Our Family

Day 7

2009-11-25T21:20:00.001-08:00

Our last day on the island of Kauai was spent at a zipline with back country adventure. It was so much fun and the perfect way to end the trip.

Hawaii day 6

2009-11-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

This was the first day on Kauai, we had planned to go to the botanical gardens that day but showed up to find out we missed the tour by a half hour.

So we went to see this water fall then headed over to the fern gratto.

Meanwhile the guys went golfing for the 1 and only time on the island. I know, shocking isn't it. When they saw what we had done they wished they had gone with us.

This is where you canoe out to go to the fern grotto, it was beautiful.

Fern grotto walk way.This is the Fern grotto, the ferns grow out of the rock sideways.

Later we decided to go to poi pu beach.
It was a fun surprise to walk up and find this on the beach.There were 5 more in the water so we had to check them out. What a fun experience.

Hawaii Day 5

2009-11-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

We docked at Kona on the big island of Hawaii. This was the morning I dreaded the whole trip. Scuba diving! If you know me you know I'm scared to death of water. Lakes, ocean whatever it scares me. So this was the longest breakfast ever. We booked a snorkeling excursion before coming on the cruise for half the day.We got off the boat early that morning to meet the the captain of the boat. It took a long time to get to the first location (the longest boat ride of my life)

On the way we saw some playful dolphins swimming along the boat. I was at the tip of the boat and could get close enough to touch one. We swam at our first location for a half hour or so. It took me a minute to get out of the boat and concentrate on not having a heart attack. But once i got in the water and held hands with Ken, i calmed down. When we were heading towards our second location, a dolphin followed us all the way and immediately everyone jumped in to snorkel with a dolphin.

At one point it went to the bottom of the ocean floor and was rubbing it's back on the sand. We could hear it talking and it was so playful coming within a foot of us. The workers on the boat said it had never happened on any of her boat rides. People sometimes pay hundreds of dollars to swim with dolphins and they may not even see any.

The fish were so beautiful and you could get close enough to touch them.

Dinner at the captains table that night.

Hawaii day 4

2009-11-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

The big island of Hawaii

We got off the boat, rented Jeeps and headed to Volcano National Park.

Right behind us in this picture is an active volcano called Kilauea volcano crater.

In this picture it looks like Ken has taken up smoking.

This is the entrance to a lava tube. It was really surreal to walk on a path that was created by lava many years ago.

Walking through the tube

The exit goes up but you can continue going straight through if you have proper equipment such as flashlight.

This is a huge area of land that had once been a city in Hilo destroyed by lava. Their were some homes out in the field but most don't have running water to them. People still live in them today.This was private property we decided to go on. The yellow markers are where you are suppose to go with a guide starting at 5:00. Well that didn' t work for us because we had to be on the boat by then and it was around 3:00. Some of us were nervous to go but it was "Daves Day" so out we went.
Then we heared sirens, turned around and saw this read car with lights on. Over a speaker we hear "please return to your vehicle." Turns out it was a rent a cop but we had our tails between our legs on the walk back.

So when we went to our Jeeps, their was a hippie guy hanging out telling us for $5 a head he would take us on a trail the back way to look at the volcano we wanted to originally see. The trail was off rode and a tight fit leading toward the coast.
It was a beautiful view and worth it.
He also showed us a blowhole

This was at dinner later that night.After 9:00 the boat was heading up the island to see the volcano we had been to earlier that day. It was so amazing to see lava in person instead of on t.v. or in pictures.

Hawaii day 3

2009-11-07T06:50:00.001-08:00

Day 3 Monday
We drove on the rode to Hana which took most of the day. It was long, had lots of turns and was so beautiful. We made a lot of stops at different waterfalls and scenic spots which is why it took most of the day. Renting jeeps was the best thing to do for this ride making it easy to see everything.

This was one of our stops, this waterfall called Puna Lau falls was breathtaking. We were there alone which made it so fun. These vines were all over to swing on, i didn't think they would hold but i was wrong.

We walked up this river bed 10 -15 min to get to the waterfall.

This should be in sports illustrated men's addition!

Do we look like tourists or what?

