Our Families Annual Park City Mini-Vacation!

We love our Park City mini-vacations! My parents use their time-share for 7 days to let the grand kids come and party! Alayna was sobbing on our way home saying, "I don't want to leave our vacation house today...I want to stay 5 more days! I love vacations!" We all agree with her, we LOVE our vacations. We really are spoiled. My parents have introduced the BEST way to live. Work hard when you have too, but PLAY more often. We really have been blessed to go to so many vacations. Near or far we love them all. Our kids especially have been conditioned to vacationing. They love all that it entails, swimming, walks, playing tennis, play grounds, stories with Grandma Lou & Papi, having sleep overs with cousins, staying up late, eating yummy food and staying in vacation houses. We truly LOVE vacationing!

Here's the fun when we have no high-chairs! It made for a very messy kitchen and no sitting children. (Alayna is wearing Jake's pj's...we forgot to bring hers! Oops.)

This picture is mainly for Shandra and Krista. (Please read my exasperation in my writing) Every single...every single family vacation they insist on doing and coming up with the most ridiculous competitions. I don't understand why it bugs me so badly, but it does. I'm even a competitive person, but their "lame" games are so silly! This picture is showing that they even at the park came up with an "obstacle course" at the park. It wasn't too much longer when we arrived at the pool and they were doing MORE silly competitions. Now, they tease me and come up with the most ridiculous competitions to simply get me to roll my eyes and say, "Give me a break!" I think the harsh reality is that I am not as fun or talented to do these childish things!! ha ha ha
This picture is to document how Isaac and Jacob spend 90% of their time together...yes, that is fighting over toys. The only thing missing from this picture is the "SQUEAL" from Jacob that inevitably follows each time a toy is taken away. Somehow Isaac manages to get Jake to squeal more than anyone else. Shandra and I truly just laugh at the two of these boys. Jake's the loud feisty one and Isaac is the quiet, "I'm not doing anything wrong!" little guy. But they both know that they are up to trouble. Oh, they will love each other sooner than later!

Every morning we would walk down to the famous Park City park. The kids LOVE the tire swing.

Kennady, Issac and Jake.

This is a picture to remember how my dad "attempted" to hide behind the trees, to scare us all. Even though we knew they were hiding, it was precious to hear the cute little girls giggle like crazy and really believe in the fun of scaring people. Having such a great "Papi" or Grandpa is so key to a healthy development as a child.

The cute Madsen family...Uncle Toddy, Aunt Shanee, Kierra, Conner, Olivia and Isaac.

Logan & Sawyer...this is there typical look...Who are you? And why are you talking to me? You are not my Mom! We love these two handsome little buddies. They are referred to as "The boys" from all the cousins or when they are talked about the kids say, "The one...I think it's Logan...or I think it's Sawyer..." It really is fun to hear the cousins normally guess right, but they really aren't 100% certain who is who! My mom was pointing out specific identical traits of these little guys. She was telling us how identical twins are mirror images of each other. They run swinging the opposite arms, calics on opposite sides of the head, they throw balls with the opposite arm, eat with the opposite arm. One's a lefty the other is a righty! These little guys are so handsome! (Logan is the one with the scrapes...he fell at the swimming pool...sorry little guy!)

Just humor me!

Just humor me for a minute. The crush continues...I must admit this little guy holds a special place in my heart! His chubby legs, arms and kissy cheeks.

Yes, he is blowing me kisses!

And those dimples make it impossible to not just tickle and squeeze him!

He knows how to be so adorable! He has these two calics in the back of his head that forces his hair up into a Mohawk. His dark brown eyes make him just a heart throb. I know, cheesy...but I don't care. He really is the cutest little guy. Thanks again for humoring me! :0)

Our little Climber!

Okay, so here is Jake's newest interest. I has figured out how to climb. He carefully turned over the laundry basket to realize that he could stand on top of it. This is making life more entertaining. He also has grown just to the right height to reach up on the counter and pull things off. He can reach the box of Kleenex and pull them all out. (This is a daily hobby for him!) Hopefully I have wised up and put them up higher! But some how he manages to find that one thing in arms reach. Here goes for baby proofing all over again!

Education Week

Here's to a girls "week" out!

