First day of School

Tanner was so excited to go to school. I was a lot more nervous than he seemed....we had missed the open house and didn't get to meet his teacher or see his classroom. We didn't even know where to go, but I made a phone call and figured that out. I had hoped that we would make it to school early so we could go and find his classroom, but we didn't get to school in time for that. But we did get there early enough to meet his teacher and for him to find some friends and play before school started.

He had a great first day and I had to pry to get any information from him. The girls were super excited to see him when we picked him up. They all gave each other huge hugs. It was so fun to see. His first week went very well, and he was sad that he couldn't go to school Saturday. We will see how long that lasts! Can't believe that I have a kindergarten age child, but change is a good thing right?

Bear Lake

Long post lots of pictures!

We left Friday for Utah to be with Jason's family in Bear Lake. We decided to break up the trip and spent the night at Jacob Lake right by the north rim of the Grand Canyon. It was a gorgeous night and since we got there after dark it was great that the moon was so bright. The kids did really well with exception of Paige. She didn't want to leave my side and if she did she was screaming. Luckily we all settled down and the kids slept well. I didn't sleep too great due to the fact the moon was so bright, and that Paige had her head burrowed in my back. And decided to take up most of the air mattress. We got up and had eggs, and pop tarts, and started the rest of the way to Provo.

We got to Provo just in time to for the older kids to go to the Dinosaur Museum with grandma and grandpa Wilson and all the. I am sure the kids had a great time, not sure about my parents! Jason and I took Paige and did the shopping for the next week. Then back to my parents and we had fun hanging out the the family, and playing soccer, and having Popsicles and having fun.

Sunday we left and attended Jason's cousins baby blessing. It was great seeing family and being a part of their special day. Then we headed to Robb and Celeste's and hung out there. We let the kids play and we visited with Mark and Randa, April and Matthew, and of course Robb and Celeste. Then we headed over to Jennifer's and saw her beautiful house, and picked up a few things from Jason's parents, and then headed back to my parents to get ready for our trip.

Paige was super tired and had to have the whole bowl of Skittles.

We took my parents trailer which made for a nice week. Monday morning I got up and went to the temple with my mom and sisters. It was so fun we had never done that before we missed Amy but loved it. Afterwards we went to breakfast at Magelby's Fresh and visited and laughed and talked. We took a little longer than I anticipated but wouldn't have had it any other way. We stopped and got the last of the groceries and we headed back to help Jason load and get on our way. We got loaded in record time and headed up to Bear Lake. We had a good ride up, we stopped in Brigham City and got gas, and Sonic for lunch. And continued and found our lodge for the week. We were the first ones there with Robb and Celeste close behind. We got settled had a yummy dinner, and the kids wanted to go to the beach. We drove trying to find the free beach got one vehicle stuck in the process. We gave up went back to the lodge and had yummy smores, and had a great time visiting with the family.

The next day we got up and got ready for the beach. It takes a while getting 52 people lunches and out the door. We headed up toward Garden City and the free beach there, and had such a great day of sun, water, and boating. Unfortunately I forgot the camera :-(. Tanner and Kylie went out on the lake on the boat and semi enjoyed it. Kylie wanted to go but Jason said when she got out there was scared. But they went for a tube ride at least. Tanner was crying before they even got on the boat, but enjoyed it once he got out there. Grandpa even let him drive so he liked it a little better. By 4:30 we were wasted and headed back to make our meal for the week. Celeste did such a great job of planning everything. Our meal was super easy as we had meatball sandwiches and chips and watermelon. And to top it off I got 2 big tubs of cookie dough at Sam's and we baked cookies for dessert. Not one cookie was left over the next morning.

Wednesday we took our time getting to the lake, and went to another popular beach spot in Garden City. We still had tons of fun, and the kids loved playing in the water. It was a little cooler and cloudier. We had fun on the boats and my staying sitting on the beach under the canopy.

Thursday we went to our "private beach" and proceeded to get the truck and boat stuck trying to launch from the shore. We were enjoying the quiet and no crowds when all the sudden a huge gust of wind came and blew all the canopies away and the water became super choppy. Tanner and Jason had just taken off in Jeff's boat, and I became a little worried after the wind didn't die down and we decided to take off. No fun sitting around in the wind with no shade. Jason's dad made it tot he beach just to turn around and go back because the water was terrible. We all headed back and spent time visiting and playing games and relaxing.

