Tim, MBA

Tim's graduation ceremony from the University of Phoenix was today. He did finish his classes at the end of October, but they didn't have a ceremony until today. Neither of us walked when we received our bachelor's degrees, so we really wanted him to walk this time. He looked very handsome and regal in his cap, gown, and master's hood. I am very proud of his accomplishment.

We decided not to take the girls. Three hours in a small area is hard for adults much less little ones, so we got some pictures with them and dad in his "silly dress and hat" then they got to play with friends all morning. Thank you Arnold's for watching them! I'm sure they had a LOT more fun at your house.

This is as he walked in. Ok, funny dumb pregnant moment(I'll miss being able to blame my dumb moments on my pregnancy). Last night I got out the camera to charge it and the video recorder to check the battery and place on the tape. The battery was fully charged, but when I checked the place I forgot to take it off of play mode. This morning when I tried to record the processional, the video recorder was dead. Ah well, I got pictures at least.




Tim's mom and sister Steph came to support and cheer Tim on. After the ceremony they and some friends came to a bbq to help us celebrate!! Congrats Tim!

Our Vacation to Thanksgiving Point

It was spring break this past week. Tim took Monday and Tuesday off and we went to far off Thanksgiving Point (actually 6 miles from our home). We had thought about camping, but the places near by weren't open yet and we didn't have time to go very far. So, we got a hotel room in Lehi with some good friends, the Arnolds. They have two boys that are a little older than our girls, but they all get along very well. We started off at the petting zoo. They rode on some ponies, went on a wagon ride, and got to pet and see many animals. Ali loved the donkey that all of the other kids were afraid of because he is known to bite. Lydia loved running around with her friends.

Next we checked into "the castle" and headed for the pool. The kids were so excited about being able to go swimming both days! Ali spent most of her time in the hot tub. Everyone had a blast.


We went out to dinner (Del Taco with a play place, Yoohoo!) and headed back to the hotel. It had a fire pit in the back and we made S'mores! This was my favorite part of our trip. It was relaxing and involved chocolate!

This is just like camping, right?

Finally we put the kids in one room with a movie and some popcorn, while the parents played games in the other room! It was perfect. We just transfered kids as they nodded off.

The next morning we had a great breakast at the hotel and headed off to the pool one more time. It was good it was an indoor pool because it rained all day on Tuesday. They played to their hearts content, and we went back upstairs to clean up before check out. They had played so hard that Ali curled up in Tim's arms, and fell right asleep. Tim didn't mind. We were all sad to leave our magical world of fun. It was a great little trip with good friends!

Egg-citement

We had a wonderful Easter! The girls participated in 5 egg hunts, got lots of candy, saw many friends, and in the end it was declared by Lydia as "the best day holiday ever!" Sat. morning we went to the American Fork egg hunt. It was raining, but they still had booths, crafts, and games before the hunt. We only got pictures of the potatoe sack race, but it was their favorite part. The hunt lasted a total of 30 seconds. It went so fast that Lydia got all flustered and ran around in circles. She only ended up with some soggy candy. Ali got one egg, but it had a free movie ticket to the local dollar theater.

My sister-in-law hosted a family luncheon and egg hunt in the afternoon. The girls love playing with their cousins, and they got a lot more eggs this time.

We colored eggs that evening and put out the girls cute new Easter dresses for church.

After church the Easter bunny had left us baskets of goodies. The girls got nail polish, a movie, and bubble sticks. Tim got a fishing pole, and I recieved a new game. Thank you Easter bunny! Grandma Marsha joined us for dinner and we had a great day! I'm so grateful for the love our Heavenly Father and Savior have for us to make such a huge sacrifice on our behalf so we can be together and be happy. Happy Easter everyone!

There Should Be a Rule...

that pregnant women can't get sick beyond the pregnancy stuff. I mean, really, aren't we miserable enough without adding more on top of it? I have been sicker than a dog! How sick is a dog anyway, and where did that saying come from? Luckily for me my mother-in-law took the girls one afternoon and a great friend took them another afternoon. Also, it's been lucky the girls haven't gotten ill themselves. They are bored though because I haven't gone anywhere and friends can't come here. Hopefully it will go away soon, I would love to be able to breathe again.
Also, I didn't forget about my contest. I didn't have to draw any names because only 3 people responded. Jess, Aunt Marlene, and Lisa, I will be sending something soon. Probably a set of handmade cards. I can't think of anything else. If they turn out cute I will post pics so those that didn't respond can be jelous.:) Have a great conference weekend everyone!

Another Birthday!

Tim turned the big 3-0 this year. Although I know I have put many birthdays on lately, I couldn't just let Tim's go by without a tribute to my wonderful husband. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures. In the morning he played raquetball with some of his friends, then came home and took a nap (his request). For dinner I made his favorite dish. It's funny, I love to go out, but he would rather stay in, so that is what we did. Later that night some friends came over and we played games. All in all, it was a fun day. Some things I love about Tim: he rarely raises his voice, he is a great sounding board for me and always offers a lot of insight into things I'm dealing with, he LOVES to play with the girls, he gets excited about simple things like...getting a project done or a new tent, and he always puts 110% into anything he does. I love you, honey and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Ali is Three!

Ali's birthday is tomorrow, and Tim's was yesterday, but we swaped them because of something we planned for Tim's birthday. Either way, our baby girl is already 3 years old!! My, does time fly. Some of my favorite things about Ali is her constant smile and laughter, her knack with gadgets, and the way she worships her dad and older sister. She truely is a delight to have in our family. We didn't do a party again this year, but we did go on many adventures. We had lunch with a friend, and them we went to Kangaroo Zoo.

Ali invited her cute little friend Ava, and Lydia invited Gracie. They ran about screaming and having a great old time for a couple of hours.

They got eaten by aligators...

and rode on dinosaurs. Tim and I enjoyed it too because we could sit and talk while they ran wild. Next we headed to the Mayan for some cliff diving fun. It's the girls favorite retaraunt. Then we came home for presents and cake and ice cream.

She got a fishing rod, a new classical CD, some great books, and a digital camera. We all had a great day together. We are blessed to have Ali in our family!

Bumble Bee's Birthday

Bumble Bee is Lydia's doll. She woke up Sunday morning came into our room and declared that it was Bumble Bee's birthday. She was patient while we did everything we needed to for church and lunch and dinner. After dinner though she said it was time for B.B's birthday. She had it all planned out. She had told each of us during the day that we needed to have a present ready. Dad made a card, Ali helped me wrap sharing candy (life savers) and a Hello Kitty pen from me. Lydia spent the good part of the afternoon making magic chalk. Here is B.B's loot. I think she did pretty good for a doll.

Lydia was a good mom and planned a game. We played a game she made up called "Get the Key, Get the Key!" It was a mix between duck duck goose and button, button, who has the button. It was a cute game and not bad for a 4 year old (though dad was pretty bored with it).

And what party would be complete without a cake! Ok, I confess, Lydia asked me to make a cake, but I didn't want to. We ended up agreeing on pudding with chocolate chips and sprinkles on top. We put in a candle and sang happy birthday to Bumble Bee. It was a fun little celebration and the girls had a great time. I did warn her though that now March 1st is B.B's birthday and she won't have another one until next year. She agreed, but she has numerous other "children" I'm sure she is planning a birthday for. Oh well, you're only 4 once.