The Montaño Family

Sevy's photo shoot...

2012-01-27T15:43:00.005-07:00

These pics were taken a few weeks back and look how much she has changed! She is 9weeks old, weighs in at 8 lbs 14 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long. Can't believe how fast she is growing!

She's a Montaño, look at those BIG eyes...

She's a Montaño, look at those BIG toes...

Thanks Jennie, as always, you did a FANTASTIC job!

Love Song Baby...

2012-01-14T10:52:00.004-07:00

Go to the bottom of my blog, pause my music and then play this. You know when you get a song stuck in your head and it just won't leave? Well, thank you Selena Gomez cuz we can't get this song outta our heads!

Merry Christmas Everyone...

2011-12-14T19:40:00.005-07:00

Sevy Ann Montano...

2011-12-08T12:55:00.004-07:00

Came 2 weeks early. She was born Nov 26th, 2011 at 10:54 am. She weighed in at 5lbs 13 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. We were all very excited to meet her since we didn't know if this little baby was going to be a girl or a boy!

Grandma San came up to help with the kids and relieve our dear friend Angie who spent the night at our house while we were at the hospital. Thank you so much Ang and San!

She is never in need of attention...

My dear friend Jennie came and snapped some photos of her the other day...

Thank you Jennie! I love them all, here are just a few!

We are so happy she is here and is a healthy and so far happy little girl!

Piano Recital...

2011-11-21T13:40:00.004-07:00

This past Saturday Marin had her first ever piano recital, and she was pretty nervous...

She did a great job and we are so proud of her!!

1st grade Thanksgiving Play...

2011-11-21T13:36:00.002-07:00

All the first grade classes put on a big Thanksgiving Play and Jace was so excited for it!

It was so fun to watch him perform his lines! Great Job Jacer!!

Baptism...

2011-10-11T09:15:00.003-06:00

Saturday, October 8th, 2011 was Marin Lee Montaño's baptism...

It was a very sweet and special day. She had a lot of support from family on both sides...(all of Matt's family drove up that morning from Ogden- a 2 hour drive and the baptism started at 9am! And Grandpa Rice and Uncle Scott left Missouri at 8am Friday morning to get in Saturday at 7:30am, just in time!) We love and truly appreciate all our family!

We were all very excited for her and proud of her...

We love you Marin and the choices you are making!!

Marin's birthday...

2011-10-04T14:00:00.002-06:00

On September 4th Marin turned 8... where has time gone? My girl is 8!

Her birthday was on a Sunday so we opened presents first thing before church...

And I took like 3 pictures and Matt only took video so this is all the documentation I have!!

This one kept thinking the presents were for her, since she'd just been celebrated 2 days before...

We were so happy Uncle Lee and the girls could come up along with Grandma and Graycee. We've never lived close enough to family to have them over for birthdays, so it really made Marin's birthday extra special!

Adele - Someone like you (OFFICIAL VIDEO LYRICS) HD Live from Brit Award...

2011-09-15T16:21:00.001-06:00

I must be pregnant... watched this and cried........ stinking hormones, but I do LOVE Adele!

Birthday Girly...

2011-09-07T16:44:00.004-06:00

On Sept. 2nd Macey turned 3!!

She wanted a "Purple Birthday Party", so that's what she got. We had such a fun afternoon making her purple cupcakes...

Which Mace helped decorate! She was THRILLED with them!

She was so excited for her birthday...

Infact, we had to do the sing/blow out the candles at least 2 or 3 times!!

Happy Birthday Macey!!

First day of school...

2011-09-07T16:30:00.003-06:00

First day of first grade...

First day of second grade...

First day of Macey and mom all alone, ALL day... :)

Potters Pond...

2011-09-07T12:22:00.005-06:00

So this August we went camping with the Rice's up Fairview Canyon to a place called Potters Pond. It was a much needed rest (can camping be called rest?!? soooo much work isn't it?!) and a good time with family.

Setting up camp...

Uncle Craig had been home for almost 2 weeks from his mission and boy are we glad he's back!

Grandma and Grandpa brought the horses...

And the canoe for some fishing. At first Marin, Jace and Macey were VERY afraid of how tipsy it was, but soon got used to it and loved going out fishing in it...

There were lots of gophers around and so gopher hunting was a fun adventure...

Target practice was also a fave...

This is Macey's true love Stormy. She kept telling Matt to "get off Daddy." It was pretty cute!

Marin on Callie the pony...

And Jace riding his favorite horse Little Guy...

While the kids fished Macey liked catching dragon flies... yes, she actually picked them up!

And they did catch fish and ate them that night. Fried em up on the fire... It was a fun trip!

He's Home!

2011-07-25T09:14:00.006-06:00

So I didn't remember to pull my camera out very often which makes me sad, but I caught a few memories of this special couple of days...

At the International Terminal waiting for Elder Rice to come out of customs...

Returning with Honor...Elder Rice from the Seoul, South Korea mission

Helping to make Homecoming Treats!!!

This little girl just really loves her "Papa"...

Wish I would have taken the time to take pictures with all the family and friends that came and supported you Craig. Here's Rhys, Craig, Aaron and Ben...

Beautiful Analisa...

And Chris and Jared. It was so great that the Leonhardt "boys" could be out from Wisconsin! Welcome Home Elder Rice!

May...

2011-06-21T15:59:00.006-06:00

May basically went like this: Mother's Day, Moab, Recital, End of School, Memorial wknd...

It all went so fast they all seem like a lifetime away but really, it was just a month ago!

Marin's dance recital is something she looks forward to all year long. She loves to dance and she loves her friends!

This little sister just can't wait till recital is all about her...

We had great support at the recital like always. Grandparents from Salem and North Ogden came and Uncle Scott, just before he headed off to Fort Leonardwood.

Last Day of Kindergarten. Jace loved his class, teacher and especially being able see some of his best friends everyday!

For Memorial Weekend we headed to Jackson Hole and saw some wildlife...

And hit the Alpine slides. This was Marin's first year to do it alone...

Not exactly a success. Sorry sis, you have inherited your mother's wussyness...

But Jace and Macey seemed to love it!

I kept hearing Jace yell, "Faster, Faster!" I don't think they could have...

Macey was a fan!

So thankfully the next few attempts had much better results...

SUCCESS!

Moab in May...

2011-06-21T15:04:00.007-06:00

In May we headed to Moab with a bunch of Matt's family. It was so fun, words can't even express. We LOVE this place and it is for sure going to be an annual trip!

On our way to Double O Arch...

Ryan and Jace getting ready for some serious hiking...

We have the best cousins: Regan, Maya, Abbie and Graycee all helped the younger kids with out even being asked...

It was a bit windy on this day, so we had to hold some of the smaller kids from flying away off the ledges (aka Jace, not an ounce of fat on this kid!)

We made it! We also brought our two nieces Havi and Teah whose mom was just about ready to have baby #4, infact, she had her the day we got back~

Most of the crew!

Melissa, Matt, San, Amy, Michelle and Leisel...

What do we love about Moab? The Food (Pasta Jay's is on my alltime fave list!), the family memories and just how tired we get at the end of every day! It's fantastic!

And yes, a restaurant really will sit this many people....

Plus all these, together!

Before heading out, we decided to get in one more hike...

