Nate & Kelly

Ashlyn trying to walk

2012-02-11T18:07:00.001-08:00

Making progress

Just lots of pictures and packing

2012-02-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

Word got out that we are leaving so everyone is rushing to get pictures taken before I go. :) Glad I will be missed. I took these this week. I have at least 4 more appointments in the next week. I have been packing slowly so I think we should be ready when the time comes in 2 WEEKS! Ah!

Dallin helping me get my settings on my camera right before a shoot. :)

Funny kid.

Sweetness

2012-01-31T20:08:00.000-08:00

I was babysitting this handsome boy, Dustin, and his brother the other day and Ashlyn just snuggled up to him and was so sweet with him. Patting his head and planting kisses all over him. She likes babies that are a few months younger than her. She and her cousin Carpi are starting to play. So sad we are leaving in a month. : ( I have a feeling her cousins in Oregon will be too rowdy for her. Although, I am getting a new niece or nephew on the Tanner side this fall. My brother Kevin will become a dad. Hoping for the first girl on that side.

Ashlyn Stats

2012-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't published growth stats for my kids in a long time. They have been pretty much normal (uninteresting) in their growth. Ashlyn had her appointment today, and she hasn't gained any weight. She is still 20 lbs (12th percentile). Not off the charts small, but coming from much higher percentiles it seems small. She is normal in height (50th percentile). I thought she was looking thinner. Doc wants her to gain weight by 18 months. I just gave Ashlyn her first peanut butter sandwich today after asking the doc if he thought it was ok (I get nervous about p.b.), and she likes it! I have always wanted a kid I could make a peanut butter sandwich for. :) So quick and easy. I think Tanner ruined it for Dallin, saying they are yucky and make you sick. If you have any ideas for healthy fatty foods for kids send them my way. Avocados are a no go, so don't mention it. :) I wish she liked them.

I took pictures of these cute sisters this weekend. I love taking pictures of little girls. So quick to smile. I am doing a few boys in the next couple weeks. You could see more here.

Preschool Musical

2012-01-27T14:06:00.000-08:00

Tanner and Dallin sing as they play with action figures.

Reading

2012-01-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

I am a little surprised how studious Tanner is. I thought he would be a class clown and not care much about academics, but he really enjoys learning and reading. He gets a folder full of homework on Tuesdays and he likes to get right to it. I am so happy he is so self motivated. Hope it lasts.

Here is a video of him reading a Bob Book. These little easy readers are great for kids learning to read. The illustrations are pretty unimpressive, but Tanner still really loves them and help his confidence because he can read them without help.

Ashlyn likes books too. She goes into this little corner by her crib and reads. She also likes to poop in this spot. :)

The Grinch, and other stuff

2012-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

We borrowed "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" from some friends around Christmas time, and we ended up getting it as a gift later. Dallin is obsessed with the Grinch for some reason. Wants to watch the movie everyday and sleeps with the book we have.

Dallin is our unmotivated child. Tanner teaches himself to tie his own shoes, ride a two wheeled bike, hula hoop, and then there is Dallin, who is the opposite. NOT THAT WE LOVE ONE MORE THAN THE OTHER. I AM JUST SAYING THEY ARE DIFFERENT. He doesn't like to dress himself. Still wears a diaper at night. Won't even put on his own velcro shoes! I have been trying to make him dress himself for a long, long time. He is starting to now, but this is what we get: Pants on backwards, shirt on inside out and backwards. And underwear: I have seen them on backwards, inside out, 2 pair at a time, and on his head.

Ashlyn is 15 months now and this is as close as we get to walking.I think she will do it within the month. All my kids walk around 16 months it appears. She seems extra delayed since I have a couple friends whose babies are walking very early, like around 9 months. So Ashlyn has these younger friends who are running circles around her. It is fine by me, just funny to see.

And an update on my diet. I have been adding lots of healthy fats back into my diet and am actually losing weight. I was kind of skeptical about trying it, but gave it a go. I don't even remember the last time I was this low. Maybe junior high. I was kind of chubby. Pretty strange how by eating fat I am losing it. The most recent book I read was "Eat Fat, Lose Fat" and am going to implement a few things from that book into my diet as well. I will keep you updated, if you care to know.

New favorite nutrition book

2012-01-16T16:16:00.001-08:00

I can see my father-in-law rolling his eyes at me now. :) Some of you love to hear about nutrition and others don't. If you don't, just skip this post. I don't mind. :)

I've read lots of nutrition books, from "China Study" to "Nourishing Traditions", and everything in between. If you're familiar with those two, you know they are complete opposites. I've heard so many opposing view points that I gave up on my study of nutrition for a while. Then I found The Perfect 10 Diet as a free download, and thought why not?

I am pretty open minded and enjoy reading things that are nontraditional and controversial. The book challenges what I have believed my whole life--that we should eat a low fat diet--but it actually makes sense. I don't understand completely how our bodies work. I can't tell you what every nutrient does for our bodies, but this book rang true. Maybe I am just gullible. :) Very possible.

Some key points that may shock you:

The formula for the Perfect 10 Diet is 40-20-40: 40 percent of calories should come from carbohydrates, 20 percent from protein, and 40 percent from fat (natural fats).
Followers of the Perfect 10 Diet should eat saturated fats such as those found in real butter and whole milk.
Cholesterol-rich food is not bad for you.
Lean meats such as beef, pork, and lamb are not good for you.

I know what you are thinking. Whoa! What that heck?!? That can't be right! Especially since it is a book about weight loss. That is what made this book so intriguing.

Other points that may or may not shock you:

Sugar is the devil.
The diet is low dairy.
The diet is low on grains, but not carbs.
Organics are best for us.
This diet actually helps lower cholesterol levels.

The book is all about balancing hormones in order to lose weight. Even though it talks a lot about weight loss it is more than that. There is a weight loss plan and and a maintenance plan. The difference is in the number of grains you consume.

You will have to read it see why he believes the way he does. Really interesting read. Go ahead call me crazy.

Our family lately

2012-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Not much going on for us these days, well, nothing interesting. Nate is doing his 4th clinical affiliation here in town. He's enjoying working on necks and backs. I am getting us ready to move end of February, and taking pictures here and there. I started up a Facebook page if you want to "like" me click on the link on the side of my blog. I'd love that!

We, Nate and I, are doing the same 6 week Wellness Challenge I did around Thanksgiving. I am glad he is joining me this time around. It makes not eating sweets much easier since neither of us can. We set a personal goal at the beginning of the challenge, and mine was to keep a food journal for the 6 weeks. I do it with myfitnesspal.com, which is my favorite online food journal. I've tried several. It has helped me to be extra careful about portion sizes. I am down a couple pounds already just by being more aware. I had been struggling with the last few pounds I wanted to lose, and this is making a difference.

Every time I set up my backdrops and props Ashlyn comes on over and plops in the middle of everything.

Took pictures of this little girl this week. See more here. I am doing two more kids tomorrow.

Star wars, dancing, and of course photography

2012-01-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Spence got the kids some light sabers and guns for Christmas. Ashlyn got into it as much as the boys.Ashlyn loves to dance to any music.

I am giving a lady some photography lessons and using her kids as models. We practiced together today. Here are some I took. I love 5 year olds, so eager to pose and smile.

