The Walker Family

OWENS 5!!

2012-02-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of birthday fun for Owen's 5th birthday! On his birthday eve we took his friend Lance and went to Planet Play where we played games, rode the go carts, played laser tag, played mini golf, and ate pizza!! Then the next day on his birthday I took the kids to the aquarium. Ella's favorite part was the sharks and Owen's favorite part was the stingrays. Then we had our family over for cake and ice cream. Owen is such a fun loving crazy little boy. He is full of energy and spunk! He is very athletic and loves a thrill!

This is Owen on his first ski trip with daddy. Blake's exact words "he's got natural talent!" He was so proud.

I gotta say my favorite part was the otters. I loved them and really didn't want to leave!

Blake looked at this picture and said,"is that real?" I just laughed!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-31T01:33:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to go bowling then head over to a friends for some games and fun! We left Tessa with Grandma since she can't hack staying up late.

The kids had a good time.

I kind of take bowling seriously! Notice the shoes I'm wearing? I own those puppies thanks to my good friend Katie!

This is Ella. Not much to say other than they loved each other. The night consisted of Owen telling her she was beautiful and Ella asking Owen to kiss her at midnight. So funny.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2011

2011-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve we always get new jammies so we always get a picture!

This year Grandma Linda spent the night with us.

Earlier that day we went to Alison and Dan's house. We ate great lettuce wraps and way too much sweets. Then we opened presents and acted out the Christmas story! Owen was a shepherd.

I was Mary. I can't remember if Alison was a shepherd or a wise man.

Claire and Ella were angels.

Anything Rapunzel Ella loves, so she is excited in this picture. Owen got a cars launcher and hasn't stopped playing with it.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so much fun this year. First of all, I need to comment on Owen's determination to see Santa. He would NOT go to sleep..even after NOT napping at all. It was close to 10 o'clock when he came downstairs and told Blake and I that we needed to go to bed so that Santa would come! Then we went to bed and Grandma stayed up a bit longer and Owen came to tell us that Grandma also needed to go to bed or Santa wouldn't come. Persistent little guy! But he won.

Ella's new dollhouse!

Every day since she received these nail polishes from Santa, she has asked to get her fingernails painted! Santa must have a sense of humor...note to Santa for next year: NO NAIL POLISH!

Owen was thrilled with all his Cars2 stuff.

Later that day my sister Angela and her family came over for dinner and to open gifts from Grandma Linda. Anna is laughing because she is holding none other than farting putty!! Owen laughed so hard!

Both the younger girls received Snow White dresses from Grandma.

My niece Lexi.

My sister Angela.

I love this picture of the babies...WHAT we aren't doing anything!!

I think it's funny that none of our kids ever sucked their thumbs but these guys BOTH do! They are only eight weeks apart.

December Happenings

2011-12-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

We did lots of fun things this month. We started off the month heading to the Zoolights with the Taggarts. It was cold but not too bad and it turned out to be really fun.

Lance and Owen.

Lance, Tallie, and Owen.

Katie and I.

The fam.

All the kids minus Tessa.

We made gingerbread houses. I always buy these at Costco because it's convenient, but this year Blake's mom sent me a recipe for gingerbread. I think I will try it next year. Owens hair has a mind of its own.

We went caroling with the Young Women and Young Men in our church. It was freezing..at least I thought it was!

Lance and Owen.

She had just thrown the biggest fit EVER!! But she is dang cute so it's okay.

I try to get a picture in front of the tree every year. Thanks to our neighbor for taking this for us.

They really do love each other.

A spur of the moment visit with Santa in Sugarhouse.

Owen's preschool Christmas program. He was throwing a snow ball in this photo.

Blake was lucky enough to get to participate. Doesn't he look so excited!

Singing his little heart out!

Tessa found Owen in a room before it started and sat on his lap.

I cant believe how much he has grown.

And, of course, visiting Temple Square.

Tessa was the happiest as soon as she was free from the stroller.

We were all bundled up.

What a beautiful temple.

Ignore the terrible rash on her face!

Ellas Dance

2011-12-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

Ella has been taking pre ballet down the street from us. She is obsessed with it and with her teacher Miss Kim. All day she talks about dance. Every Monday morning she asks the same question, "Mom is it dance today?" And I always reply,"No Ella it's on Wednesday." She has so much fun.

During her little show Tessa kept crying..so yes that is a ring pop in her mouth..and yes it's 9 am...don't judge!

She was concentrating so hard to get her feet in the right position.

Her teacher is the most adorable thing ever and she is so good with the kids.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-19T13:05:00.001-08:00

This year Blake was traveling during Thanksgiving but we still managed to have a great dinner. My sister and her family came over and my mom. It was a great day. I brined my first turkey and I gotta say it was very good!

My nephew Jasper.

Tessa and I.

Awww such great sisters!

Me, Angela, and my mom.

This was the spread!

Owen and Addison chowing down.

Ella..and that is marker on her nose.

A picture of the turkey while it was getting carved.

SKATE LESSONS

2011-11-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

Owen has officially started his skate lessons. He actually did really good. Blake was very proud!

The last 15 minutes Blake went out on the ice with him.

He started off with the support.

But then went all by himself. He only fell a few time.

LET IT SNOW!

2011-11-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

The minute my kids saw all the snow they had to get bundled up and go outside.

This is Owen's way of bugging his sister, throwing snow at her face.

Halloween and fun times with grandparents

2011-11-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

We are so glad when Blake's parents come to visit all the way from Canada. While they were here we did all sorts of fun stuff including a trip to Gardner Village!

This is Owen and his grandma walking home from church.

Tessa decided the best seat was on grandma's shoulder!

