Are you Happy?

2012-01-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Kaytlin!

We invited some family over on Sunday evening to celebrate with us.

She opened presents first!

Then we had dessert! We had Chocolate Pudding Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream!

Now she is just enjoying her gifts!

On Monday, her official birthday, we went to the Aquatic center and went swimming. The kids loved it and got to use their new lifejackets they got for Christmas. Happy Birthday Kaytlin!

2012-01-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 2012

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are so far having a great 2012!

Visiting Santa!

Alayna crying, Kaytlin ducking her head and backing away, and Brayden talked his ear off!

Christmas Morning!

We had to wake the kids up early to open presents, skype with my folks, and get ready for church.

Our mystery package from my parents in Ohio! It came Friday afternoon and the kids really wanted to open it BUT my parents asked us to skype with them so they could see the kids. It was super fun to share christmas with them this year even if we weren't together!

Also, to brag just a bit we didn't have much snow for Christmas! These were taken two days after Christmas! It was gorgeous out and it felt half decent too! I am not a huge fan of snow so this year is shaping up quiet nicely! I am just waiting for a nasty storm to roll in though!

Also the kids wanted their pictures taken.

Alayna is getting good at saying cheese any time I have my camera out!

To start the New Year off I put together a letter from our family to yours! We are hoping to get a copy sent out here soon but until then here is a copy!

Dear Family & Friends, January 1, 2012

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ and spending time with family! It surprises me that another year has come to a close already! This past year has been interesting and surprising for us as it probably was for you too! So as not to make this a long winded letter I will get right to what you want to hear about!

When we started this past year Alayna was only 5 months old! It doesn’t seem possible but she has grown so much! When I look at pictures of her through the year it amazes me how much she has learned and grown! She loves being involved with the other kids, seeing and hearing dogs, playing with babies and trying new things. She is a very calm and friendly girl. Happiness just overflows from her. Her giggles just melt our hearts! Now that she 17 months old she is starting to speak, stick up for herself, throw temper tantrums, feed herself with silverware, dress herself, and keep her shoes on! Well, we are still working on that last one! She sees something someone else does and mimics it or tries saying it! In the last little while she has started to really like people. For many months she didn’t like to be spoken to, held, or even looked at even by those in the immediate family! She is much better with people now IF she knows them! All through this though she loved Brayden and Mommy!

At the beginning of this past year Kaytlin turned 3! If you were to ask her how old she will be turning in a few weeks she would say 3 but she will be 4! She doesn’t like to share, play with other kids, eat meat, or getting her hair done. She is very independent and likes things done her way! She definitely keeps us on our toes. She is great at pretend play especially when she cooks and plays dress up. Currently she and Alayna share some clothes because Alayna is catching up to her! A few weeks ago Kaytlin had her first hair cut and wasn’t impressed at all even though the hair dresser was a friend of ours. She doesn’t like getting her hair put up but it was getting long and was hanging in her eyes so I insisted on the cut! Not to long ago we had a problem with her staying in her own bed. We would find her sleeping all over the house UNTIL we put all the kids in one bedroom. Now she has no problems with sleep except getting up between 5-6 a.m. each morning which we take in stride!

Brayden is getting so big. Even though he is 7 years old he seems to think he can still climb on our laps. He is still working on loosing his baby teeth and having his adult teeth come in. We were teasing him about a month ago that for Christmas all he wanted was his two front teeth. He loves food and can usually out eat us any day! He loves games, playing and holding Alayna, anything electrical such as the wii and computer, and vacuuming which we take full advantage of! He doesn’t like cleaning his room, putting his laundry away, and being in close proximity to Kaytlin. Most of the time, they don’t get along and argue about everything. This month is his last month in speech therapy! Woohoooo! He has come so far! He first started speech therapy when he was 3 yrs old. He was only using sign at that point and now we can’t keep him quiet. He still has a few pronunciation issues that when we remind him he can do it! He also got a chance to play soccer this year and seemed to enjoy it!

This year has been monumental for us as a family! We took a trip to Denver for Josh to take a few lab classes for his degree and we spent some time seeing the sights back in April. He unofficially graduated with his degree in Mortuary Science in August. He won’t get his diploma until he takes the National Boards though! With any luck and some long winded prayers by this time next year he will be working at a Funeral Home and doing what he wants to be doing with his life! When he was doing his apprenticeship at the local funeral home he seemed to thrive doing what he loves! In May he became unemployed for five months which has been a huge blessing for us! Now it wasn’t all roses and smiles but looking back it was the right time for it! In the time he was unemployed we spent a lot of time as a family, he completed his 2 month apprenticeship for school, and we became aware of where all our money was going! I (Brenda) have kept busy chasing the kids, taking pictures, keeping house, and all that being a mother entails. I love being a stay at home mom even though some days are tough! I also auditioned to sing with the Choralaires. It is a pretty large group of women who get together at least once a week to sing and perform. We will be performing several times for the public until May.

We are so blessed to have what we have and to know what we know and be who we are! May we take some time to serve others, to be good neighbors, to keep our Heavenly Father first in our lives, to pray for guidance in everything we do, be mindful of others and to remember how blessed we are for the things we each have and not dwell on the things that are going or have gone wrong! We pray that as you set goals for the New Year that you will include some of these things in your lives!

If you are interested, we keep a family blog online that you are welcome to follow or check out occasionally. Go to: http://alwayspursuinghappiness.blogspot.com to view it! We try to update it at least once a month!

We love you all and think about you often! We hope you have a fantastic 2012!

Love,

The Dawson Family

2011-11-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween

As we approached halloween this year I thought it would be fun for the kids to carve a pumpkin! We had never done this before but the kids loved it. Brayden drew his face on his pumpkin then helped Kaytlin do hers. We cut the faces out and told them they needed to clean out their pumpkins! Kaytlin dove right in and cleaned her pumpkin out but Brayden didn't even want to stick his hand in the pumpkin! Alayna had fun playing with what we cleaned out of the pumpkins!

For Halloween the kids were dressed as the following:

Brayden = Mario

Kaytlin = Elmo

Alayna = Dalmation Puppy

We hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween!

2011-11-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Soccer

This year Brayden played soccer for AYSO. He enjoyed getting to know his teammates and making new friends! His team was called the Hot Lava's!

Josh also was a referee for AYSO and he seemed to enjoy the boys. He also helped Brayden's coach at each of the practices. I can't say enough great things about Brayden's coach! He didn't just teach the boys how to play soccer but he also taught them teamwork, good sportsmanship, and FUN! This coach was an excellent role model for the boys and I appreciated everything he did for the boys during the season!

You have to understand at this age level the boys are running the wrong way, kicking other boys in the shin instead of kicking the ball, and are just having fun! Someone recently asked me if they won... I went on to explain that we really didn't keep score because they are just having fun learning the sport BUT they are all winners just for playing! For them it wasn't about winning and losing it was more about having fun and kicking the ball anytime they could! I have other pictures but they are on the old hard drive so when I get them I will get them added!

I certainly had fun watching him even when he played in the snow and cold!

2011-11-18T09:11:00.001-07:00

Winter is Upon Us

The snow has finally come! I had to dig out winter coats, hats, gloves, boots and winter clothes because the temperatures dropped and the snow decided to visit!

While it was still snowing the kids had to get out there and play in it! Snow angels, snow ball fights, and silliness later we all went in and got warmed back up! That was a few weeks ago and now we are back to brown lawns and dry streets which doesn't hurt my feelings in the least!

2011-11-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Last Summer Hoorah

It has been awhile ago that we went to Lagoon! Along with the fact that Josh won two free tickets on the radio we decided to go! Aunt Becky came along for the fun too! The kids had a blast and slept great on the way home!

This year Brayden was tall enough to ride the adult rides but I spent most of the day in kiddie land with the girls! Next year Kaytlin will be tall enough for more adult rides so I am glad we were able to go for cheap! About a month later and Kaytlin is still talking about her trip to Lagoon!

2011-09-15T15:28:00.000-06:00

Fun with Family

August has been fun and busy! On August 21st my parents came into town. We love to see them because it doesn't happen often! Ohio is a long ways away! They got here just in time for Brayden's first soccer game and first day of school.

First day of 2nd Grade!

He says he likes soccer and he sure looks cute in his uniform. Josh volunteered to be a referee and he enjoys it except when the parents get a little out of hand or the coaches don't like the calls.

Alayna isn't a huge fan of people and usually cries but Grandpa Vermillion won her over!

It took a little while for her to warm up to Grandma Vermillion!

The whole reason for the trip... Carl and Ashley had a baby! They named him Preston James. He is so cute and cuddly! The kids just adore him and Alayna likes to point at him and attempt to say baby. On Sunday September 11th they blessed him.

Grandpa and Grandma Vermillion just adore him too!

While we were in Rexburg for the blessing and luncheon we drove by the Temple and visited the Gardens at BYU Idaho.

Anthony's family came up and enjoyed the baby as well. Mason seems to enjoy playing with the kids just as much as my kids love having him to play with!

They asked me to take some pictures for them while they were here too!

We got to also go tour and check out the B17 and B25 used in WWII while they were here at the airport.

We got to go inside the B17 and look around. Watch out for the Dawson boys they are attached to the guns!

We also spent some time up at Rigby Lake. Alayna loved it and it wore her out!

Both big and little kids loved it!

Congrats Carl and Ashley! We will miss you Dad and Mom! Can't wait for another visit!

