

Tara has a girl Shaylyn 2 years older than Hali and a boy Dalin 3 months older than Hali. They all got along pretty well when Hali played nicely.

Tara also has a little girl that is 2 months older that Colby they were so cute together holding hands.

Sara was able to come over to Tara's house and visit a few times before we left for our family reunion.

Trip to Utah

2009-06-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

We had such a great time at Tina's place in Sandy utah. We really loved their apartment and it was nice to beable to see two temples right from their family room window. We got there late Friday night on Tina's Birthday. We were so excited to have Lizzy and Hali to see each other we thought we would have to wait the next morning but Lizzy woke up. They were so cute running after each other and playing so well together. We all stayed up till one or two. The next morning we were slow going but we made it to Mimi's Cafe for an awesome breakfast. Then we headed back to the apartment to play in the park there and have the boys marinate the steaks for Dinner!! After that Tina and John took us to see the Draper Temple and to see all the beautiful homes near by. It was incredible to see how big the houses were there. Later that night we had a great dinner and chocolate cake to celebrate Tina's B-Day. The Next day was Sunday so we went to Sacrament metting and headed to Rexburg ID. I hated to live them. Hali kept asking the rest of the week, "where's Lizzy and Tina where's my John." We miss you guys!

Garden Time!

2009-05-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well I am so excited about my garden this year. Everything is coming up and we should be able to eat from eat soon!

HALI!!!!!

2009-05-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

My Hali!

I Love this pictue of Colby!

Colby as a felt board.

Colby laughing.

While I was posting these pictures on the blog, I felt it was a little to quite. This is what I found Hali doing...

She had finished one and started on the next. So Now you guys know why I don't blog so much.

Fiesta pictures

2009-05-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures. They were all taken by David and they turned out so great! Thanks a bunch!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Colby almost 4 months old!

2009-04-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well Colby is getting to be such a big boys, he is starting to get some chunk to him. Hali did too around 3 months old. He eats a lot- we are trying out the rice cereal and some solids like bananas and sweet potatoes.I know it seems early but he eats more than 9 times a day and can sit up well in a high chair and he wants to eat my food so maybe he will be fuller with real food. We think he might already be getting a tooth because he slobbers all over the place and chews on his fingers all the time. He is so fun to play with, he is an easy going boy most of the time and loves to smile. He is almost done wearing all his 3-6 month onesises and is moving into his 6-9 month pj's. He is laughing now. He is working on blowing raspberries in the movie. Eva taught him and he does it every once in a while. It is so cute!

Karaoke Night

2009-04-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

We all had a great time watching everyone sing karakoe especially Hali. She danced all night long when it was not her turn to sing. It was so fun to sing with Eva because she is such a great singer and we enjoy harmonizing,it makes it a lot more fun.

EASTER FUN!

2009-04-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am way behind but here are our Easter Pics. We Had such a great day!
Click on the pics for a caption.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Birthday Hali

2009-04-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hali is now 2 years old. She is getting to be such a big girl! We decided to have a party for her, kind of last minute, but it turned out great. I have a great friend that let us borrow her jump house for the party. The kids had so much playing on it, Hali was a hoot. I am so glad my parents have such a big backyard we were able to pull it off and have room to run around and have other kids on the swing set and slide play set. After playing a while we ate homemade pizza, opened presents, had cake and ice cream and topped it off with a pinata. It was fun to watch all the kids try to hit the pinata and pick up the candy. I just wanted to thank everyone for the Birthday wishes and cute presents for Hali, she loves them all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!

2009-03-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well Aaron is now 27 years and 3 days old! I think Aaron actually enjoyed his birthday this year. Aaron usually tells me not to spend money on him or that there is nothing he wants, but I usually do not listen. It is really hard to surprise him or get him something he wants. Why do people do that to others? It makes it really hard to buy a present. Anyway this year he had no idea what I got him and he liked all the gifts. Especially because he had to play the "Price is Right" game in order to win the presents and the final prize, if he got all the prices right. Aaron is really good at this game and he of course won all the gifts. Happy Birthday Babe! Thanks for a wonderful year together and I look forward to many many more!

The funny thing she does

2009-03-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

She answers the phone now. When the phone rings she yells "awwww I'm gonna get it," as she runs for the phone. Then she picks it up and says "hi ... wait a minute"if its for me or continues the conversation with whom ever it is, usually Grampa.

I told Hali the other day to come so I could changer her diaper and she started to leave the room. I told her to come back and she bent her knees and pointed her finger at me and said "Ii'm gonna be right back" (saying right back really fast). She says it all the time and she usually does come right back.

