Our Life's Happiness

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T09:47:00.002-08:00

{Christmas 2011}We had a great Christmas! All 4 kids are at such a fun age...especially Abby and Bryson being 5! They were soooo excited when they went to bed. I know they were sneaking around at 4 am peeking at the presents...they didn't open them. But Bryson had picked out his car package and knew it was a car. I guess they finally went back to bed and then we all woke up around 8:30! (I'm sure that won't be the case in the coming years!)

It's crazy how fast the opening of presents goes! We tried to take it slow...but they were just too excited!

I like to have some "special" presents under the tree. This year I made an "I Spy 2011" book for our family....it was a huge hit! They love the pictures and pictures of our ikea stuffed rat hidden on each page!

{Christmas Morning Breakfast}I love this tradition. We set the table the night before to have a fun breakfast with just our little family. I always make something special. This year's menu: eggs, hashbrowns, hot cocoa with whipped cream, cinnamon rolls, fresh OJ, and bacon. Abby was thrilled to get boy/girl bitty twins this year, along with beds and a little doll table and chairs (that she shares with Hallie). I was so excited to give these to her. Other fun things Abby got were: Litebrite, princess barbies, Cat pillow/blanket, Princess pig piggy bank, and a Microphone from Brian that she has been wanting! (she loves to put on shows for us!)

Bryson was THRILLED to get his "red polka-dot" (VW Beetle) car, Batmat Trios, Litebrite, blue jeep, Dog Pillow/Blanket, dog piggy bank, and a Baseball mitt and ball from his dad.

Hallie LOVED her pink polka-dotted pram stroller and couldn't get enough of the two princess babies (Rapunzel & Cinderella), under the tree! She kept talking to her little princess babies and saying "come here Sweetheart." She was kissing them and pushing them around all day! She also got an elephant pillow/blanket.

Logan was so funny! HE loves to open presents...he didn't care who's it was...he wanted to open it! He loved his new train set and trains and couldn't get enough of the cupcake set Hallie opened. He played with the cupcakes for hours. Logan also got a Giraffe pillow/blanket set.

This year Christmas was on a Sunday...which was pretty special. I loved the music at our Sacrament program...even with our crazy 4 little ones. I'm glad we got to go take the Sacrament on Christmas and think of our Savior.

We then were able to visit with my parents after church and Abby and Hallie love the tinkerbell and Rapunzel dresses from my mom. Logan and Bryson got Legos and Trios-they LOVE building things. Later that evening, we went to Orem to see Brian's family. I wish I had pictures...but I was so tired. We had fun visiting with Brian's siblings, parents, nieces and nephews. WE are so blessed to have such amazing families that helped make this Christmas so great!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T09:47:00.001-08:00

{Christmas Eve 2011}
The night began with a yummy turkey/ham dinner with my family followed by our Nativity with the kids. Abby was so excited to be Mary this year and hold the baby Jesus. Kylie, Lily & Hallie were Angels. Jett, Derek, & Blake were WiseMen. Ethan was Joseph & Logan and Bryson were cows (that's what Bryson told my mom he wanted to be this year when she asked.)

It was chaotic and dysfunctional as usual...but so sweet at the same time. I think this is one of my favorite traditions.

Then it was bed time at home. We put the kids in their Christmas jammies, and we sang songs by the tree. We watched "Joy to the World" (a story of Christ and the Nativity put on by the Church). I loved that Hallie and Logan could point to Jesus during the show and say "Jesus." It was a sweet moment.

We also set up the table for our special Christmas morning breakfast, and set out our cookies and thank yous to Santa and our Elf Franklin. After that, we all went outside and sprinkled reindeer food on the grass (oatmeal). The kids got a kick out of this. They said their good-byes to Franklin (he goes back with Santa to the North Pole and returns again each Thanksgiving). They have loved looking for Franklin each morning and its so cute when Hallie and Logan see him and say "Hi Franklin!"

After Hallie and Logan went to bed, we tracked Santa online with Abby and Bryson and watched a special video he had sent each of them telling the kids they were on the "nice" list. Well I thought it would be funny to send one to Brian saying he was on the "naughty" list....Abby and Bryson were so upset daddy was on the "naughty" list...so we had to fix that. It was hilarious to see Abby and Bryson's expressions when they were watching Santa talk to them and say their names....priceless!

After much chatting upstairs, Bryson and Abby finally fell asleep...and we were finally able to be Santa's helpers....I felt sneaky! I couldn't wait to see their expressions in the morning!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T23:49:00.017-08:00

{Merry Christmas 2011}

{Visiting Santa}

2011-12-23T23:49:00.005-08:00

For family night, we went to visit Santa at the new Farmington Station. They have the cutest Santa house!

Hallie was not having it...she was scared of Santa...so we got a family picture with Santa instead of the 4 kids...

Abby and Bryson loved Santa this year...(I think they did last year too, but not the first few years)

Abby asked Santa for twin babies and a microphone ("to do shows").

Bryson asked for a "Red Polka-dot Car" (VW beetle car)

Hallie just wanted to get away...although at the end after she calmed down...she kept giving Santa "high-fives."

Logan was slightly cautious...but was ok to sit by Santa as long as we were near.

{Thanksgiving 2011}

2011-11-24T21:21:00.003-08:00

{Thanksgiving 2011} We have a lot to be grateful for...

Thanksgiving Dinner...we loved being with my family this year and feasting together!

But the best part is hands-down, Indian Dancing with Grammy Joan. My mom is so fun...she always get the kids dressed up in Indian gear and dancing to her Indian music. They love "Go My Son" & the "Buffalo Hunt." All the adults get a huge kick out of it! Even the little 3 cousins (Lily, Hallie and Logan) got into it this year!

On Thanksgiving night, one of our little family traditions begins...when we get home from Thanksgiving dinner, we have a visitor arrive...FRANKLIN or ELF on the SHELF. Abby and Bryson were anxiously awaiting his arrival. They found him in our tree! And, each year Franklin leaves some Christmas Jammies for the kids to wear all through December. He hid the wrapped up pajamas around the house! All the kids loved finding their package!

{Abby & Bryson-5 Years Old}

2011-10-29T22:05:00.001-07:00

{October 29, 2011}

Abby & Bryson are 5! When did this happen, seriously. 5 year olds are so much fun. I feel like once they are 5, you can do so much more...we can go on fun outings, have conversations, teach them a lot of new things, and just truly enjoy quality time. I love how curious they are, how they question everything (sometimes I don't like that:) We love our Abby and Bryson so much. At times I feel like I am a bit harder on them because they are the oldest, and they had to be put on the back burner at times with new babies and now 2 year olds. I am so grateful for what great kids they are! So lucky to have these two!

{ABBY}

5 year stats:

44 inches tall (79%)

38.4 lbs (41%)

Sweet Abby at 5 years old:

loves to help around the house . loves dance, tumbling & ballet . still loves her baby dolls . LOVES to write letters to others (especially her preschool friends) . Loves to go on special dates with mommy and daddy . is reading and doing great . so smart and a great learner . loves preschool . excited for kindergarten next year . adventurous . loves to put on shows (with her ukelele) for her family . loves primary . loves to wear cute outfits . strawberry-blonde and big blue eyes . makes her bed . independent . loves to have playdates with friends . loves turkey wraps, chips & cheese . loves to SING . loves the moving Tangled . loved to play soccer this fall and have a pink uniform #19 . quite a go-getter . best LAUGH ever . shy around people she doesn't know well, but definitely not shy at home . such a sweet girl . great sister . we love her so much and so lucky she is ours

{BRYSON}

5 year stats:

44 inches tall (72%)

39 lbs. (37%)

Bryson at 5 years old:

BEST smile . always up for fun . funny sense of humor and makes us laugh . loves soccer and scored points for his team this fall . still pretty attached to mom and dad, keeps getting better . doesn't want to go to kindergarten next year . loves preschool . drawing dogs . loves playdates with friends . quite a homebody . loves to go on special dates (especially with dad) . dad is his "best guy" . so smart . reading (and such a great little reader) . loves primary . loves all carbs and fruits (all things sweet) . says funny things . still loves dogs and polka-dot cars . gets excited for fun outings . loved going to Lagoon . loved swimming and did a great job at swim lessons . loves to build Legos and Trios . likes movies and snacks . great big brother . so sweet to hallie and logan .
so curious and asks l0ts of questions . such a sweet boy . we love him so much!!!

{Hallie & Logan-2 Years OLD!}

2011-10-28T12:06:00.003-07:00

My Babies are 2! It is oh so bittersweet....sweet because they are so cute, so much fun, talking, and add a lot of personality to our home. Bitter because they are growing so fast...too fast. Don't get me wrong, 2 year olds are quite the handfuls...but I'm so glad they are mine. I love kissing them, playing with them, watching them learn and enjoy new things...we all just get a huge kick out of Hallie and Logan.

This time around, its fun to see Hallie & Logan interact with older siblings. They seem to grow even faster since they are always trying to do what Abby and Bryson do. My heart often melts as I see Abby helping or playing with Hallie and Bryson with Logan. I can't imagine not having these 4 kids...even though times get crazy!

Here is what Hallie & Logan are up to at 2 years old!

{HALLIE}

2 year stats:

34 inches tall (55%)

25 lbs. (27%)

24 thing about Hallie at 24 months:

1. Says that is "SO CUTE" (love this!), says "hold you" (when she wants us to hold her), says "help you" (when she needs help)

2. Such a girly girl...loves all thing girls!

3. Has a sassy side and often tells people (her mom) to "go away" or "stop it," even random people at the store!

4. Hops! She is the best hopper! loves to do tricks (sommersaults) and says "watch me mom!"

5. Always talking as we drive in the car...and singing random songs or words.

6. LOVE mac n' cheese, or fettucini (from the olive garden) NOODLES!

7. Loves to play with babies, especially her princess ones.

8. Just gave up binki...but loved it soooo much!

9. Still loves her soft pink blanky (calls it de-de or deeders)

10. Loves to name all of our family members in photos on the wall.

11. Talking so much, says 4 or 5 word sentences sometimes.

12. Quite the little dancer, when music is on, she shakes her little hips.

13. Hallie HOO is her nickname...sometimes just HOO

14. Carries around a little purse and pretends to go to the grocery store and gives us kisses goodbye & also says "love you bye"

15. Sings "Happy Birthday to you" and changes it for each person (Gammy, mommy, Logan, etc.)

16. Loves her Jingle and a tower and takes them to bed with her.

17. So curious and loves to be included in all the activities.

18. Finally goes to nursery without crying....and LOVES it!

19. Loves songs "wheels on the bus, twinkle twinkle, row your boat, etc."

20. Puts tutus on all day long! Loves to run around in puffy tutus!

21. Busy body...always on the move!

22. Gets so excited when daddy or mommy comes home!

23. So smart...loves puzzles, shape sorter, counts to ten, & LOVES books.

24. Sweet, sweet girl...we LOVE so much! She gives lots of kisses, with her pursed up lips and then leans her little head towards us and says "hug hug"

{LOGAN}

2 year stats:

34 inches tall (38%)

26 lbs. (24%)

24 things about Logan at 24 months:

1. When we ask "Where's Logan?" he says "Right Here!"-IT IS SO CUTE!

2. Does a strange elbow dance...love this.

3. Knows tons of words, speaks in sentences...was our earliest to talk, and talks a lot!

4. Picky eater...we keep trying!

5. Gave up the bink at 18 months-with no problem, which was a surprise because he loved it!

6. Many nicknames now-"Logs-a-bogs, Logers-B-Gogers, B-gogs, Gogan, Logs-a-b-goags!" Too many, he just is fun to give nicknames to!