2011-08-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

Alayna Turns 1!

Alayna is growing up so fast! It doesn't seem like she could be one already but time flies when you have fun! She is such a happy child and is so tolerant. She still loves Brayden so much! She is getting much better with other people as well. There for awhile I don't think she liked anyone but now she is slowly becoming a little people person. She has mastered the stairs, using a sippy cup, standing up without support, walking around the room holding furniture, playing peek a boo, and pointing! She doesn't get into to much trouble and when she does it is usually instigated by one of the other kids. She is a super good sleeper and here soon she will be sharing a bedroom with Kaytlin. She has two teeth which in her mind entitles her to eat whatever she wants! We have been feeding her adult food for a bit now and she loves it! Her favorite was spaghetti the other day!

She is also now big enough to be in a big girl carseat! I think she enjoys this much better because she can see everything!

She sees me do Kaytlin's hair most days and tries so hard to put clips in her own hair which is so cute. Her hair is long enough for a little pig tail and growing so much each week that I tried pigtails. I asked Brayden how she looked and he said "She looks like a moose" and I said "at least she looks like a very cute moose!"

Just last night we got together with the family to celebrate her birthday! It was stormy out, raining buckets but it was fun! She opened presents first! She wasn't to thrilled about the whole process.

Her favorite present was her bumble bee pillow pet. She also got some clothes that were super cute!

We then had cake and ice cream! We got a fishy cupcake cake from Walmart.

We also got her a little Pooh cake that she was able to enjoy!

Today we took her to the doctor for her checkup and she is growing great! She weighs 22 pounds and is 29 inches long. She wasn't thrilled with shots either! At least we found out her toe isn't broken from dropping a can of food on it yesturday! Even with all that she is happy and playful!

We hope for another great year and more smiles! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

2011-07-13T16:41:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Brayden!

Brayden turned 7 this past Saturday so we had to celebrate!

We started out by getting up and making cake to allow to cool while we went and played! I made a red lego cake but forgot to get a picture of it! We ran a few errands and then we went to Funland! The kids earned a free ride pass from the summer reading program at the Library! Shame they only give you one ride pass for each but they still enjoyed it. They chose to ride the merry-go-round for their free ride!

After playing for a bit we did some shopping with Grandma Dawson for some new church shoes.

We then headed home to finish cake and get the girls to have a nap before the party!

We had his party at Peterson Park in Ammon!

I caught him stuck in here but he wasn't stuck for long! They played for awhile on the toys while we waited on everyone to come for cake and ice cream!

Some of the bigger kids even had a stick fight. Here Andruw(cousin) and Hailey(friend) were dueling it out!

Probably my favorite picture of the day! Brayden loves Alayna and vice versa! They spend a lot of time together and he is so good with her!

Then we all had cake and ice cream! Then presents!

Soccer ball for the upcoming season that he is playing in!

Camera that he begged us for and was so excited to use! He has taken tons of pictures that I should do a blog entry on for you all to see my son's great work!

Squirt Guns!

They have been played with and played with because the temperatures around here have been hot!

Penguin Pillow Pet! This was Alayna's favorite toy! I hinted it to Carl and Ashley because Brayden was looking at them online the other day.

Grandma and Grandpa Dawson got him some new duds! What a cutie pie!

All the cousin's on the Dawson side! Grandma Dawson wanted a pic of all the kids together so this is what I put together for her! They were pretty squirmy as you can imagine... but I took a half dozen pictures while they were sitting there and I used three of the pics for this one. From Left to Right: Joseph, Cadance, Brayden, Alayna, Sydney, Kaytlin, Andruw, and Landon!

All in all it was a super fun day!

Turning 7 means no more carseat! He was thrilled!

I still can't believe my little guy is 7! He is such a big helper and we are so glad he is in our family! We love you Brayden! Happy Birthday!

2011-06-24T12:26:00.000-06:00

Changes

Back on May 13th Josh lost his job! This is always hard to take. My first thought was: How in the world will we pay our bills? My next thought was: I will not allow this to affect the kids! Then the following thought was: What bills that we have could we minimize or get rid of completely. There were so many things going on in my head that I was stressed to the max!

We are currently going on six weeks without an income and we are chugging along!

I must say we have been immensely blessed through friends, family, neighbors, and our church family! It amazes me the unselffishness of so many people. There are so many wonderful people out there willing and able to help those of us that fall on hard times. I know without a doubt my Heavenly Father loves us! He has us all in the palm of his hand! I know that with faith all things are possible! Having faith has made all the difference. I must admit I am like doubting Thomas as many of us are!
A saying I heard once that I have always remembered is:
Fear is the Abscence of Faith~ Faith is the abscence of Fear!

With Daddy home and the warm weather here we have had lots of fun!

With warm weather finally here we have been spending a lot of time outside!

These large xylophones are at a local park. Here Kaytlin is finding her beat.

What's summer without heading over to the greenbelt to feed the ducks! The babies are my favorite part of the season! This little cluster is only a small group of all the babies along the river.

Along with the warmer weather comes flooding! So far this year the water has been up and over the walking path in several places along the greenbelt.

Even Alayna got in on the action of feeding the ducks only she fed herself!

We even set up the swimming pool in the back yard. The kids enjoy swimming and they do it frequently.

We also went to an activity downtown a few days ago. We spent a few minutes listening to the firemen play the bagpipes. Super cool!

Along with outdoor fun comes ICE CREAM!

After drip control (Josh) Alayna got some!

The following pics are just odds and ends that I thought you would all enjoy!

This is Alayna when we had our family pictures taken at the end of last year.

Just so you know Alayna is the boss around our house! She was so proud of herself for dumping the blocks and getting to play with them.

This was part of our indoor fun one day! Give a child a toy they are happy for a few minutes... give a child a box they are happy for hours!

Brayden had an accident at school a few months ago that loosened both of his front teeth! Now he is toothless and proud of it!

Kaytlin likes to try on daddy's sunglasses in the car. She is so serious in this picture. Do you think you could mistake her for a mob boss? She would sure make a cute one though!

Now saving the best for last!

I could definately see Kaytlin looking like this in about 20 years hehe! She is such a petite little girl that when she is pregnant she will have a cute little baby bump! Oh the fun kids have with balls!

You may think I post lots of pictures and Yes I do but what better way to remember my children as they grow! These pictures are what keep me posting on the blog! In a way the blog is a journal for me and the one thing I pride myself on are my children and being a photographer so why not combine the two!
We love you all! May you look forward with FAITH and enjoy your summer! We certainly will be!

2011-06-01T10:15:00.000-06:00

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

We went camping at Downata Hot Springs!

My parents flew in from Ohio, Anthony and his family came from up from Utah, Carl and his wife came from Rexburg and our family were all able to be there.

The weather didn't really cooperate very well but we enjoyed ourselves. My dad hung a shelter over the table to help keep us dry when it rained.

The kids played well together and good thing for cousins or boredom would have set in!

Enjoying our time together around the campfire!

Even the young kiddo's enjoyed themselves even when Alayna took Mason's sippy cup and was so proud of herself.

Saturday we spent the afternoon at the hot pools! After the freezing temperatures the night before the warm water was perfect! Alayna loved it! She is a true water baby and even decided it was ok to fall asleep on me to get her nap in while swimming.

We aren't in these pictures! I got these pictures from the camping website. The men enjoyed the water slides but walking up the stairs to the platform got cold. At this point of the fun my camera died or I would have more pics for you!

Also, thanks Ashley for taking some of the pictures and sharing them with everyone!

2011-04-25T10:01:00.000-06:00

Easter

My cute little kids! The girls both got new dresses but Brayden got some new swimming trunks with goggles.

Alayna 9 months old!

Kaytlin is three!

Brayden is six!

We did so much for Easter but I only used my camera when we got together as a family. On Saturday we got together and celebrated Great Grandpa Dawson's 93rd birthday and we also had an Easter Egg hunt for the kids!

Daddy and Alayna watched the Easter Egg hunt while Mommy was busy taking pictures!

After the hunt they all sat on the lawn and emptied their eggs!

They also had to eat half of what they found!

Here is Grandma Dawson with Kaytlin and her cousin Landon.

Alayna wasn't happy at this point! She was so tired and wouldn't go to sleep! she held onto that egg for a long time though!

After the kids were done with with Easter Egg Hunt we relaxed in the back yard! There was a chair just Alayna's size. This next sequence of pictures was classic. I was taking her picture trying to get her to look at me then Grandpa Dawson tried...

Almost looking...

Grandpa spoke to her!

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter. This holiday reminds me that each and every life is precious and that without Jesus dying and being resurrected we would not be able to live! He lives and loves us!

2011-04-14T17:14:00.000-06:00

Family Vacation

On April 1, 2011 we took off for a vacation. Josh had to go to Colorado for some labs with his schooling so we decided to make it a family vacation. We left our house at about six p.m. and took a beautiful scenic route.

From our house to where we were staying is approximately ten hours. We arrived at our hotel at four a.m. and got a few hours of sleep. The kids did great on the drive there because they slept most of the way.

On Saturday we just relaxed and drove around a bit. It was nice to take a day after the long drive to just relax.

On Sunday we did a few things. Sunday afternoon we went to the Miniature Doll and Toy Museum which was free for the community. It was located in a house that they had turned into a walk through museum.

What's a vacation with out seeing the closest temple! On Sunday we took some time to drive to the Denver Temple but we couldn't get out of the car because it was raining.