Hallween was so great this year..fantastic weather. The girls were all princesses and Owen was a Lightening McQueen guy, and Blake chose to be a scrouge.

NEWPORT BEACH

2011-10-12T15:06:00.001-07:00

WARNING LOTS OF PICTURES!!! We had the opportunity to go to Newport Beach this September with our friends the Taggarts. It was an awesome vacation.

One of the days we traveled to San Diego to see my oldest sister Rikki. She gave Ella this Rapunzel doll for her birthday.

Ella was fearless in the pool!

My very cute nephew!

My sister and her youngest son!

Ella loved being in the pool with her cousin Baylee.

The beach was the absolute BEST. The kids just played for hours.

Ahhh some manly together time on the boogie boards!

Owen loved running from the water.

This quickly became a favorite activity! Blake is quite a good sport.

He was pretending to shave Blake's face. The grossest part of this is he is using an old banana peel he found! GROSS!

Bike rides/walks on the boardwalk was also a favorite activity.

Buddies.

I love this one of the girls looking at each other.

We went to Disneyland to celebrate Ella's birthday. It was basically Ella's birthday week!

Tessa's favorite ride was it's a small world after all. She LOVED it.

Ella's favorite part was meeting all the Disney princesses.

The bunch minus Spencer, Blake, and Tessa.

Literally two seconds in the car and OUT!

One night we had a fire and roasted marsh mellows.

Katie and I took the older kids on the Ferry to Balboa Island.

Owen's face says it all.

On the last night we were there we took Ella out for a birthday dinner. We went to this place called Ferrels. Its an ice cream place but they make the kids balloons and they made Ella stand on her chair and they sang to her..so cute. Notice the hundred chap sticks around her neck. That was Katie's birthday gift to her and Ella is still obsessed with them.

Ella wanted the princess crown. She also dressed up like Rapunzel.

FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL

2011-09-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Owen started preschool today. He was still a little unsure about going even though it's his second year. I can't believe how big he is getting!

Owen with his buddy Lance.

Grandpa and Grandma Rutledge

2011-08-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and grandma Rutledge came for a little visit. It was great fun. We went to Wheeler farm and we went for a hike up at Donut Falls. It was a short trip but the kids loved seeing them and playing with them.

I would like to label this picture "Someone get this kid a happy meal!" Truth is Tessa totally grabbed his face and made him cry.

Tessa's 1 year old

2011-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Tessa turned one on Aug 23. Still can't believe my baby is one! We had a tiny party for her. I got the idea on a blog I follow. It was fun. We had tiny hamburgers and hot dogs, tiny bow tie pasta salad, tiny drinks, tiny chips, tiny fruit skewers, tiny donuts, tiny cakes, tiny brownies, tiny gummy bears, tiny goldfish, tiny m&m's, tiny lollipops, and tiny oreos. And we had a tiny pony come at the end of the party! It was lots of fun.

Katie let me have it in her backyard. I wanted to hang these on a tree and I don't have a tree in my backyard..well at least like this one!

Tessa had NO hesitations in digging in. I put it down and her hands went for it!

Tallie sucking on a tiny lollipop.

Ethan and Claire are Tessa's cousins who we are SO glad moved back to Utah.

One dad and one of our tiny guests!

Rose drinking a tiny apple juice.

Couldn't get a smile.

Tessa LOVED the pony. Laughed the minute we put her on till she got off. I love this little girl so much. She has so much personality just like my other two. She is a good baby but very vocal if there is something she wants or if she is upset about something. She is constantly moving. She has the biggest smile and loves to be chased. I am so glad she is part of our family.

SUMMER FUN

2011-07-27T18:29:00.001-07:00

Watch out Tessa he will SHOOT!

Tessa absolutely LOVES the water.

These guys really do love each other!

I get this face at least once a day.

My little acrobat.

This summer we got a table for outside and that is their new favorite place to eat every single meal. Yummy.

LOVELY VISIT

2011-07-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest friends came to visit from Idaho! Our kids are relatively the same ages so it was tons of fun. Good food, good laughs, water fun, birthday celebrations, and a failed attempt at a sleep over (we tried, right Lissa!)

We got the pool out for some summer fun.

I love this girl!

Owen and Camden really hit it off. Owen cried when Camden had to leave..so did his mom!

Lissa and I were just dying to know what they were talking about.

Jace man is so cute..look at those eyes!

Ella loves to give hugs!

Lissa celebrated my birthday with me. This was my gift from Blake...so exciting!

FRANCE

2011-07-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES IN THIS POST

We had the opportunity to go to the south of France in June with my two sisters and their husbands. It was so nice to spend some time with them...we have never all been on vacation together and it was great!

This is the island of Porquerolles. We rented mountain bikes and biked the entire island. This is one of the cliffs we came to.

AHHHH how I miss the pastries. Ate one almost every day!

This is the view of the ocean from our villa we were staying in.

This is one of the beaches on the island we biked around.

This is another beach we made it to on the island. Isn't it great.

This is in Italy. St Remos to be exact. I absolutely loved all the streets. Although this particular town was a bit dirty.

On the way home from Italy we stopped in Monaco. WOW the money that is there. Very expensive cars line the streets!! And yes, this is how most of my pictures with Blake turn out!

In Italy we HAD to have pizza. This is the pizzeria we stopped at and we loved our server.

I absolutely love this picture because it shows Blake's REAL smile!

This is the oven in which they cooked the pizzas!

Can't see this in America.

This picture was taken in St. Tropez. We had a great dinner there.

This is the entrance to our villa and exactly what I pictured France to be.

We had a boules court at our villa and we all played some games. It was girls against boys and the boys won. We are a competitive bunch of girls and we were not happy about it.

A serious game going on.

Rolling out the court before playing.