7. Still loves mick and his blanky, (but loves his blanky more)

8. LOVES shows, especially Dora. "Show" was one of his very first words-that should tell you how much he loves them.

9. Has the best laugh, especially when you tickle his neck.

10. Loves LEGOS, and building towers with dad (for a while he would sleep with his Lego towers)

11. He loves books!

12. Logan loves playdoh (in his highchair)

13. His favorite foods are: Danoninos (little yogurts), & Crackers (he is constantly asking for crackers), mini carrots and ranch, smoothies (we hide the good stuff), peanut butter sandwiches, & juice

14. Says "I love you" randomly

15. Tricks us as bed time, keeps asking for things like a hug from dad, mommy, etc. to get out of his crib

16. Has a crib tent...thank heavens for that...he climbed out at 14 months!

17. Comes up and gives me random hugs and loves...such a sweet boy.

18. Loves nursery, came home from nursery wanting to play the games and sing the songs he learned.

19. Loves and requests "ring around the rosies and duck, duck goose"

20. Loves outings, quite the explorer!

21. So smart, counts, know some letters, loves puzzles and the shape sorter, and catches on quickly to things.

22. Does the absolute best sommersault!

23. Gives the sideway glance randomly...it is hilarious!

24. Such a special part of our family! He makes us laugh & makes us so happy!

{Logan and Hallie Cuteness}

2011-09-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe these little ones will be 2 next month! They are my joy...I love so many things about these little ones. They are both talking so much and make us laugh constantly. I am so scared I will forget all of the cute things they do. They are becoming the best of friends and look out for each other....they can both say each others' names now...Logan calls Hallie "Sassy" and Hallie calls Logan "Gogan." I snapped these photos before church and I am remembering how "not fun" it is to take photos of two year olds. I love that Logan is leaning in to give his sis a kiss.........so sweet!

Hallie hoo...I love you! Hallie says so many words and my favorite has to be "I love you" while she shakes her little head, she also says "I'm funny!" and knows most food words...toy words...and words of things we do...she is putting a few words together and making little sentences. Hallie loves to get dressed in "pretty" outfits and loves to pick out her pink and purple tutu to wear. She also LOVES jammies...especially her pig and hello kitty ones...what a sweet little hoo!

Sweet Logan....so strong-willed yet sweet...this little one has thrown us for a loop...definitely "TOO SMART for his own good." He can climb anything...get into anything...and now has a lovely tent over his crib. He really is a smartie pants...showing off by counting to ten and pointing out letters before he's even two. He also says lots of three word sentences. The other day he said..."mom, where are you," and when he found me, he said, "I found mom!" He is always surprising me...I could kiss and hug him all day long...oh and he also loves to make us all laugh...and chase around Abby and Bryson with a stuffed rat!

{Back Yard Camp-Out}

2011-09-04T12:48:00.007-07:00

Bryson and Abby were so excited for our backyard camp-out...even though we didn't get around to it until September! We set up camp...with our new camp equipment and sleeping bags and the kids had fun playing the the tent for hours...why haven't I thought to put the tent up before! We had a bbq with dad...and s'mores...and then after putting the babies to bed, we watched Tangled in the tent...we only lasted until just after 11pm and it was just too cold. It was fun to spend time with Abby and Bryson!

{Gramps}

2011-09-04T12:48:00.005-07:00

We love having grandpa Walt over. He is 97 as of Septmeber 11th and Abby and Bryson adore their special great grandpa. He is so sweet with the kiddos and absolutely loves them. Abby loves it when Grandpa Walt says "you are quite the beauty." We had him for dinner in August and it was so great to visit with him...I love to hear stories of when he was little.

He gave me some advice for my peach tree... it is finally bearing fruit!

Logan and Hallie love having "papa" come over too...they love to give him high 5's.

Our family celebrated Gramps 97th birthday at Maddox.

After dinner, I showed A & B the new Brigham city temple-I love how it looks like the first few temples. So pretty.

{Back to School}

2011-09-04T12:48:00.001-07:00

{Back to Preschool} Summer flew by and Preschool has started again! We have loved the summer...lazy mornings...pajama days...oodles of fun trips and outings...late summer nights...so much fun...but good to get back to our routine. Abby and Bryson have been so excited for Preschool to begin again. We are doing some new fun things this year with my new 4-5 year curriculum, and Abby and Bryson are excited for our new "super helpers" (they get to wear the super helper capes). I feel so fortunate to be able to teach preschool and be a mommy...I love to be able to teach Abby & Bryson one more year before they go off to the "big school." My mom is helping again with H & L and teaching music (with her stuffed cat "Arpegio") She adds a breath of fresh air to the classroom when she comes down! There are 11 of the most adorable kiddos in my class this year: girls: Anli, Abby, Ellie, Emma, & Lucy; boys: Bryson, Tommy, Chase, Braxton, Crew, & Grayson.

{FUNNIES from the KIDDOS}

2011-08-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

While we were in Hawaii the kids said some funny things I don't want to forget. In fact, when we returned home, Hallie and Logan were saying some new words.

-Logan kept saying "WOW!" (so cute)

-Hallie would point to her elbow and say elbow.

-Logan came up to me with the Dora DVD and said "Dora Show"

-Hallie says "Help me" when she needs something and "Hold You" when she wants me to hold her.

While at Grandma & Grandpa Bare's house, here are some funny things Abby and Bryson said:

-Abby said to her Grandpa (while he was in his office), "My daddy goes to work and you stay at home in your office because you are old." He replied that he was pretty old and Abby asked, "Are you going to die while we are here?" Too funny!

-Bryson was at dinner with G & G and Aunt Marcie. Marcie asked him to do his "reindeer." (a strange action that looks more like a dramatic prarie dog), He looked around and responded, "No, there are people here and this is NOT a ZOO!"

-When Bryson & Abby were in Sacrament meeting with G & G Bare, they were so surprised and said, "Hey we have water and bread at OUR church TOO!"

-Bryson said to his dad, "Grandma Bare fed us dead fish" (They tried some sort of fish while G & G bare were watching them in Orem.

-Abby peforms "Shows" for us on her ukelele. This might be the cutest thing ever. She even writes her songs down on paper (a bunch of letters with some words) before the performance...and while performing...looks at her "sheet music."

-Logan and Hallie say "I'm Nice"...or "I'm funny."

-Logan marches around in the Dr. Seuss hat and sings "Birthday to you...birthday to you" and Hallie joins in.

-Hallie tries and puts on her pajama pants...we watched her attempt this for awhile and she wouldn't give up.

-Abby said "Mom, I know what I want for lunch tomorrow, "Las Oobas" that means grapes speaking in spanish." (we've watched a little Dora!)

-Logan LOVES to chase Abby, Bryson and Hallie around the house with a stuffed rat. He stares at them while counting 5, 6, 7, 10 and then says "ready" and charges at them growling and screaming.

-When we were picking up Brian for lunch downtown, Abby and Bryson said "Let's look for a guy with a white shirt and brown eyes." While we were waiting for him to come out of the bank downtown!

-While driving in the car, Hallie is quite the chatterbox...I love how she will get a little phrase in her head like "soccer game" or some other random thing and say it over and over again...in sort of a sing-song way.

{Abby's Recital}

2010-12-10T22:52:00.001-08:00

Abby had her first little dance recital this week. It was ADORABLE! I was amazed at how well she did...(both with the dance moves and courage to get up on a big stage). I remember the first few weeks of dance class...she was terrified even though 3 of her little friends went with her each week. It was frustrating to me because I knew she would love it...and now she absolutely LOVES dance class and gets so excited to go each week. A few friends in the neighborhood take dance with her and we all carpool. It has been great. After each dance class, we have a playgroup/lunch date with these friends: Ellie, Anli, Lucy, & Emma. Adorable little ladies!

This picture is right before she went on stage for the first time...she looks excited and nervous all at the same time. I was so proud of how brave she was. She is definitely all girl...she loved wearing a little bit of make-up, having her hair done up in a bun, and wearing her recital dress that she had been trying on for the past weeks. She couldn't wait to wear it.

Her class also did a few Christmas numbers and were decked out with earmuffs and candy canes...so cute! Right before going on for the last few dance numbers, Abby really had to pee and we didn't have time. She said she could make it and she was o.k. but during some of the song, she was holding herself and looking a little miserable...it was quite funny! We had such a fun night watching her dance and I was so proud of Abby and how great she did!

{And she's walking!}

2010-12-09T00:27:00.001-08:00

Hallie is Walking! She has been taking a few steps here and there and then all of a sudden-she took off! What's funny and different than when my other ones walked is that she doesn't seem to toddle when she walks, it looks like she has been walking for awhile. It is so cute to see our little Hallie walk around the house with her happy expression! Bryson and Abby love having her walk to them-they are her best cheerleaders. Here goes! Life's about to get a bit more crazy!

{Where is Daddy?....Where is Daddy?...}

2010-12-09T00:26:00.001-08:00

Bryson's song the other day: (to the tune of "where is tumbkin?")
"where is daddy?...where is daddy?...he's at work...he's at work...to make some money...to buy us toys"

"where is mommy?...where is mommy?...she's in the kitchen painting frames..(I was crafting in the kitchen at the moment)"

then he sang about Hallie and Logan...
"where are the babies?...where are the babies?...in the highchairs...in the highchairs...eating a cookie, eating a cookie..."

such a funny, sweet and clever kid!

{DOUBLE TROUBLE....AGAIN!}

2010-11-29T15:03:00.001-08:00

And so it begins again! Double trouble. Hallie and Logan have found the tuperware cupboard, and are now getting into everything! Here goes!

{Sledding}

2010-11-29T15:02:00.003-08:00

We have the perfect little hill by our house and we had to take advantage of the snowy day and go SLEDDING! Bryson and Abby had such a great time...Logan kinda loved it...Hallie not so much...she wanted to go back in our warm house.

Brian was a fun dad and took them up and down the hill many times... I even rode down a few times and got in on the action. After our sledding adventure we went in our warm house and made Hot Cocoa...in my hot cocoa maker-best appliance ever...and we added EXTRA, EXTRA, Whipped Cream! We are looking forward to many more...pajama-snow fun-waffle-hot cocoa-days to come!

{Franklin is Back}

2010-11-29T15:02:00.001-08:00

And so the tradition begins again...Franklin our Elf is back {a.k.a Frankie}. He comes back from the North Pole each Thanksgiving (he sneaks in while we are enjoying our Thanksgiving dinner) and stays through December to watch the kids and report back to Santa.

Byson and Abby were thrilled to find Franklin hanging from our chandelier when we returned home from Thanksgiving dinner. After getting our Pajamas on, we sat by the Christmas Tree and read the "Elf on the Shelf." Such a cute story...I'm sure A & B will be up every morning and the crack of dawn hunting for our little red elf...so much fun!

