The Baker's

Hello 2011

2011-01-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

A little bit of Christmas

2010-12-29T21:27:00.000-08:00

Jolly little Wells would say "Ho-ho"... on Christmas eve, we went over to Brians Aunt and Uncles house. Santa came to the party and brought toys for the kiddos. As you can see, they were star struck!

What four-year old little girl DIDN'T ask Santa for a Rapunzel Tangled doll this year? opening Christmas Eve Jammies!It was so fun having Grandma and Grandpa here for Christmas!
Christmas morning..i had to WAKE both kids up! So painful...They were both DEEP asleep. I would have let them sleep in but Brian's parents came over at 9 for presents and breakfast. Wells was like..."You woke me up for whaaat???"

then he discovered his new train table..aka..our new coffee table, ugh!

a few days before Christmas...Hazel and Claire making sugar cookies...or should i say a pile of sprinkles with a little cookie underneath:) ...they were VERY generous with the sprinkles!How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Molbaks nursey, this place has thousands of Poinsettas..so many different varieties. Really a fun place to walk through during the holidays.

It was a white Christmas...sort of. Well it rained ALL day on Christmas but we have had lots of snow this December too. Love it..even tho the whole city shuts down and everyone freaks out!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Dashing through the Snow...

2010-12-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

We rounded up a big group of friends and went over the river and through the woods to Happy Trails Sleighrides..led by the sweetest, happiest old cowboy...Happy Jack! He truly was really very HAPPY!!! We sang carols and rang jingle bells on a two-horse open sleigh. Happy Jack took us on a short ride over to a sledding hill with all kinds of assorted sleds and tubes. Next to the hill was our own private heated tent. It was snowing pretty hard, which made it that much more fun but also quite wet, so it was the perfect set-up to be able to go in and get warm. Inside the tent was a wood-burning stove with hot water for our hot chocolate and a place to heat the pot of chili we had brought. The tent itself was about 100 deg. inside so it warmed you right up. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire and ate chilli....a new tradition for sure! Happy Jack:)Mia, catching snowflakes. Her tongue was out in every pic.

Jack gave the kids a bucket of apples to throw TO the horses. The kids threw them at the horses.

They had this "bathtub" waiting for us. I want this sled!

A little Caroling..

his first time sledding!

all the kiddos:)

You can sort of see the tents in the background. Genious!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-05T21:31:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we traveled to Utah. I flew with Max and missed "snow"pocalypse here in Seattle. I kid you not...we got about 5 inches of snow and the WHOLE puget sound region SHUT DOWN! Cars were stuck on the freeway for 12hrs+..people everywhere just ditched their cars and walked, schools shut down, grocery stores were pandemonium!!! It took Brian 20 hrs to drive with Hazel and our friends that were also coming to Utah. So glad i flew!!! I just had to roll my eyes about how bad Seattle is at handling snow...we need PLOWS!!!So glad that we all made it safely. It was so great to spend it with family. I slaved away cooking for the big feast, it is alot of work..but worth it. Everything turned out soooo yummy. We had a very diverse group this year. Smaller than usual but great company. My mom invited some foreign exchange students. Our Thanksgiving clan had peeps from Korea, Venezuela, Mali, and Dominican Republic. We taught them how to play spoons, so funny! They were loving the authentic american Thanksgiving meal..kept taking pictures of their plates and eachother eating..haha! Good times:)

Hazel had a blast with her cuz Ruby. They were bosom buddies this trip!!!

It's Halloween...

2010-11-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

We took the kids trick-or-treating just down the street to our friends hood. It was like "Wysteria Lane" on desperate housewives. Ha! Everyone's house was more decked out with spooky decor than the next...i swear there was some competition going with who had the best decorated house! It was the perfect street to trick-or-treat!

some houses were a bit too scary for the kids..for example the 7 ft. tall frankenstein guy that stayed in character the whole time..what child is going to want to take candy from you???

So i gave into the princess costume this year..since Haze had the perfect Snow White hair. Wells was a little octopus...he would NOT wear the head/hood tho:(

this guy had a smoke monster on his front porch!

okay, this is at hazels' pre-school pumpkin carving night..total focus and concentration!and this...is Xander (behind Haze) her little crush...they have already discussed marriage according to Hazel!

Jubilee Farm

2010-10-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

Love this farm! We came just before they closed and we had the whole place to ourselves. They have pony rides and a really cool pumpkin launch with a trebuchet! Sorry no pics of that:( but there ARE plenty of pictures...i went a little camera crazy!!! It was just too pretty and the kids were happy:) love this picture:)

all max wanted to do was push over the pumkins..haze joined in too:)

this kid is ALL BOY...he loves anything with a motor and wheels!

couldn't get close enough!

Mr. Wells

2010-10-06T23:40:00.000-07:00

just documenting the cuteness!

Doin' the Puyallup

2010-09-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Say it with me...pyuuu-AL-up! Yep, that's where our state Fair is every September, a little town about 25 min. from here. It is a really fun fair and amazingly clean...you still have your shady characters that come from who knows where but the fairgrounds are immaculate! Just a random thing i noticed:)There was a petting zoo area with baby animals for little kids. Max was IN LOVE!!! He was squeeling with excitement...sooo cute!This pic is right after he ate his first "Crusty Pup" a puyallup delicacy...a giant corndog! He was a fan!!!

It was so cute to see Hazel and Kimball climb up the HUGE flight of stairs to the top of the giant slide..carrying their mats all by themselves. They were so little next to all the big kids!!!

Mutton Bustin'...this is going to be Max in a few years:)

Hap Happy Birthday!!!

2010-09-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

We headed south for my Birthday, socal that is:) It was such a fantastic trip. We ate tons of mexican food, played on the beach, rode bikes, laid by the pool, strolled around Balboa Island and did some birthday shopping:) I love Newport beach, it never gets old to me!

crazel:)

practicing his new walking skills

stopping to smell the roses..ha!

yes...he really is this sweet!

Back to School Bangs!!!

2010-09-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

We took the plunge and went with bangs! I mean, it's her second year of preschool...psh..can't start the year off with the same dooo! She looks pretty bangin' if u ask me:)

Utah!!!

2010-08-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

During our trip to Utah, we went and hiked up to Cecret Lake up little Cottonwood canyon. It really made me miss Utah sooo much. It was such a perfect day and the mountains were so beautiful!!!These two actually got along really well:) sisterswe spotted a momma moose and her calves...very cool!

i thought this was so cute, all the little kids pressed against the glass to see all the baby chicks!!

love how Ruby has Hazel in a choke-holdthis goat wanted OUT!!!

max LOVED the pony ride:(

Friday Harbor and Anacortes

2010-08-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

We spent alot of time at the beach this summer and exploring the San Juan islands. We missed the early ferry to Friday Harbor so we had a picnic in Anacortes at this really beautiful beach. Most of the pics are at the beach and on the ferry ride to Friday Harbor

Razzzzzzberry Pickin'

2010-08-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Haze and i went early one morning to Harvold's farm for some rasberry harvesting. It was a goldmine. We returned home with some of the best raspberries i have ever eaten. We ate most of them fresh put had so many that we made some homemade raspberry jam...sooooo good!

Lazy Summer Day

2010-08-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

Had to snap a pic of these two, just lounging with their popsicles. Hazel and our neighbor Claire are BFF's....inseperable!

Daytrip to Bainbridge Island

2010-08-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

the obligatory photo op from the ferrysee ya seattle...neat-o rock stack

the smolder...

such a happy boy:) check out the cheezy grin on max

Flower Girl

2010-08-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hazel was asked to be the flower girl at her Uncle Rob's wedding this summer! It was so exciting for her and she took her role very seriously:)

waiting patiently at her post...

she felt she needed to curtsy right before "go time" the ceremony

me and my lil' man dancing at the party

d.j. wellsy wells

sneaking another cupcake:)

July contuinued..

2010-07-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

While molly and i were away running the race, Bri held down the fort! Watching these three rascals is no small task...okay watching Ruby is no small task!!! jk mol;) but seriously you cannot turn your back for a mere millisecond or the house could burn down, just sayin!neighborhood gossip... hunting for treasures:)me and kim at golden gardens park

he melts my heart:)

the kids exploring gasworks park

beautiful SUNNY day in seattle!!! It's always this sunny;)

twas so much fun to have molly, ruby, kim and jodi for a visit! we miss you....

Northwest Passage Ragnar Relay

2010-07-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

Okay...it's only been about seven months since i blogged and here is the reason...THIS RACE!!!we literally took about 700 pictures (well, molly did) not to mention the other loads of pictures from this summer that collected onto my camera, i became so overwhelmed that i just couldn't find the time to get caught up. Well it's January, the month good for nothing except to make new year's resolutions and get caught up with projects, so, i thought i should tackle this one!!! I sort of have a love/hate relationship with blogging! I don't know how some people do it, daily...or even weekly for that matter. It requires me to be neglectful to either my kids or my hubs but i since i don't regularly (ever) print out/frame pictures, this is my journal/scrapbook/photo album:)Soooo, time to get caught up...let the neglect begin!

