Abbott Family Blog

We are still alive...Happy Fall!

2009-11-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

To those of you who keep asking, "Where are the new photos?" I apologize. It seems it took a bit longer to get settled in our new home than I expected. In addition, this fall we have gotten more serious about homeschooling and that has taken way more effort than I anticipated. It is wonderful but my days are definitely busier. We love our new home. Zack loves his new job. The kids are enjoying riding bikes and have become real North westerners. The rain doesn't bother them a bit. They are playing outside nearly every day.

Instead of trying to start where I left off I decided to skip a head and give you a glimpse of our life here in the rainy northwest. Yes, it really is rainy. I really don't remember it raining this much when I lived in Seattle. But we are in the right place any enjoying making new friends. During one of the dry days (less wet days, rather) we managed to take a hike at Mt. Rainier.

After hiking for about 45 minutes everyone voted for snack time. We pulled out our lunch and had a picnic near the look out for the Nisqually Glacier (which we couldn't actually see because it was cloudy). But it was still beautiful!

This is another look out of the terminus of the Nisqually glacier.

Ash and the beautiful NW mountains!

Alex and his raincoat which never got use in Colorado.

When Gran and Papa came to visit it was Harbor Days in Olympia, We took them on a short cruise of the sound. Everyone really enjoyed it. This was taken on deck.

At Harbor Days they had the ship that was used in Pirates of the Caribbean. The kids loved being on a "Pirate Ship" which was really a replica of a ship used during Revolutionary times.

Family shot on board.

Getting a pumpkin here was a bit of a muddier experience than we are used to. I had to wash everyone's shoes when we got home. Everyone insisted on getting their own. Amber's was the biggest. We never did get around to carving them.

Here is our scary alligator. He packs a pretty mean "ROAR!"

For Halloween this year, in addition to the alligator, we had Spiderman, a Bride, and a Pink, flying unicorn.

That's it for now. I need to get dinner cooking. We love and miss you all!
Alida

Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

2009-06-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day we had the chance to go and visit Rocky Mountain National Park. It was spectacular! The kids were great. What a wonderful experience it has been to live in Denver for a year. Speaking of that, we move in just a few days. Here we come Olympia!

By far, Alex's favorite part of our hike was the snow on the ground. He enjoyed skating down the snow for quite awhile.
Zack and his kids with a beautiful view. They love their dad!

The Queens of the Mountain!

Our only family shot this year. Not bad, only two people not smiling...This is why we gave up on professional photographs years ago.

Ash and Mom got to hike by ourselves for awhile. Ashley really enjoyed watching the ducks on the lake.

Amber enjoyed skating down the hillside on the snow with Alex.

What a view! We got up pretty high... I think it was 12000 feet.

Amber girl and the mountains. Two of my favorite men.

What a happy kid. All you need is a little snow, a lot of time, and some warmer weather.

I got to carry Caleb. He was a great sport.

Trip to Bald Mountain

2009-06-25T18:54:00.001-07:00

Over Memorial Day weekend we had the chance to go hiking up in the Rockys outside of Boulder. We went on a great hike called Bald Mountain (thank you Murricanes for the suggestion!). It was a really fun day.

We, of course, had to start the hike with a snack.

Then, after hiking for 20 minutes we had to stop for snack time.
Our snack spot included a great place for rock scrambling and Caleb wasn't about to be left out.

Help! They are falling off a cliff!

The Caleb Climber. "Yeah, Mom, I can do it by myself."

Ashley was more into snacking than she was climbing...

What a beauiful rock queen.

We almost lost Alex...or is he just messing around?

Going up?

Finally at the top!

Zack's Trip to Vegas

2009-06-25T18:47:00.001-07:00

Zack recently took a trip to Nevada and was able to spend some time visiting with his sister, Jenny, and her son Josh. Here are some pics of their visit.

Josh and Zack got to enjoy some tree climbing...

Jenny, Josh, and Zack

Off to Olympia!

2009-05-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wahoo! Seven more weeks in Colorado! We are so excited to announce that it is official: we are going to be settled in Olympia, WA. Zack is excited about the job, the kids are excited about the new house, and I am excited to not move again until the kids are in college. 10 years of marriage and 10 moves is enough for me. We are enjoying our last few months in Colorado and trying to get everywhere we haven't been yet. It is so fun to be somewhere for only year because then you are forced to explore. We have actually had quite a bit of precipitation in the past few weeks and it has been so nice to see things green again. Here are some spring pictures.

