Pictures of the babies....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24th, Blessings, Camping and then some.....

Prepare yourself for this update. I've been really tired lately so some of my sentences won't make sense or I might ramble a little here and there. I apologize in advance. So many reasons why I haven't updated for a while. So much has gone on I haven't had time to even think about blogging. The Pioneer Day this year was so fun. I always love it when its in Thatcher because the parade goes right in front of my moms house and its one giant party. That Saturday we rushed back from Gilbert after a weekend of partying with Dan's family. His oldest sister Heather was accepted to A.T. Still Medical School and we had a big congratulatory party on her behalf. We so proud of her and can't wait to see the things that she can do and accomplish. Great job Heather! Anyhoo- we got back and Dan and I whipped the house into shape as fast as we could before his family showed up. We decided that since we were going to bless the babies the next day that it would be fun to have them come down for some good old pioneer day celebration. We had such a good time inspite of the rain. It rained and rained and rained but that didn't stop us from all the festivities. The parade was a blast and after that we headed down to EAC's football field to gets some BBQ and have a picnic on the grass. Well, when the rain and wind started to pick up, we decided to picnic at my house where it would be warm enough for the babies. Dan's mom and sister volunteered to watch all the kids so us adults could go back and watch the program and fireworks. We were soaked by the time we got home but it was so worth it. While the fireworks were going, Gracie called Dan and was so excited and was telling him all about the fireworks that were by our house. She still talks about them. Sunday was so awesome. In our family we have started the tradition that the baby blessing outfit or dress is made by someone special in the family. I made Gracie's dress when I was in high school for one of my young women projects. When I was in the hospital in Mesa for pre-term labor, I'd thought that I wouldn't have any time to make their dresses so I asked Dan's mom if she would. She is one of the best seamstresses that I know. To this day I am still mad at Dan that he never told me about what his mom could do because I've seen all the beautiful wedding dresses that she has created. It would have been awesome if she could have made mine. Back to the story....Lynn made both dresses and they are so beautiful and absolutely perfect. We got to church on time and my sister-in-law Lisa was there with the icing on the cake-beautiful white bows to go with their dresses. Dan's parents neighbor had crocheted two beautiful pink blankets for them and they were just the perfect touch of color. It was funny because we sat down and Dan leaned over and asked if I was nervous. I just laughed at him and said, "Nope. I got us here on time with all the girls bathed, dressed, and myself ready. My part is over and I'm so relieved. Good luck with the blessings." He sometimes gets nervous when he has to speak in front of people. The blessings he gave Reece and Violet were so beautiful. They fit each babies personality perfectly. I'm so thankful to have a husband who holds the priesthood and can bless our family as he does. I'm also so grateful for all my family who came to support us. I love our family! After sacrament meeting it was back to our house for lunch and then everyone left. It was so enjoyable having everyone there but after things calmed down and it was just me and Dan with the girls, I wanted to collapse. It really was a jam packed weekend and we were going to head up the mountain that evening for our Mullenaux family vacation but I said no way. I wanted to sleep in my own bed that night and there was no way I would have the energy to pack for 5 in a couple of hours. Enjoy the pictures.

Everyone lined up for the parade.

Family pictures after the blessing. Dan is so handsome. I never can resist him all dressed up in his church clothes.

Both sets of grandparents. My dad is holding Reece and my mom Violet. I love my dad's smile. He's such a proud grandpa.




So monday morning we were laying in bed just talking about the things we needed to take for camping. We realized there was no way it was all going to fit in our Honda Pilot. Dan asked me if he could go buy a Suburban and I said sure. Ever since we had the twins he has been trying to convince me that we needed an upgrade. I did agree it was a little cramped with the two additional carseats and all the luggage that goes with. Also the rear A/C consisted of a couple vents that were connected to the back of the middle console that was between the front seats. Not very effective since we put Gracie back in the third row so I could sit between the girls if needed. Not so good, but I didn't really want to buy a different car. But we said goodbye to sporty SUV and hello to huge hard-to-park SUV. I do enjoy it and it is so much better than being squished. We got such a smokin deal on it; literally half the price and it's only an '07. We made it up the mountain that afternoon and the fun just kept happening. I love camping with my family. Its just so relaxing to hang out all day, play games, read, eat good food and just chill. Not very many people thought we would go with the girls being only 6 weeks but I had a plan. Juggling the two of them was a piece of cake. In fact, I rarely got to hold them. You literally had to call your place in line to hold them. There were so many willing hands to help. The nights were not so great but Dan would take them in the morning so I could sleep in or take a nap in the afternoon. Here's some pictures of our week up there.

We borrowed my Uncle Ladd's trailer. I don't think we would have lasted without the heat and running water. So nice!


Tia, Gracie and Mariah


Every year my sister-in-law Lisa is in charge of a craft for the week. For the past couple years we've been making our own t-shirts. She had 2 silk screens made. One for the big shirts and a smaller one for kids and babies. We even had some onesies made for Reece and Violet.

Pudding and a movie in our trailer while the storm passed through.

Grandpa helping the little girls with their lipgloss. So cute!


The following Monday after camping we had a get together at the pool to celebrate a few of the cousins birthdays. Like we hadn't spent enough time together already! Our family just loves to be around each other. My sister Allison is really big into making special cakes for their parties. So they decided to have a contest and here is some pictures of the cake Allison made for Tia and the one Jane made for Hannah. Can you tell someone got frustrated and gave up? Just kidding Jane, I thought yours was awesome! :) Poor Barbie.




