Solid Gould

Girls room makeover

2011-10-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Autumn was complaining that her room felt too little girl ish and she wanted more privacy. With the help of a hot pink can of spray paint, we went to town; as well as added the curtain above her bunk.

Summer broke her arm

2011-09-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

Over Labor day we went to Strawberry with Russ family and was able to get quite a bit done on the cabin. Sunday night we were hanging out by the campfire when we heard summer cry. We went by the zip line and sure enough she fell from the very top right off the ladder. She calmed down after and Advil and went to bed. We made her a makeshift sling and gave here Advil every once in a while and finished our camping trip. By Tuesday she was acting like it was feeling better but it was still sore so I asked a Doctor friend of mine (We all need a Doctor friend) what he thought I should do. Of course with no hesitation he said go get it x-rayed. Sure enough her elbow was broken, so my friend put a little half cast on it and now she is good to go. The next morning before school she didn't want to go because she was embarrassed. That afternoon when I picked her up from school she was so happy. I asked how her day was and she said "I love going to school with a broken arm because everyone helps you." Its also good since it is her Left arm. I guess she has learned to cope with it all. Only downside is she has a hard time at dance and she cant do gymnastics or trapeze for a couple months.

Trapezing Show

2011-07-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

We had another Trapezing show today and as always it was a total blast. Here is some video of the practice tricks as well as Autumn and Summer Trapezing after the show.

This is for you Verna and Ron

2011-07-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

We are having another trapezing show this Saturday. I am working on my back end tricks this semester and have even moved onto a new belt which is exciting. Here is a couple of my tricks called a back-end layout. Verna, if you are watching just push the play button on the bottom left corner. If you scroll down a little you will see one of my other trapezing tricks.

This last video is of Autumn.
She was pretty young here (6 yrs old) and has gotten a lot better but it is still cute.

This last video is of Summer when she was 3 that still makes me smile so I thought you would enjoy it too. I cant believe she is going into first grade already.

2011-06-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Oh I am so excited about our Cabin (Single wide Trailer). It is so fun to go up to Strawberry and go camping and sleep in an Actual bed. We have been doing a lot of work on making our "Cabin" cute. we are still not totally done and it still is a little messy but it looks much better. I have really enjoyed working on the cabin. because the walls were covered in wallpaper in the kitchen, I had to texture them so you wouldn't see the seams. I got creative and painted on tissue paper. It actually looks pretty good and you cant even tell there was wallpaper before. I painted the cabinets and re faced them with bead board. It has been a project for sure but worth it. I also sewed curtain valances for all the rooms.
Russ is working on getting us solar power. I cant Wait!

this is Our Cabin Before...Our Cabin After!

My dirty Link... not allowed in the cabin without a baby wipe bath.

Take a Risk and Cover the Thermostat

2011-03-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

I got sick of looking at our thermostat in the middle of the wall so I decided to cover it.
Who thought of putting a Thermostat in the middle of the wall?
Seriously whoever designed this house must have been a man.
I am so proud of myself since I am not a super handy person, and if I asked my husband he probably would have objected so for me this was a risk.

~Before~

~After~

(I left it open at the top and bottom so air can flow through)

Cheap Home Decorating

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

So, I have been on this Home Decorating Thing lately
(After 6.5 years of living in this house)
and I am super Cheap.
Then I found The Nester blog that gave me some great ideas.
So here are a few things I've Rigged up...

(please note the lighting is not the best,
I just took these photos fast to blog about them)

$2 Curtains out of garage sale fabric and hand sewn

$3 Coffee filter Wreath

$0 Sticks from our Fig Tree Nailed to the wall
(nest and egg also found in our yard)

Plate Wall

$3 Book Wreath
(so much prettier in real life)

$3 Curtains (fabric from yard sale)Just Cut and fold... No Sewing.
Hung with 4 small nails no curtain rod.
Then poofed them with grocery bags.

Ok, I feel a little exposed now that you know my secretes.
I hope these gave you some ideas. Thank you to the nester for inspiring me.

First Frount-End Split

2011-02-25T21:35:00.000-08:00

I Started Trapezing again since my wrist operation and am Loving it. This was the first time learning the Front-end Split trick.

I am excited to start doing Front End tricks which are a little harder to do because you have to swing out first.