We had a really enjoyable week with the family and look forward to the next one! Friday we got up cleaned up and packed up and headed back to Provo. We made it and got the trailer and truck cleaned and unpacked. After I was exhausted but went to Salt Lake with my parents to my cousins wedding reception. It was fun to see my cousins and visit with Grandma Startup. They had yummy Coldstone Ice Cream, and lots of fun candy.

Saturday we got ready to go, and ran a few errands trying to get Tanner ready to start school Monday when we got back. We even were able to see Grandma and Grandpa Wilson. I love visiting with them but it's hard to see Grandpa the way he is now. We got back and packed the car and then were able to have a yummy dinner of chicken fajitas with the whole family. It was a great way to end the week. Sad to leave but we had to get back for Tanner and school. We headed to St. George and stayed and drove the rest of the way on Sunday. We had a fun breakfast at Denny's, and then took our time. I don't remember most of the trip because I was so tired but I was happy to make it home. Sad to leave family and cousins but excited to get Tanner ready for school.

What we've been doing.

We have been at home, watching crazy cute Aiden. I was so excited to Kim and Aiden come stay at our house. She hadn't been to my house since Kylie was 3 or 4 months old. Kim was going to be working at some local high schools volleyball camps. I was more than happy to watch her little boy, Aiden and the kids were excited to play with their cousin. Jason had been working from home the past several weeks and it so happened that while Kim was here he was at clients the whole 2 weeks. She was going to use the civic, but since J was working I let her take my van. So the kids and I just hung out at home. Let me tell you that is so hard! I was so used to going when I wanted it was more difficult than I thought.

But it seemed like every night Kim and I were up talking and we made lots of good food, and desserts. I so enjoyed her company as well as the kids. She only had to work Monday thru Thursday so Friday we headed to the outlets and did some shopping. We found some awesome deals and had fun. Then we headed home, and Jason and I were able to go see Wicked. Jason had to work late, so Kim drove me to Scottsdale to meet Jason, and then took our kids home to be our babysitter for the night. Jason and I went to Tempe, and got to go to dinner, and then enjoy a night watching Wicked. It was my second time and Jason's first. We had balcony seats and had a hard time seeing parts of the show but I still loved it. It was even better the 2nd time I saw it. Next time we see a show we will spring for the more expensive seats.

The rest of the weekend was very relaxing we hit the pool, did some grocery shopping, went to church, and just visited and had fun.

Kim had another camp starting Monday so we hung out at home, had the missionaries for dinner, and tried to keep the house clean, kids entertained and get ready to go to Utah. Thursday Kim left...I was sad although I was going to see her Saturday since she was flying to Utah. I took her to the airport, but first had a stop at In-n-Out in Tempe and we met her friend and mom for a quick visit. The last time that they saw me I was huge prego with Kylie, and lo and behold I was huge prego again! Oh well hope next time we see them I won't be huge and prego! Then we were off to the airport. I had such a good time visiting with Kim. I didn't believe her when she said Aiden was a hand full but I got my own taste. He had his moments like when I found him on the kitchen table throwing spoonfuls of strawberry jam, or on top of the piano, or in the bathroom sink with the water on full blast, or when he got the butcher knife off the counter and was banging them on the floor. I hope Kim and Trent will trust me to watch their child again because he did have a great time with his cousins, and I was glad I could help them out and watch him for them!

Happy 2nd Paige!

Paige is now officially 2 although she has had the ill effects of it for a couple of months now. She is such a sweetheart most of the time and I think has both Jason and I wrapped around her finger. She is in love with anything that is princess, especially Ariel and Belle. She loves to wear anything that belongs to Kylie and loves to sing and dance. She is mostly a daddy's girl but adores her siblings. She likes her baby and carries her around wherever she goes, and even feeds her and makes sure she has a clean diaper. Hopefully that will come in handy in the next couple months.

She had a good day playing with her brother and sister and cousin Aiden, and then we had pizza for dinner, opened presents, and had cake and ice cream. She got some new dresses and an Ariel doll. So glad that she is in our family and she really isn't a baby anymore. It's amazing how much she has changed in the last 6 months. Happy Birthday Paige!