If I ask her where something is she will say, "it's on the couch behind you." or "on the floor behind you," even if it's not but its always behind me what ever it is.

Monday morning she is eating breakfast and she says, "where'd Eva go?" and I said, "to work1" and she says "I don't think so!" (saying the "I don't" part really fast) We skyped Lizzy on Sunday and Lizzy was putting her finger in her nose and Hali said "Lizzy picking her nose... I don't think so." She uses it like we do when she is doing something she is not supose to, she picks up on everything. that afternoon as we drove home from church she says, "Mama... I want lunch...fries...and dip." This girl cracks me up.

Aaron and I finally bought a van 2007 ford freestar because it was only 7900 dollars with 50000 miles and it is leather and a dvd player! Dvd player did't work when they sold it to us but Aaron fixed it so I really like the van it's perfect for us. Hali always asks to watch a movie and she is usually stays quite. Now I fell like I can go places, its so nice.

Aaron took his introductory flight on Saturday and he loved it. It's all he wants to do now- buy a plane, fly a plane, he is pretty excited. He flew a really nice plane it was a 2007 little blue spots plane.He flew over Lake Camanche, which is like 50 miles away. The video footage below is of him flying 30 feet above some hills it was a beautiful day. He is not sure there is enough money in it to make it a career, but something he enjoys. Which I think is great.

Family Reunion

2009-02-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

We had most of my family here this week so it has been very exciting and eventful! My sister and her 3 kids from Seattle Washington drove all night and got here just in time for a Valentines Day breakfast. We had eggs, bacon and I made heart shaped pancakes for the kids. They liked them- I think. It was so nice to see them and I finally go to meet Amy Marie who is now almost six months old! She is such a cute and happy baby. Here's a summary of our week:

Amy Marie

Sunday: Colby's blessing- Aaron's family from Fairfield and L.A. were able to come so we had a full house. We had a nice lunch, passed Colby around and just enjoyed having a lot of family around for a while. I learned that David is very good at getting Colby to smile and even laugh a bit, it was so cute to watch the two of them.

Colby With Great Grandma Patrick

Colby Bell

Smile

Monday: Aaron was scheduled to go on an introductory flight but the weather was horrible so it was postponed till the 28th. Maybe then we can see if Aaron is a true pilot at heart. The Cheney’s arrived later that day. We had Lizzy go wake up Hali from her nap it was great to see them together again. Now we had all of the grandchildren together.

Tuesday: we, the Grigg's and the Cheney's went to the Jelly Belly factory and enjoyed the free samples and bought 6 pounds of belly flops! Hali and Lizzy held hands and looked out the windows at the Jelly Belly's, it was precious. It was well worth the drive getting there and back all the kids loved it! We started a 1000 piece puzzle that night that Aaron Grigg got at the Jelly Belly factory.

Wednesday: Stockton Children's museum with Grandma. I stayed with Hali, Lizzy and Mom most of the time. Hali loved getting into everything like the bus, helicopter, police car, fire truck, and tractor. She even let David paint her face! Lizzy did not like that too much- she thought it was too messy. For dinner I made some homemade pizza. It was one of Mikes favorite things to make and everyone loves it when he does, so I decided to give it a try. The pizzas were not exactly the same but I guess they were good enough because there were 3 pizzas and no leftovers. Hali and Lizzy loved hanging out with each other watching "ariel" or "cilarella" They danced and chased each other all over the house. Hali started to call lizzy "lizzy Ann" which is what I call her sometimes or "Elizabeth" and when chasing her or looking for her she would say "lizzil bizzil" which is what Aaron calls Lizzy. It was pretty funny to hear it coming from her.

Hali, Lizzy and Grandma at the Museum

Hali in the Fire Engine

Hali's face painted by David

Thursday: the boys all went shopping while the girls watched the kids and chatted. It was a nice day so the kids played outside. David and Timothy played very nicely with Hali and Lizzy for about an hour, that was so nice. David took some pictures of all the grand children. We also worked more on the puzzle. It kept us all very entertained for a few days it was fun to work on it all together, a great buy for 5 bucks. We finally got it together later that night but we are missing one piece, which really sucks.

Jelly Belly puzzle

David holding Colby, Timothy holding Amy, Grandma, Hali and Lizzy

Hali and Colby

Friday: everyone left early this morning, a sad departure, now the home is quiet and a bit more dull but we will survive. I enjoyed everyone here while it lasted and I must say we have a great family because I miss them all already.

