Hawaii 2010

We went to Maui, back in May (yes it is now July, and that is how far behind I am in posting). We have been there before but loved going back. The last time we went we were with Tim's parents and we didn't get to do a lot of the things we wanted. So first on our list this time was parasailing!! I was so nervous at first ( I don't like heights). Once we were up there I didn't want to come down, it was so beautiful and relaxing. Here are the pics the guys down below took for us.Last time we went I tried snorkeling, but I didn't do great because I"m kind of afraid of the water (just breathing in it really). I was determined this time to just relax and not freak out. I'm so glad I was able to overcome my fear! We went snorkeling at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach and we saw so many different types of fish. I was really hoping to see a turtle, but no luck. It was so much fun! We bought an underwater camera, and took a lot of pictures but we left the dang thing in the snorkel bag when we returned our snorkel gear. UGH!!Probably my favorite thing we did in Maui was just laying on the beach, but my second pick would have to be the dinner cruise we went on. Oh my goodness, good food, beautiful scenery and hanging out with my hubby, it was a good time. I was kind of worried because it started to get cloudy and I was afraid it was going to rain. It sprinkled on us for maybe 2 minutes and all of a sudden this beautiful rainbow appeared, it was so cool. We also went to the coolest magic show ever!! It's called Warren and Annabelle's. Warren was amazing!! We walked the streets of Lahaina, went to the pearl factory, ate some really great food, and Tim dragged me to see Robin Hood, and Iron Man 2 (which I surprisingly liked). We missed our kids but we had such a great time and can't wait to go back, maybe next time we will be able to take them with us.

I'm a Soccer Mom!

Yep, I am a soccer mom. Can't believe Bowen is 4 and playing soccer. It amazes me how fast he has grown up on me! Tim volunteered to be a coach, and is loving it. I sure wish it would get warmer out there though. 2 out of 3 times it has rained so they didn't get to play. We have had a lot of fun watching him emerge as an athlete... or should I say just stare off into the sky, lay on the field, and point out every bird that seems to be flying by. I know he is just getting started, what should I expect? Tim has admitted that it is definitely difficult to have patience for these little kids but he really does enjoy it. Here is our little all-star:

Coach Tim teaching them how to throw the ball in

Father and son Some of Tim's family have told me that Tim use to stand just like this as a kid Our little one in action He loves to play

The one week it was nice outside so far, we had cousin Jaxon come over to play and I caught some cute pics of them:

Hope the warm weather decides to come back and stay for a while this time.

Camping Indoors

I got Tim and the boys a tent for Christmas and this week we decided to put it to use. While Tim and I were putting up the tent, Bowen and Kyler were very curious and Bowen was filled with TONS of questions. "Mommy, what are you doing, why you doing that, whats that, Mommy what are you doing. " Seemed to be all in one sentence. After many failed attempts we finally got the tent put together. The boys absolutely LOVED it! They kept running in and out of it, they just thought it was the coolest thing. The plan was for all of us to sleep in it that night. Well of course not all things go to plan. Tim had homework and actually never made it in the tent. Kyler was too excited and couldn't settle down to go to sleep, so I had to put him in his crib. Bowen and I stuck it out though and slept in the tent. Well Bowen was the only one who slept the WHOLE night in the tent. At about midnight I decided it was time to go to my bed because the floor wasn't very comfy. All in all it was pretty fun, and I'm sure we will do it again.

Long Winter Days

I don't know about you, but I'm just a wee bit sick of these long winter days. Seems like everyday is the same. Wake up, fix breakfast, and then what do you want to do children? Go play downstairs or watch a movie? I can tell that they are really starting to get bored when try new things. Like for instance instead of playing with cars on the floor they build a road on the entertainment center. And even though we have been indoors A LOT our family had still managed to get sick. Kyler had croup and tonsilitis, Bowen ended up with bronchitis, and then Tim got sick, but I don't know what he had, because he refused to go the Dr. Thankfully we are all better and I never got it! The one thing I do like about the kids getting sick, well Kyler at least, likes to snuggle.

My sister Sarah moved to Idaho Falls, so we have been spending more time together. It's been lots of fun she comes over on Monday nights for Bachelor, and Tuesday nights for Biggest Loser. I'm glad she is a lot closer now. I got brave and decided to try a new look and got bangs, I LOVE it!But most of all I LOVE these boys!! Even though the days get long sometimes, they are always doing things to make the day fun and enjoyable. I love being their mom and just hope I'm doing a good job.

Much Needed Update!!

Wow, it's obvious that I have been slacking on keeping up on my blog. Things have been crazy busy so I will use that for an excuse. Where to start? Well Bowen turned 4 on Dec. 2nd and we had a little birthday party at home for him. I felt bad for him because he was sick, so I don't think it was much fun for him. We enjoyed watching him blow out his candles and open presents and have fun with his cousins. We had a great Christmas, and got to spend a lot of time with both sides of the family. We headed to the Brendles the day before Christmas Eve and enjoyed a big dinner with Tim's grandparents and all of the rest of the family. Then on Christmas eve we started a new tradition in Tim's family, the Brendle, Young, Brendle, McLaughlan, Brendle Bowl off! I actually don't have any idea what we are calling it, but it was fun even if I was terrible!! Bowen had a blast he loves to bowl on the Wii, so to do it in real life was real fun for him. Kyler not so much, poor guy was teething and pretty much cried the whole time. Then we headed home to have Christmas Eve at home so we could make cookies for Santa, and watch Christmas movies and just hang out. It was so nice having Tim off for 3 days in a row! Christmas morning was lots of fun. Bowen asked Santa for Buzz Lightyear and Woody, he was VERY happy to see that he had been a good boy and Santa brought what he had asked for. Santa brought Kyler a toy tractor and animals and some other toys. Then we headed back to the Brendles for cinnamon rolls and to exchange gifts. My mother-in-law made us this BEAUTIFUL blanket!! It is the mienke fabric and it is heavy and very warm! I love it! She also made blankets for everyone else in the family, if only I was as talented and crafty as her :) Later we headed to my grandmas and spent some time with them. Grandma had the idea to make blankets too. She made Tim a Detroit Lions fleece blanket, so comfy. We had a very yummy dinner and played games. Kyler is growing up so fast and really has the cutest personality! He is starting to talk, and seems to understand what we say to him. He is starting to be naughty though, so he has been introduced to time out, and like any other kid, doesn't like it one bit!!! We will keep working with him, and hopefully this naughty phase wont last long. Bowen is still loving his preschool class, and is learning all sorts of new things. So sad they are growing up so fast!

It's starting to feel like Christmas

I woke up this morning and it was snowing, so I thought what better time than now, to make a Christmas playlist?? It's at the bottom of my blog, and it is SWEET!! Brings back old memories of me and my sister sharing a room, and we hung lights up in our room and listened to N SYNC, and 98 Degrees Christmas CD's. Good Times, enjoy :)

Awesome New Website

My friend Shelley and a couple of her friends just launched this really helpful website. It's called howdoesshe.com and it is full of fantastic ideas for any woman. I especially liked the gift ideas for neighbors because we have been trying to think of some ideas that wont throw off our budget, but will still be cute and thoughtful :) I also love the tie for your lil guy, I've never sewed anything before in my life and have no idea how to work a sewing machine, but seeing those cute little ties makes me want to learn how ASAP!! They are also giving away 4 great prizes: A $20 Chili's gift card, a free Christmas card design from Sweet Prints Etsy Store, a $25 gift card for vinyl lettering from My Talking Walls, and the CUTEST sign for your laundry room. I want the Laundry Room sign :) So everyone check it out! You can click on the button on my blog.