This is was at the bottom of our villa. You had to walk down some stairs and then there was some rocks you could jump off and go swimming or you could walk over to an actual sand beach.

This was in Nice the first day we arrived.

This was Nice as well.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

2011-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

We had such a GREAT fourth of July (even though I was still recovering from jet lag..pictures from France to come shortly!) We started the morning off at a neighborhood pancake breakfast, then walked to a parade near our house, then barbecued at our friends house, then ended the day at my sisters house for dinner and fireworks (which unfortunately I don't have pictures from.) So glad and blessed to be living in a free country!!!!

Okay aren't you in LOVE with Ella's red boots..they had white stars on the front!!!

Owen was actually in the parade. It was cute. He was waving to everyone.

Isn't this just so creative??

Tallie and Ella giving some loves!

One of my favorite floats!

Waiting for some candy to be thrown. Ella got pretty quick at grabbing it.

I was lucky enough to have my niece Baylee here from San Diego.

Celebrating with the Taggarts is always a blast.

At the end of the parade there was a little carnival with lots of goodies. YUM!

Have you seen these GINORMOUS marsh mellows???

Oh yeah Smores heaven!

These girls get along so well!

Marsh mellows + bare feet = messy!

Ella wanted Katie to hold it for her the whole time. I was smart and took off all her clothes before she started eating it!

Our fourth of July tradition has been heading to the mountains for some tin foil dinners and smores but with the weather this year we asked the Taggarts if they would let us use there fire pit and luckily they said yes!

PICTURE SLACKING

2011-06-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Love this girl.

I haven't taken a lot of pictures lately..some days I'm lucky to get a shower!

Tessa recently decided to stand up all by herself. She can stand up from a sitting position without anything to hang on it!

They really do love each other and YES Owen is still attached to the bunny.

Las Vegas with some good friends

2011-06-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

We decided to head to Las Vegas to visit our good friends the Madsen's for Easter weekend. We had so much fun and I realized just how much I miss having them closer! Thaniks for letting us invade your space and making us feel welcome.

There are so many GREAT parks in Vegas. Our kids had a blast playing together!

The boys got some ball playing in.

Tessa was a little angel as usual.

We went for a little hike. I gotta say Owen is my little hiker. He was ready to keep on trucking..too bad Ella wasn't. This rock about gave me a heart attack. It is just a huge drop off on the other side and I just wanted Blake to bring Owen back down.

We colored Easter eggs. Nicole always has great creative things for the kids.

This is Megan her youngest.

Courtney and Megan.

Ella wasn't so sure about this hug.

Owen of course had to use CARS stickers. And yes, he has asked me every day since he knew the movie was coming out, when are we going?

Ella's creation.

We got to do some kite flying..until one of the kids accidentally let go and the kite took off.

Easter

2011-06-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Better late than never right. Easter was a good one for us this year. Tried my best to get some photos. Enjoy!

GIRLS WEEKEND

2011-06-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

So what do you do when you buy a ticket to Arizona to go visit some besties and then a couple days later both besties break the news that they won't be in Arizona when you come (long story-love you girls!) Well you beg your friends to make it a girls trip!!! Thank you so much for being the BEST neighbors and friends a girl could ask for-REALLY! And thanks to Blake for being such a fun dad and taking care of the kids so I could go relax!!

Love Love Love my Sprinkles!

You can tell by this picture we all came from COLD Utah-all of us are burned!

This is Kristin. Kristin is moving. I am sad.

Don't be jealous of our rental car!!! Nothing but the best for us!

Love these girls.

While all riding in the front seat. There was a third seat belt. Once again, don't be jealous.

Such a fun hike up Camelback. If you have never done it-do it! We got to the top in 44 minutes!

Best pizza joint ever and even better when you haven't eaten for like 8 hours!

Tessa nine months + other stuff

2011-05-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

Miss Tessa is now nine months old. She is 15 pounds that is 3% percentile and she is 27 inches which is 38 %. She is a very very very good baby!! She hardly cries...really..she has had 2 bouts of double ear infections and I had no idea until I took her to the Dr for unrelated visits! She eats tons of cheerios and food. She crawls all over. She sucks her thumb with her blankie! She is starting to pull herself up and walk around furniture and just yesterday she stood up all on her own for at least 10 seconds! We love her personality and Owen and Ella couldn't be better siblings to her.

Alyson and I (my friend) were talking about how cool it would be to have a lemonade stand..a cool one..and next thing we know her dad whips one up..awesome! We put it out last Friday and despite the cooler weather it was a hit (thanks to Alyson texting everyone she knows to come by:))

This sweet girl was our very first customer and you know what..she bought one lemonade and gave us 5 dollars and said keep the change..how awesome is she!

Hazel and Owen getting ready to sell sell sell!

This is Owen on Circus day..his last day of preschool.

I can honestly say Ella is my clown. She came down from her room wearing this. I love her. On a side note she completely potty trained herself which is quite amazing!

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

While I would love to post a great picture of my kids and I on Mothers day with all three children cooperating perfectly...it's just not going to happen! Mothers day started off rough for me. Blake is out of town in Taiwan and I was trying to get all kids fed and dressed and fed again before out the door to church. Well I'm certainly not perfect and I ended up losing my patience way too much and then on the way to church tears started to flow! SIGH! But the day ended wonderfully and as I got a moment to reflect I realize I am so blessed to have three beautiful, healthy, and fun-loving children. Owen is my fire cracker, dare devil, monster truck loving, dinosaur studying boy! Ella is my singing, dancing, lotion wearing, funny, funny, funny girl! Tessa is my mild mannered, smiley, giggling, starting to stand up on he own baby! So I have to say that motherhood is the greatest blessing I have been given! My children make me HAPPY!