{30}

2010-11-25T22:08:00.001-08:00

I turned 30! I got to celebrate with my 4 sweet kiddos, lots of good food, family and friends and Brian surprised me with a night away at the Alaskan Inn and a yummy romantic dinner beforehand.

It is crazy to think what I have accomplished in a decade and what I was doing 10 years ago:

10 years ago I was:
-Dating Brian...just turned 20
-Attending USU and living at Oakridge Apartments
-I was a sophomore and working on getting into the Education Program
-Working at Dillard's men section

10 years later I am:
-Living back in Fruit Heights
-Have 4 sweet muffins (ages 4 & 1)
-Married to Brian for 9 years
-Teaching Preschool

It is amazing what changes in just a decade!

{The "Not Nice Words" song by Abby P. Sweetcakes}

2010-11-23T20:01:00.001-08:00

Every night, we can hear Abby singing in her room (the loft) above the family room. We get a kick out of her made up songs about princess Ariel and her grotto, all her friends, and we especially love this one:

We don't say dammit,

We don't say stupid,

We don't say go away,

We don't say not nice words!

over and over again!!! and I love the tune that she has made up that she sings it too. We pulled out the video camera-hope we caught it! (at least she knows what words to not say:)

{Noodles}

2010-11-02T23:32:00.001-07:00

I LOVE watching Hallie and Logan down noodles-it is hilarious! IT is a must that they are naked-especially when eating spaghetti noodles. They make the funniest faces when gobbling them up.

{Halloween 2010}

2010-11-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2010- Abby and Bryson had a blast at all of the Halloween/Birthday parties-but to be honest I am partied out! The last two weeks of October were a whirlwind. We had a party in Preschool. All the kiddos dressed up and other mom's came to help with the party. We played "Don't Eat the Jack O' Lantern," a pumpkin felt game, toss the halloween critters and made mini pumpkin magnets. We also made little jack o' lanterns and spider cookies. What fun! This year Abby was Cinderella and Bryson was a green dragon. They definitely got a lot of use out of their costumes this year. They had a gym class party, ward party, preschool party, Zion's trick or treat and Halloween Night.

They all loved going to see their daddy at work and trick or treat around his office! Even Hallie and Logan enjoyed all of the fun.

Halloween night was RAINY and COLD!! Not a good night to trick or treat. Brian and the kids made the best of it on just two streets and then they came home soaking wet! I answered the door with my two sweet pumpkin door greeters!

I remember last Halloween-we had just gotten home from the hospital with Hallie and Logan-what a crazy day to come home. How has it already been a year?!!!

{Black Island Farms}

2010-10-31T22:30:00.001-07:00

A few of my neighborhood friends met up at Black Island Farms today. And since it is Abby and Bryson's bday (the 29th) we decided to go! They had a blast and it was the perfect weather. I didn't think we could pack any more fun (or craziness) into this week-but we did!

Abby and Bryson loved riding the little barrel tractor train and sliding down the big hay slides.

We tried to line up all of the babies there that day. There have been 12 or more babies born within a year of Hallie and Logan. Look at all of their cute little friends!

Boy- I sure look like my hands are full-thank heavens the hay ride was enclosed!

{Abby & Bryson are 4!}

2010-10-29T22:21:00.001-07:00

{1 year old}{2008-2 years old}

{2009-3 years old}

{2010-4 years old} Abby and Bryson are 4! I remember hearing that this is the "magic" age, where it all gets a bit easier. I have to say...it has! Abby and Bryson are so much fun and can do so much for themselves and have also become my little helpers. They have been the best big brother and sister to Hallie and Logan. I am so proud of how well they took having new babies in our home, and having less mommy time. Their biggest change this year was starting Preschool. I LOVE being their preschool teacher. They are such great kids-so lucky they are mine!

{ All about Abby at 4 years old}:

Height: 41.5" (80%)

Weight: 32.5 lbs. (28%)

Abby is such a smart, beautiful 4 year old! (sometimes too smart for her own good) She is always thinking and is "on to us!" She is a curious little cat and always wants in on the action. Abby is always up for fun and adventure and loves outings with mom and special dates with daddy. She speaks so clearly and often says phrases that make her seem much older. She is starting to read words, loves the alphabet, loves learning, and catches on to new things quickly. She writes her name and is so proud of that! She loves having her friends come play and helps them dress up in princess dresses and loves to coordinate their activities for that playdate, (she is a leader). Abby loves to play with princesses, babies, her dollhouse and now loves Barbies. Abby also loves to play "mom and dad" with Bryson and boy is it cute! I love the imaginative play! She loves going to preschool and dance class and knows what activities are on each day of the week and when something is off schedule, she let's us know-keeps us in check. Abbys is so sweet and helpful with the babies. She gets excited when her and Hallie have matching outfits. She loves to laugh, sing songs in her room when falling asleep (some are made up and very funny!), and just loves life! We LOVE sweet Abby, even her sassy side!

A couple of my favorite Abby quotes as of late:

We got her new boots in the mail and when we were getting them off the porch, I said "Abby, we got your new boots." She was really excited and asked, "Are the super cute and Sassy mom?" so funny!!

The other night Brian was tucking her in bed and she asked him to sing her "Families can be together forever." Brian started singing it and she said, "No Daddy, you are not singing it right, how about I sing it to you." and then she sang the song so sweetly to Brian.

{All about Bryson at 4 years old}:

Height: 41.25" (73%)

Weight: 35 lbs. (34%)

Bryson is a tender peach and just SOOOO cute! I love the things he says and how sweet he is. He often tells me he loves me, that I'm cute, and that he needs a hug. Yet, he is all boy and loves his cars, climbing and jumping around, and hanging with his daddy (his favorite person). He is a bit obsessed with dalmations right now. He wants a real dog so bad and often tries to convince me that we could just get a dog and hide it from his dad. He has a thing for polka-dots, polka-dot cars (VW beetles) and polka-dot dogs (dalmations). He loves coloring and is so proud of himself when he colors in the lines. Bryson loves Preschool and boys playgroup and gym class. He has really matured and become more independent. He is such a smart little one and loves to be read to, write his name, draw pictures, and be the helper in preschool. He loves to fill the "letter show n' tell" bag. Bryson is an AMAZING big brother. He loves to give the babies hugs and kisses and make them laugh when they cry. He loves to get Logan's Mickey and make Logan laugh. He is also quite the rule follower and when someone (I won't name names) is up to no good, he lets me know right away.

{Hallie & Logan are 1}

2010-10-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

{Hallie and Logan Brand NEW!-October 28th, 2009}

{1 month old}

{5 months old}

{6 months old}

{8 Months old}

{1 year old}

MY babies are ONE! I can't believe how fast their first year has gone by! I just love these little ones so much. Although it has been tricky balancing newborn babes and 3 year olds, I wouldn't have changed a thing. Their first year has been pretty crazy and very FULL. Hallie and Logan have brought so much happiness to our little family-and Abby and Bryson have loved being a big brother and sister. Having babies is even more fun this time around, because there are 4 of us to enjoy all of the new and cute things that they do. I can't kiss them and squeeze them enough. I often get sad when I think about how fast they are growing (all 4)-but I do love each stage and right now I am loving this one year old stage!

Hallie Hoo {1 Year Stats}

Height: 30.5" (80%)

Weight: 21 lbs. 3 oz. (55%)

Hallie at 1 Year old:

-took her first steps mid October

-Loves her blanky and crawls to her crib to get it

-we are pretty sure she says "thank you" it sounds like this ("tank oo")

-Loves to hand us things

-7 teeth almost 8

-scared of loud sounds

-claps hands when we ask her to- so cute

-waves "hi" and bye-bye (Sooo darn cute!)

-Loves abby and bryson

-Mommy's girl

-walks to her daddy when I say "where's daddy"

-plays peek-a-boo

-loves to carry objects in her hands (prefers 2 objects that are similar)

-jibber jabbers and says "goi da goi da" like a a little gremlin (bryson used to do this) Loves to make these noises in the car

-Pretty much will eat anything-loves to eat

-loves to dance in the kitchen with Abby and Bryson. Bends her little knees and bounces up and down (so cute-especially when she is wearing a tu-tu)

-Just a sweet and easy little one! Still a dream baby!

Logan {1 Year Stats}

Height: 31" (80%)

Weight: 20 lbs. 6 oz. (15%)

Logan at 1 year old:

-8 teeth and getting molars

-Loves his Mickey and when we say "go get your mick," he will book it to his room and find it

-LOVES books and you can often find him near the book basket holding a book and turning the pages

-Loves to steal toys from Hallie

-Loves to go upstairs and climb on bryson's blue chair and then onto his bed, he could do this over and over for hours. He has the biggest smile on his face when he does this, might be his favorite thing.

-Dances to music. When I turn music on, he quickly comes to the kitchen and bounces up and down while waving his arms. (my favorite!)

-Smiles and laughs all of the time (SO HAPPY!)

-Picky eater, loves sweet things.

-has taken a couple of steps

-The best stander, can stand for a long time, still a bit scared to walk

-Crawls so fast and loves to climb the stairs.

-Loves to ride in the little tikes car

-waves and says "bye-bye"

-Covers his eyes when we ask "where's Logan?"

-says "cracker, cookie, mama, dada, etc."

-Such a happy boy, can't get enough of him!

{Bryson's Puppy Shop}

2010-10-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Bryson is in LOVE with all things puppies, especially polka-dot ones (dalmations). So for his 4th birthday party, it was a must that we celebrated by having his friends come to his "Puppy Shop." It was a huge hit and Bryson was in heaven.

(When the guests arrived, the door was covered with this "Puppy Shop" sign. My mom makes birthday signs for all of her grand kids b-days-she is amazing!) First off, we made some very cute puppy invitations. I folded white and brown cardstock in half and just kind of cut out the shape of a dog head. Added some dark brown cardstock for ears, a brown circle for the spot, red felt for the collar, a brown pom pom for the nose and google eyes! I also added some dog tag circles and wrote the guests names on these.

Inside the invite: "Woof! Woof! You must stop! At Bryson's Puppy Shop! Lunch, Games, and Fun Galore to Celebrate Bryson turning 4!

Bryson and I had so much fun setting up his puppy shop the night before. We had 4 stations. Bryson's Puppy Shop Bryson's Pet Supply Store Bryson's Dog Grooming and Pet Wash & Bryson's Animal Hospital When the boys arrived, they first stopped at the Puppy Shop where they chose their puppy and filled out their puppy adoption certificate. They loved being able to choose a name for their puppy. It was so fun to see how excited they were to choose a puppy.

Next stop, the Pet Supply Store.

The boys shopped for goods for their new puppies. They purchased: A puppy mat (felt squares I found at Hobby Lobby-how cute were those!) Puppy Chow (little bags of Cocoa Puffs with a bone label) Ball for playing fetch (yellow tennis balls) Dog tags (I found these in my old scrapbook things-remember these?-perfect to write the puppy's name on)

3rd Stop: The Animal Hospital The boys were able to pretend they were vets. I had a few play doctor kits set out. (This was so cute) They each got a bottle of doggie Vitamins to take home (gummy bears). Last stop was the Dog Groomers where I had some doll bathtubs, brushes, sponges, and yummy spray.