I did roll my window down for a few pictures but I thought this looked pretty cool!

On Sunday it was Josh's 30th birthday as well. So that evening we drove to Colorado Springs to visit Josh's cousin Chad and his family. We all enjoyed seeing them and our kids had a blast playing with all of their kids.

On Monday was Josh's first day of labs for school.

While he was at school we found some fun things to do!

Most especially we knew where several parks were located some even within walking distance of the hotel. Also I took some pictures while finding my way around the Denver area.

I also made it back up to the temple and got some much better pictures.

On Tuesday we went back to Josh's cousins home. Chad had made some wonderful dutch oven chicken and potatoes for us for dinner. Yummy!!!

On Wednesday after Josh got done with school we went to a restaurant called Casa Bonita.

While we were eating our meal there was live music and several different shows such as a fire juggling act, puppet show, and a diving show!

The kids were facinated with all of it! In this picture they are standing behind the waterfall from the previous picture.

On Thursday the kids and I went to Dinosaur Ridge. It was super fun and the kids both got to do some fun things.

They thought it was so cool they could pet the dinosaur. This particular dinosaur is laying on the ground because the wind knocked it over and broke its leg but they were still excited.

This was inside the museum. Most everything in the museum was hands on except this. I was very impressed with their displays.

Then we went on a small bus ride around the ridge to see where the dinosaurs walked. Next to Kaytlin in this picture is a large dinosaur print in the rock. At the time of the dinosaurs this was the bottom of a body of water and in the rock she is climbing were a few hundred prints that were very visible.

When we picked Josh up from lab we toured the Tower of Memories on the grounds of the Funeral Home he was doing his embalming labs at. The funeral home is only a small building in the cemetery along with the Tower of Memories.

Let's just say we spent a bit of time in the cemetery while waiting to pick up Josh and got to see some neat looking headstones and a coyote which Kaytlin kept calling a dog.

That evening we went to the Colorado Railroad Museum! The only word that describes this experience is AWESOME!

Oh No! Watch out for that train!

This train was neat! It was a coin operated engine. Josh and Brayden put in a quarter and pulled and pushed a few buttons and it pretended to start up and gain speed. Noise and all was involved!

Here is Brayden driving the coin operated train!

All three kids sitting on the front of the train. Can you pick out Alayna? She was squeezed between Brayden and Kaytlin!

Here is the operating roundhouse! I think this was my favorite part. They refurbish train cars in the roundhouse and we were able to witness them push one into the house to begin the process of refurbishment! We also got to watch them move several trains on the turntable!

After the train museum we headed over to the Air and Space Museum!

It was fun to see so many different planes! This particular plane was one used in the Star Wars movies. It was autographed and everything.

On Friday evening we met Chad's family at the Aquarium in Denver.

Here is Chad, his two boys Lance and Trevor with Brayden checking out the fish in the tank. For those of you that can't pick Brayden out he is the boy in green.

The underside of a shark. We were in an underwater tunnel which was awesome!

This picture was funny! Chad wanted to hold Alayna but she doesn't go to people well at all. So he told me to get ready to take a picture because he was going to take her from Josh and to get it before she started crying. Let's just say that after I took the picture she started crying.

That may look like blood on Brayden's arm but it was a painted whale on his arm.

While we were there at the aquarium there was a mermaid show! Here is just a very small portion of the show for you! It would be best to turn off the music on the blog so you can hear the music on the show!

After the mermaid show they came out and we were able to get our picture taken with them! From left to right: Brenda (me), Kaytlin, Mermaid 1, Amber, Mermaid 2, Trevor, Brayden, Lance, and Mermaid 3.

I gotta tell ya that this picture of stingrays was taken by Kaytlin!

On Saturday April 9th we packed up and headed home! We took off from Denver at 10:30 a.m. and lets just say this trip wasn't nearly as good as going! The kids were cranky, the weather was bad, and they were sick of being in the car because it was daylight! I wish we could have drove overnight like we did the first time around so the ride home would have been a little more pleasant! Although, they could have been a lot worse! For the first few hours Kaytlin would ask us where we were going. We would reply that we were headed home. She repeatedly would say no i dont want to go home!

All in all it was a great trip! We had so much fun seeing new things, trying new things and just enjoying being in a new place. It is certainly nice to be home though!

2011-03-24T13:10:00.000-06:00

Growing Like Weeds

BRAYDEN

He is a huge help to us! It is hard for me to believe he will be seven this summer. Right now he is in the process of losing teeth so check out the gaps. He lost his top middle tooth in a strange way. He was hit with a swing at school and that made it so loose I figured it would fall right out. It was hanging in there at some weird angles and it held on for a good week. He is getting ready to lose the other top middle one so then he will have a huge hole.

He loves the outdoors! We have been getting some very pleasant days here recently and the kids just want to be outside. Who can blame them! The only problem is that it looks nice out but it still doesn't feel that great out there. The kids believe that if it looks nice out it is time to get sandals and shorts and we aren't even close to that type of weather. I did give in one afternoon and allowed them to play outside for a little while.

KAYTLIN

Kaytlin is definately a tough girl. She stands up for herself and knows exactly what she wants. If only we could channel that to not include temper tantrums when she doesn't get exactly what she wants! She likes to see how far she can go before she gets into trouble! Baby toys around here aren't just for babies...

She got caught and then she felt very proud of herself. I had a hard time not laughing about this so I had to get a picture! Let's just say she had a hard time getting out of this predicament.

She wants in on any activity that doesn't include her. I was taking pictures of Alayna and Kaytlin insisted on it as well. I thought they turned out half decent even!

She even enjoyed the great outdoors the day they played outside!

Her hair is getting super long and check our her eyelashes! Personally, I think being three agrees with her! She is certainly one cute girl!

ALAYNA

She is growing the fastest to me. She is coming up on eight months of age and is so fun! She loves Brayden and he can usually get her to giggle lots. When she doesn't like something we can certainly tell! As always I couldn't just choose a few pictures!

You can make her day when giving her something new to play with instead of her toys. She loves bowls, paper, silverware, and just about anything else she can get to her mouth. I gave her this blue bowl in the pictures and she was in heaven. I once gave her a laminated bookmark and lets just say there wasn't much left when I checked on her a few minutes later.

This is my favorite picture of her! It was almost like she hadn't seen a camera before or something!

When she wears this outfit I like to call her my little red riding hood! She likes it because the hat is so huge she can turn her face and eat it.

She has just learned that when she is sitting on the floor and something is just out of reach she can flop over onto her belly and reach whatever she was going after. It is quite comical to watch her and then seeing the pure joy on her face once she gets what she wants. She hasn't figured out how to roll over yet and she HATES being on her belly so shortly after getting the object she was after she just cries.

She doesn't have any teeth yet but is working on them. I don't know who is more excited for teeth, her or me. When she gets some teeth she can then eat more things because the way it is now she just stares us down until we feel guilty for eating in front of her and get her something she can have. I found some hard crackers that she can gnaw on and eventually they disappear.

Enjoy this video and we hope it makes your day!

2011-02-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Alayna 6 Months Old

Alayna is getting so big and so much more active! She can now grab onto things most especially hair... just ask Kaytlin! She laughs and giggles at our funny antics and she jabbers like she is carrying on conversations with us! She loves eating! Oatmeal with Bananna's is her favorite cereal and she is still undecided about the veggies and fruit! So far she enjoys applesauce, sweet potatoes, squash, peas and pears. We are still trying to get her to enjoy the other things such as carrots and apricots. She certainly loves veggies more than fruits which is surprising! She isn't quite rolling over yet but I expect it any day! When she has a full belly and a clean diaper she is the most amazing little girl full of happiness! If only I could package up her laughs and giggles for you to enjoy with us!

She loves playing too! Anthony, Mandy and Mason came up to celebrate Mason's first birthday and Alayna just watched him. An interesting fact- They currently wear the same size clothes.

Brayden and Kaytlin both love holding her and playing with her until she grabs hair then the games are over. Brayden would hold her all day if I let him and sometimes she doesn't mind at all.

She is a very good sitter. Sometimes she needs help but she is getting stronger everyday. She enjoys rubbing the carpet and trying to eat it most likely because it is a new texture for her.

She is starting to chew on everything so my guess would be teeth may make an appearance in the next few months! Her fingers are always in her mouth which means her clothes are always drenched with drool!

I am finally able to upload all the videos that have been taken of Alayna up to this point. Enjoy! This first one was when she was two months old approximately.

In this video Brayden and Alayna were playing ball and she thought it was so funny. She is 4 1/2 months old here during the Christmas season!

This video is when she was learning to make new sounds! If she talks like this now I think I have a good idea of how talkative she will be when she gets older. YIKES! She was 5 1/2 months in this video!

She is certainly growing fast and learning so many new things. I hope you enjoyed!

2011-02-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kaytlin

January was such a fun month for us! The first big change was that Kaytlin now has her own bedroom! No more sharing with Brayden and talking and laughing with each other well into the night. I figured she would have a hard time adjusting to being by herself in the dark but that never happened!

Kaytlin turned three! It is kind of hard for me to think she is getting so big! Three years passed so quickly and in some regards I wish it hadn't sped by. She is so helpful and tolerant with us as parents and with her siblings.She is all girl! She loves trying on shoes, dressing up, doing her hair, and helping mommy with everyday chores. We can always count on her to do what is asked and to do it with a smile on her face. I recently asked Brayden to put his laundry away that I just got done folding and he said "No I don't want to" and then I preceeded to have Kaytlin do hers and she comes running...which sometimes prompts Brayden to do what is asked!