This race was truly the highlight of my summer! My best friends from college and my sister molly came out to Seattle to run with me in the Northwest Passage Ragnar Relay...we were team Ragnar Schmagnar, basically noone messed with us:) This course was BEEE-AUTIFUL!!! We couldn't stop taking pictures...every where we turned there was another picturesque photo op:) and let me just say, there is nothing like spending 24 hrs with your best girlfriends running, laughing, dancing, stinking, sweating, not-sleeping, and deliriously finishing a 200-ish mile race!

right before the start!!! the guy who took this picture seriously struggled...first off he took about 50 pictures, he must have just held the button down, but this was the best one, meaning our heads were all in the pic and noone was cut-out of the picture from the side....honestly, how hard is it???
me starting the race..passing this sucka!THE TEAM:

medenisejodikimmolly

melynda24 hrs. of running:)such a cool sunrise picture kim doing some power-walking:) hahawe all ran with these SWEET sunglasses, try not to be jealous.denise ready at the exchange

jodi ready for the hand-off in her zumba attire

me and jod... down time:)

deception pass bridgewe are about 200 feet above the water

a little impromptu berry picking while the rest of our team was running. Found this beat down berry farm on Whidbey Island, so we stopped for some harvesting:)

Such good times!!! Who's in for 2011???

Happy Dad's Day

2010-06-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

This video cracks me up! Not just because wells is bustin a move but i totally BUSTED brian bustin a move...he tried to play it cool after he was caught. Pretty funny. I love him, he makes me laugh every day. Thanks for being such a fun dad!

Happy Dad's day to all the daddy's out there:)

puttin' around

2010-06-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

hazel and her buddy vairaj

Sunday afternoon..

2010-06-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

We strolled along the beach at Discovery Park for some exploring. The tide was really low and under every rock we lifted was a treasure. The beach was literally ALIVE...we found yellow, brown and purple sea stars, anemones, baby sea urchins, crabs, tube worms, clams, mussels, all kinds of marine snails, and tons of other creatures we couldn't identify.

I was surprised at how involved Hazel was . She wanted to touch everything and study every creature. She was WAY into it....a future beach naturalist maybe?? Purple sea star and sea worms. The worms were really cool under water, they come out with these really colorful plumes that sway with the current.a whole colony of anemones, u really have to watch where u step..they are everywhere!

My Baby's 1st Birthday!!!

2010-05-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Wells! I am the luckiest to get to spend all my time with this little person. He is too good to be true:) I cannot believe a whole year has passed since he was born. It has flown by and he has grown sooo fast. We had a fun little party for him. We went and saw Shrek 4 at Lincoln Center and then to Tutta Bella, our favorite family pizza place. After that we came home for cupcakes and presents. I really missed my family today...wished they could have been here to celebrate such a big occasion. These are the times that you miss having family live close-by. We had a good time though, especially Hazel. She could NOT wait to open Max's presents and blow out the candle for him. Twas' a fun day for all!!!

Hazelbops 4th Birthday Bash

2010-05-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

My little Hazel turned "4" this week! She is growing up faster than i want her too but i am so grateful for such a smart and adorable little lady and we were so excited to celebrate her special day! The party was at our favorite little spot, Pine Lake. We grilled hot dogs, blew bubbles and hired the cutest lil' old lady Genii Blue the clown to come and she did some amazing facepainting. It was such a hit! All the boys wanted cool animals or super-hero faces and the girls could have chosen from a whole array of options but of course, they all wanted to be just like the birthday girl...so they all opted for the sparkly butterfly that Hazel had picked out first, pretty cute:)

I made this cute banner for her bedroom and it worked perfect for the party.

Hazel Playing with some of her favorite birthday gifts. She has been obsessed with unicorns lately and we got her a princess scooter just like her friend Claire's. They love to scoot around the block together.

We went to the Baucoms for Mother's Day and made yummy Cafe Rio salads...okay, Liz made em', i chopped the lettuce! They were so good and she also made the most delicious Birthday cake for Hazel. We love hanging with the Baucoms, Hazel and Charlie have a special bond:)

Fox Hollow Farm..cutest darn farm i've eva been too!

2010-04-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hazel's school took a field trip to Fox Hollow Farm, just a few miles from our house. This place was sooo beautiful! My dang camera died so i didn't get as many pics of the property as i wanted. There were mini horses and ponies, donkeys, baby sheep, goats, roosters, ducks, peacocks, chickens, bunnies, pigs, kittens...all just roaming around for the kids to pet. We had so much fun! The grounds are privately owned and are so incredible. I think Hazel just might have to have her wedding here one day...just sayin'" Here chickie chickie.."

best buddies...most of the time;)

Hazel and Ella

gave this little bunny a heart attack

Cutest pot belly pig

Cherry blossom petals- looked like pink snow

This is the owners home, so charming!

Why did the chickens cross the road???

maybe cause these two were comin'

mini John Deere tractor rides for all!

Easter... and the Marvelous Tulip Festival

2010-04-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

We totally busted the Easter Bunny! This little guy (or gal) paid us a visit on Easter morn. It was hopping around our backyard! Talk about perfect timing. Hazel is a believer for life!He left lots of yummy treats and hid lots of colorful eggs!

We had the yummiest Easter dinner with Sid and Liz Baucom and their cute boys! It was so great to hang with them. We are SOOO glad they live out here. Roger and Max just chill together (this pic is right before Max tackled cute lil' Roger...sorry Liz, he can't help his size)

Tulip festival was incredible! Pictures do not do this justice. There were acres and acres of red and purple and bright orange and yellow! I was in heaven. Natal- harvest THIS!!!

Awe...Hazel and her favorite person in the whole world!!! Nope, it isn't me:(

Watch out...this guy bites!

I love him!!!

b boy breakin'

2010-03-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Finally...an update!

2010-03-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

We had some very special visitors this week...my lil bro and sis came out and stayed with us. Hazel clung to Laura the whole weekend and her friend Karen that came along and Max just loves his uncle Dan! We visited Snoqualmie Falls, this place is really cool! Also hiked down to the beach at Discovery Park, such a nice day. The Ballard Locks, Pike's Market, good food and shopping shopping shopping:)

Rattlesnake Lake, one of my favorite hiking spots, it is gorgeous!

My cute kiddos, they are getting sooo big so quick. I have a million pics i need to put on the blog but i am really struggling with finding time to do it. 2 kids= zero "me" time:) So be patient friends. I don't know how everyone else is so dilligent!!! Good job

Hazel and Daniel...frienemies... I had to snap a pic of them getting along:)

Thanks for visiting us, come back soooon:)

wellsy wells

2010-01-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

Oh my gash i love this little boy! He is soooo goofy. This is the best age, 7 months that is. He is just happy and silly and so cuddly. Hazel has never been much of a cuddler. Is it a boy thing? I have not been very good about taking pictures of him so here are a few to make you smile. Molly, don't you think he looks like Ruby??? Especially the second and last one!!! He is nearing the 25lb mark...Check out his new teeth too. I can't believe he'll be one year old in a few months!
He is the sweetest! Mwaaa!

Have a Jolly Holiday

2009-12-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Washington

2009-12-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

Well, we ventured out to Trinity tree farm to cut down the perfect Christmas tree for our first Christmas here in Seattle. We found this tree and snatched it right up. This place was the best. You drive up and there is this cute farm up on the hilltop. You are greeted with a Hello and a hand saw handed to you and you are off to search for your tree. When you bring your tree back to be tied to your car you can warm up by the fire pit with hot cocoa and cider. Santa was even there for the kiddos. What a great day...oh, except hazel cried the whole time:)

afterwards, we made the 2 hour drive over to Leavenworth, this awesome little Bavarian Christmas Village. I think they celebrate Christmas all year there. Father Christmas (below) was totally legit. Real beard and everything!

They light up the whole town at night and it is really spectacular. Looks like the North Pole...i've never been there, i've just heard:)

Earlier in the day, we shopped and Maxwell hung out in my huge coat. Happy as can be! Love him!!!

Hazel and her "Masterpiece". There isn't much left of this house now. Someone has a bit of a sweet tooth!

Tailgating!

So good to come home:)

2009-12-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

I have never been so excited for Thanksgiving as i was this year. It's been about 5 months since we left Utah and I was missing my family so much. We were all home except for my brother Brian, who is living in Germany. My sister Sarah ended up coming from Georgia last minute with her kids, we missed Perry who is in the Middle East but were so glad that they could all come. My Aunt Amy and her family also came for Chicago which was so much fun. There were 15 people sleeping at my parents ...MAdNesS! My poor mom and dad were probably relieved to have us all go by the end:) It was so much fun for the kids and i am so thankful for my family. They are the BEST!
We kicked off the Holiday with a ride on the Heber Valley Railroad "Polar Express" the night before Thanksgiving. The kids loved it of course. My sisters and i were dying laughing at how cheezy the whole "production" was. Making memories...right? My Aunt Amy got all the kiddos matching jammies for the train ride...so festive:)

Hazel asking Santa for what??? "Lots and lots of lipgloss and lipstick" Seriously? You are 3 years old little girl. I don't know where she gets it, i really don't.