This is another stop we made to a waterfall called Wailua Iki falls off the rode. It was a 10 min hike up private property (oop) and was so beautiful.

This stop was to see a black sand beach which was fun to see for the first time.

We made a quick stop for lunch

Later that night we went to Tepanyakki on the boat and saw a luau.
Here is my 5 min. of fame.

Our Hawaii trip

2009-10-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

I've had so many people ask me to put our trip on the blog. It will be longs so I'll do it in sections according to days.

We went on a 7 day cruise on Norwegian cruise line starting in Oahu. It was such a fun vacation with so much to see and not enough time.

Day 1 Saturday

We went a day later than most of Ken's family because I couldn't leave the kids for longer than a week. We got into Hawaii a few hours before the deadline to get onto the boat. We hung out for the rest of the night eating, exploring the boat and talking. Everyone was assigned an island or a stop with activities or excursions planned. It work out nice so we weren't sitting on the boat everyday trying to decide what to do. We also didn't have to worry about where to eat which made it less stressful, hop onto the boat and eat.

If you look to the left of this picture, you will see a very secure woman getting out of the pool. There were a lot of these woman, i was not one of them.
Day 2 Sunday

We docked in Maui in the morning and were off the boat by 10. We rented 3 jeeps for the next 2 day we spent there.
After renting the jeeps we drove south to Makena, snorkeled, boogie board and relaxed.

We left after a few hours and went for a scenic drive around the west side of the island along the coast. We drove on a small road sometime only large enough for 1 car along cliffs. It was so beautiful but some of us were a little too nervous to fully enjoy the scenery. We stopped at a blowhole called Nakele for some pictures and laughs.
I didn't realize we were in the Kurtz picture so i guess we deserved this.
We headed back to the boat to eat dinner and prepare for the next day.

October

2009-10-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Pictures from October

Time for our fall drive!!

One of these days I'll make it to the pumpkin patch before the frost kills all the leaves.

Utah Golf Championship

2009-10-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Steve, Ken, Melissa (feeling up my husband), Tyler and Phil

Washington

2009-09-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

We went to Washington for a surprise party for my Grandpa Clement. It was a two day party and we were able to see family for the first time and those we haven't seen for years. Uncle Mark, G. Clement, Dad and G. Clement

Nathaniel

Funniest cousins ever!

Dads brother, sister and dadKen and Tyler

Ken put a sticker on mom s back that said This is my bum with an arrow pointing down. She was so embarrassed and we got a good laugh.

Abby having a fit for the 30th time that day.

Tyler and his family

The end of August

2009-09-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Riley's first day of preschool was a bitter sweet day. I'm so sad he leaves 2 days a week (for only 2 1/2 hours) but he loves it. When it is the day of school he is ready 3 hours early patiently waiting to leave. Abby wanted to wear a backpack just like Riley for the rest of the day. Jack, Riley and Abby

Soccer also started and it is hilarious! Ken is the coeach and it is like he's babysitting on the field while everyone watches. They have a good time and everyone gets a good laugh.

We went to Lagoon with Grandma and the Kurtz. I've been waiting to take Riley because i was nervous about how he'd respond to the rides. He loved it and has asked to go back daily.

2009-08-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

We lay ed my cute Grandma (Pink) Kuhn to rest this weekend in Burley Idaho. She was 84 years young and is finally reunited with Grandpa. She is already missed and we love her.

Boating with the neighbors

2009-08-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

We went up to Echo for the evening to play on wave runners and boat. We ate on the beach and had so much fun.Ruby, Hannah, Sophie, Riley, Jack and Abby Melissa, Steve and Mia

Audrey and Liz

Eric on the wake board

Another year, another parade

2009-08-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Another year, another parade. We have such a good time at this parade. The trailers are set up with umbrellas, misters and tarps to shade our backs. We sit in the parking lot of the Duncan Lighting store and everyone comes to watch together.

After it's over and we clean up (yes it takes an hour to do so) we head up to the Barnes house to watch fireworks. They are a little loud for Abby since they are lit a block away from the house.
This is how she watches them the entire time.
Riley played through them with his sword.

Boating with the Nicols

2009-07-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

We went boating at pineview with Ken's sister Amy and her family. What a blast it was, my kids had so much fun.

