The Kearl Family

Josie

2011-11-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

My little Josie has changed a lot since I last blogged. She had her 4 month check up and also her 6 month check up. She has been exactly average (50%) on lenghth, weight and head every time. I asked to see the graph because I found it hard to believe that she's been 50% everytime, and sure enough there's a dot right on the 50% line for every check up.

She started eating solid foods which she really likes. Her favorite is sweet potatoes.

Josie LOVES the bath. Don't you just love her beautiful blue eyes.

Today Gage got Josie laughing so hard. It was awesome. I just love the sound of her laugh.

She also has figured out how to pull her bow down and start chewing on it.

Growing Up

2011-09-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

All of my kids are growing up. Ryker started Kindergarten and he loves it. He loves riding the bus (and I love not having to take him). He's gone from 7:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. Pretty long days, but he's doing great. Gage started preschool and he seems to really enjoy it. And Josie started rolling over. Right now she only rolls from her back to her stomach and then realizes she's stuck and usually starts crying after a couple minutes. I'm sure she'll figure out how to roll back onto her back soon. She also started laughing. I love it!

First day of school for Ryker.

First day of preschool for Gage

My sweet little girl has the best smiles.

Bike Crash

2011-08-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

My sweet little Ryker crashed on his bike yesterday. He was going too fast and lost control. He messed up his face pretty good. I don't think I've seen a fatter lip. I feel so bad for him and wish I could just take away all the hurt. I know he's in a lot of pain, but he's being one tough little man.

Josie is 2 Months

2011-07-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Josie had her 2 month check up yesterday. She's doing great.
Here's her stats:
Weight 10 lbs 11 oz 50%
Length 22 1/4 inches 50%
Head 15 inches 50%

My boys are getting HUGE!

2011-06-13T16:51:00.001-07:00

There's something about having a baby that makes your other kids seem like they grew overnight. Ryker and, especially, Gage each seem so big now. It makes me a little sad because I want them to stay little forever. This last week Gage learned how to ride a bike by himself, and Ryker learned how to mow the lawn. I just have to start it and empty the bag, but the rest he does by himself.

Abe teaching Gage how to ride a bike

Isn't she "positively perfect"

Welcome Josie

2011-06-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

I guess having a baby is a good enough reason for updating the blog. I had Josie on May 20th in Billings Montana. That's right, we moved to Montana in April for Abe's work. Josie weighed 7lbs 13oz and was 19.5 inches. My planned c-section couldn't have gone any smoother. She is perfect and we just love her to pieces!

Uncle Lance gave her this awesome Jordan jersey.

First family picture

My amazing mom came up to Montana for a week to help out. I don't know what I would have done without her. She was either cleaning or doing laundry or cooking or playing with my boys the whole time. I don't think she ever sat down. Thank you mom.

Even with Ryker's bed head I still think I have the cutest kids.

Summer

2010-09-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

I haven't been very good at updating our blog, but this has been a busy summer. Here's a few pictures of what we've been up to.

Ryker and Gage playing in the rain

4th of July fireworks

Kaysville parade

East Canyon in July

Lance helping Gage roast a marshmellow

Crazy Lance jumping the fire

My cute parents

Abe and Gage playing catch

Me and the boys at the pool

Gage loves his bike. He is getting close to riding his two-wheeler by himself.

Gage and some of his cousins

Camping at Andersen Cove

Getting ready for some tubing.

Alli, Gage and Brady

Gage and his cousin Lydia

Brady, Alli, Hazel and Ryker on the tube.

First day of preschool. I can't believe next year he'll be in kindergarten.

Ryker started soccer and he loves it. This kid is a natural athelete.

Lake Powell 2010

2010-07-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind posting our awesome trip to Lake Powell, but our internet isn't working right now. We went the last week in June and aside from ripping my toenail off hiking, this may have been the best trip yet. We did some really neat hikes. We painted the kids faces like indians then hiked to some indian ruins. Ryker skied again this year, but was more into tubing. We did fireworks or games or a movie projected onto the cliff wall each night. Abe and my brother, Trent, put up a zip line which actually worked this year because we used cable wire instead of rope. Everyone had a lot of fun going down it. One night the kids put on a talent show, and it was the cutest thing ever! Next year is going to be hard to beat. I was excited to come home after six days of not seeing Gage. I left him with my mother in-law again (thank you Teri). Next year he's for sure coming.

Emery Trials Competition

2010-06-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures from Abe's last trials competition. I wasn't able to go to this one, but I'll be going to the next one in a couple weeks in Cedar City. He is getting so good on his bike. I can't believe how much joy this motorcycle has brought into his life.