Pleasant Grove

2011-04-29T14:22:00.003-07:00

Thanks to my good friend Katie, we got to go to her family's little tree farm and take some pictures! It was a fast little trip but it was great and we both decided living somewhere like this would be so much fun for kids!!

This is Katie's boy Lance. Owen and Lance attend preschool together and Katie would agree that they couldn't be more opposite in personality!

Owen was beyond mad that I made him be in this picture so he is taking it out on the tree branch in his mouth!

I love how she is posing in this picture. I did not tell her to stand like that. She did it all on her own!

ZOO

2011-04-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo today with a great friend. She is moving. All my friends move. Don't get me started. I am however very grateful to have gotten to know her and love her very much! We started a tradition a while ago that we always try to go to the zoo on our kids birthdays and then we eat lunch at Red Robin. It's great fun and it was Chase's birthday. It has just slowly gotten a little more difficult since we keep adding more children to the mix!

Owen is obsessed with spiders lately and this little idea in his head that we are getting him a tarantula for a pet. Well folks that just ain't happening!

This is Kristin and Chase!

This owl is full grown..so cute!

Spring Tease

2011-04-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

We had couple of warm days here and then snow! But we sure took advantage of the warmth while it lasted.

They are going to be the best of friends!

I use to LOVE these merry-go-rounds. Now you never see them anymore!

My little cheeser!

PIGEONS

2011-03-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

We have this man in our ward who raises pigeons and Blake asked if we could go over to his house and see them. Owen and Ella were beside themselves!! Owen even got to hold an egg but we would not let him hold a baby. He also had a falcon. It was pretty awesome!

This baby was born that day..so small!

TESSA'S SEVEN MONTHS

2011-03-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go...SERIOUSLY!! I can't believe my baby is now seven months old. Well she is now:

*starting to grab cherrios

*eating lots of baby food

*smiles constantly

*sits up, army crawls, and is now getting up on all fours and rocking

*talking a lot

*starting to get separation anxiety..just a bit

*loves loves loves bath time..jabbers the WHOLE time

*loves to look at herself in the mirror

*one bottom tooth just poked through

She is constantly up on all fours or in downward dog position for those who know yoga!!

Loves the mirror!

HAPPY ST PATTYS DAY

2011-03-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I could do without ANY holidays after Christmas until Easter of course! But we did celebrate this morning. The naughty leprechauns turned our milk green. And even though we tried to trap him and it failed he did leave behind his gold!

Heres the trap..don't you just love little things like this that make children so extremely happy.

MY GIRLS

2011-03-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty much absent in all of Tessa's pictures so I figured I needed to take one to put in her baby book. I love my girls!

1:00 CHURCH

2011-03-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

While I LOVE the fact that I can get all the kids ready and look somewhat decent myself, the kids miss their very much needed naps!

I left Owen reading his spider book to go cook dinner and this is what I found when I returned!

Owens 4!

2011-02-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

Owen turned 4 on the 31st of January but we had a party for him before that because we thought Blake might be out of town. We had it at Bouncin off the Walls and it couldn't have been better. Lots of fun and no mess to clean up.

This is Owen opening presents...he was sooo into it this year!

He is a little Michael Jordon with that tongue sticking out!

So much fun! Even the adults were sliding down. I may have gotten a rug burn on one of my trips down.

Ella says daily, "I love Lance." He comes from a good family so we are okay with it!!! All in all it was a great party. Thanks to all our family and friends who helped celebrate his big day. I can't believe he's four! Can you hear my heart breaking??? I use to say all the time "I can't wait till he is older." I don't say that anymore!

2011-02-02T15:28:00.000-08:00

Teaching Tessa how to do a superman!

Can't get enough of this smile.

She is looking at Owen here..she loves him!

Ella is always willing to get a shot this days.

I'm just throwing this in because everyone tells me she looks just like Ella..sorry folks I just don't see it!

Rusty!!!

2011-01-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I'm getting rusty at taking pictures! My kids were playing in Ella' s room today so I decided to grab my camera and take some shots! I think winter has me in a funk because I didn't enjoy taking the pictures as much as I normally do!!

These moments are payback for my mom!

December Happenings

2011-01-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Wow lots happened in December and I'm now just posting them. All I can say is that since Tessa has been born it has been crazy and I hardly have my camera anymore!

This is Owen at his preschool Christmas program.

Owen and his class only sang two songs for this program and he had been practicing so I was so excited. When it was his classes turn they got up and I started recording. Owen said to me that he needed to go to the bathroom (right at the start of the first song) and I told him to wait until after he was done singing. He apparently did not like that answer so he refused to sing and turned his back to the crowd and crossed his arms. It was pretty funny. I took him to the bathroom and he sung the second song just fine!

This is at the Zoo Lights. Owen has started breaking the law at a young age. He was not suppose to be on the grass!

This is at our ward caroling night. You get on a huge trailer and go around singing in the neighborhood! It is great fun. Thanks Katie for taking this picture and remembering to bring your camera!

This is Zoo lights again. We went with our friends and once again I forgot my camera so thanks for taking these Katie

Ella and Tallie!

Our family + Mr. Lance!

This is Christmas Eve in her new jammies!

Our tradition (which Owen did not want to be part of this year)!

New jammies....Owen said the other day,"Mom, I love Ella..she is my best friend!" Isn't that sweet!

All of us in our jammies.

Ella playing Mary.

Our Gingerbread houses!

Blake and I celebrating Christmas with my mom before she left to Canada.

Blake and Ella at Temple square.

Owen and I at Temple square.

Owen loved the lights this year!

Blake and I before his work party..which was awesome this year!

OH MY!

2010-12-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so in love!

The kids had to get in one.