Change

Change is good, although it scares me and I tend to stress out more than I should. We have had some changes in our house the past week, and I know that there will be a lot more in the next
2 1/2 months.


We got back from Utah and I had a really hard time adjusting to the heat. I don't think I left our house more than a couple of times. My kids were so stir crazy....we did go swimming one day, and then played with friends for a couple of hours another day. But we mainly stayed inside in the air conditioning! With having so many cousins to play with and me having my sisters, mom and friends around I even had some withdrawals. I spent some time organizing closets and getting rid of clutter around the house, heaven knows I still have a long way to go. But we did make some headway.


Tuesday or Wednesday I was putting Paige down for her nap and she did not want to go to sleep. She wanted to play....I was shutting the blinds and she climbed out of the crib and fell right on her face and head. She had a nice bump and I was worried about a concussion. She was alright although I was not going to put her back in the crib didn't want her hurting herself again. So it was a quick graduation to a "big girl bed". And I am pleased that she has done so well but
we used to be able to put her in her crib and leave....now we have to lay by her until she is asleep. I hope to be able rid her of this new habit in a few weeks. So after her nap we headed to Target to get some sheets that matched Kylie's for her bed. I had to wake her up and she was out of it, and so ornery. I finally convinced her to go in the car and I would let her watch a movie. We dropped off the library books and then headed to Target. Well she didn't want to get out of the car, so she sat down on the asphalt and wouldn't budge. I picked her up and she proceeded to throw a tantrum. Arching her back screaming the whole works. I am sure this was quite a comical sight. Well I ended up picking her up screaming and took her inside. I was trying to steer the cart, hold a screaming almost 2 year old and keep my other kids right by me. Tanner was a big helper and pushed the cart, and I gave up and let Paige down. She didn't want anything to do with me and took off to the shoe department. Tanner was following her and I asked him just to let her go. He then got worried and thought I was going to leave her and started crying. Oh my just thinking about this experience makes me just laugh now! I followed her from a distance and she found a corner between 2 shoe racks and thought she was hiding. So Kylie, Tanner and I went and looked at shoes. Every time I tried to get her to come out she would start screaming. So I just left her for another couple of minutes. But I didn't want to be at Target forever and I finally got her out and she proceeded to start crying again. Eventually she calmed down and we were able to have a peaceful rest of our Target shopping experience. I am sure I just looked so funny, here I am huge pregnant (I know I get big when pregnant and people never not let me know!) wrestling with my 2 year old who is throwing a huge temper tantrum, and my 5 year old crying afraid I was going to leave my 2 year old. And of course my 4 year old not really caring but looking at clothes and shoes. It was a lovely, lovely day. One that I don't wish to repeat anytime soon.



Saturday we went and saw Ice Age 3. Paige was good for the first 45 minutes and then lost interest. The people in front of us kept turning around and staring because Kylie and Paige kept pulling on their chairs (the reclinable ones)....which I am sure was annoying but the theatre was practically empty when we got there, we sat down first and they came and sat right in front of us. Hello we have 3 small kids, they should have sat somewhere else. I ended up missing the end of the movie as I played with Paige in the hallway. I think the other kids had a great time though. We had a good time as a family and spent the rest of the hot day playing wii, and having a pizza picnic (gotta love Papa John's customer appreciation day and $5.99 pizzas!) and watched Enchanted. It was fun and I think we all enjoyed our day.


I had a doctor appointment Monday morning and I was able to get a 3D ultrasound. The baby wasn't cooperating and we didn't get any good pictures, we had taken the whole family and it was a circus as usual. The kids weren't as interested as I thought and was glad that it when it was over. The doctor said everything looked good but the baby was 3 lbs 7 ounces and measuring 31 weeks instead of the 29 weeks I am. Great that means another BIG baby. I told Jason that was his genes. I know I won't come early that just doesn't happen for me, so will be induced early. We have already talked to the doctor about that. I really don't want a 9 lb baby Paige was close enough!


I am excited for this new baby but a little apprehensive with all the change, Tanner starting Kindergarten for a full day 8-3, Kylie will be going to preschool, and a new baby all within a month. I am sure we will be fine but I am just a little nervous.

