My Little Pistols

Out of Africa

2010-09-21T13:09:00.003-07:00

My parents came in town a couple of weeks ago and we went on a day trip to Out of Africa. It was a lot of fun but a little warm. But what's new?. The girls got to feed tigers and pet snakes. We watched a hyena show which was really interesting and we went on a safari where you could feed a camel and a giraffe from your hand or out of your mouth. Eewwww.

Happy Birthday Livy

2010-09-21T12:56:00.003-07:00

I posted about Livy's bday in an earlier post but here are the pictures - finally. We got a Cold Stone Cake and some Cold Stone cupcakes which were all a big hit. :) I can't believe she is 9 and in the 4th grade. I remember the 4th grade. Oh I am so old....

Gavin and Savvy were just chilling on the couch. Below are pictures of London and Ava dressing up with Ava's wigs and costumes that she has. London is really into having Rapunzel hair so she LOVES these wigs that help her to have long hair :).

Ryan and Jamie have a fire pit in their backyard and Savvy decided to eat some of the sand out of it. I guess she didn't get enough at the beach she wanted some more. She is crazy!

Splash Parks and Pools

2010-09-21T12:15:00.007-07:00

We went up to a splash park by Fountain Hills this last weekend and while we were there we went and fed the ducks too. It is still over a hundred here and I don't want to be in a bathing suit anymore!!!

This lovely picture is from when we went to a splash park in Tempe by Ryan's work. Eric thought it would be funny and hold me under the bucket. It totally soaked me and of course I had my shorts on and shirt in my hand so all of my clothes were soaking wet too. After we went to Chick Fil A for dinner and we looked ridiculous. I was in my bathing suit and a towel seeing as my clothes were all soaking wet and Eric had no shoes on (I forgot to bring flip flops for him since he came straight from work and changed into his swim suit). The whole splash park and fast food without clothes and shoes was a total white trash moment. It was hilarious.

These next pictures are from an evening at the pool. Gavin and Savvy were being so cute :).

Beach Week 2010

2010-09-21T11:50:00.009-07:00

Beach Week always goes by too fast. We got to go for two weeks this year and it was still not long enough. It was a very cold beach week this year. All of our trips to the beach this year were cold. But I will gladly take it over the 100+ degree weather in AZ. The second week at the beach our friends Doug and Liz Higham with their little girl Alyssa came and we rented a house together. It was so fun hanging out with them. We just love them!! Of course I don't have any pictures of them because I am the worst at taking pictures. I got all of these pictures from Jamie. Thank you Jamie :). Anyway one of the evenings Eric and Doug went and got sushi for dinner and decided to bring home a crab to cook. It was entertaining and such a classic Eric idea :). The girls - Livy and London- really liked to bury each other and make castles. Savvy just liked eating the sand and stealing other peoples beach chairs. We had a fabulous time and I can't wait until next year!!

San Diego with Nielsens & Newport with Theurers

2010-07-15T09:17:00.006-07:00

We have been lucky enough to already have spent two lovely weeks at the beach this summer. Both weeks were a little cold (high 60s, low 70s) but when you live somewhere that is between 105 and 115 in the summer, cold can be very good.

We first spent a week in San Diego with Eric's family. We were in a beach house right on the beach. It was fun being on the boardwalk and we took the kids over to the rides a few times to take a brake from the overcast beach. The girls had so much fun spending time with cousins and it was a very nice vacation all around. I didn't take any pictures except the one with Livy and London in the lovely Mexican hats. That is from one evening when Eric and I took the girls over to Old Town San Diego. It was a fun little area with great shops and really good food. I wish I had more pictures from the trip. I will have to steal some from other family members :).

We packed up on a Saturday and drove from San Diego up to Newport where we spent the next week with Elisabeth & Jesse Theurer and their cute kids William and Ellie. It was a cool week too but we had a really good time and we found plenty of other things to do. We stayed at the Marriott Villas which were gorgeous. We went shopping at Fashion Island, walked around Balboa, went to the Tide Pools, went to the beach and the piers and most importantly ate lots and lots of really good food :). I am now addicted to Chronic Tacos. Luckily (or maybe not so lucky) we have a Chronic in Tempe so I am able to continue on with what Jesse and Elisabeth started me on in Newport. I could talk about food for a while but I will move on. . . . We went over to Balboa twice and one time we made a stop at T's Toe Rings. Liz Higham introduced me to this little place a couple years ago and we had to stop by again and get new toe rings for all the girls for the summer. Livy and I got one and this year London was big enough to get one too! We couldn't find one small enough for Savvy so she will have to wait another year or two to get one. Livy, London and Savvy got along so well with Ellie and William. It was so fabulous because they did a really good job of playing together and entertaining themselves. We had so much fun being with the Theurers and we have to do it again but next time with a little more sun :).

Yesterday was Olivia's 9th birthday!!! I of course forgot to take pictures (what kind of mom am I?) but luckily Jamie was there :). So, I will have to get them from her and then post the pictures. Livy went shopping with Lala for new clothes and then we had the Nielsen's, the Schramm's and the Hyde's over for pizza and cake. We are doing Livy's friend birthday party on Saturday and hopefully I will remember to take pictures this time. Then on Monday it is off to Beach Week for two more fabulous weeks at the beach. Yeah!!!

Suzuki Concert, The Pool & Dance Recital 2010

2010-07-15T08:49:00.005-07:00

Okay I need to do some serious catching up. Livy had a suzuki concert at the end of school and she was fabulous. I can't believe how well she can play the violin with just practicing at school. We may have to pursue this further :). She has started piano lessons and is loving it. Maybe we will add violin soon.

We have done a lot of swimming this summer and I actually have taken a few pictures to prove it. Jamie (a.k.a. picture nazi) is starting to rub off on me :). Gavin and Savvy are so funny at the pool. Savvy has no fear which can be a little scary. The picture in the back of the pathfinder is when Eric decided to take a few kids to the pool. He took our kids, 3 of the Davis' kids, Ava and Morgan. It was a very interesting pool trip.

The other pictures are from Livy's Dance Recital. Eric had the idea to rent a hummer limo for the mini company girls to ride to recital in. One of the mini moms, Jamie, bought boas and star glasses for all the girls and Eric helped Livy put together a playlist of songs for the ride. They thought they were so cool - and of course they are. London was included and me and Jocelyn (a mini mom) rode along to keep things under control. Recital was amazing and it was really fun having London in a class too! I helped in the back this year so I am looking forward to getting the DVD so I can see all the other dance numbers (I got to see a few from backstage).

That's Entertainment

2010-06-15T20:54:00.010-07:00

So this last weekend we went to London and Livy's performance called That's Entertainment. A cute, fabulous lady does these camps every summer. They are two weeks long, Monday thru Friday and at the end of the two weeks the kids perform. Livy was in the senior program and went from 11:30 - 3 everyday and London was in the Junior program and went from 10:15-11:30. They absolutely loved it. These are pictures from their performance night and some video. Livy had a couple little solos and London was just so dang cute and funny to watch. London's cousins Ava and Lexi did the junior program with her. What was funny is Lexi decided almost half way through the program that she was done and so she came off stage and sat in the audience. Well she was London's partner for a song and so London had to pretend to hold someones hand and it was pretty funny.

Dance Recital Pictures

2010-05-16T23:01:00.007-07:00

Well Dance Recital is almost here. It is mid June this year and we just had pictures done on Saturday. London is in it this year :). She is doing a dance called Cuddly Ducks. So stinkin' cute - I just love her costume!!!! Livy's first costume is for a Mini Company jazz number called Ease on Down the Road. The next costume is for her tap class called Where the Wild Things Are. After that it's another Mini Company number - this time it's a lyrical dance called Lullaby. The next costume is another Mini Company jazz routine called Cha Cha. After that it's her costume for her jazz class called American Girl - I love this costume!! The jazz costume with the feathers and the ballet costume are definately my favorite. For ballet they are doing a story called Cappelia. I don't know the story yet but Livy's age girls are the Scottish Dolls. They have real tutus this year. So cute. Her last costume is for her hip hop class and it is called Little Red Riding Hood. I am so excited for Recital. Livy has really grown and is so good at dance. She is really fun to watch and I can't wait to see all her pieces. London is just going to be a riot!!! Can't wait. (I have a feeling by the time recital comes around in a month I am going to be saying that I can't wait for it to be over :). )

Savannah is One!!

2010-05-16T22:51:00.004-07:00

Savannah turned one this last week on Thursday the 13th. We celebrated it on Friday by going to Organ Stop Pizza which Savannah thought was very entertaining and then we came back to our house with everyone (Mimi, Papa, Ryan, Jamie, Ava, Gavin and our family) and opened presents. Then we gave her some cupcakes and let her go at it. She didn't do much to them. Just smooshed them a little and sat on them. Maybe next year she will do more damage. I can't believe she is one. This year really has gone by fast. She is so chubby, so happy, and so cute. We love our Savvy, or as London and Papa call her our Savage!!!

Mother's Day & London's Preschool

2010-05-16T22:42:00.005-07:00

For Mother's Day Eric let me sleep in. It was fabulous. He took the girls to Fountain Hills Park to feed the ducks so that I got to sleep in a quiet house. So nice!! The other pictures are from London's Preschool Graduation. She didn't graduate but the older kids did that are going on to kindergarten and the little kids like London got a certificate for the year. London loved it and I loved all her smiles!!

WHATEVER!

2010-05-04T21:50:00.005-07:00

Okay. Freak. I realize it has been almost two months since I posted. Whatever. I have had a few things going and I have not been feeling the love for the blog. So in the last two months we have moved - just down the street to a bigger house that we are renting instead of owning -, Ryan,Jamie, Ava and Gavin moved here!!!, London had a zoo field trip with her school, Livy has had a couple of dance competitions (which they did fabulous in), it has seriously warmed up here, my parents have visited -a few times-, Rachel and Braden visited, Becca and Judd visited, the girls and I went to Utah for a little spring break trip, and I just had my 32nd birthday. As Becca and London would say "What the heck?". I am feeling extremely old. My body is starting to tell me that I am getting older too. Not what I want to see. Anyway, the pictures of London and Ava in their red shirts are from when we went on a field trip to the zoo with London and Ava's preschool. It was actually cool weather for here and so it was a perfect day for the zoo. Speaking of Ava going to school with London that brings up the fact that Ryan and Jamie moved here to AZ!!! Ryan got a job in Tempe and they moved into our neighborhood! It is really nice having some family around. Finally. I hope they like it here. Moving and starting new somewhere is always hard and takes time to get used to but I hope they like it because we like having them around!

