DUET PIANO RECITAL

Madi had her first duet piano recital last week. She was paired up with Kenzie Maylett in our neighborhood and they played two songs together during the performance. This was a really fun recital for Madi to participate in. We have been so impressed with her progress over the past year, she has really taken to piano and never complains about practicing. I hope she keeps it up for years to come because it is such an amazing gift to have.

YANKEES TEAM NUMBER 1

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What a fun baseball season we had this year. It all started when Jaxson was drafted by coach Kody Pierce. He is the dad of his friend Kaden; Kody also drafted Jaxson's friends Karter Jones and Jacob Anderson. All of the other players of the team were kids we did not know, but had a great time getting to know.

The team was chosen to be the Yankees and they started practices in March. Jaxson had three coaches that were so involved with the kids in helping them develop into better players. The most important thing they stressed was having fun while playing.

Jaxson loved going to every practice and every game! He always looked forward to baseball each day. He would practice with his friends and wanted to be the best he could be. He told me that he wanted to play baseball every year. I love that he loves playing ball because I love seeing him light up when he plays the game.

Our team happened to go undefeated for most of the season, we lost one game and tied two games, taking first place in our division. (I think the parents were more stressed out about the loss then the kids were. We were all so competitive).

After each game, the coaches would sit the boys down and talk about the great things they did during the game and would give out the game ball to one of the boys. As parents we enjoyed listening to these speeches. Kody was always positive and Coach Scott was a riot. He would buy candy for the kids after the game because he would get so excited. He would also have anxiety before the games because he loved the game so much. It all made us laugh.

Jaxson became a great hitter during the season. Half the season was machine pitch and the other half was kid pitch. Jaxson had a streak for quite a while where every time he got up to bat he would hit and get a single, most games this would happen three times. As a mom this was so fantastic!

The coaches sponsored a team BBQ at the end of the season and the boys had a ball, they all became great little buddies. At closing ceremonies the team accepted their 1st place trophies with honor! We only hope next season will be as good as this season and that we can keep the team together another year. I was sad to see the season end; however look forward to next spring.

MY LITTLE BOOK WORM

Reagan got glasses a couple of weeks ago. We thought this was going to be a big challenge considering her crazy personality and the process it took to pick out her glasses.

Getting fitted for glasses was not an experience I wish to remember, it didn't matter what Dan and I bribed her with, she did not want to try on more than one or two pairs of glasses. Because she is so little we had to find a pair that wasn't too big on her face. I think it took an hour just to hold her still long enough to find a pair. As soon as we found one Dan and I both agreed that was the pair.

Day one: Reagan put her glasses in her trike bin and we couldn't find them anywhere. After about a 30 minute search we located them.

Since then she has actually done quite well, we just have to watch her and make sure she doesn't take them off in some random place. I guess she has decided she can see better with them. Three weeks and counting as we still have them!

Hopefully the glasses will correct her lazy eye; otherwise we will have to start patching her good eye like we did with Madison. This process will force the bad eye to work. We picked up on her being cross eyed because of what we went through with Madi. Lazy happened because you are far-sided and your brain stops using the bad eye because it can't focus. Glasses should correct that; however sometimes you have to do a little more to fix the problem.

I think she looks stinkin' cute and older too!

EVERY BODY LOVES A VACATION

We took the kids to Florida at the end of April while they were off track. It seems to be regular vacation for us, we go about every other year. We love Disney and its the perfect vacation for kids!

We started out the trip by almost missing our flight out. Dan was working and got home 2 hours before our flight left. Because he was gone all day I was behind and still packing. By the time we got the car loaded and headed to the airport we had under 90 minutes before take off. I was stressing out the entire way there, Dan pulled up to the curb with 50 minutes to spare. I told sky cap that if they could get our bags on the flight and get us checked in, I would pay him a really good tip. Dan then left to go park our car in short term parking because we really didn't have another choice.

Once on the flight, I was able to relax. The one mistake I made was not letting Reagan take a nap in hopes she would sleep on the plane. That idea backfired and she was over tired and grumpy throughout the flight. (Plus she didn't sleep at all).

W spent the first day hanging out at the hotel and soaking up the sun at the swimming pool. It was fantastic being in the warm weather. The rest of the trip, was spent going from park to park. We had intentions of going to the beach and relaxing a little more this time around; however we found ourselves wanting to do it all again.