At her birthday party we had Strawberry Shortcake which was super yummy. Many of our family members came to celebrate with us.

She got some cute outfits also.

Her favorite gift of all was a dance outfit that she wears around the house most everyday.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

2011-01-01T22:33:00.026-07:00

Christmas 2010

Preparing for Christmas

While everyone put the tree together I took pictures! I just love watching the kids enjoy the whole process! The time spent with daddy is also a bonus!

While they worked on the tree Alayna was busy too!This was while the tree was going up and I loved her expression here! It almost makes me think she was the one in charge!

Christmas Morning

Kaytlin was the first up and she woke Brayden up. It wasn't to early either!

Alayna even got into the action Christmas morning.

Brayden trying to put together his train track even using directions... I was impressed because most adults refuse to use directions anymore! We got it together and realized we didn't have the right batteries for it so he had to wait!

A few weeks before Christmas we went to my neice Cadance's dance performance and ever since Kaytlin pretends she has a costume on and dances around the room! I caught this picture of her dancing in Grandma's living room on Christmas. I am thinking it is about time to put her in dance, tumbling or something because she seems to have pretty good posture here!

Josh got a mystery gift! Can you guess what it would be? Whenever I take his picture he sticks his tongue out and I constantly remind him this will be on our blog but he still does it! Back to that gift... he got two large clamps for his workshop!

Kaytlin got a few outfits that she had to try on right away. She loves playing dress up and will layer several times to get everything on.

Alayna loved it! She just liked to hold onto the wrapping paper and watch what everyone else was doing!

Another outfit for Kaytlin she had to try on! It was so cute too! She sure pulls the cutest faces!

Got *~BLING~* ?

She does! Grandma sent her a whole container of rings and she was not satisfied having just one on she had to have them all!

Alayna is just a happy little girl! There isn't much time that she isn't smiling or giggling at someone's antics... usually Brayden's!

We hope your holidays were fabulous! Good Luck on your New Year's Resolutions!

2010-11-01T11:13:00.008-06:00

Happy Halloween 2010

We hope you all had a safe and fun halloween this year and don't get to sick from all the candy you will consume in the next month! We went to a corn maze last Wednesday and they had a bucket train the kids enjoyed riding on! Kaytlin seemed to do ok until her feet got wet.

Brayden loved the whole idea! He was running ahead of us in the maze to tell us where to go next! If I could contain his energy I would never get tired watching him!
This was after we went through the maze before we did the train. Josh wasn't to thrilled that I brought the camera so every picture we took he had his tongue sticking out!

I asked another maze goer if they would take our picture all together.

Here is Kaytlin showing off her new Halloween bow her Aunt made her.

Brayden was Mario for Halloween which was a very popular costume this year!

Kaytlin chose to be Elmo! I purchased this costume for Brayden a few years back and he refused to wear it so I just put it in our Halloween box to keep for another child. I went and got the box out to get buckets and costumes figured out for the kids and Kaytlin got so excited to see Elmo she decided it was all hers this year!

Last but not least Alayna got in on the action as well! Some of you may remember when Brayden was a baby he wore the frog costume so I got it back out for Alayna. She managed to sleep through most of the activities we went to but at least she was warm when I carried her around! I am just looking forward to next year when she is walking with the other kids! Bye October Welcome November

2010-10-26T13:39:00.017-06:00

Alayna This was taken when Carl and Ashley got married Aug 16th of 2010! Alayna was a week and a half old here and in the following picture! It is hard for me to remember her so little because she is sure growing fast!
All three of my precious kids together and not fighting! They love Alayna and ask to hold her frequently. I have to ask them to leave her alone most days! These will be treasured pictures because they will grow up all to quickly!

She is four and a half weeks old here along with the previous few with Brayden and Kaytlin. A month already gone! Where did the time go?

Visiting Great-Grandma Doman (4 weeks old)
She treasures our visits each time we go! We are blessed to live nearby so great grandparents can see the kids frequently. I know they enjoy it too!

Visiting Great-Grandpa Dawson (4 weeks old)

He was thrilled to get to hold her. When we told him Alayna was named after Great Grandma Dawson his eyes just sparkled.

She is seven and a half weeks old here! She must be doing good because she has already learned the OK sign! At this point she began focusing on things and staring at us! In this picture I would gather a guess to say Brayden was sitting next to her.

I would have to agree with her shirt here about her being cute! Even cute with her tongue sticking out of her mouth which is most every picture.

All the kids wanted to cuddle with me and I wanted to show off the girls shirts we bought for them. Alayna is six weeks old here, Kaytlin is 2 1/2 years old and Brayden is 6 years old. What do you think, do they get their good looks from me?

The following pictures are from my cell phone but they were so cute I had to include them.

Trying out her new toy... the bumbo chair!

She was just grinning and grinning and giggling at me so i figured I better get a picture of her. I think this was when she was working up to another giggle.

Another picture of the girls in matching shirts. They were both smiling but when the phone camera decided to catch up this is what I got. The looks on both girls is just priceless!

These years are the hardest but will be the best when we look back at these pictures in ten years and laugh!

2010-08-25T12:53:00.011-06:00

Alayna Vernell Dawson

Born: August 4 2010 at 3:49 p.m.

weight: 7 pounds 11 ounces

length: 21 inches

Lots of dark hair Her first day home! Josh and Alayna were tired!Meeting her big brother Brayden! He just loves her!Meeting her big sister Kaytlin! She wasn't exactly sure what to think but I think she is starting to warm up to her!Blessing Day Sunday August 15th 2010 Church was just rough so I slept the day away!Approximately one week old here! She sure is growing fast.

At her two week appointment she weighted in at 8 pounds 10 ounces! The doctor mentioned that she loves her food and I would certainly have to agree! She is healthy and happy and we are so excited she joined our family!

2010-08-25T12:43:00.010-06:00

Carl & Ashley

My little brother Carl got married August 14th 2010! It is hard to think he grew up and is now married! Ashley is a hoot and we love her immensly already! Congrats! With a new baby I didn't take my camera with me to the wedding because I had a few other things to worry about but here are a few pictures that others took!

I am excited to see what the next few years bring! Welcome to the family Ashley!

2010-07-27T21:38:00.026-06:00

Navy Blue Angels Air Show

This past weekend the Blue Angels came to town! The show was awesome and I would highly suggest going to see them if they are anywhere near you!

Brayden checking out the cockpit of one of the planes that started the air show off!

Josh and Brayden watching the planes head to or from the run way!

While the show was going on this is what the kids did!

Anyone care to fly upside down?

The wing walker! I would never in a million years ever consider doing this!

These last two pictures were not taken by me! If you want to read more about them go to http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/

2010-07-27T21:06:00.010-06:00

Brayden Turns Six

So for Brayden's birthday this year we had a small get together at a nearby park. We invited a few friends and family to join us! I am still finding it hard to believe that my little boy is now six! I love getting creative and trying new things for his birthday cakes. I found a few cute ideas and let him choose which one he would like this year... he must have had baseball on the brain because that is the one he chose! I think it turned out so cute!

Opening gifts was fun! He got some fun new toys and books! In this picture we have Kaytlin and our niece Sydney watching him. At least they were sitting on the cooler with the water balloons in it instead of throwing them.

His biggest gift that was wrapped in a large box from Carl and Ashley below. Everyone was curious as to what it was! They got him some sand box toys! In this picture from left to right we have grandpa Terry, cousin Andruw, school friends Spencer and Carter, Uncle Jared, cousin Cadance, Grandma Sara, Brayden, and Aunt Jennifer.

Brayden trying his new toys out!

While Brayden played with his new toys Kaytlin played with her little tricycle that she is still trying to learn to peddle!

Happy Birthday Brayden! Here is wishing for a very good year!

2010-06-28T11:57:00.014-06:00

Multiple Sclerosis

Harmon's Best Dam Bike Ride

June 26th-27th 2010

Day 1

Carl getting ready with the support from Ashley!

Josh getting ready with some help from the kids!

Josh and Carl together before the ride.

Waiting patiently at the starting line!

Josh finishes Day 1 in approx 4 hours riding 40 miles.

Carl finishes Day 1 in approx 6 hours riding 100 miles.

Day 2

Rounding the bend to finish Day 2 approx. 40 miles with a bit of help from the sag driver! Carl finished Day 2 riding 75 miles!

Josh at the finish line! So proud of both Carl and Josh!

While Josh and Carl were out on the bike route the kids and I played at the park!

While driving through town Josh saw this billboard and I had to laugh! It sure fits in with the MS bike ride taking place in Logan this weekend!

Also after the guys were done riding on day one we all went up to the Logan Temple. It always amazes me at the beauty and peace found on the grounds!

It was a fun and rewarding weekend for all involved!

2010-06-14T11:34:00.008-06:00

Carl & Ashley

My little brother Carl and his fiancee Ashley are getting married in August! I am so excited for them to begin this part of their lives! They asked me to take their engagement pictures and of course I was thrilled to do so. Many have asked to see the pictures I took so here are just a few. Here is a sneak peek of my favorite shots!

I had so much fun taking these pictures! I am also excited at how well they turned out! Congratulations Carl & Ashley!