We visited two historic farms with the Hawkins and the Collis families. It was great fun for all. We even got to try real hot cross buns and learned where they came from.
I let the children decorate Easter eggs on their own. I didn't realize until too late that they were decorating their hands instead of the eggs. It took 20-30 washings to get the color to fade from their hands. They didn't seem to mind. Great fun was had by all. :)

Queen Ashley.

We recently took a trip to the zoo with the Hawkins Family. Alex asked if he could take a picture of me. In fact a few pictures in this set were taken by Alex.We loved the gorilla so much we did a who series of pictures with him. (Alex, Amber and Elliot)

Amber has found her first true love. It all started when they realized they were both four years old. Elliot is a wonderful friend they have decided that they will probably get married. I did almost flip when I saw them holding hands at the zoo.

Ashley kept us on track by finding every animal we saw on her zoo map.

Amber and Elliot were inseparable.

Alex taking a short rest at the zoo.

The girls taking a break from wrestling with Dad.

Alex took a picture of Dad filming the girls dancing.

Caleb got himself into Amber's suitcase quite gracefully but had a bit of trouble getting out.In fact, we often find him climbing into things. Caleb is now an avid stair climber.

Caleb's big accomplishment this past week was learning how to climb up the stairs at the park and go down the slide all by himself. You can tell that he feels quite old and quite proud of himself.

Ashley at the park in her new dress that she got for her birthday. She LOVES dresses. I can't believe she is three!

Amber climbing around.

Alex our monkey.

Caleb now gets to play in the backyard with the big kids. Often Ashley or Amber will push him around in the car. He loves it.

We recently went to the White Fence Farm where Amber was the first kid brave enough to let the HUGE cow eat from her hand. Look at the size of that tongue!

Amber and Caleb have formed quite a bond sharing a room. He just loves her.
So one day I came out of the kitchen and found Caleb cleaning up Alex and Amber's mess in the playroom. He managed to put all of the blocks away except four. We now use him quite often to clean things up. Will he always be this helpful?

Our church recently hosted a pinewood derby. Alex had great fun making his car with Papa and then we raced it. Here is Ashley's car...it didn't get raced it got eaten.

Alex was up against some pretty big competition. We missed the announcement that there were no rules. Some of these cars were pretty weighted.

None the less, we had a marvelous time. Alex wants to add some weights to his car now.

Spring's Here...what happened to winter?

2009-03-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Greetings all! So much for being regular. Two months go by and I don't even feel like it's been more than two weeks! It seems we are in to Spring already and I feel cheated out of a winter. Most of the winter we've been able to play at the park, which is great but... I never thought I'd say this...I actually kind of miss the Michigan winter when you have to stay inside because your eyebrows will freeze and you have an excuse to curl up with hot chocolate and a movie. I feel so guilty drinking hot chocolate when it's 60 degrees out.

We are doing well. Still no signed contract for July but hopefully that will be resolved soon. Ok. Here's what we've been doing...

Here's a bit of homeschooling...(thanks Papa Roye for the supplies!)
Our big January event was Caleb's First Birthday! He didn't quite get the cake part.In fact, I don't think he liked it very much until we added whipped cream. I should have taken a picture of that.

The older kids we very helpful when it came time to opening Caleb's presents.

Of course, Caleb didn't need that much help ripping paper...

Our budding pianist.

So, I look down into the play room one day and I see Ashley lying on the sofa with her eyes closed. Every few seconds she would hit the button on the white box in her left hand. It plays about 20 seconds of Swan Lake music. This went on for several minutes. I just had to take a picture. I wish I could have video taped it but our camcorder was broken. I guess she just enjoys getting into the groove without distractions.

In January we went on a family hike (I know! It was so warm!) at Dinosaur Ridge. They had a great sand box where the children could unearth fossils. They had a blast.

This ridge had the best examples of shale and ripple marks I've ever seen. They were text book perfect. It was all part of the Morrison formation which is in most geology text books. What fun it was to finally be there! Here is Amber with some shale.

I just had to have Alex take a picture of me with the ripple marks. Aren't they great!?

And of course, every geologist should have a picture of their children with ripple marks too.

We took a little hike up a trail off the main road. The kids really enjoy hiking...well, all except Caleb. He did complain most of the time.

In February we got a surprise visit from Nana and Meme. The kids loved having them come visit. Amber got to stay up late and played dress-up with them. Here's Princess Nana.

Amber couldn't quite figure out what to dress up Meme as. So, here's Little Red Meme-hood.