I took these of her baby last week. You can see more on my photography blog.

New Years dance party

2012-01-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

We went to Jeremie and Sharla's house, on New Year's Eve and played some Xbox and had root beer floats. Here is a link to a video of the kids. It is a little long, so if you've seen the first 30 seconds you've seen it all. Just wait til Ashlyn starts dancing in the background. http://youtu.be/A9aRyBn4J3Q

And here is Ashlyn in a dress/shirt I made for her. I loved the fabric. It is hard to see since she isn't standing but there are two ruffles. And I finally trimmed her bangs so they aren't in her eyes all the time.

Here is before her cut.

Bowling

2011-12-29T14:57:00.000-08:00

We haven't been bowling in a while, so when Grandpa Spence came to town we decided it was time.

Dallin didn't throw very hard so he would race the ball down the isle alongside our lane. We didn't see the sign that said "Employees Only Beyond This Point" until the end of our games.

Jordan and Calin came too.

Tanner got really into his form. It was a little over exagerated, but super cute. If the ball wasn't so heavy it would have worked better for him.

Ashlyn wanted to bowl. We have a toy bowling set at home and she knows the game and has played before.

She kept inching closer and closer to the lane.

The boys each bowled about a 60 point game with bumpers. That is about as good as I do too. :)

Dallin, in action. He loved his shoes, and wanted to take them home.

Steve bowling.

The kids had a blast while we were there, but when it came time to go home, everyone was crying because they wanted to stay.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

One of our traditions at Christmas time is to let everyone chose any cereal for Christmas morning.Of course the kids go for the sugariest there are.

Ashlyn had a hard time unwrapping. She got distracted by the pieces of paper. Would start playing with it.

The boys seemed pretty excited about their gifts. They are wearing armor. We got some swords for them around Halloween and they would cry so much because they'd get stabbed. Problem solved.

Ashlyn was super excited about this dolly she got from her cousin Ty, or was it Maylee?

This ball popper was a hit...with ALL the kids. It was for Ashlyn. She got so excited after she'd push the button. There is a video below if you care to see.

The kids got pillow cases their Grandma Tanner made for them. This is Dallin's excited face. :) But not Ashlyn's.

And I got a Kitchen Aid that I have been wanting for years! My hand mixer finally broke, so Nate upgraded me. :)

Christmas eve

2011-12-24T20:20:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas eve dinner with Jordan and Michaela and some friends. I left feeling sick from eating all the sweets. Michaela made cookies, fudge, and toffee. Plus we had all the traditional stuff. It was a fun afternoon. We look forward to tomorrow. We will have a Christmas brunch with them and go to church, and who knows what else. Play with presents probably.

We see the expression on the right when ever we walk into the door and Ashlyn sees us. She says "Hi!" It's my favorite.

Here is Capri in her beautiful Christmas dress and headband that Michaela made. I didn't get a good picture of it. It was amazing. She is so talented.

Dallin loves the Grinch, and here is Nate telling him the story.

Calin was cracking me up. He seems to look up to Tanner. Tanner crossed his arms and Calin saw him do it, and he did it too. I don't know why Tanner is so cool to him. I hope Tanner is a good influence since he is the oldest.

The kids LOVED Calin's train set.

My sunshine

2011-12-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn, you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey.

I think Ashlyn is so smiley because I can't help but smile every time I look at her. She is such a sweetie.

She is still not quite walking, but won't be long.

I took some of my friends' pictures this week. This is Sarah with her little guy, Bridger. He is a couple months old now.

This age is hard to photography because they don't sit, they don't hold their heads up real well either, They don't smile on demand or sleep during a session, so we just had her hold him. Isn't he a cutie?

This this is my other friend, Natasha's, baby. Tiny little gal, less than 6 pounds and only one week old.

You can see a few more on my photography blog.

Sickies in "My-tah"

2011-12-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

I told Dallin we would be going to Utah over the weekend and he said "My-tah?" Get it? Ha ha. He makes me laugh.

We went down to Utah this weekend and pretty much as soon as we got there Dallin's voice started to sound a little raspy and he started coughing. He got feverish a little later. I felt horrible taking that with us as we visited some friends, but we had no idea until we were already there. I feel especially bad now because we found out today that it is strep throat. We hope no one we visited gets sick. I also got sick our first night in Utah; throwing up and feeling junky. I am not kidding, almost every time we go to Utah we get sick! We had to cancel some of our visits because of our sickness. Such a disappointing weekend, but the Wu's were awesome to let us stay with them, even though we were sick, and they even babysat for us! They will probably regret being so hospitable if they all get sick now. So, so sorry!

Another funny: I told the kids I threw up, and Tanner asked why. I told him I had a "bug". He said, "You ate a bug!?!" Ha ha. How do you explain viruses to kids?

Ashlyn is as spunky (and shaggy) as ever though. Hope she doesn't get sick.

Stockings

2011-12-06T14:04:00.001-08:00

I felt like doing new stockings for the kids this year. Just for fun. I have lots of scrap fabric so I pulled a bunch out and made these. They were really fun.

Tanner and Taylee, and Abby too.

2011-11-30T15:08:00.001-08:00

One of Tanner's favorite friends is Taylee, a girl in his kindergarten class. They get along great because she is a little tom boy.They play swords, guns, ninja, and dress up. And they both love to color.

I got to take pictures of this little cutie today. She turned one recently. See more here.

"I smell something"

2011-11-27T17:19:00.001-08:00

Dallin is our child that makes you laugh without even trying. Always saying something weird with a totally serious look.

Here is a video of him singing. (Ashyln chimes in at just the right time too.)

Nate took Dallin to the bathroom at Walmart, and Dallin insists on sitting on the toilet when he goes, so Nate took him in a stall. Dallin gets situated and sniffs. Here is how the conversation went.
Dalling: I smell something. [sniffs].
Nate: Uh huh.
Dallin: I smell poop! Then he bends over and looks under the stall.
Nate: Uh huh.
Dallin: It's him! Pointing at the guy in the next stall.
Ha ha! How would you like to be that man?

**********************

After church today Dallin sees some pigeons. He rolls down his window and yells. I ask what he is doing and he said he is trying to scare the "Holy Ghostesses". Nate had told him about when Jesus was baptized and the Holy Ghost was present in the form of a dove.

I found a cute tutorial about how to make these bow ties. I think it is cute on Tanner. A little large. I will make it smaller next time.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T21:09:00.001-08:00

I didn't get the camera out until we played a game of UNO at the end of the day. And then I took too many. My sister Kris came from Rexburg to spend Thanksgiving with us. It was just us and her. We planned to spend it with some friends also, but their daughter got sick. So it was a pretty quiet, even boring day.

Nate and I went to a "Pig Out workout" at the gym this morning. A 2 hours class of kettlebell, spin, and intervals. Pretty intense, but great way to start a day of pigging out.

Nate getting ready to put down his last card, then celebrating a win.

The last for a while...I think

2011-11-23T21:49:00.001-08:00

Just did my last two scheduled photo shoots. 2 Cute families. It is getting kind of cold, so unless anyone wants wintery snowy pictures, I will probably just do kids in my "studio".

It has been a fun, and busy fall. I hope I can build up my clientele where ever we end up next year.