The kids wanted to swim to an "Island", it was quite the little beach. The worst part of the beach possible but the kids love to jump out of the boat.

Batman

2009-07-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Batman at the pool. Oh no, Batman rubbed off on Macey. :)

Abby's 2nd birthday party

2009-07-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Poor thing was so darn ornery, i can't wait for 2 of her teeth to pop through. She didn't want a lot of attention while we sang to her and wouldn't blow out her candles. Fun Huh! We did have a good time, she perked up as soon as she finished opening presents.

Here is the cursed cake i spent hours making and then wonder why i have to choose to make such a time consuming cake that will be torn apart with in an hour of the party. She is worth it though.

My sister made that apron around my neck for Abby, it's so cute. She was so grumpy i put it around my neck. She sells them on Etsy.com under Nature's Heirloom. She also has a really cute blog Naturesheirloom.blogspot.com She has a lot of talent and creative ideas.

She got this doll house from us, she squealed when she saw it.

I made dinner, Chicken tetrazzini.

Melissa, Mia, Steve, Ken and Abby

Amy, Kenzie and Grace

Cute little Molly

Gracie, Annabelle, Candace and Chris

Melissa, Gavin, Nikki and Mandy

4th of July 2009

2009-07-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Wow it's the 4th of July again. The year always goes by so fast for us. We sat in our usual spot in front of Centerville Jr. High With my family, Ken's family, Bubba's family and some of our friends. The parade seems to have turned into more advertising and less traditional floats which is a shame. But it entertains the kids and we enjoy it as well.Abby saw a toy baby on the floor of this car, I don't know who owns it but she kept trying to get in it so she could "borrow" the baby.Max, Riley, Kenzie, Addie, Grace and AbbyMelissa, Mia and Steve ParkerAbby seems to freeze up when Bubba tries to talk to Abby or hold her. It's so cute.

Here she is trying to ignore him.

Charlie

Loran and Grace

Macey, Lainey, Abby and Riley

Max and Riley

Mckenzie and Abby

Later that night my family came over to our house to watch Lagoons fireworks that never happened. So we had a show of our own with a box of fireworks.
Abby fell asleep right before the fireworks started.Nathaniel

Oh the memories

2009-07-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

When Ken and I started dating, we went up to pineview almost weekly with his buddies and roommates Cory and Spencer. After we were married the boating trips slowly stopped but i have the funnest memories. They made me laugh the entire night. We went up this last weekend and I was not disappointed. I did laugh the entire time.

Abby wanted her ears covered the whole time. Not a happy girl.Spencer and a random skier in the back ground looking a little nervous.

Megs, Spencer, Cory and Megan

Ohhh showing the love between one another

Future driver

Megan

Cory

Ken

Cory and Megan

I had to add this funny pic of Megs

The cutest aunt ever!

Her new life jacket obviously not the right size

What a sexy man!

Family BBQ

2009-07-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

We had the funnest swim party/BBQ ever with my family. Ken's parents let us use their pool for the night, it got a little crazy :) Mom and Riley
Megs and Spencer

Nikki feeding Gavin while he's picking her nose

Mandy and Jared

My hubby with his cute golf tan lines
Abby and Kadie

Candace and Molly

My cute Abby

Annabelle

Abby and Kadie

Dad being a goof as usual

Jared taking Nathaniel down the slide for the first time.

Gracie, Megs and Kadie

Candace, Chris and Molly

Boating at Jordonelle

2009-07-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

Since Mandy and Jared were in town we decided to go boating for the weekend at Jordonelle. We stayed in a condo on the lake for a couple of nights with the whole family. We stayed up till all hours of the night playing a card game and laughing hysterically at each other, it was a blast. Gracie, Kadie, Riley, Nathaniel and Jared.

Abby, Nathaniel, Gracie and Riley.

Nathaniel and Riley on the front of the boat singing "Twinkle, twinkle little star."

Candace, Meghan and Spencer

Nikki, Mom, Gavin and Riley

Random Picture

2009-07-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Abby in the pool with Macey.Father's Day weekend dinner at our house.