So, one day I was looking for Caleb and I couldn't find him anywhere. It turned out he was in Mom and Dad's bathroom looking for some water to play in.

Granny sent the girls new Easter dresses. The girls just love them.

How sweet!

Ashley is really good about playing with Caleb...except when she wants his toy.

What a cute boy.

Today was Caleb's first day wearing a tie to church. What a handsome man.

Our bathtub is starting to get a little crowded. So, when do they get old enough to bathe themselves?

Here's the Army Bride and her Prince.

Happy New Year

2009-01-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

With the start of a new year I am hoping to be more regular about updating my blog. Oh the high hopes of new resolutions! So this entry covers from Alex's birthday back in November up until yesterday at the park with Daddy.

As far as a quick update on us: every one is healthy and happy. Zack is still interviewing for jobs but pretty sure we are heading to Olympia, WA. We'll let you know when we've actually signed!

We are in the middle of winter in the high desert and yet, some days you wouldn't know it. One day we have snow and the next it is 59 degrees and we are out at the park launching rocket balloons. I think that one thing I will really miss about Denver is the weather. I don't even feel like I've hit winter yet. But, I am willing to trade the weather and head to the NW to be able to grow a garden and not have to put lotion and socks on everyone's hands at night.

So, without further delay...here are pictures from the last few months.

The kids were so excited to go out and play in our first big snow. Ashley's favorite part is eating the snow, Amber loves to make snow angels and Alex likes to throw snowballs!
Watch out, he is armed and dangerous!

In November I was able to head out to Washington and take Caleb to meet his Grandma during a trip I had to UW for the Sports Hall of Fame induction.

This is a picture of our boat reunion on the field at Husky Stadium. All but two girls made it to the induction.

Granny came and stayed with us the week after Alex's birthday. The kids loved having her.

Rewind. We attended a Halloween party at church. Ashley was our dragon, Alex the knight defending the fair princess (Amber), I was Belle, Daddy was the Big Bad Wolf, and Caleb was a leopard.

Caleb at 9 months.

So innocent...just wait...

Ashley in the snow.

Alex just loves the snow.

Alex got this mask as a reward for working on his writing. It immediately became part of his armor.

This year Alex decorated his own birthday cake. He had a great time and it saved me quite a bit of work. I think we shall make this an annual event. Didn't he do a great job?

Alex on his 6th birthday. What a haul!

We hosted a birthday party at the house. We had paper airplane contests and cupcakes.

I swear, I only left her alone for 30minutes doing a craft project at the table. She decided to turn the scissors on herself. I guess I should have realized that she really meant it when she said she wanted hair like Alex's.

I spent the next 45 minutes trying to remedy the situation. I think the outcome was good.

My parents and brother came for Christmas. Here is Papa covered in grandchildren.

In December we went to a fun day at the Hammond Candy Factory. The kids had a blast.

So, we walk up to Santa and Alex whispers to me, "He's not the real one..."

Ashley's favorite part was the train ride. She just loves trains.

Alex emptying the dishwasher...or is he defending truth and righteousness?

This is Caleb's camera face. He does it every time the flash goes off.

One of Alex's favorite gifts was this pirate ship.

Amber loved her new princess CD player she got for Christmas.

During Christmas break we decided to try ice skating. Amber didn't do too well, in fact, she couldn't really stand...at all. But she was a good sport and hung out with Uncle Spencer and Papa quite a bit.

Alex, on the other hand, LOVED skating.

Amber was also a good sport when we decided to try skiing. How could we live in CO and never go to the slopes? Papa fixed that for us and took Alex, Amber, and Alida skiing. It was a blast. The only problem was that it was 21 degrees below zero. We didn't check the weather before we left. Even though we had to quit about 2pm because of the cold, Alex still asked when we were coming back.

Alex was in heaven on the slopes. He loved the challenge.

This is one of Alex's other favorite Christmas gifts: a rocket balloon launcher. We've had so much fun with this at the park. The kids all race around to try and catch the balloon.

This is the "I'm blissfully happy after skiing, when can I come back?" face.

Alex took this picture of Caleb. I'm not sure Caleb appreciated it.

This picture was taken at the 2009 Stock Show. Mickey this one's for you!

Zack let each kid pick a special activity they wanted to do at the stock show. Ashley, of course, chose the train.

There was a petting farm and Ashley was so scared of the goats. It was pretty funny (Zack couldn't resist taking a picture of it.)

Amber's special activity was riding a pony. She's recently developed a thing for horses.