Hali enjoys watching Cinderella and Peter Pan all the time. She loves the part when the mice tease the cat, she laughs and says "Oh that's silly." lately she has been going around saying "okay honey," or "what are you doing honey" anything with honey, it's pretty cute. She loves her new baby brother she likes to hold him and help change his diapers. She holds out the diaper and asks Colby "stinky diaper? Wanna change diaper? okay!" than begins opening the diaper for me and unbuttons his p.j. "wipe? okay" than pulls out the wipes. well it keeps her entertained. Hali can be a real punk at times she says "no" a lot and "leave me alone" or "go away." Luckily she only says it one or twice and forgets about it. She likes to tell us to “wait a minute.. okay,” when we ask her to do something. The latest thing she says is "Mom!Come here right now!" She also calls herself Hali Mae in third person like today she went up to big Dave and said "Hali Mae wants to go shopping." She is growing too fast I tell ya.

Colby is smiling a lot now and cooing-close to laughing. He is also reaching for toys and lifts his head. He is growing well and looks a little like Hali when she was this age and a lot like his dad.

Colby and Aaron

2009-02-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas catch up

2009-01-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

So I am way behind but I just wanted to thank everyone for a great Christmas. We had a fun time and we got lots of wonderful presents from our family and friends. I am so grateful for all the help and support I have been getting from you all too. We love you all so much. Here are just a few of the great presents from Christmas

Chair and cool block thing is from Aaron. She loves them! Hali loves to watch movies in her new chair everyday.

I got lots of cute baby clothes for Colby. This one was from Eva. He wore it to church last Sunday. He looks so cute in it.

The Tinker Bell Bed and dog are from Mom. I had been wanting a bed for Hali and my mom got the perfect one. Hali sleeps in it for nap time and bed time, when we put her in it. She loves the dog too. Hali pulls it around and asks the dog if he wants to eat or sleep. Today she said "okay, trouble...trouble," and took it to the play room and said "time out... love you... bye bye!" and walked out then shut the door. Wow I wonder where she got that from.

This is a 50's diner that the girls got from My grandmother Blondie. It has been a life saver for me because Hali is able to entertain herself with it for moments at a time during the day.
These are pants sara gave to Hali and again she loves them. When she sees them in her drawer she always says "Sara's!" and she will choose to wear them over any other pants.

Aaron's family was able to come by the day I delivered, see the baby and give us some Christmas presents. This is the apron and hat that Grandma Bell gave Hali. They are very cute, she uses them any time we make cookies.

2009-01-09T09:09:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Colby Aaron Bell

2009-01-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

Colby was born December 27th at 1:15 pm. He weighed 9 lbs 2 0z and was 20.5 inches long.

I was going to be induced that morning at 5am but started having good contracting on my own around 3am. My doctor still gave me a little pitocin to hurry along the process around 7:30. They broke my water around 11:45 and suggested an interthecal, which I took but it did not work for me. My contractions were painful and I had a reaction to the morphine which caused my body to itch horribly. They practically took me off the pitocin because my contractions were strong enough on their own. Around 1:05 is when they said I should try and push and so two contractions later Colby was born. It all went really fast and was way different than Hali's birth because I was in labor for 12 hours, had an epidural, could not feel a thing and pushed for and hour until she was born.

He is an extremely strong little boy. The pediatrician said he was like a bull and got out of the straps twice while trying to perform the circumcision. He is a big boy but there is no chubbiness about him he is just solid, which I am very great full for because he is much easier to handle. I don't know how I could handle a floppy baby after my surgery.

He has been a good baby so far, during the day he eats fast and sleeps 3-4 hours between feedings. He has rough nights though but hopefully he will get through it.
He didn't start opening his eyes for long periods of time until New Years Eve. Hali loves her baby brother. She wants to hold, rock and sing him songs when ever she gets the chance. She is going to be a great big sister. I can't wait to see them play and talk with one another.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

I had Dave take a few pictures before the baby came. He should come anytime now, so we just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you all enjoy the holiday. We love you all!

I decided to try something different and get some pregnacy photos done. Dave did a great job! Thanks Dave.

Hali's new words

2008-11-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

None of my video's of Hali will up load, they were really good. = ( I will try to re-shoot some and put them in later.

Things she always says through out the day
"watch a movie guys!
"eek-a-boo, I see you!"
"Where'd your phone go?"
"Come on"
" 1, 2, 3, 5 , 9, 10"
"A, b, c, d, g, l, mn, p, t, u, y, Z" the letters she says when singing the Abc song to music or on her own.

Last week Hali wanted to "color" so we got out some coloring books and then she said,"I want to draw a picture!" I really could not believe she had said that but she said it again.

