The Allens

Duck Hunting

2011-10-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

We got up at 5:30 in the AM to head out to the marsh for the first day of Duck Hunting! There are few things that I wake up in the morning for and this is one of them! We packed all our gear onto our bikes and Hunter rode on the back of my bike! Riding bikes at 5 in the morning is very entertaining with your father in law! He was riding his bike but it was dark so he could not see (or remember) how to shift gears. For every One of my pedals he was doing about fifty! ha ha, I just laughed and told him he looked like a circus monkey! Then on the way home we were riding on a road through the grass- so there was a grassy median. Ideally you are supposed to stay in on track while riding but Dave went from one side to the other and back again, jumping the median every time. Although very entertaining to see, it was very difficult to follow:) Finally, I yelled, " what are you doing up there?!" And he kindly let me pass! So funny! Waking up is not one of my kindest times but it was worth it to watch the sun rise, It was a beautiful morning! Hunting Rules: You are not allowed to shoot until 7:30.... it is so funny watching the men get all sorts of antsy waiting to shoot! There are always those who shoot early and they get yelled at from everywhere by the other men. You can't see them because everyone is down in the brush, so it's like a bunch of angry bushes yelling:) I love going because Mark loves it and it makes me smile to see him get so excited! There was not very many ducks this year and needless to say that left a bunch of disgruntled Hunters:) But Mark go two and that is more than plenty in my opinion because whatever they shoot they bring home and cook.......so like I said two is plenty! Great day with my boys! Thanks to Kathryn for spending the night so she could wake up with Brigs.

On our own

2010-11-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

Well this is the second Thanksgiving that Mark and I have had on our own! Mark mans the turkey and I did the rolls, mashed potatos and green beans.

sorry about the vague post:) Thanksgiving was perfect with my little fam! love em

The cutest things in my life!

2010-11-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

I don't know why everyone says these guys look alike? :) Okay they are pretty much carbon copies. They are either watching a great movie or a really dumb one....I'm not sure but I thought it was so cute because they look so much alike:)

These are the cutest things in my life:) Although there can be days that are extremely tiring because of the excess energy little boys seem to have I love being home with them everyday! There personalities are so different and they both make me laugh. They may not look very much alike but they both have the same big blue eyes! Now they are starting to play together and I can't believe how happy it makes me inside to hear them play together. Their favorite game to play is jumping on the bed! Sometimes Brigs is jumping and somtimes he is doing all the bouncing but no matter what they are both laughing! I was kinda surprised that Brigs caught on that it was a game, but he did and he gets really mad when you stop helping him jump;) Although they are playing alot better together, Brigs still has a certain radius that if Hunter enters, his sirens go off! I was surprised that he caught onto tattling so quick as well! He starts with a grunt and as Hunter gets closer it increases to a scream;) I can't blame him really but it is quite funny! Brigs is not much of a cuddle bug, but during the day he will crawl right over to my lap and just plop right down. That is kind of our cuddling and I will take it. If Hunter is getting the attention Brigs crawls over and fights until he gets his spot! It's good to be loved. From day one Brigham has always been a champ at staring. We will be watching a cartoon or Mark and I will be having a conversation and everytime you look at him, he is always looking right at you. Then when he sees that you noticed he smiles and gets really hyper. But seriously he stares right into your soul.....all day;) Another one of Brigs traits is he kind of resembles a garbage disposal. He will eat anything, and if you are eating he screams or grunts until you share! Dinner time is anything but enjoyable because I cannot get the spoonfuls in fast enough! He does not love his bottles anymore because he prefers solids. My favorite is his smile that is so contagious and his raspy laugh. He is a happy baby and so fun to have around:) Hunter is at the age where he does not know what he can say and what is not very nice:) We were riding the bus at the airport the other day and it was just us and a man sitting next to us. After an examination of the man Hunter looks at me and say, " I don't like him", and he just kept saying it over and over again. So I said, "just say it in my ear." So then the day after I was putting him in a time out and talking to him and he says, " mom, just say it in my ear." :) He does make me laugh but he is catching onto what we say to quick! We are trying to teach him no potty talk. The other day we were coloring together and I asked what he was drawing and he said, " Mike Kasowski going potty." Oh great:) And one of our longest conversations in a day is when he asks me if every animal he can think of goes poop! His reasoning is quite funny and I know he has the sales person gene in him from his dad. If I don't want to eat something he says, " Try it, it's really good, sugar on it, you'll like it, try it one time, eat it, yummm, one time or nap"...He says all our lines until I eat it. Never gives up! Just like his DAD:) Hunter is so fun to do things with and I love teaching him new things because he just eats it up!

Aloha Hawaii!

2010-11-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

Okay the post about the perfect vacation:) Every year Marks company takes us on a trip and it is a week long anxiety attack for me to be away from the kids! Well.....not this year:) We went to Kona island and it was a week full of SLEEP! It's kinda sad that you have to travel around the world just get a good nights rest;) Well It was beautiful and perfect weather. We snorkled with turtles right off our beach, played sand volleyball, went fishing, we were well fed, and I read the whole Hunger Games series:) (I love Peeta by the way;) Usually on these trips I say the stupid one liner to someone like Marks client, but not this year! Mark went up to a fellow female Sales rep and asked, "Where is your husband?" And she looked at him and said, "We are seperated and if your wondering I have gained weight as well!" He He I can just see into Marks mind...."Big Gulps huh?....Well see ya" Yes I have to say I enjoyed seeing him squirm because it's always me putting my foot in my mouth;)

This guy went around blowing into his big shell while he lit all the tiki torches around the resort. He would blow North, South , East and West. I though it was cute cuz the little kids followed him to each stop.

Ahhhhh:)

Just doing our part in holding up the cave!

Veiw from the Fairmont Hotel.

This was the torch lighter......"Come on baby light my fire" :0

I didn't even get the question out to ask if I could take a picture and these little cuties struck a pose!

Catching our dinner...I guess the Hunger Games really got to me.

Doing a little shopping!

We ate most our dinners with this group. They are the Fox family and one of most amusing families at that;) We had alot of fun with them. Espeacially the crazy one in the back!

Mark went deep sea fishing with Ryan and some clients...they were unsuccessful but maybe next time.

Mark and Ryan in the Lava Tube. It kinda reminded me of walking down the hall in my Dads potato cellar.