What a bunch!

These were taken this weekend at the park. It was a balmy 59 degrees. Sorry to all you Ann Arborites who had a 30 degree below wind chill. We hope you are able to stay warm! (We almost felt guilty enjoying our weather.)

This was a great day for a snowball fight - watch out Dad! Actually, I think Ashley started the snowball fight.

Ashley and Amber are becoming the best of friends. It is really neat to watch them "bond."

Sad Amber (she insisted on posing sad).

Happy Amber. Hmm...can you say, "Drama Queen?"

Dr. Caleb. Any one sick? Like Father, like son.

Here's the camera face again.

So handsome.

At the park Zack and I asked our friend to snap a shot of us. I don't even remember the last time Zack and I got a picture together. Not bad, eh?

Fall Fun

2008-11-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

We are doing well. Zack is in the interview season and been talking with several jobs trying to figure out where to move us next. I am busy schooling the children and trying to keep their minds busy. The past few weeks we went to a pumpkin farm and down to Garden of the Gods. We never did get any pumpkins because we were too busy playing. Garden of the Gods was a long drive for a short hike but the children still had fun and really enjoyed listening to their new book on cd (The Secret Garden) on the way there and back. Enjoy the pictures.

Amber in her hay bed.

Scarecrow Amber

When we got to the pumpkin farm they had a big blow up slide. The kids loved playing on it so much that we didn't even make it out to the fields for pumpkins.

Amber on the stairs of the slide. Really, who needs pumpkins when you have a moon bounce?

Ashley in her hay bed.

Ashely kept asking me to take her picture on top of different pumpkins. She went from pumpkin to pumpkin saying, "Mom, I'm ready!"

Ashley on the moon bounce.

Caleb really liked eating the hay while Alex and Amber were on the slide.

Um, Mom, I can't fit it all in!

Caleb enjoying the hay.

Three smiling kids! Can't you just feel the sibling love?

Hay monsters!
Mom, Caleb and Ash.

We found a snake in our back yard. Everyone got a chance to hold it except Mom. I passed. These are our good friends, Dustin and Hunter. They just moved this weekend across town and we are really going to miss them.

Alex was very proud of his snake. He wanted to keep it in our yard but I suggested we put it on the other side of the fence. I am just not ready for pets yet.

Of course, Amber is ready for pets right now.
These next shots are from our trip to Garden of the Gods. This is Pike's peak. The view from up there inspired the words to "America the Beautiful."

Queen of the Mountain

Ashley and her buffalo. She just LOVES buffaloes.

Brothers.

We were downstairs finishing up dinner when we heard, "I changed my diaper." Zack went upstairs. He came back, got the camera and went back up. Didn't she do a great job? Thank heavens there was no stinky in the old one!

Amber's favorite game is being "tied up." I have NO idea where she got it from but here is Alex doing the job for her!

See how happy she is?

October Activites

2008-10-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I was inspired by today's Primary lesson. Instead of taking my usual Sunday afternoon nap I am posting some cute pictures of the kids. The past few week we went to the Denver Botanical Gardens, picked raspberries, and played at the Fall Fest at Anderson Farms. We have had amazingly warm weather for the first few weeks of October. Happy Fall!

The barrel ride at Anderson Farms. The kids loved it, except for Ashley who loved it until the last minute when we went over some pretty big bumps. She cried until we stopped. Caleb, however, was quite a champ.
Ashley learning how to milk a cow at Anderson Farms.
Abby, Amber, Josh, and Alex in the corn maze. It was hard to keep up with them and enforce the rule that they needed to stop at every intersection so we all knew which direction to go. We could have spent hours in there...and we could have gotten lost in the 5 miles of trails.
Hmm...why don't they ever lick their bowls like this when it isn't dessert? Check out that lower lip!

She learned it from her brother.
Amber and Ashley doing their morning chore: the dishwasher. They always dress up for the task and listen to music. Today Ashley also decided to wear her moose backpack.
Ashley in her pink dragon Halloween costume.

Alex and Amber in their barrels at Anderson Farms.

Alex and Amber riding a trike through the trike maze at the farm.
Sweet Ashley holding her little brother.
What a grin!

Alex milking the cow. He really liked it. Perhaps we have a dairy farmer in the making.
See the chocolate on the nose? Left over from drinking every last bit from his bowl.

Mom! Take a picture of me, too!

Me three!
Caleb loves eating now. Tonight he had sweet potato.
Hmm...what is that on your face Ashley? Were you out picking raspberries???