Double Trouble...

This was a high and hard spot to get to, but they made it!

This was taken right after that last picture, Havi was NOT happy about not being able to make it up there...

This boy was our Spiderman. No height or slickrock intimidated him!It was a much needed trip. So much fun, so much to remember and so much I didn't even touch on, but you get the idea.

A little Early...

2011-04-05T10:01:00.002-06:00

So I know it's a bit early, but this kid had been in South Korea since July of 2009...

and I think everyone in this family is ready for him to return!! Being at my parents house this past week really got me excited for Craig to be home. He'll be attending USU (oh yeah!) this fall and we are just ready to have him around!

Band of Brothers... what more can be said?!?

Spring Break at the Rices...

2011-04-05T09:27:00.007-06:00

For Spring Break we took a much needed trip to the Rice Farm!

Marin and Jace and their cousins Callie and Ada...

Uncle Scott reading stories...

Grpa letting Jace use the blow torch to start the fireplace...

He absolutely LOVED this job!

Getting ready to play...

Helping Grma heard all the horses down from the top field so we can go riding...

Spring time... at least that means summer is coming and mud will soon be gone :)

My sister Melinda with her 2.5 kids (she's due in August) made the trip from Wisconsin to Utah for a nice visit...

Macey's first solo experience, and she loved it!

Macey and Marin sharing Callie... this is pre-runaway pony causing Marin to fall off and kind of ruin her horse riding experience this time. But she'll back right back on next time!

Grandma and Ada on Little Guy (yes, that's the horses name... talk to my mom!)

Our beautiful Aunt Candela letting the kiddos play with Joshua...

Everyone loves uncle Scott...

And we're excited for him. This summer he'll be stationed in Missouri and New Mexico!

We love spending time with our newest nephew Joshua!

And we LOVE Hamilton, especially when grma puts him in his kennel inside!

My mom's new entertainment center. She's using a blue stain, I think it's going to look fantastic!

Our new obsession... We just can't get enough!!

I love that my mom always has fresh potted plants inside... makes everything feel more springy!

Jace is 6!!!

2011-03-17T22:19:00.006-06:00

Our Jace is 6-years-old today. I just can't believe how fast time is flying! My kids are getting so big!

He said he wanted a cheesecake for his cake this year. After I had made the cake and he asked to lick the spatula, he informed me he doesn't like cheesecake! Good thing we had cupcakes earlier for his kindergarten class!

First thing after he woke up he got to open a present before school...

And he was pretty happy with it!

His facial expressions pretty much tell the rest of the story...

This kid has lost more Jazz and BYU hats than I care to remember... Let's hope these can last!

I don't know who was more excited about the golf clubs... (yes I do!)

Practice started right away...

Happy Birthday Jace and Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Randomness... What else do you do in February???

2011-03-03T11:15:00.003-07:00

We've been makeing snow flakes and changing into different dress up outfits about 500 times a day...
We've been doing some more little house projects (will be forever!)

Bugging our older sister by ALWAYS wearing her stuff.. And just trying to have fun while we impatiently wait for spring/summer (or whatever... just warm weather!!)

Our Dancing/Singing Queen...

2011-02-15T13:29:00.005-07:00

I wish I could get a video of what she is truely like. Macey just loves to sing and knows a surprising amount of lyrics... In the car and at home I usually have music on somewhere and so she knows just about all the words to every song I've ever had on the blog. It cracks us up!!! Ok ok, realistically, she can't pronounce all those words, but she knows the tunes well enough that we all know what song she's singing too... she gives Rihanna run for her money in "Love the way you lie", Just so ya know!

Why is it little girls like- no, I take that back, LOVE to dance? Especially, when they have a mom who never took dance, never really liked (or disliked) dance, never really had an opinion on it until now that I have girls who seem to always be danceing... don't know how I feel about it................................

Morocco!

2011-01-12T15:35:00.013-07:00

So my youngest sister Tracy is living in Morocco for a year teaching english to french speakers (yes she's fluent in french) and invited my other sister Teresa and I out for a visit.

Just moments off the airplane and into our taxi in Rabat, Morocco! Don't stop signs look so much cooler in Arabic? Oh, and they're optional here!

From inside our taxi, yes, we are driving down the center of BOTH lanes! Quite common :)

Our taxi driver dropping us off at Tracy's school...

Then we went straight to Amal's apartment, she works in administration at Tracy's school where she cooked us couscous!

They do not use ovens here, so everything is cooked in a pressure cooker, so VERY tender.

Inside Trace's apartment!

Outside her front door... I love documentation, sorry Trace!

Then the next day was Tracy's day off so we hit the train and went to a city called Fez. It's a touristy place and it was awesome!

The butcher shop in the Fez medina (aka old city)

Our hotel in Fez. Not even close to 2 star! But it was fun. Three beds! And of course the bathroom is a communal down the hall:)

They have orange trees in Morocco...

This is some traditional men attire. It's also very common to see men holding hands as they talk and walk down the street. They are a lot more touchy feely there with eachother.

On the rooftop of our hotel in Fez...

This gentelman let us in the Jewish cemetary and museum...

These are called Tagines... they cook with these alot, like crock pots!

Inside the Jewish museum, it was just filled with a ton of amazing things... no pictures will do justice!

Something like this in the Jewish musuem just made me laugh... I guess if it was ever owned by a Jewish person, it made it into the museum!

This guy went up and down the tiny Medina streets all day long makeing deliveries...

Kids playing in the street... On either side are apartments...

Some fancy place the King of Morocco stays in when he visits Fez...

The rooftop of Tracy's school...

The Medina market place in Rabat. This is where Tracy lives, right outside her door basically and where she does most her grocery shopping.

Fresh Produce...

Olives and dates and figs are numerous...

And you can't get fresher meat! You pick the chicken you want and they chop off it's head and pluck out the feathers for you right infront of your face in just a few minutes!

Fresh sea food, Eels for example...

Or stingrays....

Or a bit of shark if that's what you'd like?!?!?!:)

I tried to get pictures of women who wore the full burka as unnoticeable as possible... Not many women wear it, but there were some, especially older women.

'Tour of Tracy's apartment, Her sleeping quarters...

Her itsy bitsy bathroom with no hot water... So we showered at the humases or public showers. Hot water, but let's not talk about sanitation!

Her kitchen...

These were the appetizers at about every restaurant, pickled olives with pits!

Outside the Mosoleum...

HENNA! Some dye you pay street women to draw on you and it lasts about a week.

The Great Mosque in Casablanca. The 3rd largest in the world...

This guys was in the Oudeya of Rabat and of course wanted some money after I snapped his pic!

The Chellah (shellah). Ancient Roman ruins near Rabat. About a 45 minute walk from Tracy's apartment. Since neither Teresa or I speak French of Arabic and not many people there speak English, we got to walk most places we were going with out Tracy, even taxi drivers couldn't understand us!

One of the teachers Tracy works with invited us to dinner at her house and these were her children and niece. So, a typical dinner invite in Morocco: 5:30pm, show up and eat some appetizers of nuts, cookies, chips and tea. Then, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, until about 9pm, then you sit down and eat dinner. Then, you talk, talk, talk, some more and head home around midnight! Very friendly people...