Have you ever tried to smile with a snorkel mask on? Not an easy task....Hence the stalker smile;)On our last night in Hawaii we bought some little pizzas and snacks and ate them on the beach as the sun went down. Sorry to be cheesy, but it was so romantic and beautiful! I loved my trip with Mark it was so great to get away and laugh alot;) Love you Mark

Happy Halloween

2010-11-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was jam packed with fun:) Friday night we went to our ward trunk or treat and carnival! It was so fun for the kids and there was some great costumes! Then we headed to Cafe Rio for dinner yummmmm! We got a hotel for the night and got up in the morning to go to the Temple! It was so wonderful to get to go because sadly it had been awhile! Next we went to Chuck E Cheeses ( which will always remind me of my sister in law Kristi:) for the afternoon! Then headed back home to get ready for trick or treating! Our ward put together a list of people who would be handing out candy for those who were not going out Sunday night! The Broomfield 3rd Ward really is the best;) Well I always have a scary story for the season and this year it happened while trick or treating!
Our good friends the Martins invited us to go with them around to all the houses! Well Broomfield is not your typical Utah ward boundaries so we had to drive blocks between each house! To make it more fun, we all piled into their van. Five kids under four and four adults, there was not alot of seatbelt action if you know what I'm sayin....Anywho it was going great until we found ourselve in front of the police station! We were not speeding but we did have a headlight out! Sitting at a four way stop we realize,we are at a four way stop with a POLICE MAN! AH! We turn quickly and then all of sudden the van is full of flashing lights! We are busted! After many threats to the kids to get in the back the police man showed up to give us the usual speal. To add to the stress they found out the insurance and registration was expired and not in the car! Well we just excepted that our Christmas money just went out the door to pay for this massive ticket coming our way! So here comes the police man to prob read us our rights...he hands Jody her license and says, " Make sure you get that information in your car and have a good night" WHAT?! He did not even look at the back which was full of law breakers! We were so grateful but will prob drive seperate from now on:)
Hunter, Payton, Riley

Waiting for the goods;)

The Kaisers in our ward set up the cutest fishing booth in thier garage! Hunters favorite babysitters live here Chelsey and Shane! It was so cute and the kids loved it!

Okay this next house is another story..... This home is decked out every holiday! It is insane! From the skeleton parade across the roof to the gargoyles and not to mention all the creepy things moving and popping up everywhere! This is a picture of her dinning room! Behind all these vampires is a table with an Alien for dinner! Every inch of this place had some kind of Halloween decor on it! Apparently her and her husband are divorced but she lets him have a room there because he puts up all her decorations! ha ha that sounds like a good arrangment to me:)

The electric bill has to be huge!!

Just look at that cute face! love it:)

Calder the Hamburger and Hunter the pumpkin!

Hunter and Sheridan, Hunter loves this girl:) She is an ice cream cone and it was the cutest costume!

2010-11-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since I posted anything because my camera broke! The boys are both growing and changing so much so I'm glad that we are back in the bloggin business so I can share their cute faces with you:) First their is Brigham.... when he smiles it just lights up the room! He is seven months and so ready to be moving and doing everything his brother is doing....and prob ready for a little pay back as well:) He is sitting up, rocks like a wild man on all fours, has seven teeth that seemed to all come at once, loves to laugh and play, jumps on the bed with Hunter( sometimes with supervision!) He has not quite figured out crawling forward but he is always going backwards:)

So we find him under the bed, or bunched in a corner or somewhere super uncomfortable but funny;)

Minus the slightly crossed eyes....this picture reminds me of Hunter the most! I just think he is the sweetest thing....unless it is dinner time! But who can blame him!

Although sweet Brigham has a very sneaky side! I think he will be into cupboards, climbing up stuff and always giving me a run for my money.....I mean look at that little face:)

Then there is Hunter. Hunter is always making us laugh. He is definately to smart for his own good. He burned his finger on the stove a couple days ago so this is recovering in his bed with a bag of ice! He let me rock him to sleep and that is a super rare event so even though it was five o clock I let him sleep because I got to hold him;)

(Green hair from Halloween)

Hunter and Brigham are starting to play more together and hopefully it just keeps getting better! I can't help but smile when they getting along!

Happy 30th to Mark

2010-08-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

He is the cutest 30 year old :)

My favorie picture.....waiting for a bite!

Our trophy for the weekend!

Out hiking in the mountains in Santa Isabel.

Me and Brigs:)

Lovin roastin Marshmellows.....his were crisp by the time he was done:)

It was so pretty there in the evening! Checking out the neighbors catch.

30! Wow that's old! Someday we are gonna look back and think wow we were so young...but for now, Wow that's old:) The best way to a mans heart is through his stomache! We started his birthday with a super yummy breakfast and then ended with some super yummy bacon burgers and steak fries!!! Of course low fat! Okay, maybe not so much:) Mark had to work on his actual Birthday but we celebrated by going camping Thursday, Friday and Saturday! We headed to Lake Antero and it was a great weekend! At first, I was upset that Mark had picked a cow pasture in what looked like Wyoming! Not what I had imagined for an ideal campsite! But as we got settled in, it turned out to be the perfect spot! I didn't have to be scared of elk or bears, that part was great, It was right by the lake so Mark could start fishing early in the morning and fish until sunset and we could be with him the whole time! Although lacking in trees, we were surrounded by the Mountains which was beautiful! Plus, cloudy skies and rainstorms made for perfect weather, we were never hot and never to wet;) Mark caught one of the few catches that weekend! A rainbow trout, 3lbs and 201/2 inches...not to shabby! I enjoy the fishing bunch, although they smell of power bait and gasolene, they are super friendly and love to talk:) Hunter had a blast casting out his line and reeling it back in with his "Buzz lightyear" fishing pole! He was quite entertained but not quite the die hard like Mark:) My favorite part was sleeping in the tent with the boys( Hunter loves tents) and the last night when the four us made smores and hung out by the fire! Great memory:) I can't believe I am camping with my family now! It seems like just a short time ago I was camping with my parents!!! Crazy! Overall it was an awesome camping trip and I think Mark had a great Birthday!

Boy Updates:)

2010-08-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hunter is such a fun little guy! He definately has some new found attitude!

( he gets it from Mark)

When I ask him to do something I get one of these responses:

"Oookay Mommmy"

" Yes Sir!" or

" awww no"

Yesterday I asked him, " Are you silly or what?"

He replied, " You be silly and I'll be what" :)

Today on our walk I had a rock in my shoe and said, "ouch"

from the front of the stroller I hear him say, " Everything okay back there?"

Hunter told me during during dinner the other night that his tummy hurt, I said, "It does?" thinking he did not want to eat anymore but he just responded, "I better eat something!"