Caleb in his usual spot...riding in the stroller.

Mom, don't I look great in red?
What wonderful sisters!
Dad and Amber at the dinner table. She's her daddy's girl. They both are slow eaters!
Giggles!
Amber just loves getting her picture taken in front of yellow flowers.

Stopping for a snack while hiking at the botanical gardens.
Ashley finally learned how to ride a tricycle this month. It has been very exciting. Ash and Mom usually take a ride/walk down to the mail box every afternoon.
What kind of face is that?
And we were worried about getting enough pictures of this boy smiling...
Amber out riding her new bike that Dad got her for her birthday. Now she had no problem keeping up with Alex.

Brothers! Cute tongue, Caleb.
Don't laugh with your mouth full.

Amber girl!

Out and About

2008-09-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

We had a request for a picture of Caleb smiling. Here are some shots of the kids these past few weeks. Most of these pictures are from an outing we took to the Butterfly Museum. Love to you all!

Finally a picture of Caleb smiling!
Caleb and Mom in matching shirts. I always try to match what my baby is wearing...
Amber dressed as a fish at the nature center at Barr Lake.

Ashley climbing in a spider web at the Butterfly Pavilion.
Caleb, are you going to eat that??? You haven't even tried Cheerios yet!
Ashley and her good friend Rebecca with the butterflies.
More of Caleb smiling.
Alex and Amber with Amber's favorite flowers...because they are YELLOW!

Alex holding the tarantula at the Butterfly Museum. He actually didn't hold it until Amber had held it about 4 times.
Amber and her favorite spider. I was really surprised at how excited and fearless she was with the tarantula.
Alex climbing in the life-sized spider web at the Butterfly Museum.
Amber climbing in the life-sized spider web.

Summer Fun

2008-08-24T19:22:00.001-07:00

This summer we've had tons of fun! After moving to Denver we have been exploring the mountains. Some of these pictures are from our visit to the Buffalo Bill grave site and hiking at Red Rocks. We spent time back East with my family at the beach and at Granny and Papa's house. Now, we are back in Denver and getting settled in. Everyone is doing great.

The kids were very excited to play in a tepee outside of Buffalo Bill's museum. They have been going crazy over native American life after reading about Crazy horse.
Alex, Amber, Ashley as cowfolk.

Nothing like a little dress up to get the girls excited!
The kids love the backyard swingset.Beach Pictures

The kids are sitting in the fort that Papa and Alex built by the ocean.
Ashley and Amber fell in love with Uncle Spencer.
Granny and Ashley rode on the other boat.
Zack and I just sat back and relaxed while Alex and Uncle Spen drove the boat.

Uncle Spen let Alex take the boat for a spin.

Ashley loved the boat ride!

Uncle Spen, Stevie and Amber enjoying the evening.

What silly girls!
Alex was perfectly happy playing the surf at the shore.
Reading time with Daddy.

Amber loved hanging out with cousin Julia and Carlos.

Ashley and Daddy on the beach.

What a beautiful child!

We went to visit Aunt Amy's cottage on the bay. Julia took good care of Ashley for me.

We finally got to see cousin Austin when he got back from Europe. We missed him at the beach but really enjoyed our day with him at the cottage. He did a great job making thunderstorms with Alex and Amber in the bay.

Amber girl!

Alex in the bay. He was so excited that it was shallow enough for him to stand and run around in it.

Caleb makes the funniest faces these days.

Papa and Alex inside the fort they built in Papa's front yard. Alex was in heaven. He has been asking to build a fort outside for months.
Caleb was a good sport riding in the backpack while the other kids enjoyed the fun playground near Gran's house.

Ashley is getting so big. I can't believe that she has started climbing on her own.

Alex and Mom wearing orange together.

Amber and her Gran at the playground.

Amber's 4th Birthday. She got to help decorate her butterfly cake.

Dressing up at Gran's.

While in Virginia, Papa and I took Alex, Amber, and Caleb hiking on Skyline drive. They loved it. Ashley got to stay home and play with Gran.
Don't back up...

Ashley made a fort out of the water storage containers. I wasn't allowed to move them the whole day. It was a home for her baby.

Alex set up all of his animals for bed before he went to sleep. We just had to take a picture. He'll be a great dad some day.

Ashley really loves hiking...especially when Daddy is the one doing all the walking.

Caleb got a free ride on Mom's back at Red Rocks.

Amber was a great hiker at Red Rocks.