The trick to getting your kids to bed? Starve them till 9pm, then fill them up till they about burst, then make them listen as all the adults talk in a strange language, they'll be out instantly!

Boder (also a teacher at the school), Brandi (Tracy's American Roomie who ROX!) and Tracy planning their next adventure into the desert once the term ends...

I have never been so happy to see the USA, even just from the plane window! We're about to land in JFK after being stranded in Morocco 3 extra days due to the terrible snow storms in Europe. It was an amazing trip. I love that I got to go. Thank u to all my friends who watched kids for me while I was gone and mostly to Matt for encouraging me to go. It was a trip I will not soon forget!!

Getting in touch with our feminine side....

2011-01-06T18:57:00.005-07:00

When Nolan Turner came to play the other day, I went to check on him and Macey and this is what I found:

First we get the hair wet...

then we style...

And have so much fun while doing so!

And then we take turns...

That gives new meaning to hair straightening...

Brush...

And style!

THANK YOU Friends and Family...

2011-01-03T11:03:00.003-07:00

I loved getting ALL your Christmas cards this year! I slacked and just couldn't get them done before I left for Morocco and by the time I got home, well, it was a little late! Anyway, I hope you all had wonderful holidays and I love getting your cards and letters, LOVE IT! Thanks again everyone, your families are beautiful and life looks like it's treating everyone pretty well!

Now, need a little feel good flick? Check this one out:

Christmas Tree Adventure...

2010-12-06T10:16:00.010-07:00

The Turner Family invited us along to head up Kelly Canyon and cut down our own Christmas tree this year. So we packed our families together (which included 7 kids) and headed on up!

We were are pretty excited. We parked at the ski lodge and were told to hike till you found the tree you wanted... sounds pretty simple right?.....

First, this little girl really thought she should walk the whole way (can I just say BABY steps!) and wouldNOT wear her gloves... hence her hands in the pocket, which, by the way, make her baby steps even smaller...

This is Lisa Turner and yes, that is a 5 month old baby she carried ALL day!!

Macey and Austin...

There we go!

Why kids love eating snow I'll never know, but it's a good thing. We took off about noon on this hike and didn't get back till 5... so it's a good thing they had something to snack on and hydrate them at the same time!

Still walking. A little further than we had anticipated...

Macey and her good friend Nolan...

Baby Bennett... AKA ROCKSTAR! This kid did not make a peep the whole time... oh, except for the time I told Macey to stop throwing snow at Lisa and so she threw it right in Bennett's face instead, but otherwise... nothing!!

Hiking to find a tree off the trail...

Right before the snow in the face incident!

Wanting to hike up to took for a tree with his Daddy...

There they are! Unfortunately, this hike didn't get us a tree. Do you see how high that snow is? You sink wast deep with every step!

So Matt decided he was going to see if the truck could make it up the trail and head to the top to turn around and look for trees...

The rest of us waited and prayed he'd make it back and not get stuck! Which he finally did! So Jeremy and Matt (and Macey somehow got in there!) headed up to look for trees while the kids...

rested from their long walk by making snow forts! (Whatever entertains, right?!)

Jacer!

Austin!

Lisa and I finally decided they must have gotten stuck somewhere, so we headed back to the ski logde and boy were we happy to get there! There was a fire and it was just nice to get back inside someplace warm for a bit!

And not too long after us, the guys made it down with 2 trees! I'd been seriously thinking the worst. That they were stuck up there and they'd come walking down and the whole day just woulda been a bust... but nope, Matt and Jeremy pulled it off and we were SO grateful!

Best part of it all was on the ride home, Marin says, "This will be a day I will never forget!"

Mission Accomplished!!

We loveingly refer to it as our "Charlie Brown Christmas bush", but we love it! It took a lot of work to get this baby but well worth it! :)

Why............................

2010-11-15T13:40:00.003-07:00

So I thought she was "taking care of some business" in the other room... guess not the kind of "business" I was thinking of!

after I took this she says, "tute pictcher" = cute picture!

Halloween....

2010-11-05T19:47:00.005-06:00

Oh the Halloween festivities. So this year Jace was Darth Vader...

Marin was An American Idol Rock Star...

We had a primary carnival and the face painting and games were so fun!

Gotta brag, the YW were in charge of the face painting, go girls!

We LOVE, no, our kids LOVE carving pumpkins...

Chad Barker's impressive getup at the carnival...

LOVED this!

Our neighbor Shelby trick or treating...

We had Grandma San's annual Halloween party...

Oh yes, and Macey HATED her costume... we were lucky to get this picture!

Lady Gaga and Cave Man, yeah!

Queen of Hearts and the cutest little witch...

Grandma's party is always FULL of fun games and we just love this tradition, thanks grandma!

Macey might have hated dressing up, but she LOVED getting "cawni" from everyone she met. Halloween with kids this age is actually becoming one of my favorites. I love how excited they are to dress up. Who knew a holiday I used to think we could do with out is actually becoming a favorite?!?!

New Sleep Remedy...

2010-10-26T09:44:00.003-06:00

Having trouble sleeping? Try this!

It's Back...

2010-10-22T12:34:00.004-06:00

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate at Maverick. It's sooo good. I'm drinking one right now... yummmmmmm!

I feel it my human responsibility...

2010-10-21T09:56:00.003-06:00

To let you all know about a product that works the way it says it will work. Now, we all do this. Whether we want to admit it or not. Whether we stay home, have a job, are women or mothers or single bachelors. Some do it more than others, but the point is, at one time or another, we all have to mop. Some like it, some hate it. But it just comes with the territory of being human and living in spaces. So give this wonderful new mop a try. It's a spray mop that actually sprays and the microfiber scrub clothe is awesome. I did have to put some elbow grease action in, but it took off a spill of spaghetti sauce that had been sitting under the table for two days (no, I don't mop my floors every day like every other mother in America, I know...shocker!) . The swivel head let me get into every crevasse and angle possibly needed. Anyway, here's my shout out for the new Rubbermaid Reveal Mop. Give it a try and you will be so happily surprised!

Portland!

2010-10-13T11:53:00.015-06:00

This Past weekend we headed to Portland, OR to see Aunt Teresa and Uncle Josh. It was an 11 hour drive (one way!) but so totally worth it! We crammed a lot into 2 days so here is just a little recap of our adventure:

We started out at 6:30 am and stopped in Twin Falls at a the Perrine Bridge...

We had a quick breakfast and got some wiggles out...

and were off again...

For lunch we stopped at a rest area in Ontario, gateway city of Oregon. We were VERY happy to get out and stretch and run for an hour...

Look, already it's so much greener than in Idaho!

We finally made it that evening! Josh and Teresa have done A TON of renovating on this place and it looks fantastic! They even painted the outside and I'm seriously considering stealing this color...

There was so much foliage and greenery and plants... we did a lot of walking around the city and there was just so much to see... We also LOVED all the big spider webs and spiders!

We hit the coast at a place called Cannon Beach. It was windy but it didn't rain and it's just gorgeous!

We had a lot of fun at the beach...

Well, some of us did... Macey hated about every minute of it. She hated the wind (sorry you live in SEastern Idaho babe!) DID NOT like the ice cold water or sand... She was ready to leave pretty much the second we got there!