The other day I said "Hali, where are you?" and she yelled back, "Room!"
She tells people to go to the "room" or to get "out," or to "move," out of of the way. When Mike was here she told him to get out of his room and "hurry!"

When Mike was here he asked her if she wanted to go and play and she said "no, I want to eat." When I ask her what she wants to eat she either says "I don't know," or "Chip, dip, chicken, cheese, cereal or hot dog." When ever she gets into her highchair or car seat or stroller she always has to, "Buckle it" she says.
She always wants to go some where she says, "want to go, want to go!" over and over until we get her ready to go. I will tell her she needs to get dressed before going outside and she will go to her her drawer pull it open and say "Clothes! Shirt, socks, shoes, where's coat?" then tries to put her clothes on. Then when she is done she repeats, "ready to go?" until we go.When I ask her to go find her shoes she walks around the house saying, "shoes, where are you," and, "Find it!" for help me find it.
She says "um, um" a lot when she wants to say something but things are going to fast for her to think.
She hid her tooth brush the other morning and after lunch she wanted to brush her teeth so I asked her where it was and she said, "I don't know!" like usual but i asked her to think about it and she thought about it and said, "over there!" and pointed to where it was hidden. She also does not like to be dirty so when she is she says "messy, messy," and looks all disappointed and wants a napkin to "washy-wash." When she makes a mess or someone drops something she will yell "mess, mess!" too. Once I had cookie on my face so she cleaned my face for me and then said, "all better!"

The other day we were sitting on Papa's bed and I told Dad that Hali kept saying, "no monkey's butt." She then started saying it over and over and bouncing up and down. Dad figured it out and stated singing "no more monkey's jumping on the bed." She said "yea, no more monkey's jumpin' on the bed!" She goes around saing it all the time now just that part really well.

Hali is so good with papa. She loves to go see him all the time. If I can't find her I know she has barged open the door and is siting on papa's lap. Typically she runs down the hall "Papa, Papa where are you?" and if she can't get in she lays on the ground and wiggles her fingers under the door and keeps repeating "Papa, where are you?" or "I see you!" It is really cute, sometimes. All by herself she will pick out a book from her room walk down the hall to him, hand him the book, then climb all the way up his chair on to his lap. Dad does a great job at reading her books and she does very well at sitting on his lap. She does not climb all over him or try to reach for things I think she tries to be careful around him. She points to some things and asks "what's that?" or excitedly tells papa what it is. She also loves looking on his phone because it has pictures on it and she points out who everyone is. She especially likes the pictures of Lizzy. She just scoots on down when she is done. He sings songs to her and she dances and sings for him. She picks up things he has dropped and asks "garbage?" which it sometimes is and she throws it away for him. She likes to play on papa's scooter that is in his room. Hali will sit on the seat and honk the horn then point to the keys, that she can't reach and says, "keys, get it." He also has a rocking chair that she can climb on and she will rock and sing, "rock a baby, rock a baby," for the song "Rock a bye Baby." He can keep her more entertained than I can, she gets bored of me. They are really great for each other. The other day I got her a puzzle she she enjoys doing that with Papa as well.

He has left = (

2008-11-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

Mike left this morning at 4 am for the MTC. I did not like seeing him go but I know that he will be okay and be a great missionary. Last night Mike and I had a great time together preparing his last dinner. He made layered meatloaf and I made potato wedges, corn and spinach dip. Our cousin Jen came out from Virgina with her friend Jane on business. They were able to eat dinner with us and sit in on Mike being set apart as a missionary. It was a great experience for all of us. Aaron and Dad were able to be in the prayer circle, so the was neat too. The Stake President reminded us to write every week and tell him our experiences and the blessings that come from him being out on a mission and serving the Lord. I either forgot or never knew that I would be receiving blessings from my brother serving a mission, he is the one doing all the work, but I guess that is what the Lord has promised. So I will have a look out for those blessings in our lives so that I can share them with Mike.

Mission Call!

2008-11-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry I made this post Monday and forgot to post it.

