go utes!

we're not sure exactly what we're cheering for right now - i don't even know which sport is in "season," but we found this cool megaphone and awesome pom poms at the dollar store and couldn't pass them up. we've had lots of fun so far. can't wait 'till we actually have something to cheer for. hey - i guess the kids just love clapping, making noise and waving things around. :) really though, who doesn't?

mischief of one kind and another

these two kiddos are always up to something. having two kids is so wonderful - they play together really well and watching them love each other and laugh at each other is one of the best things i've ever experienced in my life. two kids, however, also means twice the mischief and this is what ty and i found one evening while i was busy making dinner. hmmm... frosty the brooklyn and crop duster cole. i guess i need to start buying baby powder in smaller containers. it was so hard to tell him that he was naughty with a straight face. ty and i both got a good laugh and the even tempered little sister didn't seem to mind at all. she kept playing as usual even with big billowy puffs of powder swirling around her as we attempted to brush her off. crazy little monkeys! the bottom picture is cole's apology. he's giving her a "love"

let us eat cake

so, when i was little my mom made the coolest bunny cake. it was white with coconut forsting and we had such a great time decorating it and eating it. i thought it would be fun to try that this easter with our little family. it was a big hit! our bunny was brown (dark chocolate frosting for dad's sake) with a pink bow tie, lots of sprinkles (thanks to coleman), licorice for whiskers, lifesavers for eyes and more sprnkles for his ears. everyone loved it and we all enjoyed eating it. here's cole and dad enjoying some.

hawaii + spring break + grandpa and grandma = fun & crazy

March 20 - 28

Wow! What a week! Ty's spring break was this week! It was a very busy, crazy, but really fun week. We started off getting ready for Ty's trip and my parents to come visit. Our house needed help, our neighbors and wonderful friends were moving and we both wanted to be with them to help out, our kids needed to play and we had only a few hours before Ty flew (across the ocean - which freaks me out - even though I wasn't going) to Hawaii to present his anesthesia research. Needless to say, our Saturday was busy!!! Ty moved boxes and hung out with our friends at their old and new house and thuroughly enjoyed the experience. He reminded me that he never gets to do work like that and that he felt very refreshed. The kids and I had gone over to "help" too, but I quickly discovered that with a 20-something pound 2-year-old and an almost 20 pound 10 month old my carrying capacity was knocked down to almost zip. We gave up and came home. Sorry good buddies - our hearts were with you, but you were probably better off without us. :) We left our best man. :)

I brought the kids home and they had naps and I attempted to resurrect our crazy house. All in all I felt like we got lots done. The kids woke up and played together really well, so I was able to get to most things I thought my parents would find totally gross - like our floor that is ALWAYS - no matter how many times you sweep or mop - covered with the kids' "food storage" - yes - they do frequently find "snacks" under their chairs... gross! We were almost clean after a week of work previously, but I hadn't made it to dinner or dishes or anything else important that usually happens every day. Ty made it home in time for the kids to eat and hop in bed. We did the usual bedtime routine - stories and songs, tooth brushing and prayers, then the beloved primary CD.

I was too tired to make real dinner and Ty had had lunch at 3 o'clock, so we bagged that and started to work on the kitchen. I hadn't eaten much and was starting to feel gross, so Ty made us some dinner and we had a nice time eating together. After dinner it was back to work so we could get him ready to leave at around 5:30 in the morning. Unfortunateley I got sick and was no help. I sat on our bed and wished I was contributing as I listened to Tyler empty the dishwasher and wash the dinner dishes, clean up the rest of the living room and pack for Hawaii. Fortunateley he was in turbo mode and accomplished in a couple hours what usually takes me all day - he even brought me water after every time I threw up. Gross, but much appreciated.

We (sortof) slept a little and then it was time to get up and moving to make it to the airport. Ty woke the kids up and I focused all my will power on prying myself off the bed. He drove himself to the airport while I hovered in consciousness limbo hoping I would remember how to get back. We said our goodbyes and he was off to present. We were all so excited for him! After 2 or 3 tries (It's all a littly fuzzy) the kids and I made it back to the right freeway and home to San Dimas. They were angels!! As we exited near our house, I pulled into McDonalds to get a Coke for me and a water for Coleman. I made several phone calls to friends to see if someone could do music in primary for me that day... I finally got in touch with someone and it all worked out - thanks EVERONE who helped! The kids and I spent the day playing with their new fake food on the living room floor and watching whatever movies they wanted. What a day!!

