Olivia's Dance Performace

Olivia and Brooklyn


Brooklyn, Olivia and Jacob. Jacob is in Ballroom dancing and Olivia and Brooklyn are in Tap Dancing.

The first dance. The Christmas song.

The second number, the monkey dance.

After the performance.

She was really cute and loved to perform. She was actually very sad because they had been practicing three different numbers, but she only got to perform two. She was ready to get up to go do the third. We had originally planned on not continuing through the rest of the year. But she loved it so we are going to keep going.
~Amanda

Disneyland Slideshow

So the slide show below is some of our pictures from our trip. We took almost 1000 pictures and I really didn't want to bombard you with all of them. The highlights of this slide show is when Olivia got to meet the Princesses and when Bradley got to be a Jedi in training.

We waited in line for two hours (Yes really two hours) to see the Princesses. And when I say we, it was mainly the girls, my mom, Heather, Olivia and myself (does Ivy can't as a girl? I always thought of her as the brother I never had. Just kidding, Ivy has really turned into a girly-er girl. She just wasn't willing to stand in line to see the Princesses). Anyways, back to my main point. Two long hours, but it all didn't matter when we turned the corner and Olivia saw Ariel, the real live Princess Ariel. Her eye lit up and she was just so mesmerized. Next we saw Princess Jasmine and Belle. I think Olivia was shocked, or maybe stunned is more appropriate. It was wonderful to see that innocence and amazement through her eyes. And the Princesses were wonderful. They were so nice to Heather and Olivia. It was one of the best moments from the trip.

My other favorite moment was on our last day, right before we left the park for good when Bradley was picked for Jedi training. He was the VERY last kid to get picked and his hopes had started to fade at this point. But he was chosen and the Jedi masters taught them specials skills. Then Darth Vader showed up and wanted the kids to chose the dark side. But none of them did. So he called Darth Maule to help him fight all the kids. So each kid took turns either fighting Darth Vader or Darth Maule ( yeah I probably butchered the names). Bradley fought Darth Maule. The Dark side lost and all the kids graduated Jedi training. Bradley was so excited the rest of the day and wanted to teach everybody the new skills he learned. His face was just priceless.

So there are a few memories, and few pictures. Disneyland was awesome, Thanks Mom!
~Amanda

Catching up!

So it has been awhile. Our blog has been the last thing on my mind, even though I have wonderful pictures and stories to share. I will just pick a few of my favorites here and there when I have time to breathe (aka after Christmas).

But here is a run down of our hectic lives ever since getting back from Disneyland (which was the best vacation ever, thanks mom). Everything has felt like a whirl wind. First we had Olivia's very first dance recital. I was very worried that this would be a catastrophe and she would not perform in front of such a large audience. But to my surprise she did a wonderful job, and of course she looked so precious.

Next we had my family Christmas prime rib dinner. My mom always does such a good job and being with family is what the holidays are about. I definitely want my children to always know that.

Then Olivia had her fourth birthday party. She is a little princess, so of course that was the theme. Her little guests were Princesses too and they all made crowns. I can hardly believe that it has been four years. However she is hardly the little toddler that was all sugar and spice!

Next was Richard's family Christmas party. It was fun to have all the nieces and nephews running around and spending time together.

Did I mention that this all happened with in three days of each other??? And that for the first time ever I am NOT at all prepared for Christmas??? November was here and gone in a blink of an eye, and now Christmas is a week away. WOW! Time flies when you have to grow up!

~Amanda

Disney Photopass E card

So apparently this didn't work as expected. Try clicking on the picture to see if you can see the E-card that I created!

A Whopper of a Fish Tale!

So for those who don't know the back story here it is:

Since I have know Richard, about fourteen years now, he claims to be a fisherman. However he has never caught a fish in those fourteen years. I do have to give him some slack, since the kids have been born he has not had much time to fish. Even when he finds the time he has never caught fish, not with the kids, not by himself. He even jinx people around him to not catch fish (sorry dad).