You can see more on my photography blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"I'm an indian"

2011-11-16T19:18:00.001-08:00

We went to story time at the library the other day and Tanner wore this head band that he made at school. It has feathers on it and is supposed to be an indian head dress. Well, a bus load of preschool kids from the indian reservation in Fort Hall came to story time today. When Tanner was coloring after stories, he told the lady who did story time that he was an indian. I think he got some funny looks. :)

Have you ever seen these squeezy baby foods? I love them for Ashlyn. She won't eat baby food from a jar any more because she can't do it by herself, but she will hold one of these and suck it down.

Took pictures of this cutie, Ashton, the other day. It was cool, breezy, and a it rained a little, but she was a good sport, and oh so cute. See more on my photography blog.

Cuteness

2011-11-16T14:44:00.001-08:00

Ashlyn snacking. Sporting a messy hair do as usual.

Tanner and Dallin doing homework. That is my favorite expression that Dallin makes. LOVE this picture of him. Tanner is pretty cute too.

This is Brock. Pretty sweet little guy. More on my photography blog.

Daddy's girl and annoying sister

2011-11-15T20:19:00.001-08:00

Ashlyn loves Dallin. Loves to tease him. She woke him up from his nap today. I was hoping to get a video. She is so funny. She sat on his face!

These pictures are of her after her pony tails were taken out.

She loves Nate. Lights up when he comes in the room. So sweet.

Clinical change & a cute baby and family

2011-11-13T08:53:00.001-08:00

We just found out that Nate's next clinical affiliation (from January to March) isn't going to work out. It was supposed to be at a clinic 1 mile from our house, and it was going to be perfect. So it is up in the air he will be doing. Hoping to stay local still, but we will see.

I got to do another newborn shoot yesterday. People ask what my favorite subjects are and I am starting to love doing newborns. I think it is because Michaela has been helping me, but they just turn out so cute.

Families are what I do most often, but they are challenging for lots of reasons. An example of a challenging session was the Hinton's. Still enjoyed it though and what I can learn from them. It was cold, and had to be done in 2 sessions because their little guy didn't want to be photographed. Even candidly it was hard, because he was off and runnin' (and fast) or unhappy that he was being held. He is about 2, totally to be expected.

I do love doing couples too. They listen to your directions, and usually want their picture taken. :)

Don't worry, I should be slowing with all the photography posts soon, I don't think I will do many more families this year since it is getting cold. You can see more of the baby on my photography blog and more of this family soon, if you like.

I have been taking so many pictures, that I forget about my own family. I will have more of my family soon.

He passed, and a photoshoot

2011-11-10T11:01:00.001-08:00

Nate had his big defense this week at school. That is where he did a case study on a patient he worked with, and he had to do a 45 minute presentation about his experience and research. He had to "defend" why he did the treatment he did with that patient and show the board that he knows what he is doing. He was the first of his class to go, and he nailed it. I think he set the bar high for his classmates. That doesn't make him a Physical Therapist yet, but it does mean he will graduate from ISU.

I am so proud of how far he has come. I have had recurring tendonitis in my ankle last night he came and grabbed my foot, and started doing all these test and told me, in very big words that I didn't understand, why I am getting it so often. He thinks I need an orthotic insert in my shoe to correct the problem. He wasn't so confident in the past. I think he is just about ready to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Just a couple more weeks of book work, and a semester of clinical affiliations, and he will be.

And I am almost feeling like a real, professional photographer these days. :) I have been doing a couple sessions a week, and feeling happy with my work. I am also excited to get an official business up and running when we get settle, where ever we end up.

Here is my latest.

"I want everything!"

2011-11-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

I told Tanner to look through the toy book from the Target ad and circle everything he liked so I could get an idea what to get him for Christmas. It didn't help. He circled everything! He is pretty easy to please.

6 Week Wellness Challenge

2011-11-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

My friend Sharla told me about a wellness challenge she found online where you get points for doing healthy things like, eating fruits and veggies, drinking water, going easy on the sweets, exercising, stuff like that. We joined this challenge along with some other friends and family members. I feel like I do most everything already except I eat too many sweets, so that will be my focus in this challenge. We are allowed one sweet day a week, which I shoot for anyway, but with the holidays underway, I haven't done so well. I am glad to have this challenge to keep me on track. It starts on November 5th and it will go through Thanksgiving and stop before Christmas. So wish me luck! I think I'd like to lose up to 5 pounds, but mostly I want to kick the sugar. I have to agree with this quote I found by some guy named Mike Adams. Who knows who he is, but I like his perspective.

"Sugar is, essentially, a legalized recreational drug that's socially acceptable to consume. And yet, just like other drugs, it destroys a person's health over time, rotting out their teeth, disrupting normal brain function, promoting heart disease and directly causing diabetes and obesity. The argument that 'street drugs are outlawed because they're dangerous to a person's health' falls flat on its face when you consider what sugar does to the human body."

I feel a lot like these people, "irresistibly attracted to sugar."

In other news, I took another cute baby's pictures. This is Rachel. Isn't she sweet? There a couple more on my photography blog.

Ashlyn's 1 year old pictures

2011-11-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to taking Ashlyn's pictures. She loved this little rocking chair. All of the pictures are of her in it because she didn't want to get out. Whatever made her happy.

Ashlyn got this doll for her birthday. She is learning how to kiss. See how she prepares by licking her lips. :)

Love this girl. She is such a joy to have around.

Halloween

2011-11-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

We has a super fun Halloween this year. A few neighbors and I put together a progressive Halloween party. We went to different houses and did activities at each house like, painting pumpkins, donuts on a string, dipping pretzels, cupcake decorating, pin the eyes on the monster, stuff like that. I took all the kids' pictures. Check them out on my photography blog.

Here are our family's pictures. Nate was "sick and tired" for Halloween. Tanner, a doctor.

Ashlyn was a fairy.

Dallin a ninja

I hardly ever dress up, but I was a vampire this year. Pale skin, fake eyelashes and all. It was fun.

Our friend Cami did sensory boxes where you put dragon snot (gak), eye balls (eye balls), a heart (tomato), and stuff like that. This is Tanner after he felt something icky.

And Dallin decorating a pumpkin.

I love how kids put more toppings on their cupcakes than there is cake. In Tanner's case it was sprinkles. That would be one crunchy cupcake.

Ashlyn checking out a costume. And here is kind of what our group looked like going from house to house.

Donut on a string. One of my personal favorites.

After the party we went trick or treating. We only did about a block. It was a little chilly.

Jordan and Michaela joined us. I think we have trick or treated with them every year since they have had Calin. Love having them around!

Fun night!
Oh yeah, I also took some pictures of some old friends, the Plaisteds over the weekend.

See more on my photography blog.

1/2 Marathon and a family shoot

2011-10-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

I was crazy enough to run a half marathon today. It wasn't an "official" one; my friend Christie mapped it out and three of us friends ran it. I didn't train properly for it. I only ran once a week. I did spin a couple times a week and did strength training, but that doesn't prep you for the abuse your body takes running. I ran most of it, and now I am stiff and it hurts to walk. Lesson learned. I will train next time.

I took this beautiful family's pictures this evening. So easy compared to the families with toddlers I have been photographing lately. Babies this age look if you clap your hands and they can't run off. See more here.