Easter (a little late) and Moab

2010-04-19T12:00:00.001-07:00

We had a great Easter this year. We went to my parent's house and watched conference and then had an Easter egg hunt for all the kids (all 18 of them). I tried to get a good picture of Ryker, but he was going so fast they're all blurry.

All 18 Heath grandkids

Moab
My in-laws took us and all of Abe's siblings to Moab last week. We had the best time four-wheeling, hiking, playing games, sitting by the campfire, and just being together.

We decided to do a family picture since we hadn't done one in a couple years.

This is on top of a very high mesa that we hiked up.

Can't go camping without roasting a few marshmellows.

If you look close you'll see that Gage is on that motorcycle with Abe.

We stayed at a this little bed and breakfast sort of place about 15 miles out of Moab. Tom was our host and this is his tortoise, Kobai. The kids loved watching him.

We went to Arches on the way home. This is us in front of Delicate Arch.

Family Pictures

2010-02-26T16:55:00.001-08:00

Abe's very talented cousin took our family pictures last week. I think she did a great job. To see some more of her work visit her blog at joydphoto.blogspot.com. Here's a few of my favorites. Thanks again Joy.

Happy Birthday Gage!

2010-01-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe my baby is two. He has grown up so fast! Gage's birthday was actually yesterday, but he had his doctor's appointment today. Here's his stats: weight 28 lbs (50%)and height 35 1/2 inches (83%).
Gage you bring me so much joy every single day. You are so fun to play and laugh with. I love you so much and don't know what I'd do without you. Happy Birthday little buddy! Here's a couple pictures from his birthday.

Santa's coming

2009-12-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

I had to take the kids to see Santa because Ryker had to tell him that he wanted a transformer. I don't know how he even knows what a transformer is but he really wants one for Christmas. Gage didn't care to sit on Santa's lap until I told him he would get a candy cane if he did. And of course he didn't smile for the picture. Oh well, maybe next year he'll be a little more excited about Santa.

Happy Birthday Abe

2009-10-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today my best friend in the world turns 31! Happy Birthday to the best dad and husband in the world. We love you!

Man, he's sexy in his new helmet!

Saturday we went to another trials bike competition where Abe took first place again. And this time he got a little trophy to prove it. Way to go Abe.

I took this picture today because I noticed how pretty my little bushes are getting with the changing season. The kids in it are pretty cute too.

Lake Powell...again

2009-09-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we did a quick trip to Lake Powell. We packed a lot of fun into two days. We hiked to the top of hole in the rock(which I've never done before), saw Rainbow Bridge, played in Escalante, cliff jumped, swam, camped.....etc. September is the best time to go to Powell. The weather isn't too hot and the water is still warm. Thanks Mark and Teri for taking us. We had a great time!

Ryker cliff jumping :)

The whole gang at Rainbow Bridge

My cute boys

James and Ivy

Family shot at Rainbow Bridge. We left Gage behind again. Thanks Nat and mom for watching him.

James and Ivy cliff jumping

Abe cliff jumping

Me cliff jumping

Happy Birthday Ryker!

2009-09-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Ryker is four years old today. Ryker is seriously the coolest kid ever. Here's a few of the many things I love about him:
-He talks nonstop to anyone who will listen.
-He makes friends everywhere we go.
-He makes me laugh hard every single day.
-He's so sweet! I trained Ryker (and I encourage all of you to do this with your children) to tell me I'm pretty and skinny when he was little and he still tells me those things along with "Your the best mom in the whole world." I haven't told him to tell me these things in a really long time, but he still does and most of the time it's out of the blue.
-He's the best big brother to Gage.
-He's not afraid to try new things.
-He is such a happy and excited person almost always.

We love you so much Ryker!!

One day old

First birthday

Two years old

Three years old

Four years old

Summer Happenings

2009-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

We have had one busy summer. Here's a few pictures of what we've been up to.

Every year Abe's family does a family reunion with just girls. It's the best idea and this year we had it at Abe's Aunt's house in Las Vegas. Doesn't get any better than a weekend in Vegas with just girls.

Grandma Baker, Ivy, Me, and my mother-in-law Teri.

Boating at Pineview

Mark and Brighton

Abe and Gage

Uncle Brady

Ryker and Brighton

Abe competed in a trial's bike competition and took first place in his division.

My cute little niece, Naomi, was born on August 18th. She is beautiful and has lots of dark hair.