Wells, was a happy little boy the whole trip, loving all the attention! Did i mention he weighs over 21 lbs. and started solid foods this month. He's not quite catching on to the whole "baby food" thing. He's just not that interested yet. I'm not too worried though, he is getting plenty of nourishment apparently. He also grew his bottom baby teeth, today! Other skills include, hair pulling, dadadada singing and giggling at everything.

Taking all the kids to lunch was such an ordeal..."Table for 12 please"

We rode the trax down to see the lights...it was chilly but beautiful as always:) I miss Utah this time of year!

Happy Halloweeeeen!

2009-11-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

2009-10-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Best day Eva!!! My friend Nora came for a quick visit on her dad's jet and brought along my sistas and Natalie:) Aw yeah!! They landed at 9:30 a.m. and i met them at the airport. We jammed over to U Village...first stop, Trophy Cupcakes! Folks, these are no ordinary cupcake...perfection:) We did some shopping and then lunch. It was so much fun. I was grinning ear to ear:) The jet had to leave for SLC at 1:00, so we raced back to the airport after lunch. Craziness but such a fun day. I miss my girls so much!!!

Natalie waving to the paparazzi.

What else have we been up to you ask. Well, this little guy turned 4 months. Cute and chubby as can be.Hazel and Wells. Whenever anyone asks hazel what her brothers name is, she says "Maxwells"
So we shortened it and it just stuck...Wells:)

Molly took this picture when she was here last month. There are so many great places to take pics here...goldmine!

Last weekend we went on an adventure over to Whidbey Island, this picture doesn't do this place justice, it is "Deception Pass", the bridge over to Whidbey Island. One of these days i want to run the Northwest Ragnar Relay. The race runs right over this bridge and finishes on Whidbey Island, such beautiful scenery. Lemme know if you want on the relay team:) Good times for sure.

One of the many pumpkin patches we have been to this month. I am trying to scope out the best ones here...they are everywhere, so charming! Hazel and Kimball were way more into into finding bugs than pumpkins, they both took home a ladybug. If u look closely you can see Hazel's tight little fist holding her little pet...poor ladybug:(

Another Pumpkin patch, I think my favorite..Craven's Farm. It was a really beautiful farm with animals to pet and hot cider and donuts and fresh picked apples for sale.

Love this picture, doesn't she make a cute scarecrow!

Hazel's dream day...free face painting at the grocery store. She felt pretty special with her face painted. I told her she couldn't cry at all that day because it would smear the paint...guess who was happy ALL day. Miracle, we need to do this every day!

Rattlesnake Lake hike. 4 miles roundtrip, way to go Hazel, i carried her up the steep parts but she was a real trooper! That's alot of steps for her little legs. Maxwell enjoyed the ride.

Haze at the top!

A.MAZ.ING views! This is one beautiful state

The mountain behind us is the one we climbed. All the way to the tippity top.

Another awesome hike at Discovery Park in Seattle. Driftwood Galore. I hauled a few pieces home. Makes for a great tablescape;)

Brian waiting ever so patiently as i gather my driftwood treasures.

I just had to show this last picture i took at the Salmon Days festival. Every year the Salmon return to the hatchery here in Issaquah and there is a huge festival to celebrate their return. There were hundreds of these huge suckers leaping out of the water ready to spawn. I've never seen anything like it, crazy!

Happy Birthday to me:)

2009-09-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

We have returned from our little family vacay. It was such a fun birthday trip and amazingly it was really relaxing. Our first day we settled into our cute little beach house in Balboa, ate fish tacos at Sharky's and roamed around the Newport Pier. Day two was my big B-day and we partied at Disneyland. It was so much fun for Hazel. She just lit up as soon as we entered the park and heard the music. First stop was Sleeping Beauty's castle. Hazel was in princess heaven. We met Sleeping Beauty, Mulan and Cinderella. I didn't realize we could have come back to meet the rest of the princesses...ooops! She'll never know. She was so star struck, it was hilarious. Bri hadn't been to Disneyland since he was like 12 so he had a "magical" experience also:) We got to see our good friends Kevin and Lindsay which was a highlight. They are Disneyland experts, we're talkin season pass holders. They knew all the shortcuts and best spots to eat plus they were so awesome to watch the kiddos while bri and i went on a few rides....thanks friends:)

I think we will return once max is 40"...which by the way may not be too far off! He just weighed in at over 17 lbs. He is barely 4 months....Hazel weighed 17 lbs. when she turned one! The dr. informed us that he will likely be a linebacker and that we will need a convertible carseat soon! I don't know how i am going to lug him around until he is old enough to walk. He sure is the sweetest little chubber though. Love him!

The rest of the trip we lounged on the beach. This was my fave! The weather was perfect, the beach was empty except for a few and we even saw a huge group of dolphins so close to shore. They were jumping and playing right in front of us. So awesome. We did some shopping and ate some really good food...King Crab legs, finga lickin good ya'll!

first balboa bar
It's a very unique "approach" at eating the corndog...this takes skill and precision.

crab cooker:) yum

Labor Day

2009-09-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

We had some special visitors over Labor day. My parents drove up with Molly and Ruby for a quick weekend trip.
Aren't these two the cutest little beachcombers you've ever seen My mom and molly and i took the girls to me-kwa-mooks natural area beach to find some creatures. Molly has more pics but you seriously could not walk without stepping on something. We were walking around fields of sea anemones, they were everywhere. Crabs under every rock and check out these teeny tiny sand dollars.The market was an adventure with a wheelchair and two strollers on Labor day...never again!!! The highlight.. awesome chowder and a chubby little man playing his ukulele and singing next to our table outside. Made my day:)

Molly and Ruby, we cruised around lake Washington and Lake Union. Highlights...seeing Bill Gates awesome estate, the "sleepless in seattle" house on the water, also the house where they filmed the Bachelor (ya know...Jason..yes i'm a loyal bachelor watcher), my mom slept through the whole thing:)

This guy is still an angel...chubby as ever.

Ruby and Haze back together at last.

These two are such frienemies. They were inseperable one minute, and the next minute having to be seperated!

Molly- i want the picture of them having a simultaneous meltdown. Priceless

We had a blast with my fam. We packed alot of activities into one weekend. Thanks for making the trek up here. I will hopefully get around to posting more pics.

catching up with August

2009-09-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

I caught a smile! Such a happy baby:)

Coolest tree on the coolest hike...Franklin Falls. This picture does not do it justice.

My boys...thankfully only one of them soaks their shirt in drool;)

Hazel pre-schoolin...what?

I think this was the shortest summer ever! Although it does feel like forever ago that i had a baby. Maxwell is 3 months. He is huge compared to Hazel at this age. So chubby, love it! We call him "wells". Hazel's little nickname for him...it fits. Haze is starting school this week. She is sooo ready to have some more socializing and stimulation and i am ready for some quiet time with max. Hip hip...hooray!

We had a crazy two weekends in a row with family in town. It was sooo great to have them come and stay and we were so excited to see everyone. First Brians parents came. We wore Becky and Roger out with activities. We hit Pikes Market of course on our way to the Seattle Aquarium, a cruise around the Harbor and my favorite bakery..Dahlias, sooo yummy. Kirkland waterfront and some shopping at U Village, best place to shop...seriously, i'll even do it with kids i like it that much. The weather was perfect, so beautiful.

This past weekend my family came. My parents, molly and ruby. The weather was rainy for the first time all summer. It was still good times:) Molly took tons of pics....i did not take a single one. I will post pics and details when i get them from her.

Now we are off to Newport Beach and Disneyland for my BIG 3-0!!!! How do you say goodbye to your twenties?

I don't wanna!

Summer update

2009-08-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

I ventured to the Beach at Camp Pendelton to meet up with my whole family, when i say ventured i mean, solo, with a three year old and a 6 week old and no hubby. Scary, yes. Thankfully the kids did great travelling but picture me trying to go through security, i recieved many looks of pity. It was so much fun but a bit exhausting as every vacation is with kids. Seaworld, the beach, good food and family sums it up. Brian couldn't come along cuz of training...booo (thumbs down)!
All the cute cousins-except baby maxwell

Crazel our loving nickname for her "other" personality. She was in heaven with her buddies! Give this girl a shovel and she will dig on the beach ALL DAY LONG! Anyone hiring?

Yow! My lil' sis...what a beauty!

Uncle Dan with max having deep thoughts.

Hey ladies...

Sorry guys, i can't seem to find the pictures of me basking in the sun in my thong? Darn

Pics from Lime Kiln point, our San Juan Islands excursion. Okay, i didn't take this one.
But i did take this one...can you tell? We totally got caught in our first rainstorm and dashed to the car for cover! We were a bit unprepared.