Gabby and Colby's wedding

2011-10-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

I got to do my first, well, second wedding this past weekend. And I think I like them, or maybe it was just this one. I went down to Logan the night before with my sister and her friend, who were bride's maids. We stayed the night at Gabby's house and helped with some of the wedding preparations. We made the bouquets, and I got to know the family a little. Such fun people. It made me so much less intimidated to get to see that they were so down to earth and not scary. Wedding photography has always intimidated me. Weddings can bring out the best and worst in people it seems. It can be stressful, and joyful, and busy, and you have to try to capture it in a way that they will have fond memories. Here is the beautiful couple.

And my sister, Kris, and friend Christabell.

See a lot more on my photography blog.

Ashlyn's 1st Birthday party

2011-10-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

We did a Birthday/Halloween party to celebrate Ashlyn's 1st birthday.

We invited just a couple friends, but it was chaotic--in a fun way. Ashlyn didn't know what was going on and seemed a little overwhelmed by everything.

I love these little pig tails I can do on her now. Her hair is getting so long and pretty.

Here is some of the food. I got my ideas from Pinterest. It is great for stuff like this.

And here are a couple friends. We wanted to invite many more, but it was pretty tight with the few we did invite.

And another

2011-10-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

These are some friends from Rexburg.They were so fun and easy to photograph. I have lots of favorites. See more on my photography blog if you like.

The one on the left below is actually one of my favorites because of Gwen's face plant into the ground, sorry, but it makes me laugh.

Oh, yeah, and I did the Occupational Therapy Department pictures too. This is the class of 2012. All girls, and all very beautiful and easy to photograph too. Took a few other shots too.

Have I mentioned I am going to Logan this weekend with my sister Kris to photograph her friends wedding. I am really excited and nervous. I promise I will have some fun pictures of my family next week with Ashlyn's birthday and Halloween.

I know, lots of photography

2011-10-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

That is what have been up to though. This has been my busiest month ever, so far. And I love it!

Besides taking pictures, I am planning a couple parties.

See more of this cute family here.

Jordan & Michaela's family

2011-10-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

I took these this weekend. Aren't they beautiful subjects? You can see a couple more here.

Ashlyn's cake smash

2011-10-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here is when we set the cake in front of her.

She was actually pretty delicate. Would pick sprinkles off one at a time, so I cut her a piece and then she got a little messier.

She didn't touch most of the cake, so we had it after she was done. :)

Swore Farm field trip

2011-10-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

There is a local farm that has a pumpkin patch and corn maze that we went to today. The boys loved the big tractor.

And the lazy dog.

This my kids' buddy Mason.

It was sort of bright in pumpkin tent, that is why the squints.

Tanner and Ashlyn in the tractor tire.

Oh goodness

2011-10-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is Ashlyn's hair after her nap today. I love her hair, but it is getting pretty unruly.

Dallin and Tanner are really into coloring these days. They got this coloring activity and Tanner colored the top of the pumpkin, and Dallin colored the bottom. He is very much a perfectionist. Covers every inch.

Ashlyn turns 1 on the 24th. Can't believe it!

She went to the dentist this week with the boys. Looks like she will have to have a labial frenectomy someday like I did. That is when they clip that little webby thing between your upper lip and your gums. That is, if it doesn't tear on it's own. She will more than likely have a gap between her two front teeth until that muscle is clipped.

2011 Family pictures

2011-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. We are so lucky that Jordan and Michaela moved back to Idaho, so she could do our family pictures. And I get to do their pictures this week. She has done them for us for a couple years now, and always does a fabulous job. We are a difficult bunch to work with. Some of the ones with the kids smirking are my favorite though. She got some of me and Nate also. It isn't very often that we are both in a picture together.

I got a hair cut this week too. I am growing it out (ha ha we will see how long this effort lasts), so I had my friend do some layers to make it bearable through this awkward length. I really like it.

Then and Now

2011-10-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Those of you who got a wedding invitation remember this picture on the left? It was taken in 2005.

We took family pictures last night and this six years later. It is fun to see old pictures.

We'll try again later

2011-10-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well, this photo shoot didn't got as I'd hoped. They rarely do. I thought I would take some 1 year old pictures of Ashlyn, but she wasn't in the mood. All she wanted to do was play with these necklaces and whine. Maybe we will try again later. I want to do a cake smash with her. Those are fun.

Stinker!

Shelbey-newborn

2011-10-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

I did another newborn's pictures yesterday and love how the turned out. She was pretty easy to work with and my sister in law Michaela made it a thousand times easier by assisting me with all the posing.

Thanks Michaela!

And my friend, Cami, let us borrow the fun outfits and accessories. Thank you! She has an etsy shop where she sells them, if you are interested.

Check out many more pictures on my photography blog.

Michaela helping out.

Miscellaneous goings on

2011-10-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn is braving the stairs these days. Only one of them. What do you think, should I protect her from them with a gate, or let her learn how to climb them?

We went to the park during the priesthood session of conference.

Tanner had a game today, and their team has improved a lot. Tanner scored 2 goals!

Me and 4 friends are doing a co-op preschool. It was my week this week and the theme was the letter D. We are teaching 2 and 3 year old kids. So since donkey starts with D we played pin the tail on the donkey.

We are really enjoying preschool. We only do it once a week and then we do story time and music and movement at the library. We will be sad to leave in a few months.

Spence cousins

2011-09-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

Mickie, my sister-in-law, and her kids came from Washington for a visit. All the Spence cousins were together so we had to get pictures. We even made matching dresses for the girls. All of us Spence wives had baby girls this last year. I love how they turned out.

You can tell these two are siblings.

Ashlyn loved Maylee. She didn't pick on Capri as much, but she loved to grab Maylee's head.

You can see the crazy excitement in Ashlyn's face when she was sat next to Maylee.

These were the two good shots that I managed to get.

And the Spence boys: Ty, Dallin, Tanner, and Calin

We got a little bit of this...

And a lot of this.

Mothers and daughters

All of the Spence kids together.

Dandelion distraction.

Some practice shots on Tanner that I like.

Clements

2011-09-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures for friends. I feel comfortable working with them, and their kids don't usually fear me.

And these kids were awesome. And Audrey is a beautiful expecting mom.

You can see more on my photography blog

Have you ever used kettlebells?

2011-09-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

I hadn't until recently. I've been doing a kettle bell boot camp class twice a week. I love it, but they don't love me. They beat me up actually. If you've never seen kettle bells used, you swing them. I swing 20 lbs usually, so when that hits an arm or knee or whatever, it leaves a mark. The instructor said if it is hitting your arm to hard you need to up your weight. I was scared, so I just took the beating. Maybe next time.

This was just an out of control swing. It is easy to lose proper form when you are tired. Too bad it means a wrecking ball banging whatever is in its path.

This is the exercise that bruised my arm.

Playing around

2011-09-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

I stayed home from church with Dallin and Ashlyn today since we are all a little sick. I got kind of bored (I never stay at home ALL day long), so Ashlyn and I did a photo shoot. I am always behind the camera, so since I was kind of liking my hair today, ha ha, I thought today would be a good day to get in front of the camera. I have a remote that haven't used much so got it out and shot away. Love having one for stuff like this.