We sold our house and moved just down the street to a bigger house that we are just renting. Home owning was not all we thought it would be :). I was a little sad to leave my house because I had made changes that I really liked and the rental isn't exactly what I would do but it is nice to not own a home right now. Renting is very nice right now and the home is bigger which is very lovely. One of the perks of having more room is that Eric's parents let us borrow their piano!! They have a beautiful baby grand piano which is now in our home! It is so fun to play. I have missed playing the piano. I do seem to get a lot of help from little hands when I play. Things sound a little different with all the help but it is still enjoyable!

So my birthday was on Sunday (a fast Sunday too. Ugh) so we celebrated most of it on Saturday. Livy, London and I went and got pedicures and then later that day we went to the pool with Ryan and Jamie. That night we got pizza for the kids and Cheesecake Factory take out for the adults. It was very yummy. On Sunday Eric made us all fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn on the cob. It was really good. We were all very impressed. Jamie made the desserts. She made caramel delight and rice krispie treats and I was very sick by the end of the night. I never can stop eating when I should.

We have also had a lot of visitors lately and we have loved it. It was so fun having Rachel and Braden and Judd and Becca come to visit. The girls absolutely love it!!! We also like having my parents come :). We just get to see them a little more than the others :). So, anyone in Utah if you need some warmth - come on down!!!

Lastly the couple pictures of Ava and London in their dance outfits is from Ava's first day at dance. She started coming to London's class. Notice London's tights with her two piece outfit and rain boots. She dressed herself and would not change. Whatever. Also the first couple pictures are of Savvy in a doll stroller. I went to dance with Livy and Savvy was being bad so Eric took Savvy for a walk over to Ryan and Jamie's. I had the carseat in my car as well as the stroller so Eric took her in the doll stroller. Eric said desperate times call for desperate measures. Whatever :).

Ostrich Festival 2010

2010-03-14T20:50:00.006-07:00

We love the Ostrich Festival. We discovered it 3 years ago and have so much fun going every year. It is always gorgeous weather (so we end up getting sunburned because I NEVER put enough sunscreen on) and there is something fun for everyone! We took our three girls and a dance friend of Livy's - Mikaila. We also met up with another dance friend of Livy's and her mom - Jenna and Lauri. Above is a picture of Livy getting her toe ring. Livy, Mikaila and I each got toe rings. This same guy is here in a booth doing toe rings every year and we always get a new one each year.

The three girls ready to go on the slides. London didn't get to go because she ended up being too short. There is a separate little kids place with 10 or more kids rides and then the rest of the park has the really big rides which Mikaila and Livy went on.

Mikaila and Livy doing the slides.

How cute is that chubby face. She was in the stroller from 12:30 until about 5. She was fabulous. Eric kept feeding her cotton candy. Lovely. There was a lot going on around her to keep her very entertained!

The swings were one of their favorite rides. There was also a smaller version of the swings in the little kids area that was London's favorite too.

So last year I was VERY pregnant when we came and it was not quite as much fun as this year :). Eric did all the rides with Livy and with London last year so this year Livy had a friend to do all the big rides with her and I bought a wrist band with London and went on all the rides with her. Only one of them made me sick so we had a good time :). Eric was with Savvy all day pushing her back and forth between Livy's rides and London's rides and getting snacks for everyone along with taking pictures. That is why Eric is not in any pictures :).

This merry go round was one of London's favorites. We had to wait for three turns before we got to go on because London only wanted to go on the "Lion" (the leopard). She said she wanted to wait instead of get on something else so we waited until we were the very front of the line and had our pick. It was a popular animal to ride and she is a determined child.

This is about half way through our time there. Savvy just couldn't take it any longer. She totally passed out. There was so much music and noise and lots of bumpy ground we took the stroller over but NOTHING was waking her up.

London had blue lips the rest of the day.

Jenna, Mikaila and Livy trying to decide which ride to go on next.

The last ride of the day was the helicopter and it was a long line but once again London was determined to get on it. While in line London started dancing and had to go to the bathroom really bad. Eric held our spot in line and I took her to the port o potties. She was not about to go in them. I finally got her in the handicapped one because it had more room and then she saw the toilet. I had her close her eyes and she finally went. I completely understand where she is coming from!! Gross.

After the rides we went to the 5 pm Ostrich Races. They were hilarious. The jockeys had a difficult time staying on the ostriches this year. They also had some really great hosrse tricks, emu races and camel races. We didn't get any pictures from the races. I think we were done with the camera. After that we went home took showers and baths, put on some aloe vera for our sunburns and ate. Then we all passed out. So tired. So much fun. London is already asking when we can go again. I love it.

Spencer's Wedding in Denver

2010-03-01T21:55:00.004-07:00

I know it has been way too long since I have posted anything but I never take pictures and I don't like posting anything without pictures. We have actually had a lot going on. Lately we have all been sick. I am so sick of being sick!! Olivia got sick first and then passed it on to the rest of the family and it has been going on for a couple of weeks. I am so done! Other than being sick Olivia has had two dance competitions and done really really well at both, we went on a trip to the zoo a few Saturdays ago and this last weekend we went to Denver :).

Spencer and Brittany got married this last Saturday and so we flew up to Denver for the wedding. Olivia did not come with us. She decided to stay and go to a dance competition instead. She stayed with her dance friend Olivia Miller and then after the competition went and spent a night with Eric's mom and dad (Maude & Lala). She said she had a great weekend and was really excited for two different sleepovers and to be a little independent too :). So, the rest of us flew up to Denver on Friday and we went and visited Brittany's family in Franktown just outside of Denver. Saturday was the big day and they were sealed in the Denver temple at 10. After we took some pictures we then headed over to the Marriott for the luncheon. All of my family stayed at the Marriott so it was really nice having the luncheon there! The pictures above are from the luncheon which was very funny - most things with Spencer are - and we then had some time between the luncheon and the reception to get some sleep!!! Eric and I had gotten 2 hours the night before and 2 hours the night before that because of London and Savvy being sick. Everyone (mainly Jamie & Ryan - they took London swimming and then later took Savvy too) helped out and took the two girls so Eric and I could sleep. Bless them. Can I just say that I don't like traveling with children and I REALLY don't like traveling with sick children. Not fun. The reception was really pretty but we didn't stay long. Eric and I ended up leaving and taking Savvy and London to an Insta Care. It was a very long night but the doctors there were very nice and very helpful. We got some medicine for both of them and we all actually got a full nights sleep that night. So wonderful. Sunday we hung out at the hotel and then went to the airport. We had time before our flight and before everyone else had theres to Salt Lake so we all had dinner at the airport.

I really loved seeing my family and I am so exctied for Spencer and Brittany. They are perfect for each other and Saturday was a fun day. But, I am so grateful it is over with. It was just not a good weekend for my children.

I will post more pictures of the wedding after I steal them from my parents and from Jamie :).

Family Photos

2010-01-08T21:31:00.004-07:00

Christmas & New Years

2010-01-05T21:56:00.005-07:00

So for Christmas we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day up at Eric's parents house. Of course we have no pictures because I am absolutely HORRIBLE about pictures. We had a really great time with Eric's parents and Jenn. Brittany was put on bed rest so she, Jeff and Lexi were not able to come out for Christmas :(. On the 27th we flew out to Utah for a week and were very busy seeing people and having fun with famliy. The above pictures are from New Years Eve. The girls are hilarious. I love London in the picture. She looks like she is winking. What a nut. The newer couples in our family (Spencer&Brittany, Braden&Rachel, Becca&Judd) went to The Roof restaurant for dinner on New Years Eve and brought back these fabulous feather headbands and New Years hats. Aren't they lovely.

While in town we went down to Provo and visited Emily and Mike VanDyke (and their daughter Alivia :) ). We went to lunch and then went to their place for a long overdue game of Wahoo!! Love that game! While we went to lunch Livy and London went with Jamie and Ryan to a gymnastics/bounce place and had tons of fun. They wish Ryan and Jamie were their parents because they are so much more fun than Eric and I :).

Eric took the girls sledding on New Years Day to get them out of the house and give everyone else a break! He was so nice to do it, but it didn't go to well. They were going to do one or two more runs and then they were going to leave and get some lunch at Hire's. On their way up the hill 4 tubers (with helmets) came down the hill and ran over Ava and London. London was fine but Ava dislocated her collar bone :(. So sad. She was so brave but she was in serious pain! They took her in to the hospital but with her age and with a collar bone break they just let it heal itself. They don't reset it. So, she has a brace on to keep her posture the right way so that she is not in pain but it still hurts when she tries to do things here and there. Eric felt SO bad. We hope it heals fast and she feels better!!! Eric might not be allowed to take the girls sledding anymore - well atleast Ava :).

On the last day of school before Christmas Break London had a little performance with her preschool. All the kids in her preschool sang some Christmas songs for us and performed. It was so cute!! London was darling but I didn't get very good pictures of her. She was smiling and singing right to me and Savvy. Love her little face :).

So, this post is all over the place. I realize that. I am just not into blogging lately (as you can tell) but I want to get these pictures in here and write about some things because I publish my blog as a book every year and that is how I scrapbook :). So, this is the best I can do right now. I'm sure many of you can relate :). Anyway, we had a wonderful Christmas and a great New Years. We loved being with all our family. It was fun being in Utah but we are grateful to be back to 70 degree weather. Unfortunately we will have to visit some cold weather again in February. Spencer is getting married in February!! He is marrying Brittany in the Denver, Colorado temple and we are so excited for it. But, we are not excited for Denver in February!