Roche Harbor, so many awesome boats...i mean yachts! We were checking them out pretending we were in the market for one....dreaming of the day. If any of you come visit this is so fun to take the ferries over to the islands and see all the sites. A pod of whales was spotted breaching about! I didn't get any great pics but trust me...it was a glorious sight!

Another berry-pickin good time with our favorite friends at a local farm. We also took home some awesome sunflowers and zinnias.

A heart pounding, thrilling wagon ride.

A romantic "playdate" in the orchard.

Do you think Hazel ate a few blackberries before we weighed them and paid??? Nah.

Brian gets home tomorrow after 2 WEEKS of being in Philly for training....CAN'T WAIT is an understatement. I need a full day of relaxation...anyone know of any good day spas out here?

This Week...

2009-07-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hazel, Max & I picked blueberries at one of the many farms around here. This one was in Bellevue. It was so fun! I seriously couldn't stop picking...i got kind of obsessed. When it was time to go, I just kept seeing one more big juicy blueberry calling may name. Only $1.25/lb. could you blame me? Check out our stash...SCORE!

Hazel was a great helper! Such a good toddler activity. She wanted to hold the bucket sooo bad. It started getting way too heavy for her put she wouldn't give it up!

I am sooo excited cuz my friend and fellow mama Denise and her cute little family just moved HERE from Utah too! What are the odds? We are sooo happy:) Hazel and Kimball are in love...so are Max and Mia! She found this awesome lake to picnic at and it was perfect, with lots of crazies to watch (see photo)! Notice the lady getting baptized behind hazel.

Mr. M.

2009-07-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pics of my little guy. He is such a serious little person but i have busted him smiling a few times...just not on camera yet. Isn't he handsome:) Such a little heartbreaker!
Sunset view from our house!

XXX

2009-07-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

I've been a very naughty girl! We've been hanging out at the Triple XXX......diner that is. Don't you love the name? Sounds like some kind of strip joint! This place serves up 1950's style hamburgers and the only place you can get a frosty Root Beer made by coca-cola. It was the first drive-in restaurant in the Pacific Northwest established in the 1930's and has an old school route 66 feel with tons of old car and 50's memorabilia. Burgers were HUGE and delicious and i'm feeling some regret. My diet starts tomorrow:)

M.J.

2009-07-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Was anyone else a bit (alot) emotional during Michael Jackson's memorial today. Maybe i have those new mom emotions still running high but i was wiping tear after tear! I think i just felt so sad for him, at least the last few decades of his life and so sad for his kids. What incredible talent he had yet he still struggled so much personally. I just always felt so dissapointed in what he did to his face. He was such a good-looking young chap then it just got more and more bizarre. Even still his music is and always will be tops. I could never get sick of the thriller album. I remember when i was about 7, rockin out to 'billie jean' and 'beat it', i felt so cool! Funny how music can take you right back to those days. Anyways, i just miss the old Michael. I wish his life had been happier for him. I wish he hadn't made so many questionable decisions. I will remember his talent forever. So many great songs...and dance moves!!! Hee heeee hOO (scat that in your best MJ voice).

Seattle Times

2009-07-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

We made it! We are here in the Pacific Northwest and so far we LOVE it! It is so beautiful here. We are living in the Issaquah Highlands about 15 miles east of Seattle. We have the mountains to our East and Lake Sammamish to the west and GREEN everywhere else. There is soooo much to do here, especially lots of great activities for kids. I have already hit up 5 different Farmer's Markets, they are everywhere, everday of the week, all year long! The best part about living here is that we are surrounded by small towns with farms and a country feel yet we have this huge city that is so diverse just minutes away. There are parks and trails all over and this time of year the weather is perfect. So if you haven't bought your ticket yet, i don't know what you're waiting for! This summer i hope to explore Puget Sound, Victoria and the Olympic coast.

It has been the craziest few months of my life. Having a baby, selling a home, packing...and moving....unpacking, more unpacking...still unpacking!!! All the while nursing, seriously every half hour! It's pretty hard to get much done with two kids i have found. Man, i thought one was tough:) Our little Max turns six weeks old tomorrow, WHAT? My little newborn is no longer a newborn! He is getting so big, really starting to fill out...all that nursing is paying off:) And sadly i have taken about 5 pictures of him in the last six weeks...what kind of mother am i? What will i do without my sister Molly to take pictures for me. So sad:(

Our first fourth of July was a good one. We drove out to a quaint little town called Carnation. There was a festival and kids parade that hazel participated in and loved. Best strawberry shortcake! All kinds of crazies live in that town. We then headed over to Remlinger Farms for some lunch and berry-picking. Raspberries here are soooo delish! Checked out Snoqualmie falls. Very scenic, huge waterfalls. We finished the day with a fireworks show on Lake Sammamish.

more pics and updates to come soon!

We're #1...again

2009-06-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

My awesome Lacrosse team took state in the Jr. League Championship game on Wednesday night. Pheeww..what an intense game. I am so proud of my girls and i am going to miss them sooo much when i move. I've had such a great experience coaching them the past 4 years. In that time we have won four Championships together. GO EVERGREEN!!!

Too good to be true!

2009-06-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for a good work-out to get my "pre-baby" body back! Think this will help whip my buns back into shape???

Introducing....

2009-05-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Baby Maxwell.
What a little angel. I am so in love! He was born on Tuesday the 26th at 4:04 in the afternoon. Weighing 6 lbs. and 13 oz. He is Hazel's little twin...three years later. They look sooo much alike as babies. Crazy! Delivery went pretty well...except the epidural that went the wrong way...disabling me from the arms up...that was fun:) Overall, the whole ordeal was sooo much quicker than the first time.
Recovery the second time around has been a bit tougher.But i'm on the mend and feeling better each day. The toughest part is teaching a three-year old how to be gentle and quiet. Hazel is also in love with her brother...a little too in love. Today Hazel put every blanket and pillow we own on top of Max so he would be warm...what a good helper. How do you teach a toddler about suffocation...any tips?

Overall, she is adjusting pretty well to her new little brother.

Next up..finding a good OB/GYN and Pediatrician in Seattle. Help!!!

Before...

After...totally beat!

Puppy Par-tay!

2009-05-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

Noone loves dogs more than Hazel...noone! So we invited these little cuties to her Birthday Party and they were such a hit. The kids LOVED them and they were SO adorable!!! These little lab puppies were only 3 weeks old and so sweet and cuddly:) If i wasn't having a baby in two weeks, i would have kept one!!!

Sorry moms for the sugar overload!!! We had puppy cupcakes, cookie dog bones, candy filled puppy pinata and ice cream!

I wasn't sure if i was up to planning a party but since we're moving away, i wanted Hazel to have one last get together with all of her favorite friends. It was so much fun! Thanks to everyone that could make it. She is really going to miss all of you.
Thanks for taking pictures mol.

hApPy BiRtHdAy HaZeL!!!

2009-05-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

My little Hazelbop turns 3 today! We started her day off with a healthy breakfast! This girl is a donut lover! Hazel has changed my life in so many wonderful ways. She is my best little buddy in the whole world....love you bop, Happy Birthday!!!

Anyone want an update???

2009-04-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since i last blogged. Where do i begin?? We put our cute little house up for sale, I don't recommend doing this while 36 weeks pregnant! Luckily it is now under contract and i am DONE having to show it everyday...that was stressful with a toddler that can manage to destroy a clean house in a matter of minutes! We didn't exactly know where we were going to move...just knew we needed a bigger place and suddenly Brian was taking an awesome job in Seattle!!!

That's right, the Baker's are off to the beautiful state of Washington! We are sooo excited for this new adventure. The craziest part is that i am having a baby in the middle of all this. HELP!!! We are supposed to close on our house mid June...and crossing my fingers that nothing falls through with that! Brian will start training and working here and take a few trips to Seattle before we all move for good around the end of June! We will rent for a bit so that we can explore all the many areas there are to live. If anyone has any good info about Seattle, fill me in!
We are going to miss our friends and family so much! Hopefully this will motivate me to be a better blogger to keep our peeps updated on our adventures. Of course, we are expecting many frequent visitors...there is so much to do and see there. I can't wait to be your personal tour guide:)

All this excitement has definately been a distraction on the "fun" last few weeks of pregnancy. May has finally arrived and it's baby time! It's so nice being able to say "i'm due THIS month"...even if it is at the END of the month!

hittin' the slopes

2009-03-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Check out my lil' ski bunny! Brian and Uncle Benn took Hazel up to Alta this weekend for her first time ever. Her little skis and boots were the cutest things i've ever seen...so miniature! She didn't last too long but had a blast and was so excited to get hot chocolate afterwards. She can't wait to do it again:)

Thoughts..

