Simple & Sweet

Week 6 of 52

2012-01-29T00:21:00.000-08:00

Sleeping Babe

The past couple of weeks Christian has had some reflux, and this past week has probably been the worst. So we have been having him sleep on the boppy, which seems to help some. We had to get the little guy on some medicine, just like his big brother Max, hopefully we'll start to see some improvement soon. It makes me so sad to see him un-comfortable. He is growing so fast, this week he graduated from newborn size onesies to the 0-3 month size. He is our little chunk and I love it!

Church Dress

2012-01-23T17:00:00.000-08:00

I had to document Christian's first day at church. Even though this picture was taken after naps on Sunday I still think my boys look pretty darn handsome in their church clothes.

Week 5 of 52

2012-01-22T22:56:00.000-08:00

My Little Chunky Monkey

Don't you just love the double chin and faux hawk Christian is already sporting? His hair just does that naturally, now if the rest could start filling in. We sure love our little chunk.

Max's First Day of Soccer

2012-01-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

We decided to put Max in an in-door winter soccer league, and this past Saturday was his first official practice. He was so excited to go pick out his shin guards, socks, and cute little soccer shorts from the sporting goods store last weekend, and all week he kept asking me when he was going to go to soccer.

When he got home from practice on Saturday he told me that he was the fastest runner on his team. He was so proud of himself. I sense a little competitiveness in his blood. Hmmm...I wonder where he gets that from? So far he loves it and we can't wait to go watch his little games.

Week 4 of 52

2012-01-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

It is hard to get a good picture of this little guy, he just wants to move around all the time.

Sweet Baby

2012-01-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

Last weekend while we were in Boise I had some pictures of Christian taken by a local photographer. I love how they turned out. Then this week my sweet friend Amy came over and took a few more pictures of my handsome little man. I love how these photos turned out. I am so glad I got to take them because he has already changed from just a few days ago. I love capturing their angelic newborn state. Thank you ladies for such amazing photos.

Week 3 of 52

2012-01-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

Christian 3 Weeks Old

To document Christian's rapid growth over the first year of his life I decided I am going to post a new picture of him every Saturday. Enjoy watching our little man grow with us.

2.5 Weeks

2012-01-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

This little guy just fits perfectly into our family. I have felt extremely blessed over the past few weeks with how smooth the transition has been, so far, going from a family of 3 to a family of 4. Max loves his little brother, he is so sweet to him. I was kind of worried he would be mean or ignore Christian but it has been quite the opposite. He is very aware of him, and if Christian is crying Max always comes over and gives him a kiss and says its ok buddy. The other night Max told me Christian was his buddy, it melted my heart. Even though they are 3.5 years apart I know these two are going to be the best of friends.

The one thing I did forget is how long it takes to get out of the house with a newborn. All the things you have to pack and have ready to go. Ugh...we have definitely been spoiled over the past year with how easy it has been with just Max. But if that is the hardest part of having two kids I think I will survive. Christian is an extremely calm baby. The only time he cries is when he is hungry, and then between 2:00am & 3:00am I like to call that his grunting hour. He likes to lay in his bed and grunt, and make little baby noises. He usually isn't crying just noisy. Hopefully, we will get his days and nights figured out soon. He is finally starting to have more awake time which is fun, I can't wait to see his little personality emerge.

Brothers

2011-12-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

Max loves his baby brother. He is constantly asking to hold him & gives him lots of kisses throughout the day. He gets really concerned when he cries, and likes to "help" put the paci in his mouth. He is loving being a big brother.

So far Christian has been a great baby. He likes to sleep and eat, and only cries when he is hungry or getting his diaper changed. We are feeling pretty blessed to have this sweet little boy in our family.

Sweet Baby Christian

2011-12-21T22:09:00.000-08:00

Christian Gene Wolfley

Saturday December 17th at 1:53pm

6lbs 4oz, 17 inches

Sweet little Christian arrived this past Saturday. We are absolutely in love with this little guy. Max is really excited that his baby brother is finally here and likes to give him lots of kisses and hugs. I will post more pictures later when I have some time. We are all doing well, and looking forward to our first Christmas as a family of four.

Max on his way up to meet his baby brother. He brough Candy Land his new favorite game for us to play while he was visiting.

Pardon the quality on these two pictures they are from my phone.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-12-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

Last weekend it was very, very cold here. We had freezing fog which made the trees in our yard absolutely beautiful.

Even though it was colder than cold it didn't stop Kenzie & Max from riding around on the Gator, and playing in the tree house. I wouldn't have been caught dead out there that is for sure.

Good thing they have lots of fun together!

Sneaky Peaky

2011-11-16T22:13:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Amy came over last week and took some pictures of Max for me. I absolutely love them. Our new backyard has amazing trees in it and right now the leaves are beautiful so it was the perfect back drop for Max's pictures. These are just a few of the pics she took and I can't get over how big my little guy looks, and what a ham he is. He is getting too big too fast.

They've Been Busy

2011-11-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

When we moved into our house in July this was the view out our back door.

Well, last week Clint, his dad, and Victor tore down the "jungle" as Max liked to call it. It was taking up so much room, and the gazebo in the middle was falling apart. It was actually quite a mess inside Clint said they found mice nests, hornets nests, dead birds, tons of spiders, and birds nests. Gross...

Half way done

Max & Chesco even got in on the action

Loading the trailer for one of their 14 trips to the dump

Cleaning up

The crew & the finished project

Clint counted about 100 trees in the jungle. It took them 14 trips to the dump. Thank you so much Kim and Victor for coming up and helping Clint remove the jungle. Max was in heaven helping them out, he spent almost all day outside with his work gloves on helping carry trees to the trailer and riding to the dump in grandpa's pick-up truck. I am just glad to have it done! One more thing to check off our list of our home to do list. Woo Hoo!

Crazy Cousins

2011-11-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

All the Ulmer Cousins

Max & I were lucky enough to go to Nampa over the weekend for Kade's baptism. Kade did such a good job and we are so proud of him for making such an important decision.

After the baptism we all went back to Kiley's for desert and let the kids run wild. Max always loves playing with his cousins. Not a bad picture of this crazy group, we are lucky to get them to sit still long enough to snap a pic.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Max, Jovie, Brock

Last week our little preschool took the kids out to the Country Mercantile Pumpkin Patch. It was so cute, we have never been out there, but will definitely be going back. They had a hay pyramid, maze, mini petting zoo, rides, and of course a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch. They also had a specialty store where they sold tons of fresh produce, and canned food items from their farm, along with other specialty items. It all looked so good. Max tried the chocolate covered Oreo's and loved them.

Brock, Max, Jovie, Sarah, Riley

Of course Max liked the baby calf. He kept trying to put his hand in it's mouth like he does at Grandpa Wolfley's.

Max on the hay ride out to the pumpkin patch.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Max decided he wanted to be a cowboy for Halloween this year, and on Friday our ward had our trunk-or-treat so Max was able to dress up in his cowboy clothes. He loved the candy and got pretty good at saying trick-or-treat, and loved the doughnut walk at the trunk-or-treat. He was pretty sugared up by the nights end.

Here is saying howdy to the camera. I'd say he makes a pretty believable cowboy.