These TWO loved it! They didn't even wait to change into shorts before hitting the water, which yes, a bit later they were FREEZING!

Just outside of Portland is a place you may know if you watch TLC's Little People Big World. We had to stop and check out their pumpkin patch...

I LOVED getting a picture with Mr. Matt Roloff! We're fans!!

They had a lot to do at the Roloff Farm, even had a baby tiger and lion at one end in cages you could see...

Now that is a pumpkin patch!

While walking around Portland we hit the Rose Gardens...

They were beautiful, just look what a little water can do!?!

Of course right next to this sign is a sign saying there is a $600.00 fine for picking the roses... I turn around and what does Miss Macey have in her hand? A big beautiful pink rose! We put it back, so please don't tell!

We climbed on a lot of bridges. This is an extremely old and VERY high one. I had vertigo every time I looked over the edge and just about had an anxiety attack every time Jace jumped to "get a better look"! The height didn't seem to bother some...

These are out of order... Farmers market again... she fit right in!

Saturday Farmer's Market in downtown. Rain does not deter anyone around here.

Just look at that produce! We had some salsa that night with some of it and it was delicious.

The Rose Gardens...

The infrastructure in Portland is awesome! There are MANY bridges and I think we stopped at quite a few of them.

This place was called The Saturday Market. It's like a flea market, Marin had a BALL spending her money getting little trinkets and bracelets...

We were so unprepared for this type of weather. We only have hoodies, no rain coats or rain boots... next time we will be better prepared, and we'll bring more than 2 umbrellas!

About 30 miles out of Portland is Multnomah Falls. It was pouring but it was just beautiful!! And do they know how to make steamers in Oregon or what?!?! I had some of the best I have ever had in my life there. I had one at a little shop here in town the other day and it did not even compare, serisouly!!!!!

We had such a blast. Thank U Josh and Teresa for having us stay and spending the weekend with us. We are still talking about that pie, Josh, for real!!!! We Love Portland!

Blast from the Past...

2010-09-28T16:03:00.005-06:00

Want to be 7 years old again? Make these, and you'll be immediately transported!

Peanut Butter Cookies
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and PB together. Add rest of ingredients and mix well. Cover and chill dough if you have time, otherwise: shape dough into 1 inch balls, roll in more sugar and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten by criss crossing with tines of a fork. Bake at 375 degrees 7-9 mins. If using a convection oven, 6 mins is perfect and if also using a silpat underneath, 6 1/2 will do it the trick. Enjoy!

Miss Macey...

2010-09-28T15:54:00.005-06:00

Her newest thing: Smiling with a very scrunched up face while knowing she's probably in trouble...

CASE #1

hiding the spray bottle in the laundry room. Looks like she's doing her barbies hair,

really, pouring water all over the floor!

CASE #2
(Can u just hear her saying cheese?).... Looks like she's just wearing brothers clothes...

really, unfolding a WHOLE basket of laundry to GET to brother's clothes. Also a new fav of her's, wearing Jace's shirts and sometimes pants.

tell me why...

2010-09-21T16:17:00.003-06:00

Why do I do this to myself? Continually? I know what the consequence will be, but does that stop me, NO! I continue to read read read way into the wee late hours of the night, or actually, officially, the early hours of the next morning only to be SO tired the next day I am almost completely worthless as a human being, much less a mother and so the question remains... why do I continue to do this behavior? Now, it's not every night, not even once a week, but once every few months I get on a kick and just get into a book and READ knowing I will regret this decision the next day, but still, I do not change! AAHHHHHHHHHHH.... today is the longest day, I have YW's tonight and I am so freaking tired...................................

Another Happy Day...

2010-09-08T10:24:00.002-06:00

Sept. 4th Marin turned 7 years old! She got to spend the day playing with cousins and being with grandma down in Utah and then she had her birthday dinner down at Maddoux, which, I don't care where you are from, it's HEAVEN!

Happy Birthday Marin!! We love how happy and helpful you always are.

Since we were gone all day on her birthday, we had to have cake the next day. I still can't believe how many candles are on that cake! Way to go Marini!!

The baby is 2...

2010-09-02T19:55:00.007-06:00

First thing this morning of Sept 2nd Macey opened her first b-day present...

it really was first thing...

Macey San is the big 2 years old...

She loved opening her presents...

Though the new baby is her fav. She hasn't put her down since she opened her!

And it wouldn't be a birthday without your siblings "helping" you play with your new toys...

She didnt' want any cake, just ice cream!

Macey is such a fun little girl. She has her very own distinct personality and we love her so much!

She loves being silly and making us all laugh... While I was uploading these pics she ran up to me shouting, "Mom! Mom!" she thought she was pretty cute wearing Mrs. Potatoe head's glasses.

Summer's Over...

2010-09-02T19:48:00.004-06:00

So school is in and everyone in this household is LOVEING it...

(for all of you who haven't met Marin, this is what she naturally does everytime the camera is brought out...)

First day of First Grade...

First day of Kindergarten...

For YW we met here and made ice cream and somebody was REALLY happy about it!

Tom Cruise on Home Teaching... just watch....

2010-08-19T18:17:00.001-06:00

Stanley

2010-08-12T11:39:00.007-06:00

Stanley, Idaho. One of the most beautiful places!! And camping with your cousins: priceless!

Everyone sayin' "CHEESE!"

Our pyromaniac!!

This one LOVED camping. Even after stepping on a hot coal from the fire and getting a big blister on her heal, she's still a trooper!

Who couldn't kiss this little bug...

Dance Craze...

2010-08-05T11:26:00.003-06:00

After 500 times of hearing this song from the playroom, I had to go and see what was going on!

Havi and Teah, we love having you visit!!

Randomness...

2010-07-29T17:09:00.004-06:00

Our Splash Park...

One of the kids' chores this summer is to water the flowers everyday...

And this is usually what we end up with...

Big hit so far, except for maybe the flowers...

Just some FYI: if you can't find your kids at say Home Depot one night, just look in the HUGE box full of out door patio cushions...

And just because I haven't been taking pictures lately, doesn't mean the camera isn't getting some good use!

He's his Father's son; that's ALL I'm going to say...

Look at how big our puppy is! Not a pup anymore. Jack is officially 1 year old!

Yeah, I have no idea what's going on with those glasses, so whatever...

Camping...

2010-07-11T15:42:00.005-06:00

We have NEVER been camping as a family by ourselves until this last weekend! We went up just passed Swan Valley to some place I don't even know where, and had a great time. Misquitos were out in full force, (Thank the Lord for bug spray... how did earlier settlers survive?!?) but the weather was perfect and it was a fun little get a away...

First thing Jace found as soon as we arrived were old bullet shells which he was very excited about...

He put them in a "special bullet" pile which stayed at camp so that next little boy who goes camping up there can play with them too.

This was on the realization she had to get OUT of the tent...

Putting up camp, so much work for one night, but so worth it...

Getting ready for some 4-wheeling...

Taking a break from riding to go wade in the river...

Jace informed me it was "VERY cold!"

Camping is so much fun! We don't have to worry about not getting dirty, there are animals to see, and time just doesn't seem to matter up in the mountains.

Macey decided she'd had enough of the water and was off...

Dad making whistles from the reeds down by the river...

And so pretty much that's all I heard ALL the way back to camp...