Saturday fun

2010-12-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

We decided to go up to Midway on Saturday. They were having there Swiss Days Christmas. It was free and they had tons of gingerbread houses to look at, boutiques, an interfaith nativity (which was done beautifully), and lots of goodies. The nativities were set up in a local ward house and it may be the most beautiful ward house I have ever seen..REALLY!

Owen is getting sick of pictures the older he gets! Ella was a lost cause!

The best part of the whole day came when we were actually leaving to go get lunch. I spotted this little buggy hooked up to a horse parked outside this little coffee shop. I asked Blake to go inside and ask how much for a ride around town. The gentleman inside said "we are just taking donations." So before we knew it we were on this great buggy ride. It was awesome.

This was the horse who pulled us. Isn't he just beautiful.

This was the buggy driver. His name is Dave "Skinner" Collins. Isn't he great. He is one of those men who knows a million facts about EVERYTHING. He grew up in Canada and was in the circus for a while, helped construct buggies for the Amish in Pennsylvania, and worked in Park City before ending up in Midway..he has lots of stories. We loved him.

This is the buggy. It was an Amish one he helped build.

This is the smile I got from Blake after we found out our driver was Canadian!

Halloween

2010-11-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

This is what Halloween looked like for us this year!

This picture makes me smile. I think she is saying, "you lookin at me?"

Blakes work Halloween party is always a hit.

So glad Dad took them out this year..it was cold..and rainy..yuck!

My little Buzz Lightyear and Jessie.

Snowball fight in OCTOBER!

2010-11-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to Wheeler Farm to see the witches with Grandpa and Grandma the day after the snow storm. Not the best conditions. When we were leaving I looked back to see Owen and Grandma in the middle of a snowball fight so I couldn't resist getting the camera. Grandma Maureen is so great with the kids and she is always coming up with some kind of game to play with the kids. They are going to miss her dearly when she heads back to Canada!

Such concentration!

Love this picture..shows just how much fun he is having!

WE LOVE GRANDPARENTS!!!!

2010-10-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Blake's parents came for a visit and to meet Tessa. They are such a great help and the kids LOVE playing with them.

Both Owen and Ella were a little scared of the geese (as they should be..they seem to be a little agressive at Wheeler Farm)! Maureen kept explaining to Owen to just tell the geese to "keep moving"!

Owen loves dirt. If I was in Owen's head I think I would hear something like this. "The animals are kind of boring right now. I'm going to play with dirt instead and I'm going to get Ella to play with dirt too! Lets see exactly how dirty we can get before we have to go home!"

Oh yeah dirt is so FUN!

Yep thats my son..kissing a dirty, stinky, yucky goat!

This is proof of Owen pushing Ella head first off this log.

Some of my sister

2010-10-25T14:15:00.001-07:00

Fun Thursday

2010-10-14T14:41:00.001-07:00

My sister and I (along with my mom) decided to go to This is the Place Heritage Park for a little Halloween fun. It was really fun. They had this big train we rode around, a little train, face painting, trick or treating, and pony rides. Plus lots more but we only had a few hours. It was great to have my mom there too..always so much help!

34!

2010-10-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Blake turned 34 yesterday! I am so thankful everyday that I married such a wonderful man. And on a side note Miss Tessa found her smile! (she has actually been smiling a while now.)

In true daddy fashion he let the kids blow out the candles. It was fun this year to get ready for Blakes birthday because Owen really gets it. They both helped me make the cake.

Tess's Newborn Photos

2010-10-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Skye Johansen took Ella's newborn pics and so we had her take Tessa's as well. They turned out really cute and we also got a couple of Owen and Ella too!

Maybe my favorite picture of Blake!

You might be seeing this one on a Christmas Card:)

WHEN MOM IS GONE

2010-10-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

I went out for a few hours and I told Blake that I left the paint stuff out so he could paint with them if he wanted. This is what I came home to. Please note the previous post where we painted "neatly'! Owen said to me, "I painted Ella's hair!" They also "skated" on the floor!

Blake took these pictures and I'm grateful he did.

Another funny thing that happened was Owen was sent home with his bunny in a plastic bag and a note attached and this is what it said:

Dear Mrs. Walker,

Owen's bunny went swimming in the toilet today. Owen was quite upset but we explained that he can be washed-good as new.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Tammy
Mrs. Julie

Those poor teachers fishing that bunny out of the toliet (which probably had Owen's pee in it). I had a little talk with Owen on the way home and we discussed the possibility of leaving bunny home next time!

BORED

2010-10-01T15:11:00.001-07:00

Since both Owen and Ella have been fighting Strep throat we have been doing absolutely nothing lately! Really nothing. Owen is finally better and Ella is better too so we decided to get out the paint.

Owen was so excited..and I'm glad I got this picture before lunch time because after lunch time the kids were playing in the basement and Ella threw a toy car at Owen's face. Yep, a really hard car toy which punctured his skin right below his eye.

Ella is different than Owen in that she hates getting stuff on her hands and every time she got paint on her hands she wanted me to clean them off.

Ignore my dirty garage! And Owen's underwear!

PRESCHOOL FUN

2010-09-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is just one I took of him. He is such a character and I get to constantly laugh each day because of this kid.

Owen had Howdy day at preschool today. They got to wear cowboy gear and they even got to ride a horse! He loved it.

I don't know what they taught him but he came home saying, "Yes Sir" and "Howdy". He even went to tip his hat in this picture..cracked me up. Owen has so much energy. I want 10% of that energy..really!

ELLA

2010-09-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Went to get Ella from her nap and she said "take picture". Don't have to ask me twice!

Love this picture in black and white!

She loves to pose!

After many frustrating hours this is the quilt I made Ella..I can't believe it's finally done. Nicole please tell me you are proud of me!