Lake Powell

2009-08-14T04:13:00.000-07:00

We went to Lake Powell back in June, but I'm just now getting around to posting a few pictures. We had another amazing trip! This year we cordinated with my uncle to go at the same time. So we had two houseboats, 28 people on ours, and 22 people on my uncles. There were 24 kids in all. Warning pictue overload.

This is Abe's second attempt at jumping his $8 D.I. bike into the lake. He landed on his face on his first attempt and hurt his ear and bruised his entire right thigh, but yet still had to do it again to get the landing right. I know, crazy! And yes, that's a life jacket on the handle bars.

Here's our whole gang.

Family shot. We didn't bring Gage this year, and I was so glad we didn't, although, I did miss him a lot towards the end of the trip. It was so nice to be able to do whatever I wanted and not have to worry about him.

Gosh, could this kid get any cuter!

The three daredevils. Ryker, Allie, and Collin. Ryker loved tubing!

Ryker skiied a few times, and did really well.

Ryker and some of his cousins.

My brothers trying to make sure the houseboat doesn't blow away during one of Lake Powell's awesome storms.

Ryker helping pump the sewage. Gross!!

Ryker and Abe. This was one of the few times I caught Abe holding still. I swear he just goes all day. I don't know where he gets his energy.

We brought visqueen to make waterslides. The kids loved it.

Abe doing his zipline that he spent hours setting up. This was the first year we tried to do a zipline. Next year will be better.

Our sweet set up. There were these cool pothole things that were like mini sandboxes for the kids to play in, and the rest was slickrock. Perfect!

Camping

2009-07-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

The past two weekends we have been camping. We camped at Bloomington Lake two weeks ago with Abe's family, and last weekend we camped at Washington Lake in the Unitah's with my family. Both trips were lots of fun.

Gage and his cousin Hazel

Canoeing on Bloomington Lake

Provo Falls

Ryker and Brooklyn in front of Washington Lake

Gage and Uncle Todd. So sweet!

Mom of the Year

2009-07-13T06:57:00.001-07:00

Isn't that what you feel like when your child looks like this.

The reason Gage's eye looks like this is because he got a mosquito bite close to his eye. This also happened a couple weeks ago so I called the doctor and he wanted me to bring him in. Apparently he's allergic to mosquito bites. While I was there he was nice enough to do his eighteen month check up.
Here's his stats:
Weight 25 lbs (40%)
Height 33 1/5 inches (85%)

4th of July

2009-07-09T21:13:00.001-07:00

We had an excellent 4th of July. This is one of my favorite holidays. I started the day running my very first 5K. I don't like running, but I'm still glad I did it. I seriously don't know how people can run marathons. I'll stick to the 5K's. Then we went to the Kaysville parade and carnival. After naps we had a BBQ at my parents house and then went to the fireworks. My brother brought his fire pit so we could make smores (which where soooo yummy), but a fireman came and told us we had to let it burn out. Who knew you couldn't have a fire on the soccer field :)

I loved watching my kids and nieces and nephews at the parade. Last year Gage was just a baby and Ryker was off-roading with Abe, so this was the first time they really enjoyed a parade. I thought it was so neat to watch all the kids put their hands over their hearts when the flag went by.

Ryker and his cousin, Collin, in the helicopter.

Wow, a descent family picture. That doesn't happen very often.

We had a great time in Powell a couple weeks ago. I'm just waiting to get all my sibling's pictures and then I'll post.

Machetes

2009-06-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple pictures I took the other day. I thought the clouds made for a great background. Abe and the boys took their machetes to the field behind our house to make a race track to ride their motorcycles on. I love that Gage could barely lift the thing, but he loved being outside copying his brother and dad. Just so you know, I don't normally let my kids run around swinging machetes, only if there's a responsible adult with them.

Little Moab

2009-06-08T07:08:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we took our Samurai and motorcycles to Little Moab which is on the west side of Utah Lake. It was a really fun day and the weather was perfect, cloudy and 70 degrees. I spent most the day with Gage on my back watching Abe drive the Samurai and his motorcycle. Ryker also rode his motorcycle. He got really good at going on rocky roads. Every now and then he would crash and fall off his bike and get really mad and cry and say he was done riding, but then 2 minutes later he would say he wanted to ride again. He's one tough kid.