Sisters coming back down the trail...

Macey was VERY excited to feed herself lunch after the long ride...

Marin wanted a picture to show you just how tired she was from our long day of 4-wheeling...

So of course Jace had to as well...

See those two specs? Marin and Jace went on an "adventure!" hike while Mom and Dad took down camp. We saw a deer up there earlier in the morning so they were off to see where it went off to. It was a lot of fun, we so need to do more camping!

On the drive home there was this moose and her baby (behind the brush) so we had to stop and get a look!

And I must say, THANK YOU to Grandma and Grandpa Rice. All of our camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, tables... just about everything we have is thanks to you two! This trip would not have been possible with out everything you've given to us over the years as gifts. We had such a great time, so again, THANK YOU both!

4th of July...

2010-07-11T15:09:00.009-06:00

We started out the day with a bang, hitting the Cherry Day's Parade with grandma and Aunt Leisel...

Marin and Jace take their candy grabbing very seriously, as do their cousins Ryan and Jay!

Macey loved hanging out with Ryan, since she shared ALL her candy with her!

Jace loves the rule you have to eat whatever popsicles you get right away!

Like I said, he really likes this rule!

Happy 4th of July!

Beautiful cousin Dakota (front pink dress) waving as she passed on her float! It was so fun to see Baylee and Regan in the parade as well!! Wished I'd had gotten pics!

Our crazy but loveable cousin Jay! He made the parade fun and entertaining!!

Then it was time for swimming at Aunt Leisel's. Our family loves this tradition.

The kids stay in the pool up until they are forced to get out for fireworks around 9:30pm!

We love adorable, fun cousin Havi...

The hot tub was also a big hit since it was a bit cold this year, I mean 70's rather than 90's! Teah, Ryan, Collin and Jay having a blast...

This girl was loving the food...

But then loved the hot tub, especially the jets!

Like I said, she LOVED the jets!

Thank you Leisel for letting us all come, crash your house and backyard for the afternoon. It rocks and is really one of the funnest family parties we look forward too all year long!

And thanks to Aunt Leisel, we had NO shortage of (illegal) fireworks!

Jacer is a HUGE fan of sparklers, look at this, two at a time!

Cutie patutie Teah...

And Havi, who seems to be in the middle of some great discovery!

Macey, FINALLY warming up to her family. Abby has wanted to hold this girl for so long, and finally she's able to with out a screaming, crying cousin on her lap!

We love Aunt Michelle who also finally got to hold a non screaming niece!

We love the 4th of July!

Wasatch Back...

2010-06-22T09:19:00.005-06:00

All you need to know: 12 member team. Each member runs 3 legs (of varying length and difficulty). 188 miles from Logan to Park City. Lots of running, lots of eating, lots of laughing and very little sleep/resting! Best place in the world to eat after it's all over: Loco Lizard Cantina!!

It is so hard to describe how fun this event really is until you just experience it. We love the Ragnar and everyone on our team who participated. We're missing one from our group in this photo but what a blast it all was! Thank you everyone who made it all possible, even those who couldn't run (Nat, you did so much work, THANK YOU for getting it all organized and together... again!) It sounds horrid and grueling and at times it is, but the memories are so worth the effort... (kind of sounds like child birth?!) It really is something you should all experience!

Team 598 Rockin Runners 2010

CAUTION: too much info...

2010-06-09T13:09:00.007-06:00

So it stopped raining here yesterday long enough for me to decide it was time to clean out what the kids call their "club house" which we've also been using for storage. A few weeks ago a window mysteriously was broken and a few birds got stuck in there and so you can just imagine the disgusting mess. Everything had to be taken out, hosed off, then wiped down, then organized and put back in. But not before sweeping and mopping the grotesque floor! One item will be missing from storage though... Miss Macey found something she just loves! If I ever wonder where she is, I need only wonder a moment! She loves to sit on this, and even though nothing comes out, she makes incredibly appropriate noises while doing her business!! I know, that was too much, but I just had to tell. It is freaking HI-LARIOUS to watch and hear! Why is it you can get away with the grossest things if you're under the age of 5?

READ THIS...

2010-06-06T22:31:00.003-06:00

Ever see the movie Hotel Rwanda? Well, this book is a must read. Fantastically written. True story experience of this Tutsi woman who hid with 7 others for 91 days during this horrific ordeal. I haven't even finished it yet and already I know you will love it. Just take my advice and read it. Read it now! :)

Mesa Falls...

2010-05-30T18:54:00.004-06:00

Since we didn't have any big plans for Memorial weekend, after church this afternoon we headed up to Ashton to look at the falls...

There were quite a few people there so picture ops were scarce!

And who were we lucky enough to run into while we were there? One of Matt's good friend from college! It was so fun to see Jeff and Tami there with their family!! It made the trip most definitely worth it! And what can I say, NO matter where we go, Matt ALWAYS runs into someone he knows... seriously!

dance, dance, dance...

2010-05-24T15:11:00.009-06:00

The best part about Marin's dance class is her year end recital! She has so much fun dancing for everyone two nights in a row and we love watching her have such a good time. We also love all the support we get from family who travel long distances to come and see her routine. It means the world to her and pretty much to us too!:) And for those of you who seemed to have missed the social event of the season (don't get me started on what time we had to show up to get seats!) here's a few pics and video.

Getting ready for the big night...

She's the first green tutu on the left...

Friends who came to watch and others who also performed! Everyone did amazing, though I must say lil miss Halle, that Secret Agent dance may have just been the show stealer!!

New Fav!

2010-05-21T13:02:00.002-06:00

Hello vv brown! This is my new favorite artist and I just had to post the video, so pause my music on the side before you start! This girl is awesome. Vanessa, you are the Jamaican/Puerto Rican amazing singer I see myself as in my dreams! If only dreams REALLY came true!! Enjoy, you'll be singing this ALL day!! We are at our house!

The Graduate...

2010-05-06T20:21:00.006-06:00

It's official! Here is a graduate from the class of 2010 Small World Preschool...

They had a cute program...

And we are so proud of our Jace!!

(yes, I see how his hat is situated... I didn't put it on, it's just how it happened!)

Miss Jackie and Miss Cathy are two of the most wonderful teachers. They are amazing. I have been to 3 preschool graduations in a row now and they do a fantastic job!

A New Kind of Canvas...

2010-04-30T10:44:00.003-06:00

How she didn't poke her eye out with that pen I'll never know!

Ever since she was introduced to scarf's by her older sis, she insists on wearing whatever she can find: shirts, underwear, skirts; whatever she can get her hands on, like this. A fashionista in the making!

Blast from the Past...

2010-04-27T12:51:00.007-06:00

Today while listening to the radio on the way to take kids to and from school I had one of those memory jolting experiences that totally made me go back in time in my mind and relive a certain moment. Don't know how I maneuvered through the stop lights and street signs, cuz I was completely back in time! This song was my theme song for, ironically enough, EFY (especially for youth) back in the summer before my senior year of high school. Me and Shauna, my roomie from Portland, blared this down the dorm room halls of BYU and it solidified our one week friendship! So when this song came on the radio today, I don't know if I've even heard it since then, but I was completely transported to that dorm room, unpacking my clothes and singing this song at the top of my lungs! Now, being as naive and innocent as I was, I did not know what she was referring to and thus, didn't get why half the other girls in our EFY group were whispering,"I can't believe they're playing that!" and we didn't quite mesh very well at first. Well, I've since repented, but the sin was done in total innocence, so does that actually qualify as a sin? Anyway, it's a catchy song, fun tune... Satan knows my weaknesses! :) Enjoy!
http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#touch%20myself/all/1
(push play on the right side)

Just so you know what who the singer is, in case you're wondering!! I know, you're all downloading it now! :)

Swing, Swing, Swing...