2010-06-14T11:14:00.005-06:00

Growing Up

It is hard for me to think our children are growing up! Brayden turns six next month and it doesn't feel nearly six years ago he joined our family!

Brayden lost his very first tooth on Saturday! He was drinking chocolate milk and then it just came out! He was a bit upset because he didn't like the hole in his mouth but he has since gotten used to it. The excitement the next morning after the tooth fairy came was awesome and he carried his money with him all day. Any day now the second of his teeth will fall out. The one next to the one he already lost is very loose so he will have a large gap on the bottom row of teeth once it comes out!

We are so blessed to have him in our family. He is a tremendous help and he shows his love for us in the small everyday things he says and does! We love you Brayden!

2010-04-28T15:04:00.018-06:00

Catch Up (Part 2)

This past weekend was our Annual Kite Festival. While Josh went to Twin Falls I took the kids to see all the kites. They got to make and fly their own as well! Brayden enjoyed it and was able to hold onto his kite fairly well while the wind was blowing like crazy but I had to chase Kaytlin's kite across the field several times because she wouldn't hold onto it for long! I think the kites intrigued her more than anything!

The weekend of April 10-11th we went to Utah for the blessing of my new nephew Mason. He was born in February to my brother Anthony and his wife Mandy!While we were down in Utah we visited Hogle Zoo! My brother Carl and his fiancee Ashley also went down with us if you start to wonder why Carl is in several pictures!

We could have gotten away with leaving Carl with the Apes because of how perfectly he fit in... he made some pretty good facial features to go along with it! I don't think Ashley would have liked it much if we left him though!

Inside the zoo there are a few attractions such as a Merry go Round and a train that the kids enjoyed.

The best part of the zoo for me was seeing the baby Elephant! I didn't get a very good shot besides this picture with their back sides but you get the drift!

We started our garden... INSIDE! I allowed the kids to help a little!

From left to right we planted Watermelon, Lettuce, Pumpkin, Tomato, and Cucumber! I am excited to see how much they have grown in only a few weeks. The pumpkin plants are so big I might have to plant them in a bigger container! I can't wait until we can go outside and get the garden spot ready for transplanting at the end of May!

The best news of all not mentioned above...

Carl and Ashley got engaged!

They will be getting married August 14th! I am so excited and happy to welcome her into our family! Be sure to check back for pictures later on!

2010-04-28T14:37:00.010-06:00

Catch Up (Part 1) We had our family picture taken in March! I love having it done once a year so we can see the changes that have happened such as kids growing up and parents getting grey hair... at least we don't fall into the grey hair category YET!

The next addition to our family pictures next year will be our baby due in August! These ultrasound pictures were taken when i was 20 weeks along! That seems like ages ago! Like we said before we don't want to know what we are having so we didn't find out! I am now 25 weeks along and I am enjoying all the movement of this baby! I am sure whatever we have will be very active!

In March we had some beautiful weather and we took advantage of it! The sun was shining and it was warm BUT the mud was something else to deal with altogether as you can probably tell from Kaytlin's behind.

As promised from out December blog entries...my dad gave us wood for Christmas presents and we put them together in the living room and then took them outside! They were Adirondack chairs! I get to enjoy watching the kids play on the swing set while lounging away in our new chairs!

Part 2 will be following momentarily so be sure to check back!

2010-03-12T11:27:00.003-07:00

Pregnancy

Well I am finally starting to feel and look pregnant! I am currently 19 weeks along which means... you guessed it my ultrasound is scheduled for later this month! Josh and I have decided we will not be finding out what we are having because we have things for both a girl and a boy! Take a minute and vote on the poll on the left hand side of our blog for whether you think we are going to have another boy or another girl! Either way I am super excited to add another little bundle of joy to our family! Brayden votes boy all the way and I don't think Kaytlin really has an idea about it yet!

I recently ordered some maternity pants because I was starting to feel the strain from my normal jeans! I absolutely love the maternity pants with the hidden belly! It sure makes things much more comfortable!

Within the next few weeks look for pictures posted to let you know how the ultrasound went and to see how big I have gotten for being half way through the pregnancy! Time sure flies!

2010-02-19T05:58:00.013-07:00

So I was noticing it has been ages since I posted a blog entry and figured it was about time! So much to update everyone on!

Well the hustle from the Christmas season died down and then it was onto birthday Party Planning! Kaytlin turned 2!

The pans and cooking utensils were a huge hit! She plays with them continually and trys to help in the kitchen as often as she can!

Mmmm.... cake!

I love this picture of Brayden because of his big blue eyes!

Isn't she growing up! She isn't my baby girl any more!

Although some days she likes to think she is still a baby! I brought the carseat up from the basement to measure it for the Carseat Canopies I made!

Then at the end of January our new Nephew and Cousin Mason was born. We went down to Utah for Mandy's baby shower but instead of the shower got to hold new born baby Mason! It was certainly the high light of the trip! I took a few pictures while we were there to show Brayden and Kaytlin because they weren't allowed up at the hospital! Congrat's Anthony and Mandy!

Hope your January went well! Onto February updates!

2009-12-28T17:46:00.012-07:00

December was Crazy!

At the beginning of December the kids set up our christmas tree! I must say they did a great job even if all the ornaments were on the bottom half of the tree.

On December 4th Kaytlin had ear surgery! Tubes were put in because she had a malfunctioning eustachian tube! I can't even imagine not being able to hear or hearing like you were wearing a hat and some ear muffs! We were at the hospital only about two hours and when all was said and done and we took her home she didn't even act like anything had happened! I have been amazed at the vocal changes that have been occuring just in this short amount of time! New words every day sure helps the frustration level around our home but she is still using a small amount of sign language which is just fine!

On December 14th we found out that we are expecting another Baby Dawson! I had expected so for a few weeks before the appointment was made but we officially found out on the 14th! I am due August 9th and I am hoping this baby doesn't get born on my birthday which is the 11th! I think it would be a great tribute to have it on the 18th but I am sure I will be miserable at that point and will wish it out at any time! The ultrasounds technician called it a blob which is very fitting from the pictures taken!

On December 16th Josh had sinus surgery! All of his sinus cavaties were cleaned out and any polyps that had formed from his last surgery were removed! This was a much more intense surgery than his previous two sinus surgeries. He seems to be doing fine and at his first follow up appointment the doctor took a whole bunch more crud out of his sinuses. I am glad I didn't go along to his appointment or i would have been grossed out!

The kids made sugar cookies for Santa Clause! Brayden wasn't to thrilled about the sticky mess it made on his hands but he did enjoy it! The best part for him was the frosting after they were cooked! Kaytlin just ate the dough and played with it. The majority of the dough we gave her was either put all over her clothes or in her mouth.

My dad made some awesome lawn chairs for us! We were assembling the chairs Christmas night before he took off the next morning so we knew how the others were to be assembled! They look so wonderful sitting in the lawn on all the snow but come summer I would suspect I will be using them alot! Anyone else interested in trying them out please feel free because they are so comfortable! I was telling Josh that he needs to put his swim suit on and go sit on them so I could take his picture and he thought I was nuts! Imagine that! The kids are thrilled to have Uncle Carl all moved in! I think he is a huge distraction for them but they are probably going to be for him as well. Next week he starts school at BYU Idaho so we probably won't see to much of him around here! The kids just enjoy having him here!Merry Christmas and Have a Happy New Year!

2009-11-12T16:18:00.003-07:00

Are you "Busy"?

So on Sunday when I went to my welfare meeting there was a wonderful spiritual thought shared that has stuck with me and has made me think about what I do with my time! Satan wants to distract us from gaining hold of our Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout our days! How could he do that?

1. Keeping us busy with nonessentials of life and by inventing innumerable schemes to occupy our minds.

2. Tempt us to spend, spend, spend and borrow, borrow, borrow!

3. Pursuade wives to work long hours and husbands to work even longer so we can afford our empty lifestyles!

4. Keep us from spending time with our children. As our families fragment, our homes will no longer be an escape!

5. Overstimulate our minds so we can't hear the still small voice.

6. Involve us in gossip and small talk at our church meetings so we leave with troubled consciences.

7. Keep us busy busy busy!

We will croud our lives with so many good causes that there will be no time left to seek power from our Heavenly Father! Without His guidance and counsel we will work off our own strength, sacrifice our health and families for the good of the cause of Satan!

I guess the question is, has Satan been successful at his scheme?

You be the judge! Does BUSY mean...

B= Being

U=Under

S=Satan's

Y=Yoke

This certainly made me take notice of the things I tend to occupy my mind and time! Can we honestly say that we are not "Busy"? Everyone of us is busy with life but are we putting effort in reaturning to our Heavenly Father by filling our lives with reading our scriptures, having Family Home Evening, praying sincerily, attending our church meetings faithfully, reading the lessons before our church meetings to go better prepared, giving service to those in need, etc. Are we "busy" doing the things we need to be to return to live with Him again or are we "busy" doing things that Satan is tempting us with?

I would encourage any of you that read this to be better! Don't be so "busy" with your lives that you are neglecting the one area that needs it the most... the Spiritual Side! I will work at this as well this week! Good Luck and Be sure to let me know how it is going!

2009-11-02T10:16:00.009-07:00

Halloween 2009

He loved Halloween!

Brayden is spiderman! He was more than willing to put the mask on to try the costume on but when Halloween came around he didn't want to! He certainly acted the part of spiderman well!

For our ward trunk-or-treat Josh came up with this wonderful idea to go as Noah and build a boat! We built the boat and found the animals to keep with the theme. The costume went together quickly because we had about a half hour before it started!

