Bourbon Lake 2/0

Chris wanted to hike to Bourbon lake again to find a good hunting spot.

We had a few chipmunks join us for a snack. The kids had put a little treat under this log to see if any creatures would partake. Shortly before we left the kids discovered that the plan worked. They were really excited to watch the chipmunks.

Bibs, blanket, & burp cloths

I have been working hard to make some things in preparation for Ella to join our family. These are some of my creations. I still have a lot of work to do and a LOT to LEARN about sewing, but these have been fun projects to learn.

Sorry for the terrible lighting and photography on these! I attempted several settings and just couldn't get it right.

Happy Birthday Grandma Taggart!

Chris's mom's birthday is later this month so we decided to have a celebration for her. When we found out she had never had a birthday party before we decided to make it extra special. The kids helped me bake this cake and Chris and Richard decorated it today. I love it!

I decided to make sarongs for the kids. Chris liked them so much that he asked me to make him one. I also made one for myself and for the birthday girl. It was fun to dress festively.

I had to get this shot of my kids with missing teeth. I think it is awesome that they lost them pretty close together.

We had the guests arrive from the side gate and the kids welcomed them with an Aloha and a lei. Here they are waiting for Grandma and Grandpa.

Hannah gave Grandma her lei while Richard put a flower in her hair and helped dress her in her sarong.

I think they all look terrific!



It was a lot of fun and Chris made amazing food: coconut rice; ginger stir-fry vegetables; cherry-plum-mango chicken, shrimp and pork; balsamic tomatoes; shrimp cocktail; and grilled pineapple. Aunt Annette brought a wonderful relish tray which the kids LOVED! We are thankful to those who could come and missed those who couldn't.

We love you, Donnell! Thank you for everything that you do for us and our kids. We were so happy and excited to pay you back just a little for all that you do for us. Happy Birthday!

Ella Mae

So after months of waiting and guessing, Chris and I broke down and went to Fetal Fotos to confirm that we are having a girl! Hannah is thrilled and could hardly contain herself while the boys were a little disappointed. But they are coming around. I think that her profile looks just like my little Hannah!

It took a while to confirm as she kept her legs together and her hand between them. She is already a little lady. Hannah did the same thing and we had trouble confirming her sex. And the technician confirmed what I have been feeling for months, this is one wiggly baby! It was so fun to watch her movements. The kids got a big kick out of it all.

I love this shot of her bummy in the air. You can also see a fist on top of her thigh. So cute! 



She looks strong and health with all of her parts. We are so happy that Ella will be joining our family in December!

Toothless in Utah

I feel like this deserves it's own post...

...Hannah informed us on the way down the mountain that she had a wiggly tooth. I was a little surprised since Richard just lost his first tooth a few months ago. Hannah started to cry and was really worried that she would swallow it. I assured her that she would alright and that when it was loose enough Daddy could pull it out like he did with Richard's.

Well, we made it to Park City for dinner just before 10 pm and stopped to eat. Hannah bit into an apple slice or a piece of chicken and cried out in pain because of her tooth. I looked at it and it was almost out and bleeding. I held her hands while Chris pulled it out. There was one other customer and she explained to the manager why there was a little girl flipping out in his dining room. The manager brought her a little cup and lid so she wouldn't lose the tooth on the way home. He even gave her a free shake to help "soothe the pain." That was very thoughtful.

Then the tooth fairy came last night and Hannah was thrilled. She feels like such a big girl now!

Mirror Lake

With Chris's work schedule and other commitments we all have it has become difficult to find some quality family time and we have really been missing that. Yesterday we loaded up the canoe and kayaks and headed for the mountains. We attempted going to Trial Lake, but it was smaller and more crowded than Mirror Lake so we ended up on Mirror Lake.

As we were getting the boats out and ready people kept asking me where we got those "cute little boats". Some even asked if we could fit two people in them but I explained that the kids paddle their own kayaks. These people were just stunned that two little kids could do that. We had families look at us in complete amazement as they watched Richard and Hannah steer and paddle themselves all over the lake.

Hannah even had a little girl say, "I like your boat. How old are you?" It gives me a little pride but I am just surprised that people are so amazed. I was just raised to encourage your kids and give them opportunities to learn and grow so this is what I know best.

Chris had all of the food with him while he was fishing so here he is getting his line ready and snacking on yogurt.

Hannah wanted to fish so Chris tied her up to the canoe for an hour or so while Richard and I had kayak races and played around on the lake.

After a few hours we found ourselves a nice little picnic area. The kids got to play and splash and Richard even lost a shoe in the mud. We had a nice, relaxing picnic.

After the picnic we paddled back to the ramp, loaded up the boats, changed our clothes, then took the trailer and boats to my Grandpa's property while we went scouting. We were going to hike but after 3 1/2 hours on the water we were all starting to get tired. :)

There was an insanely rocky road that we had to endure but stumbled upon this amazing little lake. (If I were further along in the pregnancy I think I would have gone into labor.) There were signs of deer, elk, and moose all around it but we we only saw a beaver.

It was a difficult task for these two, but the kids sat very quietly for about 30 minutes while we listened and watched for animals to come to the lake. It was so quiet and still that we could hear dragonfly wings flapping. It was really nice.

We had a terrific day but I am paying for it today in many ways. But I am so glad for the time we had together and the memories we made.

Thanks to Riley!

Thank you to my awesome nephew Riley who took these darling pictures of my babies! Great work, Riley, we LOVE you!!!