( I tell him if he does not eat good food his tummy will hurt)

These stories might be TMI so read at your own risk:o

If Hunter has something in his nose I tell him you have a big one and then swipe it with my fingernail and say, "I got it!" So the other day he gets in my face and says, "Mom, you have a big one" and then follows with hooking my nostril with his finger and yanking it to the ceiling! then says, "I got it." thanks Hunter:)

On our camp trip last week, I was too scared to walk to the bathroom in the dark alone! So I just headed behind the tent trying to be sneaky. Well, Hunter followed and proceded to squat by me like it was a game....and then he realized what I was doing. His eyes got huge and he yells, "POTTY MOM, POTTTY!" like he was so embarressed that I was doing that right there! I laughed so hard at his little stressed face and spread out fingers! he he

OUR FAVORITE... when Hunter squeezes Mark and my head together and says, "I missed you, I wove Mom and Dad!"

Now little Brigs....or should I say little chubbs:)

At four months Brigs is about 16lbs and has the cutest rolls on his thighs and love handles:)

(That he gets from his momma:)

From day one he has screamed at everything, happy or sad it is a scream! But we are used to it now and his little constant drama screams make us smile.

He loves playing with toys, laughing , girlgling, cooing, smiling and spitting up:)

He has his two bottom teeth already and is loving rice cereal!

If he had his choice he would be constantly jumping or laying down. Not much of a cuddler except for rare occasions! I love when he just lays there and falls alseep!

Brigs likes to stare, I think he is memorizing who we are but I love when he just gazes into my eyes...he can do it forever without blinking:)

That's it for the updates, sorry if it was boring but it is for the journal:)

FUN IN THE SUN

2010-08-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Haylie and Hunter remind me alot of eachother:) Looks and Personalities! When we got home I asked Hunter where he wanted to live ( meaning one of the houses we had gone and looked at) and he paused for a minute and then said, "With Haylie!" They were fun little buddies!

Caden, Hunter, Leah, Haylie...Allen

At the end of our Month long trip to Idaho and Utah we a BBQ with the Allens! Meg and Ryan let come bombard there beautiful home and the kids had so much fun:) They played on the slip n slide and ran through the water worm hose. I was proud of Hunter for actually getting in the water because he is terrified of the water! It was a huge step for him when he walked across the slip n slide and everyone clapped for him:) (gotta love family support!) I miss having all the cousins around for Hunter to play with! They are all so good to him! I was really sad that Mark was not there, but I was excited to fly home the next day!

We were in Idaho previously to this BBQ, and it was so fun :) It is always great to go home! My Mom and Dad were getting ready for the Trek so they were kinda of busy but I did get one chick flik out of my Mom! We watched "Must love dogs" we all thought it was funny espeacially my mom;) My mom made six pioneer dresses plus bonnets and you better believe she looked like a babe on that Trek!! If she had been a pioneer I bet she would have a little store that all the women bought their dresses and bonnets:) I was realy proud of her! My Mom can basically do whatever she wants and do it great!

Erin and I got Alot of one on one time and there was alot of laughing! We took a trip down many memory lanes :) One of them being country dancing and that was quite amusing to talk about! Apparently neither of us were great dancers and we had our share of characters on the dance floor:0 Good times. While shopping in Target to find a baby bjorn carrier for the plane ride home, Erin was showing me how to put it on and when she was done she proudly proclaimed TADA! But in the moment of celebration she lost her balance and fell into the shelf and knocked everything over! Of course we got laughing, ( we laugh pretty much the same like to hyenas who can't catch their breath! Austin does a great impersonation) so she turned around and bent over laughing a her bum knocked everything over on the shelf behind us:) Ha I have not laughed that hard in a long time, that's what sisters are for!!! Hunter and Brigham were great on the trip! And Hunter loved all the space to run around and to have his cousins to play with! What does not kill us makes us stronger;) It's hard to get everyone's plans to align during the summer but overall we had so much seeing everyone and was so grateful they put up with us for so long!

2010-06-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

First of all look how cute this couple is! I just wanted to write another shout out to my Mom! I came across this picture on my camera and couldn't help but smile because of all the fun I had with my Mom when she came here to help me! She was so good to all three of my boys and most of all me! She taught Hunter and I how to make bread and did not even get mad when put the eggs in to soon;) I am so grateful for my Mom.... I can't say it enough! We love and miss you Mum Ma!

Hunter wrestling Brigs( notice the concerned look on Brigs face:) this is his look anytime he hears Hunters little voice!

Just watching some Word World together:) cute little legs!

Still the concerned look on Brigs face!

Newborn Brigham

Two weeks Brigham

Two Months Brigham;) so cute! We love his little smile and cooing noises! He is such a sweet little guy....unless it's dinner time!

I can't believe Brigs is two months! He is so big and strong:) He holds his head up like a champ and is really working on rolling over! He is in panic mode everytime I put him down for fear that Hunter is gonna come bolting from any direction:) I know Hunter loves him but we are trying to channel his love in a not so physical way! I know when Brigs get bigger they are gonna be the bestest buds( and Brigs will get some revenge:) Boys are so fun!

Hunter is all boy playing with his tractors and firetrucks outside! He always wears his hat like a little thug and it makes me laugh! He makes the loudest siren noises when you talk about firetrucks or policmen! I don't get a ton of it but I love my one on one time with Hunter! He is his sweet self and I have so much fun with him;) I'm so grateful for my little men!

Back to Us!

2010-05-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

These pictures are a little out of order but I wanted to share this cool picture of my C-section! :) sorry if you have light stomachs:) If your wondering my stomach still has all those wrinkles and more.....Thanks Brigs:)

Mark and I had a great Memorial weekend so far! We went up to Estes Park and fished and went to dinner! I do not like fish so it was two seperate activities:) It was beautiful up there and we all enjoyed just relaxing and being together! Hunter and I spent most of the time playing in the sand while Mark fished and Brigs just snoozed away! It was a perfect day! Here is a glimpse of the day.....sorry about the close up:) We had just experienced a rain shower!

How cute is that! I'm so glad that Mark loves playing and teaching our Boys..it makes me smile:)

This is where Brigs hung out, he was the only one that didn't get rained on:) Sweet little man.

A little cathch up....