The kids wanted to go to Sea world, so off we went to try a new adventure. we started the morning off right by going to the Shamu show and sitting in the splash zone. Dan purchased a towel for the camera prior to the show starting and to help shelter Reagan from the splash. I don't think the towel helped us much once Shamu decided to make his splash, unless you can call wringing out a towel helping. Reagan and Madi were both bawling, Madi swallowed a big mouthful of seawater, everyone was soaked head to toe and the camera stopped working. If was a great way to start out the day. After the show the family was able to laugh it off and Reagan loved Shamu after it was all said an done.

The following day we went of to Blizzard Beach, one of Disney's awesome water parks. (This was the beach my kids decided to go to). I thought Reagan would love the water park, I was however mistaken, for some reason or another she was terrified of the water slides. Blizzard Beach has a fantastic kids area and we got up bright and early so we could get to the park and set up in the kids area for her. She couldn't of cared less about it. She enjoyed watching the older kids come down the slides more. The rest of us had a blast! We enjoyed the toboggan slides, the family raft ride and the wave pool. Jaxson and Dan even went on the 2nd tallest water slide in the world. I cant believe Jaxson was brave enough to do this.

Tuesday morning we had breakfast at Chef Mickey's. This was great because all the characters come to your table and you don't have to wait in long lines at the park to meet them. Reagan had been watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse prior to our trip so she was very familiar with Mickey and the gang. When Goofy arrived, I saw the look of fear in her eyes for the first time in my life. She grabbed me, screamed and wouldn't let go. As long as he was in her sight, she had a firm grip around my shoulders. As she watched him and we talked about Donald and Mickey, she loosened up a bit; however still holding on to me for dear life. we were able to get a few pictures and then Pluto arrived and kissed her on the nose. By the time breakfast was over, Reagan was trying to get Mickey Mouse to come with us. She kept saying "Come on Mickey."

We spent the remainder of the day at Magic kingdom. I think this is the first time we were able to get all through the park. Lucky for us it wasn't very crowded and we were able to enjoy everything. Dan and I took turns taking Madi and Jaxson on rides and then would do the stroller pass and go again. It was fun to see Jaxson brave enough to try everything. I think we scared Reagan by taking in the Haunted Mansion, and other dark rides. She was not fan of much other than the Merry-Go-Round and the Disney shows around the park.

Wednesday we headed over to Hollywood Studios and the first thing we did as ride the Tower of Terror. Jaxson told us he was going to face his fears and he went. He got off the ride and said he wouldn't be going on that again. Madi said the same thing the first time she road it; but now loves it! One of our other favorites was the Aerosmith Rockin Roller Coaster, Madi and Jaxson both loved this ride and we went on it several times throughout the day. We also loved the High School Musical show, The American Idol Experience and Playhouse Disney live on stage.

On our final day we played at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We hit Toon Town first thing and got soaked on Rip Saw Falls. This happens to be my favorite ride at the park. After which we enjoyed the Jurassic Park land and played around the park and caves. We attended a magic show and 30 minutes later ended up with $80.00 worth of magic tricks thanks to Dan. (the kids were happy about that) One of our favorite parts of Islands of Adventure is Dr. Seuss Land. We hung out and the kids got their faces painted. Reagan enjoyed herself on the Seuss-A-Cal and on the train. She didn't enjoy 1 Fish 2 Fish because we got wet. Next we headed over to comic strip land where the Hulk roller coaster awaited us, unfortunately Jaxson was too short to go on the ride to Dan and Madi took off with out us. We did however get to met all the comic book character including; Wolverine, Captain America, Spider man and other X-Men characters, which made up for not getting to ride the Hulk.

It is amazing how fast a week can go by when you are having fun! the next morning we headed back to the airport and back to reality. I am so glad that we got to spend this quality time as a family and with our kids. THESE ARE THE MEMORIES!!!

MAJOR PAINS

Let me tell you a story about a man and his need for a dog...

For those of you that know me I am not a animal lover to say the least; however a few years ago I gave in and decided to get our kids a puppy for Christmas. This didn't turn out so well and the cute, expensive puppy was gone six weeks later.