Ty called and said he'd made it ok and that was wonderful! After that the stress level went way down. I don't know why I'm such a nervous Nellie about flying, but oh well. He called several times and it was so great to talk to him. Silly as it sounds, it felt nice to be a part of his Hawaii experience. I talked to him at his hotel and during dinner (wishing I was there, but chatting together while he ate fish (maybe I'm not that sad I missed dinner) was a good second). He told me about Pearl Harbor and the beach and what he was thinking about presenting his research. It was great. Thanks hun for being so wonderful!!

I put the kids in bed and they sortof slept... They were awake a lot, but that was ok. So was I. I don't sleep super great without Ty... weird - I managed to do it for 24 years, but now I guess I can't. I watched "Footloose" on Netflix (really dumb movie, btw!) and finally fell asleep. The next morning was an exciting one!! We got up, dressed, put bandaids on everything in the house that we'd let go the day before and were off the yet another airport to pick up my parents. We were all so excited!!! The kids were so great in the car!!

We met Grandpa and Grandma at the airport and everything was terrific! We were all so thrilled to see them!! Thanks so much Mom and Dad for coming. We love it when you visit! We drove through Long Beach to find a place to eat and I got us lost 'cause in the first 20 minutes we were together, they told me my grandpa was really sick and our cat had died in an accident just before they came... yikes! Great start... It all turned out ok and I'm so glad Grandpa is doing better now! We did finally find a place to eat - I love Subway! It was an experience with the kiddos, but my parents are terrific - and full of patience!!! We all had a good time! After that, I talked to Ty on the phone and he told me about his presentation and the meeting they'd had afterwards to wrap up all the details they needed to get it on it's way to being published. He seemed to have enjoyed it and was now on his way home to hang out with us for the week! My parents took the kids to the dollar store while I talked with him and of course we ended up with lots of treats. Both Cole and Brookie discovered a love for ginger snaps while we were there. Coleman now calls them "Grandpa cookies." He's still asking for them now - a month later. Thanks Mom and Dad! They're a great treat!

We spent the rest of the day just hanging out and it was wonderful! Having Mom and Dad here was fabulous for all of us! We had dinner, played, put the kids (who were REALLY missing their daddy at this point - it's a good thing Grandpa and Grandma were here) in bed. We talked for awhile and then watched a movie. My cute parents were kind enough to stay up with me until it was time to pick up Ty from the airport. We were all so tired... Mom stayed to be with the kids and Dad and I went to the airport. Dad drove, which was really nice. I was kindof done with the driving. I was a bad co-pilot however and on our way to LAX, we drove into Long Beach. Guess I should have paid better attention on the way there... oo0ps! It was nice to have time to just chat with Dad. We did finally make it to the right airport to pick up Ty. I was sooooo excited to see him! I missed him so much! His presentation went well and he even brought back the poster to show us. Very neat! We're all so proud of him!

This isn't a terrific photo, but it's the only decent one I got of Ty at the airport. I was so happy to see him!!

We all slept well that night and the next day we were ready to party. We hung out most of the day and just did a few fun things here and there. The kids were thrilled just to have Grandpa and Grandma around! What a party! Here are some pictures of a few of the fun things we did.

Cole caught a fish "this big!" - he loves Bass Pro Shop!

Grandpa, Dad and Cole and the "shootguns" - Cole's really into the shooting gallery :) Very fun!

Brookie prefers to not be by the "shootguns" - she likes sitting in this chair. Grandpa and Grandma got it for her for her birthday! She'll be so happy!!

Dad and Brookie lookin' at the fish

The girls

The crew with the sun in our eyes

The next day we went to Disneyland. We all had a blast!! It was pretty laid back and that was nice. Cole was really really looking forward to seeing the pirates and going on the jungle cruise. He was in heaven. We're sad he didn't feel super, but I think he enjoyed it anyway.

Just peeking out from behind his hands - the first few rides were a little intense, but he soon adapted to the loud and bright everything and had a great time! He really really loves the "big Buzz Lightyear" and that's probably what he thinks he's waiting in line to see. Too bad that part always goes by really fast.

The high scorers

Grandpa and Brookie

Dad and Cole - Cole's the lucky one without the sun in his eyes. Thanks Dad!