Hunter, Brigs and I just got home from a two week vacation in Idaho! We had so much fun on the farm and enjoyed all the extra leg room:) It was kind of overwhelming at times because I am new to this two kid thing but My Mom was so great to let me sleep in and take naps! I always have so much fun hanging out at home. Im so grateful for my parents and all they do for me! I also had blast with my siblings! It was prob one of my favorite visits with them. Baby update-I never thought that having another baby would be such an adjustment but if you have a two year I suggest you buckle up! I love my little Hunter but he has really given me a run for my money since little Brigs entered our lives! We are taking it a day at a time and things are getting better as we work out a schedule. Instead of hitting all he time- he cuddles with you first and gives you hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel..........and then turns around and starts swinging! I walked past the nursery today and I hear the nursery leaders say, " say sorry" so without a second thought I just said through the door, " Hunter say sorry"! :) It made me laugh to myself....But when he is sweet I can't get enough of his little personality ;) He makes us smile all the time! We are pretty bias but Hunter is super smart and amazes us everyday as he puts things together, His memory really is amazing! Brigs is about 12lbs now and gaining like crazy! At first he seemed very collicy and I didn't know what to do cuz Hunter was pretty easy! But now we have bonded and I can't quit lovin him and kissin him! So sweet:) Every morning about the same time he wakes up just cuz he wants to snuggle:) good and bad I know but I love it:) We love it here in Colorado and are thinking it may be more permanent than we thought! We miss family so much and seeing them these last two weeks was made me miss them even more! But we are happy here as a little family:)

Brigham Luris Allen

2010-04-11T18:50:00.001-07:00

Brigham was born on 4/9/10, weighing 9 pounds 4 ounces, 20 inches! We decided to do another C-section and it went great! Hunter was a bigger baby and had not even dropped into my pelvis so by the time he would have been ready to come he would have been a ten pounder so we were really happy with our decision. He is so sweet and every day he looks a little bit more like Hunter but a blonde version. Hunter seems to like him so far:) He likes to hold him and share french fries with him! Hunter does not like the doctors touching him and if you ask what Brigham says, Hunter always says "Boom Boom Boom" cuz thats the sound his heart makes:) We are so grateful that he is here and he is healthy! We were in the hospital two days are happy to be home now! It is so weird that Mark and I are always taking care of a little one now;) It's gonna be an adjustment but we are so excited about the addition to our family! We wish we were near family to show him off but atleast you can enjoy the pictures:) Love you all

Just when you thought you couldn't get bigger!

2010-03-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

We are ready!!! It's the final countdown here in our little bungalow and we are super pumped:) In one week my mom will be here and hopefully Brigham will be here also or soon after! This pregnancy has been super long compared to Hunters! And I have had alot more "oh you're really big" comments:) Some of my favorites,
A little kid at the gym comes and hit my belly and said, " your belly is really big cuz there is a baby inside of you!"
Another lady at the gym with twins, " Oh, are you having twins too?"
A lady at church, " you look so pregnant today" (oh thanks, I forgot how huge I was:)
My friend," It's okay you have gained weight, you're just a bigger person" (hmmmm)

I gained weight a little differently this time. Even though I'm a little bigger everywhere, the majority went straight to my stomach. People stare at me at the store like, "you poor thing":) Seriously though, my stomach is so out there! I'm hoping he is a chubby guy in there! I'm getting super uncomfortable and every morning or when I stand up it feels like I just got hit by a bus, so we are hoping that this is progress:) My doctor said I could get induced on Friday but I'm trying to practice patience and wait it out this time! It is so crazy just waiting for a baby to decide when he wants to come to this world! but we are ready, bring it on! This is Mark and I's little photo shoot so bare with us;)

It dosn't get much sexier than this, am I right? Just kidding it's pretty narly:) Mark does not like all the sexy prego pics that are so popular right now so we were just being dumb:) We also celebrated our third anniversary last weekend and we had so much fun together! We went to Boondocks for go karts and arcades, then the next day we went to an indoor play place and swimming pool then out to a fancy dinner at Bagalis Italian Restaurant. Then we came home and made Jamba Juice Smoothies, don't tell:) Hunter was with us the whole time hence the activities but it was so fun! He loved putting money in the slots and driving the little go kart:) now everywhere we go he signs money! We might have a problem! Hunter has been so fun and he is putting words together like crazy and wanting to do everything himself. He is always saying "Hunter Try" or "Hunter do it" We are so excited for him to have a little buddy to play with!
Mark got me these beautiful roses:) He is so sweet and I love him to death! He is the best husband and friend ever!!

Two Years Old!

2010-02-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Hunters 2nd Birthday yesterday and it was so fun;) Hunter woke up so excited that it was finally his "Burtday"! We decorated the kitchen with streamers and made his cake then headed to the Denver Aquarium! ( I miss utah prices by the way...a million dollars later:) We saw lots and lots of fish, turtles, sting rays, sharks, birds, reptiles and even a tiger! It was really cool place, the tanks were huge! Hunter spent 90% of the time scared to death;) I don't think he understood the whole glass walls and floors thing:) Anytime we went close to the glass he turned into this little monkey clinging onto every inch of you he could! It was pretty funny. After the Aquarium we headed to chik-fil-A for some yummy food and to play on the toys! I love chik-fil-A cuz there toys are sound proof but you can see your kid the whole time! So you actually get to enjoy a quiet meal while at a fast food restaurant:) It's a win win win situation!Mark was so fun with Hunter in the Aquarium, (while I was hyperventalating from clausterphobia:) This Aquarium had a tiger in the rain forest section....I'm not sure how the fish in his tank felt about that but it was still pretty cool!Ummmm;) I could not resist taking this picture! Some diver with the fish sitting up against the wall:)Happy Birthday to our little Buggy:) Okay so this was supposed to be an easy, RED fire truck! Has anyone ever made red frosting? Pretty sure the more dye you put in the more pink it gets! After the first layer of icing and looking at Hunters hot pink fire truck cake ( knowing Grandpa would not approve:) We decided to go with yellow! Bad idea, yellow just pulls the pink through in stripes instead of covering it;) So now that I have the girliest fire truck ever, that Hunter keeps calling a bus --we are finished:) It's the thought that counts right? Hunter still liked it and Mark was kind to keep telling me it looked great:)

Thanks for all the Birthday calls Hunter made us listen to them over and over again while smiling the whole time;)

2010-01-22T13:46:00.001-08:00

Simple Pleasures

2010-01-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

So our little apartment has exactly two rooms. Our room/living room and then the other one, so Brigham and Hunter will be sharing:) I know this may be a challenge at times but what can you do:) I started on my boy nursery project! I made this little wall decor from an old window from our old house! Old windows are actually really fun to decorate with you can just keep changing what you put in them. I just painted the letters and stuck them on with sticky boogers( purchased from the store not our personal supply:) The room used to be white and it was so stale feeling so we painted it a really warm tan and now it is super cozy and so much cleaner feeling! This is above Hunters Bed (well the bed that we will be buying soon!)