2009-03-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

Being pregnant is sort of a strange, miraculous, uncomfortable, beautiful thing! It amazes me to see my body change before my eyes. It isn't all pretty...isn't there supposed to be some sort of pregnancy glow??? There are good days and not so good days emotionally and physically. It has definately been much more tiring with a very energetic (almost) 3 year old! Hazel definately keeps me laughing though, and she keeps me in check. If i get too stressed out for her liking, she tells me to "just belax mom!" Hearing her say that does make me relax, and chuckle at what a funny little person she is.
I will admit,
i am scared to death of the idea of caring for two children. Is that so bad to admit? I don't feel quite ready yet...not in a hurry like i was the first time around! Don't get me wrong, i am so excited to meet my little boy, just a bit nervous because i know what's coming. Crossing my fingers he'll be a little angel...did i just jinx myself?
Anyways, after doing nothing for a couple of months except sit on my butt and eat taco bell, i have challenged myself to walk 300 miles before the baby gets here. I started in January and I am at the halfway point. I have 150 more to go. I just walk on the treadmill, it's a little boring but i feel so much better and it helps me sleep at night. I wish i was one of those girls that could run while pregnant but my body says "yeah right!"
Do you like my new gym outfit? A white cable knit sweater, white leggings and i'm ready to hit the treadmill.

Photo Shoot

2009-02-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

So i ran into a friend that i haven't seen in almost 10 years. We met at Camp Towanda, a sleepaway camp in eastern Pennsylvania. We both came from Utah to be camp counselors to bratty rich kids. Good memories, miserably fun times to be shared another day....ANYWAYS, turns out she is a photographer here in Utah and she is AWESOME! Her name is Angie Monson and her biz is called Simplicity Photography. She invited miss Hazel and i down to be models for a shoot she was doing at her studio...okay mostly Hazel. She dressed Hazel up in some funky cute get-ups and i am loving the way they turned out. I can't wait to see all of them. She put a few pics on her blog so check em' out.

Also check out her website too. Good stuff!

http://photosbyangie.blogspot.com/2009/02/miss-hazel.html

25 things...

2009-02-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

I just love my little girl! I have to say that as challenging that age 2-3 can be..it is also so much fun and I am amazed everyday by her. I love getting a glimpse of her world by the cute little things she says and the smart questions she asks me....and her memory is near photographic! She sure didn't get that from me! I am just really enjoying these last few months with Hazel before the new baby comes! So this post is just a few things i love about her:)

1. Hazel loves puppy licks more than anything in the world.

2. If she could she would wear a dress every minute of the day.

3. When she is sad with tears she asks me to "wipe her dreams".

4. She's just not that into food but LOVES chocolate milk.

5. She is very friendly to strangers. Too friendly!

6. Asks me everynight at bedtime "are there no scary monsters?"

7. Likes to show everyone her princess underwear.

8. Favorite songs are AC/DC "back in black" and the muffin man.

9. Scared to death of toy dinosaurs.

10. Has great phone chatting skills.

11. Still sleeps in her crib...yes!

12. Gets mad when i wear a ponytail.

13. Gets mad when i put her hair in a ponytail.

14. Would NEVER admit tiredness.

15. Remembers stuff like noone's business.

16. Beats me at memory every time.

17. Hates shopping carts and being buckled in her stroller.

18. She is a total daddy's girl

19. Hazel is named after my great grandma.

20. She is a master manipulator and negotiator.

21. Grabs my cheeks and asks "do you know i love you?"

22. Biggest fear...bleeding. If she gets an owie she cries over and over "i'm NOT bleeding!".

23. Thinks she has a baby girl in her tummy.

24. Has the biggest brown eyes and cutest smile in the world!

25. Has a mommy and daddy that love her like crazy!!!

January...worst month ever!

2009-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else agree...Sorry if i sound like a Debbie D. but January is sort of worthless! Really if you had to take a vote, wouldn't you vote January out! It's just cold and depressing...with it's constant dirty air, the inevitable stomach flu...February is way better:)
Luckily we had Laura's wedding to look forward to. I've been meaning to post some pics of the flowers i did, they turned out pretty fab if i do say so myself! Of course i didn't take a single picture, so i need to round some up...molly???
I will say, while being holed up indoors, we have accomplished something great this month, Hazel is pretty much potty trained. Yes! She is a smart little cookie...granted we do have a few minor accidents here and there but i've been pretty impressed with her enthusiasm. I owe many thanks to whoever thought of putting disney princesses on underwear. So here's to January being "almost" over and saying goodbye to diapers...until our baby is here in 4 months. Cheers!

hazel wearing Laura's veil

Wanna know what makes me happy???

2009-01-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

online coupon codes!!!
Last night i found some really cute crib bedding on sale for half off...then i found a coupon code for 30% off more plus free shipping!!! I'm still smiling. There is such satisfaction in typing in a promo code and having it actually work...ya know!
retailmenot.com and couponcabin.com are two sites that i have had recent success. Give em' a try:)

Don't you love this nautical nursery:)

Hooray for my first official "baby boy" purchase!

We're having a...

2009-01-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

BOY!!!

What a difference a year makes!

2008-12-14T19:12:00.001-08:00

On the hunt...

2008-12-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

for the perfect Christmas tree!

Country Christmas Greetings

2008-12-05T10:12:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Charles Edward Claflin...My Grandpa Chuck

2008-11-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's been about a week since my Grandpa Chuck's funeral in Tucson. We are still recovering from the long drive. I have had a hard time coming to grips with him being gone.

He passed away suddenly from a massive brain hemorrhage which was likely caused from his Leukemia. We all thought we had more time with him as his cancer treatments had been succesful.
It makes me sad to think that i won't ever ski with him again or spend time with him on Lake Owen...a special place that will always remind me of him and my childhood.

He chose to be cremated and wanted half of his ashes spread over Lake Owen and the other half over "Baldy" Mountain in Sun Valley where he passionately skiied and worked in his early retirement days.

He influenced my life and so many others in such an incredible way. Grandpa had the most beautiful blue eyes and a smile and laugh that was so charming and contagious. He was a story-teller and you just wanted to be around him always! I can still hear his booming voice....and it was booming!
I am so grateful that he made it out to San Diego earlier this year in June to watch my sister and I run the marathon. It meant so much to me to have him there cheering me on and I know he was proud. I love you grandpa. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your great influence in my life! We will miss you deeply.

Sarah, Brian and I boating with Grandpa at Lake Owen (i'm guessing ages 6, 3 & 4)

Confessions of a pregnant woman...

2008-11-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

Last night, something came over me! I believe we call them cravings. Now most of my cravings have been urgent. I need to have it at that moment and there will be no waiting! That is why for the past few months, i have frequented some fine establishments, for instance, say..Taco Bell, sometimes multiple times a day. Today Chick-Fil-a did the trick...tomorrow, i'm thinking Arby's.
Well, this sort of craving required planning and i couldn't wait until November 27th. I bought a turkey for baking, stuffing for...stuffing, potatoes for mashing, carrots for roasting & cranberries for finishing it all off! Now the sad part is, I slaved in the kitchen all afternoon just to dine alone. Brian is in Chicago for work and Hazel had already eaten her maximum equivilent of three crumbs a day, so I made this feast all for me. I was a bit shocked that i went to such effort. Okay, those of you moms that cook meals like this every night...i'm rolling my eyes!
To make a long story short, pregnancy is what has come over me. Now that the nausea is slowly retreating, i can show some enthusiasm! We are very excited, especially Hazel. She thinks that she has a baby in her tummy too:) The stork is expected to make a delivery sometime at the end of May. Hip..Hip...Hooray!!!

by the way... here is a public service announcement. Did you know that Carl's Jr.'s Gaucamole Bacon Burger has 1140 calories and 85 grams of fat! !!! That should be illegal. I'll be regretting that decision!

Hazel the Witch

2008-11-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from a cute little witch!

We had a fun week, hitting up all the fave halloween stops...gardner village, trick-or-treating foothill village and lots of fun parties!

Hazel assured everyone that she was a "nice witch"

Checkin out the competition!

Happy Halloween!

this one's for my bro..

2008-10-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

My brother Brian lived in nyc for a couple of years...he lives in Germany now but i promised him that i would go visit miss frankie for him while i was in new york, i think she was the security guard at his apartment building. When i got there, I asked for "Miss Frankie" she looked at me like i was crazy...i am pretty sure that it was Brian's special pet name for her. I guess her name is Franklyn and she was not messin around. Bri, i told her i was your sister and she warmed right up. She definately remembered you and asked how you were.

only in nyc...

2008-09-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Of all the things i saw in new york last week...this was tops! This shady lady was workin it uptown...Fierce! I wish you could've seen her strut. She was feelin fine! Click on the pic...don't worry she DOES have clothing on...it's a clever ensemble.

More pics to come of my birthday trip.

Hazy's Latest

2008-09-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since i put up some pictures of Hazel, so here ya go! We had a fun week at the Fair and the Zoo!

This sheep was very RUDE...he wouldn't even answer the simplest of questions!

Just another day on the farm.

Check out Hazel's face on the slide....she didn't want to go again!

piglets and momma- every single pig at the fair was snoozin!
This was where the most action was at.