Well mike will be leaving soon to go on his mission to Macon Georgia. He gave a great talk in church on Sunday on the atonement, if you want to hear it it is on our family web site easysite.com/rankinfamily. After church we had a farewell get together with who ever wanted to show up from church and family. We had a good turn out and I enjoyed seeing people I had not seen for a while. It was great to have them all say good bye to Mike.
I think the one who will miss mike the most is Hali. Mike is so good with her and she loves him so much, it will be sad to see them part. Just weeks ago Hali had to part from Lizzy her best friend, and now Mike. It is so sad just thinking about it. She loves dong stuff with Mike. Hali will go wake him up some mornings, she runs down the hall pounds on his door and says, "Get up Mika!" he eventually gets up and brings her in the room and they just sit and chat, she takes his phone and they play. She likes watching movies and being thrown in the air by Mike too. He gets her to do the craziest things some times. It is so cute to hear her say, "I love you Mika!" She gives him hugs, kisses, high fives and the "Rock." She still teases with him and says "Mika...Dabie, dabie, dabie!" The other day Mike made her a play house out of a box big enough for her to walk in and she loves it. He made a little window to play peek a boo and put pillows in it for her to sit on. When she got in she sat down and patted the floor and said "sit, Mika," then "come Moma, sit." We all sat in there together and she squeezed her self between us and just smiled very satisfied with the out come, then she said,"out!" So I go out and she got out then she said "Mika, out!" He eventually got out, with a few more demands. It was so cute, we had a lot of fun.

I cut the pineapple Hawaiian style!

These are the appetizers I made, one fruit and one veggie.

Halloween post, oops!

2008-11-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

"Scared face"

Sorry I am a bit behind but I thought I should post our Halloween stuff before I forgot. So for Halloween Aaron decided we could be the Flintstones and before he could change his mind I made some costumes and was all set. I had a fun time figuring it all out and planing a party. But then I got sick and so did Hali and my Dad finally came home from the Hospital so my huge party plans were demoted but I was glad we were able to put together a small party of friends and family even though it was a hectic week around here. Mike helped me decorate that house and clean for the party. Tina helped make the food and Eva brought the donuts and lots of decorations. She also helped put the last minute stuff together like light candles and hang decorations and pick things up from the store that I had forgot. I would not have been able to pull it all off with out her, thanks Eva! I was not sure how many people would come because I told most that it was not going to be a big party like I had originally wanted with the haunted house and stuff, but still some showed up which was great. We had a great time playing Halloween games. I let the kids decorated some sugar cookies that I had made which kept them pretty entertained. Then we played Halloween pictionary which I think everyone enjoyed. Then I asked for 4 volunteers and made them do a worm pie eating contest where Jason S* won. Then I asked for 4 different volunteers for the doughnut eating contest where I believe Aaron won the first round and Mike won the second. For the last game I had the kids try and throw water baloons at a ghost hanging from the tree. All in all we had a great time and I was so glad to spend some holiday fun with friends and family. Meet the Flintstones

Kellie as Wonder Woman

Pie eating contest

Doughnut eating contest !

Eva & David

Haunted House

2008-11-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

My List

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a Meteor Shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a Mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a Lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

52 0t 0f 99

How about you?

Hawaii

2008-11-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Many Mini Trips!

2008-09-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

So I have not written for a while and there has been so much happening, forgive me if I forget to mention something. We have gone to Six flags again, this time with Tina, John, Lizzy and Mike and just enjoyed the shows with the girls. We had some friends from church invite us to go boating with them one weekend. We did inner tubing, knee boarding, and wake boarding. Hali enjoyed the boat ride and the inner tube ride she would say, " whoa, whoa, whoa!" when we went over the waves. We spent about six hours on the boat. On the tube!

Aaron's brother, Jared came down with his Family for work/vacation for four weeks and with them we did a few fun things like going to the zoo, the pool, the park, out to dinner, Santa Cruz and to San Fran. Aaron's friend from Idaho came down too and we all went to San Fransisco for a weekend!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Near Half Moon Bay

Golden gate Bridge

By the Dutch Windmill

My sister Emma had her 3rd baby on Sept 3rd, Amy Marie. She was 10 lbs and 20 inches long. She had Curly dark brown hair but it is now a dirty blond color I hear. Congrads again Emma! Amy Marie

Then my Sister Sara got married on Sept 6th in the Oakland Temple. It was a wonderful day everything went great and the reception was beautiful too! I am so excited for her. T. J. and Sara!
And a beautiful boquet, by me!

This weekend we went to Chris's first home football game. They played the Elk Grove Bobcats and won 9 to 6! On Friday we went to an Oakland A's game agains the Mariners. The game went by fast but we all had a lot of fun. The A's had a home run and it was 2 to 0 but they almost lost because the mariners were up with the bases loaded. Luckily the A's got the runner out before they scored. At the end of the game there was a huge Firework show, that we all enjoyed, especially Hali.
Watching The Fire Works

Aaron has finished his internship and has graduated college! He is now a service Tech working for APX alarm again for the fall. I am so glad he is doing Apx again because I can tell he actually enjoys doing it compared to working for General Mills, I also get to see him more often. Hali hates to see him leave though, she was always asleep when he left for work before. I love seeing Hali with her Dad, he is really good with her.