We hope you have a very scary Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins

2011-10-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

Last week for FHE we carved pumpkins. Max wanted to make his look like T-Rex. Clint had never carved a pumpkin before so it was his and Max's fist time. Not too bad for first timers. Max loves to light his pumpkin at night. Now hopefully they last until Halloween.

Wiggle Worm

2011-10-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

I wonder if baby #2 will get Max's chubby cheeks?

I haven't spent much time blogging about bambino numero dos much yet & wanted to write some things down so I don't forget. Heaven knows #2 has been a completely different experience than #1.

Thankfully I was not plagued with terrible "morning" sickness for the first 16 weeks like I was with Max.

(By the way whoever named it "morning" sickness had no idea what they were talking about...it's more like all day I have to know where the quickest escape route to a restroom is sickness.)

I was tired, but that comes with the territory I am making a baby.

I couldn't even look at a chicken breast without wanting to run for the hills. Thankfully over the last month or so I have been able to eat chicken again, & I am sure my husband is thrilled about it. not.

I craved fruit the first trimester, mostly applesauce & strawberries.

Time is flying by, I have to remind myself how many weeks I am when people ask.

25 if your wondering.

I remember with Max I always knew exactly what was going on and time seemed to go so slowly.

This baby is a little calmer so far. He will do flips and kick every so often, but he isn't in a constant state of motion, at least not yet.

However, whenever he hears Max he starts kicking and wiggling all around, it is kind of cute.

Exhaustion, oh wait that is just like every other mom out there, so I can't complain.

All I know is we sure are excited for little brother to arrive in 12-14 weeks. (Mom is hoping more like 13 but we'll see.)

We've have been "patiently" waiting for a long time for your arrival & can't wait to see who you are going to be.

Max has already dubbed your name Smee, every time we ask him what he thinks we should name his baby brother he consistently tells us Smee.

He will probably be pretty disappointed when he realizes that just isn't going to happen.

Speaking of boy names if you have any good ones send them our way....we are no where near picking a moniker for this little guy and it is starting to stress me out!

Why Can't We Be Friends?

2011-10-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

Max & Chesco definitely have a love/hate relationship, and most days I feel like I am refereeing between two ornery toddlers. Max inherited his father's knack for teasing. Max loves teasing and seeing how far he can go before he gets a reaction out of you. So most days it goes something like Max pestering Chesco, Chesco taking so much until he gets mad enough to take Max down pinning him to the ground, crying ensues, and then I have to come in and separate the two. It is bliss I tell you.

So much to my surprise the other night Max jumped on Chesco's bed to "annoy" him but they were actually quite civil to one another, dare I say even enjoying invading each other's space? I know eventually they will have a great friendship, but some days I really question my sanity when I told Clint we could get a dog when we did. Alas, we love Chesco, and of course we love Max so I guess we'll keep them both.

I love Max's expression in this one.

Flipping Out

2011-09-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

Max has been working on his "flip" on the trampoline.

Not too bad, (if a biased mother can say so herself).

Max has no fear.

When we were first working on learning to do a flip half the time Max would land straight on his head, he would just get back up and try again like it was no big deal.

Weekend Fun

2011-09-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago Clint's parent's were in town, so Jared and Sharee and their girls came over for a BBQ. It was our last hurrah before they fly off to Argentina. Max loves his cousins AnnMarie and Carlie. We will miss them while they are gone, but we are super excited to hear about their fun adventures while living in Argentina.

Clint's kabobs on the grill. Yummy.

First Day Of School

2011-09-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Max's first day of pre-school. As you can tell from the photo he was less than thrilled to be going to school. This was seriously the best picture I was able to take of him. Thankfully, when I picked him up he was happy and could tell me what sound the letter A makes, and some words that start with A.

This is what Chesco did while Max was at school. He sat with me in my office. He is pretty good company, he just sleeps and snores.

I Am Going To Be Unbelievably Out Numbered

2011-08-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

Baby Boy #2 Due January 15th, 2012

Yes, yes it's true. I have a bun in the oven and today we found out we will be having another little boy. I think Clint had a grin from ear to ear for approximately the next 4 hours, needless to say he is very proud of himself. I guess it's not time for me to enjoy pink & hair bows yet, which is perfectly fine, I am glad Max will have a little brother to get into even more mischief with.

Scenes From Montana

2011-08-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

It is beautiful up by my grandparent's cabin. My novice picture taking skills do NOT do it's beauty justice. Here are a few of the pictures I did take while riding around on the 4 wheeler.

Until Next Summer Montana.

Montana Part II

2011-08-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Now that the kiddos are getting older it is easier to take them up to the Big Hole. However, our kids get it easy because we can ride the Rhino and the 4 wheeler up to the big hole now. When we were kids we had to walk all the way up. There are about 10 creek crossing, which with the flooding the last couple of years are getting a little more difficult to navigate, but it is well worth it because the Big Hole is a blast!

Max & Clint by the "slide"

Clint & Jack jumping

We tried to get Max to jump off the big rock, he was a little hesitant so we let him jump off the lower rock.

Kenzie

Max let Clint jump off the big rock holding him. I think the water was a little shocking!

Kori & Luke driving the Rhino with the kiddos.

Cache rides in style

Montana Part I

2011-08-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

This blog post is very over due, but I say better late than never right?

And I promise I have good reasons as to why it has taken me so long but they are for a different post all together.

We were finally able to join my family for our annual trip up to my Grandpa & Grandma Ulmer's cabin in Montana. We have not been since the summer Max was born. Far too long if you ask me! I absolutely cherish all of my childhood memories of spending a week each summer up at the cabin. They are many of my fondest memories from my childhood. It makes me so happy to see Max & his cousins enjoying and making those same memories as my siblings & cousins did when we were kids.

The kids are getting more adventurous as they get older & it is awesome.

All of the kids love Jason's fiance Alexis. I guess all of the adults like her a lot too! We are so excited for their wedding next summer.

The adventurous Cache Man

Even Chesco got in on the cabin fun

The boys plotting in the Rhino, thankfully we didn't leave the keys in it.

I asked Max to say cheese and these are the pictures I got. Silly boy!

The kids braved the freezing water, now us adults that is a different story. The kids kept busy all day throwing rocks, fishing, playing in the water, and begging the adults to take them on 4 wheeler or rhino rides. Which usually the dad's were happy to oblige. The adults were able to relax, read books, and eat way too much junk food, just like you should when you are up at the cabin.

Camping at Copper Basin

2011-07-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

After we left Utah we went to Eastern Idaho to go camping with the Wolfley's. We found a great spot to camp, the kids could enjoy horse riding, dirt bike rides, and fishing.

Max absolutely loved riding on the motorcycle with his Dad. Kate and Will are pro's on their bikes, and rode all around the mountain side. We had a great time camping. The weather was perfect. Chesco even enjoyed his time in the forest.

2011-07-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

The second leg of the tour de' Wolfley ended us in the booming metropolis of Morgan Utah. We were so excited to go see Clint's sister Kristen and the kids for the weekend.

We were able to celebrate the 4th of July with Kate, Will, Drew, and Claire. The two older kids decorated their bikes, Drew and Max decorated the Gator, and Claire (aka Kristen) decorated the wagon for her to ride in while they participated in the parade. After the parade they had a little carnival and we let the kids run around. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures while at the parade or carnival but the kids loved every minute of it. I think Drew and Max thought they were the coolest riding around in their gator.