So yes I tease. He even teases back saying I am his bad luck, even though I rarely go fishing. I beg to differ, I question if he has EVER caught a fish. So Richard's mission the last few warm weeks of the summer and fall has been to prove me wrong. He has been spending his quiet Friday mornings at Herriman's little fishing pond, which is regularly stocked with fish. Two weeks in a row he has come home empty handed. HMMMMMMM...

Last Friday both the kids were out of school and it was unseasonably warm. Richard decided to give it one last try. The three of them set out to go fishing.

Here is the proof I got.

My question still is WHO CAUGHT THE FISH??? The kids both say that they caught a fish and that dad caught a fish too. Richard to you coax the kids? I guess either way the curse is broken, someone caught a fish while Richard was there.

The one thing that I wish wouldn't have happened is this last picture. Olivia thought her fish was "soooo cute" so dad told her to kiss it. Can anyone say YUCK? Not to mention germs.

~Amanda

Hello, Cupcake!

I have borrowed this wonderful book "Hello, Cupcake!" from my sister-in-law Kim. This book is so creative and has so many ideas on decorating, cake baking tips, and much more. If I didn't like Kim so much she wouldn't be getting this book back. Needless to say, I will soon be making a trip to my local Barnes and Nobles to make a purchase.




Here is my first attempt at recreating one of their creations. This little pumpkin patch turned out pretty good. I couldn't find all the candy that they originally used, so I improvised.

I already know what my next two batches of cupcakes are going to be. So at least for the next little while, if you ask me to bring anything for a dinner or pot luck, don't be surprised if you see "Hello, Cupcake!"

~Amanda

Carving pumpkins

Ok, so we decided to carve pumpkins again this year. After getting one for free from my mom, we went and got two more.

Bradley wanted to have a mummy pumpkin. After trying to figure out how to "carve" the mummy wrap, we decided to sacrifice an old t-shirt and just wrap it.




Olivia wanted a kitty, so Amanda drew up a kitty face, and I set about carving it out. One cut and a few bandaids later, it turned out pretty cute.





I decided to do things a little different this year. Tired of seeing all the cute jack-o-lanterns out there, I decided to make a "gross" pumpkin. It was probably the quickest one I have done, since I didn't have to scrape out the insides.



Happy Halloween!!

Richard

I have found my passion....again.

So first I need to apologize to Richard, my co-workers and anyone else who I barrage with my new found energy for my passion, baking! You now can't blame any extra pounds on me, I just apologized.

The last few weeks I have been on a baking high. I have made cookies, cakes, candies, ice cream, cupcakes and treats of all kinds. I really can 't help myself. I get bored and want to bake.

I have always loved to bake, but the last little while it felt like a chore but now something has renewed that spark in me. I think it all started with a blog I stumbled upon, Bakerella, which is now a website. She is so creative and has the most delicious recipes. She shares her tips and secrets step by step which is wonderful. I am a great copier, I just don't do the creativity part on my own.

After the new year I am going to start a cake decorating class. I am determined to better my skills. I have seen some of the coolest supplies for baking, candy making and decorating. Richard is going to be sorry. I don't know if I can control my spending.

So here are some of my recent creations. Some come from Bakerella.com and others from Allrecipes.com.


This is a chocolate mousse with raspberry and chocolate formed leaves.


Chocolate molded/covered pretzels.


Halloween Chocolate Carmel rice crispy treats


These are cupcakes that I made for my brother-in-law Jason's wedding. His and Lucretia's colors are blue and purple. I had creative freedom on these cupcakes. So I tried making the candy flowers and chocolate initials. Cute if I say so myself.


~Amanda

The BIG 7!

Bradley is turning 7. Is this a pivotal milestone in growing up? To most people no. He is no longer a toddler, he has not reached the pre-teen or a teenager milestone yet (thank goodness). But for Bradley this is a HUGE deal. He is 7, that is one hand full a fingers plus two more. He is no longer a baby, a toddler or even a big boy. He is a kid. (Believe me he has corrected me on this point).


I can see how this birthday and every other one is a big deal. I remember when as kid, every birthday marked a new big milestone. 365 days happens to be a LONG time when you have only been around for roughly 2190 days. (Yes I did the math).


Learning, growing and most of all getting to do cooler stuff that you were once too young for is a BIG deal. Bradley is definitely ready to test the water on what he can do as a kid. He is not afraid to take the risk and push through those milestones.