BayWatch Episode

2011-02-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

A Ski friend of mine on Face Book found this Episode of Bay Watch we were all in. We were sporadically throughout the show, but this is just clip of the main Ski Part. It was a great experience and fun to meet and work closely with the BayWatch Cast, including Pammy and David... Enjoy.

Merry Christmas 2010

2011-02-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Grandma/Pa Smith and Stephanie/Miley and Sterling Came over to our house for breakfast. We later went to Aunt Pams for Dinner and to spend more time with Family.

Autumn got a Guitar and Sewing Machine, Summer got a polly Pocket Car Track, Link got a remote control Helicopter and Marble Track, and we got an X-Box with Kinect for the whole family.
It was one of our most Abundant Christmases

Merry Christmas Eve 2010

2011-02-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve we went over to Grandma Goulds for Dinner.
Autumn and Summer came up with a fun idea to play Minute to Win It with all the cousins.
Everyone had so much fun, it may even become a tradition.

Summer and her Chicken

2011-01-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

First thing Summer does when she gets home from school is check on the chickens. They have been the best pets for the kids. This is Goldie, the fastest and youngest chicken and no one can catch her but The girls.

Our Busy Busy Life

2011-01-31T15:21:00.000-08:00

We have been so Busy in the Gould home lately. Russ has been working so much, which is a blessing, and so have I, filling in for two Hygienists on Maternity leave. I feel like things are really picking up. We both have new callings. He is Still in Scouts, and I am now Young Woman's Personal Progress Leader. I LOVE Young Woman's, which I haven't been in since I was 17, so it has been super fun.
I've also been on this "decorating my house" kick; about time after living here 6.5 years. I'm finally painting, hanging curtains, and putting more pictures on the wall... even getting a little handy with the drill.
Another one of my newer found hobbies are Yard Sales. It started off as a way to save money during Christmas a couple years ago (you remember the economy and our personal all-time financial LOW) But when I realized there is actually decent stuff out there, I couldn't stop. I am so addicted now and can't wait for the weekends. I seriously get some sort of high when I find something I have been looking for. One of my Best buys: Totally cute Prada' Shoes (the real deal, purchased in Italy, hardly worn) for $3!!! I am telling you, you can get some good stuff.

Lincoln's 2nd Birthday

2011-01-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

It is my Lincolns Birthday today. I cant believe he is already 2 years old. Time goes by so fast... too fast. He is such a sweetheart. I love this little guy so much and cant imagine my life without him. We went out to dinner at Salty Senoritas Saturday then had a little birthday party Sunday at Grandma Smiths house. Then we celebrated today by going to the Doctor for his 2 yr old check up and shots. Poor guy. He is a true Gould with a head at 19.75 in. The doctor had to measure it twice because it grew an inch in 3 months, which I guess is a lot. We have to go back in 6 weeks to double check, but I'm sure he is just growing into his Gould Brains. He defies all the rules being in the 68% for height and 53% for weight to have a 86% head. It's a wonder he can even walk at all with out falling over. Lincoln you are such a smart boy. We love you and are so happy you chose to come into our family. Happy Birthday Link.

Family Photo 2010

2010-12-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Russ, April, Autumn, Summer, and Lincoln Gould

Halloween

2010-10-30T23:37:00.001-07:00

we had a great Halloween. The kiddos dressed up as a Witch, Cat, and Construction man. Then we went to our ward party where there was a Haunted House (which Russ and his scouts were in charge of), Trunk or Treat, Face Painting, Dinner, and a whole lot of fun.

Disneyland

2010-10-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

(told by Autumn)

On Thursday we went to Disneyland. While we were there we rode many rides. My favorites were thunder mountain and Haunted Mansion. Before Disneyland closed we rode a few quick rides.(Grandma and Grandpa Smith)(since it was October Break we saw lots of friends)

On Friday we packed up our stuff and left. on our way home we hit the outlet malls. Me and my sister had $5 to spend each. We arrived home safely late Friday night.

I hope to go to California again soon.

California Beach

2010-10-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

(told by Autumn)

The next day we went to the beach and found all sorts of shells. Then we walked the boardwalk and saw dogs. The last thing we did was went on the peer and watched people fish and saw sea-lions and dolphins.