We had so much fun with Kristen and Richard. We don't get down to their house very often, but when we do we always have a good time, and Max's cousins are so good to him. He loves it, he feels like he is getting spoiled.

Pre 4th of July Festivities

2011-07-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

The weekend before the 4th of July we went over to spend some time with my side of the family in good ole' Nampa, Idaho. The kids had a great time playing in the kiddie pool, shooting each other with water guns, playing on the swing set, and of course letting off fireworks with Grandpa Ulmer.

It was a great way to start of our celebrations for the 4th of July.

Swimming Lessons 2011

2011-07-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Last month Max had his first swimming lessons! He loved the water, of course, and his teacher Kenzie. (He loved that her name was the same as his partner in crime cousin Kenzie) His favorite parts of swimming lessons were using big arms to chase the yellow fish that squirted water, getting coins from the bottom of the pool. (Those of you who know Max, know how much he LOVES coins.) Most of all he loved jumping into the pool, whether off the ledge in the shallow end, or more importantly off the diving board! He begged all of class to jump off the diving board.

His least favorite parts of swimming lessons were monkey crawling along the ledge,he flat our refused, and he wasn't so keen on the back float. Other than that he absolutely had a blast.

So much to catch up on

2011-07-11T23:36:00.000-07:00

Our new pup Chesco. We allowed Max to name him & so he is named after Francesco on Cars 2. Gotta love it!

We have had a busy couple of weeks. We just returned from a week long vacation with the hub's family which included us driving through 4 states, and bringing home one tiny puppy. (Isn't he adorable!) I am exhausted, and have tons of pictures to sort through, but we are in the process of moving into our new house this week so I am not sure when I will get to catching up. However we had a lovely 4th of July and a great vacation spending time with Clint's family. There will be more details to come of our busy week with them, and the remodels we (and by we I mean my little brother Kody & his friend Tayson) are doing on our new house. I am starting to get really excited.

So for now enjoy the picture of our awesome new pup.

Why Yes, I am Stylin

2011-06-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Max finally got a haircut! It's actually been a few weeks but I think it makes him look like a completely different little boy. More grown up...I think it gives him a little more attitude too, which we definitely didn't need. He's full of enough spunk as it is!

A Boy & His Toy

2011-06-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is how I found Max during his nap today.

There is nothing like a boy and his toys.

I'm A Realist

2011-06-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

My office reflects how I am feeling right about now.

If my office is any indicator of why I been lagging on blog posts, well now you know why things have been so sparse. I am a little embarrassed to post this picture, but I like to keep it real around here, and secretly I am hoping this motivates me to get moving.

I am un-motivated to organize my office because we will be moving in less than 3 weeks! Yes, that is right 3 weeks. So I will just be packing things up then anyways. We bought a house about a mile from where we live now. The yard is huge, like Clint got to buy a riding lawn mower huge, and Max will have a tree house, which he thinks is awesome! We will need to do a little cosmetic changes but all in all I think it will be a great little home. A huge bonus is it has a huge garden area already set up and since the house is vacant we went over and already planted some stuff, so we will have some fresh veggies later this summer. (Shhh don't tell anyone!)

The next few weeks will be a little crazy, but we are excited to finally get to settle in somewhere, hopefully for longer than a year or two. Once we close I will post some pictures of our new place.

Swim Time

2011-06-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the weather was actually nice enough that we got out the pool. Max was loving it. He was a little hesitant at first but warmed up pretty quickly and then dove in.

I had to go inside for a few minutes and when I walked to the back door suddenly there was a full moon out! For some reason Max felt the need to strip down and go skinny dipping.

I have a hard time with this kid keeping himself fully clothed. Hopefully this is just a phase and not a picture of things to come.

Here's to Summer!

Sunday Showers

2011-05-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

We had a massive rain, thunder, and lightning storm this evening. It was awesome, but the best part was when it was all over there was a beautiful rainbow that filled the sky.

River Rat Race

2011-05-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Clint ran a half marathon in Prosser. He recruited Brett & Tom to run it with him. They all did so good. Max, Me, & Jana, Brett's wife, and their two kiddos, Jovie & Brock, went to the finish line to cheer the runners on.

Max, Brock, & Jovie

Max is contemplating life

The kids ran their own race.

Max & I are super proud of Clint. I know running a half marathon is no easy feat. Way to go babe! Here's to the next one.

Horsing Around

2011-04-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Last week while we were in Blackfoot there was one nice day where Clint was able to saddle up a horse and get a little riding in. Of course Max and his cousin Drew couldn't let Clint be the only one to enjoy riding Rooster so they each got a few rides around the pasture. Max & Drew also fed the horses some apples. These boys have no fear, they just put their hands right up there and let the horses gulp those apples down. Thankfully no one lost a finger.

The horses still have their winter coats so they look a little mangie. Hopefully the next time we drive over to the farm the weather will cooperate and the boys can get a little more riding in.

A Lovely Love Story

2011-04-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Lynn & Thelma Wolfley

Clint's Grandpa & Grandma have quite an enviable love story. They were high school sweethearts, who married soon after graduation. They had their first daughter and then Lynn was drafted into the Armed Forces during World War II. After he honorably finished his service to his country he came back to Idaho with his wife & they started their life together.

They lived most of their lives in Eastern Idaho farming, except a short while they spent in Emmett Idaho farming. After their time in West Idaho they bought their homestead in Riverside, where they lived the rest of their lives together.

They had 4 daughters and 1 son, who gifted them with 20 grandchildren, and 44 great grandchildren. These two individuals were two very influential people in my husbands life. He spent most of his childhood working along side his grandpa on his dad's farm. I don't think his grandparent's missed many wrestling matches, or other important events in Clint's life. I know he looked up to them, and loved them dearly.

On Sunday April 3rd Clint's sweet Grandma Thelma passed away while her sweetheart slept next to her. Five short days later Lynn followed her. They were married for over 70 years! That is incredible to me. From what I hear they were never apart, and they held true to that. They are now together again, perfect, and happy.

Their's in truly a lovely love story, and I am grateful for the example that they set for us, and for the good people that they were.

Happy, Happy Birthday Max

2011-04-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Somehow my little guy turned 3 today! I am not sure where time has gone, but it is true.

This little man keeps us on our toes, but we love every single minute of it.

Happy 3rd Birthday Max,

We love you!

Running Fool

2011-04-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Nice form!

He makes it look easy.

Max has decided that he enjoys running. This weekend Max went on a bike ride with Clint, and during the bike ride asked his dad if he could run. Clint obliged and he said that Max ran probably close to a mile beside his bike.

Then yesterday we rode our bikes to the park. When we decided to go home Max informed us that he wanted to run home. So we let him, and he ran the entire way.

The funny this about it, is last night we were getting in the car to go to the store, and Max started crying when we put him in his seat because he wanted to "run fast" to the store not ride in the car.

He is quite a character that is for sure, and has more energy than I know what to do with! Maybe this running thing could be a good thing?

Welcome, Welcome

2011-03-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Do you want to know the best part about my trip to Boise last week?

This precious little girl decided to come a week and a half early allowing me to meet her when she was only hours old!

My older sister Kiley had Morgan early Friday morning, and she is so, so cute and tiny.

I love newborns!

Congrats Kiley and Ryan.