And this above Brighams crib:)

The French lady that we rent from "Madame Horn" :) gave this cute little letter thing to Hunter for Christmas! I hate them on the fridge cuz they are always all over the floor and going under the fridge! So I just painted and magnetic dry erase board and a couple of little wood stars and hung it in the boys room where he can reach it! He loves it and I love it not in my kitchen:)Its all pretty simple but I don't like when it looks too busy! We are debating wether to give Hunter or our queen bed and get a king......which would be heavenly OR considering the space in the boys room just getting a twin for him? What do you guys think? (Mom don't worry I know what you think:) love ya )

The song that hunter sings is called dinosaur train It's a cartoon he likes on PBS! It goes "dinosaur train, dinosaur train, we'll riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide the dinosaur train!" I thought you could appreciate this Erin:)

2010-01-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

We had a great holiday with the whole family:) I miss the grandkids playing together! They were so fun to watch and the older ones were so good to the younger the ones:) My mom and Dad have 10 grandkids under the age of 5:) plus Seven of their own kids and the in laws so our house was packed! My mom had all the meals made ahead of time and they were so delicious! Im so grateful for all the work and sacrifices that my mom and dad made to make this holiday possible and so enoyable. Thanks Mom and Dad you are the best!Some people just cannot control their excitement on Christmas morning! This is my Dad counting how many presents were his.....just kidding he is trying to get the train that died behind the tree back on track:)Movies and Blankies;)Hunters favorite present was his "poop" toothbrush! I keep telling him that is just "winnie the pooh" but he insists on calling him "Poop"Hunter got so many hugs from his cousin Xander! He was so cute to love little bug!

Drinking under adult supervision;) Our friends thow a New Years party every year and it was so fun! The food was so fancy and fun to eat! Except it was alot salmon and things I did not recognize:) We were the only Mormons there which is kinda unusual for us but becoming more usual now that we are in Colorado! We enjoyed getting to know the people there and spending the evening with them! I got on someone elses blacklist because I told them our dog was not part of our family! I cant believe how much people love their pets here! Its fine with me I just have always had farm animals not family animals:) I told this lady I dont like the dog hair on everything espeacially on my babies and in a small apartment! She just rolled her eyes and said "life goes on honey" ;) We agreed to disagree on that subject and talked about her favorite wine instead:) We are excited for this New Year and look forward to what is ahead us......I think!!

Hunters own spa :)

2009-12-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Although our new living quarters are very tight we are loving it! Hunter was surviving alright taking showers but I bought this duck to see if he would like it and it was a hit! He loves his duck baths. Bathtime is now twice as long as it used to be:) Colorado is so pretty and we love the new area. Instead of wishing we were where family lived we wish that all our family lived here! We went to our new ward and it seemed great with lots of young couples but that was short lived cuz they asked us to leave:) They told us we were in that ward but apparently we live on the border and are actually in the Broomfield 3rd ward. So we have been attending the wrong stake for 3 weeks! We went to the correct ward today and they are also so welcoming! I think we will fit in better in this ward:) Mark is loving his job here! There is so much to do and so much work that he keeps super busy! No more lunchtime together:( But I am happy that he is loving it! Hunter and I started attending the library for reading time and Hunter really likes it! I feel a little goofy saying all the poems and songs, plus the lady in charge sings every word she says and I find it hard not to laugh even though she has a beautiful voice! I think it is a great program and am grateful for the awesome library here! Hunter loves playing with all the stuffed animals there and putting puzzles together! He gets all the animals(like 100's) and puts them on the couch and signs sleep! like it is their naptime;) Life is great here and we feel very blessed to be together! Looking forward to Christmas Vacation is nine days!!!

Time to Relax!

2009-11-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

You would think that the vacation was the relaxing time;) But we have had the busiest last month and half! I have lived out of a suitcase for like five weeks in a row! On our way to Denver we stopped at a hotel and I opened my suitcase to get my PJ's out and a huge wolf spider came crawling out!! ahhh time to move into dressers. ( I picked up that little hitchhiker from my father in laws, I hope it was not due to hygiene reasons:) I wanted to relax in Puerto Rico but I just had so much on my mind with the move, and being away from Hunter but we did have alot of fun and met alot of fun couples! Brett, Ryan, and Mark at fort something. All I know is that it was a long walk to it:)

I loved hanging out with this couple they were so fun! She kept telling me what I should and should not do because I was pregnant. LIke no drinking alcohol......The last night we were there we went to this beautiful Hacienda for the goodbye dinner! As we walked up the steps they were handing out cool drinks and I was super excited for them! So as Im about to enjoy my beverage she reaches back and says no honey not while you're pregnant;) I didnt think they would hand out alcohol to everyone! But there were alot of almost drunk mormons that night;)

I found this diaper in the reain forest? I thought it might be a good idea to go "green" afterall. I bet Obama would be happy:)

This is my very own Tarzan! I like to tease Mark about words he likes to use, that he says incorrectly or at wrong times;) Its very amusing. So one time in Boise we were driving along the payette river and he says," man that is so tetris" :0 I said, " you mean treacherous?" I laughed so hard and now I tease him about it. But in the rain forest he was wandering in the trees and says, "what if there are alot of TRI-ANTULAS!!" So ofcoarse I had to laugh at him:) Ryan and Megan were with us and I told them about the "tetris word" So short story long when Mark was swinging on these vines Ryan said enthusiastically, " Oh no! what if a bunch of "tetris TRI-antulas fall on you!" ha ha ha I hope you followed that story cuz it as pretty funny:) Our kids have no chance of being good in the english department:)

Some weird forest lady we saw....she is very beautiful dont you think?
Mark and me

I went to hug a tree for a picture and almost ate this! There was huge snails all over the rainforest.

Yes they are real! Why do women have to have bigger hips in pictures too, can I not get a bigger loin cloth?

Meg, Ryan, Mark and me

This was the resort where we stayed. It was pretty cool.

This was the resorts private beach. You just walked out the back door onto this!! The ocean was alot of fun to play in! and the weather was great:)

Mark and his daily iguana feedings:)

The night we got home went and got the Uhaul and started packing. I was not going to get to see my HUnter until the next day but becuase I have the best parents ever they surprised us and brought him that night!!! YEA, Then they helped me a ton to get packed and clean the house! We could not have done it without them! Well we are now living in our only essentials apartment in Broomfield, Colorado! We seem to be doing fine without a living room and a bathtub.

Before bed Hunter goes to the bathroom and says "ower?"

I say, "you want to take a shower?"

He says, "yeth" :)

It is so beautiful here and we are excited to be here! Our new ward seems really fun and there are alot of young couples! I have already caught my first mouse in the kitchen and feel prepared to keep up the good work:) Hunter has been so great with all these new transitions and I love spending everyday with him:) Mark is excited for this new territory and wants to get going. Right now he has to go with other reps to meet some of the clients and learn new products but he is looking forward to getting out on his own!!! We will miss our family so much but are still so excited to go home for Christmas!!!