Our California Adventure

2010-10-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is an account of our October Break told by Autumn in her own words.

Over October break I went to California.

The first thing I did there was I went to the famous La Brea tar pits. While I was there my brother stepped in a large tar puddle but the tar was almost dry so it was easy to get him out.

(We went with the Smith Family)

Next we went to a science museum and it was so much fun.

(Autumn and Summer lifting a Truck)

(We pet Star Fish and other Sea Critters)

at the end of the day we went to Hollywood.

Birthday Party

2010-10-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

We Went to the park for Bella Taylor's "Tinkerbella" Birthday Party.
We Had a good time as always.

It's a Boy Thing

2010-10-21T22:31:00.001-07:00

I think Lincoln is so cute when he wears his little hat. None of my girls would wear hats without quickly taking them off, but Link will wear his all day. Maybe it's a boy thing, or Maybe he wants to be more like dad. Either way it's super cute.

Hide N Seek

2010-10-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Where's Lincoln? He loves to hide in my pillows.

Bella Bunny

2010-10-21T22:07:00.001-07:00

The kids wanted to take a picture with our Bunny Bella. We got her for Christmas last year.
She is seriously so soft.
(Think Fur Coats)

Cousins and Chickens

2010-10-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

My brother Mike blessed his baby Reed few Sundays ago. Then we went to our house for Lunch.
Lincoln Loves little babies. Here he is giving hugs and kisses to Reed. It was nice to have so much family over. Summer had fun showing off her Chickens.

Primary Cars

2010-10-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Our primary had a cute activity where the kids all made cars and they went on a Journey to know Jesus. The girls had a lot of fun decorating their cars. They even had a car-wash. Link had fun too even though he didn't have a car.

Cutest Construction Worker Ever

2010-10-21T10:47:00.001-07:00

OK, Isn't he the Cutest little Construction worker you have ever seen?
The messy playroom in the background is part of the "look".

A Christmas Carol

2010-10-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my girls. They auditioned for "A Christmas Carol" and Both made it. At first when I called about the Audition they said it was only for kiddos 7+ yrs old, but when I got there with Autumn, I noticed another little girl who was 5 auditioning. I quickly ran home and got Summer. She was so excited because she had been wanting to be in a play since Autumn was in Mulan, but not many opportunities come up for her age.
They had to sing a song on stage with everyone watching. They both sang "Reflections" from Mulan Soundtrack.
I am especially proud of Summer since it was literally a last minute thing. She did Awesome and was natural with a little curtsy bow at the end and everything. I guess it really payed off that she was annoying... I mean, "practicing" the song with Autumn.
Autumn was asked to a call back to see if she possibly will get another part.
Keep your fingers crossed!

What makes it even BETTER is that their friend Chancy Brienholt is going to be in the play as well. Thank you Marianne for telling us about it!

Good Morning Sun Shine

2010-10-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Aren't we all so Beautiful in the Morning? Don't ask me why I decided to take pictures of us during Breakfast. Notice how there is no photos of me?In reality, Autumn probably has been up for 3 hours before the rest of us, and is already dressed and ready to go for the day.I wonder where Summer gets her Pretty BIG Eyes?
After Breakfast it's straight to play time... Don't you love Saturdays?

"Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life."

2010-10-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

I love this saying and have always worked hard to live up to it. I just have to say I am fortunate in that I absolutely LOVE what I do. For those who don't know, I am a Dental Hygienist and it is the best job (aside from professional waterskiing of course) that I have ever had. I love EVERYTHING about it. Cleaning teeth, the Hours, Patients, Staff, Doctors... and the pay isn't bad either. I am so happy I choose this profession and am able to use my degree. I feel so blessed to have found great offices to work at. I love that I can work part-time and be a Full-time Wife/Mommy, and... heaven forbid... if I absolutely had to, I could work Full Time to support our family.Really, I just wanted to show off my cute scrubs.

Ward Campout. Dirty Boys, and BFF's

2010-10-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

We had a Ward Camp out and it was a lot of fun. I am thankful for our friendships we have developed in our Ward.

Free Disney Fun

2010-10-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Our family volunteered our time picking oranges and were rewarded free tickets to Disneyland. The girls were given these hats at a garage sale and blinged them up with glitter and bows.
We are now ready for some Disney Fun!!