Running off down the trail at Red Rocks.All ready for church and waiting patiently on the sofa until it's time to get in the car. What great kids! (Ok. so there is a scripture movie on behind the camera...)

We Made it!

2008-07-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

After several long days in the car, a wonderful visit with Aunt Fran, Uncle "Johnny" and Carrie & the Boys, and a visit to Mt. Rushmore we arrived in Denver.

We miss you Ann Arbor Friends! We have to admit that we didn't realize the little paradise that we had in Ann Arbor...green lush landscape, small town, everything within a 10 minute drive, close knit neighborhood, fast internet service.

Despite the abrupt change to big city life and a desert climate we are finding some things to love about Denver. People have been very friendly. Anywhere Caleb goes he finds someone to smile at him and try to get him to smile. We just love the community pool 5 houses away. The kids have been swimming most weekdays and we just signed them up for swimming lessons. We have been enjoying the sunny days and the swing set in our backyard that Daddy fixed up. Tomorrow we are off to visit Buffalo Bill's grave and see some real buffalo. Here are some pics.

Before leaving for Denver we had a few days to spend with our wonderful friends the Wright family. Amber and Aubrey had a wonderful time together. Amber especially enjoyed when Aubrey and her grandma did Amber's hair. Mom still can't do it just the same way.

Pam and Merrill Wright were very brave to host all of the kids for a sleepover. Needless to say that was the highlight of our move.
We had a chance to visit with family in Wisconsin. Here are pictures of Alex with Brandon and Tyler (Zack's cousin's children). Our kids had so much fun play at Aunt Fran's and Uncle John's with the boys and the chickens. :)

Here is Amber with her new best friend "Johnny." She heard Fran call Uncle John, "Johnny" and from that moment on he was Johnny to her. It was so funny. Every time she said it we bust of up laughing.
Amber's highlight of the Wisconsin trip was picking flowers with Aunt Fran. She has so many yellow flowers to choose from!

We took the long way to Denver and visited Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument.

Everyone had to get their picture taken with the mountain goats.

Here are a few shots of the kids in and around our new home.

Our landlady left a car for the kids to play in. They love it.

While Mom and Dad were unpacking Caleb had to spend quite a bit of time in the backpack. I suppose this was his revenge. And he knows how mom really dislikes the smell of spit-up.

Signing out from Ann Arbor

2008-06-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it. This is our last entry from Ann Arbor. I will be without a computer starting Thursday. I haven't gotten internet hooked up yet in our rental house so I am not sure when the next pictures will be posted. We will miss all of our dear friends here in Ann Arbor. We have really enjoyed living here but we are excited for the next adventure.
Needless to say, with all of the packing I didn't take many pictures this week. Alex has been helping out by watching Caleb for me. Here is my one pic from this week.

It was the best of times....It was the worst of times.

2008-06-01T18:42:00.001-07:00

This week we happened to catch a few of the kids in tears. I am sure at the moment it was very serious but I couldn't resist posting the pictures of Alex and Ashley screaming. They look so funny!
We've had a good week. Amber gave her first talk in church. She spoke about temples and did a great job. She is particularly excited to one day wear a white wedding dress.
We are still packing up for Denver. It is amazing how much work it is to get ready to move and we are only moving for 1 year! How exciting to get to do this all over again. We have finally signed a lease and seen pictures of the house we will be moving into. It looks like it will suit our needs well.
On a personal note, in the comments last week Denni mentioned that our 1997 boat is being inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame this November for being the first Husky NCAA title winner. I have to admit that I am pretty excited about that. It will be really fun to see everyone after 11 years. Wow, has it been that long? It looks like I'll get a vacation this year after all! Um...Mom and Dad are you up for some babysitting???

Caleb is such a smiley boy. He is just a dream baby.
At least the girls were having a great bath time. Notice that I did have to crop this picture to keep it modest... :)
Dressing up is still one of our top rated activities.
Alex accidentally bumped Ash's ear. So sad, but what a cute face.
Scripture study with Dad. Um, Caleb, what did you learn tonight?

Flowers - Spring is finally here!

2008-05-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Wow. Two weeks in a row. How long does it take to make it a habit? We'll see if I can make this last. :)
We are making good progress towards our move. We are working dilligently on getting rid of half of what we own so that we can fit the important stuff in the moving truck. This is turning out to be quite the chore. It is nice however that it is finally warming up in Michigan. The children have been able to spend a lot of time outside playing while Mom and Dad are inside packing.