Girls just chillin.



Me and Gracie had a blast on the slide. This is a really bad picture, probably because we were going "super fast like lightning" as Gracie said. :)


Hope everyone is doing good and I will post more pictures of the babies soon.

WHAT WOULD WE DO?!

I've been meaning to write about this for a while now. Gracie, oh, Gracie! You've got to love her. Dan and I were talking the other day and came to the conclusion that our life would be so boring without Gracie and the twins. Seriously, I wouldn't know what we would do without them in our lives. They make everything so much fun! So our sweet, little independent Gracie is really starting to give us a run for our money. People have warned us that sometimes when you bring home a new baby, the older child tends to regress a little. I didn't think my Gracie would do such a thing, but believe me, she did. She's been potty trained for a while now and all of a sudden she's coming to us with wet pants, not smelly-cross your fingers, and telling us in her innocent little voice, "Um, mommy. Actually, I guess that I just didn't make it to the bathroom in time." She's done this almost every day for the last little while. Then, about a week ago, my niece Callie came over and my mom and I were admiring her cute hair cut. About 2 minutes later, Gracie comes to me and says, "Um, mommy. Probly I just wanted a cute hair cut like Callies." At first I thought she was wanting me to cut it, but no, she did it herself! How wonderful huh! She is such a big helper. I got really mad at her and and sent her to her room in time out. Then I really overreacted and told her now her hair was ugly and that she looks like a boy. I know, not the best thing to say but I'm not a perfect mom. I guess she could have done a worse job but it seriously made me depressed for a few days. Later my niece Camille came over and had heard what she did. Camille asked to see her hair and Gracie started bawling and said, "No, its so ugly." Then as I was getting her ready for bed I told her to get her PJs on and she asked me, "Do I have to wear boy's pajamas now?" Too cute. :)

Happy 4th!

Dan and Gracie are at church and the babies are asleep. I know I should be taking advantage of this time and sleeping as well, but when I get the itch to update, I do it! The fourth of July was so much fun. Non-stop partying! Well, Reece, Violet, and I started the celebration at about 12:30 that morning. My original due date with the twins was the 4th of July and I think they new it. They wanted to play all night long because they thought it was supposed to be their birthday party. :) Finally at about 5:15 that morning they decided that they were pooped and fell asleep. I just started to doze off on the couch when the traditional bombs went off at 5:30 alerting the entire town that the celebrations were about to begin. Then soon after the fire trucks started to blare their sirens up and down the streets. I think our street was their favorite to drive on. :) It was so cute. I knew it would probably wake up Gracie and sure enough, I hear this "Moooommmmyyy, What is that noise?!" Dan woke up and I got Gracie ready to ride on the fire truck in the parade. I loaded up the babies and we headed over to watch, but first picking up my dad on the way. I love that the only thing patriotic Dan could find to wear was a USC shirt and hat. Close enough I guess. :)


The babies zonked out from our all nighter.


I think 90% of the people on this truck is family. :)


Family waiting for the parade.


My mom, niece Rachel and her boy Cooper on Grandma's pimped out golf cart. If you ever hear a strange horn going off, its her coming down the road. The little boy sitting between them was riding his bike and couldn't keep up so my mom stopped the parade and loaded him up with them. Cute little guy!


In my family, you can never leave your camera alone, or you will get surprises like this. Nice Chad!


Later that morning I came home to catch up on some sleep while my mom came and played with the babies. Dan and some of the guys took off with Chad's new boat and headed to the lake. They had so much fun and met up with the rest of the family later that evening at my dad's farm for a cookout, swimming, and fourwheeling. We had a blast out there and the food was delish with Uncle Wick and Reagan in charge of the grill.

Bombs away! Lillie, Lexie and Haley jumping off the dock just so I could get a picture. Thanks girlies!


The little kids were so entertained with throwing rocks off the hill.


Just chilling under the ramada that my dad built.


Before Dan met up with us, Gracie kept asking me to take her swimming in the "dirty water" as she was calling it. I finally convinced her that she needed to wait for dad to take her. Thanks Dan! The grass that was growing in the pond was tickling her legs and she didn't really like it. She told me later that she didn't like to swim in the tickly water because it smells like poop.



View from the top of the hill. So beautiful!


Me, crazy aunt Sarah, and the babies in their 4th of July outfits, (thanks aunt Amy).


Me and my honey headed for a little ride. Woohoo!

Just bear with me...

Okay, I'm totally one of those moms. Make all the fun you want. Yes I do like to take pictures of my girls and no I can't decide on one that I like best so I have to post all of them! :) My mom would always comment that a grown person can lift their hand and touch their face and its nothing big; but when a baby does it we have to make the biggest deal out of it. "How cute! Look she's touching her nose!" All you moms know what I mean! :)
My mom and sister bought the girls these little outfits and Lisa made the bows.
























































I love monsoon weather. Last Sunday it rained for quite a while. Gracie loved it and it was the perfect temperature later that evening for a walk with the girls.




Gracie has the best dad. I can't tell who is having more fun running through the sprinklers. ??? :)



More pictures of the babies.

Reece


Violet