Best Big Sister

2010-10-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Autumn is the Best Big Sister to Summer and Lincoln. I can't wait until she is old enough to babysit.

Doubles Rap

2010-10-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Summer came home from school with a sore throat and when I asked her if she had been doing a lot of yelling on the playground, she said they had been working on this Rap at school.

Moon

2010-09-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

I just thought this was a cool picture of the Moon

New Cabinets

2010-08-25T09:10:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of myself. I just finished remodeling our kitchen cabinets for our cabin and can't wait to put them in. Of course I didnt take a before picture for whatever reason but please believe me when I say these were butt-ugly. They were red with a flat panel in the middle and a ugly handle in the middle of that panel (who puts handles in the middle of a cabinet?). I kicked out the middle panel, sanded, cut the beadboard, glued / nailed in the beadboard, calked, primed, and painted, then put the handle pulls on the end of the cabinet where they belong. All on my own, with the direction of my wonderful hubby, and with power tools! I feel so crafty and they actually turned out great (or at least 1000 times better than they did before).

Blade'n Link

2010-08-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Lincoln likes to put on other peoples oversized shoes. As I was watching him walk in my shoes, I thought he should try rollerblades (I love to blade). He surprisingly did great (for a 18mo old)... Maybe he will follow in my footsteps.

Our Cabin

2010-08-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

I am LOVING our "Cabin" It has been one of my most favorite purchases we have ever made. I love spending the weekends in Strawberry. It still needs some cosmetic remodeling (which is part of the fun) but it is so nice to sleep in a real bed. Don't get me wrong, I still like camping in a tent, but this makes it so easy to pack-up and go for weekend trips out of the heat. It even rained and we were nice and dry, then got to enjoy the beautiful weather afterward. Before we would be dreading packing up our wet tent and gear.

Bravo Autumn

2010-07-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Another great performance of Mulan. I wish I could video Autumn dancing in the play, It is the cutest thing. The whole family came to watch this time including friend Emma. Afterward we went to Grandma Smiths for a LATE dinner. Lincoln was cute in the last photo because he saw everyone else posing for the camera that he went up to the wall for a picture too.

First Day of Autumns Play

2010-07-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Autumn had her first Play Performance of Mulan. Autumn is one of the daughters and blossom dancers. I would be lying if I said I didn't cry a little. It was so cute to watch how talented those little kiddos are. She is posing with her friend Jaycee who played the cricket. Grandma Smith and Aunt Stephanie came to watch then we all went out for dinner at Olive Garden. Great Job Auti.

Typical Morning

2010-07-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

I know most Moms Wake up early, make their kids pancakes and eggs and still have an hour to spare... unfortunately, I am not one of those. I usually wake up to Autumn getting herself ready (she is so responsible), the girls finish what ever homework they didn't do the night before, and quickly throw on Summer's clothes. Luckily they wear uniforms so there is not much deciding. We grab shoes, socks, backpacks, toast, and the toothbrush and get ready in the car. Oh yea, notice how Autumn and Summer's hair is the same as the day before? (another time saving tip).
There, I said it... isn't admitting it the first step?

Summer Phoographer

2010-07-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Summer loves to take pictures and got a hold of the camera. I thought it was just neat to see the things she takes pictures of.
My favorites are of her sleeping sister (who likes to sleep in the ottoman) and herself (because I thought it was creative how she figured out to take her own picture).

First Day of School

2010-07-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wow Summer Vacation Flew by and it is already the First day of School! I can't believe I now have 2 kiddos in School. Summer in Kindergarten and Autumn in 3rd Grade.
On Autumns first day of Kindergarten I drove up and just dropped her off, assuming she would know where to go. This time with Summer, I actually walked her up to the playground and watched her play for a little while... Maybe with Lincoln I will remember to bring a camera.
Autumn was so sweet this morning. She woke Summer up and had her completely dressed with shirt tucked in, hair brushed and everything before my alarm went off. She is so responsible and continued to remind me that "It's time to go".

Night Swimming

2010-07-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

We love to go Night Swimming in our pool. The water is so nice and I don't have to worry about anyone getting burned. P.S. It is probably 10:00 pm.