Week in Utah

We had such a great time in Utah, it always goes way too fast but I was so excited to be able to be there for the 4th of July. We left Friday night and went to Page and camped out. It was the first time that our family has stayed in a tent and it was fun. The kids loved it, and I am sure that we will do it again to break up the drive. Paige had the hardest time falling asleep, but once she did I slept like a baby. I unfortunately didn't get any pictures so hopefully next time. We got up bright and early and headed out to Fairview for the Watson family reunion. It was nice we were able to get out and enjoy the mountain air and visit with family that I haven't seen for a long time. We left there and drove up to Fairview Lakes and visited my parents lot. It was beautiful! I haven't been there for almost 10 years and I had forgotten how much I loved it. I have so many memories of camping there with my grandparents and cousins. I hope that I can make some great memories with my family there too.

Sunday was nice because we didn't have to be at church at 8:30, and while we were waiting for Sacrament meeting to start my parents bishop came and shook our hands, and Kylie asked "Are you President Monson?" It was funny she never ceases to amaze me. We had a good family dinner, and we were able to get visit with Grandma Startup. We decided to take the time to visit
Grandpa's grave I hadn't been there since the funeral and Jason and the kids had never been there. It was a great to show them and nice to see it again. I miss him, he was the best! After we went and visited with Grandma and Grandpa Wilson. It is always great to see them and visit with them.

The next few days were filled with cousins, baseball games, shopping, and late nights and early mornings. We had so much fun and were exhausted every night.

Wednesday was Kylie's birthday we had had a fun filled day we did some party shopping, present shopping, and went to lunch. We dropped Tanner off at Andrea's and picked up Kenzie and then went to lunch at Wendy's. Did a little shopping after then went and got ready for her party. Jason called and we then met him at the mall and Lori, Andrea and gang as we all witnessed Kylie getting her ears pierced. She did amazing didn't really even cry, and was so excited to get her ears pierced and started picking out other earrings. We will have to see about that. We had pizza for dinner, Kylie's request and then had cake and ice cream. The cake had to be Strawberry Shortcake and Princesses. We ended up making cupcakes with Strawberry Shortcake, and the cake was princesses. Thanks Amy for helping me finish up. I think she had a great 4th birthday.

Thursday we went to Thanksgiving Point and met up with our friends the Aldermans. It was so much fun to see them and catch up. It had been about 3 years since I had seen them last. The kids had such a great time playing and looking at the dinosaurs, and Trish and I had a great time visiting. We got some ice cream then headed back to Provo to get ready for the temple open house.

It was a little stressful trying to get ready to go and we weren't on time which caused even more stress. But it is a beautiful temple and I am glad that my kids were able to go inside to see what is inside. Paige wasn't cooperating and was crying and being a pill, and of course once we got inside Kylie had to go to the bathroom and was dancing and holding herself. So we found somewhere to go and she didn't quite make it and had a little accident and splashed me and my feet, and got on her. It was such a crazy time it never ceases to amaze me that there is always some opposition when we go to the temple. We finished our tour and my dad just laughed at me. Guess the stress of the night and kids showed on my face. It all makes memories right? We stayed at Jason's brothers that night. The kids were in heaven seeing their cousins.

We spent Friday hanging with Robb and Celeste. We went to breakfast, and then Celeste and I went to Nordstrom Rack. J went and hit a bucket of balls, and the kids had a blast with the cats, and chickens in the back yard. We got back to mom's and helped out in the yard with the yard work, and went to their neighbors for the neighborhood bbq. It was fun and the food was great. Kylie had fun jumping on the trampoline, and Tanner had a blast in the bounce house. We saw a lot of people, and enjoyed the evening.

The fourth is one of my favorite holidays. We got up and mom had a great breakfast ready and we then headed to the parade. The kids loved it and Kylie kept asking when the princesses were coming. Jason was a good sport and went to the parade with us. I enjoyed it although it did get warm. We went to mom's and helped get dinner ready.

We enjoyed visiting with family and of course good food. Jason had fun playing baseball out front with the kids. Overall it was a great day. We finished the day with sparklers and then watching the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire.

We got up the next morning and drove home. It was a nice cool vacation, and we had so much fun visiting family and friends.