Plus I wanted to practice something I read about. The suggestion is for getting smiles, but not huge teethy grins. And what you tell your model is, “Don’t show any teeth for this one, but just think about smiling as you pose.” So I was trying to think about smiling. Silly, I know, but I may try it with people I photograph sometime.

I think Ashlyn was thinking about smiling in this one too. :)

Ok, enough thinking about it. Here is the real thing.

Whipping the slate clean.

Pink eye and other fun stuff

2011-09-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Pink eye started at our house about a month ago. Tanner had it, then it was gone for a bit, then Nate got it, then Ashlyn, and now Dallin. I hope it will pass me over. Those darn drops are nearly impossible to give to a kid 4 times a day!

Tanner had another soccer game today. He is feeling discouraged. He played a team today that knew how to play soccer well; lots had played several seasons. And the Purple Panthers got whooped again. Bad. Tanner said the kids on the white team are mean. He isn't used to fighting over a ball. If he does it at home he gets in big trouble, so it is tricky. I feel bad, he is there to have fun, and some are there to win. He loves practices where they just play games to learn skills. He gets to the field all energetic and pumped, and by the end of a game defeat is written all over his face. They are 5 years olds! We should start with fun and sportsmanship in athletics. Tanner's coach is doing really great and encourages fun the entire time.

Tanner is quite the trickster/show off on his scooter.

Do you see what Ashlyn is trying to do? I may have a walker soon. Ok, probably not actually, but this is where it all starts. I give her 2 months.

Tanner is a faithful helmet wearer. I use scare tactics as needed, and I told him his head could crack open like an egg if he doesn't wear his helmet. If he sees someone not wearing one on their bike or motorcycle he says, "Mom, that guy is not safe/smart. If he crashes he will crack his head open."

"Yes, Tanner, that is right."

Whatever works right? Right.

PT Class picture

2011-09-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

I got to take the 2012 Physical Therapy Class picture this year. These are Nate's classmates who have probably seen him more than I have the last 2 years.

I actually didn't get a perfect shot, out of the 20+ pictures I took someone always had their eyes closed (Nate says it is because I didn't count before I shot. Probably true), so I learned how to swap heads in Photoshop. Can you tell whose? I bet you can't. Gotta love Photoshop. Shhh, don't tell. :)

At that park

2011-09-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

We had a picnic with Jordan and Michaela this evening.

Spence girls sure are cute, if you ask me. This is Capri with Ashlyn. Wish Little Miss Maylee Spence was here for the picture.

Soccer season begins

2011-09-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tanner had his first soccer game today. It is so funny to watch 5 year olds play! I think Tanner had a hard time taking the ball from other kids; he has learned his whole life not to take things, and to share. I am happy that he gets it, but I guess we will have to teach him that in sports it is ok.

There were 5 kids on each side playing at a time, so as you can see, this is almost all of both teams chasing the ball. They don't understand positions right now so it is a free for all.

For kick off all of the kids get lined up in the the middle and one kid kicks it to get it going.

The cheerleaders. Dallin found mounds of mud to play in.

Tanner constantly had a smile on his face, he was so happy to be there playing.

Tanner dribbled the ball pretty well when no one was there intimidating him and trying to steal it. He will get the hang of it, and I think he will like playing forward, when they learn positions.

The kids had a hard time remembering what way to kick the ball so we constantly had to remind them. This is him pointing which way to go. Coach Christie happens to be my good friend, and is doing a great job with the team.

Game over. He wasn't really disappointed, I don't think he knew they lost--by a lot. He was tired by the end though because he played most of the game. It is a team of 8 and they rotate out, but the girls kept wanting to go out. Looks like he will get plenty of play time.

Why is growin' up so sad?

2011-09-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tanner took off on the school bus today and never even looked back. I don't know what is harder your kids not looking back, or your kids crying because they don't want to leave you. I am glad we've raised a confident and independent boy, but I hope he misses me a little. He was so ready, so excited. Really, I am too, but there is something so sad about your babies getting bigger and less dependent on you, and going out in the world without your constant supervision.

We got to the bus stop and there are all these punk kids with mohawks and dirty mouths. I pulled him aside right there at the bus stop and told him that lots of kids will say mean words and do mean things, but WE don't do that. He has been gone most of the day, and I can't be there to tell him that every time someone does something that I have taught him not too. Ah! I am so nervous for him. I haven't stopped praying for him today. I just hope he remembers what we've taught him and he makes good choices and good friends.

It is very weird with only two kids at home. Going to the store was peaceful. I will definitely like that.

Miss Ashlyn.

Tanner's 5th Birthday Party

2011-08-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

We like to keep parties simple. This year we did dirt cake, you know the pudding-ish stuff with Oreos and gummy worms? And we went to Ross Aquatic Center to play in the water for a couple hours. It was a really great time. Nate and I had just as much fun as Tanner did socializing with his friends' parents. Although two of the pools had some "contamination" (vomit) that they had to clean out for about 45 minutes, which was gross.

Ashlyn is a water baby. She loves to crawl in up to her chin and stick her face right in it. Her brothers didn't do that til recently, and Dallin still doesn't.

This is Mason, Dallin and Tanner's buddy. Ok, Dallin looks like he was putting his face under the water, but he wasn't, he never got up the courage.

Lazy river

Ashlyn and Nate.

Ashyln jabbering & the boys' goofiness

2011-08-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't taken many videos of Ashlyn, but the other day she was jabbering. She is one of those that looks right at you and says what she is thinking, and looks at you for validation. Or she just talks to herself. I wonder if she will be chatty.

I also got this funny one of Tanner singing "Mean" by Taylor Swift with vampire teeth in his mouth.

All this goofiness reminds me, today Tanner spent some of his birthday money at the dollar store. He chose silly blue glasses with a mystery nose attached; he thinks it is a dragon nose. He has barely taken them off today. Tonight we went for a walk, and he rode his bike along side us, and of course he wore his glasses while he rode. We probably could have caused an accident with all the looks he got. He didn't even notice. I SO wish I had my camera. I may have to stage a reenactment. He makes me laugh how he will wear vampire teeth or weird glasses or a cape out in public (I usually let him, I see no harm in it) and it won't even phase him that it is a little strange.

Here is Tanner in the glasses and handcuffs he spent his birthday money on. Funny what things little boys will chose to buy. Glad he is so easy to please. Hope he stays that way.

And a picture of Dallin after he ate a blue Otter Pop. I can't even begin to tell you about Dallin's goofy quirks, so I will save that for another day. He, by far, makes us laugh the most.

And a little Ashlyn Girl

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

For some reason "Ashlyn Girl" has stuck. I call her that all the time.

I already had my backdrop up from taking pictures of Dustin, so I had to take a couple of Ashlyn. She just got this pair of sunglasses today.

Look at this adorable hair! I love that she has hair. It is annoying with headbands these days, so you won't see her in them much. I think we could attempt a pony tail.

Dustin

2011-08-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

My friend Sharla let me practice taking pictures of her newborn, Dustin. I have such a hard time with newborns! Why?!? They are naturally adorable, and they don't move, you don't have to necessarily wait for smiles, but they are so hard for me. I need more practice. If you have a newborn, or will soon, let me take your baby's pictures please!