4 weeks old and Ella's Birthday Party

2010-09-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Ella loved all the attention but still couldn't figure out it was her party. I kept asking her whose birthday party it was and she would say Owen! Love her!

Her Aunt Angela gave her this skirt and she put it on while still having her other skirt on. She wouldn't take it off. I'm serious.

Miss Tessa 4 weeks old! Wow already.

This is Tessa..I think she looks a lot like Owen. His picture is below. What do you think? I think similar but different also.

LOOK WHO'S 2!!!

2010-09-17T13:58:00.001-07:00

SHE IS!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! We decided to head to the zoo today for her birthday. And let me tell you..taking 3 kids to the zoo ain't easy!

I'm pretty sure my kids are destined to be class clowns!

So since it is Ella's birthday I want to share 10 things I love about her.

1. She is so kind to her brother and when he is sad she will give him huge hugs.

2. She absolutely loves to sing and dance..and listening to her sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star may be the cutest thing I've ever heard!

3. She picks up her play phone and talks to Grandma.

4. When Owen gets dropped off at preschool she immediately wants to know when we are picking him back up.

5. She loves her dad and loves to play with him.

6. She has spunk! Lots of it.

7. Whenever I give her a piece of candy she immediately breaks into a dance.

8. She has a smile that lights up a room.

9. She says "thank you" and "please" for everything.

10. She loves to act like she is a lion and comes walking into the living room on her hands and knees roaring..so cute!

The loves of my life!

2010-09-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

They absolutely ADORE her!

PRESCHOOL

2010-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Owens first day at Preschool. Getting him to take these pictures was like pulling teeth!

I gotta admit..I had it all together until he started crying..then I composed myself..got in the car..drove away...then cried like a baby!

Then to top it off I looked at these pictures after dropping him off and realized they were all over exposed!!!! AHHHHH!

More of Tessa

2010-09-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

This is how we roll!

2010-09-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

They have so much fun together! Owen is a really good BIG brother!

TESSA ANNE

2010-08-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well Tessa finally arrived! She was born on Mon the 23rd and she weighed 7'3! She was 22 inches long which would explain why I was so uncomfortable..she was kicking me constantly! Owen and Ella are adjusting and love to hold her. She has found her thumb and loves to suck it!

2010-08-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had a fun family night downtown yesterday! Walked to dinner from Blakes office, rode tracks, and went to the splash pad at the Gateway. And let's be honest folks at this stage of my pregnancy I'd walk 50 miles if it would induce labor!

A lot of people ask me if having my kids so close together was hard or not. Yes, of course is always my reply but looking at this photo makes me forget everything that was hard about it. All I see is the greatest blessings of my life. I see love, laughter, fun, and YOUTH! Worth every minute of it!

Do you think he is in need of a serious hair cut?

Wanted nothing to do with getting wet but enjoyed watching.

Ella was so focused on the train. When we got off all she kept saying was "choo choo".

I decided my kids are going to wonder where I was at in all the photos so here is one with me in it. Okay people, I know my hair resembles a rats nest but I'm 9 months pregnant and by golly it's a hundred degrees out!

2010-08-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing she's cute because her cuteness has saved her multiple times!

My sisters family has had multiple bouts of sickness so when they were finally all better we headed over so Owen could meet Jasper! I love Addisons face in this photo!

TBALL

2010-08-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

We decided to put Owen in T-ball to see if he liked it or not. He liked it a whole lot better than soccer. Batting was his favorite!

Such concentration!

This was just a little thumbs up letting me know he was alright!

He has quite the fielding skills. Is that a pink glove?? No, it can't be. Yep, it is....don't ask!

This is usually towards the end of the game when Owen is basically done. This picture makes my heart smile.

This was the sky at our house last night! So beautiful!

I'M TIRED!

2010-07-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

I realized why I am so exhausted at the end of the day..besides being almost 8 months pregnant..I have a very active boy! And one active girl who thinks she is a boy!

This is one of Owens dare devil tricks! Yes, he does have a helmet but Blake ran over it with the car so we need a new one fast!

One of many of his faces!

And yet another one!

Does he ever sit still you ask? NOPE!

And what Owen does, Ella must copy.

Until she's pooped!

JASPER

2010-07-06T13:56:00.001-07:00

The newest edition to the family! My sister Angela had her baby yesterday. He is number 4 with the rest being ALL girls..he is going to be getting a lot of love!

CANADA DAY 2010

2010-07-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

So since my husband is Canadian this year we decided to celebrate Canada Day. I tried to explain it to Owen but all he kept asking was "can we do fireworks?" Someday he will understand!

Owen was very upset Ella got to hold the flag!

But he got over it in 5 seconds when he found the hose to play with.

I have silly children!

This is the reason I can't say smile...this is what I get!

I love them to death!

EH!

2010-06-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

We had a chance to take a trip to Toronto a few weeks ago..It was great! Owen and Ella got some real quality time with Grandpa and Grandma!

The great city of Toronto!

This photo both worries me and makes me laugh..do I have a bully on my hands??

Ahh he enjoyed this ride so very much!!!

AHHH.....Some Sun!

2010-05-19T14:04:00.001-07:00

It was such a great day on Monday that I thought I should break out some of the water toys...but still too lazy for swimsuits!

They really do love each other..Ella is pretty much Owens shadow.

Evidence that mom wasn't fully prepared for the water table. The clothes were soaked in less that 5 minutes but dried rather quickly on the fence. This sunshine was short lived..it's been raining since!

SOCCER

2010-05-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Owen started soccer this Spring. He loves to show off his stomach.

Always cracking a smile.

Owen in action. Although he likes to run around we don't think he really likes soccer. But that's alright!