Apple Chips

2010-07-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

We absolutely love our apple tree during the summer. We actually eat just about every apple that tree makes. Lincoln is such a big helper.

Gilbert Dive Championships

2010-07-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

I am very proud of my girls. They both made it to Dive Championships and did great. Grandmas' Smith and Gould also came for support and we went out for breakfast afterward.

~Summer~

~Autumn~

~Cheerleaders~~Final Results, Summer 6th place Autumn 5th place in different age categories
(Autumn had to leave early for her Play Practice)

Autumn's New Look

2010-07-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

~Before~

~After~

Autumn has a new look. She is in the theatrical play "Mulan" so we dyed her hair jet black. I actually think it looks very cute and she thinks it is fun. Afterall, there aren't many 8 yr olds that get to dye their hair. She has a couple of rolls but the main one is as a daughter and blossom dancer. Performances are July 26-31st if anyone is interested let me know and I will give you all the details. The funny thing is, her first show is also on the first day of school (tomorrow), so she is going to start 3rd grade with black hair... I wonder what her teacher will think?

Back Flips and Fun Dives

2010-07-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Autumn loves to do her Back Flips

Dive Team

2010-07-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my girls for becoming such good divers.

They have both learned a lot this year. In the beginning, Summer wouldn't even jump off the board, and Autumn mastered her back flips. They are doing so well, they both made it to Dive Championships.

~Summer~

~Autumn~

First Back Flip off a diving board was at a Dive Meet and she did pretty good.

Baptism

2010-07-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

Autumn was Baptized May 28th. She looked so pretty in her white dress. We are so proud of her and the decision she made. Autumn is such a responsible and sweet girl. I love watching her grow up, but wished it went a little slower.

3 Little Fish in Lake Havisue

2010-07-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful my kids LOVE the water. Especially since we are in and around water so much.

Summer doing one of her funny poses before jumping in the water.

Autumn taught herself to back flip off the edge.

Link wouldnt stop jumping in.

Summer

2010-07-11T20:49:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of Summer. She has grown so much in the last few months. She is an amazing little waterskiier and does the neatest little tricks that has other people in different boats cheering for her. She is now learning to Wakeboard and determined to do so. She has gotten good at Diving, Tumbling, and is such a good helper to me around the house. She has also already lost 3 teeth (all on vacation) and is determined to go to Kindergarten with a new smile. I have to say I am actually sad to see her go to school full time and I will miss her cute little smile and funny personality during the day.

Summer PreSchool Graduation

2010-07-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is Officially graduated from Pre-School and is now ready for Kindergarten. She went to the BEST Pre-School and learned so much. Her teacher, April, Went all out and Summer had the best time with her BFF Bethany. Thank you So much April! You are the best!

Love that Link

2010-07-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I cant express how much I love this little guy. He is so sweet. Here he is in our fig tree eating an apple he found on the ground.

Summer Time

2010-07-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

When I think of summer I think of the kids picking our Figs and Apples,then Making Apple Chips and Strawberry-Fig Jam. Yumm.

Lexus and a Single-Wide

2010-07-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Lexus and a Single-Wide Trailer... I fit somewhere in the middle of the two. We are now proud owners of both. The Lexus is still a little too fancy for me (kind of like when I go to Scottsdale Fashion Mall and I feel like everyone is looking at my cut-off shorts and flip-flops) but I have to admit I am loving the keyless entry and Free Carwashes Lexus Dealership offers. I love our Single-Wide one bedroom trailer. By the way, do you know how hard it is to find a Trailer that has never been smoked in? We now call our "Cabin" since we moved it up to the Strawberry Property. It will be so nice to sleep in a real bed.

Dive Team Preliminaries

2010-07-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Autumn and Summer had there dive team preliminaries this morning. They did so good. Autumn got 7th place and Summer got 6th place. This makes it so they both get to go to Championships next week. I am especially proud of Summer since this is her first year on dive team and in the beginning she wouldn't even jump off the diving board on her own. It is nice to do dive team with my friend April Johnson so I have someone to talk to during the practices and meets. My mom also came to support the girls then we went out for breakfast afterward. It was a good early day.

Finally a Post!