Thanksgiving and The Zoo

2009-11-30T18:01:00.003-07:00

This year for Thanksgiving we went up to Salt Lake and spent it with my whole family. The only one missing was Spencer (who went to Colorado with his girlfriend to be with her family). My mother made a fabulous meal, of course, and it was so much fun to be with all the family. On Friday Eric took Livy, London and Ava up to the zoo. They don't have pictures of it but they went to see the baby elephant and baby crocodile. They had a fabulous time and then ended the afternoon by going to Hires. They met up with Eric's family there who had spent Thanksgiving in Herriman at Jenn's house. Saturday we went and had family pictures taken and then went to the BYU - Utah game. It was an exciting game and although I usually route for the U - I am very happy that BYU won. While Braden is playing for the Y we will be going for BYU. We loved watching Braden play and can't wait for next year!!! The drive home was absolutely miserable. Just a little note to show you why it was so bad - I would finally get Savvy to sleep and I would tell London to not touch her and to be quiet so she could sleep. London would then take her pointer finger and jab it into Savvy's cheek. Then London would say. "Mom, Savvy's awake. I'm berry sorry." So, on that note, I am grateful that we are flying for Christmas and that my children made it home alive :)

Three Years Old!

2009-11-30T17:29:00.002-07:00

London celebrated her birthday over a couple of days this year. Her birthday was on a Saturday but we were going to be in Las Vegas for Aaron and Libby's wedding so on the Wednesday before (it was the only night we had before we left that wasn't busy) we got krispy kreme donuts (she wanted them instead of a cake) and opened presents with just our little family. She got a disney enchanted castle mirror and keyboard that she constantly plays with along with a few other princess gifts. Her favorite gift though was Hungry Hippo. She LOVES that game!

Then on Sunday when we got to Salt Lake we celebrated with all of my family. My mom got a clown cake that the little girls loved and we had everyone there to wish her happy birthday. Ava gave her a Snow Wipe barbie doll and Mimi and Papa gave her some clothes (more for me than for London) and then a pair of Hello Kitty rain boots that she fell in love with the other day at the store. She wears them everyday now :).

I can't believe she is three. She is so cute and so much trouble!! I think she was made to be so cute so that I can't get very mad when she is naughty all day long! We love you London!

My Girls

2009-11-03T20:36:00.003-07:00

There are moments here and there where I want to strangle my girls - okay daily there are. But, for the most part I just love them. They are getting along really well lately which is so nice. I just think they are all so dang cute. At dance the other day Livy and London were in their classes and Savvy and I were watching them. A lady standing next to me said "I would ask you which ones are your daughters but they look just like your baby so I know which ones they are." :) Another mom at dance said I had triplets - just at different times. They do look a lot alike. Watch out everyone - the Nielsen Girls are CRAZY and pretty cute!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T20:18:00.002-07:00

We had a really good halloween this year. I guess it had to be good because it doesn't get any worse than last year. I was sick last year with Savvy and was so tired of throwing up. So, much better this year. London was Snow Wipe and Livy was an Indian (a costume from a dance she was in). We had the McLain's over and the Delisio's as well as Eric's parents for some salad and soup. Then the kids headed out for some trick or treating in the neighborhood. London had croup during the week so she wasn't as excited about it as she was last year but she did make sure to hold on to her bag of candy once she had collected it and not let anyone get any :).

Las Sendas Harvest Festival

2009-10-26T20:28:00.005-07:00

Every October Livy's elementary school has a really fun Harvest Festival! Livy ran around with her friend Morgan all night and they went on this crazy ride that makes me sick looking at it, but it was Livy's favorite. Of course. London loved the little petting zoo they had there, the train, and the jump houses. Also both girls had to buy these crazy hats with glowing hair coming out of them. They look hilarious and they loved them, of course. Savvy loved the hats as well and just stared at them all night. When she was lucky enough to get a piece in her hand it went straight to her mouth. :) It is starting to be beautiful weather here and I am loving it. It was probably in the 70's that evening for the Harvest Festival and it made for a really fun night.

Vegas Pics & Savvy Pics

2009-10-23T19:52:00.005-07:00

The first picture is of London and Savvy watching Dora the Explorer one morning. This is a typical scene every morning. The two of them totally engrossed in their show :). Then London already got to dress up for Halloween. Her preschool had a Halloween party on Thursday so she wore her Snow White outfit (she says it snow wipe) and her friend Domenic was a UPS guy. He loves the UPS guy so that is what he chose to be. They are so cute!

If you look closely at Savvy's head you can see how swollen it is around the bandage. It looked horrible and probably felt horrible for a few days. The cut is the entire length of the white/red bandage. I had pictures on my iphone but they are no longer because my old iphone is no longer :).

The other pictures are of Vegas - at the game and then a couple of Liz and Doug's little girl Alyssa and Savvy. Alyssa wasn't real fond of Savvy leaning against her. She wasn't sure why she couldn't just sit up on her own. It was pretty funny - atleast Savvy thought so.

October in Utah

2009-10-23T08:38:00.005-07:00

For our fall break this October we went up to Utah. It was nice and cool and felt like fall (instead of the fall here in Arizona which is in the 90's). The first pictures are from Gardner Village. We went there with Elisabeth and her two kids - Ellie and William. We first stopped at Hires on our way there and then on to Gardner Village. They have all different witches to check out, lots of cute shops and some good treats to eat during October. We had a lot of fun going with the Theurers and Livy and London just adore Ellie (sorry William but you are a boy).

The next pictures are from a different day when we went to Thanksgiving Point with Ryan, Jamie, Ava and Gavin. It was freezing that day and it had rained so it was really muddy so we didn't last long but the kids still seemed to enjoy it. London had a rough time - she fell in the mud, stepped in a puddle of water and then she had to go to the bathroom but would not use the ones there because they were so gross! That helped us move along to our next destination which was JCW's burgers. It is right next to Thanksgiving Point and according to Ryan has the best burgers. The girls seemed to like it - especially the ice cream they got at the end :). We had such a good time up in Utah for the break and we can't wait to go back for Thanksgiving!!

Just before we went Savvy had her surgery - which went really well and we got some pictures of her head that I will post later. I must warn you they are not very appealing to look at. But of course Eric had to get pictures of it. He is all about that kind of stuff. I had some pictures of it when we took the bandage off it in Utah but they were on my iphone and got erased because yesterday I washed my iphone. Yes, it was a very sad day. London got soy milk all over my sheets in my bed so I pulled them off and put them in the wash. Then, I couldn't find my phone. I kept asking London what she did with it and she couldn't remember. So, I got Livy's phone and called Eric at work. He reminded me that I had gotten a call while we were still asleep and had put the phone next to me in bed after the call. I then realized what I had probably done. I went to the washing machine which was now getting close to being done with the wash and there swimming in the water was my phone. So sad. I had to get a new one. There was no hope of recovery for my old one. Also on that fabulous day :) I had to do an online defensive driving school / test to take care of a ticket I got a month ago. It took me almost 5 hours. At least I got to do it at home but what a sad and boring day!! I guess it is only up from there though. My days this week can't get any worse. Right?

We flew home from Utah on Friday and then Saturday morning Eric, Savannah and I went to Las Vegas. London and Olivia stayed and played with Lala and Maude (Eric's parents) and had a great time while we went to Las Vegas and met up with our friends Liz and Doug and Alyssa Higham. We met up with them and went to Fleming's for dinner (so fabulous) and then to the U of U game against UNLV. We had a babysitter for Alyssa and Savannah so we were able to enjoy an evening with no children - so nice! The game was fine but the fans were total entertainment!! We had drunk U fans all around us and we were quite entertained by them - we were flashed a couple of times, everyone was hugging and kissing and saying I love you, a guy told Eric that he "hearted" him, they threw peanuts down a lady's shirt and then put there hand down her shirt to retrieve them, there was a small fight, a large guy pulled his shirt up and showed off his belly and then asked when he passed by us if we wanted a crotch in the face or an butt (not the word he used). Those are just some of the fun things we experienced. I must say I have not laughed that hard in a long time. I was crying most of the game because I was laughing so hard!! We then came back to the hotel and stayed up way too late watching The Hangover with the Highams. That is a hilarious movie. So again I was laughing SO HARD! We then drove home the next day and relieved Lala and Maude of our crazy, cute and VERY talkative girls :). It was a great weekend but after Utah and Las Vegas I am really glad to be home and in my own bed. I will post some pics of Las Vegas and of Savvy's head as soon as I put them on the computer.

Crazy Little Girls

2009-10-03T23:23:00.003-07:00

It has been forever since I have posted so I just thought I'd put up some recent pictures of the two little girls that I am home with most of the day! Since school started we have started to fall into our routine with school for Livy and London, dance for Livy and London, soccer for Livy and, me and Savvy just doing our thing. London does go to preschool three days a week but we are still together quite a bit :). London is starting to talk constantly!! There is always something that she needs to tell me. I have very talkative girls. Livy is always getting in trouble at school for talking, London is following in her footsteps by driving me crazy with all the talking and questions, and Savvy is starting to make a lot of noises - thankfully she isn't saying too much yet because London and Livy are more than I can handle :). Savvy is starting to get so chubby I just love it. She loves to sit in her Bumbo now. I sit her in it and put her on the counter while I am in the kitchen and she just loves looking around and hanging out. She is going in for a little surgery next week. She was born with a little bump on the back of her head that needs to be removed. They are not too worried about it although after the MRI they are still not sure what it is. So, hopefully everything goes well. The worst part about all of this is that to be put on anesthesia you can't have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before. Just try not feeding a baby for that long. Not happy. She wasn't very happy when we did it for the MRI and after she ate her bottles so fast because she was afraid we were going to take them away I think! Tuesday we have to do it again before the surgery and I am not looking forward to it. Although I am going to be glad to have it over with.

The second picture of London and Savvy is my favorite. London is smiling like she knows she did something (which she usually has) and she thinks it is hilarious and Savvy is looking like - who me?. Love it.