I took the kids early to go watch Ken's nieces Mckenzie and Addie race in a triathlon. They did so good and I'm so proud of them. Love you girls!

Riley playing swords with Max.

Oh how I love them

2009-06-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

We spent the day trying to take grand kid pictures although it wasn't all that successful with a crying daughter. She had a fever that day and woke up at 6:15 making a very tired child. Riley was happy as can be and took great pictures.

Swimming

2009-06-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Riley and Macey

(Mandy and Nathaniel) This was his first time going down the slide. Usually the kids are nervous but he took it well.

Abby being a goof!Mandy and Annabelle

Charlie

Grace

Annabelle

Abby and Nathaniel

Golfing with the kids

2009-06-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

This is what you do on the course when you don't have a potty close :)

Swimming earlier that day. I think this was on Memorial Day.

Mother's Day weekend

2009-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

We had everyone over at our house on Saturday so we wouldn't have to share Mother's Day on Sunday.

My two goofy younger sisters!

Uncle Chris practicing bad mitten with Riley.

He got pretty good and hit it a bunch.

My two buddies!

Is that not the most attractive picture you have ever seen. Ladies back off... he's mine :)

Abby, Kadie and Riley, good buddies.Bring on the family competition with bad mitten.

Here is Meghan's action shot.. pro!

Look at Jake's form.. amazing!

Here is the real money maker.

Mom's action shot.

Good thing Nikki shaved.

WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

My sweet mother-in-law got tickets for us to go see Wicked last week. It was amazing!! Amy, Me, Nikki, Aunt Ruth, Aunt Linda, Mom and Lisa

We had great box seats on the side of the stage. We were so close and could see every detail which made it so much more dramatic. Thanks again Mom we had a great time.

Nose waxing is the new thing.. Didn't you know?

2009-04-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

What troopers, getting nose hairs pulled out for my entertainment. I thought I'd wet myself.Melissa Parker and Mandi Draayer.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-17T14:19:00.001-07:00

We started off the weekend by going to an aquarium with the kids. Ken had the day off so he was able to come.

That night we colored eggs with our neighbors. The guys humored us by participating and made it a lot of fun.

On Saturday I curled Abby's hair with sponge rollers for the first time. Put a child in front of the T.V., give them a cookie and you can do anything.

That afternoon we went over to my parents for an Easter hunt in the yard before it rained. They loved it.

After we went in and had a late lunch/early dinner, cleaned up and set up for coloring Easter eggs. It was so much fun for the kids.

After we opened a present from the grandparents and hung out for a while.

Nikki got a new puppy that kept scratching Abby so she wasn't into the dog.

The next morning the Easter bunny came and Riley noticed the carrots we set out for him were gone.

After church we went over to the Bubba and Lisa's for a hunt.

We had a fun, tiring, sugar weekend even though it revolved around the Master cup. O well.

Play date at the park

2009-04-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

We had our monthly get together at the Layton Park. We fed the ducks, ate lunch and played on the playground. The kids had a blast.

Riley kept chasing a poor duck and ended up throwing a stick and hitting one. Poor thing. He seemed to be O.K. and provided lots of entertainment.

Our St. George trip

2009-04-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ken's sister Kristy and her family live in St.George so we went down with Mom and Dad for a visit. I took my wax down and we did a bit of nose waxing. They were talking very seriously with each other about golf.

I took everyone to the park at the school. They all had such a fun time together.

Abby really warmed up to Duncan.
Faith and Riley had so much fun playing together.

Our day at the "Zoog"

2009-04-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Since the weather warmed up for a week we took a trip to the Zoog as Riley would say.

Family Time

2009-04-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a day out in the warm weather!

Pull ups on the head worn as a hat is a daily thing.

Ken had bought these Binky's when Riley was a newborn. We never used them so when i was cleaning the basement, they found them in a bin and ran up to my room so they could see themselves in the mirror.

Buddies Jack and Riley dressing up as super heroes.

Apparently this is more comfy than the normal way of sleeping.

My super hero!

Family Cabin Trip 2009

2009-02-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Here is our family cabin trip we take ever year. We had a blast and didn't want to leave.