Bryson's friends also stayed for lunch. It was a perfect fit to serve hot dogs! also on the menu: -bone shaped jello jigglers -scooby snacks -hot dogs and chips -Paw print cupcakes To make the pawprints on the cupcakes, I used junior mints and chocolate chips. We also turned each boy into a dalmation! These dog headbands were super easy to make! We painted on spots and black noses! How cute are these little puppies! We played games too! -Cat, Cat, Dog (duck, duck, goose) -Who stole the Puppy bone? (someone steels a dog bone from under the Puppy's (players) chair, while he is closing his eyes and turned around, and then the Puppy guesses who stole it) They loved this game.This party was a huge success (and a lot of work)! I think we will take a break next year! Bryson carried around his puppy and supplies for days! We even had a special little pink poodle for his twin Abby! (Her princess party to follow soon!) Needless to say we were partied out! Oh, I almost forgot! We did have a special guest too-little Annie, a very cute toy poodle that did many a tricks! Cutest thing ever!

{Abby's Princess Party}

2010-10-22T23:41:00.003-07:00

Abby Sweetcakes wanted a "Cinderella" Party for her 4th birthday. Her Grammy Joan made her this very special Cinderella dress and she had many opportunities to wear it with Halloween, Disneyland & her Princess Party. Abby invited her very adorable friends and cousins to a Cinderella Ball and Tea Party. Abby loved delivering the invites to each friends' house.

When the guests arrived-we transformed them into princesses-make up, hair up do's, sparkly spray and all the girls dressed up in a princess dress. We had crowns, necklaces, rings, and bracelets for each little princess.

We decorated crowns that I got at Ariel's Grotto in Disneyland, played Freeze dance during our "Ball" and danced to princess music. We also played pin the lips on the frog. The party favors were princess coloring books and crayons.

The girls loved the tea party-they sure acted like little ladies-so prim and proper in their princess attire.

Here are some of the details in photos.

For the Tea Party, we had mini hors' derves-mini heart jello jigglers, fancy crackers and cheese, mini crescent rolls, a veggie and fruit tray, mini cookies, princess cupcakes and pink punch.

Abby had so much fun with her sweet friends! She felt so special!

Her Grammy Joan made a Castle sign for her this year.

Her two favorite cousins were able to come too-Jenna and Kylie.

What a great day little Abby had! It was a lot of work (especially with 3 other bdays!) but I love doing fun things for my kids!

{Bike Ride}

2010-10-22T23:41:00.001-07:00

We are trying to take advantage of this nice weather before winter. There is a park by our house with an awesome paved walk way for A & B to ride their bikes. They love it! We love to watch them "go fast" and have so much fun. The babies like watching from their stroller too.

It's much more fun if we can bring Brian along.

Me and the babes.

I love Bryson's expression in this one. They look so cute in their helmets.

Hallie and Logan in their jammies. We love going for walks in the evenings before bedtime.

{Pumpkin Patch Field Trip}

2010-10-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

Our Preschool Class went to the Pumpkin Patch-Day's Farms! The kiddos had such a great time. It was my first time organizing a preschool field trip and it was a success. I was so grateful that all of the mom's (and a dad) came along because the hay ride wagon was soooo high and no railings-I was terrified a little one would fall off!

Abby and Bryson loved being able to pick their very own pumpkin and it was a beautiful and warm fall day! We had donuts and juice after. Their little preschool friends are so adorable!

{My Little Pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch}

2010-10-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

We went to Pack's Pumpkin Patch for family night. I dressed up Hallie and Logan in the pumpkin costumes-it brought back memories of taking my little A & B to the same pumpkin patch in these same pumpkin costumes 3 years ago.

Abby and Bryson loved choosing their very own pumpkin to carve and picking out mini pumpkins for the kiddos in their preschool class. I love this time of year!

My Little Pumpkins! I don't want them to grow any more! I want them to stay this little forever! (I love these little striped tights on my mini muffins!)

{Things I'm going to Miss}

2010-10-09T21:02:00.001-07:00

I won't miss all the messes, the excessive laundry, the melt downs, etc.

But there are some things I'm going to miss so much when my kiddos have grown.

I'm gonna miss.....

-when Bryson takes a new friend to bed each night. It could be something he made at preschool that day (like his mouse puppet), a favorite stuffed animal, or a picture. He always takes a "friend" to bed.

-when Abby gets really excited when I tell her something and she says "ya, I know!"

-when Logan chuckles when he sees his Mickey and begins grabbing for his ears.

-when Hallie uses my lap as a jumperoo.

-when Logan and Hallie see the gate open and they book it for the stairs.

-when Abby runs around dressed up like Ariel with her wand and crown and asks me to play princess music.

-when Bryson says the absolute sweetest prayers.

-when I hear Abby's "made up" songs for about and hour after I put her to bed (they are hilarious and Brian and I get such a kick out of them)

-when Hallie gets up on her knees and reaches out her hands for me to pick her up.

-when Bryson thinks he's so funny and calls people "eagles" or adds "eagle" to different songs, his prayers, or conversations. What a funny kid!

-when Bryson moves around my frames on the console table to make little garages and road ways for his cars.

-when Bryson says, "Hey Mom, you're cute."

-when Hallie gives me the sweetest grin with her two adorable teeth.

-when Logan and Hallie jump up and down in their crib in the morning, excited to see me.

-when Abby asks me over and over again to tell her the run down of the week and when we get to Wednesday, she gets the most excited expression and shouts "DANCE CLASS!" She will seriously ask me "Mom, what's tomorrow." I'll say the day of the week. Then she'll ask "Mom, what comes after Monday." and so on. I think she almost has the days of the week down. What a curious cat. She always wants to know what is on the agenda.

-when Hallie and Logan hold my hands and walk around the room.

-when Bryson makes Logan laugh really hard.

-when Hallie and Logan splash in bathtub and giggle when water sprays everywhere, especially on me.

-when I catch Hallie and Logan looking and laughing at each other from their car seats or high chairs.

-when I hear Abby and Bryson playing mom or dad, or Jamie and Brian. Their conversations are the absolute cutest.

Goodness, I'm gonna miss all of this one day!

{Baby Quizes}

2010-10-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Abby and Bryson love to play the Baby Quiz game. ex. I will ask "which baby loves mickey" and they answer Logan. Which baby dances more? Which baby cries more? Which baby likes fruit more? Which baby sleeps longer? Etc. Etc. They love it! And you know what-they always get it right! I remember quizing Brian like this when A & B were babies. A fun little game to play with twins!

{Logan's First Haircut}

2010-10-05T13:27:00.002-07:00

Logan got his first hair cut today-by his daddy. Logan's hair is so funny-he has this little piece of hair that sticks up like Alfalfa or baby Jack Jack on the Incredibles. And right now it only grows in the back and on the sides like a little old man. It was time for a haircut! Dum Dum suckers kept him still during the process! Thank heaves for dum dums!

{DISNEYLAND}

2010-10-05T13:12:00.003-07:00

We went to DinseyLand! Abby and Bryson have been counting down the days to this "Magical" trip (and I have too-I love Disneyland). We left on Sept. 30th and stayed for 4 days. My mom watched Hallie and Logan since they are so little. It was great to be able to focus our time on A & B since the last year has been quite the whirlwind with new baby twins. I even made a countdown for the kids to keep track of days til Disney.

Abby and Bryson loved packing their little suitcases and experiencing the airport and airplane ride. They hadn't been on a trip like this since they were 18 months old.

Here's Bryson in the Airplane Ready to go!

When we arrived in Orange County, one of Brian's banks (that he works with) met as at the airport with some Disney goodies, including Mickey ears for all of us-even for Hallie and Logan.

I wrote down what we did each day because I don't want us to forget all of the fun we packed into 4 days.

Day 1:

We arrived in California. Checked into our Hotel-Disney California Adventure. While we were checking in, they announced that we (The Bare Family) was the Celebration Family of the Day. They upgraded us to a suite and gave us some goodies. Abby and Bryson also got ballons and a special badge since we were there to celebrate their 4th birthday.

We couldn't wait to get into the park-so we rushed right over.

We rode:

Small World (They were amazed!-I had taught them the song and they loved knowing it)

Autopia

Buzz Light Year

and then we had lunch at the Pizza Poort

We went back for a nap (MUCH NEEDED!)

Then back to the park for Adventure Land!

Pirates of the Carribean

Splash Mountain (we got soaked-especially brian)

Haunted Mansion

Carosel

and SOARIN' Abby's FAVORITE! and her dad's!

Back to the hotel for some night swimming and showers then bedtime in their

new Disney jammies.

Day 2:

We started out at the Critter breakfast at our hotel. They loved meeting the chipmunks, bears, and fox.

We then went to California Adventure and rode on Soarin' again, Monster Inc., and saw Muppets 3d.

I took abby back to the hotel and dressed her up in her Cinderella princess dress so that her and I could go on our special lunch date to Ariel's grotto. She LOVED this and so did I! She was able to meet all of the princesses and I'm sure she felt like a princess having a fancy lunch! I cannot wait to do this again with both my Abs and Hallie Hoo.

Later that evening we met Brian's parents for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and then we went down to Newport to stay in their time share. We took the kids back to Disneyland that night to see the "World of Color"

Day 3:

We arrived early to DisneyLand and spent a lot of time in Fantasy Land riding Dumbo, Mr. toad's wild ride, Alice in Wonderland, Matterhorn, the Nemo Sub and then went to Toon town to meet Mickey Mouse (they really think he is real-can you imagine when Logan gets to meet him-He loves Mickey).

Then lunch in California Adventure and a few more rides-Soarin' (again), swings, Jellyfish & Rockets.

Then back to Newport for some swimming.

We were exhausted-but had so much fun!

Day 4:

BEACH day! This was so relaxing and I loved watching Abby and Bryson play in the sand and ocean. They were too little to remember it last time. They were facinated by the waves and could have stayed there all day long!

Can't wait to go back with all 4 muffins one day!

Future Disney Goers-Hallie and Logan!

{11 Months Old}

2010-10-05T13:12:00.001-07:00

My Babes are 11 months old! Only one month and we have survived their first year! I love Hallie and Logan's personalities now-they are so much fun. They love to laugh and be part of all the action. They are always watching Abby and Bryson and wanting to follow them around. They are busy-into everything and quick little crawlers-soon they will be walking. They love to cruise around walls and furniture right now and hold onto our hands and walk around! Love these little ones! Hallie at 11 months old:
-crawls and cruises around fast!
-Loves watching A & B
-Loves to go for walks outside
-Loves her bottle
-Loves to climb the stairs
-She make a silly growling sound!
-Loves to hand mommy things
-Gets in a funny up dog yoga position
-Loves walking between our legs while we hold her hands
-Sweet GIRL!

Logan at 11 Months old:

-Loves to play peek a boo in the curtains

-FAST! He loves to crawl and cruise around furniture

-Laughs when tickled-loves to laugh!

-Says "oooh"

-Steals toys from Hallie

-Loves climbing the stairs

-Loves to snuggle in my lap and read books

-Loves going outside

-Loves his bottle

-Logan is so much fun!

{Cars}

2010-09-25T22:05:00.001-07:00

Logan loves driving little cars around the wood floors. I bet he caught on quickly by watching Bryson drive his cars around. I think we may have another little boy around the house that LOVES cars!

{A Wagon Ride}

2010-09-25T22:04:00.002-07:00

We are trying to take advantage of the nice weather before it gets too cold to be outside. Hallie and Logan have loved going for rides in the wagon while Abby and Bryson ride their bikes. They love to be outside and just look around. I will miss walks like these this winter.