Kaytlin enjoyed Halloween as well but tired easily and got distracted quickly! The boys were climbing trees and Kaytlin wanted to join in but I wouldn't allow her to. I just couldn't resist this picture though!

The first hour we took Brayden around trick or treating Kaytlin slept in the car! She was exhausted and slept like a baby in the warm car while Brayden and Brenda walked in the cold! After her nap though she was rearing to go!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-02T10:07:00.003-07:00

Our New Front DoorWe had a wonderful contractor from our ward come and help us put in our new front door! He willingly put it in for a soda and candy bar! It looks amazing and I absolutely love the built in blinds which are very easy to use!

I won't miss our old door at all! A few weeks ago we opened it and couldn't get it shut. The whole bottom part of the door had bent in so we had a nice draft coming in! With winter coming on we needed to get this taken care of!

It turned out great! We just have a little bit of work to do to get the trim put back up!

2009-10-06T16:21:00.012-06:00

Student of the Day

Today Brayden was the student of the day! As the student of the day everyone in his class got to draw him. I figured I would post them so you could see how well these kids can draw.

I am not sure what the artist was doing with his hair here.

Aren't they all beautiful! They did a great job drawing him... that was only a few from his class!

Now for the best masterpiece of all!

So much fun in Kindergarten!

2009-10-06T15:41:00.010-06:00

Winter is Here!

Our first snow fall! I would have liked to not have seen snow for at least another month but what can you do? The kids were excited to get their winter apparel out! We didn't get much snow but there was enough to make a few small snow balls with it! These pictures were taken at 8:30 a.m. when I took Brayden to school and by the time i picked him up from school a few hours later it was gone!These are the kids in their summer clothes the same week as the snow! It went from warm one day to cold with snow the next! It is certainly incredible how fast the weather can change here!
This is a dress I bought last year so Brayden could use the hat for Halloween and I figured with the snow here we can get out the winter clothes... and it fits! I was just hoping and praying she would be able to wear it a year after I bought it and she can!With the cold temperatures outside the kids are keeping themselves busy inside by coloring my kitchen floor beautiful colors! This was Kaytlin being her normal busy self of course! I don't think Brayden would dare try this but Kaytlin is still learning what is good and bad! She definately knew she was in trouble because she took off running into the living room crying. I wasn't really all that mad about it because it wiped right up but I had to let her know I didn't appreciate it!
Here is Brayden being my big helper! For about 6 weeks at the beginning of the school year I offered to babysit for a friend while she taught and her husband finished his student teaching. My kids were so in love with the idea of a baby in the house that I am sure it won't be long before Brayden starts asking when another will come. He adored her and offered several times to help me so I let him and he was in Heaven!
Snow, Snow, Go Away!

2009-09-24T17:15:00.005-06:00

Back to School

My little boy started Kindergarten! These pictures were on the first day of school. I got lucky when none of these had people in them... there were several of us kindergarten moms taking pictures that day. The weather was the pits that day so it looks kind of yucky out!

Being in school for a month now he says his favorite thing at school is recess and snacks. Who would have guessed those would be his favorite thing. Right up there with those is PE! Have a great year and I can't wait to have Parent Teacher Conferences to see if he is talking to anyone or not!

2009-09-09T16:38:00.024-06:00

Last Summer Outing

Suffice it to say Summer is officially over but we got in a last little outing to finish it off right! We slowly awaited with excitement for Labor Day to come so we could go camping!

Anthony and Mandy met us in Lava Hot Springs for the weekend. We all got there Friday night and set up camp! The start of a wonderful weekend together.

On Saturday we woke up and spent the day at the swimming pool and hot pools! My favorite part being the hot pools but the bad thing about them is you just get to HOT so can't stay in long!

Brayden loved swimming! Kaytlin did too but didn't like being held down or kept in her turtle!

Josh was in awe with the new slides they put in and opened this year! Of course he had to try them out which I didn't get a picture of but the first time he went up he came back down because he chickened out. We knew when he came down because he came down with a huge splash!

The kids enjoyed the kiddy slides!

We all enjoyed the small slides!

Can't you tell that was Anthony! I didn't expect him to come down drowning!

Wow! Awesome! Let's go again... anyone with me? For not wanting to go the first time everyone else went up he sure ended up loving the slides by the end of the day!
I didn't get any pictures of us at the hot pools because i was enjoying it to much! Sorry!

On Sunday we spent the day playing in the river!
Anthony met the same fate as the guy on the blue tube behind him but I didn't get a pic of it... shame I know!

Relaxing on the river!
No one got hurt except me! I tried to cut off my fingers opening a can of chicken for lunch. Josh swore up and down I needed stiches but I didn't think so. We just bandaged them up and went about the play! After that we were walking across the river to a hot pool and a rafter bumped me and down i went cutting my knee on the lava rock!

After a fun filled day we relaxed around the campfire and the kids went to bed early!

Good Bye Summer!

2009-08-21T15:41:00.020-06:00

Yellowstone National Park

Each year there are several free days to get into National Parks. Our family takes advantage of them because who can beat FREE! We told Anthony and Mandy about it and they wanted to come so they came up for the weekend and went to Yellowstone with us!

We also knew going into this that President Obama would be in the park and we figured it would be super busy with tons of people but we figured wrong. The only glimpse we had that the President was even in the park was the helicopters flying over head!

At this point of the journey everyone had to use the bathroom but at this stop there were no bathrooms so we did the hike and then went in search of bathrooms. Also Anthony and Mandy here are watching Josh put coolant in the van so we wouldn't have to run the heat! Even though we could have stood the heat when the day got cooler!He is not doing the potty dance! He must have had an itch or wedgie :) On this hike where there were no bathrooms we came across bubbling spots they called painters pots. We weren't here long because the hike was only 1/4 mile and everyone had to use the bathroom so we made it a quick hike!As we drove from the painters pots looking for a bathroom we came across a little pull out with picnic tables and a bathroom!!! We pulled off and while Mandy waited in line of about 10 or so people Anthony and Brayden went off exploring and of course I followed at a distance to take some pictures. Here Brayden is showing Anthony something... probably the river or log down below that they played on.
This picture is a hot pool. It wasn't hot enough to bubble but we could see the steam coming off of it. They made me wish there were a hot tub around. The weather was very cool so a hot dip would have been nice. The high temperature of the day was 45 degrees and I can believe it.

There was a bit of wildlife. We saw some elk and buffalo. The buffalo were right next to the road and so were the elk but when we stopped to take pictures of the elk a ranger wanted use to pull farther off the road and we couldn't or we would have done some damage so i didn't get any pictures of the elk.We did a long hike to see some pretty waterfalls! This picture is on the way down to see the upper falls of the river.
The upper falls from across the river. In this picture you can see a bunch of people on the platform on the right side of the falls. That is where we were when we took the pictures of the river before the falls.

While we were on the platform before crossing the river we took some pictures of us. Brayden found a little cave in the rock and I thought it was cute.I know shocking that i would hand over my camera so i could be in a picture huh?We then hiked to the lower falls. To get to the lower falls there were 328 stairs going down 600 feet. By this point some of us were pooped from a long day but Anthony was just dying to go down. The rest of us stayed at the top of the path and waited for him but I sent my camera with Anthony. I know I gave my camera up again! After Anthony was down there for awhile Brayden started getting antsy and wanted to go down. They saw Anthony coming back up the trail and Brayden told him he wanted to go down and see... so Anthony climbed 656 stairs within a half hours time. At the top of the path there was a sign that said "this trip is definately not recommended for those suffering from heart or breathing problems. Maybe Anthony wasn't before but he was certainly having problems after the second climb :) I must say though that Anthony got some shots of the beautiful scenery.The lower falls that Anthony hiked to see. After seeing the pictures I wish i had gone but I am sure we will be there again next year!The only mishap that we had the whole trip besides the van needing coolant was that Brayden tripped and fell on a cement path. He got his knee and elbow cut open and he insisted Anthony carry him! Talk about a neck cramp! This is after we got back to the car. He looks like he is going to be sick but he isn't just hurting I am sure. He refused to let me clean it but the longer we were in the park the colder it got so I finally got him to put on a pair of pants and he totally forgot all about falling!On the way out of the park I had Josh stop so we could get a picture! I gave the honors to Anthony to take the picture. I asked Kaytlin where Anthony was so she was looking at the camera but instead she pointed!

The ride home was peaceful and quiet! Must have been a long tiring day!
On the way home in Ashton we stopped at Big Juds for dinner.

Couldn't pass up the 1 pound burger!

2009-08-11T14:55:00.013-06:00

Summer time means Busy Time!

Playing together with things that needed put away from Brayden's birthday party. This jug needed to go back to Grandma Dawson's house but they had to play in it first. They took turns and Kaytlin of course had to try shoes on while she sat in the bottom.

Brayden wanting his picture taken when I took Kaytlin's one day... I thought it was cute so I decided to share it!

Kaytlin is very busy and mischevious! That is an understatement! I keep chalk in a kitchen drawer and as you can see Kaytlin found it and decided to try things out... on her nose, clothes, hands, everywhere she could use it. She didn't use it on the walls though which is surprising because she has no problems using pencil and pen on the walls!