Becca's Wedding

2009-08-30T21:53:00.005-07:00

Becca and Judd got married this last Thursday - August 27th. It was a really neat ceremony in the temple, a great dinner the night before, and a really fun reception up at The Point. Becca of course looked beautiful and all the little girls loved watching her and Judd and wearing their flower girl outfits because it made them look like princesses! We had a great time up in Utah for the week - it was a little busy and I could do without a wedding for a little while but it was wonderful to be with family and to see Becca so happy! Here are a few pictures from right before the reception. The picture of Braden posing was Eric's idea. The boys in our family need serious help. We didn't get any pictures from the temple or during the reception - it was just too crazy. As soon as I get some from other people and from Becca's photographer I will post more. I need to post Becca in her wedding dress - she looked gorgeous. As soon as I get those photos they will be up!

School and Dance Begin!

2009-08-30T21:39:00.002-07:00

Livy and London both started school and dance and they are both loving it. London started preschool last week. She goes three days a week for 3 hours each day. It is fabulous for me and for her :). It is with a lot of her friends from church so she already feels comfortable which is really nice. The first day she ran into the classroom and told me goodbye without looking back! Livy started school on the 12th of August so she has been going for a few weeks. She seems to have a really great teacher and is liking the 3rd grade.

Dance started up the same week as Livy's school and both Livy and London are taking classes. London has a little combo class on Thursdays for an hour. They do ballet and tap. She absolutely LOVES it! She is so excited to be like Livy and go into the room by herself and have me watch her from the window. It is just about the cutest thing to watch. She puts her dance clothes on everyday and she calls her tap shoes her "tappers". So when we head off to dance she asks me if I have her ballets and her tappers in my purse. It is a good thing London is so cute because she is sure a lot of trouble! Livy also started dance and is taking 7 hours a week. Yes, it is a lot but she LOVES it and asks for more. I finally had to tell her we couldn't afford to do anymore and she doesn't have time to do more! She is in the Mini Company again which is 3 hours a week and then she has a ballet class, hip hop class and 2 jazz classes. They are starting to work more on technique this year and I can already see some progress. It is so fun to watch her dance. She is getting good and she just loves it.

The last thing starting up is Soccer. Livy starts soccer tomorrow. Eric is coaching again and Livy is lucky enough to get a few of her friends on her team again this year. She is a very busy girl but she seems to need that. When she doesn't have a lot to do she looks to me for entertainment and that just doesn't work for me :). So, here we go with dance competitions, soccer games, preschool carpools and homework! Savvy will just have to be my little buddy come along for the ride! :)

Livy's Baptism

2009-08-30T21:25:00.003-07:00

Olivia was baptized a few weeks ago - at the beginning of August. We did it on a Saturday and it was just Olivia's baptism (we didn't do it with the stake). Eric's dad Greg gave a really cute talk about the Holy Ghost and Eric's nephew Andrew who is turning 16 gave a talk on baptism. Livy just loves Andrew so it was so nice of him to give the talk. Mimi and Papa flew in for the weekend to be there for the baptism and most of Eric's family was there too - Lala, Maude, Jennifer, Brittany, Lexi, Matthew, William, Andrew, Aaron and Libby. A couple of Livy's friends came and some of her babysitters (young women in our ward) showed up as well. It was really neat and I was so grateful that Eric was able to baptize her. I don't ever want to take the priesthood in our home for granted. It was a fabulous day and I can't believe I have a child that has been baptized!

Beach Week 2009

2009-08-04T09:50:00.006-07:00

Beach Week is always over too fast. This year we had two new members in our family there - Becca's fiance Judd was there and Rachel's new husband Braden. The little girls are in love with their two new uncles. Especially London - she just follows them around everywhere :). We had many lovely activities on the beach - there were many games of Bocce played, a few games of football and the yearly catching of a seagull that Eric started a few years ago. Good times, good times. By the pictures I'm sure you can see that London was really into licorice and playing in the holes that she made Eric and Braden dig for her. Livy was off running around being very busy as usual and socializing with everyone on the beach. Savvy hung out with Gavin in the red tent that Jamie and Ryan brought. Gavin and Savannah liked laying there and kicking next to each other. I am looking forward to next year when I won't have a little baby at the beach. I will have a one year old which will be it's own challenge but I think it will be better than having a new baby. Also, next year we are renting our own house with our friends Liz and Doug. I can hardly wait!!!

DisneyLand

2009-08-04T09:42:00.004-07:00

This year Eric and Livy took a day off the beach to go to DisneyLand. Livy chose a day at DisneyLand instead of doing a friend birthday party for her birthday. They were there when the park opened at 8 am and left when it closed at midnight. Ryan, Jamie and Ava went also and they met up together a few times. For lunch they went to Ariel's Grotto and had lunch with all the princesses. This time at DisneyLand Livy was more into doing all the rides instead of seeing the princesses which was her focus last trip :). They had a very busy day but a very good one!

Happy 8th Birthday Olivia!

2009-07-22T17:16:00.002-07:00

For Olivia's birthday she wanted the whole family to go to a movie and dinner. So, everyone that could (Braden, Rachel, Ava, Jamie, Ryan, Gavin, Mimi, Papa, William, Eric, Amy, London and Savvy) all went to see Ice Age 3 in 3D. We all looked lovely in our glasses. Then we went to Livy's favorite place to eat in Salt Lake - Hires. We did this on the weekend when everyone was around so on her actual birthday we had a cake and presents with Mimi and Papa. She got a Wii, Guitar Hero, and a set of scriptures since she is getting baptized in a few weeks. When I put her to bed the night before her birthday she let me know that she would like a birthday banner. She is so funny. So, that night I was up for a while coloring :). I can't believe I have a child that is old enough to be baptized! I am really excited for her baptism and I can't believe what a young lady she is turning into!

More Good Times in Utah :)

2009-07-22T16:52:00.007-07:00

Livy took dance classes two of the weeks we were in Utah and had such a great time! Courtney (Parker) Jacobsen was her teacher and she loved it!

Olivia decided one day that we all needed to wear our age. She put foam stickers on everyone that had their age on it. Savvy got hers right on her forehead! Lucky her.

One Sunday afternoon the little girls were driving everyone crazy so Eric took them all to Liberty park and to This is The Place Monument. It was SO nice of Eric. The girls had a good time and everyone else was able to actually enjoy their Sunday afternoon!

Summer in Utah

2009-07-10T18:26:00.005-07:00

One day we went down to Provo and hung out at Ryan and Jamie's. London, Ava and Livy had a good time dressing up. While we were down there we went and checked out Rachel and Braden's apartment. It was nice but a little small - especially with all of us in there. We decided not to take the babies - Savannah and Gavin - out of their carseats and they just looked so cute sitting next to each other.

Another evening we had Eric's family (whoever was in town) over for some dinner and s'mores followed by fireworks. Jenn and Tyler came and then Aaron and the boys -Andrew, William and Matthew- came, along with Aaron's girlfriend Libby. We all had a great time and we all left smelling like campfire :).

Eric and Spencer celebrated their birthday together since they are only one day apart and Eric flew back on his birthday to Phoenix to work :( . Of course they both wanted different cakes so we had multiple cakes and a fabulous meal provided by Mimi.

Savvy's Blessing

2009-07-10T18:22:00.002-07:00

We blessed Savannah at my parents home while we were in Utah. It was nice because most of the my family was in town (just Braden and Rachel missed it - they were on their honymoon). We did it in the home and it was really neat. Eric did a great job and Savannah was very good - she even let us get some good pictures of her!

Rachel & Braden's Wedding

2009-07-10T18:08:00.006-07:00

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T12:11:00.002-07:00

Happy Father's Day Dad! We Love You! Love your girls - Olivia, London & Savvy

Savvy

2009-06-21T11:38:00.004-07:00

Isn't London so cute? I put this picture here to show you what Savvy will look like in a couple of years :). She looks so much like London. This picture of Savvy looks exactly like the picture of London that I used for London's birth announcement. So cute!!! Here are some more pics of Savvy - the ones with her eyes open are the most recent. We love our silly Savvy - as London likes to call her.

Classic Image Dance Recital 2009 - If The Shoe Fits

2009-06-21T11:00:00.002-07:00

This weekend was Olivia's dance recital. She was fabulous of course and the whole recital was awesome! The theme was "If The Shoe Fits" and the ballet portion of it was the Cinderella story. For her ballet dance Livy was a mouse that helps Cinderella get ready - it was SO cute! The other dances Livy was in were - a hip hop number called "Battle" , a mini company number called "Cha-Cha", a Jazz number called "Rockstar", a production (all the companies together) number called "Superheroes", another mini company number called "It's My Party" and then the Finale number that everyone is in. I think my favorite numbers to watch were "Cha-Cha" and "Rockstar". I just love to watch Livy dance - she makes the best faces :). London likes to watch Livy dance too - she came to the recital and watched almost the whole thing! London is so excited to take dance this fall and be just like Livy! Eric also danced in the recital - he was in the dads dance and was very good. London told him afterwards that his dance was silly :). He is a pretty good dancer - very entertaining at least. We are ALL excited for a break from dance this summer but we are also looking forward to another fabulous year of dance starting this fall. Good job on a great year Olivia - we love you!

9 Lovely Years

2009-05-26T18:44:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was our 9 year wedding anniversary. I can't believe we've been married that long but it has definately been the best 9 years of my life - that sounds cheesy but I am serious. I just have to say how much I love Eric. I am so lucky to have fooled him into marrying me. He is my best friend, an AMAZING dad and is always doing everything he can for me and our family. So, my parents have been in town to see Savannah so they watched the girls while we went on a little afternoon date. We got some lunch and then went and saw Angels & Demons. It is a really, really good movie - a must see. It was really nice to just be the two of us - it's been a while and it will probably be a long while before it happens again. It was a low key and very good anniversary. I love you Eric.

On another note, Olivia is out of school, London is crazy and has decided to punish me for having a baby by peeing on the carpet every now and then (she knows exactly what she is doing), Savannah is just figuring things out and needs a lot of attention, and my mom left to get back home to help Rachel with her wedding. Let's just say, I am feeling a pinch overwhelmed. So many changes, good ones, but a little too much going on. I do love my girls though - crazy and all.