Aunt Shelley, Me, Emily, Mariam (Emily's Mom), Aunt Carol.

Lynette, Emily, Me

Okay, so I took these pictures from Emily's blog! She brought the camera this week. This was a fantastic experience. I was able to attend three full days. I lucked out with the perfect babysitter! Shandra and I coordinated a baby swap. They are going to Disneyland in a few weeks, and I'm going to keep baby Isaac. So, with that being said, she had my kiddos! I really LOVED every minute of it.

Here's to a couple of things...First off, I had a blast staying over two nights with Emily, her mom and her Aunts. Emily and I were able to have a sleepover in a fun grand kid bunk bed room! It was so great to spend TONS of hours together and to talk, talk, talk and talk more! Especially with out our hubbies telling us it was time to go home! Or having to end a conversation because of screaming children. I was shocked we were able to actually have complete thoughts and conversations. It was absolutely wonderful. Thanks to Aunt Carol that let us sleep at her house. It was so kind of her!

Next, I highly enjoyed being spiritually fed, hour after hour. It's amazing how the Spirit teaches you in any class. I learned so many things about myself, weaknesses and strengths. If you read Emily's blog you will know that she and I had very similar feelings. We were taught to read our patriarchal blessings, pray and the Lord will guide us in our path. We were instructed to write down 100 goals! Surprisingly I am on my way. I am realizing that goal setting is a very important thing for me as an individual, mother, wife and daughter of God. Its been fun over the past few days how often I think, "Oh, this is something I must put on my list!" It will be a life-long journey of progressing and becoming more like our Savior. I'm VERY excited about a new way of thinking!

(Emily I put this on for you!!)

I can't leave off the highlight of the week, I got to meet Merrilee Browne Boyack! For those of you who know me, you know I absolutely think the world of her. She is the best speaker and author. She is an advocate for mothers, families and raising children independently. I highly recommend her books and lectures. If I wasn't so "star struck!" I would have had Emily take her picture with me, but I felt like such a dork telling her, "I think your so awesome!" (ha ha ha) I didn't have the nerve to ask for her picture. Oh, well I gathered enough courage and I introduced myself...I even shook her hand (that's huge for me!)

Here is her website info...you can buy her books at any bookstore too...ENJOY...http://www.boyacks.com/Merrilee/index.html

Oh, there are so many great stories, I could go on and on...next year I want you all to join me!

Here's a Shout Out to a very funny man!

If you need to laugh harder and smile more than you have in a long time you must check out Brian Regan. I'm sure you have all heard of him and many of you have been privileged enough to watch his comedy routine. Well, tonight we were some of those lucky thousands of people that got to see him in person at Thanksgiving Point. It honestly was great. My family has watched nearly all of his material that is out there, but tonight he only repeated about two routine's and then a few by request! So we got to laugh super hard at new material. I wish there was a way to quote him in this post...by attempting to use his voice, but it's all his dorky voices and body gestures that just make you smile.

So, here is a shout out to http://www.brianregan.com/!

Something to consider...

(FYI this is NOT my foot!)

So, this post might make you all sick...so sorry in advance. I just simply have had it! I need suggestions to a "miracle" drug, cream or something that will help with cracked heals. I know, nobody likes to discuss feet! But yesterday, I had quite the experience. I had a little crack in my heal that appeared and then over the span of a few hours it grew larger than an inch. I'm serious. I was barely able to walk around, so I was limping not trying to put weight on it. Now, keep in mind I had a pedicure only a few weeks ago, so I do think I keep up with the maintenance of my feet the best I can. So, with that being said, I returned home and Shandra (sorry Shan) she gave me this great idea so I thought. She said, "How about you put super glue on it?" I thought, "Hum..I think I just might try that!" So I hobbled the best I could down stairs to find my super glue. I told Jared what I was doing, and he raised a slight concern about it being an open wound and the possibility of an infection. Well, I was desperate so I really was tuning him out. I glued up my gaping wound and that was that. Within minutes I was saying, "Wow this is amazing!" I explained to Jared how I think I have found my new best friend. So I enjoyed the freedom of pain for about ten minutes. Then just as suddenly as the pain was gone, my foot was overcome with the most severe itching and throbbing pain. I found myself itching right above the crack. So for the next 2 hours, my foot began to swell leaving my foot aching and I was trying to hold back screams of complete agony. I know, it seems ridiculous to have had so much pain over something, but I have NEVER experienced anything like this. It didn't help that I had to be at a social event with new friends from Jared's work. I had about had it. Finally the bbq was over and I got in the car, I just had to let out a shriek of pain! The pain now was filling my entire leg up to my rear end! Seriously, I had no relief. It is hilarious to think of the mental games I was thinking...will they cut my leg off? And if they have to I really don't care, it hurts that bad!


