Summer Fun

We're in Idaho

Well what a week it has been. The girls and I survived the plane ride. The girls were as good as I could have expected. I was glad for it to be over with. Aaron and my step-dad drove the whole way in two days and arrived late Sunday night. This week we have just been hanging out before we leave for Portland this Thursday. We will move in this week-end and then the girls and I will be in Idaho for the whole month of July with my family, and to go to the Wood family reunion the end of July. There are a lot of changes happening right now so things are a little crazy but there all good. Aaron is excited to start work on July 9th. We'll be sure to send out our new address when we get settled . Here are some pictures of some of the fun we have been having this week.

Portland or Bust!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we found out yesterday that we are going to Portland. I think that Aaron was a little disappointed but I told him that we can go to Alaska another time to visit. We still have a lot of the details to work out but I'll still be going to Idaho for our Wood family reunion, and to see my family. We'll keep you posted.

Girls Pictures

Kids say the sweetest things!

My mom is always telling me to write down the funny things that the girls say and do. She says that I'll never remember and I don't. I have been pretty good about writing them down and so happy that I take the time to do it. Anna lately has been teasing her little sister. Whether we are in the car or at home, Anna likes to dangle things just out of Brooklyn's reach and it drives her crazy. Well this morning I was trying to get Brooklyn's breakfast when Anna said, "Mommy I need some help, my Cheerios are teasing me." I walked over and she was at the end with only a few floating around. She couldn't quite get them on her spoon and she was so upset. The little things they say are so sweet and put such a big smile on my face.

Pre-Commencment night

Tonight was Aarons Pre-commencement ceremony for his masters program. We got a baby-sitter for the girls and had a nice night out together. I am so proud of him for all his hard work and look forward to finally being done with school.

PS: Here is a picture for all those that wanted to see my hair. This is the only one that you'll see for a while :)

Change of Plans!

I think that things like this happen to keep me on my feet. Aaron got a phone call from the partner from the Seattle firm, in the company that he is working for. To make a long story short, the Boise office where Aaron was supposed to be working, does not have their tax department ready for him to work next month. the partner said that they had openings in two other office's, Portland Oregon, and Anchorage Alaska. I think that I was in shock for two days because we are leaving in 2 weeks and now we don't even know where we are going to be. Aaron thought Alaska could be fun. I was assuming that he was picturing himself hunting all the elk he wanted but I don't think we're really leaning toward Alaska. We'll keep everyone posted on what ends up happening. Does anyone know anything about the Portland area. Good places to live, or any other tidbits that could help us try to find a place in record time. We are really disappointed that we aren't going to be as close to family as we thought, and we won't be able to play with our friends Ben and Lori in Boise, but I keep telling myself that maybe in the end it will all be for the best. Anyone who knows me knows I like to have things planned our as much as possible and try to stay pretty organized, so this is going to test my flexibility. I guess I don't really have a choice do I!

Anna's little bed

Because the girls our both napping still, Anna takes her afternoon nap on our bed. Yesterday when I went to wake her up I found her on this chair we keep in our room in a perfect little bundle. She actually looked very comfortable and was sleeping so peacefully. Today when she went down she said, "Mommy, I'm going to make a bed on the chair ok!" Her personality is starting to blossom and makes us laugh everyday.

More Tonks Pics!!!

The girls love to have Popsicles!

Anna loves to wear Mommy's heals!

Brooklyn found my mascara!

What have I done!!

Today I decided that it was about time for one last hair cut before we moved to Boise. I got in with the guy that cuts my hair and all was well. To make a long story short, I let him talk me into cutting my hair short, really short. I can't blame it all on him because I've always wondered what my hair would look like short, so I said I trust you and then there was no turning back. I actually closed my eyes the whole cut until it was completely done. When I opened my eyes I thought I was going to fall on the floor. Not that it looked completely awful, (but far from great) I just was in complete shock that it was so short. I knew that Aaron was not going to like it, and he didn't, and that it was going to take some getting used to. Aaron said, "well at least you've gotten, wondering what your hair would look like short, out of your system." Lets just say I'll be growing it back out. Its going to be a long six months! PS: Maybe I'll post pictures... when I don't feel so out of sorts.

Pool Fun!

Today when Aaron got home from school we decided to take the girls down to our pool. They love it even though the sun kept going behind the clouds and making it a little cool. Aaron went and bought a whole bunch of pool floaties and the girls have a ball!

Craftiness! Is that a word?