2009-10-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well we are packed and ready to move! This has been the longest time we have had to pack and get ready for a move and I have to say I like the fast moves alot better! You don't have time to think about what is really happening:) Hunter has been a huge help in packing, I just tell him we are taking it to grandma and grandpas and he is okay with all his stuff in boxes and suitcases! Hunter has started talking alot and trying to put words together. He has a lisp with his sssss's and we love it:) It makes us laugh everytime he says, "tho thilly" ( so silly), or "yeth mama". Hunter is hard core junk food, so Mark and I are trying to be better parents and not have so much around the house. Milk and candy really is not the best diet plan for a little man:) We went home to visit my Mom and Dad and Hunter had so much fun riding in the tractor with grandpa in the beets! My mom recently had back surgery and we kept telling Hunter grandma can't pick you up cuz she has an owie. So now when Hunter gets my phone he says "bumpa", beets, tractor? and then "Muma" (signs owie) and makes alot of kisses:) I am sad we are not going to get to go home as often to make memories:( But we are excited for our new adventure together as a little family! We are living in a basement apartment minus a living room and tub!!! I can do without the living room but a tub? Its gonna be tough:) but we will survive with hopefully alot of GOOD memories! We are so excited for the upcoming holidays to spend with family, being with family is all that really matters:)So cute? I know:) Watching Madagascar is Hunters top priority(besides candy and milk) right now. He loves the "maminals". Ever since his cousin Noah introduced us to the movie, Mark and I basically have it memorized!! Good thing it is funny!A funny part in the movie! Complete Joy:) We just love our little Hunter Bug!

2009-10-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Okay this is gonna be a quicky and details will come later:) Mark got his elk in September which you probably already know but he was very happy and I was excited for him! His AWESOME family helped him pack it out of the mountains, without them it would have not been such a fun experience! This hot mama is what brought in his bull ;) I was excited that mark used his Christmas present from last year! Hunter is just being cute, getting bigger everyday and is learning so much!
I have not taken alot of pictures lately because I have been filming him instead, so I will do better with pics! Our life has been kinda busy lately with news that we are moving to Denver! We actually just got home tonight from flying out there to find a place! It is beautiful out there and we did find a closet size apartment to live in:) We are excited but are going to miss our family, friends, and monthly Aberdeen trips:( But are grateful and excited for this opportunity! I will post pics and more details soon! love you all:)

HECK YES IM EXCITED!

2009-09-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Okay I am so excited for the following months of HOLIDAZE!! Im so excited to take Hunter trick or treating for the first time. Tell him I need to make sure there are no bad candies and then take my favorites:) Like my dad used to do! My mom used to make us the cutest halloween costumes but since I am not talented in that area Hunter will prob go as a leftover or something sweet like that:) For Thanksgiving I am so excited to head to Utah and spend time with the Allen family!!! I love thanksgiving there! OUr nephew always hosts a football game that is way fun and then there is tonz of yummy food! I love the smells at thanksgiving and the beautiful trees turning colors and starting to fall. The last days of warmth....bring on the snow! Then finally December, which is the BEST!! This year every single one of my cool siblings is going to be there. All under one roof:) Christmas is the best in Idaho, Forgotten Christmas Carols, MY birthday:), Dolly and Kenny, and Elvis Presley!!! NOt to mention endless delicious foods thanks to my mama!! I am so excited!!!! I hope you felt my outrageous excitement for the Holidays and pass it along!!!

Look at those guns :)

2009-08-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

A little bit of Hunter!

2009-07-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

HUNTER FLEXIN :)

Hunter has been so sweet lately! We just got back from alot of family time now its just us three hanging out agian! Hunter is happy to have all the one on one time again and I am too! He is becoming a mamas boy and I cant complain about that! He is talking alot now saying things like tractor, pants, who is it?, tada (when you turn something on), please mom or dad, sings elmos world, belly button, and alot of giberish( thats a real language you know:) and he says please to get his nose back if you pretend to take it....... anyways we are loving it! He also has been more cuddly:) His newest thing is he runs everywhere which is so funny! Today he came and sat by me and grabbed my hand and held it during the movie:) :) love it!

my snuggle bug! :)

2009-07-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T17:29:00.003-07:00

We had so much fun this weekend spending time together as a little family! We went up to McCall, then the outlet malls, then the fair! It was a jam packed day! Mark was in the mood to shop and that was a blast;) Lots of good sales wahoo! We are so grateful for Mark and the great provider he is for our family! He is super kind and patient espeacially with me and we just love him to death! Happy fathers Day Mark!!!

Mostly successful camping!!

2009-06-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, last weekend for a little surprise gettaway I packed the car up to go camping! So when Mark got home we headed to Idaho city, and we were excited to be out! I called the rangers to check on weather and open campsites! We were excited to hear that there were alot of campsites available.....mostly because it was raining and hailing! :) Bring it on we are going camping! So we find the perfect little spot with a cute little pond from the rain. While we started unpacking we realized how not cool that little pond really was:) Im pretty sure it was breeding grounds for mosquitos and nats!! I do not like mosquitos one bit, okay quick bath in repellent! Next, fire and tent..... check! We are ready to eat:) After dinner bedtime sounded good to everyone except little Hunter. We were gonnahave to just let him fuss to sleep, I went to check on him and I see this guy standing a little ways off staring!! ummmm Mark come here..... I was kinda freaked out! The guy asked if everything was okay( like we were abusing our kid, obviously he was not a parent yet:) we said yes and he lingered a little while then left (creepy!) We decided to hit the sack to help Hunter sleep. The night was full of four wheeler riders through our camp, gun shots going off all around us, and 3 tree roots stabbing my back.... it was a great night! We woke up early ( because of Hunter) and packed up! As we drove by the other peoples camps my mature husband revved the engine and yelled stuff :) kinda funny:) We went sight seeing and spotted a bunch of wild life and it was beautiful! When we got home our neighbors came over for lunch and hung around for awhile. Then we finally bathed :) and went to dinner. Later on our friends from the ward had us over to play games! It was so much fun! Sunday was great because Mark and I had so much fun teaching our lessons. We teach the same kids so they go to him for Sunday School and me for Young Womens. They are really great kids. Iam really starting to like Boise, Everyone is so friendly here and we love our ward! Check out this motley crew! Usually you only put the most attractive pictures on your blog but we wanted to show our true camping selves:) I promise after this there were baths all around and a couple of haircuts!!!
Weekend entertainment! I laughed so hard at this cuz he could not get down by himself and he barely fit on the stump. He just kept climbing back on. He reminds of those elephants that balance on a ball at the circus...but alot cuter:)

Hunter checking on moose, what a cute little bum :) ( moose was locked up for dinner so we could actually enjoy it) !

IT WAS A GREAT WEEKEND!

NoN Stop family Party!

2009-06-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 60th to my father in law!! He still looks really young right?! We went to Utah this weekend to his surprise party and it was so fun! He is easy to surprise:) We made him a bikini cake but flesh colored icing is too hard to make so we made a Michelle Obama bikini cake for him! It was really funny! We are so grateful for Dave and the love and support that he gives us! He is the best father in law ever! we love ya dave!