CABIN TIME

2010-05-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago the kids and I went up to our friends cabin..Blake was sick! It was lots of fun. My only advice it to not carry your one year old a mile and then expect your back to feel fine!

This is Hazel and Owen by the stream. Owen loved throwing rocks but almost took out Hazel a couple of times!

This is Jane. She is so cute and she has so much energy!

ULTRASOUND

2010-04-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been asking if we have had our ultrasound and if so what are we having....WELL...after much thought about it we decided NOT to find out the sex of the baby. Everything looked great in the ultrasound but everyone will just have to wait till it's born to find out what it is!!

Easter Happenings

2010-04-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken when we had the only day of sunshine we have had in forever!! As I'm blogging about Easter, I'm looking out the window and sadly looking at 5 inches of new snow on my driveway..UGH!

Easter egg decorating was the best..thanks to Family Fun magazine! They gave me the idea to use wire whisks! You put the egg in the middle and then the kids don't break the eggs when they dip them..BRILLIANT..and the best part is that it really works!

This is Ella..and yes the same smile!

Every time I look at this picture I think to myself what dire need he has for a haircut!

What the Easter bunny brought!

No, Ella is not sporting a mullet..although it kind of looks that way..I can't bring myself to have her hair cut..I just can't..and won't!

ST PATTYS DAY

2010-03-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

The day started out at the park near our house..thank goodness for the sunshine lately!! This is the only shirt I could find of Owens that had green on it..next year we need to buy some St Patty's shirts!

Ella is so brave at the park I can hardly believe it..maybe it has something to do with being a second child because she does not want to be left behind! She will go down a slide while I'm not looking and just fly off!

This was our dinner..green cheese and broccoli soup with soft pretzels (I tried to shape them like Shamrocks but it didn't turn out so well)!

And of course we ended the meal with green cupcakes with green frosting....while Owen does this fake smile thing..this really is Ella's smile! She will have the most serious face and walk by me and smile like this..I laugh all the time!

This is Owen's smile for the camera! I love this boy!

When did my baby get so big???

2010-03-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

OWENS 3

2010-02-04T14:07:00.001-08:00

Since Owens birthday was on Sunday Blake took him downtown on Saturday to ride the tracks..he loved it. Don't know what kind of face he's pulling here.

His birthday was low key but I made a Cars banner for him.

And I found some great balloons for him..Cars of course!?

This smile says it all! And if you happen to notice Ella's outfit in the background that is generally what I get when I ask Blake to dress her!

He likes to line up his Cars.

His yummy cake we got from Coldstone.

He loved blowing out the candles this year.

3's a Charm

2010-01-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

What is 2+1?
What is 1+1+1?
What is 1 three year old, 1 one year old, and an already protruding belly---that's right folks--ME!
We are expecting our 3rd child at the end of August! I can hardly believe it. And for the record yes I'm not feeling great and I am pretty much plastered to the couch. I'm excited to get to the second trimester already! And yes I am already showing..what is up with that!

CHRISTMAS POST

2010-01-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

You know you take a lot of pictures when your son says go get the camera mom! He loves to do anything to this couch EXCEPT sit on it!

I don't know..but I'm pretty sure I'm in trouble. This is my good friend Jamie's daughter Taylor!

This is Christmas Eve in their new jammies and they are waiting for Santa to come.

Joseph walking Mary on the donkey.

Mary taking care of her baby.

Joseph pushed Mary off the donkey so he could ride.

Christmas morning..Owen loved it this year.

Ella just wanted to walk around with her stocking.

Her favorite toy..her moose rocking horse!

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS

2009-12-21T18:59:00.001-08:00

Started off the month with a Gingerbread house..he did quite well.

Went to see the lights with the rest of the state..I'm not kidding it was PACKED...and cold.

I love the temple.

Isn't this just beautiful!

Owen couldn't hold his bunny because he was all bundled up so we tucked it in his jacket..he was happy.

Ella hardly complained even though she couldn't move.

This is what she wore this last Sunday to church...she is so cute!

Us in front of the tree.

I tried to get the kids together but that wasn't happening.

LATE ENTRY......AGAIN

2009-12-21T18:43:00.001-08:00

So I know this is a month late but whatever! Over Thanksgiving my mom and I took my kids to San Diego to visit my sister Rikki. She had to work a couple of the days so we packed up her kids and my kids and went to Sea World...I love that place!! I forgot my camera on the first day but remembered to bring it on the second trip to Sea World..HOWEVER..I accidentally left it sitting on the bench when we left the Sea Lion show! Yep thats right and when I went back to get it..it was GONE! I tried to control the tears and the SHEER anger I had at myself..but it was hard. I asked ALL the show people if anyone had turned it in and nope..it was just gone. So on the way out when we were leaving I checked the lost and found..AND MY FAITH IN HUMANITY WAS RESTORED......someone......my little angel for the day......had turned it in!!! I shed a tear..I did!!!

Grandma, Ella, and cousin Aiden.

Then the day before we left we went to the beach..it was a must. This is ALL Owen did the WHOLE time!

Don't you just LOVE pigtails!

I wish I lived closer because cousin Baylee was the biggest help and Ella just adored her!

It happened to be Rikki's birthday while we were there so we all went to dinner (my brother and his family included). Owen was beyond thrilled to be able to sit at the "kids" table and wanted nothing to do with me! Ella had no choice but to sit with me.

This is my sister. I love her. I miss her already!

LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH AWAY

2009-12-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Okay so we live by Santa..he's old, has a belly and ALWAYS has candy in his pocket! Ella received this lovely sucker from him and while I was thinking..WHAT A MESS...I could not help but smile and I still am!