As for me I am expecting a boy on December 28th, most all ready know but I have not written since I told the Family about a month and a half ago. I am excited for him to come and can't wait to dress him in cute boy clothes. I am also trying to get little project done here and there or just read a book but there is not much time to do that it seems. I am excited for this up coming month. John, Aaron and Tina searched and searched for great deals and we finally booked our flight to Hawaii and will leave the 14th and come home on the 22nd. All I wanted was a hotel on the Beach and that is what we got well a condo but I think it will be just great. We hope to go to the PC, the temple, some snorkaling and some other things around the Island. I am also excited for Halloween I will be doing a party at the house, I have already stated planning it all out and I think it will turn out better than last years mostly because I have more room and I am getting an early start on it.
San Fransisco Beach

Hali is doing well she can copy almost any word you ask her to say. She is talking in sentences a bit now like, "Where'd Lizzy go?" or " (anything) where'd it go" " I don't know!" "Where are you Mom?" " No Lizzy, down" When she is on the table. "No, Lizzy me shoe!" She has not said that too many times it's usually just, "No Lizzy!" She sure talks a lot, babels on and on it's funny to hear. For a while she had her own word for movie she would say " Moo-shoo" I thought she was trying to say my shoe but we soon caught on that she wanted to watch a movie. She calls it a movie now though. Hali is working on dressing her self she can do her shoes and socks but the socks come off fast and shoes go back on. She can get the shirt over her head but she just takes the shirt off after that, same with the pants, one leg in then off they go. Here is a clip of the girls playing piano.

Camping

2008-07-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

We went camping a few weeks ago with Eva's ward up at Lake Comanche. We only stayed one night but we had a lot of fun. We were the first ones to arrive so we found the only a bit of grass to place our tent on and trees to use as shade. It was so hot when we arrived we went to the lake to cool off. The lake was not what I expected the water was so low and once you got in there was about 6 inches of mud that your feet sink into. I got use to it after a while but didn't stay in long. We brought a raft with us so we tried that out but the air came out too quick to use as a raft, it started to sink, it was still fun though. Aaron and Scott had fun jumping off the rocks into the water. Once we got back to camp we gave Hali a bath in the sink and Dave took some pictures while I took my shower. We then got some wood and made a fire for our dinner, we had yummy beef stew and hot dogs. Later we had s'mores and talked around the campfire. The next day we went back to the lake but a sandier part and then went home. Dave took a lot of great pictures...

Aaron jumping off the rocks!

Chris jumping off the rocks!

Rafting!

Hali making faces at Uncle Mike

Hali saying a prayer.

"Amen"

Eating around the campfire.

Hali's new words are stinky, cracker, ice, all gone, bubble, hand, help, play, walk, water, knee, teeth, goggle, blue, back( for put it back), food, John, Jared and Eva is Va-va. Hali also knows how to blink and show us her tounge. Mike taught her to say "I love you," it sounds close more like "I loov oo." Uncle Mike was holding her while on the computer and she took the mouse away from him, so he called her a punk and she said "punk" right back so she says that too. Hali is doing well at letting us know when she has to go to the bathroom. The other day I was in the family room napping and she went in the room and stated to wine. Tina walked in and found her siting on her toilet wanting to go. Tina helped her get her diaper off and she went. Same thing happened to Mike a few days later. Hali was taken forever on the toliet. I kept asking if she was done and she would shake her head and say nonchalantly, "no." So I sat there and she started to point at my nose and examining it. Then she touched my nose and said "ouch?"I told her no It's fine. Then she looked at it again and said, "dirty!" I then looked in the mirror and said, "no, it's not dirty it's red. " I have a slight sunburn. She just seemed so concered it was cute. .

The little things she does...

2008-07-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this two weeks ago but we lost the camera so I am posting it now.

I forgot to mention a few things in the last blog. Hali is doing really good at folding her arms whenever we sit down to eat, she is always the first ready for prayer. She also says her own prayers; she folds her arms bows her head and whispers a few words. Some times they are long prayers but she says amen at the end, it's so cute. Hali loves bath time she figured out how to splash and says "bath? bath? bath?" when it's time to take one. Hali also does really good in the shower she does not mind the water falling on her face.