During the last month Dan decided it was time for a new family dog, after much begging and pleading I gave in again on a trial basis only. You see we were up in Park City shopping at the outlet stores, when I asked my kids if they wanted to go the the pet store (this is something we always let them do during our shopping excursions as they love to go in and see the animals and it keeps them happy during our shopping trip). Dan for some reason thought this meant let's get a dog, it was your idea to go to the pet store. While in the pet store we found a boxer named Major. Dan of course fell in love and wanted to adopt him on the spot. During the remainder of our shopping trip he kept repeating let's go back into the pet store and adopt major. (He was almost like a little kid, because I kept telling him no and that I wasn't ready for a dog and he kept asking)

We left Park City without the dog; however as the week went on, Dan continued to ask about the dog, he even called the pet store to find out more about him. Every time we had a moment, he would bring up the dog. He told me how Major was abused and was such a mellow dog and that he was house trained and this would be the perfect dog for our family. He even went on to tell me how the pet store would allow you to take the dog home and foster him to see if he would be a good fit for our family and if we did foster him he came with everything, including food and a kennel. Finally a gave in and said we could foster him. So over Easter weekend he went up to Park City to get the dog and brought Major home to surprise the kids. Of course he didn't come with a kennel, so off to the pet store we went to get supplies for the "foster dog." After which the kids took him out on walks around the neighborhood and were so excited about their new dog!

This is where the "Major Pains" began... After having the dog for about 5 hours, Dan and I left for the Hale Theater while the kids were at home and Lexi Pike came over to babysit. Jaxson was outside with the dog, who was tied up, when the dog got out of his collar and dashed off. Lexi went chasing him down the street, all the way to the model and couldn't catch him. She came back to the house and called her parents, called my parents who were out for the evening so ended up speaking with my brother who was in town for the weekend. All of them went out in different cars looking for the dog. My brother called me just as we were walking into the theater to give us the news of the dog being lost. We then called Lexi, who started crying along with Madi and we decided to come home to look for the dog. By this time it was raining and starting to get dark. (Although I am not a dog person, I did feel bad for the dog being lost and not knowing where to go). Dan continued to look for the dog for hours, even in the dark with a flashlight.

The following morning Dan went out again looking for the dog and posting lost dog flyer's all around the community. He called the pet store to inform them the dog was lost, and they were not pleased. The manager of the store even stated she would be coming down that afternoon to help look for the dog. While in church Dan received a phone call from the pet store stating the Riverton Animal Shelter had the dog and that he was picked up last night. Because is was Easter, they were closed and we could pick him up tomorrow. They were able to figure out who he belong to because of his micro-chip.

After paying a fee to get the dog out of the shelter, Dan brought Major home again that evening. We decided to keep him a couple extra days because we really didn't get the chance to get to know the dog over the weekend because he was in the shelter. Dan worked late both Monday and Tuesday evening so I tried to befriend the dog by sitting next ot him and petting him. When Dan would get home he would take the dog for a walk and I would be in bed by the time he came home.

Major didn't bark or climb, but I was never really comfortable him Major in the house. After a few days Dan could tell I wasn't adjusting very well to the change and said he would take the dog back because he would rather have a happy wife then a happy dog. I hadn't made a final decision on the dog (although in my heart I had) when Major decided to bolt again.

Thursday morning when kids were leaving for school Major pushed his way out of the house through the front door and started running. I was late getting off to work because of a bad morning and happened to be leaving at the same time as the kids, when Dan ran out the door chasing the dog. Before I could get in the car, Dan was yelling at me to give him the keys. He asked me which way he went and he drove off in a panic after the dog. Madi was crying because she thought it was her fault and I told her it was OK and that Daddy would find the dog, not to worry and to go to school. After several minutes, Dan came back with no dog. He knew I needed to leave for work, so he came back for Reagan and his car. Needless to say tensions were high and I started yelling at him, to just get rid of the stupid dog and that I was done!

Dan called me on my way to work to tell me that Reagan was so worried about me and just kept saying in the car over and over "Mommy sad, mommy crying," apparently I really upset her because my emotions were definitely on the surface when I left.

Dan continued to look for the dog for hours when he saw him on Redwood Road. He followed him with his hazards lights on and he created a line of traffic behind him. Every time he would get out of the car and call for Major he would run off again. So he called the South Jordan Animal Control to assist him in catching the dog. By the time they arrived with two vehicles a South Jordan police officer decided to help as well and they eventually caught the dog by cornering him with all the vehicles.

Later that day Major almost ran out the door again when our nanny was leaving for the day. Needless to say the dog went back to the pet store the following morning.

I'm still not a dog person and I don't think Dan can talk me into it ever again. What a crazy, wild and time consuming project Major was over the past week.

REAGAN TURNS 2

Two years go by in a flash... It seems like only yesterday that we brought Reagan home from the hospital; on the other hand our lives were very different before Reagan came along. I can and can't imagine my life without her, she absolutely melts my heart!

Reagan's Favorites at the age of two:
ELMO
Barney
Mickey Mouse
She loves singing songs (Twinkle Twinkle, Wheels on the Bus)
She loves to play outside and Jump on the trampoline
She loves "Snacks" (fruit snacks that is)
She loves Chocolate Milk and Apple Juice
She loves Cake
She loves Music (she pronounces is Musak) and loves to dance to the musak!
She loves her BINKI!