Auntie Kori & Cache checking her out.

And finally another girl to add to the Ulmer mix, Kenzie is no longer the only one.

I knew this day would come....

2011-03-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

I just didn't think it would be this soon!

Yesterday while Max was outside swinging with his cousins he fell off the swing. I wasn't at my parent's house at the time, I was running, so my mom, sister, and brother assessed the situation. I guess when my sister brought Max inside crying he turned to my mom, (Grandma Jan) and said "my arm is broken." Ha ha how funny is that? Anyways, it didn't look displaced or anything like that, and he was moving it, but if you moved it certain ways like putting on or off a coat he would start crying, and Max isn't one to cry about getting hurt for too long. So when I got back to my parent's house I watched him for about an hour and when he was still favoring it, and whimpering when you would move it a certain way I decided to take him to the E.R. to have him looked at.

When we got to the E.R. Max was jumping all over the chairs and telling everyone who would listen that he fell off the swing and broke his arm. I think the Doctor and nurses thought I was being an overprotective mom because Max was seriously acting fine. However the Doctor wanted to be sure so he did x-rays. Finally after waiting for an hour or so the Doctor came in and said that Max had a lot of soft tissue swelling in his elbow and they thought he possibly fractured it. So they decided to put him in a splint and then a sling. I couldn't help but laugh a little because it was just so cute, and he was such a trooper. The Doctor, nurses, and x-ray techs thought Max was hilarious because he was talking their ears off.

Today we followed up with an orthopedist and luckily he said since Max is moving his arm and putting some weight on it we don't have to put him in a hard cast. Thank goodness, I couldn't imagine what a nightmare that might have been. So we are just supposed to keep him in the splint and sling most of the time for a couple weeks, unless he falls again or starts complaining it hurts then we might have to put him in a cast.

So needless to say our week has been very exciting thus far!

Baseball

2011-03-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

What's more American than a baseball field with the American Flag flying over?

Max and I went to my brother Kody's game on Tuesday. The weather was amazing, and nothing feels more like spring to me than baseball.

Max practicing his somersault

Racing his cars down the ramp

One of my favorite views.

Kody pitching.

It was a good game, especially since his team won.

We love baseball season around here.

Over & Out

2011-03-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Max & I have been in Idaho at my parent's house since Monday. Max is loving spending time with his uncles & of course Grandpa & Grandma.
Already this week we have been to one of Uncle Kody's baseball games, which Max had a blast at. We have some other fun activities planned, & possibly a new cousin on her way. (We're crossing our fingers.) Clint should be here tonight and then the fun will continue.

Max the Pirate

2011-03-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

Lately Max thinks he is a pirate. It is actually quite funny. He runs around saying things like "arghh", "ahoy", and "the crocodile is coming!" Maybe, he is watching Peter Pan a little too much? Either way, I think it's awesome!

Happy Birthday Clint

2011-03-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

This guy celebrated his 29th Birthday today.

Yep that's right, only one more year in the twenties for Clint.

Max and I spent the day prepping for Clint's birthday. Sadly we didn't make any treasure maps, but we did get some balloons, decorations, and made Clint his favorite dinner.

Happy Birthday babe!

Max and I love you & are so proud of you.

Here's to another amazing year.

Stylin

2011-03-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Check out Max's sweet bath hair.

Pardon the break in blogging we've been enjoying the nice weather around here. Ready for spring to come full force any time now.

Sometimes you just need to blow some bubbles

2011-03-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

Today Max and I went outside and blew bubbles. The weather is starting to show signs of Spring being just around the corner, and I can't wait.

There is nothing like seeing your kiddos happy doing something that is so simple. It made me stop and remember to enjoy the little things, and I definitely needed that today.

My Week

2011-02-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Here

This week was a busy one, even though it was a short work week I had to fit a lot in.

On Monday, we took advantage of no work, and took our new bikes for a ride. Max loved being in his chariot, and the weather was beautiful. Too bad the rest of the week was freezing!

The work week consisted of lots of working, and trying to get over a nasty sinus cold. It seems never ending!

On Friday I got to go on an overnight campout with the girls in our youth group at church. Can I say hilarious! I had so much fun, and it was beautiful up where we went camping. (Thankfully in a cabin.) Lots of snow and young giggly girls, who could ask for more. On Saturday we went sledding with the boys in our youth group at church, and it was a blast. I hadn't been sledding in who knows how long.

Clint and Max got to have father son bonding time while I was camping. Luckily for me the house was still clean, and Max was fed and dressed when I got home.

My week ended with a spiritual and relaxing Sunday. Just what I need to prepare for the new week ahead.

No Turning Back Now

2011-02-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

It is official Clint and I are registered for Robie Creek, as of 11 o' clock our time. There is no turning back, just another month and a half of hardcore training. I am on track for my New Year's Resolutions. (I am atleast registered, now I just have to finish.)

Wish us luck!

(I'm going to need it, Clint I think he'll be ok :)

Or, if you have any good tips for training for trail or hill runs send them our way.

I'll take all the help I can get.

Twenty Five

2011-02-20T22:39:00.000-08:00

A handmade Treasure Map from the little pirates.

Friday was my 25th Birthday & I woke up to a Treasure Map made by my two favorite boys. It involved us driving to various locations on the map at which point I would then get clues to my birthday present. Our "treasure hunt" included getting some breakfast, picking up a movie, getting a hot chocolate, and returning home to our backyard where I was gifted a new bike. (Actually, Clint and I both got bikes, and Max got a chariot to ride in & he loves it!)

Testing the chariot out.

If that isn't a one happy kid, I don't know what is!

After we tested the bikes out Clint took me out to lunch, just the two of us. It was so nice!

I am so excited for our bikes, after all of the bike tours we did while we were over in Europe we realized how much we enjoy riding bikes, and Max absolutely love riding along too!

My birthday was amazing, Clint really went out of his way to make me feel special. I am one lucky girl!

How Did That Get In There?

2011-02-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

So, I've reached that stage as a mother, the one I have dreaded for a long time, where my child no longer feels it necessary to ride in the shopping cart while at the store. Now, this isn't so bad because Max is pretty good about staying by my side, or only running half way across the store, or simply catching a ride at the foot of the cart and yelling wheee down the isles. I can handle all of that no problem. The part I dread the most is checking out, now let me explain why.

1. They fill the check out isle with stuff to make mom's lives miserable! Mom can I have this, please, please. It doesn't stop until you either give in or leave the store with a screaming child.

2. While I am busily trying to put all my things from the cart to the check out belt, my child is wandering off climbing on those motorized cart things, or he is perusing the candy section trying to figure out how many candy bars he really needs.

So while all of this is going on, I am probably not paying the most attention to what made it into the checkout line, because I have to make sure Max hasn't figured out how to make that motorized cart move, or isn't darting out the automatic doors into the parking lot. I hastily swipe my trusty debit card, punch in the pin, gather my bags, and most the time swing my crying child (angry for me not giving in to another candy) over my shoulder and head out to the car.

When I arrive home and start un-packing I find items, items that I do not remember placing in my cart, or buying for that matter, but Max sure knows they are there and is super excited about them. This week alone I have ended up with gum balls, Toy Story body wash, Toy Story Band-Aids, and Oreo Cookies. (Don't worry I made sure I paid for them by checking my receipts!)