Dustin didn't want to let me take pictures of him. : ( Oh well, I stole these few, and like them just fine.

I'd say go to my photography blog but I posted all the pictures of the session here.

Everyday life

2011-08-22T13:23:00.001-07:00

I got my camera out just for fun when the kids were playing with blocks. It is kind of fun to capture ordinary life on camera.

Tanner is a tease, and kept jumping in front of the camera. He loves to hear people squealing, even me, maybe especially me. He will walk by and slap my butt. I told Nate he learned it from him, and he needs to stop before Tanner goes around slapping anyone's because it is normal occurrence at our house. lol.

Ashlyn likes playing with the boys, and knows how to push Dallin's buttons. She had him screaming because she was taking "his" blocks. She has a mischievous side to her.

And she is very playful. Always raising her hands up in the air and screaming happily.

See Mickie, my kids are only half dressed too, and this is kind of a normal thing for us. :) Ashlyn's onsie isn't even snapped closed.

Dallin is very possessive and particular. It is his way or no way!

Ashlyn adores this blanket that her Aunt Michaela made for her. She always snuggles her face in it.

Eskimo kisses

I love motherhood.

Did I mention?

2011-08-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn is crawling now. Right around 10 months old like the boys were.
Tanner has pink eye; probably from all the swimming we did in Texas. You can see a video of Tanner swimming underwater on Melissa's blog.
Tanner threw up on the plane, and in my hands (darn little bags on the plane are not wide enough).
It is Tanner's 5th birthday today. We will celebrate on Monday.
Nate starts his last semester of classes on Monday! Then 2 clinical affiliations after. Exciting!

Bouncy place

2011-08-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Melissa found a deal on Facebook for this bouncy house place where it has all these blow up toys for kids to jump around on. It was tons of fun.

There was a section for babies too. Ashlyn just kept sinking in the ball pit.

This one was the favorite, by far. It moved from side to side as the weight shifted.

I love Madeline's face in this one as they were about to get dumped.

There were also these little areas for them to pretend they worked in an restaurant, garage, grocery store and some others. Dallin is in to that.

We weren't home for naps most days, so we got a lot of this.

And look who we bumped into. My brother Jesse. He is serving in San Antonio. The zoo was in his area.

Pools

2011-08-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get all my Texas posts out of the way in my free time, that is why I am popping them out so quickly. I hate feeling behind on blogging. Plus life is going to get a little crazy in the next couple weeks with school starting and all.

We hung out by water a lot of the time that we were here. Steve and Melissa have a pool in their neighborhood and we went there a couple times.

Then we went to a water park in Round Rock, where Nate's dad lives. It was super fun.

Tanner is quite confident in the water now, which is great because he has always been so scared. We always left the pool with a red-eyed Tanner cuz he spent so much time under the water.

Nate was the only one who went down the slide because kids had to be "nipple height". Thought that was funny.

Ashlyn was getting really crabby. She fell asleep for half the time we were there. It was a bummer because someone always had to be sitting out with her while she napped.

Nate and Dallin enjoyed the lazy river. Nate would spin around and when they were going under some water Dallin somehow got knocked off and freaked out. He doesn't like his face under the water.

Austin Capital Building

2011-08-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

We stopped by the capital building on our way to Barton Springs Pool. I didn't take my camera to the pool; too scared of it getting stolen or wet. Really neat place though. It's a natural spring, so it is cool water and has little fishes and slimy bottom. Tanner was a bit grossed out by it, but loved trying to catch fish with a bucket.

We went with Nate's dad and cousins, Steve & Melissa and their kids. My boys are just loving having other kids constantly around.

The kids couldn't resist rolling down the hills by the capital building.

James and Madeline on a canon outside the capital.

From the outside.

My favorite part of the building was probably the staircases.

Longhorn fans.

San Antonio Zoo

2011-08-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

It was sort of a bad day to go to the zoo since it was about 105 degrees, but we did it anyway. There were a couple air conditioned buildings we cooled down in.

Ashlyn looked the most miserable, so I wet down her hat to keep her head cool.

Grandpa Spence has come with us almost everywhere. It has been nice. He is so patient with us.

He has been trying to corrupt my kids though, and give them goodies. . .like cotton candy. That is what grandparents are for though right?

This is Dallin's I-don't-want-to-obey-but-I-will face. It is usually accompanied by a big frustrated sigh.

There was also a train ride to go on around a nearby park. They loved that.

Nate navigating through the zoo.

Last of Waco

2011-08-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

We visited Nate's mom, Holly. That was neat. I never knew her, but I feel close to her. I know I would have loved her.

Dallin adored these baby kitties at Uncle Larry's house.

Larry and his son Dustin are musicians and Tanner enjoyed playing their drums. He seems like a natural.

Driving

2011-08-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

We have been spending some time in the car while in Texas. We started out in Waco and now we are in Kyle and site seeing in Austin and San Antonio. So here are some car shots.

Unsafe driving. Nate looking up something on the internet while driving and, Steve driving with no hands and on his cell phone. On the freeway! Luckily we were going like 20 mph in Austin traffic. :)

Me trying to make grumpy Ashlyn smile.

One thing I notice about Texas is how proud they are of being Texas, and being big. Texas flags everywhere; big ones. I barely know what the Oregon flag looks like.

Spray park in Waco

2011-08-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn was loving it! It was fairly warm water; she doesn't like cold.

Dallin was getting possessive of the button.
Dustin, Nate's cousin, and Bobbie, his grandma, came along.

Tanner spitting at me.

Waco, TX

2011-08-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Our first day in Texas was spent in Waco at Nate's uncle Larry's house. He has lots of beautiful land and took the boys on rides.

It was pretty warm even in the evening. You can tell by how pink Ashlyn's face was.

She loved having Nate blow on her.

Grand Bobbie and Ashlyn. This is her great grandma.

Dallin watching the cows.

More to come. We went to a spray park this evening.

A beautiful heirloom

2011-08-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ashyln's great grandma, Bobbie, had this jacket and hat when she was a baby, and she is passing it around between granddaughters to get pictures taken in it.
It is adorable, I wish I had one to keep.

Campbells family pictures

2011-08-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

I took my friend Jenny's family pictures this week. There is a part of town that has lots of old brick buildings. I hope to take may more pictures in "Old Town" while we are here.

Aren't these girls adorable?

Emma was obsessed with the trains that were behind me. If you see her gazing off into the distance, it is the trains she was looking at.

Abby

Exploring

2011-08-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

I have been on the look out for new spots to take pictures and found this place when my friend and I went for a jog last weekend. I am taking a friend's pictures tomorrow, and wanted to see how the lighting was this evening. These are just goofy pictures.

Ok, maybe I shouldn't post this one, but it is too funny. Why do boys always feel the urge to pee when they are outdoors? And why do little boys think they have to drop their pants all the way around their ankles to get it done?

Love Ashlyn's smirk.

Special delivery

2011-07-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Tanner is such a big kid.

He starts school this fall. We ordered his backpack and lunch box online, and he was SO excited when it showed up today. The backpack, lunch box, and thermos: $7 for it ALL. Score.

We also signed him up for soccer. His shin guards arrived with his backpack. You should have seen the giddiness. We totally scored again with the cleats. Found a barely used pair at the DI (a thrift store) for $3.