Savvy and Amy are home!

2009-05-14T16:43:00.003-07:00

The girls are home! Here are the first picts of Savvy.

Savannah Elise Nielsen

2009-05-13T20:23:00.003-07:00

"Savvy" is here! She was born today at 1:18 p.m. (Amy started pushing at 1:17 p.m.) Savvy is 6lb 7oz, 20in. She has a pointed chin and cute dimples. She has lots of brown hair. Too bad it will all fall off - our girls always have lots of hair when they are born and then they lose it all. When she came out, she kept peeing on the doctor and nurses - it was too funny. Amy and Savvy (a.k.a., "the Savage") are both doing great. Savvy has been really quiet. Could 1 of our 3 girls actually be calm? Not likely. And Livy and London are excited. The 3 girls exchanged gifts and that was fun - Savvy gave Livy her own cell phone so Livy can always get in touch with her, and Savvy gave London a princess skirt and magic wand. I'll try to post some pictures of the Savage tomorrow.

Girls Weekend

2009-04-28T17:44:00.003-07:00

Katy and Elisabeth came in town this last weekend and we were able to have a FABULOUS girls weekend. I picked them up at the airport on Friday morning and had to take them back to the airport on Sunday evening. While we were together we ate out, shopped, layed by the pool, ate out, talked, ate out and talked. Did I mention that we ate a lot? I think I gained at least 5 pounds in the three days we were together. Oh well, it was worth it :). It was so nice to do whatever we wanted and to not have children to worry about. I haven't ever done anything like this and it was the first time I had left my kids overnight since Olivia was born - almost 8 years ago. I was definitely due for something like this!! It was so great to just talk and catch up without any interruptions and to not have any sort of agenda. We are definitely going to have to make this a yearly tradition!!! Love and ITB girls :)

Dad, The Girls and St. George

2009-04-27T07:40:00.004-07:00

This last weekend while I enjoyed a girls weekend with Elisabeth and Katy (I'll post about our weekend later) Eric took both girls to St. George and hung out with my family. They said they had a great time and there were plenty of funny things going on - which is bound to happen when Spencer and Eric are together. They went swimming, took the girls for donuts (and lost Ava in the process), ate at Cafe Rio and In N Out, went bowling, and played and played!! Spencer, Judd (Becca's boyfriend) and Braden (Rachel's fiance) got 12 x 12's at In N Out - that is 3 lbs. of ground beef and they ate it all. Disgusting. Another equally disgusting thing is that Spencer bit the head off of a live cricket and chewed and swallowed it. Why? Who knows. The girls loved playing with Ava and seeing new baby Gavin. My mom and Becca both informed me that they knew I was not around when things happend like London waking up Becca the first morning with her hair going crazy and eating a bowl of M&M's with a spoon. Nice. London's hair was never combed the entire time, she never took a bath and she rarely had more than underwear on. Livy I think tried to pull herself together but no doubt it wasn't quite what things would have been like had I been there. Both girls were allowed to stay up a little later than they should have and who knows what other odd things were allowed to happen. I'm not sure I want to know. Anyway, I'm grateful for such a wonderful husband who was willing to take the girls on a road trip all by himself. The girls always have fun with their dad and I think a very good weekend was had by everyone :).

Weekend with Mimi and Papa

2009-04-20T12:47:00.003-07:00

My parents came in town for a few days to go to Dallin Pew's wedding this last weekend. We had so much fun spending time with them. The girls absolutely love their Mimi and Papa. Friday was the wedding and luncheon and then that evening Livy had a dance performance so we all went to that. She was a fabulous dancer - but unfortunately there were some other dance companies that did numbers and we had to sit through their boring and very weird numbers?. Saturday Eric and Papa took the girls to the train park in Scottsdale and then to Build-A-Bear. Papa is so good to his girls :). While they did that my mom and I went shopping to find her an outfit for Rachel's wedding. It was so nice to shop without children - what a treat. Then we got the girls' favorite babysitter from our ward and my parents took Eric and I out to dinner for my birthday that is coming up. We went to Houston's. So fabulous. It is one of those places where I keep eating after I am full because it all tastes so good - I left absolutely stuffed!! We then stopped by Dallin's reception and visited with the Pews. Sunday we went to church and then just hung out until my parents had to leave that evening. It was such a fun weekend and it helped take my mind off the fact that I am a huge, uncomfortable, ready-to-be-done pregnant lady! :)

This next weekend Eric is taking the girls to St. George where my family has rented a house for the weekend. He is being very brave and going on a road trip with the girls all by himself. What a cute dad :). I am staying here in AZ and my two good friends from college days at the U are flying in for a girls weekend. We are staying at a great resort in Scottsdale and plan to shop, eat and lay by the pool. Oh, and sleep in as late as we want! I am really looking forward to this weekend and I am going to soak it all up because who knows when the next time I will get a good nights sleep will be!

Wildlife Zoo Pictures

2009-04-15T08:10:00.003-07:00

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T17:26:00.006-07:00

We have had a fun Easter weekend. Jerilyn's two younger boys - William and Matthew - came in town to visit and London and Livy had fun hanging out with them. Aunt Jenn also came in town and all the kids slept over with Jenn in her room - lucky Jenn :). They watched a lot of fun movies in Greg and JoRita's theatre room, went to a few parks, and one day they went to the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium (I'm waiting for Eric's mom to email me pictures). They were able to feed giraffes and monkeys, touch starfish and sting rays, and they even went on a log ride.

Then today for Easter Sunday the girls woke up to cute baskets for each of them with some games and candy. Then Olivia had planned an Easter egg hunt for me, Eric and London in her room. It was so cute. She made baskets for each of us out of paper and then made paper eggs that she filled with candy and hid around her room. We each got four eggs and they had our names on them so that we didn't mix up our eggs :). She did it all by herself and thought of it on her own. It was SO cute and so thoughtful! Eric then made scones for breakfast which Olivia LOVED. We then got ready and went to Eric's parents ward because I sang in their ward for Sacrament meeting. It was nice to be with family at church. Later this afternoon we did our own Easter egg hunt in the back yard. London just follows Livy wherever she goes so Livy had to help London find her eggs - it was really cute to watch them finding the eggs together. Olivia opened the barbecue and saw an egg and London swooped in and grabbed it - it was too funny. Livy wanted to know why we just hid quarters and dollar bills for money. She was hoping for a twenty. I told her if there were twenties in the eggs I would be out there looking for the eggs for myself!

Another fun thing that happened today is London cut her hair. If you look closely at the pictures from the Easter egg hunt this afternoon you will notice London's hair is quite a mess. While Eric and I took a nap (we couldn't get either of the girls down for a nap so we gave up and we took one anyway) London cut her hair. Livy never did it and I knew it was bound to happen with one of my girls. She, of course, cut off a big chunk of hair right where I usually put a little pony tail in her hair. Of course, I just took both girls to a salon and had their hair cut really cute. London is so much trouble. Anyway, we have had a really good day and a great weekend. Happy Easter!

Engaged!!

2009-03-19T19:53:00.003-07:00

Here is a picture of the cute, engaged couple - Rachel and Braden. They are getting married on June 25th in the Salt Lake Temple. Aren't they just so cute?.

Potty Training, Braces and Painting

2009-03-19T16:52:00.004-07:00

I think we are pretty much potty trained! Yeah!! It has been a rough week but thankfully I can now see that we are nearing the end! I hate potty training. I really hate potty training. I was not ready to start it with London but she kept asking to go potty so I didn't feel I had a choice. So, we started Monday and it was a very bad day. We had five accidents and no real successful trips to the potty. Tuesday was much better and Wednesday was great. She has an accident every now and then but it is just because she doesn't pull down her underwear fast enough and she ends up going right in front of the potty in her underwear. Oh well, at least I can see that she has figured it out and this week has not been in vain :). So, no more buying diapers or changing them (for two months until the baby gets here) and I can look at her cute little butt in underwear :). I am very grateful that this week is just about behind me. Hallelujah.

We had the three girls rooms painted this week and they look so great!!! It was fun to get them all put together once they were painted. This one above is London's room and we did it in a pale yellow. She is now in a big girl bed and is doing really well. Her bedskirt is on backorder so that is why you can see the lovely box spring hanging out. In this picture she put her favorite stuffed animals to bed in her bed. She is definitely a character.

This is the baby's room - Savvy's room. We moved the crib in here from London's room and put in all the new crib bedding. I am loving it. I spent last night putting together the bassinet, the swing, the bouncy chair and all those fun baby items. We are just about ready!

This is Livy's room. She really wanted to pick out her paint color but I told her that after the experience with her and Eric picking the Tinkerbell Green paint for her last room - they both had lost their privileges for picking paint. So, her room was painted a pinkish brown that I love. I think I will use it in more of the house when we get around to painting the rest of the house. It looks really good with her bedding and all her white furniture.

This last picture I took is of Olivia and her teeth that we are getting fixed. She got a retainer put in on Monday that is spreading her mouth because her mouth is too small for all her teeth. We have a key that fits into the retainer and you turn it every night to slowly expand her mouth. She is not liking it at all, but it is nice to be getting it done now instead of high school. Then in a couple of weeks she will be getting her braces on. She is really excited about them. Obviously she doesn't realize that they are going to hurt just as much as the retainer. For some reason though, she thinks they are so cool. Anyway, she is just getting so big. I can't believe I will have a child in braces. Weird.

On to other news, Rachel is officially engaged!!! Braden Brown proposed to her last weekend and they are getting married on June 25th. So exciting. We all really like Braden and I am excited for the wedding. I am NOT excited to be in pictures or in a fitted dress just a month after having a baby. But, what do you do? I don't seem to have a say in the matter. Rachel is sending me a picture of her and Braden to post so you can all see the cute couple :).

This morning we had another addition to our extended family. Jamie went into labor and Gavin Hyde was born!!! As Ava would say - the baby finally popped out! He weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 19 inches long. We are so excited and I have already told Ryan that he needs to have pictures of Gavin posted on their blog by the end of the day!!!

