Island Park

This weekend we had our family reunion with all of Chad's siblings.  It was in Island Park.   

Easton and Gretchen had a lot of fun.  They love spending time with there cousins and Aunts and Uncles.  I didn't take to many pictures because I forgot to charge my camera battery before we left.  I got a few good ones.  

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today would have been my mom's 69th Birthday!  I decided that I would celebrate every year on her birthday.  My kids have no idea who she is which is one of the hardest parts about her being gone.  My kids don't know there grandma.  I am going to continue this tradition in hopes that some day they will know her through me.  I think that is really all I can do.  I Love and miss my mom.  Anyway this year we made cupcakes.  I was going to make her favorite cake but I have never made Texas sheet cake before and didn't want to attempt it.  Here are a few pictures with the cupcakes. 

We all got a present this year on my moms birthday I told Chad maybe we should do this every year.  I was going to take a picture of them all but didn't.  I got some much needed maternity shirts, chad got a new work shirt, Easton got a BYU hat, and Gretchen got a bracelet. 

Charly & Gretchen

Once a month a group of my friends get together and do projects, talk, and eat.  We mostly talk.  Well this last weekend Chad was gone camping with the scouts.  So I needed a babysitter.  Charly came and slept over and watched Gretchen for me.  Gretchen loves Charly!  In the morning Gretchen was going crazy that Charly wasn't awake yet. Thanks Charly you rock!!

Afternoon at the park

This past week we took our van in to be fixed.  We thought it would only be a little while so Chad dropped us off at a park by his work and we played for 2 1/2 hours. 

At the park there is a hill that Easton and Gretchen loved to run up and down and roll down.

I love this picture.  She is in the zone so she wont fall.  I am not sure why I didn't do her hair that day but I probably should have. 

I got totally sun burned that day I guess that is what 2 1/2 hours in a park will do to you.  My kids didn't though.

The Park

Before we went to Disneyland Easton and Gretchen helped me clean our whole house really good so that they could earn a bucket and a shovel to take to the beach, and park.  I forgot to pack them to take them to the beach so they got to use them for the first time last week at the park. When I went to take a picture they always moved so this is what I got for both of them.  

I think it is hilarious that these are the pictures I got.  They love the buckets and I can get them to do there chores pretty fast if I tell them we are going to the park to play with there buckets and shovels.  Yes I totally bribe my kids. 

14 Weeks

I know this is a way scary picture.  I was talking and yeah just plain scary.  Anyway I am only 14 weeks and 1 day pregnant and I swear I am bigger then anyone I know at this point.  I am afraid I am going to be huge.

Newport Beach

On our last day in California we went to the beach before we headed out. 

The kids loved it and Gretchen still asks if we can go to the beach again.

Disneyland

After saving for Disneyland for a year we finally went.  I think Easton and Gretchen didn't really believe us until we actually got there.  I love the magic of Disneyland and am glad I got to see my kids faces as they rode rides and saw the different characters. 

Easton and Gretchen both loved going on rides.  When we walked into the park the very first time Gretchen looked up at me and said, "Mom this is amazing!"  Over the three days we were there she told us how amazing it was several times. 

We had an idea before we went to Disneyland but now we know for sure Gretchen doesn't like to talk to people she doesn't know.  Which isn't a bad thing.  Anyway she said she wanted to see the Princesses so we waited in line.  Easton didn't want to because princesses are for girls.  So you can see by looking at the pictures Gretchen wouldn't talk, make eye contact or smile while near the princesses.  I was a little worried that she would be this way when we saw Mickey. 

She loved the characters.  I think partly because they aren't real and they didn't talk to her. 

We had a lot of fun riding the rides, watching the parades, and shows and just being together as a family.