Reagan, I am so blessed to have you in my life and to be your mother, what a light you bring into our family. You make us laugh and cry at the same time, you make us crazy and love you all at once. You are such a JOY and I love you! Happy Birthday!

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

It's that time of year again when the English side of the family gets together for an "Easter Extravaganza!" This year was especially fun because my brother Jared was in town for the weekend and the entire family was together.

We started Saturday morning off with crepes and an Easter skillet (which we make my dad prepare every year) for breakfast and then it was off to the yard for the Easter Egg Hunt. Each grandchild filled their baskets to capacity with toys, candy and money. They even had grocery bags filled with all of their goodies. It is so fun to watch the kids light up with excitement as they search for their treasures. A lot of the items had their specific name, so they had to look high and low for their special prizes. Madi's strategy was to pick up as many eggs as she could find and look for her items after because nobody would pick her stuff up (Of course being the oldest grandchild she had to have a strategy, as if their wasn't enough goods to go around.)

After the hunt was over, my mother (super mom) made homemade chocolate covered eggs and peanut butter eggs for the kids to decorate. Boy did they decorate. I believe the more frosting you had on the eggs the better they were according to Jaxson. The eggs definitely looked delicious after the frosting party was over.

Later several of us went to the new Hannah Montana movie, (which was actually good) the kids really enjoyed it as well.

On Sunday we all got together again for a BBQ, the weather was beautiful and we all enjoyed being outside. We brought over Jaxson's rocket blaster and everyone got involved in the action. The kids went crazy over blasting off the rockets, while the bigger kids enjoyed trying to catch the flying rockets. Scott even modified his rocket to see what it could do.

What a fun weekend it was to spend together! I know we all had a great time neglecting our responsibilities and just playing as a family all weekend long.

CONFERENCE CRAZY

Dan and I were folding the laundry this morning while watching conference, so at least we were trying to fold the laundry and trying to watch conference.

Folding laundry is always a chore when Reagan is around, I usually try to fold at night after she is in bed; however I figured we were sitting around so we might as well get it done and kill two birds with one stone.

As usual Reagan kept unfolding the clothes we had already folding and ran around the room jumping on the piles of folded clothes, then the crazy came out of her as she decided to jump straight back, arms open wide, arched back, into the pile of unfolded clothes screaming "Cow-a-bunga!" Over and over she repeated this same stunt, with no fear just pure enjoyment. We couldn't help but stop and watch her and laugh. I laughed so hard I started to cry. She is a funny, wild and crazy girl. I guess you sometimes get as much out of conference as you do in sacrament meeting with you have Reagan on your hands.

CAN A TODDLER BE A COMEDIAN?

Dan and I are in stitches every day because of our busy, out of control and very funny little Reagan. I'd like to share just a couple of things she has dine in the past week to make us laugh...

1. Reagan has learned how to open doors and the fridge. This is no surprise to us considering how determined she is to get what she wants. In fact just the other morning we found her in the fridge with the block of cheddar cheese in her mouth. She actually bit through the plastic to get a bite. I guess she was hungry.

2. Reagan likes to help Dan wake up the kids for school in the morning. She is also a little copy cot right now and repeats everything you say. Dan happened to say "Cock-a-doodle-doo" and Reagan kept repeating it in a high voice to get her brother to wake up. I was in the bathroom getting ready for work and couldn't help but laugh at the tiny, high pitched voice coming from the other room "Cock-a-dood-doo!"

3. We have taught Reagan the Rabbit song (She calls it the happy song) The words go like this:
There was a little house in the middle of the woods
A little old man by the window stood
He say a rabbit hopping by,
knocking at the door
"Help me, help me, help me," he said
or the hunter will shoot me dead
come little rabbit come with me,
happy we will be.

It is hysterical to sing this with her, she does some of the actions and she sings some of the words, but the words that make me laugh the most is when she sings:
"or the hunter will shoot Dad"

NOT SO DANCING REAGAN

We decided to sign Reagan up for dance classes with her friend Kate Bentley. Because she was just a month shy of her 2nd birthday the dance instructor decided it would be OK for her to start a little early to help prepare her for the recital in June. Dan took her to class and this is the result we got, her not participating! She did like the teacher and hugged her goodbye, so she said to bring her back the next week and we would try it again. It has now been four weeks and every week she listens a little more. Although sometimes she tells the teacher no! She loves getting in her ballet shoes and tutu and she does love dancing around the house. Here's hoping she continues to improve.