Silly Girls and The Ostrich Festival

2009-03-14T20:49:00.005-07:00

So just about every other Saturday Eric gets up with the girls and lets me sleep and he takes them to Krispy Kreme. I'm not sure if it is for him or the girls :) - just kidding Eric. He takes them and they each get to hold a little box of donuts on their laps while they drive home. Once home they thoroughly enjoy themselves as you can see. London likes to just eat the tops off which results in quite a large mess and Livy has just always loved her donuts! Daddy is just so much more fun than mom :).

This is London's latest outfit of choice. She puts this on a couple of times a day. She has to have two different dress up shoes (one of each on), the mermaid costume because it is a blue princess outfit (blue is her favorite color), a pom pom, a magic wand, and a princess hat. She gets dressed herself and then comes up right in my face and says "Mommy, I a pincess." So cute. She is a princess :).

Today we went to the annual Chandler Ostrich Festival. We happened upon it last year and had a blast so we made sure to make it there this year and gave ourselves a little more time. The girls (Olivia, London and Olivia's friend Abby) all got wristbands so they could ride all the carnival rides - which they loved. Olivia especially was a fan of the swings that spin around - a daredevil side of Livy we haven't seen before. London even enjoyed the little rides - except for one of the spinning ones that made her sick. We ate gross carnival food such as pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, and frozen lemonade. And Eric had an ostrich burger. Ew! We saw the world's biggest pig and checked out the sea lion show (yes that is right, they have a sea lion show at an ostrich festival - makes perfect sense, right?). For the conclusion of our afternoon we went to the ostrich races. They have little jockeys ride them bareback and then they have a chariot race where the jockeys ride in little chariots attached to the ostriches. There is also a camel race, a zebra doing stunts, and emu and chicken chases with little kids. It was hilarious, except for one of the jockeys fell off her ostrich, got trampled and was taken off in an ambulance - that was a little scary and sad :(. But other than that, we all totally enjoyed it. It was a gorgeous day - maybe a little too hot (mid 70's) because we all got a little sunburned. Anyway, we had a fabulous day and we are all exhausted and looking forward to next year's Ostrich Festival!!

February Summary

2009-03-04T12:30:00.005-07:00

Livy and her favorite Senior Company Dancer Mariah.

Livy and Olivia with the Hip Hop Choreographer/Teacher

Livy with the head of the Hollywood Experience Dance Convention. (He also teaches at the Studio we go to)

Livy and Olivia

Livy, Olivia and Dream

All the girls from Mini Company - Olivia, Lily, Dream, Isabella,

Livy, Sofia, Makayla, Jenna and Lexi

Working on her technique in the conventions' ballet class.

Lunch in a conference room at the hotel where the convention was at.

So, I have been a horrible blogger lately. I just have not been in the mood. Anyway here is an update of our February. . . . The last two weekends Olivia has had dance competitions which have kept us very busy. We are really excited for this next weekend with nothing to do :). The first competition was a convention which is where they go to classes all day taught by famous choreographers/dancers and then at night is the competition part. So, they are VERY worn out by the end of the day. She had a really good time and they did great in the competition. This last weekend was just a competition - no classes - and they did three numbers which all got great awards. One of their numbers - Cool Rider - received first place overall for their division. Yeah!!! It is a lot of fun to watch all the dancing and Livy really has a great time. So, that is what all the above pictures are from. I didn't get any pics of her in her competition outfits because I was too busy changing her between dances. She will be doing these dances at recital so there will be plenty of pics then!

Other than dance - Livy's latest thing is that she is getting braces. Tomorrow she and I are going to get them on! She has had spacers for the last week to get ready for them. She is really excited and I think her enthusiasm will last until the day after she gets them on and feels the pain. Poor thing. Better now than in high school though :).

London is crazy as usual and is talking like crazy so there is always something funny that comes out of her mouth everyday. Lately she has been calling Eric - dad and Eric. It seems to just depend on her mood. If she is calling him Eric and you say - okay let's go get dad she then tells you that no she wants Eric. Eric has decided that dad is his usual name and Eric is his stage name (like Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana). So, it just depends which one London wants at the moment. She is nuts. She is also really into animals. She has a webkinz Hippo and a Lion (she calls it Lucky Lion) that she carries everywhere and also HAS to sleep with. She is also really into singing and she makes me sing songs with her all day. We have to sing popcorn on the apricot tree, wheels on the bus, twinkle twinkle little star, the Dora the Explorer theme song and the Diego theme song. Let's just say I am really getting tired of those songs. I can't believe how big she is getting and I am realizing I need to start potty training her. Not something I am looking forward to.

As for me I had a fabulous Valentine's Day. Eric spoiled me with lots of wonderful gifts and took me to Houston's for dinner. I still can't stop thinking about that meal - it was SO good. He is so good to me. Always taking care of me and telling me to rest, which is what I seem to do a lot of these days as my stomach has gotten HUGE. I think in the last week my stomach has doubled in size. I really like having the baby inside and being able to sleep when I want but I think I would rather not be pregnant anymore and have the baby. I just want to get back to myself - although I don't know that that ever happens once you have children. The other thing that has been going on is I started going to church again. I finally have felt better and have been going back. After about two weeks back the first counselor in our bishopric called and gave me a calling in the primary and asked Eric and I to speak in sacrament meeting the next week. What kind of welcome back is that? I think I am still sick :).

Also this month my parents came in town for a little visit which we always love. London and Livy LOVE their Mimi and Papa. We didn't do much - just enjoyed one anothers company, ate lots of good food and one night we even got a babysitter and went to a movie!! I can't tell you the last time I went to the theatres. We saw Taken which I highly recommend. Okay, so I have babbled on long enough but that is what happens when you don't blog for a month. And, knowing myself lately it will probably be another month before I blog again - so see you then. By the way we finally decided on a name (I think) - Savannah Belle and Savvy for short. It does sound a little southern but we really like it. :)

SUPERHERO OLIVIA

2009-02-06T23:54:00.005-07:00

So Olivia danced at the Suns game tonight. They do it every year and this year the song was done with a superhero/villain theme. The two main dancers are the older girls that are in the pictures in the superhero outfits that match the little girls outfits. Then some of the older girls were villains but Eric didn't get pictures of them :). London and I went to dinner with Olivia and Eric before and then we dropped them off at the game. It is a really cute hip hop dance that they will be performing at competitions coming up so I am excited to see it all put together since I didn't get to go tonight. I love watching Olivia dance. She loves it and you can tell she loves it. Also, I think I enjoy it because I cannot dance - and that is putting it nicely. They look so cute in their superhero outfits! After they performed they all had tickets together and watched the first half of the game. It was a late game so they decided to bail at half time. Olivia had a fabulous night and this is the beginning of a lot of dance competition filled weekends - so here we go!

Good Job Olivia!

2009-02-02T21:30:00.005-07:00

Christmas '05 - Olivia was 4. Amy's parents gave Olivia a bike. I thought teaching her to ride a bike without training wheels would be cake. We spent hours and hours wobbling through church parking lots and up and down streets and falling over - apparently Olivia has her mom's coordination. Olivia was embarrased she couldn't ride with her friends and I was dissapointed with my dad skills. The last thing I wanted was some high school boyfriend teaching my daughter how to ride. Well, as of this weekend, she can ride. No thanks to me - she just picked it up out of the blue. To celebrate, Amy took Olivia out this afternoon and bought her a blue Electra beach cruiser with a kick stand (that was a very important feature). Olivia feels soooo good about herself. Good Job Olivia!

A Few Busy Weekends

2009-01-28T21:56:00.004-07:00

We have had some busy weekends in January but I have not felt like blogging so I will try to sum up the month in one quick post. One weekend we went on a Friday night to see Lion King on Broadway. We went with Eric's parents, me, Eric, Olivia and Eric's sister Brittany. Lion King was fabulous!!! Olivia loved it and I'm so glad Eric's parents got tickets for us. We need to see more Broadways! So, Eric's sister Brittany lives in Dallas but came in town to spend a week visiting and brought her daughter Lexi along :). Lexi and London are only a couple of months apart but they are not sure they like each other. We had fun spending time with Brittany but Lexi and London were not wanting to share toys or get too close to one another. It was a lot of screaming and it was a little funny :). So, on Saturday of that weekend Eric and I took Livy, London and Livy's friend Morgan to the zoo. It was in the mid 70's and it was an absolutely gorgeous day! I think just about every animal was out and walking around - it was one of the best days I've had at a zoo. We went to Port of Subs just before we got to the zoo and had some lunch then while we were at the zoo we snacked on kettle korn and sno-cones. We all ended up with colored lips and mouths after the sno-cones and we enjoyed every bite. While at the zoo we also went to the sting ray bay which the girls loved.

So, the next weekend we got the Snell & Wilmer suite and went to High School Musical on Ice. We took a few of Livy's friends and their parents and afterwards we went out for pizza. The girls had a great time and it wasn't a bad show. Watching the girls sing to all the songs and watching London trying to copy everything the older girls did was far more entertaining for me than the show. After that show we had to rush off to a dance practice for Livy because she is getting ready to perform at a Suns game which will be really fun. We then went up to Eric's parents to spend time again with Brittany before she left and we had a very interesting experience. Eric's parents patio has a view of a few other patios. While we were out on the patio feeding the girls mac and cheese we noticed three men out on their patio swimming and hanging out - completely NUDE! What the ? It was very interesting and more than I ever want to see again. Gross. So we have had a lot of fun things going on lately but I am looking forward to a weekend with nothing to do - except watch the Superbowl!!! We are so excited the Arizona Cardinals are going to the Superbowl. Eric and Livy went out and bought shirts to wear for the Cardinals. They are so funny.