YES!!! (Exclamation point. With this font you can't tell.)

Still wearing his shirt backwards. We've got to work out a few little quirks before he is totally ready to start school. :)

Bows and stuff

2011-07-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

I have tons of flowers and bows already, but I keep seeing all these different styles that I want to try. So I keep on making them. I hope she will wear them for many years. I found these here if you are interested.

Then this is just Dallin being Dallin. He has a silly personality. He was pretending that the pineapple had a spout and he was pouring himself some juice.

Riding horses and pictures from Rexburg

2011-07-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pictures I took during our Rexburg trip.We hung out with Tracie and Kris and her roommates, who are all super cool.

And we went to Kung Fu Panda 2 which I surprisingly liked. It was a late afternoon showing and Dallin was tired. By the end he was sleeping and kind of folded up in his movie seat with his butt down, legs up, head rested against the seat back and hands folded in his lap, if you can picture it, it was pretty darn funny. We all kind of sat around after the movie giggling about it. I only got a junky picture on my phone.

We also went to Kiwi Loco for yogurt. And played at good ole Porter Park, I have a few pictures of that I will post another time.

Before we left Oregon we went to my Uncles house to ride his horse. The kids enjoyed that, but it was HOT.

Sisters

2011-07-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to Rexburg this weekend since Nate has been in Iowa. He went for his cousins wedding and to shadow his uncle who is a physical therapist. We miss him a ton, so we visited my sisters to pass the time. They are heading to Oregon next week. Tracie graduated and Kris has a break. I took pictures of them and their roommates. That was a fun afternoon.

I don't even know the last time we were in a picture together. Do we look related? For those who don't know, I am the oldest, then Tracie (on left) and then Kris (on right) is the baby. There are boys in the mix but that is how it goes for us girls anyway.

I took more pictures of our weekend and will post those soon. Here is one of the roomies pictures. See more here.

Stinker

2011-07-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

The day before we left Oregon Tanner got a hold of a Sharpie and tatooed his body from his upper lip to the bottom of his feet and EVERYTHING in between; even, well I will just leave it at that. While he was at it he colored on the wall and the bed frame. When do kids out grow out of coloring on everything they aren't supposed to? I thought it would have been by now.

July birthdays

2011-07-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

We celebrated all the July birthdays yesterday. My cousin Michelle had her 3rd baby (Maysa) on the 4th, and my sister-in-law Michaela had her 2nd (Holly Capri) on the 5th. I have family members with birthdays on July 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7th now. Sheesh! I am amazed that my grandma sends cards to all her kids, grand kids and great grand kids. I can't even keep track of my immediate family.

We went to the park again. Played with squirt guns.

And played on the swings.

Ashlyn played with her tongue a little more. She had her tongue out in about half the pictures I took!

Toki loves Ashlyn, and pushed her around the park. Dallin did too and almost ran her right into a stream.

Sorry, I just can't get enough of this girl.

We head back to Idaho tomorrow. Driving this time. We will split the trip up into two days for our sanity. Even though we aren't going back to much to do, we are excited to get back to Idaho. We've missed our friends and our own beds.

Special people

2011-07-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

We went to see my grandparents today. I really want my kids to have pictures with their great grandparents. I don't have any with mine, I barely remember them.

Both grandma and grandpa use scooters to get around. She had polio and my grandpa had a stroke. The kids love hitching rides. Even Ashlyn.

4th of July weekend

2011-07-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

I took pictures of my brother-in-law's family this weekend. They are a good looking bunch

aren't they? See more here.

We did a little bit of running around and some swimming.

Played with Ty, their cousin who just moved to Washington. We won't see them again til next spring probably. :( The kids are eating tres leches cupcakes. It is our tradition on Nate's birthday.

Happy Birthday Nate

2011-07-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Nate is 29 today. Yep he is a younger than me. He will be about 30 when he starts his career. Wow, it has been a journey. A wonderful one. A lady he worked with at this last affiliation couldn't believe he was in school with 3 young kids. We wouldn't have it any other way. I already know we will look back on these years as some of our best. We've truly enjoyed the struggling student years.

With the holidays I like to make stuff for the kids to wear. I made this pillow case dress for Ashlyn and the ties for the boys to show our patriotism. I thought it would be a good day to take a picture after church since we were all matchy.

Fun in the sun

2011-07-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

We played in the pool today with Chawna's kids.

One of these days Ashlyn will rip out my earrings.

I don't have many pictures of myself with Ashlyn, so I handed the camera over to Chawna.

I could kiss these cheeks all day. But it gets old for her.

There is that tongue again.

Yummy!

Guess whose toes these are. Dallin's. I was painting my toenails and he REALLY wanted his done. Grandma painted Tanner's blue, so I went ahead and painted Dallin's. Tanner's polish came off within the hour after Nate told him toenail polish is for girls.

Here is Chawna's clan. The white girl is Carmalee, Chawna's sister. Funny, she is the same age as Chawna's her oldest daughter Aili who is almost 10, making Carmalee Aili's aunt.

Tongue tied

2011-06-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

You won't see Ashlyn with her tongue in her mouth these days. She can curl it, roll it and stick it out.

Kid time

2011-06-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

We've been going to Kid Time again. It was in the 90's yesterday and then it was raining today, so we kept our activities indoors.

Ashlyn has a new buddy. Herself. She was cute. Kissing herself and laughing.

Shopping

Scanning me

Cousins , grumpy girl and Bears. Oh My!

2011-06-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

My parents live out of town on 5 acres of beautiful land full of trees, wild flowers, and wild animals. We hear coyotes at night sometimes. My cousin killed two bears on my grandparents property (which is a couple miles from here) in the last couple months. Here is a picture.

THIS is why I don't let my kids play outside without an adult. I don't know why I was allowed to when I was a kid! Mom!?! :)

This is the boys with their cousin Joel.

There are some fun props around here. Oregon is beautiful. I would much rather be a photographer here than Idaho.

The boys all wanted their shirts off. It was pretty warm. Can't blame them.

Ashlyn would NOT smile for me. Stinker. I had to get Dallin to make her.

Love this old truck. I don't know what is going on with the paint.

Girly Girl.

Any computer nerds out there know how to make high quality pictures look high quality on my blog??? They look great printed and on photoshop but stick them on a blog and they look funky. Ok, only the very observant would notice.

30 is the new 20

2011-06-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Didn't you hear? Ha ha. I am OK with 30. I feel better now than I did when I was 20 actually. Nate and I went and took pictures of each other since we are both celebrating today, with it being Father's Day too. I hate sharing my day with the Dads. Oh well, only happens every few years.
Happy Father's day, Nate. You are a wonderful dad, who obviously enjoys fatherhood.
You are a natural. We love you!

It is easy to be a goofy poser when it is your husband behind the camera.

Nate did a pretty good job, I think.

The kiddos

2011-06-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a challenge getting a good picture of all 3 of my kids. I love this one though.

The boys got Ashlyn cracking up when they blew bubbles.

Overboard on pictures and lens talk

2011-06-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't stop shooting pictures yesterday when I got my 50 mm lens. I've been wanting one for so long. They are great for portraits.

Ok so this isn't the greatest portrait. I wanted to aperture wide open to get the fuzzy background. Didn't focus on his eyes very well, more like his nose. But I love his expression.

