A Real Boy...

We have some of the best neighbors ever! One one side are our landlords Barbara and Norman of course, and on the other is our Bishop (Shane), and his wife Judy. They love to come steal Dallin from us and play with him for a few hours. They have a 12 year old daughter Brittany, who Dallin loves to flirt with :), and two older boys in high school, who also love Dallin. Their two boys, Anthony and Shaun, are real boys! They love Rodeo, Cars, Motorbikes, Dune buggies, tractors, and everything else a boy could love. Everyday after school, Dallin loves to listen for their Motorbikes, or whatever they chose to ride that day, and watch them out the window or from our front lawn. They other day, they had their tractor outside, working on something. Dallin watched for a long time, until mom and dad were ready to come inside. Of course- Dallin didn't like that too much. Jeff thought of great way to calm him down though. He got on the internet and looked up pictures of tractors, motorcycles, and cars. Dallin was amazed! Now, whenever he hears them outside, he'll come get on the computer to see the pictures.

Future Chef of America

The last couple of days, Dallin has been really interested in what Mommy is making. So He's been helping me with the easy parts of Dinner. Hey- never too early to start I guess! :) He'll definitely be ready when his mission and college come, and he has to cook on his own! Here's a few of his "helping moments" (although I don't know if I totally call it HELPING... ) The other night we had some scones, and he helped me flatten out the dough. He's pretty good at it! :) He liked to put them in a pile afterwards, and he really wanted to eat the dough. By the time the scones were ready though, he didn't want to eat them anymore. Tonight, was breakfast night. He mixed up the pancake batter for me, (while flicking half of it across the room)! :) He also decided that while I wasn't looking, that he was going to further his art abilities by painting with syrup on the table... After I cleaned it up, I realized that I should have taken a picture of it... :). Good thing he had an apron on I guess. He sure is getting bigger and bigger (and much more independent) everyday.

Dallin's first Haircut!

Well- my mom kept reminding me that it was definitely time for Dallin to get a haircut! (and now I agree!) Jeff gave me the honors, and I had no idea how it was going to turn out! In order to keep Dallin still, Jeff read him one of his favorite books in front of him, and I somehow got it done! What can I say- we work well as a team! :)

BEFORE:

AFTER:
I'd say a job well done! :)

We're back!!

Hello everyone! Wow... ok... I know it took me a long time to post again since our last one, but I got so tired of waiting and hour or more for one picture to upload! So... I got lazy and didn't post for a long time. But now- Jeff and I finally decided to upgrade to a fast internet, so I'm able to do this a LOT easier!
We had a great summer! It was hard to see it end, but also great to start school. I wanted to put a few pictures of our highlights of the rest of the summer: (Sorry there's a lot- like I said- we had a great summer!)

We were able to go to the lake with our friends the Blodgetts this summer. We had so much fun! We were out there all day, and even got all four kids to fall asleep at the same time for and hour and a half. It was great! :) Dallin didn't know what to think of the water though. Give him time I suppose... :)
It was also Mine and Jeff's 2 year anniversary! Woohoo!

My family goes up to Pine Valley every year for my great-grandma Ilean's birthday. This year she turned 86. Doesn't she look great?! We also took a family picture of everyone, including Kellie's boyfriend, Garrett.

Jeff's family has a huge family reunion every year up at his family's property. It lasts three days and there are so many people there! We had a great time. This is Jeff's dad and his famous hat that Dallin loved.
Jeff's "little" Brother Danny left on his mission to Germany in July. He's going to be a great missionary! (He's inbetween me and Laura.)

We went with the Blodgetts again on a one night camping trip, on our neighbor Norman's property. The kids and us had a lot of fun. We even went on a little hike to a place where there was a cabin over a hundred years old... Well what was left of it. It finally collapsed this last winter in a snow storm.
I just thought this picture was cute... :) He's reading about his favorite thing, in his favorite person's hat (daddy!).

Well, Our summer is over, and now we're into the school year! Jeff and I are both busy bees as usual. Jeff has an awesome third grade class this year, and he has a great time with them! They went to the Grand Canyon on a field trip yesterday. I'm busy with being the cheer advisor and drama teacher! Talk about a full plate! :) I only have six girls on our squad, but trust me, even six girls can have hormones! And drama is going really well. We are doing "The Wiz" this year. It's a musical, and it's like a "hipper" version of "Wizard of Oz". Our performances are next month, but I know it's going to come fast.