I got a double stroller for Mother's Day so I could take the girls for walks, so around noon we go and they love it. They usually fall asleep, it's really nice. Hali is starting to draw or scribble rather and enjoys that at times. She likes to put peoples shoes on for them or take them off, tickle their toes and say, "tickle tickel."
Hali really enjoys reading books we go through so many a day. She likes to read them in the morning when she is going potty. She picks one up flips through then says, "all done," puts it back then grabs another one and sits back down on her seat. We also read books right before she goes to sleep.
If we do not keep a onesie on her she pulls on her diaper and says, "off" and if you don't pay attention she will take it off and then pee on the floor.
She has been answering in stead of ya to my questions she says, "k," "yep" or, "ya Bob." Like today I asked "do you want to sit on the couch?" and she said, " ya bob." I also asked if she wanted help and she said, "ya Bob," I have no idea where she got that from. we think she might be trying to say ya babe like I say to Aaron.
She also has a new word that she made up, "dabie," she goes around saying all the time and when we ask her what it means she just laughs at us. She loves saying it to Mike too becasue he reacts to it and says "Dabie does'nt mean anything!" and she will say, "Mike... Dabie!"
I also never posted any pictures of the finished family room or bathroom, so here they are...

June

2008-06-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

This past month has been somewhat laid back. The whole family was able to be together over memorial week. My sister has the whole week detailed in her blog but for a small recap; we took lots of pictures, ate a lot of good food and had fun watching all the nieces and nephews together for the first time. The other big events have been my brother Chris graduating from the 8th grade and my brother in-law becoming a doctor by graduating from his Chiropractic School. Fathers day was good because the family was together. We have gone to the community pool a few times and played around. Hali enjoyed the kiddie pool but the big pool was too cold for her. We also set up a baby pool out side and Hali loves it.
Last Friday Aaron, Hali, Mike, Chris and I went ate Eddie's Pizza then played two hours of pool. We had so much fun that we went again Wednesday night and played some more. Hali was asleep and Chris did not come this time because he is at camp for this week. We have not done too much else. It’s been so hot these days- we just like going to the pool. Oh, we have picked and eaten our first Yellow squash, cucumbers and tomatoes of the season this past month too.
Tina and John will be moving in at the beginning of July, that will be fun to have them around more. They will stay a few months until they leave for Utah where John will start his own Chiropractic business. Aaron and Mike want to buy a pool table so we can play whenever we want, so they are picking one up right now. Next week we will be going campin’ to Lake Comanche with who ever can come. I can hardly wait I miss camping so much. Then there is 4th of July, Mom’s Birthday, my friend Heather’s wedding, Sara’s Birthday and then Six flags, so July is full.
Hali is still just as crazy as ever, learning more and more everyday. Her new names that she can say are “Na-na” and just yesterday “Grandma,” “David,” “Will,” “Jim” and “John.” She still has a hard time with Elizabeth, it’s just “izbith,” Emma, it’s just “mmma,” Tina is just “T” and Sara and Eva she can’t do yet. Hali gives great hugs and kisses now. When Hali and Elizabeth are together they get so excited to see each other and they can make each other laugh, I love it. They will give each other hugs and kisses just when ever too it’s really cute!
Hali now will climb up the slide all by herself and go down by herself. She sometimes will repeat, “ready set go” or “ one, two, three” before coming down. I taught Hali to march so when ever I say, “march, march, march” she smiles and does it in place and sometimes goes really fast, we all just laugh. I am also teaching her to jump in place; she just bends her knees and says "jump" but it’s fun because she knows what I am talking about. I am also teaching her how to take big steps and that is hilarious to see because she tries so hard to step big, she sometimes does it sideways too. We just like to have fun I guess. She loves to sit on the couch cushions or on balls or people and bounce as she says, “bounce, bounce, bounce.”
Other new words are asleep or sleeping in ASL and she tries to say it by saying “ssss” then sticking out her tongue to get the “L” sound. She signs hurt and says, “ouch.” She signs Thank you and sort of says it. Hali goes around shaking her finger at things she should not touch and says “don’t.” She can say “potty” and “pe-pe” and once pointed to the potty and said, “ya ya” and she actually went, so that was cool. She says, “nose,” “eye,”“bear,”“ open,” “off,” “up,” “down”and “no.” My brother Chris is trying to teach her the ABC’s and he says she can say, repeating them that is, A-J. I don’t think I remembered to mention that I am no longer nursing her and she has been sleeping in her play pen through the night since she turned one, a good 7-9 hours usually. Well I know this was a lot so hopefully I will not slack so much next month.

catch up

2008-05-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I finally got a Gym membership to In-Shape so we plan on going with the whole family as much as we can. Mom, Dad , the boys, Eva and Dave have one too. The boys and I went last night and had a good time, I am excited to start swimming again!