Amber LOVES flowers and loves to pick flowers. We have had to have several talks about what she can and can't pick. If only dandylions were her favorite kind of flower...

Here are this week's pictures.

Caleb neglected. Poor guy. I guess Mom was busy packing again.

Hey, Mom, could you pick me up or straighten me out instead of just taking a picture of me?

Um, Ashley, didn't we talk about not picking flowers in the front flower bed?

Amber wanted me to take a picture of her smelling the flowers. Ashley, so that is where all of the yellow flowers went...
What a beauiful girl!
Of course, Ashley needs to smell the flowers if Amber is smelling the flowers.

Encouraged

2008-05-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I am attempting to turn over a new leaf. A few friends and family members this week thanked me for the new posts and said that they often checked the blog to see if new pictures were posted. It was so nice to know that people were actually looking at the blog and enjoying these smiling children! Thank you! I was very encouraged. I will try to make my posts more often. I apologize to you all when the entries are few and far between. Here are some photos from this week.

Alex, growing a beard? I thought he was still too young to shave! Ah, they grow up so fast.

Caleb has started this thing where he sticks out his tongue all the time, just for the fun of it. It is so cute.

Amber and her Prince Charming. Wait.. he's my Prince Charming!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

My Mother's Day gift to you is making three posts in one week! I am finally up to date on our pictures. Here is everything I have since my March post.

One day at my parents' home I hadn't heard Ashley in a very long time. When she is quiet I start to worry. I went in search of her and found her here. Sitting in Caleb's carseat with a blanket over her and just rocking. You've got to love this one!

Who is enjoying this snuggle time more?

Caleb finally started showing Granny some love! It only took 2 weeks for him to warm up...
She's loading up...
She's off and going! What a lucky girl to have such a good looking driver.
Now, it was Ash's turn to do the driving.
Hmm...some one is having more fun than someone else.

Alex and Ash are a great pair! Amber had taken to dressing up Ashley in dress up clothes. Having Ash is way better than having a dolly.
Ashley loves to get in Caleb's chairs...
Cotton candy. Need I say more? What else do you expect her to remember from the circus?
" Duck WaWa picture, too?"

Masks! Dress Up! and Smiles!

2008-05-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from April and May. Enjoy the shots! These children are so wonderful. They brighten every day.

Ashley in her new "Belle" dress. Now she is just like Amber!
Caleb in his favorite spot. Well...sort of favorite.

Ashley and her "Duck WaWa Bag." It was made for her by Granny to carry her scriptures in but on Sunday she promptly took everything out except her special Duck WaWa.

Dad brought home some masks from a work party and the children loved them.

Alex got a new bow and arrow set. He loves it. Dad took him to work to make a device to help him hold it better. He is getting pretty good.

Caleb is growing!

2008-05-06T17:49:00.001-07:00

These pictures were taken today by my friend, Jessica Mauch. I love the one of Ashley holding Caleb. Ash just turned 2 and Caleb is now 3 months. How fast time flies.

The First Six Weeks With Caleb

2008-03-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from the first six weeks with Caleb. We are all learning to get along and have fun together.

Caleb spends a great deal of his time in this chair.

What are they all looking at?

Oh! It is Caleb! Bath time With Caleb (Everyone loves to be involved):

Tummy time...

Ashley the princess warrior. Watch out!

She has a good swing!

Ashley loves to hold Caleb.

Ashley in Mom's hat.

Alex our frog.

Who is that masked man?

Two knights fight fiercely!

Alex helps out with Caleb.

Amber and Mom catch a moment together.

Our smiley Princess Amber (or Belle)

Ashley packed herself up in a backpack.

Caleb on the changing table.

Mom's favorite time...

It is a good thing babies are made cute...

More of Caleb...week two

2008-02-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Caleb is doing great. Not a lot of sleep time for Mom yet but we are all doing well. Ashley, Amber, and Alex have welcomed Caleb with much enthusiasm. Here are a few pictures a good friend of mine took this weekend.

Caleb Has Arrived!

2008-02-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Announcing Caleb Gage!
Here are a few pictures...I'm still in recovery mode so more will be coming.
Thanks to all of you for your love and support.
He's pretty cute, you know...

Playing in September

2007-11-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

In full armor, ready for battle.

Ash loves to try on Mom's hair stuff...

Ash discovered suckers.

Amber and her sucker face.

What a goofy boy!

Ashley in red. What a cutie!

Ash has a real shoe obsession.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Batman!

Amber playing with her princess felt stories that Nana got her for her birthday. This is hours and hours of fun!