Family picture

Little diva

Grandma and Grandpa Duncan with almost all the grand kids. Unfortunately the Hess's weren't there.

Riley riding the mini Z by him self.

It's amazing what entertains the little ones

2009-02-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

A box? Why do we buy toys?

A different box.. sliding down...

Little and big kids.....

A stream of water...

plastic Ikea bins....

Capes and helmets.

If only I could be a kid again.

Updated Photos

2009-01-28T15:09:00.001-08:00

The kids wanted picture time. They love to get them taken and look at the screen to see themselves.

Oh, picture time is officially over!!!!!!!!!!!

Ken and I went to Dallas for a buying market, we spend all day buying lighting and decorations for the store. Yes it is the funnest 3 days you could possibly imagine. We stayed in a 2 story $1200 a night suite (not payed for by us). We had a blast but were so excited to get home and see the kids. It was the first time we have ever left them and yes i cried the whole way to the airport.

Should we buy that? Probably not!

Aunt Meghan stayed the night with them and dropped them off during the day. Thank you again you guys.

This is how we usually look by the end of the day. Riley has taken his clothes off 10 times and Abs has pulled her hair out. Fabulous!

It so hard being a baby.

2009-01-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

I love it when it's just too hard to finish dinner

"Ercercizin"

2009-01-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

Ken and I go work out at his parents house usually every night after work. I love how Riley says exercising. Every night he comes in the work out room and gets right in my face and says "mommy you ercercizen?"

Christmas morning and day

2008-12-30T10:34:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa came over Christmas morning to see the kids open presents. They weren't quite sure at first what was going on but they ended up loving it. Abby wanted to sit in the dolls high chair so she yanked the doll out and climbed in.We spent the day at Kens parents house but didn't open presents until the next day so Ken's sister and family could be there. Abby was given this petti skirt Lisa made for her. She loves it and wants to have it on all day.

Ken's parents gave all the kids a big wad of money for Christmas.

Drew, Tucker and Riley

Ken's mom did a fish pond they all received 4 gifts and thought that was so fun.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

We spent the night with just my family and opened presents.

Cute Grandpa playing "guys" with Riley and Kadie

Candace, Molly and Chris

Abby got a cute Cabbage patch and has to sleep with it during naps and bedtime.

The prized castle Riley received from my parents. He hasn't stopped playing with it since, we have to take it everywhere.

Riley and his cousin Kadie

Grandma and baby Molly

I got a bloody fat lip playing Foosball with my sister Nikki. The ball was stuck so we usually blow on it to make it move. As i was blowing she made her players kick right in front of my face. Leave it up to me to injure myself in a non contact game.

Our fun family weekend

2008-12-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take pictures of the kids before church...apparently they didn't want to cooperate.

We went to temple square to see the lights with my parents and sister Nikki. It was freezing cold and after 10 min. my kids were done.

Nikki and Jake's picture turned out blurry unfortunately.

I didn't want to post my birthday but we had such a fun party. This is a blurry pictures but i have to explain it. My Mom and sister were in kitchen laughing about my cake then Ken walked in and started laughing. So they started singing to me and at the end when they were suppose to say my name, they called me Jeff. I looked at the cake and it said Jeff. I laughed so hard i couldn't blow out the candles. When my mom went to the bakery, she said Jess and the lady behind the counter said with 2 f's? Of course my mom thought she said s and didn't check the cake before she left. Anyways my brother called my Jeff the rest of the night.

My parents wrapped a box of ornaments for my birthday present with money inside so i had to brake the bulbs to get all of it out.

We had our family Christmas party/birthday party at my parents house. It was so much fun my mouth hurt from laughing. We do a white elephant every year and my parents strategically received framed pictures of actors they have or had a crush on.

Nikki took a picture of Jake on the toilet and taped it onto a bottle of cider calling it Sheriff's Finest.

Riley eating birthday cake, well the frosting anyways.We also went out to dinner together as a family. Thanks mom and dad, we had a ball!

Watch out! It's Batman.

2008-12-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

Batman with a binky! Riley was given this mask from his friend Cole for his birthday and he loves it. He made everyone take turns wearing it.

Abby played with Nino all night long. Five months ago she freaked out if he looked at her, not anymore.