The picture of London in her red and black Sunday outfit was taken by Livy on a Sunday morning while Eric and I were trying to get ready. She just looks mischievous doesn't she? She is. Livy and London are two partners in crime and they are pretty dang funny. London has been doing and saying the funniest things lately. Today I layed back down for a little while after I got Livy off to school and got London settled with a snack and toys and watching Go Diego Go. London has a little kitchen she got for her birthday and she LOVES it! Also, there was a big box of Dr. Pepper cans sitting in the kitchen that I had not put in the fridge yet. (yes people, Dr. Pepper is tasting fabulous again - we are back thank heavens!!!) So I got up from my nap and London had opened the box of Dr. Peppers and had stock piled her kitchen. She had put as many cans as she could fit in her kitchen sink, counter and shelves. It was hilarious. She calls any soda pepper and asks for "a pepper" all the time. Before I went to nap she had asked for a pepper and I had said no but maybe later. I guess she wanted to make sure she had some in case I didn't give her any.

Okay, I think I have gone on long enough - hopefully I will get back into blogging so that it's not another three weeks in between blogs. By the way I think we have decided on Savannah for the name. What do you think? We would call her Savvy (because I shorten everything). Any ideas for a middle name?

A Good Day

2009-01-05T23:25:00.003-07:00

This past Saturday was the Fiesta Bowl Parade in downtown Phoenix. It was an absolutely gorgeous day at about 68 degrees and we had a great time being together as a family. Eric took the girls and went to the parade and I met them there a little after the parade started. They took the extra time before hand to load up on candy, pop and horns. Clearly they were with their dad. It was so funny when I met up with them. I see the three of them in their chairs, wearing sunglasses, blowing their horns and snacking on candy. What nuts. Anyway the parade was fun and it was just nice to enjoy the sun. Then we drove over to Kierland in Scottsdale and had lunch at the Tommy Bahama Cafe. It was Fabulous!!! I couldn't get enough of their good food. Then we shopped for a short time - London always makes shopping interesting so it never lasts long with her around. We then ran a few errands and went home to relax and enjoy the Utah football game. What a game. A very good end to a very good day.

Sugar Bowl Champions!

2009-01-04T10:02:00.004-07:00

Sooo Sweet on sooo many levels! So proud to be Utes we could spit!

Christmas and SNOW in Utah!!!

2008-12-31T17:41:00.009-07:00

So, we drove up to Salt Lake on the night of the 22nd. We drove through the night which made for a much more peaceful ride. We love when our children are asleep :). We did lots of fun things while in Utah . . . we shopped, watched movies, ate LOTS of food and ice cream - The Dodo, Hires, Nielsen's and more, visited with Eric's family, went snowmobiling, sledding a couple of times, went to Body Worlds, the boys went to a Jazz game and we played a lot of Yahtzee games. So here are some pictures of our fun trip. There was a lot of snow for us the first couple of days we were here and the girls LOVED it! Also, another great accomplishment is that we got London off the bottle. I can't tell you how exciting that is. Other mothers will understand :).

Snowmobiling at White Pine Adventures in Park City.

London eating at The Dodo. She is always trouble.

Olivia and Ava coloring at The Dodo. I will be craving their food for the next couple of months until we are here again!!!

London in her new coat and hat. Isn't she so cute? Good thing she is cute because she is trouble.

London LOVED sledding! One of her new lines that she loved saying is " I Like Snow!" She is starting to talk a lot which is scaring me because she is like Olivia - she doesn't turn off!

Olivia at the end of the sledding hill. She was not afraid and took some really good jumps!

This is us at Temple Square. Sunday night we went with Ryan, Jamie and Ava and saw the lights at Temple Square. They were really pretty but I remember them being so much better. As a kid they just look different I think. Our little Arizona family freezing our behinds off looking at the lights :).

Eric and Olivia on Christmas morning. The white shelf on the side is one of Olivia's gifts. It's a bookcase for her room because she loves to read. She is holding one of her favorite gifts - a knock-knock joke book that Eric picked out. Thanks a lot Eric.

Olivia and London early in the morning the day after Christmas. We had a big storm Christmas night and so Papa got up early to snow blow and the girls had to go out and be a part of all the snow. They finally talked Eric into going out and pulling them around on a sled. Eric and Ryan even made them a little jump/hill in the front yard. They had so much fun - and mom had even more fun watching out the window from the warm house.

Livy, Ava and London playing in the snow.

Eric would pull the girls around on the sled and you would have to keep looking back and checking on London because she would just slide off and be lying behind in the snow. It was pretty funny.

These last few pictures are from Olivia's Christmas recital that was on December 20th just before we left for Utah. They did a ballet performance the first half that was similar to the Nutcracker but was from a book called One Enchanted Christmas. This is one of their outfits. They also had a toy soldier outfit. The second half of the recital was jazz and hip hop numbers and Livy's group did a number to Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. It was fabulous and we always love to watch Olivia dance and to see how happy it makes her. She is getting so good!

They had to have their hair in ringlets and wear stage make up. She looks pretty cute.

Anyway, I can't believe the Christmas season has come and gone. We had so much fun this year and had a lot of fun things to go and do. I am so grateful that I was finally feeling better and able to enjoy everything. I'm also grateful for my cute little family. I'm just crazy about them. So, we head home tomorrow and I have enjoyed the snow, I could probably even have it for a little longer BUT I am looking forward to the weather I have gotten used to. Oh, and by the way we are really struggling with girl names. I am really tired of looking at names on the internet so if you have cute suggestions or ideas please, please leave a comment with them!!! :)

Three for Three!

2008-12-22T16:36:00.002-07:00

So. . . we went to the doctor today to find out what we are having. It's a GIRL!!! Eric was really relieved because he said he was nervous it might be a boy and he doesn't know what to do with a boy :). We do seem to be getting the girl thing down and we are excited to add another one to our family! I am having a really hard time coming up with girl names that I like though. So, if you have any ideas I would love to hear them!!!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-14T17:14:00.004-07:00

We had such a fun Saturday! Livy had dance practice for 3 hours (lucky her) and so Eric, London and I went Christmas shopping. We got just about everything done in one day. That is the way to go. We had to tear London away from a few toy stores but a few minutes later she couldn't remember what she was crying about, so it was all good. After Livy finished practice we got her all ready and she had a dance performance at an outdoor mall in Tempe. She did a number to Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. It was a jazz routine and it was DARLING!!! Olivia was so cute in it! After the number Eric looked over at me and said "I'm so proud I could spit." She of course is the cutest one out there :). She then did a ballet number where she was a toy soldier. As you can see by the pictures London REALLY liked Livy's toy soldier hat. She was not happy when Livy took it to go and dance with. It was really fun to see Olivia dance. After she performed we went and ate at CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) which was fabulous. Then, as usual, after dining with children we couldn't wait to get them in bed!! We have very cute children but they tend you wear you out after a full day of fun!!!

Seeing Santa

2008-12-12T21:35:00.005-07:00

Santa came to Snell & Wilmer (Eric's law firm) today and as you can see from London's many frightened faces, she was NOT interested in sitting on his lap. How funny are those faces? She did not want to see him or even get close. What is it with little kids? Next year she will probably be dying to sit on his lap. Livy sat on his lap and posed for us even though she has informed us that she knows Santa is not real - Santa is just your parents. Well, she didn't last long. Oh well, it still put me into the Christmas spirit and so I think I may actually start my Christmas shopping tomorrow!! :)

Thanksgiving in Vegas

2008-12-06T11:43:00.004-07:00

This is Olivia and William (Jerilyn's boy) at the park. They are always able to make each other laugh!

London would not let us get a good picture of her. I love this little outfit I just got for her but everyone said she looked like an eskimo. I think she looks MUCH cuter than that :). Also, I did do her hair everyday - I would like you to all know - with cute bows and things but it never lasted more than an hour. Dang her.

This is William and Matthew (Jerilyn's boys) in their chairs watching t.v. Jerilyn's friends took her clothes that she wore a lot and made blankets out of them and then gave one to everyone in the family to remember her by and to have something to snuggle with. It was so sweet of them and everyone loves their blanket. We miss you Jerilyn.

Jerilyn's oldest - Andrew - had his birthday while we were there and turned 15. So old and so mature :).

Once again London was too busy to give a smile for the camera. She is trouble.

This is Eric's dad Greg with Jack (Jenn & Tyler's dog). Jenn and Tyler brought their dog and at first the kids were a little nervous about him being there but once they warmed up to him, that was all they cared about.

London and Matthew got along really well - thankfully there were no punches thrown.

This is Lala, William, Matthew and Olivia enjoying breakfast.

Thanksgiving this year was a lot of fun and it was so nice to spend it with Eric's family in Vegas (we missed having Brittany, Jeff and Lexi there!). We drove in on Wednesday with Eric's parents and one of Jerilyn and Aaron's friends let us stay in their house while they were out of town for Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful house and they had a little dog named Sophie that London constantly tormented. That poor dog is probably still recovering! Thanksgiving day we didn't do much, which is how it should be! We ordered our Thanksgiving meal in from Red Rock Hotel just up the street. It was fabulous and no one had to do any work. That is the way to do it!! I told Eric we are going to find a place we like in Arizona to order from because that is how we will be doing our Thanksgivings! Friday and Saturday we spent shopping, going to the park, enjoying the fabulous weather and being together as family. I was able to enjoy this weekend thanks to everyone else for watching my kids every morning. I got to sleep in everyday so I didn't throw up once on the trip (yeah!!!). Not to worry though, this lovely child of mine inside of me made up for it once we got back. Anyway, we had a fabulous time in Vegas and it was great to be with the Nielsen's. Now, on to Christmas!

Oh Yeah

2008-11-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday London - 2 Years Old!

2008-11-22T20:33:00.004-07:00

So yesterday (the 21st) was London's 2 year old birthday! We gave her her presents on her birthday but we celebrated it today. Eric's parents and my parents gave her the cute red kitchen that she LOVES! We bought her the pots and pans, food for the kitchen and some other fun toys for her. Olivia bought her a Dora doll that has hair you can brush - AND it came with it's own brush. She doesn't let the doll - or the brush - out of her sight. Today we went to Livy's soccer game and then Eric's parents came over and we had dinner and cupcakes! London's candle had a Dora candle which she tried very hard to blow out but ended up needing her big sisters help to blow out :). We kept telling her happy birthday all day and so she started saying "happy" and putting her hands in the air. I think she ended up having a good birthday and she is loving her toys which makes mom happy because she keeps herself very occupied!!! I can't believe she is 2. It seems to happen all of a sudden. She is just so dang cute. Love my London girl.