So what lesson can I take from this?

Do not take Max shopping.

It's In His Blood

2011-02-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is how we spent our Saturday night. Max asking dad to wrestle. I think this just might have been one of Clint's proudest moments as a father to date.

He's a natural!

After their wrestling time I taught Max how to do a somersault. Seriously in less than five minutes he had it down. I think he just liked the attention he was getting from both of us freaking out & cheering him on.

Just a warning you might want to watch this video with no sound. Clint and I get a little excited!

This kid has more energy than any kid I know.

Balance

2011-02-09T23:47:00.000-08:00

We're trying to find balance around here!

A little less of this...

And more of this...

Coming back to "real" life has been a little harder to adjust to than I thought it would be.

Max and I are trying to find balance with me working again,

thankfully mostly from home.

Those 6:00am emails and finishing up reports can get to a girl.

Especially this girl, she needs her beauty sleep!

Do any of you moms have any advice on how you balance work and and a busy toddler?

I could use all of the help I can get.

This is how Max watches the "Big Game"

2011-02-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is how Max entertained himself while Dad watched

the "Big Game"

I don't think he minded too much!

Showered

2011-02-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend we threw a baby shower for my oldest sister Kiley. She is expecting her first baby girl on April 1st, after two boys, and we are very excited for her. She finally gets pink clothes, dolls, and girlie things.

Sadly, I was in charge of taking pictures at the shower and I didn't take very many. Either way the shower turned out really good and I think Kiley is a little closer to being ready for baby girl Thompson to arrive in a couple months.

Just Saying Winners

2011-02-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Lucky #6 was chosen which means Kori you get to choose a print of your choice to adorn your walls.

And lucky #3 Ari Ana you get the cute Valentine print for your walls just in time for the Holiday.

Email me your contact information at

simpleandsweet4@hotmail.com

so we can get your prints out to you!

Congratulations!

A big thanks to Tiffany over at Just Saying for being so generous with her prints.

Creeper In The Night

2011-01-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

Max & Clint's Lego Castle

The other night while we were sleeping Clint woke up to noise at approximately 3:30am, it vaguely sounded like a rocket blasting off, he later recounted to me. Once he woke a little more and became more aware of his surroundings he came to realize that the hall, bathroom, and Max's bedroom lights were on.

After he climbed out of bed to inspect the ruckus, he came face to face with a little boy naked from the waist down searching through his closet for a new pair of underwear to cover his cute little buttocks. For said little boy had woken in the night to relieve himself and felt the need to endow himself in fresh under garments. Not without spending some time investigating his toys & making sure that they were all in their proper places for the night.

Silly Boy, he definitely keeps us on our toes.

**********

P.S.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway sponsored by Just Saying. It closes Monday Night at Midnight.

Just Saying

2011-01-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

Today is your lucky day!

I have a giveaway for you my readers sponsored by Tiffany over at

Just Saying .

Which is just in time to dress your walls with her adorable Valentine prints

if your room is in need of some new spice

why not try this print on for size...

One of my favorite prints from her collection.

Tiffany has been gracious enough to giveaway two of her prints. The first name drawn will be able to pick any print of their choice & the second name drawn will receive this adorable print just in time for Valentines Day.

So here's how to enter:

1. Become a follower (or tell me that you already follow).

2. Check out Tiffany's etsy shop or her facebook page.

3. Twitter/Blog/FB about this giveaway (I need a link so I can see it)

The first two are required the last are just extra entries!

You have until Monday January 31st at midnight PST to enter.

The winner will be announced Tuesday February 1st!

Good Luck!

My Little Helper

2011-01-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

Max Blowing on the Cookies

Monday was a happy day for me. I got to use my Kitchen-Aid for the very first time since moving back to the States, & can I say I never thought using a kitchen appliance would make me so giddy.

I slapped on my apron (another thing that makes me giddy, I am not sure when this happened but I like it!), cranked the itunes, & Max & I rocked out while we mixed up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. So not only did I get to use my favorite kitchen appliance,rock out with my son, our house smelt divine when Clint got home from his first full day back at work. I would say that is a successful day.

Skipping

2011-01-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

A "Skipping" Rope

A few months ago we had our English friends over for our usual Friday Night Game Night. We were playing a competitive game of Catan, while eating chips and salsa. (What, you've never played, it is a must at our house!) When our friend, Abi, informed us that she had started an exercise routine that week. She had been skipping for 10 minutes a day. Clint and I both gave each other a funny look and told her how good we thought that was. I then told her if she ever wanted to go walking or something I would be more than happy to go out with her.

Clint started asking her more questions because he thought skipping as a work out was a little strange. After talking for several minutes we realized that their had been a language barrier. Abi wasn't speaking of skipping as in "skip to my lou" she mean skipping as in jumping rope.

Clint and I burst out laughing! Of course it made more sense why she was so proud of herself and her exercise routine, which she should be. Clint then went on to say all I could think about was Abi on her little patio in their garden skipping around in little circles. We had a really good laugh about it the rest of the night, and periodically Clint would ask Abi how her skipping was going.

Well, when we moved home from England Abi and Jonathan gifted us two presents, one was a stack of cards to play a card game they taught us with out American friends, Poo Head. And the second gift was a skipping rope so Clint could skip to his hearts content on our back patio.

We miss our friends dearly already. Friday night's just aren't the same without our spirited games of Catan! However, Sunday morning when we opened the gifts we again had a really good laugh about our misinterpretation that evening.

Days Like These

2011-01-21T01:32:00.000-08:00

Max's room after a day of play.

This week has been a busy one. We are finally somewhat moved in and settled in our new house. Thank goodness! Clint made it home safe and sound from England and Max has been attached to his hip ever since.

Although I have felt a little how Max's room looks I am so glad to be settled and getting back into a routine, and settling into our groove. I need a groove, I need a routine & I like our routine that we've established. It might not be as strict or rigid as some but it is ours and I love it.

It feels so good to have my family under one roof, all together, settling together, just how it should be. It is amazing the sense of relief I instantly felt the moment I picked Clint up from the airport. A huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I am so glad to have my other half here with me. I try as hard as I can to keep it all together when we are apart and take care of Max and get done all the things I need to get done, but it's hard and things definetly fall through the cracks. It just reiterates to me that I am so thankful to have a partner who is as good as he is, who steps up and helps me get things done. Clint is an amazing dad, the next morning after he arrived back he was running around and playing with Max making him feel like the most important kid in the world. I really love that about him.

I am trying to enjoy this time. I am so grateful that with this move everything has seriously just fallen into place. It has been much smoother than I ever could have anticipated. Now hopefully we won't do it again for awhile because I am tired of packing and un-packing boxes!

I Can See The Light...

2011-01-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

Picture Courtesy of here

If I never had to move again, I would probably be one happy camper. Tis not so though, I know we will one day have to pack all of our stuff up and move it somewhere else. Hopefully, the next time my husband came be an active participant in the process though. Now, don't get the wrong idea it is not because he is lazy by any means, he was out of the country trying to secure us housing in the UK when they packed us up to leave, and this time he is back in the UK tying up loose ends so he can come home and be with his family. Oh, what a wonderful day it will be when we are all back in our own home together again.