Look at those muscles! This is Riley's daily wardrobe, he takes his clothes off daily and puts on his cape. Notice where the sword is, in his diaper. He is going to be sad after the holidays when we potty train him and the sword doesn't stay so snug.

He made Grandpa put on a cape and play swords all night. We got a kick out of the show.

Then he wanted Grandma to have a turn with Grandpa.

Then it was back to his turn. So cute!

Let's go see santa... yeah right

2008-12-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

I went with some of my girlfriends to the mall for pictures with Santa. As you can see Abby isn't excited and Riley is behind me against a pole hiding from Santa.

Now she is really mad and had a melt down because she looked over and saw Santa and is determined not to go over there. Note the Santa picture police lady. She told me twice that i can't take pictures around Santa or even in the mall. She was very scary so I continued taking as many pictures as i wanted. I'm a brat.

This is the play area behind Santa's set-up. Riley's new thing is wearing his capes and bringing his swords everywhere he goes.

So i settled for a picture directly behind Santa were my kids couldn't freak out.

Happy Birthday Riley

2008-12-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

We had a party at our house with mine and Ken's family's for Riley's birthday. After dinner we started the celebration with cake and presents.He tried so hard to blow out the candles but the blowing through his teeth didn't seem to work. Mommy had to help a little.

Riley is obsessed with sword so this was my lame attempt to make a sword cake.

He didn't understand there were lots more presents to open after the first. He was ready to open the toy and get playing.

This is what he ended up with and he's loves everything.

Here is the knight outfit with his spider man cape his Aunt Nicole made.This was what his bed looked like by the end of the night. He took (on his own) all his presents from the night and slept with them.

He was on the very edge of the bed so there was enough room for the toys.

Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we spent the day with the Duncan's. Here are the masters cutting the turkey.Mash potatoes all over the face. Here is the whole family. Ken is the only boy and has four sisters. It's a large family with 19 grand kids and is so much fun. After this picture we pulled out old family videos from when Dad was a little boy. We also saw a video of Ken when he was a toddler.

Mom bought toys for all the kids and the girls made fishing poles and did a fish pond. They loved it.

Amy, Kristy, Mom, Me, Nikki and Lisa

Sara and Abby.

Watch out it's Nacho!

2008-11-24T08:57:00.001-08:00

This was a fun busy weekend for us. On Friday i went to go see Twilight of course with my mom and sisters while Ken went to Bond for the second time with the boys. It was so good, doesn't every girl want a little Edward in there life? (love you Ken!) On Saturday we went over to Ken's sisters house to watch that pathetic waste of time football game. Did BYU even try? On Sunday we went to my brother Chris's new baby girl Molly's blessing. She looked so cute in her homemade hand knit blessing dress. After we ran back home and went to Ken's sister Lisa's house for her baby Lainey's blessing. It was such a fun day.
This is what Riley was all weekend, Nacho Libre meets superman with a sword. He wears it the whole time at Kurtz house.

Riley and his cousin Mckenzie.

Abby and her cousins Charlie and Gracie.

I had to add these pictures of Abby getting into my makeup. She ate some and I'm guessing it didn't taste all that great.

Happy Birthday Ken!

2008-11-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

This weekend was Ken's birthday. We celebrated by going out with his family to Ruth's Chris which is so worth every penny. I'm sad i forgot my camera. Sunday we had a birthday party at my mom's house with the traditional candles, singing an embarrassing version of happy birthday and opening presents. He hates to be sung to which makes it so much more fun. Sorry hun, we love you and hope you had a good birthday.

Trick or Treat

2008-10-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

My niece Kadie, Riley and Abby Trick-or-treating

Our pro golfer.

My cute little piggy.

My niece Kadie was a bouquet of flowers.

I loved this picture because it looks like Niks has a glow in the dark necklace on her head and my mom has an arrow threw her head.

Ken was so cute with the kids and really got into it this year. Thanks honey.

