Memorial Weekend

This year we went to Utah for Memorial Weekend. We usually stay in Boise and get together with all the Yorgason's on my dad's side, but we decided it would be nice to be in Utah this year. The kids traveled great on the way down...better than they ever have. We didn't leave Boise until about 6:30 on Friday, so it made for a late night getting in around 12:30 in the morning. Of course, my kiddos held out strong like they always did and didn't sleep a wink in the car. Thank heavens for DVD players!!!

Ronalee and Jeff were nice as they always are to have us over for swimming and BBQ on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was too cold to swim, but we got quite a lot of volleyball and four wheeling in.

We went to the cemetery on Sunday to see Ryan's father's grave. Paula just picked out the tombstone and we thought it was really nice. Notice all the trees around in the picture, it is the most peaceful spot there with an incredible view of the valley and even Cougar Stadium. Avery was quite content eating her peanut butter and honey sandwich on the tombstone...is there anything wrong with that?

Kelli and Andrew came over after. We actually saw a lot of them that weekend and it was fun to see so much of them.

Monday, we had to make a stop at Brick Oven for lunch. Why don't they expand? I know they'd be a hit anywhere - at least we make it down there a few times a year for their yummy root beer and salad bar.

It was a fun weekend. The kids traveled great, probably better than I, and it was a nice relaxing weekend. We must have been quite a site on the road. Caden playing Ryan's palm pilot, Avery watching movies on the DVD player, me watching movies on my ipod, and Ryan listening to music/watching shows on his. So much for good quality family time :)

At the cemetery

Caden and Kelli
Andrew and Caden
Avery being silly Avery...trying on Grandma Paula's glasses
The kids with Grandma Paula. Notice the candy necklaces around their necks - they were supposed to last the trip :) Avery's made it about 3 minutes...Caden had good intentions, but who can stop after one bite?
When Avery ran out of necklace, she went for the toes...surprisingly, they kept her entertained for some time

Caden's Pre-school Graduation

Caden just finished his pre-school graduation. After a tough final days of not wanting to go to school, or anywhere without mom or dad, we were so proud of him for going, doing his parts, and graduating. He learned so much this year, and I can't believe my little boy is going off to Kindergarten next year. He is really missing his teachers and friends. None of them will be with him in school next year, and he is having a hard time with that, but he is so good at making friends he'll be just fin. He got the "good guy" award and that sums him up...always trying to do the right thing, taking care of others, helping...Ryan thinks it's equivalent to the MVP. I think he's right :) He is such a special little guy and we love him so much. Congratulation Boo.

Caden and his buddy Easton
Caden & his teacher Mrs. Houts
Doing his "apple tree" part...I'll post the video when I figure it out

Who's Getting Married

My sister Becca's kids came over the other day. I love it when little kids get together because they are so creative in their play. Lately, all they want to do is dress up. My sis in law Lucy just brought over some dresses for Avery, thank goodness, because all we have to dress up in is old Halloween costumes that consist of 2 or 3 things. They get pretty bored with that. Nonetheless, the kids pulled out the dresses, Caden put on a black "thing" from his pumpkin costume 3 years ago (yes, it was plenty short, but he doesn't mind) and they told me they were getting married. How cute was that. They even pulled out some white roses from a little bouquet I have so the girls could have their flower. I love their creativity.

Kami's Etsy Site

My sister in law Kami just created a new Etsy site. She has an amazing talent, and I love the things she's added so far. Soon she'll also be adding some of the cutest hand bags. I wish I had a picture to post of one, but they'll be coming soon. Below are just a few samples of what she has to offer, but she can do anything you want if you don't see something you like. Just click on an image to see it larger. Her prices are totally reasonable, the quality is great, and like I said, she's willing to do anything you want if you contact her. If you have favorite colors, styles, designs...whatever, she can do it. I've had a binki clip like these for both of my kids, and I love them. Also, she's made many, many bracelets for my little Avery and I loved putting them on her. I've added her site as a link on my sidebar, you can click here, or click on the title. If you like what you see, add her as a link on your blog to spread the word.

Bracelets for girls


Binki Clips

First trip to the pool

So, this has to be the coldest spring ever here. We keep getting teased with an occasional 70+ degree day, only to be back to the 40's and 50's the next. While Ryan's mom and sister were here this weekend, we decided to take them to our pool. We thought the kids were just going to play in the water fountains, but I guess despite the cold weather and wind they had other ideas. If the pool was heated, I would understand. But these kids just don't seem to mind.