I have been absolutely amazed at how resilient Max has been through this entire process. He has adjusted to each change like a champ. I am so grateful. Truly one of my biggest worries was transitioning him with each new house, each new bed, new surroundings, and he has does exceptionally well considering.

Now if I can just get this cozy house organized I will feel like a sane woman again. (I use the term sane very loosely here people.) For I am ready for my schedule to get back to normal too. No more staying up late chit chatting with family, and sleeping in. It is time for real life to start, after my year long hiatus. Maybe I will even get a little crazy and get up early and work out in the mornings. What, a girl can have high hopes right?

*********

A question to you my readers:

Do you get up and work out before your kiddos get out of bed,or before you go to work

& if you do

what is your motivation for not hitting the snooze button on the alarm and sneaking those few extra minutes of zzzz's?

Mornings are not my friend, but I would really like them to

be.

New Years Day Bowling

2011-01-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

On New Years Day we decided to take the kiddos bowling. One word HILARIOUS! They had so much fun, and I am pretty sure the adults enjoyed it just as much, if not more than the kids.

Cousins strategically planning their next move.

Insider tips from Dad.

Half way through Max decided he would rather play video games than bowl.

I loved watching the cousins bowl together. The older ones were so willing to help the littler kids, and everyone just had fun together. I think we might need to make this a New Years Day tradition. Plus I just want to see Max in those cute bowling shoes again.

It Was a Wonderful Wolfley Christmas

2011-01-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

Ah...finally I sat down and went through pictures from our Christmas in Eastern Idaho.

The first night we celebrated Christmas & opened all of our presents. We, once again, were spoiled.

Max loving rough housing with his cousin Will.

There is just something about a boy & his tractor.

Later in the week Kim & Pat took us to Mountain River Ranch for dinner and a sleigh ride. The kids loved riding in the sleighs and the entertainment was pretty good too. If you are ever in Eastern Idaho I would highly recommend it.

I love this kid!

Jared won the contest for the sweetest hat.

Our entertainment.

It was a lovely evening with good food, good entertainment, and wonderful company.

Pardon The Break

2011-01-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

Please excuse my lack of blogging. We have been in the process of un-packing all of these (plus some) boxes.

Max & I are back in Washington trying to get situated into our new house. I forgot how much stuff we had boxed up in permanent storage over the past year. Holy cow! I have busily un-packing and trying to figure out places to put everything.

However on a brighter note it is so nice to have all of our own things back! I was heaven sleeping in my own bed last night. It was one of the best night's sleep I have had in a really long time. Now if only my husband could get home everything would be perfect.

Max is like a little kid in a candy store having all of his toys back. It made me question why we even bought him new toys for Christmas this year? When I un-packed his room on Monday he could barely contain himself.

Hopefully, I will have everything organized and put away in the next day or so, and I can finally finish off my posts from Christmas. We had such a good time with Clint's family I want to write about it.

******

In other news:

How are your new years resolutions going?

To be honest I have been struggling a bit being in transition but am hoping to get back on track over the next few days.

Does anyone have any special tips/tricks that they have to stay motivated???

Christmas With The Ulmers

2011-01-06T23:17:00.000-08:00

I am a little behind on my Christmas posts. We had a wonderful Christmas this year with family. I think it was even sweeter spending a lot of time with our loved ones since we have been away for so long. We were able to spend Christmas Eve & Christmas morning with my family before heading over to be with Clint's.

Once again we acted out the Nativity with the grandkids. Every year it gets better and better since they are getting older. It is a new tradition that I hope we continue making the effort to do.

The Nativity

Do you remember Clint's gift to Kody last year at our bowling party? This awesome number was Kody's reciprocation on that gift.

Well played Kody, well played.

And kudos to Clint for being such a good sport and modeling it for all of us.

I know, I know aren't I so lucky I get to sleep next to that hottie every night.

Max Loves Baby Cache

We were very spoiled Christmas morning. Santa was very good to us again this year.

The View Outside My Window

2011-01-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

The view behind my parent's house.

Tonight as I walked out my parent's garage I was greeted by this sign. Granted it is through a field on the other side of the train tracks, but visible none-the-less. I almost couldn't believe my eyes and had to have my brother verify that the sign did indeed say what I thought it said. Sure enough my eyes did not deceive me. Of course us, being the mature adults that we are, hopped in the car and drove over closer to take a snapshot of the neon sign.

It made our night.

Don't Look Back

2011-01-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

Oh, how applicable this movie is, not only for this time of year, but every day. I am so glad that I have the opportunity to learn from the past, remembering the bitter and the sweet. I am thankful that I have the power to change the future & that every day is a new opportunity to be who I want to be.

Read the full article here.

It's a good one by one of my favorite speakers.

5 Resolutions

2011-01-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

I have decided to set some New Year's Resolutions.

Normally I am not a huge fan of New Year's Resolutions because usually by the end of January they are forgotten, & it is one more thing to check off my list that I didn't accomplish. However, this year I am holding myself accountable & setting goals & letting you know about them too, that way I have some accountability with someone other than myself.

Here they are:

1. I am training and running Robi Creek in April. My goal is simply to finish this race.

2. To sew a skirt for myself.

3. To do an act of service once a week for someone.

4. Have date night with my husband twice a month with no kiddos.

5. Take my camera off the auto setting and learn how to use it.

I have a few other ambitions for myself this year, but these are my top 5 for now. I am sure I will talk about the others more later.

What about you, do you have any goals for the New Year?

Do you believe in New Years Resolutions?

Here's to a wonderful 2011!

That Girl

2010-12-30T17:39:00.001-08:00

Idaho Falls Temple

Did you know that I met my husband 6 months after I graduated from high school, and married him 10 months later? Yep, I sure did.

However, if you would have asked me a year prior to that if I would be 19 and married I would have told you heck no! I swore I wouldn't be that girl. Although, I didn't have anything against girls who got married right out of high school, I just didn't think that would be the right fit for me. Well, serves me right because I went and did just that, I was that girl.

I met my husband in November of 2004 and after Christmas that year I went and met his family in Eastern Idaho for the New Year. Talk about intimidating, I stayed at their house for a couple days, thankfully I have really cool in-laws and they were truly welcoming.

Well, that weekend Clint took me into Idaho Falls for the afternoon. We stopped by the temple view point on the river, I hadn't been since I was little girl, and had forgotten how picturesque it was. It was a cold snowy day, charming actually, and as we stood there holding hands a little voice whispered in my ear that I was going to marry this guy. I remember the calm feeling that washed over me, and silently thinking to myself, "well ok then". That was exactly 6 years ago today.

I kept it my little secret for quite awhile, this confirmation that I had. To be honest I was a little embarrassed, humbled, and scared, getting married at 19 was not something I ever foresaw my young self doing. A few months later the "M" word came up casually in conversation, and thankfully I knew that I wanted to spend forever with this man.

I've never looked back.

The best decision I ever made was to become

that girl.

Where do my talents lie?

2010-12-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

The downfall of females in my mind is that we compare ourselves to others far too often. Do others agree with me?

While in my youth I thought the insecurities, the doubts, the self inflicted torture would subside with age. But at times I think those insecurities only get magnified with age. It seems that there is always someone who is more creative, a better wife & mother, prettier, skinnier, more talented, etc. As I get older I think it is easier to see what I haven't accomplished instead of what I have. All of the ambitious desires from my youth that some how never came to light. It stares me right in the face every morning, along with stretch marks, and tiny crows feet that are appearing around my eyes.