This Orangatang wanted to be best buds with Hunter! They really are cute animals, the Orangatangs I mean:) She would follow Hunter wherever he went!All tuckered out from the zoo!

This year was definately the best Memorial Day ever! We had so much fun in Aberdeen with my family! There was a Poulson BBQ, Boating, games, and lots of laughs! My Grandpa told us alot about our ancestors when we went to the cemetary in Aberdeen! It is really neat to learn about your heritage. Hunter had so much fun playing with Cam and Bo. Bo is so cute to take care of Hunter and Cam I basically owe for teaching Hunter how to walk! We got to babysit them on sat while Em and JOel went to the temple and they were so fun! I think that is the first time we watched them. Thanks to Mom and Dad for the fun weekend, they always take such good care of us!Sitting at the pond behind our house! Hunter loves throwing rocks into the water:)

Elder Uchtdorf "LIft"

2009-06-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a few quotes from some morning reading that I really liked and know will help me to get through my day and days :)

Our wonderful second couselor to the Prophet Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf! I love the way that he teaches!

In order to get an airplane off the ground, you must create lift. In aerodynamics, lift happens when air passes over the wings of an airplane in such a way that the pressure underneath the wing is greater than the pressure above the wing. When the upward lift exceeds the downward pull of gravity, the plane rises from the ground and achieves flight.
In a similar way, we can create lift in our spiritual life. When the force that is pushing us heavenward is greater than the temptations and distress that drag us downward, we can ascend and soar into the realm of the Spirit.

In spite of how bleak things looked from my earthly vantage point, I knew that above the clouds the sun beamed brightly like a dazzling jewel in an ocean of blue skies. I did not have faith that such was the case—I knew it. I knew it because I had experienced it for myself. I did not need to rely on other people’s theories or beliefs. I knew.

Prayer is a heavenly gift designed to help us achieve spiritual lift. It enhances and cultivates our relationship with God. Isn’t it remarkable that we can converse with the supreme Source of wisdom and compassion in the universe at any time of our choosing, in any place?

And I know something else. Although it was a breathtaking experience to break through the clouds and fly to the bright blue horizon, that is nothing compared to the wonders of what we all can experience as we lift up our hearts in humble and earnest prayer.

Prayer helps us transcend the stormy times. It gives us a glimpse of that blue sky that we cannot see from our earthly vantage point, and it reveals to us another vista—a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and the assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow Him.

I hope this will brighten your day:)

Hunter is walking! Yea

2009-05-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

He has been working on it for awhile but now he has got the hang of it! He loves Elmo(Im sick of him), and watching baby signing time! He says Melmo and signs baby when he wants to watch Them! He is saying a lot of words like hot, rock, Melmo, momomomom, dadada. When he is mad he says dadaddada and when he needs something hes says momomom :) Its really funny!

A series of Unfortunate/fortunate events!!!

2009-05-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Life is good!! Three weeks ago Mark and I went to Aberdeen for our monthly trip (for work) and it was so fun! The weather was great, all the fields are being planted and Idaho just looks beautiful! Hunter and I spent alot of time on the tractors. He can't get enough of them and screams when I take him off!Farming buddies:) so cute!The following Thursday my mom I headed back to Utah for my knee surgery! It went great but on the way home from the hospital Mark informed me we were being transferred to Boise, ID. There was alot of emotions at first but it did not help that I was on pain meds :) So we kicked into high gear and prepared to move! Saturday we had a garage sale that was in our eyes very successful:) (my moms not so much!) Everything we sold was stuff that was left at our house when we bought it! So profits were good but it was kinda an insult that nobody wanted our stuff only junk:) I went home to Idaho with my mom so she could help me with hUnter and then she drove me to Boise, Id and we found a home for rent! Spent the night in a hotel which was really fun! my moms knee was hurting so everytime we gimped down the stairs at the hotel we quite the show! ...walk this way -quote from private eyes-My mom found her favorite commercial that night....you should ask her about it:) Then it was back to Utah to pack the house! My mom basically packed my whole house for me, painted the living room, and did all my cleaning! I know you guys think your moms do great things but it can't compare to all the work my mom did for me these last three weeks! Thanks so much to my mama! I would also like to make a quick shout out to thank my newest bosom buddy Brooke, my awesome visiting teacher Melanie, My sisters in law Kathryn and Meg for all the help you gave me in getting out the door! And of coarse the rest of my family in Utah! Thanks so much:)
We said goodbye to our little home that we had just barely made ours and took off Thurs morning. To my huge relief my mom Dad , Aspen (the sloth) were there to help us in Boise! They stayed and helped us get settled and I was so grateful for that! So I know that was alot to read but it has been a jam packed three weeks today! Now this is our new little home. It has been really fun and I like the area alot and we are grateful to still have our job! Its just a matter of time until I can make new friends! Im so grateful for the church! It was so nice to feel at home on Sunday in our new ward.
Hunter does not seem to have noticed :)

Easter morning!

2009-04-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Candy for breakfast....yum! Hunter had so much fun shaking the easter eggs because they made sounds. But complete bliss came over him when he found out the whole basket was candy:) Hunter is great to share except when it comes to candy and cookies:) Can you blame him?IF YOU SAY PLEASE!!

Easter fourwheeler!

2009-04-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

This picture reminded me of my dad! Church and farming :) Easy turbo not so fast! The four wheeler lurched forward and Hunter could barely hang on:) Needless to say Mark and I were very amused with this activity!

2009-04-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

I live right across the street from a school playground and it is torture to Hunter because we can't go over ther until school gets out! But all day long he stares out the window, signs -outside- and nods very enthusiastically! He loves the toys but I think he would enjoy them alot more if he would learn how to walk!Hunter was born to be a farmer! My dad leant us a dump truck to do some heavy duty yard work and we can't get Hunter out of it. Whenever we go outside his hand swings toward it so fast ( hitting me in the face numerous times) so we will put him in it. Its like a really cool playpen;) But my dad said he is looking for an experienced driver for harvest. I hope he knows we are sending him Hunter! Hunter is always signing -hat- because I like to wear them so we went and got him one;) He looks so grown up in it! He will only keep it on if Mark and I are both wearing hats!