2010-07-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

OK it has been way too long since my last postings. To be honest, I blogged mostly because my biggest fan (Russ' Dad) was always commenting on our blog. I miss that so much. After he passed, I felt it just wasn't as fun to blog. Anyway, even if no one else reads my postings, it is good for our own family journal. So I am going to try better to blog more often.

Summer's Art

2010-07-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

I feel children can express a lot about their surroundings in what they draw. This is why I particularly love this drawing Summer did of an overstressed "babysitter" with 2 crazy screaming kids. I love the look on her face with her eyes wide open and half her hair missing. I wonder where she got the inspiration? Before you start to worry, the next picture she drew was of a happy dancing princess... so I think this was just an isolated incident.

Happy Fathers Day

2010-06-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

We made Breakfast in Bed for Russ for Fathers Day. Russ is just the most wonderful Husband and Dad. We Love you babe.

He later got an award in church for the cutest response to primary questions. The question was "Where did your Dad meet your Mom?" Autumns answer was "At my moms High School Graduation where he hugged my mom in front of her X-Boyfriend who is now my Uncle".

Not entirely true but still cute. Since I am Primary Secretary I got to hand out the awards. I didn't know he was chosen until right before. We got him a couple custom shirts. The one he is wearing says "Property of Russell Gould, XXL- Xtra Xtra Loved".

Happy 8th Birthday Autumn

2010-05-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

Autumn is now 8 years old and I cant believe how time just flew by. She celebrated by getting her ears pierced with her pretty emerald birth stone. We gave her a surprise birthday party at Skate Land. She had wanted a birthday party there and Russ told her they were just going to check out how much it cost and she walked in to be greeted by a big Surprise!! Everyone had a lot of fun. Autumn will be baptized May 28th.

Summers' Tricks

2010-04-05T14:57:00.001-07:00

Summer has gotten pretty good at her head and hand stands. Notice on her head-stand how she doesn't use her hands at all. Link loves to watch her and even copies her. It's cute.

Happy Anniversary 11 Years

2010-03-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have spent the best years of my life with Russ. We just celebrated our 11th anniversary. Although I wish it was better timing (Russ' Dad passed away the day before) we still had a good time. We stayed with Lelia (Russ' Mom) that night, and would not have had it any other way given the circumstances. We had fun with our family eating, singing, and having hand stand contests (of which Summer won). And yes, that is Lincolns 2nd Black eye! I want to wrap that kid in bubble wrap!

One Amazing Man

2010-03-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Russ Dad passed away March 12, 2010. Although you can say he lost his long battle with ALS, I think he surpassed it. He was diagnosed soon after Russ and I were married and given less than a year to live. I was saddened that he would never see our children. That was nearly 11 years ago. He not only lived to see all my children be born, he was able to see 10 additional grandchildren come into this world. I am so thankful that I was able to know such a wonderfully smart man, and that my children was able to do so also. I am so thankful for the gospel and in knowing that we will see him again. We love and miss you Dad!

Egg Hunt

2010-02-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have got to say that Chickens are the funnest thing ever! The girls love gathering eggs and Summer plays all day with them...they surprisingly love her.
This Chicken Summer named "Corn" and I found her shoved into a little bird cage. Its a wonder how Summer was even able to fit her through the door! Russ had to get her out and then she willingly went back into Summer's arms.

Tumbling Together

2010-02-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

The girls love tumbling and since we sold our couches, they are taking advantage of the extra space.

Playing Together

2010-02-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

Lincoln's Funny Antics

2010-02-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

Lincoln cracks me up whenever he wants us to pick him up and we are watching TV or not paying attention, he does the same thing.

First he makes this Cranky Grimace Face...

And when that doesn't work,

He goes over to our feet and slowly licks them

(No feet were licked in this photo).

It is the grossest thing but I got to say it works and he is pretty smart for figuring it out.

He knows the sign for "Up" but usually tries this technique first.

Summer's Birthday Stitches

2010-02-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

Since Summer's Birthday was on a Sunday this year, We all got together for the Blessing of Miley and to Celebrate her Birthday with the Smith Family. Since we had everyone together we decided to go to the Temple to take family pictures. We had just about everyone set up in their positions when we heard Summer start to cry. Russ ran over to her and she had tripped and bumped her chin on the Stone Bench. I suggested he just dust her off and put her in the picture. He turned around and was covered in blood. I felt bad for Summer but a little of me was annoyed since we were all ready to take the picture and it was a huge ordeal to get everyone together and ready. So we hurried and packed up and took her to the hospital where she had to have stitches... on her birthday. It has become a family tradition to get stitches on our birthday. Russ needed stitches on his birthday for cutting his hand open with a knife. Autumn is worried and therefore informed us she just wants to stay home for her birthday. The first photo is of Autumn and Summer right before family photos and the second is of her cake and cake topper uncle Michael made for her (that she never got to see since she was in the hospital).