Often thoughts of if I only could be more of this and less of that, more like her and less like me.

Now I don't want people to think that I am being a downer, which this post probably sounds like. It is more a source for me to find enlightenment, and to share the insights that I have found while trying to find peace with myself. If there is one thing I have learned, yet definitely not mastered, is you have to find peace within yourself, you have to be confident in who you are, and if you are not, you must be willing to wake up and do something about it. Because nobody else can make you feel better about you except you.

Trying to find the courage to change is a daunting process. One that is scary and constantly evolving into something else. I don't know if I will ever find true peace with myself, but if there is one thing that I am trying to find, and put into practice, is that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father and that who I am is a gift from him and He wouldn't want me to waste it constantly trying to be someone he did not intend me to be. Whether that be through laziness or envy.

I have been blessed with talents. Maybe I haven't mastered them yet, but the beauty in this life is we always have the opportunity to start over. To turn and new leaf and try harder because that is what we have been asked to do.

So that is what 2011 is going to be for me. A new leaf. An opportunity to remember that I have the capability to change who I am into who I want to be.

The Stockings Were Hung

2010-12-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Stockings are hung.

Christmas Eve has begun.

Our family is together.

Our plans for the evening include:

Eating a delicious Christmas dinner.

Children acting out the nativity.

Un-wrapping Christmas jammies.

Family spending time together

(probably playing Catan after the kiddies go to sleep with visions of sugar plums dancing through their wee little heads.)

Santa assembling lots of gifts.

But the best part of all is that we have the opportunity to reflect on the birth of our savior.

We get to be with our families & celebrate this wonderful time of year.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-22T01:30:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Here

Now that Max is entering the phase of understanding Holidays, I want to start traditions with our family. However, it gets a little tricky, especially this year since we are transients, & because we still like to spend the Holidays with out families staying at our parent's houses.

As a child I remember certain traditions, that I always looked forward to, and loved around Christmas. Like my mom reading the Christmas story from the bible, and opening up a few presents on Christmas Eve. Another favorite was every year my Grandma Ulmer would send us kids our own Christmas ornament and my parents would let us kids decorate the tree with our ornaments. I am so happy this tradition has continued with Max, he not only gets an ornament from my mom but from Clint's as well. He is going to have quite the collection!

I will admit that the last few years I have kind of been a scrooge when it comes to decorating my own house for Christmas, but am excited for next year because I am a scrooge no more. Even if we don't spend actual Christmas Eve and Christmas day in our own home, I want Max to have those great memories like I have from my childhood.

My dilemma becomes what traditions I want to start in our family.

So I pose a question...what are some traditions that you remember from childhood, or traditions that you do with your own families during the holidays?

Once There Was A Snowman

2010-12-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

What do four college age boys do while home for Christmas Break?

Make a huge snowman of course

& then

shoot it with their homemade potato gun.

Sweet Socks

2010-12-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

Max found Uncle Kris' socks from his surgery. He thought they looked pretty sweet, especially with no pants and a pepsi.

Life is good.

Ghost Buster

2010-12-13T17:51:00.002-08:00

Max was hunting ghosts with his uncles today.

Is it an inherent thing for boys to like shooting things?

The first time he has really played with "guns" was last week and he is already "hunting" things.

Either way I am sure his dad is proud.

Shooting Ghost in the Shower

On the prowl.

Silly Kid

On The Farm

2010-12-09T22:10:00.000-08:00

Max and I are on the farm, enjoying relaxing and doing a whole lot of nothing.
Max loves it here, I didn't think he would remember but when we pulled into the driveway Max asked where grandpa & the cows were.
I am a city girl, there is no doubt about it, but there is something about the peaceful quietness & the happiness that I see on my child's face (and my husband's for that matter when he is here) out in the country that could possibly make me slightly ok with living in the boonies. Sadly it is a little too snowy and cold to fully enjoy all that being on the farm has to offer, but Max still loves it all the same.
Tomorrow we will head to Utah with Grandpa and Grandma to see cousins. We are very happy & can't wait to play and spend time with family we haven't seen in over 8 months, (8 months too long if you ask me)!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend we will be enjoying a wrestling tournament, the lights at temple square, and spending lots of time with cousins running around like crazy.

A Letter to Dad

2010-12-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

Pic Courtesy of Uncle Kris

Dear Dad,

I am having a pretty good time here in Idaho.

I just wanted to let you know that Uncle Kris & Kody are taking me under their wings here. They even let me play with their new hunting game for the Wii. It is pretty sick.

I miss you & can't wait until you get here & we can play together.

Love,
Max

Our First Week Back....

2010-12-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Max & I arrived back in the States last Friday. It is oh so good to be home. Saturday morning when we woke up the first thing that Max had to do was put on his snow boots and run outside. He has missed having a yard to play in. He wouldn't even let me put his clothes on, he went out in his pajamas. Luckily, we have adjusted quite well to the time change. I will say that it was much easier for us to adjust back to the time here than it was adjusting when we first moved to England.

It has been snowing like crazy ever since we arrived. Max's loves the snow & loves running around in it.

We've been able to spend lots of time with cousins already, & we finally got to meet baby Cache, whom Max loves & wants to hold all the time.

Max has already been to the doctor's office & diagnosed with an ear infection.

Max passed out in the car.

We've been enjoying our time back in Idaho. We can't wait until Dad gets to be here too. It has been a busy, fun week and we are so glad we get a few more here to enjoy family & friends.

Sagrada Familia

2010-12-01T00:29:00.001-08:00

Sagrada Familia

We spent an entire morning at the Sagrada Familia. This building was massive & so intricate. It is still a work in progress, and they anticipate that it will take at least 15 more years until it is finished. On three of the sides of the building it focuses on different religious facades. They are the Nativity, Passion, and the Glory Facade which is incomplete. The detail and thought that has been put into this amazing structure is incredible. I think my dad could have spent his entire trip in this one building. The architecture is absolutely remarkable. Everything is fashioned for a reason, and tells a story. Gaudi did not like straight lines, so everything has a circular feel to it. The detail on the carvings is so real, and involved. It is a masterpiece.

Barcelona Part II

2010-11-30T00:23:00.000-08:00

Some of Antonio Gaudi's Work

Casa Mila

Check out those sodas!

Just a warning some of these photos are a little graphic. While walking through the market I had to stifle back a few gags. This market was amazing to walk through, just a little more "fresh" than I am used to seeing where I shop. I just wanted to document all of the things that we saw as a family, and how different people live throughout the world.

We spent a lot of time walking around and just site seeing throughout Barcelona. I really like walking along Los Rambles, there were tons of street vendors and little shops. It was very picturesque with all the trees. I also thought walking through the market in Los Rambles was very educational. We saw some of the different sites that architect Antonio Gaudi created, which I am pretty sure were my dad's favorite sites.

Barcelona Part I

2010-11-28T21:21:00.000-08:00

Our time in Barcelona was wonderful. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. These photos are sites from our bike tour.

To The Castle We Went

2010-11-26T01:41:00.002-08:00

While my parent's were here we took a day trip up to Edinburgh, Scotland to show my parent's the massive castle there. It was a perfect day, the sun was shining and you could see out to the ocean. Other than it being super cold, especially on top of the castle, it was amazing. I of course forgot my camera so all of these pictures are from my mom's camera.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

2010-11-25T05:23:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Max & I will make the grand voyage back to Idaho for the Holidays.