We have made some progress on the house with painting and rearranging but it’s only about half way done. There are no pictures yet because all of the family will be down here and we want them to be surprised a bit. Starting on Saturday my sister Emma, her husband and her two boys, that I have not seen in about a year in a half, will arrive from Seattle and my sister Sara and cuz Kristy from Idaho will get here on Wednesday. We can’t wait for you guys to get here!

Our first raspberries and peas of the season have been picked and eaten. Everything is blooming and we can see the yellow squash and tomatoes. It is very exciting!

Last weekend Aaron was able to get four free tickets to Six flags form his work so we brought Eva and Tina and got cheaper tickets for the boys. We had a great time we went on a lot of baby rides. Hali enjoyed them especially the little froggy ride! She would say “woah woah woah” point at the frog and smile. Elizabeth on the other hand did not like any of the rides. I thought this was odd because Elizabeth loves going down slides all by her self but Hali will not budge. Anyway we also went to the whale show and got all wet but we, or rather I, liked being close. We also went to the dolphin show and bird show. At the bird show they would have the birds fly down over the audience when the owl came out I stood her up so she could see it and say “ whoo, whoo.” It was about 6 feet away and then flew right over Hali’s head, missed her by a few inches she just said “ whoo, whoo.” We also went on the water rapid ride and I got soaked by the waterfall. The boys went on a few rides and then we went home.
Hali is now 13 and a half months old and is talking up a storm. She cans say “uncle” now as of a week and “mike” since he has been home. We are working on “Dave” and “Eva,” she has said it a few times. Hali signs thank you and sort of says it. She signs please which is very cute when she wants something and says “peas” for please. She can say “more” too. Hali likes to say “apple” for when she wants fruit or wants up- well she can say “up” but sometimes she puts her arms up and says “apple.” It’s really funny. We are working on saying “down” she has only said it once. She learned to say “Hot” on Sunday when we BBQed shish- kabobs on the grill. She also says “here you go” when she gives you something but it sounds like one word. She can spin around in circles with her arms out and get dizzy and says, “woah woah.” Her uncle Mike taught her to “go crazy” where she shakes her head really fast, sticks out her tongue and says “ahhhhh.” She climbs up on anything she can, especially the booster chairs, Elizabeth then tries to sit on Hali and laughs because she thinks its so funny, which it is. She is learning to get off the couch and bed so she does not hurt herself and does well most of the time. Hali also knows where papa keeps his treats and walks in his room pointing to the cupboard and says “ya, ya, ya” Papa usually gives in. Hali loves to pick up purses, put them on her arm and say “bye- bye” as she walks away.

2008-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Well Hali is now one year old and she is acting the part very well. She is starting to whine when she doesn’t get something. She runs away when I want her to stay. She rolls all over people if they lay on the floor, Hali seems to be able to carry on full sentences with us and sometimes it makes sense.

For her birthday my dad got her some pj’s and my mom made her a hooded towel. Scott got her a piano. Aaron and I gave her a musical dog and twin babies. The first thing she did with the baby was pick it up by its feet and banged them together saying “patty patty.” She also learned to say baby later that night and says it really well but it some times sounds French, “bebe” Mom gave her a stroller to go with the babies too. Hali and Lizzy both can put the baby in the stroller and walk around with it. When I tell Hali to give the baby a hug she picks it up and hugs it and sways sometimes.

She can point out the nose, mouth and eyes and say “eye.” She can also give the baby kisses if we ask her too. Grandma P* gave her a dress And my friend Kellie got her some books and CD’s she loves them.

She loved opening all her presents and when it came to the cake she actually was not to sure if she shouldtouch it but she finally did and had fun.

A couple of weeks ago she started saying “mmmm” after eating something she liked so when I ask her “is that good” she says “mmmm.” Like with this spaghetti she had for the first time.

A lot of the time she will pick up something and say “what’s this” or at least it sounds like that. You can kind of her it in the video clip.

She also says “ouuu” when she hurts herself. She is working on itsy bitsy spider she can do the itsy bitsy spider part and down came the rain with her hands. On the 8^th she went for her 1 year check up and her shots she is 27 ½ inches tall 18lbs 12oz and is in the 25%.

Well the reason I have not been keeping up to date is because we have been remodeling the family room and halls and bathrooms and we are all so busy taking down all the pictures, painting, sanding, pulling up the rugs, shopping, planning you name it. Even though it is a lot of work I enjoy doing this kind of stuff. So here are a few sneak peeks before we put in the furniture. I really want to paint that back wall where the fireplace is but not too sure what color any ideas? Also, below the wood trim in the hallway. Dad is thinking wall paper but I like paint.