So by morning, I woke up stepping onto my foot, realizing all the pain was gone. Oh, what a relief. But with that being said, I soon realized that my foot felt like it was releasing pressure. I looked down to my foot and it was...(This is the gross part!) oozing gunk. (I spared the details!) So now I am left with a leaky heal and no pain.


So needless to say, I will NEVER do this oh so perfect remedy again! I'm hoping to spread the news to not try this. But I'm hoping to receive some advice and tips on how to cure this oh so disgusting thing! Again, sorry for sharing such a disturbing story!!! :)

New activities of the week...

Here is a picture of Jake doing what he does best! Make messes and NOISE! He finally has learned how to use one of his Christmas presents. He has learned how to place the drum strap over his head. The funny part about him walking around with this set up is that his balance is off. And for those of you who know how Jake walks anyways, he looks like even more like a "drunken sailor"...well that's what we call him! I laughed though last night, because Alayna was teasing him. (Shocker!) But she was sitting on the toilet...and yes, she still was able to make him scream. But Jake eventually learned how to walk sideways with his back to her on the toilet and hold his hands up high so she could grab the drum sticks. He's really becoming such a fun little kid. He is learning so much and saying several attempted words! (I really think he's a cute kid with his big belly showing off and his chubby little arms. It's impossible not to smother this kid with kisses!)

Here is a cute picture of Alayna LOVING the Olympics. I think she has caught the Olympic fever, just like us! Everyday she is asking if she can watch the gymnastics and swimming. She really thinks it is such a treat to watch them! I'm glad to see her show interest in something other than "Disney Princesses!"

Price, Utah...why did we go there?

Our weekend to Price, Utah!

I'm sure you are all wondering what would bring an entire family to Price. Well, it's because my mom wanted us to attend the Castledale Pageant, in yes, Castledale. (It is 30 minutes out of Price) Anyways, Price was my dads childhood home. He grew up in the house shown above. On Saturday, my dad drove us around giving us the in depth tour of Price. I have been through the tour before, but this time it was fun because Jared and the grandkids got to hear all the stories.
So, the entire drive (2 1/2 hrs) to the pageant it was a complete down pour. It rained and rained. Jared and I wondered if we should even drive there. Ya, know thinking of gas money! Well, we went on our way and the rain cleared up. No joke just minutes before it started. The pageant was great. Alayna really got into it and had several sweet tender spiritual moments. I will share them later.
But on Saturday we went to the famous Price wave pool. This childhood memory was the ONLY thing that I remembered being the same...FRIGHTENING! The waves were still just as big and outrageous. You may be wondering why I am showing pictures of Jacob in the porta-crib. It is because I saw this great idea from other parents at 7-peaks. Since we spent hours there at the pool. He really didn't want more than a few minutes in the pool. I couldn't just let him RUN around as he wanted to do. So I had Jared go get his "cage" so we could trap him in! It worked. He played for about an hour...and then eventually fell asleep! It worked great. Alayna attempted to be brave. The first 5 or so wave sessions she would run as fast as she could out of the water to wait patiently until they were over. Then she would return just as quickly to the water when it was calm. But by the last few minutes, she said, "Are the waves on, I think I do like them!" So off she went, as if she had loved and enjoyed them the whole day! My mom and I realized it just takes her personality a little time to realize all is well and that she can enjoy herself! We had a VERY enjoyable quick mini-vacation. Who knew you could have a great weekend in rural Utah? Well, we did!

Jacob's new love...

He recently has discovered books. Yes, I have read him his fair share of books in his life, but he hasn't shown interest until now. It's actually really cute, because he will pick up a book and walk it over to me and try to climb onto my lap. I really love his reminders to read to him!!

The two kiddo's reading on the stairs.

Any suggestions...