However I don't think I am ready for these new milestones. I still see the cute little three year old that I need to protect and teach. I guess it is time for me to stop looking at the past and see him as he is. A kid, who on more than one occasion has taught me something. Who I will still protect, but at a close distance so he will grow up to be a pre-teen, teenager than a man who can make good decisions and get through the rest of the milestones he has to over come without his mommy fighting his battles. Even though I will always be right there.

Olivia's Dream

Lately Olivia has been very intrigued with her dreams. She always tells me when she wakes up what her dreams were, or she will tell me that she did not have ANY dreams. Most of the time I do not understand her, but I listen very intently and nod and say oh, and yes and uh huh when it seems appropriate. However the other day she was very clear on what her dream was, and it was too cute to not share.

"I was on the moon with all of my toys. We saw a rainbow slide and slid all they way home. It was really really fun. For reals."

Sweet Dreams from a sweet girl!

New Family Photos

We went and got our Family pictures taken last weekend. Here is a sneak preview. Thanks to our wonderful photographer who risked their health to take pictures between burst of rain!

Bear Lake 2009

This year we went camping at Bear Lake. It was a new experience for two different reasons. One, I have never been to Bear Lake. Two, I never really been on any type of vacation with my dad or little sister Toni Marie.

This was a very memorable trip. My kids got to spend time with their Grandpa Tony and all of my sisters and so did I!

We spent a lot of our time on the beaches of Bear Lake swimming and fishing. No one caught any fish. I attribute this to Richard's luck. He hasn't caught a fish in the almost thirteen years that I have known him. Bradley and Olivia loved being in the water, they are my fish. So hey I guess you can say we DID catch two and we even brought them home.

Toni Marie and Chris were a lot of fun. Olivia just loves Toni and would follow her every where. At the beach on the last full day we were there the water was very cold. No one, even my fish wanted to get in, so to keep us entertained while Richard and Grandpa Tony tried to fish, we decided to bury Toni Marie and Chris. Then of course Bradley and Olivia had to have their turn too. It was such an adorable picture opportunity I couldn't turn it down.

We had such a great time, I am so glad I got to spend this quality time with my family. We are even planning another trip next year to Flaming Gorge. Hey maybe next time we will catch fish will gills, that is if Richard stays back at camp ;)

~Amanda

Olivia Starts Preschool

Olivia has been excited to go to school ever since her big brother started going. September 9th was Olivia's first day of Preschool. She couldn't wait to go. She was actually cooperative and happy to get ready in the morning. Usually mornings are not her happiest times. She had new clothes and a new backpack.




Yes she is my tiny little girl. Her backpack drowns her, but she loves it. She even picked it out over the Tinkerbell bag.



Here she is in the car waiting to get dropped off. She is so happy and can't wait to get to school.





When we picked her up she talked and talked about her day. She was so excited to see her 3 teachers again and meet all her new friends. Then she told us she had story time and got to eat fish, "but not really ones." She also got to eat bears "but not really ones." She got to color and play on the playground too. There was a lot more information she gave us too, but she was so excited and talked so much that it was hard to get it all straight.

Girls are made so much different than boys. All I have ever gotten out of Bradley when I asked what he did at school was "I don't remember."

Olivia's teacher said she is such a sweet little girl and listens so well. I hope this continues, as she is my little trouble maker. But it is probably just at home and not with others.

~Amanda

Bradley's first day of 1st grade

Thursday was Bradley's first day of 1st grade. He has been so excited to go back to school and especially to eat lunch at school.

Bradley is my morning child. He has had an alarm for a few years now and hates it when we won't set it for him. First thing Thursday morning he comes running upstairs (after his alarm went off), yelling "Guess what? I get to go to school TODAY! I am in 1st grade!"

He was so excited he want to pack a lunch first thing, there was no fighting to get him going, but there usually never is for him, just for his sister.



Olivia and Richard took Bradley to school. He is FINALLY old enough to play on the playground before school. In kindergarten he had to go straight to his class when he got to school, I guess to him a whole year of kindergarten is really long and unfair to not get to play before school. Then the bell rang and it was time to line up and start the day.