Last night was the first real time we've taken Riley and Abby Trick-or-treating. We weren't real sure about it because he cried the whole time Ken put his costume on then cried when he saw Abby's costume on. He wanted it off of her. I laughed but Ken was not amused, he'll grow out of it and I'm sure by next year he will be past that. He never actually said Trick-or treat but he wasn't shy about getting candy and after a few houses he loved it and ran from house to house. Abby was just there for the ride and looked so cute. She loved it. My parents and Sheriff's came over for dinner and we all went out together. It was so much fun. After we went back to our house and had dessert and watched a movie. Thanks everyone for coming over.

Gardner Village

2008-10-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Mom, Nikki, the kids and I had a great time shopping at Gardner Village. We walked over to see the pony rides which the kids loved and tried making horse noises. Thanks Mom and Niks for going with us.

Riley and Kadie getting close but not wanting a ride.

He loves his little sister, she usually feels the same although you'd never know by the look on her face.

Three peas in a pod?

This was the whole crew minus me.

Golfing is his thing

2008-10-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

This little boy has Duncan genes for sure. Everything he picks up is a golf club including ribbon, spatulas, books whatever. He has a putter and an iron just his size and can't play with them enough. Ken and grandpa Duncan took him to West Bountiful golf course because they unlike all the other courses will allow little kids which i am grateful for.

Clement Halloween Party

2008-10-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Every year we have a Halloween party at my mom's house that never disappoints. They invited my mom's cousin and his family and costumes are a secret. We spend the first hour waiting for everyone to arrive and laugh when they do. We have dinner and play games after until the kids loose it and need sleep. Thanks yet again for the fun party and laughs mom and dad. Ken was the best white trash I've ever seen and Riley HATES costumes and cried while Ken put it on but he ended up being OK with the golfer look. Shocker!

Meghan and Nino, the best looking gangster and flapper I've ever seen.

Chris and Candace were a vampire and witch. Candace made Molly a bat, she was so cute.

Here is Grandma loving on Gavin. Riley stole this gun from Spencer and played with it the rest of the night.

Here is Lucy Ricardo (AKA Niks) nursing. Jake was Gothic with painted nails and all, Kadie was a rose bush and Gavin was a carrot.

When Riley saw Ken in his wig, hat and teeth, he got tears in his eyes and hid behind me. It was sad but so funny i couldn't stand up or hold him i was laughing so hard. Abby was the cutest piggy and loved her costume.

Welcome baby Molly!

2008-10-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

I finally got a picture of my brother and his new baby girl. Her name is Molly and she is so dang cute. She was born on Oct. 8th and is a teeny 6 pound 20 inch peanut and loved to death by her parents and family. We are so grateful everything turned out for the best with her health. I'll get a picture of the whole family and post it soon.

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

They weren't so sure about the inside of the pumpkin but Riley sure loved getting out his plastic knife and helping with the carving.

She wasn't about to touch the slimy pumpkin as you can see.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Every first Monday of the month I get together with some of my girlfriends and their kids. We have a blast but for some reason I didn't get very many pictures of all the kids together. Some of them wore their costumes and people were laughing, oohing and ahhing. They looked so cute and we had a blast, thanks girls.

The cutest witch I've ever seen.

Abby in the hay maze trying to keep up with Riley. Riley getting lost in the hay maze.
Christina and Savannah, she was the cutest lady bug ever. Riley and his friend Kambrie.

Here is one of the pumpkins Riley proudly chose.

Riley and his friend Savannah

Abby and her friend Savannah, so cute!

Savoring the last few days of good weather

2008-10-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Horray for piggies

2008-10-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day for the piggies and it makes her look so big. I want her to stay little and snugly.

Last night she woke up right after i put her to bed because she had croop which is the most frustrating sickness. I had never heard of it until i married Ken. He use to get it a lot when her was little. Now our kids get it all the time. Anyways Ken and I get a good laugh out of her hair.

These two love to take baths and play so cute together.

Entertainment

2008-10-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Quite the balancing act. This is our night entertainment at grandmas house.

Riley looks like he is very passionate about this hug. He loves his cousin Kadie.

Welcome baby Gavin!

2008-09-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

Jake and Nikki finally had her baby today. 10 pounds 5 ounces, 22 inches long. Wow, he looks like he's a month old.