Okay, so you all know that Jared has completed his schooling and so it is time for our family to move on...meaning move out! Ahh, I can't believe I'm actually saying that. I can't imagine not living with my sister and her family. Especially for Alayna, she is going to be bored out of her mind! So if you have a three/four year old send her my way (she needs a friend!).
So I was thinking today about asking all of my friends where we should go. We have looked around the area of Herriman, and it's not looking in our price range. So I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on the following cities...Please tell me anything you've even thought or heard about them. THANKS.

*Saratoga Springs
*Lehi
*Riverton
*Bluffdale
*Herriman (if only!!)
*Any other suggestions!

**Keep in mind Jared works in Riverton (currently two miles away!). So we would both prefer a short commute if possible.

So if you know of anything available or good locations for a great price you just let me know!

We are mainly looking for a home 3 bedroom, backyard, etc. Rent or buy...you just tell me any tips and I will follow up on them! Thanks for keeping an eye out for us!

If you have any suggestions on purchasing a Short Sale or Foreclosure home keep me posted about that too!

THANKS!

Our newest addition!

Yes, you read this correctly...our newest addition has arrived! I am so excited!!! Isn't it great?

(I know...it is yellow, but it was the cheapest color! I guess it's better than plain black? Don't laugh!!)

A Party Weekend!

Here are a few birthday party pictures of Kennady Lou Peck! She turned 1 years old on Friday.

Kennady has been known for her SMILE! She smiles so easily and often. In the family we usually try to pick the "appropriate" birthday cake that represents the kiddo for that year...So with that being said, Kennady had to have a BIG smiley face cake. It turned out FANTASTIC!

Part of the gang at the bbq...

One proud Auntie! (She wanted nothing to do with me or smiling for that matter. She was too interested in her new grocery shopping cart present.

Cute mini smiley face cupcakes...in case the other cake wasn't big enough!!! ha ha ha Hey, it made the little kiddo's happy!

(The name tags were from a previous family reunion, not this family birthday party!)

PS...Riley, thanks for hosting such a great birthday party for a ONE year old!!! :)

Cousin Lovin...

A pretty face generally gets little boys into trouble...

Here comes Jacob...Jake is our "caveman" he acts on instinct alone. He thinks, she's cute...I want to kiss her he thinks! (Look at that little boy coming for her...he is NOT holding back!!)
Jake is thinking... "I must kiss her!!" She thinks..."Save me, someone...anyone!!"
"I finally got her!" The ultimate head lock hug!

Okay, now after I snapped a few photos of this hilarious love sick moment of my son and Kennady. I had to quickly video some of this. To our amazement Jake continued this behavior for 20 minutes. I only downloaded a few minutes of the hilarious half an hour, but he was relentless. He never stopped wanting her!

ENJOY!!! This is a funny one!

If you want to watch something hilarious, you must stay tuned for this video. Jacob has always had a crush on Kennady, but we didn't realize how much until tonight!

Zion's National Park...

(Me, Jared, Krista, Riley and yes that is a baby- Kennady!)

Look at us, don't we look official? Well, we were sure trying to play the part! After our Panguitch party we attempted to wake up early and travel an hour away to hike the Narrows in Zion National Park. We were successful. We were on the road, alert even by 7am. We arrived and were hiking by 9:30am.

(The sista's out to have some water/hiking fun!)

Oh...cute picture! We really just wanted to capture the amazing green color and the beautiful rock.