2009-03-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

So my amazing sister took our family pics and I am so so so happy with them!! She does such a good job and puts so much time into making them perfect! So thank you so much erin you did a great job! If you want to see more of her work her blog is capturedbyerin.blogspot.com! So not to brag but my hair looked so good :) and I owe that to my sister emily! She colored and cut my hair and it has been my favorite haircut by far! So good thing I have amazing sisters eh? Incase your wondering em....yes you still got it!! Thank you both so much:)

2009-03-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun the last few weeks being with family! For the first time in a long while all of my siblings were in the same state! Thanks to my BIG little brother Austin returning home from his mission in AZ! We are all so happy that Austin is home, he keeps us all constantly laughing:) My mom and Dad did so much work so that we could all come home and be comfortable and we were! So thanks Mom and Dad it was great! Another highlight was all the grandkids were home! 7 little kids under the age of four!!! That is alot of naps, moving car seats and rotating one high chair:) But we all survived and it was so fun for all the kids to get to play together! I have the cutest neices and nephews for sure! Since Hunter learned a few tricks from his cousins he has recently been more interested in walking and Climbing! He is not walking yet but making alot more effort than before! But I come back into the room and I will find him on top of these chairs playing with the thermostat (not sure why he is obsessed with that) or cleaning out my junk drawers! Even though he is making alot more messes I cant help but be proud of my little mountain man!
The other day we were reading alot of books and eating snacks! I left and came back and he was just reading along without me, but I thought he looked so cute on this big chair!Out of all my kids Hunter is by far the best organizer! He loves emptying drawers and placing himself in it! Thanks for the help, I needed all that stuff right there:)All done!

We do miss all our siblings and cousins and wished they lived closer!! love ya guys

Top 8.5 of 2008!

2009-02-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

I finally finished Hunters room! Im really happy with how it turned out thanks to Mark and his handy carpentry:) Hunter really likes it also, but he is always reaching for the cars. I try to explain that they are stuck there but it seems to be a hard lesson to learn:)

Hunter has mastered his stair climbing! Up and down all day long! Hunter has learned quite a few signs lately (owie, eat, shoes, please, puppy, more, tarzan , no of coarse! ) We are having so much fun playing with him!

First off I would like to say that Janurary was the longest month of my life!! Was it like eight weeks this year? Anyway I had alot of time to think about the top eight things that happened to me in 2008! It was pretty fun thinking about what happened last year alot of good times! So here you go:
8. Trip to Greece
7. I got to decorate my home and leave the decor up because Im hopefully not moving for awhile
6. We bought a perfect little home to revamp:)
5. Mark got his first Elk (legally) since we have been married! The elk tied with going to AZ and having a blast with Erin Fanello!
4. I got my endowments out in the Rexburg Temple
3. I got to see my whole family in the sealing room at the Salt Lake Temple ( Except Austin)
2. Hunter Jackman Allen was born:)
1. I was sealed to my husband and baby on Aug 2nd!

I am excited for this next year and hope it is full of fun family times ( and maybe a fanello, vickery or poulson baby heh eh eh thats right kristi!)....now that January is finally over:)

December in a Nut shell

2009-01-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

We celebrated the holidays up in Idaho! We had so much fun and were really spoiled by the family:) Our power was out for a little while but it was fun and we had prepared the night before for the necessaties. a.k.a water to flush the toilets!! Before presents my dad and mom gave us some heavy duty instructions about bathroom use when the power is out!! Dont worry we recorded it :) We also were snowed in pretty good which was very fun and the snow was Beautiful but but the winds kinda turned it into an ice storm. We had tons of good food and laughs. Mark did get two geese that he was very excited about. But for my moms sake we saved the goose dinner for the Allens :)

Hunter got his first haircut and it made him look like a little boy and not a baby :(
It looks so good on him!!

We celebrated my 23rd birthday in Idaho and Mark and my fam made it really fun!!

We went sledding!

Hunter was incandescently happy outside as usual:)SEEing Double I think?

WE went to temple square and it was beautiful and not as cold as last year! yea
Well we have the internet in our new home family so we will be better at posting pics of our family adventutes!

A SCARY STORY FOR THE SEASON..........

2008-09-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

As you all have read my mom has recently purchased two horses for her and my little sister Aspen! One is really nice and huge and the other one is tiny and pregnant. So you can just imagine what kind of attitude she has:) So to begin my story....My mom and I decided to take a nice relaxing ride together. Here is a picture of us riding. I am on the right and my mom is on the left. Im not suppose to tell but yes my mom was wearing that outfit! Anyways we were riding along and my husband called, as we were talking for a minute he asked what horse I was on. And I said the nice one of coarse and then my mom ( with her rinstone sun glasses and english saddle) said, "I got the lady". Which I made fun of her for saying :) So we are riding along and I decide to take my horse for a little run. My moms horse is a little competitive and out of nowhere here comes my mom!

All right mom! She was doing some pretty neat tricks catching up to me, but then a truck came up behind us and spooked her horse. The horse spooked and after some bucking and spinning my mom was on the ground :( this is the scary part of the story! So I ran over to her and tried to call my husband to come and get her, but of coarse she would no let me. So she laid there for a minute and then got up and said I have to get back on her!! (crazy old horse rules) I was gonna go kill that horse. So I got back on my horse to go and catch hers. After some intense "man from snowy river" riding, I still only had one horse and the other horse had broken one of her reins. (might I add I was pretty impressed with my first time rounding up skills ;) I was all the way across the field now so I decided to go get my mom because she was wounded.I rode up to my mom and said get on the back of my saddle and I will take you to your horse. So I reached down to help her and she got about halfway on and could not get up further because she could not find the stirrup to stand on! :) So she is straddling this horse from the side and we are both laughing to hard to even concentrate. I said, "mom are you on now?" "nope" "How about now?" "nope" Then something starts to happen....from some reason Im getting closer to the ground? So what happened was my little cliffhanger stayed there to long and the saddle gave way! So my mom fell to the ground (again) and I fell on top of her! The saddle is now on the horses belly and he is staring at us like we are crazy! (Im glad he did not run off) So that is where the "DRY" part of the story ends. Here my mom and I are laughing in the dirt unable to get control ourselves. Finally we get up, resaddle the horse and I say, "you get on first and I will climb up in front of you! (good idea) She gets on and I try to climb up. Im up but when I try to lift my leg over the horse I realize I cannot bend my knee that much due to a recent injury. So now the horse starts walking off pretty fast, Im kneeling on the saddle and my mom is hee hawing on the back! :) finally I manage a swing which was very awkward but it got me on! TADA! we are on the horse again. Then out of nowher Aspen comes runing across the feild out of breath and says," are you guys okay?" (yeah why? :) Keep in mind it is harvest in Aberdeen.

She said her and the whole field crew had just watched that whole thing and so she ran over to help us! Awesome dont you love and Audience! We looked around and realized every trucker, worker, tractor driver and the cellar crew just watched our whole performance! :) That made us laugh even harder! Well we did survive the whole thing and got both horses back home. My mom ended up with a couple of cuts on her hand and a big bruise, but I cant tell you where (her bum) because she will be embarressed;)
I think from now on we will stick to less exciting activities, although it was a very funny memory! If you are ever looking for a good time just come give "the lady" a try!

THE END