Great for low lights. This was in the evening indoors. No flash.

I love how sharp the pictures can be.

Ashlyn watching the kids play in the water.

Yes, I paint her toenails (when she holds still enough)

First taste of watermelon. This is her not-so-sure-about-this look

My new favorite picture of Ashlyn

This is a different lens.

We love watermelon.

Chawna came too. I followed her kids around a little bit too yesterday. Her girls are little monkeys. I couldn't believe how easily they climbed those tree. Must be the Tongan in them.

Sickies

2011-06-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

I am the only one who hasn't been sick in my family. We've got never ending snot and coughs. No fun

On a lighter note, I got my new camera lens today (happy early birthday to me, ok, it is more like, Happy Mother's Day, Birthday, and Anniversary) and had so much fun with it today. I will post some pictures tomorrow.

OH! And, I started month 2 of Insanity today. Oh.My.Gosh. If I am not in tip top shape by the time I am done, well, then there is something wrong with me. I am feeling stronger after month 1, but not leaner. Maybe month 2 workouts do will do the trick.

Dallin's birthday party

2011-06-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

It was actually a birthday party for all the June birthdays in my family. There were 6 of us with birthdays in June. We had a barbeque at a park.

Dallin loves bubbles but can't blow them so I got these that have a straw on one end that you blow through and then the wand that you just wave around. My beauty.

Tanner and Li filling up squirt guns.

Chawna and Li. She is the cousin doing Insanity with me.

I think Ashlyn looks like Nate in the picture. The eyebrows maybe?

Tanner and his cousin, Joel

There were over 30 of us there, I should have taken more. This is why I want to come back to Oregon: so much family here. It is great. I am actually going to be sad to leave Oregon this time. Last time we were here I was anxious to get back to Idaho. We'll head back mid July.

Jacie's wedding

2011-06-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

My cousin Jacie got married today. It was beautiful. I took a few pictures. I don't think I would like wedding photography very much, unless it was all candids. I watched the photographer set up all the traditional family ones, and that would not be fun.

The brides maids and flower girls. Tanner was dancing with the flower girl on the left for a while. It was sweet. When it was time to go, he said "No! I want to keep dancing!"

Jacie and Sam

A drunk lady got her hands on Ashlyn and didn't want to give her back. I am glad mom made her sit down before she could hold her. :) Speaking of drunk, Dallin had his first taste of alcohol. I think Dallin just picked up someones cup of spiked punch. We don't know how much he drank. He didn't get sick or tipsy, so probably not much.

Ashlyn was kind of grumpy. Giving everyone faces like the one on the left side.

Rodeo

2011-06-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Nate has been wanting to go to a rodeo for a long time. He plays rodeo with the boys all the time. He lets them pick if he is a bronco or a bull and he bucks or broncs for 8 seconds. They LOVE it. Dallin wasn't too interested in a real rodeo. He liked playing on the bleachers more. And there was a Premiere West Bank bear that was walking around that he was obsessed with. Had to say hi about 5 times. Tanner liked the rodeo though.

Before we went in there were activities for the kids. They got to go on a pony ride.

Get their faces painted and make sheriff badges.

Look how cool this black widow is. She did a good job.

It wasn't the best night at the rodeo, only because no one was scoring any points. There were maybe one guy from each event that actually scored points. Oh well, it was fun to watch still. The rodeo clown had to be quite the comedian to keep the crowd entertained.

Forgotten about pictures

2011-05-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

How did I forget to post Easter pictures? I guess it was because we came to Oregon a couple days later. We did lots of Easter egg hunts that weekend. This one was at the Hinton's house. Christie had a fun time planned. Egg dying, egg hunt, Easter bunny masks.

Bandana skirt

2011-05-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn is the baby doll I never had. I didn't have dolls as a kid, at least none that were really special or that I dressed up and played with all the time.

Ashlyn is my doll that I play dress up with. And she is special to me.

I made this little bandana skirt and corkscrew bow thingy, and put buttons on her onesie. I am not a great seamstress, but I love to make clothes for her. I WILL become a master seamstress someday. Ashlyn may have to wear a lot of my experiments, but through her I will learn. :)

I plan to become a hairstylist on her too. Poor girl.

My settings on my camera were off, that's why the pixel-y look. Hate that.

Moalas

2011-05-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Here are two shots I took of my cousin's kids at the park last week. You can see more on my photography blog.

Quirky

2011-05-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Bad hair day.

Nate found Dallin like this one night when he went to check on him before we went to bed.

Showing off.

Boys at the park

2011-05-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

We went back to Bear Creek Park to take some pictures of my cousin's kids. I will post some of those later. I got these of my boys. They found the creek and couldn't resist playing in it even though it wasn't really warm.

"Alright. Listen. I didn't want to have to do this. But you leave me no choice. Here comes the smoulder." Flynn Rider-Tangled (In case you didn't know.) I love Dallin's smoulder.

Touch a Truck

2011-05-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

The community put together an activity called "Touch a Truck" where they brought together all kinds of cars: fire truck, garbage truck, race car, tractor, police car, semis, etc. The kids got to go inside and push buttons and explore. It was pretty fun for them.

Bear Creek Park

2011-05-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

I grew up playing at Bear Creek Park. It is the best park in town. It is a big wood play structure with lots of big trees to shade it. I will take better pictures of it next time. But the kids love it too.

Tanner was a tough one to catch. He was running around with new friends the whole time.

Running from aliens and bad guys and such. He is such a boy!

Insane

2011-05-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

As you know, Nate and I are doing the Insanity workout program. We really like it. It is a good, HARD workout. I haven't lost much weight, only a pound, but I feel my endurance and speed are improving. I am toning up too. I've been doing it about 3 weeks. I am working out less with Insanity than I was in Idaho, by over an hour a day. If I add my hour long daily walk back in, maybe I would lose weight. I started adding some running into my routine though. I will tell you why below.

Tanner joined Nate for today's workout. :)

I think Insanity is giving me the confidence to possibly take on this insane challenge. . .

The Grand Teton Relay. If it is divided up equally it is 15 miles per person, done in smaller increments. You run til it is done. It is a beautiful course and would be with some really fun friends. I am pretty sure I am going to do it, just need to officially pay up and commit myself.

Kid Time

2011-05-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Medford got a bit cooler since I lived here as a kid. They have a children's play place called Kid Time where they have TONS of activities for the kiddos. They do a music and movement program and crafts and have...well I will show you in pictures some of the fun things they have for kids to do.
They have a 3 years and under area. Ashlyn loved the ball pit. I just made this bow for here. Love the cork screw ones. I think I will make a bunch more. Oh, and see her two front teeth? Just broke through.

Dallin played by himself at the lemonade stand for a good half hour.

Tanner was ALL over the place. He interacts with other kids a lot. Makes friends everywhere he goes.

My cousin Chawna got a membership too. I think we will be at Kid Time at least once a week with Toki and Li, her two youngest. This is the water area.

Dallin also likes to hoard the plastic food in a shopping cart. If you even come near it he screeches.

Fun stuff!

Drew

2011-05-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

My nephew turned 1 recently.

I got to take his pictures. He was the easiest kid ever to take pictures of. Always smiling.

See a few more here.