2010-04-25T19:35:00.004-06:00

So it's amazing how much fun kids can have with a little bit of rope and some wood. Matt made this rope swing the other day and the kids have been in heaven. Are we just encouraging a broken bone of some sort? I hope not!!

And just some FYI: yes, he climbs that all by himself...

This ones new favorite toy... the tramp. The pure and utter joy!

Jack Attack...

2010-04-24T18:52:00.003-06:00

We love our 10 month old black lab puppy Jack and it has never been so evident as this past week. Thursday on our way home from school I turned the car onto our street and hit a black shadow... which turned out to be Jack! I ran him over and then back over him again (don't ask)! It was terrible. He ended up having bruised lungs, a concussion and maybe a fractured leg, but the vet gave him some anti-inflammatory medication and he's doing a lot better. He is almost back to normal and we are so grateful!

Not to say we didn't have two very upset kids. Marin just kept hysterically crying, "Jack, don't die, don't die!" and Jace through sobs blurted out, "Jack can't die, I want to see what he looks like when he grows up!"

He's getting a lot of attention and some well deserved tender loving care to help him with his recovery.

The hurt leg... mending fast and he can ALMOST run on it again!

Our back gate swung open in the wind (this Idaho wind is FOR REAL!) which is how he came to be in the street in the first place. We're just glad he's going to survive and be around for a long, long time!

how we entertain ourselves...

2010-04-15T21:01:00.004-06:00

Once a nice day hits, you just can't help but wonder why can't the weather be like this year round! ( I know, I know, you say cuz then we wouldn't appreciate it... I'd like to try!)

Don'tcha you just love love?

2010-04-08T15:57:00.007-06:00

So if any of you were ever lucky enough to see the Utah filmed movie Savannah Smiles, you'll recognize this title ("Don'tcha you just love love Alvie?"), but that's another tangent for another day. Today's "don'tcha just love" moment is: Don't you just love it when you go to all the work and pain to be so organized so you won't loose a simple item that you know you will need in a few days or a few weeks, so you must not loose the said item, because of course it's the ONLY copy and there is NO way to get another one. So that's what I did. I reorganized all my messy shelves/drawers that have become the "junk drawers" (most people have one, I happen to have a few...). I painstakingly went through every item, sorting, decluttering, ORGANIZING! Well, today was the day I needed this beloved item, and because I had gone through and reorganized (aka MOVED) everything, I couldn't find it! Not for the life of me! It was so frustrating and irritating and you name it, I felt it! Anyway, after about an hour or two, I found the desired item (Hallelujah!). So, here's what I think about being so (blankety blank) organized all the time... sometimes it's just plain over rated, cuz when the drawers were cluttered I knew EXACTLY where everything was I wanted! Just some food for thought... also, don'tcha just love spring in Idaho ( the never ending howl of the wind is so soothing, don'tcha think?!?!?!????)

Happy Birthday, Jacer!

2010-03-18T14:45:00.009-06:00

Our Jace turned 5!! He not only gets to celebrate his birthday, but St. Patrick's day as well...

Jace is a special boy. He is so caring and thoughtful to his family. He loves jokes and prankes and macaroni and cheese! His sisters love him and are so lucky to have him as their brother...

little FYI: Mace would NOT sit down for a picture, so I starting take pics of Marin and Jace until she decided she wanted to join... all on her own terms baby!! The first picture was the last to get taken !!

Jace got to have his first ever birthday party. He had a blast and thank you too all who were apart of it. He had such a terrific time...

For his party Jace had games, treats and more games! And don't forget the leprechaun treasure hunt!

Jace isn't a big "cake" fan, so we had him blow his candles out atop his left over party cupcakes!

Someone was pretty excited to get the red Darth Vader light saber...

And pretty stoked about a scooter!

(Future GQ cover shot!) ha ha ha

Macey really enjoyed his remote control 4-wheeler. This is how she spent the entire evening.

We love you Jace and hope you had a great birthday!

Top o' the mornin' to ya...

2010-02-28T20:27:00.002-07:00

After a long day of braided piggy tails... There are no words :)

Love the twinkle in this kids eyes when he smiles...

Her new fav play place; yes, that would be the dryer... I don't know how this came to be!

3 snug bugs in a rug! We loved watching the Olympics every night. Loved cheering for our favorite teams and individuals, and man, doesn't it make you just want to go to Vancouver?!

HAPPY VALENTINES...

2010-02-15T14:02:00.003-07:00

Somebody absolutely LOVES Swedish Fish...

They learn so young...

2010-02-02T09:41:00.006-07:00

Like Father, like daughter!

This is of course directly after the phone is taken away...

Hip Hip Hooray for the 100th day! They made these hats at Marin's kindergarten family school night.

So I hear this noise from the other room, walk in and this is what I find. Macey, just so you know, LOVES, no, HEARTS the phone. Any phone. Cell phone, land line, whatever. Well, except for play phones of course. That would be too simple! I usually keep my cell out of reach, but today she managed to snag it!

Style Sense (or lack thereof)

2010-01-27T15:19:00.006-07:00

So today my six year old explained to me she was "decorating". Guess my lack of maternal decorating instinct has been bothering her! This is what I found...

Now, not that I've been totally slacking. I have been using my time to tear out every single piece of drawer and shelf liner installed in the kitchen and every bathroom of this house. My raw fingers are the proof. I also have been painting all the hardware in the master bath and

main bath black...

And installing new door knobs for a few of the doors. So I'm not a total decorating slacker... but kind of! :) Yes the majority of my walls are bare, but I'm starting to care enough to start working on it! I'm just realizing I don't have a sense of style. ( Shocker I know! whatever, you've all seen how I dress!) I see something and I either like it or don't like it. You can't say I'm a "modern contemporary" or a "french country"... I'm a little of everything so that's how this house is going to (hopefully) look one day! Now, WHY did I not get black hardware for the kitchen cabinets when we replaced the hardware last fall? Because, I'm still evolving and realizing what I do and don't like!

Guess that's the next painting project (sniff sniff!!)

Just to keep things going...

2010-01-22T10:52:00.005-07:00

These guys really make me happy. Even though I complain WAY to much ( Why won't you pick up your stuff? Why won't you use a tissue? Why do you guys always have to fight?!)... they are the best kids!

Look at this puppy/almostadog!! We love Jack and he's getting to be such a good boy!!

It's a time when I really have nothing knew to post. Lots has been going on, but not really anything unusual or blog worthy... but I hate nothing knew to post... So, while it is SNOWING here (again, and expected to keep snowing for days to come) I thought I'd put up something cute!

The Pure Joy...

2010-01-12T15:54:00.003-07:00

Of learning to feed yourself!

A MUST SEE...