San Francisco

2009-05-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

Abe had to go to San Francisco for work last week for a couple days so me and the boys decided to join him. We had such a fun week! The first few days we spent in Santa Rosa where Abe had to work for two days. Santa Rosa is about an hour North of San Francisco and it was so beautiful. We drove through Napa Valley (wine country) and saw tons of vineyards. Then we drove down the coast to Monterey and went to the aquarium which was amazing. We spent 5 hours there, and with kids that's a long time. After that we went on 17 mile drive and saw Pebble beach and the sea lions. The last few days we spent in San Francisco with my Uncle Rob who lives there. We rode the cable cars and went to Fishermen's Wharf, Pier 39, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge, and Muir Woods. Then me and Gage flew home and Abe and Ryker drove home ($95 dollars well spent).

While Abe worked during those two days I took the boys to the beach. This was their first time seeing the ocean. Too bad it was too cold to even get in. They still had fun playing in the sand.

Lake Tahoe was beautiful! This was my first time seeing it. The water was cold, but not as cold as the ocean.

Monterey Bay Aquarium. Again AMAZING!

We didn't take any pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge because it was too foggy, but the Bay Bridge is still pretty cool.

We watched some really great break dancers put on a show by Pier 39.

My uncle Rob was the best host. He let us sleep at his place and took us around San Francisco and to Muir Woods. Ryker and Gage adored him.

We did a few hikes through some beautiful redwood forests. Those trees were so huge!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

I hope all you Mothers had a fabulous Mother's Day, I sure did. Being a mom is the best! Here's a few pictures Abe took of me and my boys before Church.

How High is Too High?

2009-05-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Now that Ryker is getting too big to be thrown really high, Abe throws Gage. I have to admit, this one made me a little nervous. However, Gage really liked it.

Uncle Lance

2009-05-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

Once a month me and all my siblings get together at my parents house, and each time all the grandkids want to get in the hot tub. So this is what happens, Lance gets in with about 8 or 9 kids. He is the best uncle!

Toys

2009-04-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is what I found after I told Ryker to clean up his room.

I find it so hard to get a picture of my boys where they are both smiling, so I just had to post this cute picture.

Easter

2009-04-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter this year. The boys loved the Easter egg hunts. We had one at my parents house, a nursing home, and at Abe's parents house. Needless to say, we have plenty of candy that I'm trying not to eat all of.

My parents with all their grandkids.

This is at the nursing home. They had thousands of eggs!

Ryker and his cousin Lydia.

Gage had his 15 month check up today. He is now 23 lbs (30%) and 32 inches (80%). He's only gained 10 oz. in the last 3 months. He is definitely thinning out. I was actually a little surpised he hadn't gained 5 lbs, he eats so much food.

Funny Ryker

2009-03-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

I need to write down some of the funny things Ryker has been saying lately because I know I'll forget if I don't. Every day this kid cracks me up. Here's just a few of the things he's been saying.
-Ryker has had an imaginary friend named Bo for about six months. Bo comes with us wherever we go and sleeps with him every night. Lately he has had another imaginary friend who he says is his little sister. I asked what her name was and he said "Luke Skywalker."
-Ryker says "Oh my cow!" all the time. I'm pretty sure its a combination of "Oh my gosh" and "Holy cow."
-Today Ryker brought me one of my hair claws and asked, "Is this a hair shark?"
-I love listening to him pray. Every time I have to try not to laugh. He says the funniest stuff each time. When praying over dinner he thinks to bless not only the food, but the drinks, table, and plates as well.
-There's a man in our ward who has gray hair and a gray beard and was sitting on the stand because he's in the choir. Ryker looked at him and asked me, "Is that Heavenly Father?" Me and Abe just started cracking up.
Thanks for making me laugh every day Ryker. I love ya!!

Why We Keep Our Bathroom Doors Shut

2009-03-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

At our house we all try to remeber to shut the bathroom doors so Gage doesn't go in. If we forget Gage will always go in and come out with wet sleeves (from playing in the toilet) or with someones toothbrush in his mouth. However, this time he found a new toy.

Happy Anniversary!

2009-03-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Six years ago today Abe and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Marrying Abe was the best decision I have ever made. I really did marry my best friend, and I can't wait to see what the next six years brings. Happy Anniversary babe!

Spring is almost here!

2009-03-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple pictures I took on Saturday. I love that it's starting to warm up a bit. Ryker loves to help Abe build anything in the garage, and Gage just loves to be outside.

East Canyon and Skiing

2009-02-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

I know it's been forever since I last posted, and I'd like to say that I was way busy but I really wasn't, I guess I was just a little lazy. Anyways, last weekend we stayed up at East Canyon, all 33 of us in two condos. We played a ton of games, ate a ton of food, went hot tubing, went sleding, and played Wii for hours. Like always we all had a blast!

Ryker mastering Wii boxing.