They never have their binkis outside of their cribs, for some reason they both had these on the walk. They love their binkis!

{New Bikes}

2010-09-25T22:04:00.001-07:00

Abby and Bryson got their birthday present a little early this year-NEW BIKES! We wanted them to be able and enjoy them during the nice fall weather. They loved to help pick them out and couldn't wait until daddy put them together.

Abby of course chose a princess bike...she is really into princesses. She loves that it has a little pack on front with a water bottle. Abby looks so cute riding her new princess bike around!

Bryson chose a red car bike. He now tells me that red is his favorite color. He loves to go 'FAST' on his new bike.

I am sure there will be many bike rides in the near future! They were a hit!

Our neighbors across the street saw us out with the kids and offered to get a photo of our family. I am glad they did. I love memories like this. It is so fun to be out with our family, just playing and enjoying the kids learning and doing new things! Hallie and Logan love watching A & B ride around on their bikes.

{M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E}

2010-09-25T22:03:00.001-07:00

Logan and Mickey are BFF's! He has loved his little stuffed Mickey since he was about 3 months old. He loves to nibble on his ears and tail. He snuggles with Mickey all through his naps and at night time. My favorite thing is when Logan sees his Mickey, he gets so excited and makes cute little chuckle sounds. I also love it when he crawls around the house with Mickey in his mouth.

{Abby and Bryson are Preschoolers!}

2010-09-04T12:54:00.003-07:00

Abby & Bryson are officially Preschoolers! They have been eagerly awaiting this day. Especially because they could see all of the fun commotion with putting the preschool room together. They were so excited to pick out a new backpack-Bryson chose Buzz Light year and Abby chose princesses.

I am so excited to be able to teach them! What an adventure it will be! They love learning-they are curious little cats!

Bryson {1st day of Preschool-September 2010}

Abby {1st day of Preschool-Sept 2010}

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom-Look Who's in Our Room! (Abby and Bryson have the cutest classmates ever!)

Bryson and Abby with Mommy aka Miss Jamie!

For the "Wild About Learning" Open house we made mini "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" trees and each child got their own copy of "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" as well as a "I'm Wild About Learning" t-shirt.

Bryson and Abby thrilled to be at Preschool! (even if it is in their own basement:)

{Wild About Learning Preschool}

2010-09-04T12:54:00.001-07:00

I AM THRILLED! The preschool room is all ready, we had our Open House and I just feel like another dream has come true! I always wanted to have my own little preschool, and I even remember talking to Brian about it a few years back, and now can't believe it is here!

It has been A LOT of work this summer to get things ready; decorating the room, writing my curriculum, and a lot of planning.

I was so excited when I came up with my name "Wild About Learning Preschool." I immediately thought, zebra stripes and my very favorite ABC book "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" It was so fun to shop for the mini furniture, chairs, cubbies, & zebra rug. Abby and Bryson have loved watching it all come together, from finishing our basement to the big palm tree!

My amazingly talented mom painted a huge coconut, chicka chicka boom boom tree on the wall and also a very adorable giraffe. We will be adding letters to the tree this year as we learn them. She also painted a zebra and monkey canvas too! So lucky to have a mom like her. She will also be teaching music in the preschool class!

Just feeling so blessed to be able to teach little ones again, all the while being able to be a mom to my four little muffins! The kids in my preschool class are adorable! Can't wait for a great and very busy year!

Here are some fun snippets of the new preschool room!

{Cruising Around}

2010-09-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

For the last month or so, Hallie and Logan have LOVED cruising around furniture, walls, gates, couches, tables, etc. I love this! It is so cute! They are such fun little ones!

{Park City Getaway}

2010-08-22T20:11:00.001-07:00

This summer we took a little get-a-way with our family to Park City. It was the perfect vacation for our family right now, not too long of a drive and low-key fun! We spent a week at a timeshare and had a lot of fun! Abby and Bryson had a blast and keep asking to go back to the hotel. They all loved a new environment for a week. The babies loved crawling everywhere and Abby and Bryson loved sleeping in a new bed!

Snack Time!

Hallie and Logan loved goofing off in their pack and plays when they were supponsed to be napping!

A Pack n' Play Party!

Abby and Bryson loved playing some ping pong!

And we all loved swimming at the really cool pool! We did this almost everyday we were there.

& a show and a snack each day in their bed was a HUGE hit! Abby and Bryson enjoyed some Dora a goldfish crackers!

We also went for a lot of walks and to some great parks. They loved to swing in the swings!

Abby and Bryson Loved the Tire swing!

We also had a lot of fun at the Park City Mountain Resort park. (which was right next to our time share). We took Abby and Bryson on the Alpine Slide, the Rollar coaster through the trees (we loved this), and on some fun kiddie rides! It was so fun to watch their expressions! & little Abby is quite the dare devil, she kept wanting me to go faster on the slide a coaster.

We even had some cute friends visit us one day to do some swimming and shopping!

While we were waiting for Dad and Bryson...I grabbed some cute photos of my girls and little ones!

{Dance Class}

2010-08-12T23:09:00.001-07:00

Abby started a little dance class! She has been wanting to go all summer long and of course had a hard time the first few weeks. It helps that 3 other darling girls from our neighborhood are in her class. We have playgroup/lunch afterwards which is so fun for the girls.

Abby LOVES to dress up in her leotards and dance and twirl around the house. She is known for sneaking leotards (and sometimes swimsuits) up to her bedroom and putting them on during the night and during naps.

She loves the "jumping over the river dance" and tells me about other things they do. I watched for a minute and nothing is cuter than these cute little 3 year olds in tutus! I am so happy that she gets to experience something new.

{9 Years}

2010-08-07T14:14:00.002-07:00

{2001}

{9 Years Today}

9 years ago today, Brian and I were married. It doesn't seem like 9 years! I guess the last 4 have just gone by quickly (little kids make the time fly!) We have joked that if we can make it through this year of having newborn twins and 3 year old twins, we are golden! I really do feel that way-we can get through anything together. We have had so much fun, had rough patches, and many amazing moments over the last nine years. Who would have thought how much our family could change-so happy that it did! Although we don't have much time for each other, we can always seem to laugh and have fun together. In fact, when the kids are melting down, everyone's hungry, the house is a disaster, etc., Brian and I will often just look at each other and laugh. I am so grateful to be married to my very best friend. I love sharing this crazy journey with you Brian!

{Our Family 2010}

{Sweet Bryson}

2010-08-07T14:14:00.001-07:00

Bryson says the sweetest things-he's a tender little one.

The other day, Brian had a massive migraine. The kind that knocks you out! I took the kids to Costco and on the way Bryson says, "Mommy, we need to go home and say a prayer for daddy, so that his head feels better." Children have so much faith. When we got home, we went and said a prayer for Brian. Brian felt better in 45 minutes-What a sweet boy Bryson is.

Also, before we go to church on Sunday, Bryson reminds us that we need to go to Sacrament and take the bread and water and think of Jesus.

We planted a garden this summer (it is a sad one-next year will hopefully be better). A & B have loved it. Especially the strawberries. Bryson will always run in the house and say "Mom, you have red potatoes." Even after I have told him they are tomatoes a million times! He loves to pick the strawberries and taste each one.

{9 Months Old}

2010-08-02T12:56:00.001-07:00

{9 Months Old}
Time is flying by with these sweet ones! I often wish I could just freeze time-and then there are days I'd like to speed it up. I have enjoyed every bit of these babies. Is it just me or are the second babies easier? They have blended into our family so well. I could just squeeze them and kiss their cheeks all day long. Here are some things about Hallie & Logan at 9 months old.

Logan at 9 months:
Stats: 19 lbs. 5 oz (28%) 28.5 inches long (80%)
head circum. 47.5 cm (95%) They both have big heads just like A & B

-Crawling so fast! He gets around! He began crawling just after 8 months and keeps getting quicker each day.
-Claps his hands all of the time and I LOVE this! I sing him the "clap, clap, clap your hands" song. He gets excited, starts dancing and clapping his hands.
-Sitting up in crib and peeking through his crib bars
-Kisses
-Wants mommy to always be near-(I have to savor this because in no time Brian will be his favorite)
-Loves it when I sing him songs
-Always gives me the biggest, cutest smile
-Happy Boy
-4 teeth on bottom, 2 on top and getting 2 more. I love his little grin that shows his 4 bottom teeth.
-Loves his bottle
-LOVES his Mickey Mouse-he gets so excited when he sees it and makes a funny little chuckle sound.

Hallie at 9 months old:

Stats: 19 lbs 9 oz. (62%) 28.5 inches long (80%)

Head circum. 47 cm (98%)

-Clicks her tongue

-Crawling and getting faster!

-Still has just her two bottom teeth.

-Pulls up in her crib and peeks (LOVE this)

-LOVES food!

-Loves her bottle!

-Holds us her toes when I say "Where are your toes?"

-Loves it when I sing to her.

-Loves to swing in the little yellow swing outside.

-Scared of loud sounds (like the vacuum)

-LOVES to splash in the bath

-Just such a sweet and happy 9 month old!

I had to get some pictures of A & B too! I can't believe how big they are getting!

{Lagoon}

2010-07-06T16:00:00.001-07:00

Brian's family had their annual family reunion get together and we all met at Lagoon. It was fun to see Abby & Bryson go on the rides this year. They had a blast and loved seeing Brian's family. They LOVE the merry go round-they wanted to ride it over and over.

They wanted to ride a different animal each time. Abby finally got to ride the cat.

They rode the helicopters with their sweet cousin Jenna.

It was a big day & oh so fun! (Hallie and Logan were troopers the whole time-just chillin' in their stroller)

{4th of July 2010}

2010-07-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

We had such a great day! Full of a parade, bbq, trip to Cherry Hill & fireworks!

{Cute Brothers}

{Sweet Sisters}

{8 Months Old}

2010-07-02T20:37:00.001-07:00

Hallie & Logan are 8 months old! I feel like this time is passing by too quickly! They are at my favorite stage! (well, I think I say that about every stage) They are just extra cute and so much fun! Here are some things about my "baby 'bears'" at 8 months old.

Hallie Hoo at 8 months old:

*Textbook ANGEL baby! She is just so sweet and easy! (except at church-the sassiness comes out), but she never cries, hardly ever-unless something is really wrong!

*CLAPS! and it is the cutest thing ever!

*Says da-da, ga-ga, ba-ba, and ma-ma and loves to just chatter away, she also makes growling sounds and silly little "fake cough" laughing sounds

*Gets in the crawling stance

*Scoots around on her bum and has become quite the rolling queen!

*Loves her binki and blanky

*Loves to put her binki in herself and gets so excited when she sees it right before bedtime or before naps

*Plays peek-a-boo herself with her blanky and loves it when we play it too

*Likes to swim in her baby tube at Cherry Hill

*Feeds herself little pieces of food, and LOVES it!
*Holds her own bottle

*Two bottome teeth (which makes her smile even cuter!)

*Just the sweetest girl in the Land!

Logan at 8 Months Old:

*Swims around on tummy, and rolling more

*Gets up in the crawling stance on his knees and crawls a couple of feet

*Flaps his arms when he gets excited or throws himself backwards when he is angry (always lets us know how he feels)

*Laughs so hard at Abby and Bryson (and it is the cutest thing ever!)

