Play Time!

Zach had a break between spring and summer classes/clinic and we took the opportunity to head to Utah for a week.

We went to Stephanie's half marathon. They had a big slide and bounce toy for the kids there. Sarah and Joe both liked the slide, once they finally got down. Initially, Joe just sat at the top watching all the other kids go down. A little girl helped Sarah up the stairs (there were a lot of kids, it was a little crazy) and once they went down, Joe finally had the guts to follow. It was funny to me that it took him so long because just a couple days before he went down a huge, steep slide by himself, unprompted.

I think Lily didn't know what to think of Joe's hug.

I think Dallas liked the brushing just as much as Joe liked doing it.

Joe got stuck getting off the doghouse and I had to take a picture before I helped him down.

Will loved being outside on the deck. He wanted to be out with Dallas (the dog) as often as we would let him. I missed a perfect photo opportunity when he laid down on Dallas' pillow with him one morning. So sweet.

Happiness and Cheer

Christmas was wonderful. It was so fun to have Joe understand, and be excited for Santa to come. My parents' family is still small enough we can all stay in one house and spend the Christmas Eve and Day together.

Lily, being silly.

Will was most excited about the graham cracker Santa gave him in his stocking.

As long as I can remember we have had special scrambled eggs for breakfast Christmas morning. My dad makes the eggs with onion, chorizo and cheese, and they are yummy. This year my angel mom made some delicious orange bread to go with the eggs.

The grand-babies in their Christmas PJs (thanks Ash!).

After allowing enough time for our breakfast to digest two of my sisters and one of my brothers took a little run. It was so fun. We were blessed to be able to spend this Christmas with family.

Visitors!

Just two weeks after Will left, Jerry and Ashley came to visit. We had so, so, so much fun with them. Joe loved playing with his cousins and was asking about them first thing every morning they were here (and the morning they left :( )

We went to the zoo, the pumpkin patch, and the visitor's center and temple while they were here. We wore the kids out and the last day they were here we just hung out and visited. It was so nice!

Joe and Sarah bouncing on the jumping pillow at Vala's

Getting ready to check out the zoo. Joe is being silly, as usual.

Joe loves the petting zoo.

I think Sarah liked it too.

Checking out the polar bear together.

Will and Lily hanging out in the stroller. Can you believe those babies are double cousins? You would think they would look more alike.

Well, they may not look that much alike but they are both adorable.

Thanks so much for coming to see us guys!

Staycation - Picnics, Popsicles, and Pals

Joe had so much fun playing with his cousins and aunts and uncles while we were in Utah. He was re-introduced to ice cream, which he just calls "eem," and was asking for popsicles every morning when he first woke up (although we never gave them to him until later in the day, no worries.) My parents have a side by side fridge/freezer, so he did try to help himself on several occasions.

Part of the "staycation" included dining out for most meals. We went to a mexican restaurant, Pastorero. It was tasty. If you want some yummy, authentic tacos, you should check it out. After we ate there Zach decided to treat Joe to a paleta. Joe loved it. As evidenced by the drippings all over his shirt, legs, hands, and face.

Technically, the front yard picnic wasn't a part of the staycation. But, it was a lot of fun. We hung out with some of my family on what was the day before when we thought we were leaving, but then we couldn't resist staying just one more day.

Isn't she the cutest little munchkin?

Grandma Jean and Grandpa Ivan

I don't think Joe would ever get sick of being on Grandpa's shoulders.

And I'm pretty sure my dad loves is just as much and the grandkids.

Bonding with the Tidwell cousins. Sarah is just five months older than Joe, and Lily is just one week older than Will. So fun!

Staycation - Provo Canyon

Our Saturday morning activity was a bike ride up Provo canyon. We used to go often on Friday or Saturday mornings growing up. I haven't been biking in years. It was so much fun. Joe loved it too, up until the last five minutes before reaching our destination.

Grandpa, pulling the kiddos.

Joe and Sarah, looking so cute.

I have so many pictures of Joe picking his nose.

Joe and his Tidwell uncles (minus Will). He loves them so much. James came with us to the zoo too, and chased Joe around for me. I think James liked it just as much as Joe did.

Competition

Whenever Zach's family gets together there is bound to be competition among the brothers. It doesn't really matter what the activity is, it could be basketball or a game of cards. What do they do if the activity of the day is lacking in competition? Make up their own game of course! With whatever is available. Giant marshmallows? Perfect for chucking at each other.

Zach takes the competition seriously :P

Jerry getting ready to throw... err wait, he is just observing, eating a marshmallow.

Running from the pelting marshmallows

And now, hurling the marshmallows as far as possible.

S'mores with aforementioned marshmallows.

Josh, taking his turn

Cute couple

Chocolate and a hotdog, yum.

Sarah

Playing in Holden

This kid could eat snow all day. Now that we are home he will stand at our sliding glass door and say more (sounds more like moo) until we get him some snow to eat.

Check out that face (if you click on the pic you can get a really good look), he LOVED sledding with daddy.

Recovering after sliding off the sled. It only took him a second to be beaming again.

Sarah, reading with Grandpa Great

We're Here!

So we made it to Omaha safe and sound. There are still a few things left to do, but we're pretty much settled. We're excited to be here! Zach has his first day of class here today. Joseph loves our new place. He jets to climb up the stairs any chance he gets, and he goes down them pretty well too (don't worry, he never does it without one of us right there). Here are some pics of our last few days in Pocatello:


Joseph and Sarah love playing together.


Aren't they so sweet?


Sarah, helping moving the box springs :)


Playing patty-cake with Babica


Chillin' with Grandpa

So friends, if your ever in the area and want to stop by, or need a place to stay, let us know!

My Best April Fools Day was...

Three years ago, Zach asked me to marry him. I take that back, pretty sure he said, "will you wear this for me?", while trying to put the ring on my finger. On April Fools day, pretty romantic, no? Now, three years later we have our sweet boy. Man, the time is flyin' by!


Sarah, snugglin' with Joe


"I love my cousin!"





We love Babica!

Joesph and Sarah adore each other, it sure was fun to hang out with family over Spring Break. Now we are getting ready to move! We packed our first box this week. Anyone have any moving tips?