Gage is getting so big, and is now walking everywhere.

My kids really have the best grandma. My mom always brings all these different kinds of crafts for the kids to do. She had already taken pictures of her 18 grandkids and then had them paint a frame to put their picture in. Here's Ryker painting his lion picture frame.

Abe and Ryker bombing down the hill.

Ryker, Tate, Brooke, and Bryson

Abe's family has this great tradition where Abe's Dad takes us all skiing for his birthday. That's right, he pays for all of us to ski for his birthday present. We all really look forward to his birthday each year. This was the first year we took Ryker. He did a great job and was fast learner.

Aren't those skies the cutest thing you've ever seen!

Happy Birthday Gage!

2009-01-13T09:15:00.001-08:00

Gage turned one years old on Sunday. I can't believe how fast this past year went by. Gage is now 31 inches tall (90%), weighs 22lbs and 7oz (50%), has four teeth (two up top and two on bottom), crawls everywhere, sits in a forward facing car seat, eats like a horse, adores his big brother, and loves to snuggle. Ryker would NEVER snuggle as a baby so I especially love this. Happy Birthday Gage, we love you!

I made a red velvet cake for Gage destroy. He loves to eat, and was perfectly happy to sit and eat that cake for a very long time.

St. George

2009-01-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

We had a blast in St. George last week! Abe's Grandma was nice enough to let us stay with her for a few days. We even got to ring in the new year with her, although I fell asleep at 11:45. We rode motorcycles and drove the Samurai in Sand Hollow State Park for two days, and on the third day we went to the temple with Abe's uncle and aunt then drove home. I've never been to the St. George Temple before, it reminded me of the Salt Lake Temple.

Abe did some insane stuff on his new toy.

Gage's first time in a forward facing carseat.

I mostly drove the Samurai with the boys while Abe rode his bike.

We forgot to bring a spoon to feed Gage so we used the next best thing, a wrench.

This is a hill that Abe wasn't able to get up two years ago, but with some new gears, a locker, and some cutting brakes he made it all the way up. He was so proud. And yes, I do have life insurance. I get asked that all the time.

I usually take the kids out for this kind of thing, but I knew he wouldn't roll on this spot so I left them in and took some pictures. Ryker absolutely loved it!

Ryker learning to ride his motorcyle.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a crazy few days, but we had a great Christmas this year. On Christmas Eve we went to the Kearl family party at Abe's Aunt's house, and on Christmas we went to my parent's house. Then on Friday we were at Abe's mom's Christmas party and on Saturday we were at Abe's Dad's Christmas party. I love getting together with family, but by Sunday I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was stay home and sleep but instead I got to go to work all night. So I'm still recovering and and now packing so we can go to St. George for a few days. Both Abe and Ryker got motorcycles this year so we thought we better go somewhere warm to try them out. We knew Gage wouldn't care about presents this year so we just got him a couple books and some clothes. My big presents were a new laptop, a wheat grinder, and a shop vac. We sure were blessed this year.

Silly Lance wanted to pose like this with my grandparents. I'm pretty sure we have a picture like this when we were babies.

Abe testing out his new trials bike. Abe has wanted one of these so bad since we were dating. He even bought my wedding ring with the money he had saved for one.

Yea, I finally got a shop vac.

Ryker was so excited to get a motorcycle this year. He is so dang cute riding it.

Gage is starting so take a some steps on his own.

Ryker and some of his cousins waiting to open their presents.

Ryker and his very cute cousin Brighton.

For Abe's Dad's party we went sledding, and then went back to his house for food and more presents.

Santa's Coming

2008-12-16T15:01:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year, even more so now that Ryker really understands Santa. We went to the mall to see him and Ryker told him everything that he wanted for Christmas, and even what he thought Gage wanted. I was a sucker and bought the really expensive picture they took. You can't see it very well because I don't know how to scan pictures yet so I took a picture of the picture. I love that Ryker is trying to be a really good boy so that Santa comes to our house, and whenever he's not I can tell him "you better be a good boy so Santa will come." It works every time. I only wish I would have thought about this great tactic earlier in the year.

Gage is getting close to walking. Here's Ryker trying to help him.

Slumber Party

2008-12-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

We got to have Cade and Austin (Nikki and Clint Taylor's boys) sleep over at our house this weekend. Ryker and Cade play so good together and are the best of friends. They had so much fun playing and then watching Ice Age with some popcorn. We need to do it again soon.

Family Pictures

2008-12-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

My good friend Ashley took our family pictures last month. She is such a talented photographer. I think they turned out great. I can't wait to see the rest of them. Thanks again Ash.