*Loves his binki, blanky, and especially his stuffed Mickey Mouse that he holds while he sleeps

*LOVES his mommy-very attached

*Peeks! I love it when he leans to the side and peeks to see what is going on!

*Loves peek-a-boo

*Feeds himself pieces of food

*Holds his own bottle

*Likes swimming in his yellow baby tube

*Four teeth and starting to get top teeth

*Loves attention and to be snuggled! We just love this little guy so much!

{Backyard Swimming & Popsicles}

2010-06-26T20:20:00.003-07:00

We have been doing a lot of backyard swimming this summer. It is so much easier then packing it up and going to a pool. We have been going to Cherry Hill as well-just too much work!

I bought A & B a big green pool that they love! It is perfect for this summer!

I couldn't help myself and had to buy them all matching swim suits. Abby loved that her and Hallie Hoo had matching polka-dot swim suits.

The babes are so good about going places and doing new things! They are up for adventure. They love to just sit in the shade and chew on some pool toys.

& Hallie & Logan experienced their first popsicles! They loved it-I love the new slow melt popsicles.

{Abby's Swim Party}

2010-06-26T20:20:00.001-07:00

Oh Little Abby...you are so much fun! You have such an imagination and LOVE to be a little mommy. Throughout this summer, you would get your swimsuit on, get your babies that you have named Hallie & Logan in their swim gear, grab all of the tubes and mini pool out of the garage and set up "Cherry Hill" in our living room. You often pretened that you were taking your babies down the lazy river. You wanted me to put your hair up in a clip, just how I wear mine to Cherry Hill. Sometimes you would even invite Bryson, Hallie and Logan to join you swimming. You are such a good little mommy to your babies. I just love you so much! I am going to miss things like this when you get older!

PS. I'm also going to miss waking up and looking over and seeing you sleeping peacefully in the chair in my room wearing a swim suit, and when you wake up from your nap wearing a swim suit becasue you would sneak them in your room just before naps, planning on doing this the whole time. I'm gonna miss it.

{Father's Day 2010}

2010-06-20T21:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's day to the BEST daddy around! Brian celebrated his 4th Father's day with his 4 little muffins!

{Playgroup Pals}

2010-06-09T20:58:00.001-07:00

{Boy's Playgroup: Bryson, Tommy, Stein, Seth, Chase, (Abby)} This past year, Abby and Bryson were in playgroups with some very cute kiddos in our neighborhood. Bryson went to playgroup on Mondays and Abby on Wednesdays. All of the moms would take turns hosting and planning activities for the kids. Both A & B came a long way. The first few times were not good. Abby and Bryson would cry and scream when I left them-it was awful-but now they LOVE it and look forward to it each week. We are planning on it again this fall. Yea for playgroup!

{Girl's Playgroup: Ellie, Abby, (Bryson tagged along), Lucy, & AnLi}

{Hallie's First Tooth}

2010-06-05T13:30:00.001-07:00

Hallie has two little chompers now! I love how cute her smile looks with these two little bright, white teeth!

{Roomies}

2010-06-03T22:32:00.003-07:00

Abby & Bryson have been back together since January so the babies could move into the cribs. {A & B shared a room in Washington and I remember the crib parties they used to have} We learned a thing or two...3 year olds don't do so well together sharing a room, there is no responsible party. There have been many 3 or 4 AM parties, bounce partys (bouncing on the beds), jumping off the bed parties, hanging from their headboard parties, hide the blanket parties, take the pictures and letters off the wall and hide them parties, shut the other in the closet parties, and more! You get the picture, it has not been fun. We did give it a couple of weeks but then resorted to having Bryson fall asleep in the guest room and moving him after they had both fallen asleep. The 4 am parties don't happen too often now and it has gotten better now that they are 3 1/2. We did enjoy listening to them while they were up until 10 or 11 pm the first week-then we realized they needed more sleep. They do love having the loft be their room. It makes me happy that these two have each other, even though they are partners in crime, they sure are cute together.

{Summer Fun Ideas}

2010-06-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

Our family made a list of fun things to do together this summer. I made a big poster of the list and we have been checking off each activity. A & B love it! It helps us to be motivated to do fun things. I'm not sure we'll accomplish them all this summer. It may have to be summer/fall 2010 fun!

{Watermelon Night}

2010-06-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Bryson LOVES watermelon! We decided to have a watermelon night and eat a BIG one. I let the kiddos go with me to choose one and they watched me slice it. They couldn't wait to dig in-and that is just what they did. I'm pretty sure Bryson ate almost 1/4 of the melon. Abby isn't a huge fan, but Hallie and Logan got to try it for the first time. I love watching my kids experience and learn about new things! I love their excitement for LIFE!

{There are some new monsters on the block}

2010-05-29T20:55:00.001-07:00

The kiddos and I had so much fun putting these silly monster hats on Hallie & Logan. I remember how cute Abby & Bryson looked it them.

It was funny to see Hallie and Logan's reaction to their new hats. Love these little Monsters!

{Abby's Masterpiece}

2010-05-29T20:54:00.002-07:00

I knew the day would come when someone would paint the wall. And that someone was miss Abby. I was reading stories to A & B one evening when I looked down at Abby's hands and noticed white paint all over them. This is not a good thing, especially because we hadn't painted that day. I asked her why they were white and she said, "I don't know." and kinda hid them. Bryson chimed in and told me she had painted the wall downstairs in her house. Brian and I went down and saw big letters (well that somewhat looked like letters) all over a wall in her little house. I had to get my camera but I told her she probably shouldn't smile because this was going to be used as evidence for her vandalism.
And Brian had the lovely job of cleaning the walls. Luckily the graffiti was only a few hours or so old and washed off pretty good.
And now for the evidence. I found these brushes strategically placed in this ziploc bag. There was not a bit of paint on the carpet or on clothes, she did a pretty good paint job. I did find later empty formula cans with paint in them. I guess she poured the pain the can, dipped her brush and went to town.
Caught white handed! Goodness they can be naughty, but boy are they cute!

{Visiting Daddy}

2010-05-20T21:30:00.001-07:00

We love to meet Brian for lunch! His office is right across from Temple Square. We love to eat at the Nauvoo Cafe and then walk around Temple Square. This was my first time bringing 4 kids. It was such a pretty day and Abby and Bryson were thrilled to see their daddy.

Bryson was so cute when he saw the temple. He pointed to Angel Moroni and said, "Hey Mom, look at that gold guy!"

Abby and Bryson loved to walk up the temple stairs and see the beautiful big doors!

And two little muffins along for the ride! Logan and Hallie are so easy going on outings and just love taking all of the sights and sounds in! Thank heaven for my double stroller!

{Hallie's Pig Toes}

2010-05-19T22:42:00.003-07:00

Hallie's first pedicure! There is nothing cuter than painted little pig toes!

{Swings!}

2010-05-19T22:42:00.001-07:00

Hallie and Logan love swinging on the swingset in the backyard! They get so excited in their little yellow swing. Abby and Bryson love swinging by their sides and pushing the babes in their swing.

{Preschool}

2010-05-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled that I will be starting my own preschool! Just a 3-4 age group this year. This is something I've wanted to do since I stopped teaching 1st grade. I will get to teach my Abby and Bryson too! We finished our basement and are getting the room put together. I was so excited about my theme, based around the book "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" (one of my favorite children's books) and all things 'WILD!' I even ordered a zebra rug! It is only a couple of days a week and I can do this because my amazing mom is going to help with Hallie and Logan and teach music to my class. I have the cutest 3-4 year olds enrolled and most are A & B's little friends! Let the fun begin!

{Cute Bryson}

2010-05-11T12:19:00.001-07:00

A couple of cute Bryson sayings:

The other day I was making lunch and the kiddos were sitting in their chairs waiting. All of a sudden Bryson breaks out singing, "Stop! Hammer time!" "Can't touch this!" I about died laughing. Apparently Brian had played this for the kiddos on an outing in his car. Who couldn't use a little MC Hammer every now and then, right?!

The other day I fell with Hallie in my arms (very scary-but she was safe thanks to my special mommy powers). Bryson was so upset and held his hands over his mouth in shock and kept asking, "Mommy, what can I do for you? How can I help you?!" It was terribly sweet!

Bryson does the funniest thing. He will ask you a question and then tell you what response to say. Here are a few examples:

"Dad, look at my cars. Say "Wow" daddy?"

"Mommy, can I go outside. Say "You can go outside Bryson."

He is too funny!

{Grass!)

2010-05-10T10:09:00.001-07:00

Hallie and Logan's first time sitting in the grass-and they loved it-well at first they weren't sure about it-but they didn't cry. And then they sat and grabbed it and looked at it for a bit. I love babies because everything is so new and amazing to them!

{Say Hello to My Little Friend}

2010-05-09T20:59:00.005-07:00

We got such a kick out of watching Brian take little Logan for a ride in Abby's doll stroller. He looked so happy and content and enjoyed the ride! I love how he is sucking on his bottom lip in these photos-he looks like a little old man.

{Cousin Jenna}

2010-05-09T20:59:00.003-07:00

Cute cousin Jenna came to visit and play with Abby and Bryson! She is just one month older than A & B and she is just the cutest and sweetest muffin ever! She absolutely loves to play with A & B. It will be so fun for Abby to have such a close girl cousin! They enjoyed riding bikes together, going for a walk, having a picnic lunch and playing in the bounce house downstairs. We hope she comes again to play soon!

{Sitting Up}

2010-05-09T20:59:00.001-07:00

I love when my babies can sit up and play with toys and finally entertain themselves a little more. Hallie and Logan began sitting up (with help) around 5 1/2 months. They look so cute sitting up! Abby and Bryson love to sit by their sides and give the babes toys to play with. I love Logan's happy face in this photo!

{Mother's Day 2010}

2010-05-09T19:48:00.003-07:00

I love being a mom to these four kiddos! This Mother's Day was very special-this past year has been a whirlwind-pregnant and caring for toddlers and then of course the newborn stage. It was definitely a celebration of surviving!! I am so grateful that I get to be a mom, that these four little ones are mine. Me and my boys. I love having boys! I didn't have brothers and wasn't sure how it would be to have sons. There is such a sweet bond with moms and their boys.

Me and my girls. I love that I get to have two girls and that they each have a sister. I can just picture all of the fun girl getaways and outings to come!

Mother's day was also special because Hallie's new cousin Lily was blessed. I love this picture of the two of them.

I was also able to spend time with my mom and sister!

{Baby mum-mum Monsters}

2010-05-09T19:48:00.001-07:00

Hallie and Logan LOVE these Mum Mum rice snacks! They even get excited when I pull out the package. I think they look a bit like little hamsters having a snack because of how they hold them.

{3 Year Olds Say the Darndest Things}

2010-05-05T16:36:00.002-07:00

3 year olds say the funniest things. Times that by two and you'll understand why we are laughing every day. I hope A & B will get a kick out of these little sayings when they are older.

I'll start with my not so favorite: "Dammit" They'll even use this in the right context. We can thank the dad for this one. But...we are working on it and being VERY careful with what we say. I have feared for the time when they would either say it at church or at my in laws. Well that day came. My father in law informed me that while Bryson and Abby were playing at their house one day, Bryson asked his Grandma Bare, "Grandma, does Grandpa say dammit." I guess they know it is a bad word now.