HARD DAY

2009-12-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

I know motherhood isn't some glorious job but I truly do love it. But today was a HARD day and it isn't even over yet! Blake's away which always makes things harder. Owen for some reason wants NOTHING to do with the potty which is fine but I wish he had SOME desire! He got really mad today at the grocery store and wanted gum in the checkout line(we have tons of gum at home) and I said no so he proceeded to kick me and then throw all these things on the floor..with Ella in hands I couldn't do much but you can bet I was in tears by the time we left...SIGH....I can't wait for this day to end!

Fall Pictures

2009-11-18T14:31:00.001-08:00

We had some fall pictures taken by Tiffany Burke. It was a very cold day but they still turned out cute!

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

2009-10-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

I got some pics taken of the kiddos the end of the summer and forgot to post them...so here they are. The photographer was great and worked well with my kids. Her name is Abbey Kyhl and her website is AK Studio Designs. She captured some great photos.

This picture absolutely made me laugh..for days! Owen totally used her to get up. Typical day in our home.

Ella throwing her one of many tantrums!

I decided to get in on one.

Probably my favorite photo of Owen!

OH MY HEART MELTS

2009-10-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Oh ELLA!! She makes my heart melt! She constantly puts a smile on my face. If you are wondering why I didn't post any pictures of Owen this time, it's because he is becoming increasingly hard to photograph. You have to catch him on a good day or just forget about it!

LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR

2009-10-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE this time of year. And this year Owen is so excited for Halloween and everywhere we go he asks me to go to the Halloween section and if something is too scary he says "too scary mommy"! He loves all the spiders and witches. Ella could care less but she still points. Ella is constantly walking around the house saying YA YA YA. A little funny thing Owen did the other day was when I gave them both drinks and Owen hit Ella's cup with his and said "CHEERS Ella"..he got that from his dad..I almost fell off my chair laughing it was cute!

Ellas Ladybug Party

2009-09-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely party for Ella on Saturday. It was ladybug themed. One of my best friends in the whole world sent us the little tutu for her party! We love you Lissa and you were missed at the party! Ever since Ella has been given real food she hasn't looked back..she LOVES it! She was all about her cake...she was such a mess when she was done. Note to self: don't wear white shorts when the cake has black frosting on it! Thanks to all our family and friends that came and helped celebrate her first year!

I CANT BELIEVE IT!

2009-09-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

I'm at a lost of words today. I can't believe Ella is 1. I can't believe it has already been a year since she entered this world. I'm not going to lie..I'm sad! I'm sad she is not a baby anymore. But that said she is the funnest little girl. She has so much personality already and she makes me smile daily! Happy Birthday Ella.. I love you forever!

CUTE AS CAN BE

2009-09-06T09:02:00.001-07:00

Owen and Blake were sitting on the front porch looking at the moon..a nightly ritual for them, when Owen said,"Jesus made the moon." Quickly followed by,"I like Jesus!" Is that not the cutest thing ever!

Another milestone........

2009-09-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ella has started to walk!! I can hardly believe it..it seems like just yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital!! She has to concentrate really hard and keep her arms up..but she is definitely walking! Owen has been helping her too. And that is NOT his bunny in his hand but her bear..we have now lost both bunnies and are waiting for the replacements in the mail..so meanwhile Owen has decided that one of Ella's bears will be his.

ISAAC

2009-08-19T15:07:00.001-07:00

So I watched my friends little boy Isaac yesterday. Isn't he just adorable!!!

Puddin' TIME

2009-08-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

I thought what a good idea it would be to let Owen have some fun with chocolate pudding. I did not tell him ahead of time that is was something you could eat..he found that out for himself!

He went from painting on his paper.....

to painting on himself...to eating it!

This picture just cracked me up..like he conquered painting!

Jekyll & Hyde

2009-08-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

So today I was bored..really, really bored. I decided to take the kids for a walk in the canyons..since the canyons are literally 10 minutes from my home (don't even ask what I was thinking)! As soon as we arrived Ella started crying....a lot! So needless to say as soon as we arrived we left.

But as soon as we got home she was happy..GO FIGURE!!

NICE BROTHER

2009-08-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

How nice of Owen to share his popsicle! Notice all the red in Ella's hair!!

RANDOM PICS

2009-07-25T15:38:00.001-07:00

I took a photo class and this is one of the pics I took. It was a great day of learning! Although now I want a new camera and my husband thinks I'm crazy!

AHHH Ella!! She is growing so big so fast. She is climbing stairs and starting to point. She already has quite the temper but she is cute as a button!

Ella could swing all day she loves it so much!

Fireworks

2009-07-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

We ended off the night with some fireworks from Costco! It was light when we started but it was dark by the time we finished. Owen LOVED them this year and was so excited. He kept grabbing the next one to light!

Owen ended up in Blake's arms during the really loud fireworks!

I just couldn't get enough of this face!

Fourth of July

2009-07-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

We had a great Fourth of July this year. We went up Millcreek Canyon to make tin foil dinners and s'mores! It was great once we got the fire going! Owen had lots of fun with the s'mores but I did NOT!

This is the only picture of them together..sad I know!

MORE PICS

2009-06-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Katie----this one is for you!

SOME FAMILY PICS

2009-06-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos that are friend Leah took. I just love the ones with Blake and Ella..something about a daddy with his little girl!

2009-06-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

LOTS OF RAIN + DIRT=

2009-06-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

WORMS!!!

Owen is obsessed with worms! And since it's been raining there has been a lot of worms! The things gross me out beyond anything! YUCK! But Owen could play with them all day.

I would like to report zero fatalities but I just can't. This was Owens attempt to put the worms back into the ground.......however, I failed to mention that a worm in two pieces probably wouldn't make it!