Sam & Kristi's Wedding

2008-11-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

Sam (Abe's brother) got married on Saturday to Kristi. It was a beautiful wedding, and the luncheon at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building was fantastic! I know Sam and Kristi are going to be so happy together. I'm so excited to have a new sister in-law.

Flying Monkey

2008-11-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

Most people get a little freaked out when they see how high Abe throws kids up in the air. I, on the other hand, usually tell him to wait so I can go get the camera. Then the kids usually line up so they can be thrown really high. This our little flying monkey on Halloween. Gage doesn't love flying yet like Ryker, but we're working on it. Abe is the funnest Dad and uncle. I don't know anyone who likes to play as hard as Abe does, and yet be such a hard worker.

Halloween

2008-11-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year we went to my brother, Todd's, house. I forgot my camera so I stole these pictures off my brother's blog. Ryker had a blast treat-or-treating with his cousins.

Boo at the Zoo & Gardner Village

2008-10-28T12:40:00.003-07:00

Last week I took my kids to go see the witches at Gardener Village. I've heard so much about it, but had never been. It is such a cute little place. Ryker liked the witches and loved the petting zoo. Then on Saturday Abe and I took the kids to Boo at the Zoo. All the kids were dressed in their Halloween costumes and they could go trick-or-treating. However, it was crazy busy and after waiting in a few really long lines for one piece of candy we decided to bag the trick-or-treating and just go see all the animals. The animals were all very active which was really fun to watch. We watched the tiger growl and pace back and forth for a really long time. We had a great time until Gage started to throw up (luckily we'd already been there for four hours), so then we called it a day and went home.

Ryker and his cousin Lydia

Ryker was running across the bridge and he suddenly saw a goat that was on the bridge. I can't believe I caught his surprised reaction. It was really funny.

Ryker and his cousin Tate in their Spiderman costums

Well Checks and Snow Day

2008-10-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ryker and Gage both had their well checks yesterday. Ryker is 33lbs (65%) and 38in (70%). Gage is 21lbs and 7oz (70%) and 30in (95%). I can't believe how fast they are growing up. It's still weird to think that I have a three year old. Gage learned to crawl last month, and now he is going nonstop just like Ryker.

On Sunday, Abe and Ryker went out back and built snowmen after church. They had a lot of fun. Abe used mud for the smaller snowman's eyes and mouth. It looked really good until it started to melt then it looked a bit freaky.

High School Tag

2008-10-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

1. Did you date people from your high school: Not really. I didn't really start dating until college.

2. What kind of car did you drive? : Me and Lance shared a 1988 Toyota Tercel which we all called "The Tuna Can"

3. What is your most embarrassing moment in high school?: I sure there are some, but I probably blocked them out so I can't think of one.

4. Were you a party animal? I wouldn't consider myself a party animal, but I did have a lot of fun doing some crazy/stupid stuff.

5. Were you considered a flirt?: No. I let all my friends, who were all much prettier than me, do all the flirting.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?: No. Although I haven't played in years, I think I can still play the piano.

7. Were you a nerd? I got good grades, but I don't think I was a nerd.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? : Yes, basketball and soccer and I loved it.

9. Did you get suspended/expelled? : No.

10. Can you still sing the fight song? : Yes. You had to know the fight song if you played sports.

11. Who were your favorite teachers? : Mrs. Barney and Mr. Shaw because those are the only teachers that I can remeber their names.

12. Where did you sit during lunch? Usually Krystal's house or some fast food place. I never ate at school.

13. School Mascot?: Davis Darts.

14. Did you go to homecoming and with who?: Junior year I went with Greg Bull and Senior year I went with Daniel Vettori. Both were a lot of fun.

15. If you could go back and do it again, would you? : I don't think I would. I loved high school and I had so much fun, but life just gets so much better after high school. When I was in high school I thought this is the best time of my life, but now I have such a better perspective. Being a wife and mom is the best. I'm so happy where I'm at right now. Plus, I look at high school kids now and think they look so immature and annoying. It's hard to think that I was once like that.

16. What do you remember most about graduation?: That is was very boring. That night was fun though. I went to the senior all-night party and then went to the football field and watched the sun come up.

17. Where did you go senior skip day?: Not really sure what that was. I had plently of sluff days.

18. Have you gained weight since then?: Sadly, yes but I'm not saying how much. I blame my kids.

19. Who was your prom date?: Both years I got asked like the week before, but I had fun both times. Junior year I went with Erik Siguenza and Senior year I went with Tiffer Higgs.

20. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?: I'll probably go if we have one.

21. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?: Don't care what others think of you. Have more confidence. Be more outgoing.

22. I tag... Nikki, Shannon, Karissa, Elysia, and Ashley.

Barbados

2008-10-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it's probably about time I posted some pictures of our amazing trip to Barbados. Abe and I went with my sister, Natalie, and her husband Jason. We did a catamaran excersion, zip-lined, snorkeled with turtles, surfed and watched a surfing competition, kayaked, shopped, played in the waves, swam in a cave, and layed out on the most beautifu

l beaches in the world. We had so much fun!! Thanks to everyone who watched our kids while we were gone. Sorry there's a lot of pictures, it was hard to narrow it down.

Us with one of our zip-line tour guides

Abe doing a flip off a cliff.

Abe getting ready to surf

There were some beautiful sunsets.

We rented this little go-cart they called a car the last three days. It was really fun to ride in and go wherever we wanted. We drove around the whole island in one day. Abe did a great job driving on the left side of the road.

Abe climbing a palm tree

This turtle got so close I was able to pet it.

This is a really pretty beach called Bottom Bay. I seriously got beat up by the waves here.

Happy Birthday Ryker!

2008-09-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late with this post since Ryker turned 3 on September 14th, but better late then never right. He got a little screwed this year because Abe and I were out of town on his birthday. Ryker brings so much joy and excitment into our lives. He makes us (including Gage) laugh every day. His latest accomplishment is being able to tell the different makes of trucks. We'll be driving down the road and Ryker will yell "There's a Dodge!" or "There's a Devy (Chevy)!" or "There's a Toyota!" The funny thing is he's right almost all the time. Needless to say the kid loves trucks. Wonder where he gets that from. Happy Birthday Ryker we love ya!

New Baby!

2008-09-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

My brother, Trent, and his wife, Amanda had their baby boy on September 24, 2008. After one and a half hours of labor Jaxson Chase Heath was born weighing 6lbs 11oz and was 20 inches long. He has lots of dark brown hair and of course is so adorable.

Amanda looking as beautiful as ever. I wish I looked that good after giving birth.

Ryker loved holding his newest cousin.

Camping

2008-09-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend we went camping with Abe's family up in the Unitah mountains. Although it rained a lot of the time and the heater in our tent trailer didn't work we still had a great time. We went on some really pretty drives and a really long hike that I still can't believe the kids were able to do.

Me and my boys. Ryker is sporting a buzz cut these days because he decided to cut his own hair, and a buzz was the only way to fix what he'd done. I'm finally getting use to it.

Amelia, Ryker, Gage, and Eli

Gage and Abe

Baby Gage

I'm a Big Boy Now!

2008-08-16T18:03:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how fast Ryker is growing up. This week was a big one for him. On Monday my sister in-law, Crystal, came over and did potty training in a day with him. He caught on so fast and has done really well all week. He's even waking up dry in the mornings. YEA!! I'm so glad I only have one kid in diapers now. Thank you so much Crystal! Then today Abe taught him how to ride a bike with no training wheels. I was blown away that he could do it. He just loves riding his bike!

East Canyon

2008-08-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

For a week every summer (and winter) we stay at East Canyon in a condo with my family. It's always so much fun! We go swimming every day. We also had a tennis and mini golf tournament. I forgot how bad I was at tennis, but Abe and I almost won the mini golf tournament. Ryker had so much fun playing with his cousins all day. Thanks Mom and Dad for all the fun memories.

Gage, Bowen, and Bryson

My beautiful sister, Natalie, and her son Bowen

Bryson, Tate, and Ryker

Brooklyn, Bailey, Collin, Tate, Bridger, and Ryker watching a movie

Abe doing some cool tricks on his bike

Ryker was a pro at mini golf

Ryker at the water fountains. I was so proud that he finally told me he wanted to go play in the water so I could get a swim suit on him. The previous two days he got soaking wet with his regular clothes on.

Ryker jumping into the pool all by himself

Flying High

2008-07-30T11:23:00.001-07:00

If you know Ryker you know how crazy he is. He absolutely LOVES it when Abe throws him as high as he can. If anyone is interested in that beautiful orange truck in the background let me know. We're trying to sell it. Who wouldn't want a gas hog right now, right!

Friends BBQ

2008-07-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Heather and Gage

Back row: Krystal and her daughter Grace, Tara, Me and Gage, Jamie and her daughter, Lucy, and Jordan. Front row: Chelsy and her kids, Xander and Sophie, Presley (Krystal's daughter), Ryker, Bryndie and her daughter Burklie, and Heather.