Here are some good ones now:

*The other day, I saw a spider in the kitchen and smashed it good (I am terribly afraid of spiders!). Both kids ran over and saw the smashed spider. 15 min or so later, Bryson came to me and asked, "Mom, does Jesus like spiders?" I replied, "I think so Bryson." I'm really not sure, but I sure hope spiders aren't in heaven.

*Every night I snuggle with A & B and sing them a few songs. I always let them choose which ones. One night I asked Bryson and he replied, "Adam was a Froglet" (Follow the Prophet)

*One day when I wasn't so happy with Bryson, he came up to me and said (with his cute little smile) "You sure look cute today Mom."

*When Brian was getting ready for work one morning, Bryson said, "Don't go to work daddy, you go to too many works."

*This one was embarrassing. When we were in Sacrament Meeting, Bryson didn't like his selection of the Sacrament bread and began yelling, "I want a bigger one without crust." I just wanted to hide while Brian was escorting him to the hall. We had a little talk about the Sacrament and it hasn't happened since.

*Whenever Bryson wears his button up plaid or striped dress shirts, he calls them his "Doctor Shirts." I think he sees his pediatrician wearing these every time we go to his check-ups.

*After Brian got dressed to go somewhere with us, Abby asked me, "Mom, is it o.k. if daddy wears that?" Apparently Abby is used to me dictating what the kiddos wear and I'll admit, sometimes even what their dad wears. oops!

*When Bryson was whining the other day, Brian said, "Bryson you are whining like a girl." Abby then chimes in, "Yea Bryson, I'm supposed to do that, not you."

*The other day I accidentally called Logan "Magoo" (which is one of Bryson's nicknames) Bryson said, "No mom, I'm the Magoo and Lucy Lou is the Magoo, Not Logan!" (Lucy is their little friend with the same nickname).

*When Brian was going to take A & B somewhere, Abby asked if I would babysit her Hallie and Logan while she was gone. (She has two little babies that she LOVES and has named them Hallie and Logan.)

She also calls my babies "your babies." She'll ask, "Are you going to feed your babies" "Are you going to bathe your babies." Then she'll tell me what her babies are up to. Just too cute!

When Bryson sees Hallie in the morning, he will say in the highest pitched voice, "Hi Honey!"

The other day when I was getting ready and Bryson was on an outing with his dad, Abby was sneaking around in the kitchen trying to get to the cookies on the counter. Little did she know, but I was watching her the whole time. She would come in the room and sneakily ask, "Mommy, are you doing your hair? And are you going to be in here for a long time?" I said, "yes." I then watched her sneak to the kitchen and grab a cookie. She did this another time and came in and asked, "Mom, are you getting dressed?" and grabbed another one. I did eventually tell her no more-but it was cute. What a sneaky little muffin!

When the kiddos and I visited Brian one day at work, we went for a walk around the Salt Lake Temple. Bryson pointed to the temple and shouted, "Hey, Look at that gold guy on top!" We expained that it was Angel Moroni.

This one surprised me and was so cute. One day we were driving, and Abby randomly said, "Huy starts with an H." I said who is Huy (i knew but wanted to know how she knew) and she replied, "He's daddy's man, the man daddy talks to behind us." Huy is our Vietnamese neighbor that lives behind us. First off, I didn't even know she knew his name and it was just so funny how she stated everything. What a little smarty pants...too smart for her own good sometimes.

*And the best for last... When their Grandma Bare was driving A & B down to Orem (to her house), it started raining pretty hard. Their Grandma Bare said a prayer. A bit after, the phone rang and Bryson asked, "Grandma, is that Heavenly Father?" So sweet!

And...nothing melts me more when they say "I love you" before I say it, or when they run up and give me a random hug. The other day Bryson said "I like you mom, we're like this" and crossed his first two fingers and held them out for me to see (our little sign). Goodness I love these three year olds!

{Best Big Brother}

2010-05-05T16:36:00.001-07:00

When we had Hallie and Logan I was sure that Abby would love them... BUT I have truly been so surprised and amazed at how much Bryson ADORES his baby brother and sister...Hallie in particular! He LOVES little Hallie Hoo. Every morning he rushes to my bed (by then both babies are laying by my side) and in a really cute high pitched voice, will say "Hi Honey, Hi Hallie Hoo" to Hallie and he will lean over and give them both hugs. He will then get excited when Hallie does her excited "tushy twist."

I always thought it would've been so cool to have an older brother and I'm sure Bryson will always be a great one. He loves to snuggle them and loves it when he makes them laugh and smile. He can get Logan laughing pretty hard!

He is a great Big Brother to look up to!

{Happy Birthday Big Boy}

2010-05-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to Brian! He turned 31 today! We celebrated by taking him to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and to Boondocks after! We had so much fun riding the bumper boats with Abby and Bryson!

& Abby and Bryson loved the little merry-go-round inside!

{Hallie & Logan 6 Months Old}

2010-04-23T19:20:00.005-07:00

Hallie and Logan are 6 months old this week! It is amazing that a half of a year has gone by. It has sure been a whirlwind-but a great one! I feel like we are at a great point. It is busier in ways, but much easier than the newborn stage. I love that Abby and Bryson love interacting with these babes-they love to make them laugh and smile. I love the stage Hallie and Logan are at. Sitting up and playing with toys-they are fun, fun, fun! Here are some things they are up to at 6 months!

{ Hallie Hoo Hoo}: Weight-16 lbs. 6 oz. (59%) Height-26.5 inches (77%)

*Loves to grab and reach for everything

*Sitting up

*Loves playing with toys

*Doesn't cry at all when going down for a nap or bedtime-loves this time

*Says "da-da"

*Holds her bottle for a few minutes

*Loves attention from A & B

*Easy going-but somewhat sassy (gets intense when she wants a toy or to be held)

*Loves baby food and baby snacks and is a chubby little muffin

*Loves to make spitting and razzing sounds & grabs her toes

*Does what we call the "tushy twist" when she gets excited

*Loves the exersaucer, jumperoo (we call her special jump the right leg shimmy), and Baby Einstein

I could just squeeze and kiss my little Hallie Hoo all day long!

{Logan}: Weight-16 lbs. 2 oz. (24%) Height-26.5 inches (53%)

*Sitting up

*Biggest grin ever

*Has two teeth and getting a third

*Scoots around on his back (kicks off on his legs and can be across the room in no time)

*LOVES his mommy

*Says "ga-ga"

*Loves his baby food and baby snacks (gets excited when he knows it is dinner time!)

*Gets very excited when anyone gives him attention

*Loves the exersaucer and jumperoo & Loves to grab his toes

*Gets really excited and makes funny sounds (dolphin like sounds)

*Kicks off on his legs and launches himself across the room on his back (we will find him many feet away from where we left him)
*Says "da-da" in a loud and somewhat angry tone-we get a huge kick out of this.

We sure LOVE our little Logan man!

{Sweet siblings}:

I LOVE LOVE LOVE watching Abby and Bryson play with Hallie and Logan. They love these babies. I hope they will grow to be close and always love each other. I sure am grateful to have a sister and hope Abby and Hallie will be as close. The other day Bryson was playing peek-a-boo with Logan and had him laughing so hard. Amongst the never ending laundry, the constantly feeding everyone, the dirty diapers, the toys everywhere, and the meltdowns, there are moments each day where I get little glimpses of Heaven. These moments make all of the hard work worth it!

{Abby & Bryson 3 1/2}

2010-04-23T19:20:00.003-07:00

Abby and Bryson are 3 1/2. I have to say that I am loving so many things about this stage. Life was really hard from last summer until now and I feel like these now "preschoolers" are getting much easier. I think 3 year olds can be tricky. They are so cute, but sure know how to be naughty. I am so glad they have each other. I love watching them play together, they only fight once in a while. They have such imaginations and love to pretend they are going swimming, to the store, to the doctor, etc. I am so grateful that these three year old muffins are mine!

{ Sweet Abby}:

Right now you are so much fun! You love playing with babies, princesses, and all girly things, yet you love to play cars with Bryson and ride your bike and scooter outside. You have such an adorable smile and laugh and we love it when you are happy! You know exactly what we do each day and could run the household! You are so smart and so full of life-& you have the best memory! When asked what your favorite foods are, you reply, "chips and cheese and chicken and cheese." That about sums it up-you love meat and cheese and deli turkey & you LOVE chocolate. & you LOVE mustard-but always remind us "no lettuce" on your sandwiches. You are getting so big and growing up. You are getting much better about going places and being without mom. You now love playgroup, music class, and primary and you go all by yourself. You are a curious cat and ask questions all day-I hope you never lose this curiosity. You love to read stories, sing song, write your letters, make crafts and pretty much do anything mom does. (you are right handed) You love to play with your little babies the same way mom plays with Hallie and Logan. You love to give your babies baths, feed them and give them a bottle when I feed mine. You get so excited about fun events and activities and often jump up and down and do a happy dance. We LOVE you so much little Abby!

{Bryson Magoo Bare}:

You are SO much fun! I love your personality and your little smile melts me! You make a giddy screeching sound when you get excited (you do this when mom says "yes"-I think I should say yes more-because it is terribly cute). You love life and are so smart. You love to play with cars, trains, balls, and balloons and ride your bike and scooter outside. You love to point out the different cars on the road. You can button your church shirts and zip your jackets (and you learned this all on your own)! You love to eat BREAD, pastries, and all carbs-you name it! You love fruit as well and lately you tell me how much you love watermelon. You go to playgroup, primary, and music class by yourself and are doing so much better at being away from mom. You still love soft comfy pants, and to dress like your dad. You love to do fun activities, go places with dad, color and write letters and you get so proud when you are holding your pencil the right way and you hold out your hand to show me every time. (you are right handed) You love story time and LOVE to sing with mom and Abby. You also have some killer dance moves! You still love to snuggle and have your back rubbed. You are such an amazing boy and we sure love you!

{My Little Shadow}

2010-04-23T19:20:00.001-07:00

Abby is my little shadow when I do things with Hallie and Logan. She will go get her babies and do the same thing whether it is bathing, feeding, changing, or playing with them. She will ask mom "Are you going to feed your babies?" and then she'll say "I'm going to feed my Hallie and Logan too." This is just too cute. I love that she already has that nurturing side to her. She is always quick to get something for the babes when I ask her and she will even anticipate their needs and get to them first. She even has a little nursery area in her bedroom for her babies. My mom made her mini burp cloths and blankets for her babies and she was thrilled. I sure love my sweet Abby!

{April Fun}

2010-04-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

{St. George Girl' Trip + Logan}
Jen invited us to go with her to St. George for Kylie's dance competition. I must say it was quite the feat taking 3 babies and 2 kiddos to St. George by ourselves. Abby had a blast and still talks about it. We love how she says "St. George." She ADORES her cousin Kylie and I loved watching them interact throughout the trip. Kylie was so sweet and helpful with Abby and they were so cute together during the drive. Kylie and Abby just before we left.

3 muffins in a row!! All babies were actually good on the way down and back.

Abby loved watching Kylie perform-Kylie did such a great job!