This morning, 5 friends and I got together to make clips for our daughters. My friend Aubrey ordered some from ebay and we thought, we could do that! We went out and bought all the adorable ribbon and spent a few hours assembling all the clips. We had so much fun visiting together and feeling crafty. In the end we each had over 20 clips a piece and it was only $4. What a steal. We were excited and now our girls are going to look so cute! I encourage anyone with daughters to give it a go because it really was easy. If I can do it, anyone can. Let me know if anyone would like to know what we used.

Plane Ride Advice!

Next month I am going to be flying to SLC with Anna and Brooklyn by myself and am starting to get a little terrifed. Does anyone have advice on how to kill time with an almost 3 year old and 15 month old. Anything that you've found to work well. I'm more worried about Brooklyn but I know their both going to be a handful. I wish we could all take a magic pill and wake up 4 hours later but what can you do. Please help! Thanks :)

Trip to Kirtland

If you look close you can see our little family!

Old Lumber Mill, The wheel reminded me of Little House on the Praire

This last Friday we drove to Kirtland, a long 2 1/2 hours. Brooklyn had a hard time the last hour so we were very excited to finally arrive. We went on the tour which took about and hour and a half. It was so neat to be able to see the old buildings and how they lived. The girls had a hard time during the tour but the sister missionary who took us through was very understanding. It was a very beautiful day and the grounds were amazing. It was so neat to think about our ancestors living the way they did. We didn't have time to go through the tour of the Temple, our girls never would have lasted, but it was neat to see it and imagine all the time and effort that was put in. I was also excited because we were able to go see one of my best friends from high school Camila Wallace Ellingson and her family in Cleveland afterwards. She fed us a delicious dinner. The girls ended up sleeping almost the whole way home which was heaven! It ended up being a great day!

Slate Run Historic Farm!

Anna and Brooklyn with their friends! Today I took the girls with some friends to a historic farm about 40 minutes from our house. It is a historic farm from the late 1800's that has crops, an old home, the most beautiful red barn, a pond, and baby pigs, chickens, lamb's, turkeys, cows, and horses. The kids were in heaven with so much to see and do. It was a great day and the weather couldn't have been better.

Pool Party!

Today was such a beautiful day! We went to some friends for a pool party. Anna had fun splashing in the water but Brooklyn didn't want anything to do with the water. I thought she would love it because she loves bath time so much but not today. It was still nice though to be outside and enjoy time with our friends.

Pretty Toes!

With Summer approaching there are many things that I am excited for! Warmer weather, longer days, BBQs, vacations, and ..... Pretty toes. Usually toes and feet kind of gross me out but I think it is because they are so neglected during the winter. At least mine. As soon as I break out the sandals I get excited about new colors and pedicures. Actually we are too poor right now for me to get a professional pedicure but one in my living room after the girls go to sleep works just great... for now. :) Anna has also started getting concerned about her nails which is funny because she really isn't a girly girl. If they chip she wants them repainted and today we she saw my little flower sticker she just had to have one. I thought it was so cute after I put it on her. If you guys haven't discovered the stickers before they are great. They give your toes just the right sparkle. Funny the things that make me feel pretty! (You can get them at any target or store like that) Needless to say it was a fun thing to do together and I look forward to many more years of doing girly things with my darling daughters!

Zoo... What a life Saver!!!

Anna was so excited that today dad was able to go with us. It is so nice that he has Fridays off. We went on the boat ride for the first time and it was great. It takes you by some monkeys and Anna just thought it was the best! Brooklyn is starting to really want to be part of the action and get out of the stroller and see the animals. It is nice to have an extra pair of hands to help me keep an eye on them both because their both so busy!

Today we went to the Zoo, again. We went on Tuesday with some friends the Wilde's and the Swensons. This is Anna with her friend Kate Swenson. They had so much fun seeing who could do a better tiger impression. While we were there the baby elephant was out with its mom, splashing water on its back. It was a hot day!

Screamin' deal.... well I hope!

Where we live there is a city ordinance that says you can't have garage sales. Instead once a year everyone who wants, can have a garage sale. There were dozens of houses, block after block. So literally they bring in porta potties, maps, and cones with people directing traffic. I've never seen anything like it. I woke up at 6 am this morning to go with a friend to check it out. I was so excited because I found this kitchen for the girls. It was only $20. I thought that was great considering it was is almost perfect condition and the cheapest one we had seen new was $80. I also got a dress for Anna and 2 movies for $5. Anna was so excited when I brought it home. She wants to make me hot dogs constantly. Brooklyn also thinks its great. They played quietly together for almost 40 minutes. It was a miracle!

Sleepy Ride