Pinocchio

Brookie and Grandpa on the carousel

Dad and Coleman on the carousel (the horsie ride)

The tea cups

This little thrill seeker had a terrific time. Thanks for spinning us so fast, Grandpa. Sorry you didn't have as great of a time as Brookie!

Minnie Brookie - so girlie

The next day we were planning on going back to California Adventure, but Ty wasn't feeling great. (I guess I shared my disease... so soooooo sorry!) He stayed home and Grandpa, Grandma, Cole, Brookie and I went for half a day. It is such a fun park, we thought they had to see it. It was still fun, but I don't think Coleman felt well either because he was really really grumpy.

Cole and Grandpa at the airplane hangar

The Monsters Inc. car

More Monsters Inc.

Another fun fish carousel - this was definateley a hit

The day turned out pretty well. Grandpa and Grandma got to ride Soaring Over California and the kids and I discovered the bug land (can't remember the real name). We rode "the catepillar ride" at least 5 times and then a few other little ones while Grandpa and Grandma waited in line. It was a nice ending to a pretty nutty day. The company was terrific! We just missed Tyler. :(

We made up for it the next day just playing around.

The boys building a pellet trap

Grandma had prepared a very exciting easter egg hunt. SOOOOO FUN! Cole will do anything for an egg. ;)

Brookie was pretty excited about it too!

...and then even more Easter presents. Wow! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma! We had so much fun!

We're so glad you could come stay with us and we could spend some time together. We love you and love it when you come. We're so sorry we shared our yucky stomach thing with you, Mom... We hope you're not afraid to visit us again. We promise to stay healthy before you arrive next time. :) Thanks for all the help and special treatment while you were here. It always works out that you wait on us instead of us waiting on you. I'd like to say that someday we'll get even, but we probably won't... thanks for all the nice things you do for us! We love you! Come back soon!

Coleman - 30 months

Favorite Foods: fruit! – any kind, especially pears, apples, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, fruit snacks, granola bars, pretzels, red/green peppers, onions, cheese hamburgers, steak, raw carrots, peas, corn (called popcorn), popcorn, juice, & chocolate milk. cole eats all sorts of food, but these are his favorites lately.

Favorite Toys: buzz lightyear, woody, cars, balls, baseball bat, bubbles, toy cooking stuff/food

Biggest Fear: getting left alone at night – he doesn’t care after we leave, but he puts up a big fuss every night when we leave – and we can’t take brookie with us – that would be horrible. he wants her to stay with him. cole also developed a new fear of ocean waves. he runs from them and screams.

Favorite Songs: if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands, abc’s with nursery rhymes, follow the prophet*, child of god, eensy weensy spider, book of mormon stories, “nephi,”

Favorite Non-Toy: sticks, sand, computer, mirror on our closet door, gluegun (he pretends it’s a “shoot gun” to shoot animals at the shooting gallery)

Things Cole Mimics: anything dad does, anything everybody says

Favorite Games: catch, pushing back and forth between mom and dad, pretending

Soothers: binki and his blankie – very very important!!

Favorite Place: outside, the park, the bathtub, grandparents houses, friends houses

Mischievous things that he does: he teases brookie and pushes her out of his way when he thinks nobody’s looking. he loves jumping on our bed and climbing into brookie’s crib. he also loves to sneak snacks from the cupboard.

Least Favorite things: stopping playtime to eat (unless it’s great food like waffles), going to bed, letting mommy brush his teeth (it’s ok when daddy does it)

Favorite People: daddy, “mama,” brookie, grandparents, uncles, aunt leanne, addie, “frens”

Proudest Moments: showing off his artwork (he says “I make that!”), towers, jumping off the arm of the couch

Hair Color: blonde – just like tyler’s

Best Features: handsome eyes, hilarious personality – he says the funniest things, kind big brother, daddy’s little copycat

Sleep Schedule: cole sleeps all night – he goes to bed between 7 and 8, then sleeps ‘till 7ish in the morning. he takes one nap – about 1:30 ‘till 4:30 or so. he’s an angel.

How Cole recharges himself: he loves to have his binki and blanket and loves to read books. he loves to watch “shows” and hang out with the family. he loves to run everywhere.


Coleman is our special boy. He keeps life so exciting. He’s interested in everything and really reminds us that life is full of excitement and is to be enjoyed. He loves his family and his friends. He’s learning new things every day. We love you Cole buddy!