Kaytlin got a big girls bed! I wasn't sure how she would react to it so i took her crib down and set up her new bed while she watched. After they were put together it was nap time so i held her until she fell asleep and then went and laid her in the bed straight. I went back to check on her about an hour later and found her laying like this! I had to take a picture because it was so cute! She loves it and doesn't come out screaming and crying when she wakes up anymore!

Of course with being a big girl... potty training is not far away! She has shown a lot of interest in playing in the toilet and watching everyone go so this past week we have been testing the potty training! She is thrilled that she gets to be like the big people! So far she goes in her diaper 15 min after i have her on the toilet... go figure. Once this week I had Josh take her to the toilet at Grandma Dawson's house and she tinkled! I think it was coincidence! Since then she hasn't gone in the toilet. We are taking her every hour unless we are out and about where a toilet is not accesible. It will be a great day when there are no more diapers in our house for awhile!

Summer time also means park time! There was a new playground built in a park close by that is huge. Huge doesn't even cover it! The kids love to play outside and i had my camera so i took pictures of course!

After a long day of play... it's time to say.... goodnight!

2009-08-11T14:30:00.008-06:00

All Girly Girl

Her first manicure! This is the first time I have seen her sit positively still. I think she was intrigued that her toe nails were changing colors! I even let her pick the color. Of course Brayden couldn't be left out so we painted his too and Josh did not think that was cool. I took a picture of it but it didnt turn out! I will have to take a picture next time if there is a next time!

Kaytlin also has a huge shoe fetish! Anywhere we go and there are shoes, she has to try them on! They could be winter boots or sandals or anything she can put on her feet. Socks are a great distraction too. Give her a pair of socks she will spend awhile trying to get them on! Just relaxing!Playing hide and seek from brayden! At least they get along for the most part!She is growing so fast!

2009-07-15T12:27:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday Grandpa Vermillion & Grandma Siferd!

Brayden did a little tribute for his Grandpa Vermillion and Great Grandma Siferd who live in Ohio. Their birthday was July 12th! This is being posted late but better late than never I say!

Hope you had a great B-day!

2009-07-15T11:55:00.012-06:00

Brayden turned 5!

This year the Saturday after his birthday we celebrated Brayden's 5th Birthday! We held it at the park so the kids could play and enjoy the outdoors. He wanted his birthday themed around Bob the Builder... so i did what i could.

He picked out his own clothes though!

We made two construction zone cakes and he helped me stir and frost! He wanted to be as involved with his birthday party as he could get! The construction on the log cabin didnt go so hot i think maybe next time we better hire a better construction worker than daddy!

Kaytlin had fun too! This picture made me think that maybe she wanted it to be her birthday but really she could have cared less about what was going on because the playground was right there!

Playing on the playground even though her leg was still wrapped from the burn! Nothing was slowing her down!

Brayden opening presents! A few friends and cousins came to enjoy the event with him.

Brayden and Cadence

Brayden, August, and Sydney

Of course with birthday presents we have to make sure things work. His favorite toy he got was from Grandma Dawson. It is called a Gazillion Bubble Blaster! He couldn't wait to try it, so not long after he woke up the next few days we did!

Trying things out!

Happy 5th Birthday Brayden!

2009-07-07T10:02:00.006-06:00

July 4th Weekend

Anthony and Mandy came up on Friday to spend the weekend with us! It is always fun to see them and glad they live so close that we see them often. They also told us that they are expecting a baby in February so i will have another neice or nephew! I know the only reason they come to Idaho to visit us is if free food is involved or we are doing something fun and they would just be sitting at home doing nothing but for this weekend they came for all the good food!

Our 4th of July weekend was busy and interesting! We got together with Josh's family and did dutch oven ribs, dutch oven potatoes, homemade root beer, dutch oven cobbler, and homemade ice cream! Yummy! The food was very good and the kids had so much fun with cousins. As we were working on getting everything cleaned up Kaytlin our little mischevious girl who has to know what is going on crawled through the hot charcoal. It looked much worse before this picture that was taken the following day. That afternoon we took her to the hospital and had them looked at, cleaned up and bandaged. I call her my walking mummy now because both of her legs are wrapped in bandages. Her elbow got a slight burn which is looking pretty good but we are keeping it covered with a bandaid so if the blister pops it wont get infected. The same is with her right leg. She has about a quarter size spot on the side of her leg that we are covering with a bandaid to keep from getting infected. He left leg got the brunt of it all. Pictures never do justice but just so you have an idea. She is recovering very quickly and isn't taking any more heavy pain killers but you can tell when they hurt her when she falls on her legs. She is favoring her right leg as much as she can because of the pain i am sure.

We are immensely blessed! This accident could have turned out so much differently but I am so thankful it didn't. The doctor told us yesturday that she shouldn't have any scarring and that they should heal nicely. My sister in law Jennifer told us kaytlin will think it is great when she hits puberty because she probably wont have to worry about shaving her legs in several spots. How lucky for her ;) I know without a shadow of a doubt that our Savior loves each one of us and the things we go through in our life time is only to better us and make us stronger. He is constantly there to help us through the rough spots in life if we will only turn to him.

On Sunday we attended church twice! I know kind of a bit monotonious especially with a girl fighting pain but what can you do when you dont want to miss a baby blessing. Jacob and Tammy, Josh's brother and his wife had a baby boy about a month ago. Her family was here with us this weekend to celebrate Landon's life! He was blessed on Sunday afternoon and we then ate more really good food! Lets just say Anthony and Mandy got their fill! Holding baby Landon is sure making me baby hungry!

I have two beautiful babies of my own even if they are growing up fast!

2009-07-01T11:09:00.020-06:00

Josh's Work Party

Saturday June 27, 2009

Qwest put together two softball teams to compete a few hours before the party started. Josh played on the red team!

They ended up losing only because the other team counted runs several times. In the eighth inning the score was 24-16 and the top of the ninth it was 24-22 so it was a very close game!

While Daddy played softball Mommy took the kids to the playground! Kaytlin enjoyed playing in the sand and we did find some sand got brought home with her.Little miss independent! She refused help getting up to the slide!Brayden enjoying himself!She didnt care who got in her way she was going!

After the game got over and the kids were done playing at the playground we went to the Zoo. The flamingo's were hard at work watching over their eggs!
Mr Lion looked at us and was probably thinking... is that what i get for dinner?Cooling off from the hot sun!
Sallie the camel had two humps!
Sally the camel also had a baby! Kaytlin's favorite part was getting out of the stroller and petting the animals in the little petting zoo they had!
Brayden liked it too even though his face would say he didn't but he really did! He begged us to go back so he could have a chance at brushing them.
After the zoo we sat down and relaxed with some hot dogs that Josh just loved. Note: that was a very sarcastic remark because Josh doesn't enjoy eating hot dogs. We ate while we listened to the live music! I have no idea who they were but they weren't half bad!

Then when i say it is time to go home... this is the response i got from Brayden...

That is his "I am not done yet and I am not going!" Needless to say he wasn't very happy to leave but both kids slept really well that night!

2009-06-22T11:38:00.003-06:00

Condolences to the Petrella Family

I recently heard that my old roommate from BYU Idaho passed away. She was amazing in ways I could only wish I could be. Battling cancer for so long she remained positive and looked on the bright side. When I lived in Cornerstone Manner with Angelina and with her sister Melissa she was always happy and excited about life! I want to just send a hug to Melissa and her family. May they feel the Saviors love through this trial! I included her obituary here so my mom and dad could read it.

Angelina M. Petrella

June 2, 2009 Angelina M. Petrella, 27, of Liverpool, passed Tuesday in her home after a two-year battle with colon cancer. Born in Syracuse, her father's military duty allowed her to travel to many places including San Angelo, Texas where she was a 2000 graduate of Central High School. She also attended Brigham Young University-Idaho where she was a 2005 graduate with a bachelors degree in communication. She was employed by Waste Management in Liverpool where she worked as an inside account manager in the sales department. She was an active member of her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through her fight she kept a courageous attitude that inspired others. Her unwavering faith was an example to those around her and her humor could put a smile on even the sourest person. She wants to thank all the special care that the nurses of the Hill Medical Center Infusion Center gave to her and her Hospice Care Team. Angelina is survived by her mother, Gerri Petrella of Liverpool; her sisters, Melissa Petrella, Nicole Petrella; and a brother, Michael Petrella. She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Nicholas and Beth Petrella of Solvay and many aunts, uncles and cousins, whom she loved deeply. Her Father passed away in 2004 of Melanoma cancer. Calling hours will be Friday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4889 Bear Rd., Liverpool, NY 13088. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Liverpool. Burial will be in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay. BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay, has care of arrangements. Any donations can be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Dignity Memorial Please sign the guestbook at syracuse.com/obits

2009-06-22T10:31:00.015-06:00

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

I love going to different temple open houses because of the spirit that is felt. Even though these temples havent been dedicated the spirit is very strong.

This temple open house was much more organized than the last one we attended! It didnt take any time at all to get through the official tour and then we spent some time having free cookies and taking pictures afterward.Isn't it just beautiful!

Also for those of you that heard about the temple getting struck by lightning I had to take a picture for you all to see!

Where the new temple is located we couldn't resist taking this picture for mom and dad! A road named after you!

While we were down in Utah for the weekend we also had to have a bit of fun! We went to The Hollywood Connection which has indoor rollercoasters, paint balling, bumper cars, rollerskating, etc.

While the boys rode the bumpercars Kaytlin looked on with interest! Gotta love the pigtails! Her hair is growing fast!