The Melting Pot

2008-09-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is the yummiest place to eat and so worth the money. Ken and I went out with Meghan and her friend Nino. We had some good laughs and a great time. Thanks for going with us.

Fall tradition

2008-09-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

Every fall we have a tradition driving up to Sundance to enjoy the beautiful new colors and take pictures. We drive all the way through the canyon and make a stop at our family tree. When my parents were married they came up here and found a tree to carve their initials in. Every year we would drive up to see it. 7 years ago we came up and it was burnt to the ground, struck by lighting. We found the burnt bark left and found a new tree. All of us carved our initials along with our spouses and the year. It's something we look forward to all year.

Riley was squealing while feeding the fish because there were so many of them and they were practically fighting for bread.

Coincidentally Candace and Nikki are due the same week. We can't wait!!

2008-09-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is our family weekend fun.
Happy Birthday Brady! We had a party for him at the Kurtz. This was the cutest lego cake ever!

New baby coming

2008-09-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

We had a shower for my brothers wife Candance. She's due the first week of October and having a girl named Molly.We are so excited for them.

Visiting Grandma

2008-09-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Grandma got her head stone finally and it's beautiful. She would love it.

Happy Birthday Kadie!

2008-08-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Nikki and I had so much fun together making this cake and preparing food. Riley wanted to sit on Uncle Jakes 4 wheeler the whole time. He finally got a ride from his dad and loved it.

The end is near

2008-08-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's almost over, it seems like summer just started. Although I am looking forward to fall leaves, family time, halloween and spice smells, i need another month of summer.

Oklahoma

2008-08-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Jared, Grace, Mandy, Nathaniel, Mom, Dad, Annabelle, Riley, Abby, Jess and Ken

Ken, the kids, my parents and I decided to take a road trip to Oklahoma and visit my sister and her family. My brother in law Jared is in the Air Force and they moved there in January. It was suppose to be a 16 hour drive. Because my pumpkin Abby started throwing up 5 hours into the drive it turned into a 20 hour drive. She couldn't keep anything down and threw up around 15 times throughout the drive. By the end I was covered in puke and smelled so bad I ran into Mandy's house and took a shower. The main purpose of the trip was to see my niece Annabelle baptized and Jared was finding out which plane he was training in next. (T-44) We were able to go into the same simulator the pilots use to train with. The girls did a lot of shopping, the guys played a lot of golf and the kids had a ball together. Thanks Thompson family, we had a blast. Now they're off to Corpus Christy Texas. Good luck!!!

This simulator was amazing and by far the most expensive video game we've ever played. It cost the taxpayers a couple million for all the equipment in the simulator. It has a 360 wrap around screen and is a T-6 with all the actual equipment that is in the real plane. It was an awesome experience.

Happy anniversary babe

2008-08-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you for helping me be the best I can be. These last seven years have been AMAZING and I look forward to the future. I don't know how I was blessed to snag you but I better not question it. I love you more today than yesterday. Happy Anniversary. I love you! Jess

2008-08-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i gave each of them a bowl of grapes. Riley was standing on the couch and looked over the back seeing Abby and her bowl of spilled grapes. He made a grunt noise and said "Abby no spill grapes" as he was getting off the couch and walking over to her. He sat in front of her and put both hands on each side of her cheeks and said "look at me, Abby look at me. No spill grapes." He then made another grunt and began to clean the grapes up. Leave it up to the kids to make you realize how lame you sound.

Is there a fire?

2008-08-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

After the funeral, everyone decided to get something to eat at Firehouse in Centerville. There was about 30 of us in the waiting area when the fire alarm went off. We looked over at the emergency pull in the doorway and realized my 23 month old niece had pulled it. And it didn't just go off in the restaurant, oh no don't worry. The whole strip mall evacuated. OOOPS!

We love you Grandma

2008-08-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

My dad's beautiful mother passed away on August 6 very unexpectedly. She was such a strong kind women living a full life and will be missed dearly. Here are some of the pictures from the weekend filled with both tears and laughter.

Boating with neighbors

2008-07-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

We went boating with a few neighbors and had a blast on the beach and the molecule tube.

Riley with Jack and Sophie in the sand.

Abby and Mia lounging in the chairs