The highlight was riding "crystal" the pony... this little girl was in heaven

Of course i have to include a picture of Hazel's latest obsession....Princesses!
Ariel and Cinderella are her faves! We made a crown using some scrapbook stuff i wasted my money on. A hobby i was into for about a month!

Hazel's favorite animal at the zoo. Oh, and she thinks the snakes are cute too..what?@!#

Train ride with daddy....lunch with mommy!

Big brown eyes! Love them!

The Great Outdoors

2008-08-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Bri and i escaped to the Tetons last weekend for a camping trip.

We left Hazel with Brian's parents. They were so great to watch Haze.

She had a blast with the neighbor kids and the cat of course.

Here is our home...Tent cabins in Colter bay are the way to go. We made the best Salmon and Veggie foil dinners...mmm..gourmet!

Makin smores and cocoa:)

Hiking up to Bear Paw Lake we came across all kinds of wildlife...

even a snake crossed the path right in front of me...gross!

Butterflies and moon (click on the picture to see the moon) Cool!

The Bison had places to be, this huge herd held us up for a few

minutes crossing the road.

And of course a little fly fishing...Bri's highlight!

I can't believe summer is almost over! It has been such a fun one!

Here kitty kitty...

2008-08-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

If you know hazelbop...you know that she has an obsession with cats. We have had to save many a cat from Hazel's loving hugs. When the neighborhood cats see Hazel coming, they run for their lives:)

The other day Hazel and i were heading out the door to run some errands, we got to the front porch and i realized i left the house keys on the counter. I left Hazel on the porch and I ran back into the house to get the keys and came right back out...literally gone 15 seconds, guess who was M.I.A. Luckily i could hear Hazel giggling and calling the kitty so i followed her voice. I got to the neighbors backyard and couldn't see her anywhere. I listened closer...Her voice was coming from inside the neighbors house. WHAT??? She chased the cat and followed the cat into the house through the cat door! Noone was home and luckily the back door was unlocked. I don't like to make a habit of walking into neighbor's homes uninvited but I had no choice! Hazel was in their front room with the cat cornered under the piano...the scared cat was howling with every hair on it's body upright. Poor kitty!

Every day is an adventure!

Happy Anniversary to us!!!

2008-08-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

5 Years down! It has been a such a great five years! I am so glad i married my best friend. I feel very spoiled everyday by how great my hubby is to me. He is the absolute best. Today, i woke up to beautiful roses and a gourmet breakfast he made before he left for work. So in return i decided to do some laundry, fold some clothes, sweep, vacuum,..ya know, stuff that I don't usually get to on a daily basis!!! What a lucky guy! I am very excited for our date tonight, those are rare with a toddler.
Recently Bri (who has never been much of runner) got some kinda "fire" in him. He knows how much i enjoy running and decided to train for a half-marathon with me. Now that to me is true love! I was so happy to spend that time with him training and it was so fun on race day to have a teammate to run with. The race was last Saturday and he did AWESOME... i was so proud! Thanks B, i love you! He is doing a triathlon tomorrow, also his first...everyone wish him luck!

Road Trippin'

2008-07-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Just got back from heaven....Lake Tahoe! It is such a beautiful place...can i please live there??? The Lake is awesome, you feel like you're at the ocean yet surrounded by the most beautiful green mountains! My two sisters and i took a little roadtrip for a Lacrosse tourney there. We had a blast! Our team rented this huge cabin that we all stayed in. Besides playing Lacrosse, we had lots of photo ops, tons of girl talk, splashed in the Lake, waterballooning at night from Molly's getaway vehicle...i felt like i was in highschool again:) It was a much needed vacay! We had a bunch of awesome girls on our team. I live for these trips! We played pretty well....although one game got pretty aggressive and i am embarrassed to say, i was the recipient of an automatic "red card" that's right...kicked out of the game! That has never happened to me before! This chick was playing dirty and I had to put her in her place...ha! I must have had some pent up aggression!!! I'll spare you the details but it was a very entertaining game to watch:) Here are some pics from our little getaway.

Light 'em up!

2008-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday America! We celebrated bright and early with the annual 4th of July neighborhood breakfast. Next we headed to the pool for some fun in the sun. After swimming, we had a bbq with the family and friends and then walked over to the park to watch the fireworks...original huh! Isn't that what all of America does. That's what is so great about the 4th....tradition! You don't mess with tradition!

watching the fireworks.."the pretty colors"

hazel absolutely hates the camera- the kid will not smile...not even for a "special treat"

wait...is that a half smile???

WASATCH "molly had my" BACK

2008-06-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend i joined an awesome team of highland ram alums and ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay. Our team was made up of 12 fun lovin' gals and two trusty vehicles. We started in Logan friday morning and together ran 185 miles through the Wasatch backside. We ended in Park City the next afternoon...i think it took just under 32 hours. Each of us were designated 3 legs of the race.

Amanda and i were laughing so hard at this girl next to me she is GIANT! I look like a midge.

I was the first runner, so i got to start the relay in Logan which was exciting and i felt familiar with the territory. After 5.1 miles, i passed the baton to my teammate waiting at the exchange point.

After my run it really began to heat up, poor Amanda ran 7 miles uphill on this dirt road. Miserable! All the cars following were kicking up clouds of dust...Amanda just kept truckin and smiling the whole way!

We had tons of down time between our legs and i was feelin good...so good that i decided to treat myself to some delicious chicken fingers from this little shack grocery store in the middle of nowhere...BIG MISTAKE! At the end of my second leg which was a long 8.6 miles pretty steep downhill, somethin wasn't sittin right. I felt sooooooo sick. I spent the next few hours, running to every port-a-potty at every exchange point. Then it got worse, my teammates had the pleasure of watching me puke out the car window...sorry girls. Food poisoning...are you serious!

We got to our campsite at around midnight and i called my sista molly. I could no longer run with the runs! She rescued me...totally had my back and ran my last leg which was 5.6 all uphill! Thanks for being such a trooper. As mandy would say, I was such a lemon.

Even though i was not feeling 100%, i was so glad i was able to be a part of this amazing race. I am not kidding you, the views of the wasatch back are incredible. I have lived in Utah most of my life and had never seen such beautiful scenery here. I recommend doing it at least once. I wish i had a picture of the whole team.
Here are a few of us. Mary has one leg in the pic...what, jealous? I promise she has two legs. That would have made for a great story:)

There is nothing quite like torturing yourself with friends...very bonding!

Thanks again mol!

State Champs!

2008-06-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

My cute little Lacrosse team took State again this year. We have been undefeated for a couple of years and i just had to brag cuz I'm quite proud...and i think i'm a darn good coach :)

These girls are my fave....they are so much fun! We had a really exciting season. I am going to really miss the ones that are graduating and moving on into highschool lacrosse. I love that I am just about the shortest on the team. Ha!

GO EVERGREEN!!!

26.2

2008-06-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the pinnacle of my long and what seemed like an eternity of training. My sister Laura and I ran the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. What a great day! We had perfect weather, the energy throughout the course was really uplifting. Live bands just about every mile and there must have been at least 50,000 plus people along the course cheering us all on. There were about 20,000 runners...laura and i started pretty close to the front and it took about 4 minutes just to cross the start after the start gun. It was pandemonium! You really had to fight for your space to run at the beginning. The first 13 miles flew by...I was feeling good after i saw my parents..then my Grandpa Chuck and Wanda...then Bri. It really helps to have fans cheering you on. I want to thank whoever gave me the best watermelon i've ever had at mile 16...God bless you. Then the cold soaked sponges at 20...golden! I had my ipod and listened to inspiring beats along the way. Yes, Natalie and Mandy, i thought of you at mile 18 when "wanna be a balla"came on, and Jodi, i pictured you rappin along with 2pac at mile 21. It definately brought a smile to my face:) I must say this was the hardest thing i've ever done...it might even beat child birth (thanks to the epidural)! It started to get really tough after mile 22. I was on pace to finish under 4 hours until then....i just didn't really care what my time was anymore. I just wanted to finish! My sister Molly ran the last four miles with me. That was a huge help...she came up with some pretty inspiring things to keep me movin. My personal favorite was "Kate, your body is LOVING this...it is thanking you" No, actually it was cursing my name:) Seriously though, thank you mol, you really did give me a huge boost just being there. All i can say is there really is nothing like the feeling of crossing the finish line of a marathon, PRICELESS! I want to do it again...maybe somewhere a little less hilly! I finished in 4:07 and i wouldn't have wanted to run a minute longer. My goal is to get it under 4 hrs...we'll see:)

Yeah Laura...i'm so glad you ran with me!

Hip Hip...Hooray!

Going for a run...