Strawberry Snow

2010-02-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

Russ took the girls to strawberry to play in the snow with the Martins. They had a lot of fun until they got too cold.

Summer Photographer

2010-02-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

Summer loves to take photos, especially of Lincoln. She took all of these except the first one.

Bella Bunny

2010-02-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

We got a new little bunny for Christmas... or a few days before when the girls went snooping in our closet and found her. It was a little frusterating since that was supposed to be the "Big Gift" this year. All the same it ended up being an amazing Christmas and the girls were just as surprised.

Summer 5th Birthday Party

2010-02-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Summer had a great birthday party. I cant believe she is 5 and going to start kindergarten soon! It was a "Little Mermaid" party although you wont see a single Mermaid. We played games, ate pizza, watched a magic show, decorated cupcake icecream cones, and blew bubbles. It was a success. Although I think they would have had just as much fun jumping on the trampoline and chasing the chickens, which they also did.

Lincoln's First Birthday!

2010-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

I cant believe Lincoln is already one, He is such a big boy! This year has just flown by. I hope next year their will be less bumps and bruises but I know that is just wishful thinking. Link is so cute and such a happy boy. He is a great walker (since he has been walking since 8 months) and pretty good at signing to get what he wants. If all else fails, he discovered if he licks our feet we immediately give him the attention he needs and pick him up. Although he knows the sign for "up" he found this is more effective. He loves anything gross, like what ever is in the trash can or sucking on dirty rocks. We celebrated with all our cousins at Grandma/pa Smith and Goulds with lots of brownie cake and icecream. It was a lot of fun.

Happy B-Day to... Me!

2010-01-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

It sure feels Great to be 22 (At least I feel 10 years younger). What a wonderful day I had between the generosity of my friends, My husband cooking my favorite Steak dinner and my girls pampering me all day it was the best! Not to mention the first year I didn't cry or mourn me getting older.

Happy New Year and 1st black eye

2010-01-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, I dont know if I have enough emotional energy to raise a boy! Link is not even one yet and so far he has Broken his Collar Bone, Broken His Cheek Bone, AND was electrocuted!!! I just want to put him in a bubble. I love this little guy so much, it breaks my heart when he gets hurt. He is such a happy little boy and so cute... even with his bumps and bruises.

2009-12-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

Russ took the cutest photo of Miley (Stephs new baby born Christmas Day)

Family photo shoot

2009-12-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

lincoln's First Bike

2009-12-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

Link got his first bike for Christmas and loves us to drive him around. It is neat because we can push and steer it like a stroller and when he gets older he can ride it himself. He feels like a big boy when we go bike riding with his sisters.
Lincoln love to stick out his tongue, probably feeling for new teeth coming in.

Christmas Santa

2009-12-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

We had the most magical Christmas this year. A secret Santa dropped off a whole bag full of Toys at our doorstep Christmas Eve. We have done things similar to this for other people in the past but never had it done to us. It was generous and nice of someone to be thinking of our family this year.

If it was you, Thank you so much! You were a blessing to our family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday

2009-12-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was one to be remembered. We had many surprises and magical things happen to our family. One was that my sister Stephanie had her first little baby girl. Miley Leanne. We wasted no time sticking her in a stocking. Here she is only an hour old. Congratulations Stephanie and Tony!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

We visited Grandma/pa Gould and Smiths for Christmas Eve. Grandma couldnt wait one more day to give presents and Grandpa approved. Thumbs up!

Girls New Room

2009-12-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

Part of the Girls Christmas Gift was they got a new room. Russ and I spent all week painting their room and I think it turned out great.