Caden's 5th Birthday

Where did the last 5 years go? I can't believe our sweet little Caden is already 5. With the craziness of being out of town, we planned on taking the birthday easy. We were going to invite a few friends over to play, have family over for cake and ice cream that night, and keep it pretty low key. Well, Caden woke up that morning and wanted to know when his pump it up party was.? Last year we reanted a jump house for the backyard, but no go this year. I explained to him we were just going ot have a few friends over, but we came up with a back up plan. Apparently at the local pump it up party place, you can rent the facility for 1 1/2 hour for around $200...um, no. Fortunately today they have open hours that we can just drop in and pay $6 per child. So, we decided to take a couple of friends and head over. I was worried about being there late, having it already full, and not knowing what to do then. Well, we got there, nobody else was there, and we had the whole place to ourselves for all of $18...so glad I didn't rent it for $200 for the same thing:) The kids had a blast, I think we totally wore them out, and only had a few bumps and bruises.
Notice the tears in the next picture...of course they had to bonk heads on the one that I was taking a picture of. Tough boys though, they just shook it off.We had cake and ice cream with the cousins. I didn't know that kids could make so much noise. I'm sure our neighbors wondered what was going on, but at least no one got hurt.
Happy Birthday Caden!!! We love you!

Disneylend & So. California

We went to California to see my sister and her family. We had such a fun time and thank Deb and Greg for being so welcoming. Adding four more to their house for a week was a bit crazy to say the least, but we had so much fun with them. Greg works for Disney, so we got lots of Disney time in thanks to the benefits they get. Do people really pay what they ask for? I couldn't believe it!!! Besides Disney and the beach, Caden and Ryan hit the pool a few times, Ryan made it to a few of Greg's ward basketball games to play, and we ate at this awesome place called Cherry on Top...self serve frozen yogurt sold by the ounce with every topping you can imagine. You'll have to forgive the number of pictures. How do you narrow them down? We look half asleep in a lot of them, but who doesn't wear themselves out when you are supposed to be relaxing on vacation.

This was the first night there. We went to Disneyland to see the fireworks. I think the tram ride from the parking lot was our kids favorite ride.
Sunday we drove to Laguna Beach. This place was beautiful!!! Sitting high up on the cliffs, the view was amazing. Our kids had the most fun chasing the little bunnies around the park that was next door.
Could I look any more tired?
Monday we took the kids to California Adventures bug area. They have these fun little water fountains that the kids just ran around in for ever. We took their suits and let them at it. Little Max, Deb's baby, was so funny. He found a safe spot in the middle where he didn't' get wet and he didn't' budge. I can't believe I only took this one picture. As soon as I figure out how to post more video, I'll add those too.We went to Newport Beach on Tuesday. The water was cold, but Greg had found this quiet little beach that had parking right close, basketball courts, and beautiful waves. Caden is a water lover and had a blast. Fortunately for me, Avery didn't want to get her feet sandy so she mostly sat on my lap. It made for a relaxing visit. If only I could figure out how to pack a lunch the beach, and eat it without all the extra sand?!?!
Caden and his little buddy Max...he just adores him.
Finally, at the end of the day, she was willing to stand in the sand...shoes on of course.
Rainforest Cafe - this was the happiest the kids were all night. We sat at a table right by a huge elephant and Caden and Max were a little freaked out. Avery, as always, didn't mind. Every time the thunderstorm happened, our table was a little loud with tears and fears. The highlight of the night came when a balloon man came and made whatever we wanted, almost. he did the coolest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle for Caden and Princess Aerial for Avery.
Wednesday we had breakfast with Minnie and Friends. Geez, these parks can get people to pay anything. It was worth it though because we didn't have to wait in any lines anywhere through the park for pictures...we got all we wanted here.
Avery dressed like Minnie for the day. She loves Mickey and Minnie more than any little (or big) person I know. Once Minnie walked in the room, I've never seen her so happy. Minnie was so sweet to her and held her for a minute.
Caden didn't care much about any of the characters but Pooh and Eeyore. Although his smile doesn't show it here, he was excited to see him.ToonTown...the cutest little place at the park. Here the kids were taking Mickey's car for a little ride.We finally got to see Mickey...who knew that going into his house would wind around and we'd find him here for a picture.Don't you love the hair. Avery was crazy...dancing her little heart out in the street while we waited for the Pixar Parade at California Adventure.
Waiting for the Pixar Parade.
While walking into the park, Kobe Bryant and his family walked right next to us. I scrambled to get my cameras out...I felt like such a tourist. I looked around and no one else seemed to care or notice that he was standing right there. He was pushing a baby stroller and had a few security with him. It was kind of fun to see him.
Thursday night we walked out to Ruby's on the Pier at Huntington Beach. We'd heard quite a lot about this place and it was fun. The shakes and Parmesan fries were good. It was a beautiful walk out there, and it looked like they had a pro volleyball tournament going on. The stands and advertising banners were all set up for the next day.

Finally, a picture of the kiddos at the end of the week. I can't believe we took one picture of them the day we got there, and one the day we left. I think I consumed my memory catching with our video camera, which of course I can't figure out how to upload here, but we'll take what we got.
Thanks again to Deb, Greg and Max for letting us come. We sure miss you guys, and hope to see you again soon.