2008-05-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

tilt your head to the right:)

Barnyard Birthday Bash

2008-05-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

So the party started at 4 p.m...and that's when the rain began... We wouldn't let a little (a lot) of rain stop the fun! We quickly moved the party from the backyard to the covered front porch. Imagine us trying to herd a mini horse, lamb, baby goat, baby pig, rabbit, chickens and about a half dozen goslings and ducklings through the rain...not to mention all the toddlers! Pretty hilarious! We had so much fun and all the kids were in farm heaven. They were so cute with the baby animals. We ate cupcakes and rode stick ponies and Hazel recieved some really fun birthday presents. Thanks to all of Hazel's little friends who made her birthday so great! Here are some pics from the party.

baby piggy and 24" horsey

girl talk and gossiping circle

I think i want a pet duck..seriously!

top picture-Okay, these two crack me up, they were tasting eachothers cupcakes. bottom-Hazel and Ruby setting up for the party...

Yummy cupcakes. All Haze wanted was to sit on the swing and hold her new toy giraffe..."real" farm animals, big whoop! I can't believe i have a two year old.

13.1

2008-04-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the SLC marathon and half-marathon. I decided to run the half, despite my foot problems and surprisingly it didn't bother me too much...yeah! It was a perfect day for a race. Tons of people were running, i couldn't believe the turnout this year! It was a good challenge for me and prepped me for the real deal June 1st. We'll be headin to San Diego for the "Rock'n'Roll Marathon" and a little vacay the week after. Lesson learned from the half....pace pace pace! This is going to be very important. It is so easy to get caught up in all the excitement and go faster than you should. Also...STRETCH. I never stretch soon enough or long enough. I was going to post a picture of my sixth toe that appeared (biggest blister ever) I decided it was just "t.m.t.h"...too much to handle!

We're Baaaack!!!

2008-04-17T11:51:00.001-07:00

The three of us have been travelin fools. Brian went to Whistler, British Columbia for a work retreat so rather than being home alone.. Haze and I along with Molly and Ruby, visited my sister Sarah and her kids in Baltimore, Maryland. We had a great time...although i wouldn't call it a "vacation". With 5 children (ages 5,3,2,1 and 6 months) it was a bit chaotic, how did my mom do it???. It was Sarah's 30th birthday on the 12th and since her husband is away for two months in training, we thought she needed some fun. We went to the National Zoo in D.C. which was a highlight for the kids, Hazel loved the Pandas and the HUGE fish. It is such a cool zoo right in the middle of the city. We also went down to see the Cherry Blossoms and we hit a few monuments too. Picture us with 5 kids, three strollers and 2 friendly toddler harnesses (best purchase i've ever made) loading on and off the Subway...we got some crazy looks! We watched movies and enjoyed take-out for dinner (going out to dinner with 5 kids....does that sound fun to you?).

The down side of the trip was injuring my foot... I did an 18-mile run on Sat. and felt fine during the run but afterwards my foot stiffened up and now my arch is killing me...long story shortened, I have plantar fasciitis which is basically a strained muscle in your arch. Arch supports and stretching should help to improve it. I am supposed to run the half marathon this weekend as part of my training....I wonder if this is a bad idea? Has anyone had this problem and if so..any advice???
Brian also hurt his ankle doing something and then he snowboarded at Whistler and he is also limping around...we are such gimps...getting old!!! Despite the injuries, we all had a fun time. Here are some pics from our trip.

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

2008-04-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a special Birthday song for cousin Andrew. Happy 3rd Birthday buddy!!! Hazel can't wait to see you next week!

Easter Pics

2008-03-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun Easter weekend filled with lots of egg hunts. As you can see, it wasn't much of a "hunt" but it didn't really matter because once Hazelbop found one egg she was overjoyed. And that was all she cared about. I tried to get her to gather as many eggs as she could quickly but she just wanted one. I, on the other hand, was sneaking as much candy as i could for myself. Trouble...that's what this time of year is. There is chocolate everywhere at our house, not to mention it is girl scout cookie season and we're stocked up on thin mints and samoas. If anyone is craving chocolate...you know where i live.

Lions and Tigers and Dolphins...oh my!

2008-03-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Haze and i tagged along with Brian down to Vegas for a few days to get out of the cold weather here. While he worked, Hazel and i shopped, played and enjoyed some sunshine and near 80 degree temps. After a day of shopping with Hazel, i realized that i have been in denial, telling myself that you can still shop with a toddler...it just doesn't work! She hates being strapped in the stroller, trying on clothes...not an option, and i'm sure that all of the store associates LOVE the trail of pretzel bites, animal crackers and goldfish that we leave behind. How do people do it with more than one kid? So, i gave in. The rest of the trip we did Hazel friendly activities. Her favorite was the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. It was really cool to see the dolphins, you can get really close to them. They had this white Lion that was the most beautiful creature. It's mane was gorgeous, fluffy and perfectly combed, they must use some sort of product in his hair! Hazel loved all the animals, i definitely recommend it for little tots. The rest of the trip was actually much more enjoyable. I just have to be reminded that my little one needs a daily dose of at LEAST a few hours straight of running, climbing, jumping, dancing, etc. and we're good. Can't wait for the 5 hour flight to Baltimore next month! All in all it was a fun trip and Bri enjoyed the company:)

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

2008-03-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

In honor of kite flying season, Hazel sings another lil' ditty for your viewing pleasure! I love the strong finish.

What are your faves???

2008-02-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Up until this month, I have been a concrete virgin...for those of you that have never experienced concrete, it is pure joy. I'm talkin about concrete shakes at Neilsen's Custard! I've practically lived in SLC my whole life and have been missing out, but don't worry, I have made up for it this month. I am a frequent customer. I recommend just plain chocolate but there are many flavors to try...and don't forget to bring cash or check. They don't take debit or credit cards..what?!@$%

Another recent favorite of mine are take and bake pizza's. Yep, dinner in 15 minutes and no clean-up. The two best are Papa Murphy's 'Chicken Artichoke Bacon DeLite' and Nick and Willy's 'Agean' (it has olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese-yum!)

Maybe i'm the last to have found this spot but this week i finally visited Oneity, it is a local boutique that sells childrens clothing hand-made in third world countries. Profits go back to those countries and the clothes are so cute and amazing quality and not to mention the DEALS! You gotta go.

Last but not least...my favorite place to shop for ME is Madewell. I make sure i go whenever we're in Vegas or NYC and i think they have a few other locations. I promise you'll find something you LOVE!

So the point of this post is this, I want to know what else i've been missing out on. If anyone has a favorite restaraunt, menu item, shopping spot, website, spa treatment, hairstylist, skin-care product, WHATEVER...I would love you to share. Chances are it will be new to someone. So if you read this post than you must leave a favorite something of your own.

Sharing is caring :)

Happy Birthday Bri!!!

2008-02-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

Today is my hubby's 31st Birthday. I just have to tell everyone how great he is and how lucky Haze and I are to have him in our lives. Brian is the most unconditionally loving person i know. He's always in a good mood. He always does things to make my day easier. Brian makes every holiday and birthday so special. He is adventurous and fun. He is always so positive. Bri is so sweet to his little girl and she adores him. He is a really hard worker and takes such good care of his girls. Brian is just a truly great person and i love him so much!!! Love you suga b

Hazel Freestylin'

2008-02-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

Barney Ring Around the Rosie Alphabet Remix!

I'm a knitting fool!

2008-01-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

I sort of get obsessed with crafting projects. I see a cute idea.. and think "I could totally make that". Then i go out and spend four times as much on all the supplies needed. Then...end up never doing it again. Well, my latest craze is knitting. I've been hitting up Piper's in Sugarhouse for knitting help. I swear I go to every class. I get so sucked into all the cute projects. I made the cutest baby hat for Natal, she's having her first baby in about 3 weeks. Now i'm working on a hat for Hazel and these adorable little red baby slippers. Thankfully Bri is so understanding of my crafting needs. I'll be gone for hours and come home with only two rows knit and he pretends to be so impressed! ha.

Diggin'

2008-01-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

Anyone have any parenting tips on putting this to a halt???

"I hope you like pain"

2008-01-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

What i'd give for a powerful, manly bodyguard like one of these. I hope Brian learns these moves... Yeow!

Happy 2008

2008-01-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hey friends
I haven't posted for a couple weeks, holiday burnout i suppose. It was such a fun holiday with my whole family here for Christmas. That rarely happens! I was so glad Sarah and Perry and kids could come visit from Maryland. We miss them soooo much. They are moving to Georgia in July and then Perry will be deployed to Iraq.....no good:(
I never really just type my thoughts like this but isn't that what a blog is for after all? January is always sort of a depressing month for me...it is just so cold and gray and especially hard with a toddler that would give anthing to play outside but has that lingering cold or cough all winter long. I miss being able to go on walks everyday....can't wait for spring! I am not sure if i will be able to coach my highschool lacrosse team this season, which makes me sad but relieved. Having a toddler complicates the whole coaching thing but i still plan on coaching my Jr.'s team...going into our 4th season undefeated!!! Yeeeah! I love those girls. they're my fave!
Random...but did anyone hear about the father that threw his four children off of a bridge into the freezing river to drown...so evil and horrifying. That completely broke my heart...what is wrong with people? Is it me or are there more and more horrific child abuse cases on the news lately and local stories too? Very sad. Sorry for the "Debbie Downer" post. I really am excited for this new year. Lots of exciting changes will be happening for me and I have set some good goals for myself. I am excited that my two sisters are going to run the marathon with me, i also want to run the SLC half marathon if anyone wants to run it with me....Dree, you still in? Good luck to all my friends and cousins having babies soon. Missy and Jayne are due this month, Natalie is due next month. Emily, jodi and Angie are late Spring/early summer. Good luck ya'll! I am so grateful for all my friends and my family especially my hubby, who is in Vegas right now for work. I am reminded how great he is and how much i love him whenever he is away. I also love my little girl. She is such an amazing little person. Always singing and happy and so loving to her mommy and daddy. Life is great!