2010-01-03T17:24:00.004-07:00

The Helmuth Hubener Story

I watched this last night and loved it. It's a very interesting, true story about a 17 year old LDS boy living in Nazi Germany during World War II and his passive resistance movement. You can get it at Deseret Book, maybe even at the library. It was done in 2002 and just fantastic!

New Years Eve....

2010-01-01T11:47:00.006-07:00

One of the best New Years we have had in a long time! Macey was in bed by 8 and it was fun to have Matt's mom up here and play games, eat ridiculous amounts of food and watch more movies in one night than I've seen in an entire month! It was great! Happy New Years!!

The Food:

STEAK...

Alaskan King Crab Legs (for those who like that sea food stuff!)

And Pico De Gallo... it is my all time favorite food.... FOREVER!

and don't forget the numerous treats. Oh yeah, the treadmill is gonna hate me monday! :)

The Games:

Bowling is the big fav for Marin while boxing, baseball and tennis are Jace's and golf isn't far behind! Dang it, I just erased the Mario Cart picture! Anyway, Jace is in love with it. Thanks Cannon's for letting us borrow it... guess we all know what he's getting for his birthday!

We have been playing this several times a day since Christmas so we had to play it on New YEars Eve...

And the favorite game of all time for my kids since Marin was 3! They still love it and we still play it!

The Movies:

Ended the night with this baby! So good!! Stayed up until 3am watching it!

Now an ALL TIME fav! How did I miss this one?!?!!!

This was the second movie of the evening... for the kids obvisouly... This was used as the nap movie so we could stay up and ring in the new year and have enough energy to keep up with Harry!!

First doozie of the evening... this was on as the adults were eating so we didn't really have to see any of it! But the kids loved it and since they had to sit throught it, yeah!

Happy 2010...

2010-01-01T11:35:00.006-07:00

What a great year 2009 has been, let's hope 2010 is even better!

If I can't find her, I know now where to look... under the bathroom sink in Marin's room... It's seriously her favorite hide out!?!

Matt celebrated his 33rd birthday way back on December 12th. Happy birthday hun!

With the little snow we have and are getting, the kids absolutely love being pulled around on the sleds and even Jack likes to join in.

This puppy is getting so big... we love him and can't wait to see how big he actually gets!

Giggiling Girlie...

2009-12-10T16:47:00.005-07:00

Macey is such a fun girl. What did we do with out her? Here she is showing off her dad's stylin'

(or not!) glasses...

She could not stop laughing the entire time...

She is so fun. Let's just hope she doesn't really wear glasses like this one day.

And she's finally joined the ranks of the walkers! She can now stand and walk around by herself!! It only took 15 + months, but hey... I am learning it is all in their own individual time frames. And her snaggle tooth, please left front teethe come in soon! I'm so glad she has a sense of humor about all of this!

Getting ready to head out the door for church and I was like wait, let's take a picture...

And Jace was like, "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Cheese Connoisseur...

2009-12-02T13:09:00.005-07:00

A few weeks ago at Costco they were giving out samples of aged cheddar. Matt LOVES aged cheddar, but when he heard it was only aged 18 months, he was very skeptical... but he tasted and he liked it. Compares to the aged cheddar he is used to from Wisconsin. Now hold on, some of you who are new to the whole cheese world. 18 months is really nothing. What my family LOVES is...

Yes, that is 10 year old cheese! Cheese they make, let sit around for 10 years (the words Stinky Cheese take on a whole new meaning! I promise!!) then cut all the mold off of the outside of it and sell it. I just saw it online for $20.00 per pound. Well, my Grandpa Potocnik introduced Matt to this world and he's fallen in love. We even had them ship us some a few years back (that can only be done in the winter, or else the post office will refuse to deliver such smelly packages :)) And now, Matt seems to be passing on the love...

This is him just yesterday, eating 3 year old Boxer cheese from Australia we also were lucky enough to find at Costco on our way down to Utah for Thanksgiving. He honestly loves it. Just like his dad, he eats it with or without a cracker (most people prefer something to help get it down with) and than a big ole sip of ice cold Coke. I can't think of anything grosser personally, but...

He seems to really like it, and whatever makes him happy, well, that makes me happy!

Shear Genius...

2009-12-01T12:46:00.005-07:00

It's been 2 years now since the terrible "I'll cut your hair if you cut mine" fiasco, but they found another way... The picture doesn't do justice... the animals got butched!

This is exactly how they were displayed when I walked in...

These were the accomplice this time...

This is Jace telling me how he will only cut paper with scissors from now on...

This is a total facade... she's milking every second of it... she thought is was hysterical.

Macey loving being outside on a surprisingly warm afternoon... it has been so cold.... she's trying to show Jack not to be afraid of his dog house. That's it's a good, safe and warm place. If only he'd listen.

He's getting bigger every day I swear! He chews on anything and everything left outside, but we love him all the same.

Thanksgiving...

2009-11-29T18:24:00.006-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving at my parent's house and it was so nice to see everyone... The kids always love going on 4-wheeler rides with Grandpa, and yes, that is really how they rode. Jace is bungee cord strapped on the front there!

We are a game playing family and it looks like we're passing the tradition on...

We were so glad Sarah and Ani got to come join in the festivities!!!

And after the grand eventful day, this is how some of us relaxed!!

So Thanksgiving night Matt and I went to New Moon, I thought he'd like it since he liked the first one... but no. TOOOO ssslllooowwwwww he said! But you all know I liked it and I don't want to hear anymore about it Tracy! Yes, so I like sophomoric literature and acting... shoot me! Let me have my one guilty pleasure, please :)

We got home from the movie around midnight and then were up at 4:30am to hit the hustle and bustle of Black Friday.... happy to say we were home by 7am and I think that may be our last Black Friday adventure... I mean the lines.... I'd rather pay full price, get a few less gifts and be done before Thanksgiving I think... but I know, some of you just LOVE it, so yeah, next year I'll be one less person you'll have to deal with... and the horror stories I heard this year... people getting punched in the face or getting run over in the parking lots. Not really my scene! :)

Saturday was Matt's mom Sandra's 64th birthday, Happy Birthday Grandma! We all met up at the Ogden Pizzeria and had a birthday lunch. It was so great. The cousins love getting together!

Jace showing off to Mylie how he can pick Teah up (all 13 lbs of her!)

Jace in awe over Mason and Ayden!

Singing Happy Birthday to Gma!

New Favorite Past time...

2009-11-21T13:17:00.005-07:00

By 11:30a.m. this has already happened 4 times. I know, invest in drawer locks! In the past two days she has broken 3 of my good Williams-Sonoma measuring cups, the ice cream scooper and the garlic press. Se la Vie!!

Sleeping Beauty...

2009-11-20T13:17:00.005-07:00

After a long week of rushing and running around... She couldn't even make it through lunch!

Fun Lil' Weekend...

2009-11-09T15:43:00.009-07:00

We were in Utah this weekend and while there we hit BYU's Monte L. Bean Museum...

I LOVED this place (and the Dino museum, we hit that one too!!) as a kid. We came here a lot and where not much changes... it's a lot of fun. This was Jace's favorite exhibit... the elephant!

They both liked looking at the bears...

And yes that's my son going under the barriers so you won't touch the animals...