We really were so glad we made the trek to come to the wedding and then make a quick weekend trip out of it. We all LOVED the narrows. It was fun to hang with the Peck's and do something that was here in our state. I have recently traveled a little more to new area's in our own home state of Utah. I am slowly learning why people love the outdoors. I'm the last one you would find enjoying...hiking. Yes, those who know me well, understand it is my ONE thing on my list that I really DO NOT ENJOY! But I must admit that I enjoyed myself. After hiking from 9:30am-1pm...my enjoyment had worn off. My ankles were tired of slippin and slidding all over the rocks! So I said, "I'm DONE!" Lucky enough the boys had set a time limit on our hike and it was 1pm. I was in luck, it was 1pm straight up! So, turned back...and it took less than half the time. Either way, we all had a GREAT time. It really was quite spectacular. I'm learning that being a little more adventurous and getting out of the house and movin my body is rather enjoyable! So I must give my husband props for remaining 7 years patient with me, because it's been a slow slow process to get me to do something like this. But while we were hiking, he grabbed my hand and said, "This is exactly what I want to be doing with you...these trips are so much better with you!" (he was referring to his guy camping and hiking trips!) For a moment, I looked at him and thought, "Yeah, right...you would rather go with the boys because I would hold you back!" But then as I considered that it was actually Jared saying something cute, I knew he really meant it! It made the day that much better, knowing that he still LOVED being with me, even if this is "his" thing...I might slow him down, but he still would rather do it with my than someone else! (I know don't laugh at such a silly thing, but when I have a husband that has so many outdoor hobby's. He generally does them without me and I assume he likes it that way. It felt great to know he'd rather have me learn and do it with him! Lucky for him I am beginning (very beginning) to enjoy the outdoor hiking thing and TONS of enjoyment for mountain biking!)

Kylie & Dennis...

My cousin Kylie & Dennis were married a couple weeks ago in the San Diego Temple on July 11th. Dennis is from Panguitch, Utah and they held an open house this Friday. We decided to surprise them and take a drive on down to celebrate with them!

This is my cousin Jordan hanging out with Krista and I.

Jared, Riley and Kennady enjoying our time at the open house. We were all really just counting down the minutes until the real party in Panguitch was to begin. We all returned to Dennis' grandparents house to open their gifts. We ended up staying us SUPER late until about 2 AM. We all ended up crashing on the grandparents floor that night. They were so kind and hospitable to us. Thanks for the Panguitch fun!

Waterslide FUN!!

On the 24th, we had this GREAT idea (thanks to Krista & Riley) to bring our slippin slide to my Aunt Cheryl's house. Her back yard turns into the community park. We had 75 feet of plastic. We dragged her hose over and had the sprinklers helping out too! We of course brought out the dish soap to help us out! This was a riot. We went again and again. The funny thing was that the very moment we walked out to the park to set up our slide another family brought their 100 foot slippin slide. So, after a few hours of our individual fun we decided to team up and combined our slides. We eventually had 175 feet of pure excitement! It was an absolute riot. We have all decided to continue this tradition, multiple times a year! What a blast! Next time anyone is invited to join in the fun.

This is Alayna's new best friend. "Soda-pop!" Yeah, my kids are sheltered. When they get in the real life with others who actually drink this sugar goodness, she can't get enough of it! So, for the entire BBQ on the 24th she had a "pop" can in her hand! She LOVES pop. Poor kid, she is so deprived!

Yes, for all of you wondering...this is Shandra trying out the slippin slide!

This is Jared trying to take out Alayna! He succeeded!

Celebrating the 24th of July!

Here are a few darling pictures of our little "caveman" Jacob! He seriously is an adorable kid. Jared and I can't get enough of this little guy. He really makes us laugh. I has a few new loves in life, ICE, Balls, water, and girls. (I'll explain the cute girl thing in a minute!) Anyways, I just wanted to post some super cute picts of this little guy! Oh, we call him a caveman because he grunts and acts on instinct only! Cute kid.

Our cute little tag-a-long!

Kennady Lou Peck is our new little baby! Since her parents so kindly left us to enjoy an exotic cruise to Jamaica. We have been blessed with her. My parents so kindly kept her from Friday until Monday afternoon. At that point I relinquished duty. I have her until Thursday night at midnight! Then her parents will be home!

This was the morning...Alayna being so excited to HELP feed Kennady applesauce. I actually enjoyed teaching her how to help me with a baby.

Here are my two babies! Jacob has really enjoyed his new little friend.

She is still such a happy little girl, even though she doesn't have her mommy & daddy to ooh and goo over her...we are enjoying her bright smiling little face!

Just one week later!

Can you believe how quickly our bodies heal? Well, after the traumatic experience last Monday, I am SHOCKED that our sweet little Alayna face is back and smiling!

Besides have a little dry skin under her lip, she is doing perfectly! We are so happy to have her SMILE back! Notice, she is also back to swimming! Every night her "sad" thing for the day was that the doctor said she couldn't swim until Monday. She was so THRILLED with Monday finally came! You better believe it she went straight for the swimming pool!