Don't want to!

2007-12-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

That's what Hazel kept crying. I felt so bad but the picture was soooo worth it. Sorry Santa...no hard feelings?

Christmas in NYC

2007-12-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

What a blast! A weekend away with Bri in the Big Apple. We crammed as much as we could into our trip in three days. The highlights were of course the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and skating rinks there, Bryant Park and Central Park, Top of the Rock views were amazing, romantic carriage ride around Central Park, shopping in Greenwich village and soho, and we drank soooo much yummy hot chocolate and cider to keep warm, best ever!!! Best of all was a weekend alone with B. It is so fun to see New York at Christmas but beware of the crowds..pandemonium!!! By the way, did anyone see us on the today show friday???

Fresh cut Christmas Trees in Greenwich village.

Serendipity frrrozen hot chocolate...deelish!

Dean and Deluca's outside Today Show plaza

Central Park

Yummy Gingerbread boys and girls and Brian on top Rockefeller building overlooking Central park.

We stayed at the Hotel Chelsea, my bro insisted...very unique...you'll just have to experience it for yourself!!!

Thanks so much to our moms for watching hazelbop, she didn't even know we were gone!!!

Mystere Mcfabulous

2007-12-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wow! This was truly the most entertaining thing I have ever watched! These people are not human. Next time you are in Vegas, you gotta see this. There were so many incredible stunts but one that stuck out the most was the two men with bionic strength that would lift eachother in ways that defy gravity! Also that guy that did back handsprings across the stage about a million mph. I was simply amazed! Thanks so much Amanda for babysitting Hazel in the afternoon! She had a blast with you.

We also went over to check out the Holiday display at the Bellagio conservatory. I was taking pictures of Hazel in front of the penguins and i noticed these two Chinese men came over and started taking pictures of her too. It was really bizarre and i thought, should i be creeped out by this?..probably...but they were so smiley. I think they do things differently over in China cuz this seemed totally normal to them. He asked if i would let him hold hazel for a picture together, i really wasn't too sure about this but again...so smiley. Brian told me later that he was ready to make the tackle if he tried to make a break with Hazel. The look on Hazel's face says it all. Did i mention, he had the biggest head i had ever seen. He will probably go home and tell his family we had the smallest heads he had ever seen.

These reindeer were cool, made out of walnuts! Nat, i think La Fleur should offer Jumbo sized wreaths next year...just an idea.

Gelato Yummy!

'hazel'bonics

2007-11-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hazel is 18 months old now and she is such a talker. She is beginning to get frustrated if I don't understand her language. I "get" most of it but sometimes I really have to be creative to figure out what she is trying to tell me. But don't worry, she makes sure she repeats it at least 30 times relentlessly until i figure it out. It is pretty amazing how fast they go from baby to walking, talking, giggling, singing, tantrum throwing toddler. It is an exhausting age but SO much fun at the same time. I love her little personality. She is so affectionate and has such a great sense of humor. Here are some of her favorite words to say (with translation).

gank goo= thank you

peas= please

goggy= doggy

key key= kitty kitty

hop hop= bunny

hoesee= horsey

doose= juice

baff= bath

voffel= waffles

bampa= grandpa

monny= molly

sunny day's= sesame street

sit down and eat= she has this one down perfect! Maybe cuz she hears someone say it over and over and over???

a MUST read!

2007-11-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading "The Kite Runner". Wow, such an amazing story. I have never cried so hard reading a book in my life. I would read in bed late at night and would have to bury my head in my pillow to dround out the sobs so i wouldn't wake Brian! What is wrong with me? Can anyone else relate, or am i just a weenie? All in all it was such a touching story. It made me think just how priveleged I am to have been born into a free country and grateful that i don't have to raise my child in a country full of violence and oppression. I want to read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" but heard it is just as sad...i don't know if i can handle it. If anyone has any favorite novels...fill me in. I've got the "fever". I haven't made the time to read in such a long time and now i'm addicted!

What is this tagging biz?

2007-11-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, i'm it! I have been tagged a few times now so i better stop procrastinating.
Some things you may not know about me.

favorite places i've been...
Edinburgh Castle
Colloseum
Vatican City
Firenze
Eiffel Tower
The Louvre
Arc de Triomphe
Swiss Alps
Buckingmam Palace
Tulum ruins
Maui whale watching
Ground Zero
Scranton, PA :)

Some Jobs I've had...
Uptown Service (Dale's)
The Amber Restaurant (hell on earth)
Utah State Ticket office
Camp Towanda Counselor
Roots (Floral Design)
Lacrosse Coach

Shows I watch...
Let's start with Monday: 'The Bachelor' and 'The Hills' (i ain't ashamed)
Skip to Thursday: 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'The Office'
Oh and as far as daytime: I always watch 'The View' (hasn't been the same since Rosie left)
and Hazel bop loves 'Sesame Street' and her favorite.. 'Make way for Noddy' (not sure shy she loves that one sooo much)

Some things about me you may not know...

-I used to be a huge 'New Kids on the Block' fan. I even went to their concert when i was in 6th grade. I was in love with Jon.

-I'm really scared of ghosts. Thanks Natalie. She forced me to join a 'Ghost Busting' class a few Halloween's ago and I don't think me or Amanda have ever been the same since Old Sam Weller's bookstore. Chills...

-I'm addicted to XBOX LIVE. I play every night after Brian goes to sleep.
Totally Joking!!!!

-My first Kiss was with Dave Owen freshman year. It took us about 4 hours of awkward conversation in the pouring rain, talking one inch from eachother's faces before one of us had the guts to make a move. Puppy love!
I think everyone needs to share first kiss stories, they are hilarious!

-I have bunions. So what!

-I coach a youth girl's Lacrosse team. They are my pride and joy. We took State last Spring and have been undefeated for 4 seasons!

-I love to bake, arrange flowers, decorate for Holidays and just be creative! I love to go running, especially with good music. I love to play Lacrosse with my younger sisters. I love to just chill with my hubby and little girl.

There's a tidbit about me for ya
I am tagging Natalie.

L'eggo my Eggo

2007-11-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, I was feeding Haze waffles for breakfast. She insisted that Elmo sit with her in her highchair. Apparently Elmo was much more hungry than Hazel because when I came back into the kitchen he had eaten all of her waffles. She looked at me and said "all done!"

She had totally stuffed his face with waffles. I had to take a picture.

Gone Fishin'

2007-11-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

Brian's new passion is fly fishing...he's been obsessed with it lately. He went fishing this weekend to Rockcreek with his pal Matt. Good times!

Saturday night bri and i went to a movie. The movie was just okay but the previews...let me just tell you. I think being a parent must do something crazy to your emotions. Has anyone seen the preview with John Cusack where his wife goes to Iraq to serve and he is left to care for their two daughters? I think it's called 'Grace is gone'. Anyways, the preview revealed that his wife Gracie ends up getting killed at war and shows his struggle to tell his daughters and raise them without her. Tears were streaming down my face and i looked over at brian and i saw at least one tear running down (he denies it). We were both a wreck! We both burst out laughing cuz seriously...it was a preview. Brian just busted me blogging about this and he threatened to "shut this blog down" if i mentioned the tears. SUCKA! I think it's sweet he's so sensitive. Nothin to be ashamed of. He's the best!

Little Friends

2007-11-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute pic of Hazel and her best friend Adrienne. Hazel calls her "Anienne". This was taken at Caroline's (my friend missy's little girl) 2nd birthday party at Wheeler Farm. Adrienne is my friend Jayne's little girl. It is so fun that we all have little girls so close in age.

I Finally did it!!

2007-11-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

I've started a blog. My sisters convinced me that it is the best way to keep in touch with family and friends that we don't get to see often enough. You may not know what a challenge this is for me, but i'm not very computer savvy. I mean, i know how to shop online and google is my very best friend...but... i just barely learned how to do things such as attach files to email and put pictures from my camera to my computer (i shouldn't admit this, i know). I've always had Brian do everything involving computers for me, he is a whiz! Let's see if i can keep up with this bloggin biz.

Fall Fun Fun Fun!

2007-11-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this time of year. It is so beautiful outside and there are so many fun traditions in the fall. Here are some pics of my little Hazel and all of our fall adventures She is my best lil buddy. We've had so much fun picking out pumpkins, carving them, dressing up and trick-or-treating. She was the cutest little Guppy Fish ever!!!