Trip to Twin Falls

This weekend, we were able to go up to Twin Falls for the dedication of the Twin Falls Temple. Saturday night we were lucky enough to have tickets to attend the Youth Cultural Celebration, and then we attended the second session of the temple dedication on Sunday (we sat in one of the sealing rooms). Dave's entire family was there, with the exception of Jeremy & Michelle who were at home waiting the arrival of their new baby boy (Zachary Matthew came yesterday afternoon...congrats, guys!).

This trip was also full of little "issues"...Kodi almost drowning and Kodi getting lost and Kodi getting sprayed by a skunk (he STILL smells - not a good trip for Kodi!!!). Not to mention the fact that as all 10 of us were trying to get ready for the dedication Sunday morning, the power went out 45 minutes before we were supposed to leave. Mark & Ken "showered" with bottled water (JR & Linda's water is on a pump, so when the power goes out, so does the water!), and I ended up doing my hair out in the bed of David's truck. I am so grateful for new vehicles that have electrical outlets in them!!

These are random photos from Saturday...
Emma, Taylor & Riley with Brychan. They are so good with Brychan and love him to death, and he really seems to return their adoration.





This is Shoshone Falls. We didn't go to the falls on this trip (I stole this photo from Jocie), but for those of you who are interested, this is where Dave proposed to me. Granted, it was the end of December - so just imagine all that water frozen over. The little mountain on the right of the photo is what we hiked up, in the mud where I was clobbered by a large dog with very muddy paws after I agreed to marry David.

At the Cultural Celebration. Brychan loved it! The brightly colored costumes, the music and all the clapping - he was well entertained for the entire hour and a half!

The Twin Falls Temple. I am so grateful we had the opportunity to participate in this. I have never heard another prayer given with as much power as the dedicatory prayer given by President Eyring.

Baby Einstein

Okay...okay. I always said that I would never just put my child in front of the television for babysitting purposes. But my heavens - if it weren't for Baby Einstein and/or Signing Times I would NEVER get anything done. It's amazing how 20 minutes of un-interrupted time can seem like an eternity. No nap days are definitely movie days. At least they're educational, right? :)

Bear Lake...Take Two

This time we went up to Bear Lake with some friends from our ward. All in all I think there were 6 families that went. And this time we spent all our time on the beach or in the water which was nice!

Nestle was the only dog we took up, and he was a HIT!! He spent his days going up and down the beach playing with anybody that wanted to. He made all sorts of friends, had his picture taken who knows how many times and completely wore himself out chasing his ball out into the lake and bringing it back. He even made some new friends from Holland!


Playing with Mommy in the water


We got to go ATVing and sailing. This is one of the sailboats we had up there. It was the first time sailing for both Dave and I, and we absolutely loved it!

Out for the count. He was a trooper!!

4 Month Check up & Baby Weight

Brychan had his 4 month check up this week...we're a little behind, but what can you do?!?

Length: 25.5 (75th percentile)
Weight: 16lbs 2 oz (75th perc)
Head: 42.5 cm (55th perc)

He also had his shots, which he did really good with the first day. However, the second day was NOT fun. His first round of shots was such a breeze that I just assumed this time would be as easy. Not so! Add to that a little cold he has, and he was one miserable little boy. Which made for one miserable little mommy too. Gladly, he is feeling much better now! His newest little trick? His fake cough. I will hear him sputtering and coughing and go to check on him, and he has this HUGE smile on his face; mid-cough. He is such a ham! He is also now rolling over from his back to his belly, and is quickly figuring out he can travel by rolling. He is oh so close to sitting up on his own, but still needs a little bit of help from his Boppy.

I am still on my quest for no post-prego weight. I've lost a whopping 2 pounds. My husband has been kind enough to take Brychan for me each night at 8:00pm so I can have whatever time I need to work out. This week, I've been trying to start running again. Ugh! Starting over from scratch is hard enough, and it just gets harder the older you get. I'm really, really starting to dislike all these skinny minnies I see all over the place that are stick thin with a tiny, brand new baby. How is it that they get to go back to their skinny little bodies, and my once thin body seems to be history? I keep telling myself it will get easier once I stop nursing, but I'm beginning to lose hope. I have a friend from high school who had her third child just over a year ago, and she just finished a triathalon. Debbie - you're awesome, and are totally motivating me to get in gear!! :)

Stander Family Photos

Jocie took these photos while we were at Six Lakes. She is amazing!

The whole crew...

Grandma & Grandpa Stander with all the grandkids

Our little family

More South Dakota pics

Meeting the Davis cousins for the first time. Reagan with Brychan, Brockton & Payton.


I LOVE the glistening drool!

Raggedy Ann & Andy

South Dakota

We got home from Six Lakes Wednesday night, and Friday morning we were off to South Dakota for a memorial for my Aunt Lois (Grandma Hatch's sister). We were only there for one day...not enough time! I forget just how much I love South Dakota until I get back home. We spent Saturday morning at Storybook Island (an awesome, huge, fun, free park) with my brother's family.

Reagan & I swinging

Dave & Brychan sitting on Eeyore

Brychan & Payton loved each other! Payton is only a month and a half older than Brychan, and they just had the best time together.

One of my new all time favorite photos

My younger brother's family...Missy, Brockton, baby Payton, Brockton (Jr.) and Reagan