Dallin is changing SOOO much. He just turned 18 months this week. He says around 50-60 words now, and a few sentences. His favorites (of course) are "What's that?", and "Where's Dada?", and "That's Cool Dude" (instead of doing a thumbs up, he puts his pointer finger out). He's also really good and "Please" and "Thank-you"! :) He's jabbering ALL the time, and constantly learning new things! He knows his abc's up to E, and "one, two, three, GO", and a few shapes like the start, circle, and flower. It amazes me! He loves to sing "Hokey Pokey", "Three Little Monkeys", and "Three in the Bed". He sure is a funny guy.

Anyway- I know this is a super long blog, but I definately needed to catch up!

Capturing Little Moments

Today's blog is called, "Capturing Little Moments". I wanted to show a few moments over the last few days that have made me really smile. There are so many little things that happen in everyday life that so many people don't get to see besides for you... So, I thought I'd share a few my my "smiles" with you! :)

We have to have the best neighbors (and landlords) ever. Norman and Barbara are in their 70's, and have taken it on themselves to become adopted grandparents to Dallin. Norman is one of those homegrown, hardcore cowboys, that loves his ranch, trucks, and cowboy hats. And especially his garden. He also loves to have Dallin help him. Yesterday, we went over to visit, and Norman started watering his flower bed. And of course, Dallin knew that it was his time to help. He decided to take over for Norman and show him he could do it himself! I think he ended up watering the cement more than the flowers... We also have been trying to teach him how to smell the flowers. He knows that you go up to them and put your nose to them. But yesterday, every time we tried to show him to smell, he would blow OUT the air from his mouth instead... haha...

When my brother, Scott, came a few days ago, we decided to turn this box into a fun project. I think Scott and I had as much fun making it as Dallin did playing in it. It was complete with window planter and Styrofoam flowers, flag, and curtains! :) We also had a sample of carpet, so we put it in the bottom for the floor. We had a good time. Dallin LOVED it. He spent almost an hour going in and out of the door and peek-a-booing to us through the window. We haven't had the heart to throw it out yet, so it's downstairs by the dryer, and Dallin stays occupied while I do laundry. It's perfect.

I also wanted to include this picture in today's blog. We went to our friends' daughter's birthday party this weekend and had a lot of fun. She got a Castle slide that I think Dallin enjoyed more than she did... haha. I happened to take this picture of Dallin real fast before the prayer, and when I looked at it later, I couldn't believe how big he looked! He looks like a little man here! I really made me realize how fast time goes. I'm so grateful for cameras and video so that we can remember little moments like these.

Well, one more thing today. I love Dallin so much. I never understood how much my mom loved me until I had a child of my own. But... My one true love of my life is my husband Jeff. I just wanted to thank him (even though he probably won't see this for a while) for everything he does for me and Dallin. I don't know why I was so lucky to have him for a husband. The Lord must have thought I did something right to deserve him (and I'm SOOO glad). He knows exactly how to treat me, how to help me, and how to love me. And for this, I will be forever thankful.... I love you honey. And to all those who are reading this who are NOT my hubby... sorry you had to endure the "cheesy-ness". :)

Memorial Day Weekend

Every Memorial Day, my family travels to Salina, UT, to my Great-Aunt Norma's house for a big family reunion. This year wasn't as big as usual, but there still was a great turn out. As long as I can remember, there have been little kids running around all over. But this year, Dallin was the only one! That's ok though... I got to show him off a lot. :)

"Peek-a-boo!"

I kept trying to get Dallin to smile on this cute mini-size bench, but my camera would take too long to catch it. So this is what I got instead. :)

"Tell me all about it Papa Bill!" He climbed up on the chair and wanted to sit and talk with all the grown-ups. But of course, grandpa's stories are always the best.

Splash!

Well, I thought I would try to put on a few pictures. Hopefully these turn out ok since it's my first time to try this. These are a pictures from a few weeks ago. We decided to take Dallin for his first time to the water fountains at the city park in Kanab. The are several fountains all around that take turns squirting in the air. He didn't quite know what to think at first, but after a few minutes he was running around and squealing just like the big kids. He sure got drenched after trying to "catch" the water.

I went with him to show him the water first.

"Well, Maybe this could be fun..."

"WOW! Where did it go?! AGAIN!"

You have to start somewhere!

Hello everyone! Thanks to my friend Jessica Feth, I was inspired to create a blog! This way, our family and friends can stay more updated on our life here in Orderville, and see how much cuter Dallin is getting everyday! :) I'll get some pictures on here soon. This will be fun!