Amber riding a tractor bike at the apple orchard.

Alex and Amber playing in a wooden train at the apple orchard.

Ashley inside the train at the apple orchard.

Alex the Mountain King at the apple orchard.

Ash is my outside girl. Nothing makes her happier than being outside.

Mom, can I have this apple? Ash discovered apples at the apple orchard and loves them.

The bite. Not as easy as it looks.

Mmm. Mmm. Good.

Alex funny face.

What a cute boy!

Our Trip to Historic Nauvoo, Illinois

2007-11-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

At the end of August we took our first family vacation with friends. We went with the Wright family to Historic Nauvoo. The kids had a great time touring the sites but most of all they enjoyed swimming in the pool at the hotel. :)

Standing on bricks at the brick makers with all of the kids!

Mom and the pioneer girl.

Will this take the place of the "Bell Dress"?

The Abbotts and Wrights. What great friends!

Alex and Amber in front of a statue of Joseph and Hiram Smith at the jail where they were martyred.

Alex and Karsten inside Carthage Jail.

Alex making a rope.

Alex and Dad making a rope.

Our family in front of a "sunstone", a design used in the Nauvoo temple.

August 2007 Trip to Gran's and the Delaware Shore

2007-10-07T16:08:00.001-07:00

Every August we join my family and my uncle's family at Bethany Beach. It is the one of our favorite times of the year. Here are some highlights of the trip.

Ash at the pizza parlor enjoying using a straw.

Simple things bring the greatest joy. I think drinking from a straw was her favorite part of the boardwalk experience.

This was Ash's very first kiddie ride. She begged to get on with the older kids and loved it.

Ash got her first rides at the kiddie center at the Rehobath boardwalk. She loved the train!

Alex riding the airplane.

Amber loved any ride she got on. Look at that smile!

Alex and Mama got to ride on one of the rides for bigger kids - the helicopter!

Alex and Mama riding the helicopter.

Amber and Papa riding the train. The lady and her prince.

Amber enjoying some sand time.

Ash and Dad enjoying watching the waves.

Ash in the beach house relaxing.

Ash loved getting all sandy but didn't enjoy washing the sand off in the shower...

Alex really enjoyed the waves and sand this year. He did have a close call in the waves that through me for a loop, but luckily Papa and some angles saved him from the sea!

One of the greatest highlights of the beach is spending time with Austin and Julia. What great cousins!

Alex in Lloyd's boat. The kids loved be rowed around.

Uncle Lloyd rowing the kids out into the bay.

Amber in Lloyd's boat, being rowed along just like a princess.

Amber fast asleep at Gran's house. All tuckered out from the beach.

July Fun - Eating, Dressing Up and Down

2007-09-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

What a yummy dessert! Nothing like straight sugar.

More sugar...what does their mom feed them?

Look at that girl go!

Ash LOVES corn on the cob.

Hey, Mom, can I take lessons?

No lessons until you can climb up on the stool yourself without falling.

Ashley, what happened to your clothes?

The children love to make what they call "thrones."

What a serious hero!

Wow, he can even fly!

Another star is born.

He's to die for. Watch out ladies!

Just reclining for a bit with my monkeys.

July Fun! Super Heros, Dress Up and More.

2007-09-02T18:10:00.001-07:00

Ashley has really taken to snuggling her babies.

What a movie star!

Where did that snake come from and what did he do to Alex?

Is it a bird, is it a plane?

NO! It is Super Alex!

What a cutie!

Say, "cheese!"

Alex is keeping Amber warm because she was cold. That's what big brothers are for.

Lolly pop, lolly pop, oh, lolly, lolly!

What an adorable mess!

Alex and Daddy's Trip to Niagara Falls

2007-09-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Alex and Dad took their first camping trip together this past June. They had so much fun!
Above the falls.

Closer.

They took a helicopter ride.

Those ear pieces sure make for chubby cheeks!

On a ride over the river.

They ran into a man with some snakes and Alex went right up to him and asked to hold the snakes. No fear.

The Falls

From the helicopter.

All tuckered out after an exciting trip. Zack...I hope you weren't driving and taking a picture at the same time.

Catching Some Sleep

2007-09-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Recently I caught some great pictures of all of the children sleeping.
Ashley all sprawled out.

Amber snuggling Cinderella.

How does she manage to not fall off?

What a peaceful boy.

2007-08-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

We are finally getting on the blogging wagon. Here is cute Ash at Gran's house in July 07.