WaterSki Show Book

2009-12-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

Russ made me this book of my favorite waterski photos.
Click on link to Check it out!

http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/post/start.sfly?postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDNgwZOWzBoxYgKZJeh-&emid=pbgallcom&linkid=link7

Santa Lincoln

2009-12-02T01:10:00.000-08:00

Doesn't Lincoln Make the cutest Santa?

Lincoln turned 10 months today.

Now that he is Walking all over, its hard to take photos of him standing still.

Creative Photography

2009-12-02T01:01:00.000-08:00

Russ is so talented with photography.
He took these photos of the Temple and City lights.

Piano Lessons

2009-12-02T00:58:00.000-08:00

Link loves to do anything his big sisters do,
including play the piano.

Santa Field Trip

2009-12-02T00:57:00.000-08:00

We went to visit Santa with the Johnsons for a pre-school field trip.
Link wasn't too fond of the guy.Summer and Bethany are such good friends.

Summer Tumbling

2009-12-02T00:50:00.000-08:00

Summer loves her Tumbling Class. Especially because her friend Paige is in it with her.

Holidays

2009-12-02T00:28:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. It seems like after Halloween, the year is over before you know it. The girls decorated the Christmas tree (which is why mostly the bottom half is decorated in the first photo). They like to put Beenie Babies in the tree as well, since we have so many.

Fallen Tree

2009-11-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

During the big wind storm 2 of our 3o year old trees blew over. It is amazing how such huge trees can be uprooted. It was going to cost us $400 to get it cleaned up but thanks to Craigslist and my cheap thinking, I advertised it as "Free Firewood" and it was gone in no time!

Happy 35th Birthday Babe!

2009-11-17T00:54:00.000-08:00

Russ was making us all steaks for his Birthday when he sliced through his hand with a kitchen knife and had to spend that night in the ER getting stitches. Lincoln was a big helper.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Halloween at my parents block party. Then we went to their house and played with cousins.

Petting Zoo and Pony Rides

2009-11-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

The girls were invited to a party in our side pasture. It was a lot of fun! The girls sure do love animals. Happy Birthday Cassy!

Little Hen

2009-11-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Our Chickens are so big now. The other night I heard Summer in the Coup. She was knocking the sleeping chickens off their perch, then catching them as they fell. What a way to wake up! I guess a roosters crow isn't much better.

Link 8 Months

2009-10-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

Link is 8 months old and such a little man. He stands so well and has even started taking steps. He is so eager to grow up.
Why cant they just stay little?

October Break at the Lake

2009-10-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

We've really enjoyed having the girls home from school the last couple of weeks. We have had a lot of fun with cousins and friends. We went to the Zoo, camping in Strawberry, the lake a few times, and had some play-dates.

Here is some photos of us at the lake.

Fun with CousinsGrandpaGrandmaAuti is ready for a more advance ski/wakeboard, but until we get her one she does tricks to make it a little more challenging.

Some of her latest are taking her feet out of the bindings and standing on one foot!

Sum has really impressed me this year with her skiing abilities. She literally skiied for over an hour one day, No exaggeration. She is so competitive and has also learned some tricks of her own like bending down and touching the water.

I enjoyed Wake boarding (not the best photo but oh so fun).

The water was even nice enough for me to kick of my skiis and go Barefoot.

Disneyland

2009-09-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a fun family vacation/family reunion to California! First we spent the whole day at Disneyland. We had a total blast. The kiddo's had fun in Toon Town meeting Micky and Minnie Mouse. Auti and Sum's favorite ride was surprisingly Splash Mountain, Sum even went on it twice. Link's favorite was It's a Small World.

Beach

2009-09-21T13:24:00.001-07:00

Next we went to the beach and had fun playing in the ocean water. The girls had fun playing in the sand while Link had fun eating the sand. Afterwords, we met up with all our extended family for the reunion. It is always fun to catch up with everyone.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

We went camping with all the Gould clan for Labor Day Weekend. It was so exciting when Molly's water broke while we were camping. They had to leave early to "rush" to the hospital. How fun to actually Labor on Labor day (3 hours in a car)! Congratulations Dan and Molly and baby Ammon Cotton! Thank you for making another play mate for Link so we don't have too;)

Sad Face

2009-09-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

Link has been working his pouty lip ever since the day he was born. We call it his "Sad Face". I have always wanted to get a picture of it, and here 7 months later we finally did. How can you say "No" to that?