Brookie - 10 months

Favorite Foods: chicken, ham, pork, steak, peas, carrots, fruit cocktail, raspberries, apples, pears, any baby food fruit, cheerios, frosted mini wheats, any cereal that dad eats, bread, noodles, pretzels, ritz crackers, graham crackers, yogurt, yogurt bites, ice cream, popsicles, dill pickles, and especially anything anyone else is eating.

Favorite Toys: balls, balls, balls, musical instruments, stacking rings, stacking cups, sand, water, foam letters, kid sized pots and pans, pretend food, yellow scarf, anything she can bang together, anything coleman has, blocks, music box, family picture, books (to play with rather than read), phones, computer keyboard, dad’s shoes, mom’s hair, cole’s binki, and her binki, of course.

Biggest Fear: this child has no fear. she tries her best to do everything her brother does and then some and she’s pretty good at it. at the beach she crawled around like it was home – she loved the sand and the water. she wrestles with dad and cole and is completely unafraid of walking and or falling – she does finally stop at the edge of the bed now before she flings herself over… we’re glad she hasn’t taken too many falls.

Favorite Song: if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands, abc’s with nursery rhymes, anything from the jungle beat cd or the kindermusik cds, follow the prophet, pretty much any music she hears – she dances (bounces) to it all. if i turn a cd on in their bedroom, she and cole can play in there for a long time – just listening, dancing and amusing themselves.

Favorite Non-Toy: all phones!!!

Things Brookie Mimics: peek-a-boo, head turning, clapping, dancing

Favorite Games: catch, peek-a-boo, (she puts her hands above her eyes - almost on top of her head to hide, then yanks them down hard - so funny to watch - pretty intense!), stealing cole’s binki, walking between mom and dad (or parents and furniture), getting thrown from dad to mom and back and forth

Soothers: binki and quick hugs. brookie loves to get quick hugs all day long. she stops by for a hug on her way to anywhere. it’s pretty cute!

Favorite Place: outside, in the sand, the bathtub, church – so she can see all the people and spend lots of time with dad, the grocery store – so she can flirt with everyone around, under and between the furniture, anywhere where she’s walking around

Mischievous things that she does: brookie loves teasing cole. she steals his binki or toy any chance she gets (he does the same to her). they both love to scream at each other then answer back and forth… kinda weird, but they seem to enjoy it. she likes to find treats on the floor and eat them before anyone notices.

Least Favorite things: getting her face washed with a cloth (it’s ok in the tub), eating green babyfood, being swaddled (until she is, then it’s ok and she goes right to sleep), sitting still for anything – even to just play. she has to be on the move at all times.

Favorite People: daddy, mommy, coleman and anyone who will smile back

Proudest Moments: walking everywhere, banging stuff together, clapping for songs

Hair Color: golden brown. it’s getting lighter, but is shiny and dark still. she’s so beautiful!

Best Features: gorgeous dark eyes, contagious smile, outgoing personality

Sleep Schedule: sleeping all night – finally! brookie goes to bed between 7 and 8 and sleeps ‘till between 6:30 and 8 in the morning. it’s fabulous!! She takes a short morning nap and a short afternoon nap (in our bed, unfortunately). we’re hoping she can start to nap a little longer so she’s not tired by dinner time, but we can’t complain now that she’s not getting up for her middle of the night social calls.

How Brookie recharges himself: she loves to hug and have physical contact. as she plays she stops to get/give hugs. if she’s having a hard time, she likes to have her binki and listen to fun music.

Brookie's words: mem (mom) & dad - she still uses them interchangeably sometimes, but she knows who she's talking to. she'll be talking before we know it!

Brooklyn is a joy to be around. She’s got such a fun personality – it draws people to her everywhere we go. She’s beautiful even with a messy face and messy clothes (which is her m.o. lately). She likes trying new things, loves doing anything Cole does and is always on the go. She likes swimming, playing in the sand (and anywhere outside). She likes to eat books – we’re still working on the reading thing. She loves to play with the books and will read anything that has feely pictures or textures – like cloth books. She has big smiles for Daddy when he comes home and still loves to be with Cole as much as possible! They’re so cute with each other. She’s quite patient with him. We’re so glad to have such a wonderful girl! We all love you, Brookie!!