Hannah and Dee Dee

2008-11-01T20:17:00.005-07:00

Halloween was a fun night for everyone (except the throwing up pregnant lady) and we are really glad that Mimi was here to celebrate with us :). Olivia was Hannah Montana and fully enjoyed every minute of it and London was Dee Dee Doodlebop from the Disney channel. London would not wear the pink wig - we got it on for about 10 seconds but that was it. Eric took the girls around our neighborhood and London loved it. She would not let go of her candy bag. Even when it got so full she had to drag it on the ground you could not pry her fingers off of her bag. Also, when no one was looking she would try and take candy out of Olivia's bag and put it in hers. Little thief. Our friends the McLain's came over to trick or treat in our neighborhood and it was so fun to see them. We miss seeing them everyday (they used to live on our street). Rachel is the witch, Riley is the princess and Gavin is the race car driver. Gavin and London seem to have a thing for each other :).

The girls carved pumpkins with Eric on Wednesday night and they had a lot of fun of course. Olivia did her own - she carved a skull and cross bones into her pumpkin and Eric did a spider and spider web for London's. London helped clean out the pumpkins and just kept saying "Eeww". She would put her hands in and grab more from inside the pumpkin and everytime whe would say Eeww. So funny.

Also, the girls have been into riding Livy's go cart lately because it is finally cooling off - it's in the high 80's. Oh wait, that is still hot. Yeah, we don't want to talk about it. Anyway, Livy puts London on with her and London thinks she is so cool riding around with Livy. They are just so cute together :).

Just give me a moment please

2008-10-16T14:30:00.002-07:00

Okay I need to vent. I hate being pregnant. Yes, I know that hate is a strong word, that is why I am using it. I really love the end product but the process is just miserable. I wish I was one of those cute moms who doesn't even notice that they are pregnant, who feels great and works out everyday until the day they deliver - but I am NOT. I have no energy, I want to sleep all day, I am nauseous all the time and the things that I normally enjoy (like Dr. Pepper) make me want to throw up!! Seriously do we have to completely turn my world upside down to do this? Another problem I have is that I don't mind not fitting into my clothes while I am pregnant but the fact that it takes almost a year AFTER I have the baby to get back into my regular clothes really ticks me off. Who wants to wear different sizes of clothes for a year and a half? And, who wants to spend money on those clothes? Okay, I am feeling a little bit better after letting that all out. I am really excited for the new little spirit that will be a part of our family but the process of getting them here needs to be changed!

Utah in October

2008-10-15T15:59:00.005-07:00

So we went for a week to visit my family in Utah. We had such a good time and we were able to enjoy some real fall weather - and a little winter weather as well. One of the days we were there it snowed! So, Ryan, Jamie and Ava stayed at my parents most of the time we were there which was really fun and Jamie and I took the girls to the zoo one day. If you can't tell by the pictures - we were FREEZING! It was one of the fastest trips I have ever taken to the zoo. We rented the two seater stroller and put all three of them in. Then Jamie and I literally ran them around to the animals. All in all we were not there much longer than a half hour. Next time we need to dress warmer or go to the Phoenix zoo - the weather at the Phoneix zoo is just starting to get nice! So another day Jamie made sugar cookies and then we let the girls frost them. As you can tell by the pictures they thoroughly enjoyed it! London didn't eat any of the cookie, she just licked the frosting off - not a bad idea! On Saturday we went down to Provo and went to Cafe Rio with everyone and then we dropped the girls off with one of Jamie's cousins. She babysat the girls while we all went to the BYU football game. Part of the reason we made the trip to Utah was so we could meet the boy Rachel has been dating - Braden Brown. They are all in love :) and so we needed to meet him. He is so cute and we had a great time getting to know him. He is playing on the BYU football team (he is red shirting this year) so that is why we have to watch every BYU football game for the next few years! When we went to the game we sat in Braden's parents seats that are right behind the players and very close - it was so much fun to be that close-I just love football and fall!!! Anyway, we had a fabulous trip and of course we went to eat at the Dodo and Hires a couple of times to make our trip complete! We can't wait to visit again!

Ready or Not Here Comes #3

2008-10-06T10:25:00.002-07:00

I had a pretty good week last week with lots of exciting things going on. I got my braces off!!! I feel like an adult again. It is so nice to eat and not have everything stick in my braces. It is such a weird feeling. I went in for my checkup and they said we would make an appointment to get my braces off in one month. So I had to do some negotiating. I said I am going to Utah to see my family next week and it would be so nice to show them my new pretty smile. This almost convinced my orthodontist - but not quite. So I had to give him the news. I said - I am pregnant and you cannot have braces and be pregnant. I had to wait until I lost the baby fat from London to get my braces on and I was planning on having my braces off before we got pregnant with the next one. But, suprise suprise we are pregnant! So that convinced him and he took my braces off right then!! Yeah, I knew I liked him. :) So, the other news. I am pregnant, not very far along and due in May. This came unexpectedly but we are really excited! So far I haven't been sick and I am hoping for the best!

Cute Faces

2008-09-30T15:44:00.002-07:00

Wednesday Nights with Dad

2008-09-24T19:56:00.008-07:00

Eric here - and no, don't get used to me posting on Amy's blog. I just have a few quick thoughts:

Wednesdays are fantastic! After Olivia's soccer practice, I get to take the 2 girls home, give them their baths and get them in bed (as opposed to getting them to sleep...). All this while Amy goes off to mutual to be with her young women. No mom around... just me and the 2 Little Pistols.

Among other things, It usually involves more water out of the bath than in and snacks after their teeth are brushed. Yes, those are Fruity Pebbles and no, I'm not having them re-brush. Oh, and Amy, I think London spilled a little on the floor. Don't worry, it will be clean by the time you get home.

It also usually involves bedtimes a little later than normal. Amy couldn't honestly expect them to be asleep when she gets home, could she?? Here they are in bed together "trying" to go to sleep. You may notice London's eyes are almost shut. Of course it's not going to work - it's just fun to see them playing together.

I have to thank Amy for being a perfect mom and raising such amazing girls - I really can't take any of the credit - she is with them all day and loves them to death. I hope they turn out just like her. (It might be nice if they were less skilled in the sport of shopping I guess... but I'll take what I can get.)

Pom Pictures

2008-09-20T15:42:00.005-07:00

So of course London had to be a part of the first picture because she thinks she is just as big as Livy and her friends! The two girls with Olivia are both in Mini Company with her. The blonde one is Olivia Miller and the dark haired one is Dream Padilla. They are such cute girls and they have a great time together! The last picture is of Olivia with Monica who is in Senior Company at Classic Image. She is the one who organized the Pom camp and got Livy wanting to do it. Livy just adores her. So, I finally got these pics and my next project is to get the ones of London from my friend :).

Pom Camp, Soccer and Crazy London

2008-09-13T22:59:00.002-07:00

So we have had a lot going on with school starting, soccer starting, and dance starting for Olivia. I just keep forgetting my camera when we have things to go to so I keep putting off posting about things. Olivia started soccer two weeks ago and today was her first game. Eric is coaching her team and she is having a really fun time. They were given their color but were able to choose their team name - The Green Tigers. Watch out. I wasn't able to go to her game this weekend so when she walked in the door I said - how did you do? Instead of saying we won or we lost she said - they only scored one more than us. Very good way of looking at it, I thought! The first picture is the before and the next is after the game - notice the face is redder and the hair doesn't look quite as good :). So I will keep you all posted as to how the season goes!

A couple of weeks ago Livy did a Pom camp. Not a Cheer camp - a Pom camp. I was told what the difference is - Cheerleaders do cheers and stunts and Pommies dance and cheer. Don't confuse the two! So, Olivia did a camp and went two different Saturdays each for 3 hours and learned a little dance as well as some cheers. Then she was able to cheer and dance at Corona Del Sol High School's first home game. They cheered on the sideline for the first half and then during half time they did a dance with the Pommies. It was televised so we got a little shot of Livy on the news - so exciting. Actually, she wasn't very impressed. She decided it was kind of boring and I agree with her but she may change her mind once she is in High School?. I of course forgot my camera so my friend took pictures and as soon as she emails them to me I will post the cute pics.

Also about Livy, she made Mini Company at Classic Image Dance again. She is really excited to do it and absolutely loves her friends that are in it. They are already getting ready for a Christmas recital this year and for a November competition - so once again we are thrown back into dance - but it isn't a bad thing :).

Okay so my Crazy London is just that - Crazy. She has started saying so many words and she has such a cute, STRONG personality! I am having so much fun with her. Some of my mia maids that babysit for me took some darling pictures of London and I will post them soon. I always have to get my pics from other people because I just don't take pictures and when I do they aren't any good. London is getting so big and has changed so much lately. Some funny things she does/says lately - She likes to say my name as much as she possibly can in a day and it may just drive me over the edge! When she says no she squats down to say it and starts soft and gets louder by the end of the word just to make sure you understand. She follows Livy everywhere and does exactly what Livy does. She loves to "Meem Up" (clean up) and anytime I start to pick something up or put something in the garbage she starts saying, meem up, meem up. Whenever she sees bugs, crumbs, hair on the floor she says Eewwww ( and she kind of growls when she says it). She walks Livy to school in the morning with Eric and if she doesn't get to, it totally ruins her day. Seriously, it takes hours to recover! She wears flip flops and actually keeps them on and when she walks into the laundry room she has to be just like Livy so she kicks them off. Sometimes trying to kick them off is harder than she thinks and she ends up falling over. It is so funny and she thinks she is so big. She says so many funny things but they are not as funny written down, you have to hear them actually come out of her mouth to get the full effect. Okay, I am going to stop now and hopefully soon I will be able to post a bunch of new pictures of London being crazy and Livy doing her Pom camp :).