I was so worried and stressed for him, but of course he did great. When school was out he was beaming. He loved his first day, he really likes his teacher (and I actually do too), he was so excited to have 3 recesses (really only 2, but he counts playing before school as one too), lunch was great, and he loves to learn.

He will be a star student. I am just a little sad he is growing up!

~Amanda

The Spruces

This weekend we went camping at the Spruces. Richard and the kids went Thursday, which meant I had a whole night of peace and quiet at home. Thanks Richard!

Heather and I came up Friday afternoon, then Jeff and Ivy came up later. We had a lot of fun hanging out by the fire and playing games. Ivy even broke out her camp songs. I got to be my klutzy self and twisted my ankles while falling into a bush (not too bad of an injury though).

Saturday we went on a hike. We didn't make it all the way to the waterfall (because of the before mentioned injuries). But we got some welcomed exercise and wonderful pictures.

Late Saturday afternoon my mom came up and we had dinner, played more games and sat around the campfire. We even used our dutch oven that we got for a wedding present and have never used until now.

The whole trip was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed being with my family and being in nature. I just wished I could have showered. I felt very dirty and I know my kids were, they were practically rolling in the dirt. I guess Richard wins, I am a camper as long as I have a trailer!

The post below this one is a slide show of some of our camping pictures from this trip. Hopefully you don't think it too long. I have a hard time deciding which to post. At least I didn't put all 126 on!
~Amanda

Haroldsen Family BBQ

Yesterday we hosted the Haroldsen Family BBQ. We started the afternoon off with a treasure hunt for the kids. Kim is very creative and made clues for the kids to follow to get to the treasure (M&M's).


Clue #1 on the treasure hunt.

Next we walked to our neighborhood park and played some games. We had a limbo contest for the kids and adults, a 3-legged race for the kids and adults, and a balloon toss. There were also a lot of other side activities going on while one or more of the planned actives were happening.





The limbo contest was really more for fun. The kids had a blast and so did the adults.

The kid 3-legged Race. There was several versions of this race. The first race included all of the grand kids who are very steady on their feet. So no Ryan and Robert. The kids were teamed up based on height. Alex and Nathan, Bradley and Savannah, Olivia and Jennifer and Emily and Emmalee. Emmalee wasn't too thrilled with the idea of being tied up, but with the help of their parents they finished the Race. Olivia and Jennifer had good team work. They came in third. Bradley and Savannah were second and the twins came in first. Do you think they had an advantage, being basically attached at the hip since the womb???

The next race Savannah and Bradley came in first, and the last race they switched things up and Savannah and Alex and Bradley and Nathan were teamed up. Bradley and Nathan won by a nose. It was a very close and intense race.

Couples 3-legged Race. Mindy was on the "injured list" and Chris was still at work so Debbie and Craig mad up a mixed couple team. Cindy and Derek won, but Kim and Todd gets the best sports award. They fell flat on their face and still finished the race and gave us all a good laugh.

Richard decided to show off his high jumping skills, and the other boys followed. They all tried to top each other, but NONE of them could go any higher than the fourth rung.

After all the adults were close to exhaustion and the kids had a little energy out, we all came back to our house for hamburgers and hot dogs along with all sort of yummy sides.

The kids jumped on the trampoline and played with Piper. It was a nice day. The best part of the whole day. I didn't have to plan any of it. Kim and Richard took charge and got everything taken care of. Thanks Kim and Richard for planning this and being so organized!

Lagoon Day

My work did a summer party at Lagoon this past week, and it also happened to be on my birthday. The kids had a blast, Bradley was just tall enough to ride on all the rides, and he rode the Wicked, Cliffhanger, and the Wild Mouse, but the Samurai was too much for him. Olivia was fearless and wanted to ride all the big rides, but she was too short. She rode all the rides that she was tall enough for, and her favorite ride was the Ladybug Drop. Both of the kids loved the bumper cars, and rode them at least 10 times. Bradley played one of the "carnival" games and won 2 toys by popping balloons with the darts. There was a water fountain that the kids played in to cool off.












Posted by Richard