We so much fun we will have to do it again sometime soon. Thanks to Anthony and Mandy for playing with us all weekend!

2009-06-15T12:04:00.006-06:00

T-Ball season has started!

I am playing outfield but looking at the other kids and not paying attention to the batter!

Getting ready to swing!

My cousin andruw invited me to play on his team. Go Blue Tigers! This is him batting! When we play outfield together we play around in the grass and watch the other kids!

As you can see I am the best! Now just need to get Andruw to believe me!

The season is only a month of games three times a week but the kids love it! It is quite funny watching them tackle the ball and run around the bases the wrong way but who cares right. So far no one has been pegged with the ball flying the wrong direction... give it time though.

We just like to have fun!

2009-05-28T15:35:00.030-06:00

Salt Lake City here we come!

This past weekend we went to Salt Lake City to attend my brother's sealing to his wife! They were sealed on Saturday at the Salt Lake Temple. It was my first time going to a live endowment but I enjoyed myself! I didnt have my camera with me but i will post pictures when I get copies of my brothers.

That was the reason we went but we had to throw a few more events in the mix!

On Saturday afternoon after all the excitement we took the kids to Build-A-Bear! Brayden made Brayden Bear and Kaytlin made Pinki. This picture is when they were very patiently waiting their turn with their choice bears!

On Saturday and Sunday the Oaks family invited us to dinner. They are Mandy's family and they were gracious enough to feed Anthony's family. Our very lucky days for super good food! Brayden and Kaytlin made some good friends too!

Can't forget spending time with grandma and grandpa from Ohio!

I couldn't resist putting the above picture on here because he was trying to bargain and tell all the kids to share the swing. I had a good laugh about this!

Then on Monday before we left town we spent the day at This is the Place monument and park! We must have picked Brayden up there because this is what he smelled like all day from the petting zoo. Both Brayden and Kaytlin loved the petting area but Kaytlin didnt think the animals were the greatest unless they ran away from her except the baby lambs.

Not even precious baby bunnies! If she could have, she would have jumped out of her stroller to get away from it! Brayden took to the animals like lambs do shepards. He could have very well been the shepard!

He also got a chance to feed the lambs!

Then both kids got to take a pony ride! Kaytlin didn't like that either!

Then I sent Brayden to school. He had to prove to the teacher he could write his name! My dad really couldn't figure out how to spell his so dad gave his board to Brayden because Brayden writes his name three sizes to big and needed the extra space.

Then we took dad to the barbershop to get his beard trimmed but it should have been Josh in the butcher seat! Then we couldnt forget the many train rides we took! This was probably Brayden's favorite part. Chooo Choooo all aboard!

Then we had to take a handcart ride!After a long day we all needed a rest. A good long sit at the Newspaper shop was just what we needed only problem it was just across the street from the ice cream shop.

The rest wasn't enough for Brayden and he died from heat stroke. Just kidding but we had fun trying out the coffins at the wood shop!

2009-04-13T18:40:00.011-06:00

Hoppy Easter

We went to an Easter Egg hunt with Jared and JJ and their kids(Josh's brother and his wife and 3 kids) which was super fun. Of course when the fun began both kids went different directions so I only got pics of Kaytlin at the egg hunt!

Then we colored Easter Eggs! Kaytlin thought the eggs would be better eaten rather than colored! Brayden just got right down to business getting them colored!

And of course, I bet you all thought it was sort of strange to let Brayden dye Easter Eggs in a white shirt. I planned it that way at least taking a yucky shirt to dye in because the white shirt has holes in the back from the dryer... but we used the left over dye to tie dye his white shirt! What a novel idea huh? We can't forget about their new Easter clothes... Kaytlin got a cute dress and Brayden has on his new church digs!

Aren't they the cutest kids?

2009-04-13T18:20:00.010-06:00

The weather has been wonderful this week besides a snow or rain storm periodically but during one of the nice stints we played outside! With warmer weather the kids love to be outside more! I took lots of pictures on our first day back outside after winter so have fun and enjoy the warm weather with us! By the way this is the first time Kaytlin got to use her swing we bought her for her Birthday!

Then after swinging for awhile we went on a bike ride! We rode to the library and the bank!

And the next day we went out in the nice weather and we went to the river and fed the ducks! Of course they were hungry... when aren't they!

All in all the weather has been great so of course we have to enjoy it! The next few months will be just as fun as this month has been!

2009-04-13T18:15:00.004-06:00

Josh celebrated his 28th birthday! I know he is getting old! Anyway... we went out to dinner and i made sure the waitress knew to make a fool of him. They came to the table and put balloon ears on him and sang really loud! They had all you could eat steak fries and so we took advantage... we love to eat!

2009-03-26T20:14:00.010-06:00

A Day At A Glance!

First comes food! We had a bag of bread on the kitchen table where Kaytlin was able to get ahold of it. She was hungry because it was shortly after she woke up! We caught her in the act and thought it was hilarious.

After we feed the little ducks its bath time! Both Kaytlin and Brayden loves baths! When brother doesn't take a bath with her Kayltin likes to lay in the water and kick and splash so i get wet!

After bath time its dress time! Brayden picks out his own clothes and Kaytlin's on most days. On this particular day i put her hair into 3 pigtails. I had to get a picture and share with you all! When i take Brayden's picture any time now he has to be a goofball but I love my Goofball!

2009-03-17T16:17:00.006-06:00

Recently we came in contact with a family that is truly hurting and amazing. To even know the extent of love, peace and joy something tragic has to happen. Through one small act others may know love! Our family is truly blessed! We have each other here on earth and we will be together throughout all of eternity with our Heavenly Father! Having that knowledge has helped many of those that are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I can't relate nor do i ever hope to relate to the story i will share with you. My family growing up was in a similar situation so i kind of know a little bit. I am going to dedicate this blog entry to our friends in the gospel the Gledhill Family. I would encourage you all to take a peek at their blog... http://thegledhillfamily.blogspot.com/ This family has been through a lot within the past year and are still strong and will be together again! You may want to grab a box of tissue because i have certainly shed many tears over knowing their personal story! Thanks Michele for sharing your blessed daughter and life with us! Peace be with Gracie!

2009-03-10T15:39:00.004-06:00

So our little Kaytlin is growing so fast! She climbs up and over everything and I wanted to give you all a glance as to what she is up to and how her big brother Brayden cheers her on!

2009-03-10T15:28:00.011-06:00

This past weekend Josh and I decided it was about time to get our laundry on the floor instead of on a 3 foot high platform. I must admit i miss the stretching to do laundry every week and it is a big adjustment to have them on the floor! On Saturday, Josh, his dad and brother Jared did it! I can honestly say it looks good but i havent tried it yet. I also must include that the handyman gene did not come through in this family so I was kind of surprised it looks so nice. My dad requested some pictures of the after and i didnt get a chance to get any before shots so kind of picture the platform where the washer and dryer sit. Probably later this evening i will try the contraption out to make sure everything works good!

2009-03-04T09:04:00.003-07:00

Kaytlin is starting to walk! It is exciting because now she can get into everything and her body moves much faster so she is staying one step ahead of us! She hasn't mastered the standing up in the middle of the floor but probably getting close!

2009-02-27T07:13:00.006-07:00

Go ahead and try to make me laugh!!! HaHaHa!!!!! Dad, Mom and Brayden all try too hard!

2009-02-26T17:41:00.006-07:00

Over the summer the library did a summer time reading program. To participate as a family we had to read 4 chapter books or 40 picture books. We were able to accomplish this small feat and as a reward for reading they gave us a family swim pass to the Aquatic center. So finally for Family Home Evening on this past Monday we decided to finally go. Kaytlin hated it at first and wouldn't quit crying but she finally warmed up to it. Brayden had tons of fun and wants to go back... Imagine that.

2009-02-15T20:09:00.004-07:00

Kaytlin's hair is now long enough for a cute little pig tail so we like to put her hair up. We put it up she takes it out. She is not to fond of the hair pulling to get it up.

2009-02-15T19:47:00.010-07:00

Brayden and Kaytlin are my big helpers in the kitchen not really helping but they sure think they know what they are doing. Brayden likes to help us do the dishes by drying them and putting them away. Kaytlin likes to go right behind Brayden and pull all of the clean dishes out. They sure work together don't they.

2009-01-28T07:28:00.006-07:00

This past weekend we had the opportunity to go to Utah to see Anthony and Mandy who are Brenda's brother and his wife. They were kind enough to put us up for a few nights! While we were down in Utah we went to the Draper Temple Open House. The Temple itself was beautiful but the unorganized mess made for a very long day but the kids handled it gracefully. The whole time we were in Utah the fog was unbelievable and even when we went up to the temple but Brenda was able to get some nice pictures to share with you! The drive home was good until we hit Pocatello where the winter weather conditions caused us to slow down!

2009-01-27T15:25:00.024-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday Kaytlin! Kaytlin turned 1 on the 16th of January. We celebrated her birthday on the 17th of January and invited family to come to our house!

Kaytlin was intrigued by everything that was happening. Brayden enjoyed opening her presents for her as you can see from the picture and he was very pleased with his new toys and Kaytlin was very pleased with the taste of the wrapping paper! She did take a liking to the swing we got her that can be attached to our swingset.

Kaytlin's favorite part in my eyes was her cupcakes which we served for her birthday cake! She wasn't sure at first but she got the hang of it quickly. In the picture, its just about done and she is starting to look disappointed. It was that good!