Look out, that hippo looks hungry!!

Macey lovin' the crispy oven fries her older siblings claim are just "too spicy!!"

While in UT I also was introduced to some fun music by my awesome sister Tracy. I already knew about Regina Spektor, but never heard her song Samson... Love it!!! New fav, it's on repeat in the car!

And Trace also introduced me to a knew face. Caroline Smith and the Good night Sleeps. LOVE THEM! I have only heard four songs, but "Tying my shoes", "Closing the doors", "Where has Sally gone?" and "Lack of Height" are also new favs. I've got them on constantly in the house!

So if you're looking for some fun new tunes, check them out and let me know what you think.

HaPpY HaLoWeEn!

2009-11-03T15:53:00.007-07:00

The Annual Carving of the Jack-o-lanterns...

Some didn't quite like the messiness...

Carving the perfect pumpkin can also be a little painful...

Other's really don't care too much about the pumpkin carving tradition!

The finished products...

SSSOOOOO ScArY!!!

They even carved their initials in the back so there would be NO MIXING THEM UP!

On our way to the big night at the Ward Trunk or Treat...

Some were more excited for the night then others...

What a fun night!! And they are the BEST candy sharing kids ever!

Grandma's Halloween Party...

2009-10-25T08:07:00.005-06:00

Grandma's Annual Halloween Party is always a big deal at our house. Marin and Jace have been waiting patiently (only asking about once or twice a day!) for weeks for this big night!

Most of the cousins come, dressed up and decked out in their scariest costumes!!

6 week old baby Eden joined in on the fun as a cute little ghost!

We are always so happy to see each other! Macey was a little under the weather so she and I stayed home but Matt took the older two kids and they had a blast!

Grandma has yummy food and treats and LOTS of games! One this year was pin the tail on the cat!

Thank you Grandma! All I have been hearing about all morning is your "AWESOME PARTY!"

My New Favorite Thing...

2009-10-23T12:34:00.004-06:00

Only at Maverik, they have a cinnamon hot chocolate I am in love with. Matt introduced me to it a few weeks ago, and it's my all time fav of the month. And, what a great deal, for the month of October at Mav, all hot drinks, any size are only a buck! Just had to pass it on!

Gardner Village

2009-10-19T17:06:00.007-06:00

This past Saturday we went to Gardner's Village down in SLC with Grandma San...

It was all about Witches!! They were every where in all sorts of different activities!!

We love spending time with Grandma and love how she spoils us all!

Marin and Jace had a blast walking around and seeing all there was to see...

These witches were making "kissing spells"!!

They both got their faces painted and wanted to make sure we could see it...

So here's the close-up!!

This is for Rachel... Christmas in October... Just for you!!

We love spending time with our cousins! A few weekends ago Teah and Havi came up to spend a day and the kids loved it!!! They had so much fun!!

I had to get a picture of the 3 amigas. Saddie, McKinley and Marin... makeup is their favorite thing!!

And this is what Macey does... sucking it all in and learning how to be a girly girl!

It starts... (already!)

2009-10-08T15:56:00.006-06:00

Marin's new favorite thing. Every morning before school she lathers up with lotion, body glitter and lip gloss. NO eye shadow for school, that's the rule!

Look at this, complete with all a girl could need... So Jace runs outside yesterday to inform while I'm getting Macey in the car that Marin is putting on eye shadow and "she doesn't want me to tell you". So, I go inside and Marin rushes by me saying, "let's go Mom!". I tell her to hold on a minute and to look at me. Yup. Bright pink eye shadow slathered all over her lids. So, we had our little (like millionth!) talk about how little girls don't wear makeup to school and bla bla bla. But can I tell you what really bothers me about this little incident? At age 6 she's already scheming and sneaking things! I thought that was a few years down the road. I mean, I remember the clothes and earrings I snuck on the bus so my mom wouldn't see them. Put the stuff on as soon as I got to school and then take it off before I got on the bus to go home. But come on, we're talking kindergarten here folks! AAAH!

We love this little stinker anyway! Keeps life run, right?!

26.2.... The Wait is Over!

2009-10-06T13:08:00.005-06:00

This past weekend the Cannon and Montaño families headed to St George for the 33rd St George Marathon! We stayed in a condo and the kids had a blast!

Then, early Saturday morning Jennie and I ran our little hearts out. We are SO glad to have this behind us. The training all summer got extremely old and tiring, but I know we were so glad to have made it! To have done it! And to NEVER do it again!!

See Jennie's big smile? She's almost done and knows she never has to go through this ridiculous pain ever again!!

We have the best fans! Our families are so wonderful to come and support us. Waiting around for 4 hours just to see a glimpse of us barely running by is a lot to ask.

The mighty finishers! We finished a minute a part. My time was 4:18 (yes, that's 4 hours and 18 minutes for those of you who don't know how long it takes to run 26 miles and change!!) and Jennie 4:19. I was SO SORE right after. I really could barely walk. I hobbled around the rest of Saturday and Sunday and have it solidified in my mind...

my body was not meant to run 26.2 miles. Glad to say I've run two marathons in my life and even gladder to say I'll stay active by running half's, 13.1 miles is so much more enjoyable!! Thanks everyone that cheered us on, took pictures and were always asking how the training was going. The anticipation is over!!!! It's done!! NOW, I can truly relax and enjoy fall, er I guess we're heading straight into winter here in Idaho!

Jennie's brother in law Scott ran the marathon as well. It was his first and he ran in 3 hours and 42 mins. AMAZING! Glad to hear he's joined the "never again" club as well!

My birthday was last Wed. I am in the last of the 20's. I turned 29 on Sept 30th and the kids gave me a birthday bash since Matt had to run to Wyoming... Macey really enjoyed the cake!

Jace and Marin tried to be good all day saying, "Don't whine, it's mom's birthday!" I love my family, they make me feel special and know how to take care of me. Matt even remembered it was my birthday the day BEFORE and went and got me a gift! That is AMAZING and very much appreciated!

We did it...

2009-09-14T15:41:00.005-06:00

The newest member of our family... Jack Blackie (as Marin calls him, it's really just Jack.)

The 3 VERY happy new owners...

This is how he rode the entire way from Grace to Blackfoot! (is that legal?)

Trying to teach him to poop in the field, not the yard... we'll see how this goes, so far, no luck!

Who's happy we have a new puppy?????

The second they roll out of bed in the morning, they are with Jackie Boy!

We are officially dog owners. Matt and the kids went to purchase a puppy Saturday afternoon at the fair, but the dog was honestly sold just minutes before they got there (they actually saw the people leaving with him as they walked in!). Of course that sent Jace and Marin into a crying frenzy and so what did daddy-o do? He thumbed through the paper, made several phone calls and found their new puppy in Grace. They all jumped in the car and rode the hour and a half to get Jack, our new Black Labrador. He is so cute and so loved... Great to have another child the same age as my baby... once I get this guy potty trained to not poop in the yard it will be time to start Macey! (course she won't be going in the yard!!) Macey is still trying to figure out if she likes him or not. She likes him from a distance (when someone is holding her), but not so fond of him when she's on the ground and he can touch her (you all know her DRAMATIC cry with BIG TEARS running down her cheeks!!). We are excited to start this adventure as a family! Wish us luck!!