A weekend on the farm

We spent the weekend up at Paul's parents land. The weather was beautiful, and the kids love to run around get dirty (especially B). They had a good time playing with Buddy, the dog. B was a little apprehensive at first, because this dog is bigger than him, and he comes at you with all fours and a big wet tongue! Briya just giggled and giggled when ever Buddy came near, and would stick her hands and little fingers in his nose, mouth, and eyes (that poor dog was so patient and just sat there and took the abuse).



B got to ride the tractor, and wear his boots and hat. He's our little cowboy stuck in the big city.





Paul rode the polaris, and then rode it some more. He was so excited to have me video his big jump over the hill, but it ended up feeling a lot bigger than it really was.

Briya's Now Mobile

Briya has been busy trying to get around since June. About a month ago, she just got up and crawled all the way across the room! The clip of her crawling was the first time she did it (ok the 2nd, because we had to run and grab the camera). She loves to run round and round in her play gym (there's a ring in the carpet), and just this last week, she has begun pulling herself up onto things so she can stand. She follows B and I around the house all day. She is a fast little one, and has the red rug burned knees as proof of her daily travel.

Our Chunky Monkey is now 7 months!

Roon is married!

We just returned from our trip to Arizona. We enjoyed the time with family, but I must say, the drive was no fun. But it was worth it, and it was wonderful to see my little sis get married. I'm so grateful for the temple, and that we can be a forever family!

Summer Swim Team

Skylee has been swimming on our neighborhood swim team since April. It's been tough, because there are a lot of kids that have been doing this since they were 4! She's improved her strokes and had to swim 100 IM for the first time at the last meet (she was so nervous!). She finished the race successfully. Her team has also won four out of five meets. We still have to explain to B every weekend that he's just not old enough to swim on the team yet.

Skylee's 4th grade talent show

This year Skylee begged to do something "cool" instead of playing her boring violin. However, every year each act is the same. Some kid gets up and sings (very badly) some pop song. So I told her it was refreshing to showcase something unique and different. (Basically I told her she had to play the violin and I really didn't care that she didn't want to!) I did however cave and let her perform as a "back up dancer/singer" for her friend so she could feel cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g1dfA4EHQU

Here's a video we made for Mothers day. I'm enjoying each day at home with the kids. I can't believe how fast they grow and change!

Our little Briya, not so little any more!

Briyas' Blessing

From Briya Maray Dove

We blessed Briya Sunday, and it was a very special day.

From Briya Maray Dove

Paul's family was able to be there. Along with Paul, was Paul's dad, Paul Shuman, Isaac Guajardo, and Bro. Chartrand in the circle. We are so blessed to have so many priesthood holders. I'm thankful every day for the blessings I have recieved as a result.

We're officially out numbered!

After a long wait, Briya was finally born on Jan. 14th, 5 days past her due date. We were so sure she was going to be early, because I started having braxton hicks contractions so early on, but noooooo. We ended up having to take matters into our own hands, and have the Dr. break my water. Luckily that is all it took, no pitocin (whew!). I decided I wanted to go natural witht this one, because every one said how much faster their recovery was. I guess I've also watched a few too many episodes of "Baby Story" on TLC where women calmly breathe through their contractions, and silently give birth as if it was no big deal. All I can say is, I must be a total wimp! Thankfully, once the pain began, I was only in labor for an hour. I never really experince a gradual progression of intesity. It hit all at once like a punch to the stomach, less than a minute appart. When I finally decided that this was it, I'm going to die, it was time to push. Now I'm certainly not going to discourage anyone from going natural, because my recovery has been great, and I didn't need to take any meds for pain afterwards. But I will say I'm glad I don't have to do that again! Three is a good number for us. Now we're enjoying this sweet little addition to our family.