All by ourselves might I add.

(Clint will be joining us in a few weeks.)

With today being Thanksgiving & we are celebrating un-conventionally. I still can't help but stop and think about all of the things that I have to be thankful for in my life.

My boys

My family

Good Health

A loving Heavenly Father

Great friends

This year has definitely been one of learning for me, but I am so thankful for the experiences.

Good & Bad.

There was growth, times of trial, and happiness,

lots of happiness.

I have been able to travel with my family to amazing places I never thought I would get to see.

And now, I get to go home.

Home closer to family & friends whom I have missed dearly.

However, sad to leave new friends.

New friends that helped me feel like I was home here.

I will miss them dearly.

So on this day of thanks giving. I am thankful for the good and the bad, the bitter and the sweet.

Thankful for all that my Heavenly Father has given me.

Whitehaven

2010-11-24T02:36:00.000-08:00

We came back to Northwest England after London with my parent's. We spent one day touring around where we live. We took my parent's on our Sunday walk route, and we also went to the Gosforth Pie Shop, but once again I forgot my camera. Those pies are delicious! It was a little windy and cold here but luckily no rain. My parent's definitely lucked out.

We really do live in a beautiful place.

Third Times A Charm

2010-11-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

We met my parent's in London to begin their trip visiting the other side of the pond. It was our third time in London and we still saw & did new things. It is an amazing city!

I think I could go back to London again and still find new things to do. It was gorgeous this time of year with the leaves changing colors.

Out & About

2010-11-16T16:09:00.001-08:00

We have company this week!

We met my parent's in London last Friday & spent 3 days there. After London we headed back to our neck of the woods & did some sight seeing, which involved a big castle and lots of kilts.

We are headed off to Barcelona tomorrow to round out our week.

So now that you know why my blogging has been sparse check back next Monday for updates from our time out & about.

Life is good!

Max's Secret Hideout

2010-11-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

One of Max's new favorite things is to have his dad make him a tunnel into his tent and sit and watch his movies in there.

12 Months

2010-11-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

Tuff Spring 2007

I've been thinking about Tuff a lot lately. I can't believe it's been a year since we had to put him down. I miss having a dog around. When we had Max we always would talk about how he and Tuff would be best buddies, and how Max would eventually be the pooper scooper in our family.

A funny thing about dogs & myself was I used to loathe them, like really dislike them A LOT! I thought they were stinky, slobbery, and trouble. When we bought our first house in Nampa Clint instantly started talking about getting a dog and I was pretty adamant that I didn't want one, especially not a boxer. Well, that Friday afternoon in June of 2006, my feelings were changed, when Clint brought Tuff home I instantly fell in love with him. His paws were too big for his body, and he would clumsily walk around, it was so cute. All he wanted to do was be held in our laps, and he was so small. I just remember from day one how honest his eyes were. He was a good dog & I miss having him around.

I can't wait until we have a house and a backyard again so that we can get another dog for Max to play around with. However, that dog will have some pretty big paws to fill.

Switzerland

2010-11-07T08:24:00.001-08:00

I am finally at the end of our travels with Grandpa and Grandma Wolfley. Our last stop was in Zurich, Switzerland. The Wolfley's ancestors are mostly from Bern, Switzerland which is about an hour from Zurich. One of the ancestor's even has an exhibit at a local museum in Bern because he was musician. That was our main reasoning behind this trip, however the one day we were in town the Museum was closed so we weren't able to go inside. However, I loved Switzerland, it might have been one of my favorite places we visited. It was beautiful! The leaves were all changing color, and the atmosphere was just so quaint.

Mueseum where Rudolph Wolfley exhibit is.

Random bear exhibit in town.

Disneyland = The Happiest Place on Earth

2010-11-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

On our second day in Paris we decided to take Max to Disneyland. He is obsessed with Mickey Mouse and all of those Disney shows right now so we thought he would love it, and love it he did! He was so excited the entire day and had a blast riding the rides. They had a Toy Story themed part of the park and Cars which he thought was really sweet. I think I was as excited as he was to see the joy on his little face. With a lot of our travels Max has just been along for the ride so it was nice to have a day all about him.

Max was so excited to meet Mickey and Minnie

Riding the carousel all by himself

The Sword in the Stone

Meeting Buzz

These hugs were not scripted...Max ran up to Mickey and Minnie and gave them both hugs.

The Happiest Place on Earth

2010-11-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame

The Louvre

After London we rode the Eurostar over to Paris. We only had a day and a half so it was a quick trip. The first evening Clint and I did a bike tour. Kim & Pat were nice enough to keep Max with them since it was pretty cold and rainy. The bike tour was really good, and it was fun to ride around and see everything at night. Paris is beautiful, and the buildings were immaculate. I wish we would have had more time to go inside Notre Dame and go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but I was just glad to get to see them.

Oooohhhh Scary

2010-10-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

Max & his friend Quincy.

We hope you had a scary night!

The Second Leg

2010-10-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Our first stop on the second leg of our holiday with Kim & Pat landed us in London.

The view from the top of the London Eye.

We of course did a bike tour of the city.

Max checking out the ducks.

Pat & I got to see Wicked, it was AWESOME!

I still heart London!

It is a magical city.

A Divider, A Lake, & A Fortress

2010-10-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

After our time in Rome we flew back to England to spend a few days to show Kim & Pat where we live. We did a lot in two short days. We first visited a section of Hadrian's Wall.

Our next stop was our favorite weekend hot spot, Keswick. The lake is beautiful and the town is adorable. We love Keswick!

Our final hot spot close to home was Muncaster Castle, which is only about a 30 minute drive from our house. On our way we had to get Gosforth's Famous Pie's. Sadly we took no pictures with out camera but they are delicious!

We covered quite a bit of territory in those two days.

Do As The Romans

2010-10-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

On our third day in Rome we went and toured the Colosseum.

Wow!

It was a pretty sweet sporting arena. I could just picture the Gladiators fighting for their lives & the spectators taking it all in. It was GINORMOUS! I think this may have been Clint's favorite spot we visited. Anything to do with sporting makes my hubby happy.

This is how Max felt about seeing the Colosseum.

After the Colosseum we went and walked along the Ruins. They are slowly being excavated. The building capabilities they had thousands of years ago continually baffles me. These structures withstood floods, being covered with earth, armies, and now being dug back up, and they had no motors, no cranes, no machines to do the work, just people.

We ended our trip on Sunday by attending a local ward in Rome. While we we were there they announced in Sacrament Meeting that the Rome Temple was going to be built. It was awesome to be there and see the joy and to hear the members bare their testimonies. They were so grateful that a house of the Lord was going to be built in their city. It was a very sweet meeting.

It was a perfect way to end our trip to Rome.

Vatican City

2010-10-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Our second day in Rome we did a walking tour in Vatican City. We were able to see some amazing things. We did get to go in the Sistine Chapel but they ask you not to take any photos. Bummer. It was breathtaking.

Our tour consisted of the Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica. These buildings make you feel like you are 2ft tall. They are huge, the detail and the art work. Amazing!

Max enjoyin his soda