Bryndie, Burklie, and Ryker

Lagoon

2008-07-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I ditched Gage and Ryker and I went to Lagoon with Nikki and her boys, Caden and Austin. We all had a really fun day.

Gage's 6 month check up

2008-07-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Gage had is 6 month check up last week. He's still a big baby weighing in at 19 lbs 7oz (70%), and is almost 28inches tall (90%). Gage was crying after he got his shots and Ryker said, "Oh Gage I'm sorry those people shot you." It was so sweet and funny.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

2008-07-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

My niece Lydia turned 1 on July 10th. We celebrated her first birthday at our house on Sunday. Isn't she adorable!! I loved that she wasn't afraid of getting her hands dirty. She completely demolished that cake.

This is one of the cutest pictures I think I've ever taken. Here's Ryker and his cousins Eli and Amelia.

Lake Powell

2008-07-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures of our trip we took to Lake Powell at the end of June. I have to say Lake Powell is always my favorite vacation of the year. I've gone at least once a year since I was 5 years old and every year we have such a blast, and this year was no exception. We had 16 adults and 15 kids (9 of which were under the age of 5) on one houseboat. We had so much fun hanging out, swimming, tubing, hiking, jet skiing, playing games and of course watching a movie every night on the roof with Todd's blowup bigscreen and projector. Ryker loved being with his cousins and playing in the sand and water all day, and I couldn't have asked for a better baby than Gage. He was so good the whole time! Doesn't he look like such a stud in his sunglasses.

This year Ryker learned how to waterski. He was a little scared at first, but he did so good! Pretty cool to say he learned to ski when he was still in diapers.

Here's a picture of most the kids that came. Starting from the left: Bailey, Hunter, Ryker, Bridger, Collin, Justin, Sam, Alli, Brooklyn, Colton and Ashlynd.

Abe and Gage going for a ride in my brother's paddle boat.

My Cute Little Boys

2008-06-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

I got Gage's 4month pictures taken at Target (can't beat $4 sheets). However, I haven't mastered scanning pictures onto the computer so these are a little blurry because they are pictures of a picture.
Gage is just learning to sit up by himself, but can only stay up a few seconds before falling. His new accomplishments are rolling from his tummy to his back and eating cereal.

This little stud only plays with his lawn mower if Abe or I am mowing the lawn. Same goes with his toy vacuum.
Ryker loves taking pictures with my camera. He wanted to take a picture of me so I took this picture of the two of us and managed not to cut either of our heads off, pretty good right!

Gage's 4 Month Check Up

2008-05-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Gage had his 4 month check up today. I can't believe how fast he is growing. He weighs 16lbs 15oz (90%) and is 27 inches long (95%).

Camping

2008-04-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

OK it's about time for another blog. Two weekends ago my family went camping down at San Rafael Swell. We had such a great time! The first day was pretty cold and windy, but the rest of the time was perfect weather. We took our little Suzuki Samurai and went on some really fun trails. We also did some neat hikes and of course went to Goblin Valley State Park. I think my favorite part about camping is sitting around the camp fire each night and listening to all my brothers, and their friend's, funny stories. And it's always entertaining to watch Abe jump the fire with his bike, or dive over it, or jump in it, or........(I know he's crazy). By the end of the trip I don't think any of us, especially Ryker, have ever been so dirty, but it was still worth it. Ryker had so much fun playing with his cousins and getting to be outside all day even though we let his poor little face get blistered by the sun. For some reason we like to put the sunscreen on after he's already burned. The next day he woke up with a swollen face, I couldn't stop laughing at him. Sorry bud. I'm sure he didn't care, he's still asking if we can go camping again.

Happy Easter

2008-03-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

What a great Easter we had. Abe was doing some serious jeeping in Moab all weekend so I had the boys. Saturday we went to my sister Natalie's house and did an Easter egg hunt. My awesome mom even did an Easter egg hunt for the adults and she organized games for the kids. It was a lot of fun. Here is a picture of Ryker and his cousins and then a picture of Ryker holding Gage. Then that evening we went to my in-laws and had another Easter egg hunt. Ryker had such a blast!

Gage's blessing day

2008-03-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

We blessed Gage on March 2, 2008. It was a great day. This is our first family picture with all of us (Abe, me, Gage and Ryker).

Please Forgive Me, I'm New

2008-03-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered blogging and thought I would give it a try. I haven't got the slightest idea how to do anything, but I'm learning so bear with me.