And now for the last photo of Kylie and Abby on the way home. They were both giggling a lot and having just too much fun-we discovered their "fun" when we saw the HUGE mess in the back seat. These 4 girls {Kylie, Abby, Hallie and Lily} will have to stick together.

{Boys Weekend}
While the girls (and Logan) were away in St. George, Bryson had a blast spending time with just his dad. Bryson absolutely adores Brian. When he is home, Bryson is always right by his side. He goes with Brian on all his errands. I was so glad they could have some special time together.

I was impressed with the photos Brian took. I wanted him to take the small camera to show me what they were up to.

First off, they went to Lagoon. Bryson loved it!

He loved riding the rides with his dad and especially loved the merry-go-round.

They also went to restaurants, to the city egg hunt and to boondocks. He was one lucky boy!

{Boondocks}
We have been enjoying the new Boondocks close to our house. Brian takes the kids every now and then to give me a break. I decided to go with them and ride go-carts. We had so much fun! I was driving with Abby and she kept saying "go faster mom!" I was quite surprised. Abby & Bryson are now at such a great age and we love doing fun family things with them!

{LOOK who has two TEETH!}

2010-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Logan started getting these teeth a couple of weeks ago!-at only 5 1/2 months! Soon he will have a toothy smile! I absolutely think that babies look so cute with their two bottom teeth.

My mom and I call Logan's smile the "I'll Eat You Up-I Love You So!" Smile. He opens his mouth so wide like he is going to bite and scrunches up his nose when he smiles.

I seriously can't get enough of this little guy! He gets so excited when anyone pays attention to him-he LOVES people!

{Crafting Chicks Giveaways}

2010-04-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago some friends and I started a little craft blog to share fun ideas-we just gave the blog a new look and have some cool changes in store for our little craft blog.

We are having some fun giveaways on Crafting Chicks starting tomorrow! I am going first and giving away a Photo Memory Game. There will be 6 giveaways in 3 weeks! Check it out!

{Sugar & Spice}

2010-04-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

and everything nice... that is what Hallie Hoo is made of! Hallie got this onesie as a gift and boy does it fit her little personality to a T! This little muffin is the SWEETEST baby! I could keep her a baby for years! (thank you for the darling onesie Kari and Becky)

{Seriously...}

2010-04-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is April and there is a foot of snow in our yard!! We have been getting so excited for flip flops, shorts and sunglasses...park days, picnics, and walks...the kids were a bit surprised at all of the snow, Bryson even asked if we were going to put up the Christmas tree.

... instead the kids have been wearing snowboots and coats and even played in the snow. Abby was sad that her bike was burried in the snow-when she was just beginning to enjoy riding it outside.

I have to say, it did look beautiful outside with the snow covering all of the rooftops and trees. At least it is sunny and bright!

Hopefully next week we'll get to do some fun spring activities and use our swing set!

{Easter 2010}

2010-04-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our Easter festivities began on Saturday with dying and decorating eggs and having some mock egg hunts. Abby and Bryson loved it! We invited grammy Joan over for some of the fun. They were both very into the egg hunts this year, both the practice ones and the one on Sunday.

Bunny Ears! Brian thinks i'm such a nerd putting these ears on our kiddos every year-but I just have to! I serioulsy think they are so cute in these little bunny ears.!

Our Four little bunnies on Easter morning!

All dressed up on Easter Sunday.

Lately I have been trying to share my testimony with Abby an Bryson. I want them to know how much our Savior loves them. It was so cute, when I was putting the kiddos to bed the night before Easter, Bryson said to me, "Did you know mom, Jesus died for us, and he loves us very much." It was such a sweet moment and made me realize how important it is to share our testimonies with these little three year olds. Abby and Bryson especially love the song "He Sent His Son" (they've been learning it in primary). I love to hear them sing this.

{Hallie and Logan 5 Months}

2010-04-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

Hallie and Logan are 5 months old! They are reaching more milestones and have started eating solid foods. They just keep getting cuter and cuter! Love these little muffins!

Hallie at 5 months:

-is smiling, laughing and growling a lot

-tries to steal Logan's toys

-loves to snuggle with mom in the mornings

-eating baby food and loving it

-loving to sit in her bumbo chair

-loving toys

-loves peek a boo with the blanket

-kicks her legs when excited, especially when she sees mom in the morning

-never cries when she is in her crib, actually she never really cries at all

-sucking her hands

-loves her pacifier

-is a great sleeper

-is the sweetest, easiest baby

-grabs for everything is her sight

-loves interacting with abby and bryson

Logan at 5 months:

-has the biggest smile, open wide like he might bite you

-loves to be held and loves attention

-loves to hold toys, especially stuffed animals

-eating baby food and loving it

-loves to sit in his bumbo chair

-lets us know when he doesn't like something-loud and clear!

-has the sweetest little face

-laughs hard when we kiss his neck

-might be getting a bottom tooth

-loves to chew his hands and hold his blanky

-cries when he drops a toy

-good little sleeper, but wakes up one time a night for his pacifier

-loves to make noise when holding toys

-moves a few feet by scooting around on his back

{A & B Funnies}

2010-03-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight while I was updating the blog, Abby says to me, "Mom, Watch me feed my babies while you're "computering."

While shopping, Abby picks up a bra and says, "Mom, I need one of these so that I can feed my babies."

Bryson has said a few times lately, "Mom, I keep getting bigger. I'm almost big."

If Bryson likes something, he will tell me excitedly, "Mommy, I was liking that!"

{Swim Lessons}

2010-03-22T19:57:00.001-07:00

Bryson and Abby began swim lessons a couple of weeks ago. Lately we have been so frustrated with the separation anxiety with primary, family gatherings, playgroup, etc. They are just so attached to Brian and I. So I was quite nervous beginning swim lessons-but to our surprise, they did great! They loved it! We didn't even need to stay by them-we watched from across the room. They were very excited to go back this week and love their teacher Maui. They let Maui pull them around the pool and followed her instructions. So happy they loved it!

{First Food}

2010-03-22T19:54:00.001-07:00

Hallie and Logan started rice cereal last Wednesday. They were ready and needed a little more than just milk. Hallie loved it! Logan was not so sure. He still makes funny faces during feeding time, but seems to be getting a little more into it. They have already had applesauce, and tonight tried sweet potatoes for the first time-which they loved! I couldn't shovel it in fast enough for Hallie. Between spoonfuls, she would whine until I could give her more. She ends up usually eating 75% of the bowl! What a little chub!

{Bumbo Babes}

2010-03-22T19:44:00.001-07:00

Hallie and Logan can now sit in their bumbos. It is very cute I must say. They are now at the age where they need a lot of attention and they love to look around and see what is going on. Bryson and Abby were getting such a kick out of Hallie and Logan in their little chairs.

This brought back memories-here is a photo of Abby and Bryson in their bumbos at almost the same age.

{In Just One Year}

2010-03-22T18:36:00.001-07:00

It is amazing how life can change so much in just one year. These two photos were taken exactly 1 year apart on St. Patrick's Day. I remember last St. Patrick's day being very sick and pregnant (only a few people knew) and trying to pull off some fun activities for Abby and Bryson-& one year later, two 5 month olds and two 3.5 year olds.

For St. Patrick's day this year, we had a fun "green" lunch, made little leprechaun men and went on a leprechaun hunt with Abby's playgroup friends and Bryson's friend Tommy. It is so fun to celebrate these silly holidays with kiddos-and make it fun for them. Abby and Bryson get so excited when we do fun things like this and I love it!

{Blessings}

2010-03-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hallie and Logan were blessed by their daddy on March 7th, 2010. It was such a special day and their blessings were beautiful. I realized quite a few things that day. First, it is going to be quite a challenge to get 4 kids ready and myself before church. Second, our family does not fit on a side pew anymore, and third, we have survived the past 4.5 months and have witnessed many tender mercies along the way. I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for helping us survive (especially the nights of only 1 or 2 hours of sleep), for letting me have very healthy 6 lb. twins who were able to come right home with me. So grateful for no bedrest-that I could still care for Abby and Bryson-good heavens, I even was able to pull off their 3 year b-day party 5 days before my c-section. I am filled with so much gratitude-so happy to be a mom to these 4 sweet muffins-I know Abby and Bryson must have felt ignored sometimes, especially when they were so used to getting all of me. But now, Hallie and Logan have become such a great part of our family and I can just picture all of the fun times in the future with our family of 6.

Picture overload!!- for our blog book

I love how Logan is giving the "thumbs up" sign in this picture. Boy is it hard to get all six of us looking at the camera!

Daddy and the mini muffins!

My sweet sweet Hallie hoo!

My mom helped so much with getting things and yummy food ready for this blessing. I'm so grateful we live close to my family.

Love this sweet boy!

I love this picture, Abby is comforting Hallie. She is always comforting the babies with a tender touch, a song or by putting their pacifiers in.

The Blessing Circle

We had some very yummy food & loved having our family come share Hallie and Logans' special day.

{'America' Idol}

2010-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

I LOVE it when my kiddos get so excited and say "Come See Mom!" (unless it is followed by "Abby do that, or Bryson do that" which is usually not a good thing. Well the other day, Abby called me up to her room to see the mommy and daddy "watching 'America' Idol." I thought it was so cute-she had set up her dollhouse family room with the mom, dad and twin babies all watching the tv (she had clicked the button to the singing show). I love watching Abby use her imagination with her doll house. Some of my favorite times with Abby are when we play dollhouse together.

{4 Months Old}

2010-02-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

My Babies are 4 months old! They went to the doctor this week and here are their stats:
Hallie Hoo:
Weight- 13 lbs. 11 oz.
Height: 24 inches

Logan Lou:
Weight 13 lbs. 7 oz.
Heights: 24.5 inches

Hallie is in the 45th percentile for weight and Logan the 20th.

I have skinny ones and Hallie is definitely my chubbiest-I've never had a baby that high of percent in weight. I love her rolls and chubby little bum!

Oh Logan Lou! We just love you to pieces. You may get fussy at times, but your smile and adorable personality sure make up for it. Right now you are holding toys, chewing on your hands and thumbs, smiling big smiles, starting to laugh, making the cutest cooing sounds, loving to snuggle with your blanky, rolling from tummy to back, and looking all around. You are awake a lot more in the day and love it when daddy, mommy, Abby or Bryson play with you. Logan is such a great sleeper and sleeps 8 or more hours at night. You love to be held and snuggled, and mommy loves it as much as you!

Oh Hallie Hallie Hoo, Whom I LOVE! You are soooooo chubby (well chubby for us). You have the cutest little rolls on your legs, fingers, arms and chin. Right now you are making Gremlin sounds when you talk to us, smiling a lot, kicking your legs when you get excited, starting to laugh and love Peek-A-Boo, loving to eat, still loving your pacifier, holding and swatting toys, looking at your hands, rolling from tummy to back, and sleeping so well through the night. You are such an adorable, sweet, easy, pleasant little one and rarely cry. You are just content to look around with your little pacifier-oh my goodness we love you sweet Hallie!

I couldn't resist taking photos of H & L in these little frog and bunny shirts I had from when A & B were babes. Here are photos of all 4 muffins in these. I think Bryson and Logan are looking more alike, but not so sure about Hallie and Abby.

{Bryson at 4 Months}

{Logan at 4 Months}

{Abby at 4 Months}

{Hallie at 4 Months}