just a bunch of love and a little craziness

Monday, September 26, 2011

So far behind...curse our hard drive!

I am falling behind on blogging (not the only area in my life right now) But with blogging I am SO FAR BEHIND. I blame it on our computer- no really. Normally I am against blaming things i/e the kids, my job, sleep, having an infant, laziness. This time I am making the exception. Our hard drive is full-completely full! So after scouring the ads for a great deal we broke down and purchased some external memory mainly for the amazing amount of pictures that have taken up our large internal memory. So in the next few days as I make sure everything has transferred, I will again have access to my pictures and start blogging again. As for now I will try to refrain from thinking of all the birthdays, vacations, first days of school, milestones and just randomness, that I have not been able to blog about yet. Maybe I'll just go enjoy other blogs for the time being- oh poor me :)!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Fathers,Stars,Stripes,parades, and Cowboys=Summer!

Ben had a great Fathers day this year- at least I like to think he did. A new grill w/ a smoker, an amazing book about fathers and a nap after church. How could it have been better? Ethan had the cutest idea during church and as soon as we got home he began on his surprise. He outlined everyones foot on a piece of paper, each one inside of the other- from smallest to biggest. The result was something that will be treasured and loved forever as a reminder of our large family and love of his dad.

The 4th of July was postponed at our house for a few days since I had to work on the 4th. The older kids did stay up on the 4th to watch the Thanksgiving Point fireworks from the backyard, but the good stuff we saved till Friday. Glow sticks have replaced sparklers at our house and the kids love it especially when I get pictures of them in action. It's so fun to watch the kids be entertained by fireworks although the tanks tanked -they don't make them so they roll anymore- the spinning ones with the long bangs at the end made up for it. The kids had a blast and haven't stopped talking about what they are going to do for pioneer day fireworks.

Lehi roundup came and went this year without much participation from us. We did go to the parade because Ethan helped in pulling the ward float. It was hot and busy and frankly I only stayed so the kids could get some candy.

I'm pretty sure that each cowboy has a particular way that he wears his hat and Owen has a way of his own- he stores his bread in his hat! I'm not sure why- I've stopped asking why a long time ago when it comes to this kid. What I do know is he is full of personality and is darn cute! As far as the bread goes he wanted some for a snack and happened to wear his hat most of the day and in his mind maybe it sounded like a good idea.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Are You Ready?

Harry Potter! 'nough said!!!!

Monday, June 27, 2011

What a Blessing

Here are a few pictures of Will in his blessing outfit and the blanket that Bens mom made. I can't believe how he is always alert and smiley. His first smile was on June 1st and his first giggle was the day he turned 2 months old (June 24th). I can't get enough of this sweet boys cooing! It's like he has so much to say and just can't get it to come out.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Oh Washington!

This years Allen family reunion was jam packed with fun and not so much fun! What a trip! It was so fun to see Ben's family again. We had a great time at Banks Lake, grand coulee dam, water skiing, slide shows, pinatas for both kids and adult, the annual talent show and great company with great food. Ben had fun hiking and boating with his fam and it was fun to see the laser light show at the dam- something I haven't seen since I was in high school. The kids had a blast with their cousins playing miniature golf and texting and just good ole' sittin' around. Owen felt like he had to defend all of his stuff from his cousin Courtney, and Riley just had fun following the big kids around. Jocelyn loved painting her nails with her aunts and cousins and giving hugs to everyone! Sunday was very special - we all headed to church in Ephrata where we blessed Will. All of ben's brothers were present- a first for one of our kids blessings. Afterward we headed to the cemetery to see Bens' dads grave and take family pictures. We also stopped in to visit Jamie- Ben's best friend. I warned my kids that Jamies mom was so sweet that we would probably be offered everything in her house to eat. Sure enough we left with bags of snacks, a quilt! and some lotions for me! My kids were impressed with how giving she was and what a great grandma she was. I don't think they would mind visiting her again. We had fun seeing old friends. Vacation-What more could you ask for? We actually got more than we asked for when a few of our kids became sick again. What is it with washington and the Allens that make us sick????!!!!! Owen was hit the hardest with severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. He was just plain miserable! The only good thing was he laid around and I was able to keep track of him! But oh did it stress Ben and I out- we were sure we were headed to the emergency room! The ride home was eventful to say the least. It's been a week and a half and he still is recovering. Poor guy! Why is vacation so exhausting??? Fun and exhausting! Now back to real life and work for me- yuck!

Ben and I survived on these......

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

His own network show

Tonight was Ethan's big night to redeem himself. Yesterday he made a banana cake that has been lovingly deemed by his dad as the banana miscake! The thing didn't rise-not a bit! and the flavor was by far not favorable! So today he decide to try again and Success! So tonight during night games with the neighborhood kids a debate ensued. His chocolate pudding bundt cake was awesome and as of 1/2 hour ago won a bake-off against cookies from the girl across the street. How cute it was to watch the group of kids chant and argue (nicely, but loudly) over which was better. I've gotta say so far I love the pre-teen stage! It's anything but dull! Who knew that boys could be as moody as girls????!!!!