Too Cute

Up until Abby came along I always thought that Caden was super curious. I was so naive...Abby is Caden curious times 10! This morning I caught her trying to climb the shelves in the pantry and then tonight I saw this. By the way Cadewn thought this was hilarious!

A Sunbeam

There are some days when I wonder if the things we are teaching Caden are really making a difference. Sometimes saying prayers, reading scriptures, having family night and going to Church on Sundays can be challenging, but then moments like this morning happen and I know it's all worth it. I am so grateful that Caden is learning who Jesus is and that Jesus loves him.

That Time of Year

So it's once again that time of year when I try to get some good pictures of the kids. This year started out a bit on the rocky side but in the ends the kids did great and I happen to think the pictures turned out great!

The Standoff

So Sunday night I made a roast with potatoes and carrots. Well Caden decided that he didn't like anything on his plate (not that this is that unusual with Caden.) Eli told him that if he couldn't at least try everything on his plate that he couldn't have any of his Halloween candy. I thought that would do the trick for sure, but alas it did not and so the the standoff began...

From the look on his face you would think all I had offered him was brussell sprouts
and cooked spinach!

Now I know how my Mom felt. I happened to be a pretty picky eater myself. I remember spending ALOT of time sitting at the table after everyone else had finished. So who do you think won the standoff???



I am happy to report that this round went to the parents!!!!

Happy Halloween

We had so much fun on Halloween. We went to the trunk or treat in our neighborhood and then headed over to a friends house for a Halloween party. Caden kept asking me all day if it was time for the Pumpkin Halloween party at Makensie's house. Caden got to go trick or treating again with a few friends and had a great time!

Abigail was a pink flower with a tu-tu with lots and lots of tulle!!!

Caden was a train conductor. He loves the train schedule and the walkie-talkie. Thanks Grandma for the costume!

Water Fun

We had some fun playing in the water at the Splash Pad up in South Ogden last week. Caden totally loved the water. I loved that I didn't actually have to be in the water with him since Abby doesn't seem to be a fan of the water yet.

I know what you are thinking...isn't that cute Abby is giving Caden a hug....

yep she is, but only to get a little bit closer to that rice krispie treat!

Our Week in Pictures

Here are just a few pictures from our week.

Abby showing off her new outfit from Grandma Skidmore.

Coloring together. I love Caden's intense look...he was making sure he got everything on his page colored blue.

We went to the zoo. They have a lot of new baby animals including some leopards, tigers, a giraffe (my personal favorite) and a baby elephant. We were hoping to see the elephant but they didn't have it out yet.

Caden's fascination with buttons was indulged once more at the zoo.

So despite all my best efforts, I never seem to be able to get both kids looking and smiling at the camera at the same time. This was the best pic on got of them sitting together on the carousel.

Happy Anniversary

Eli and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary last weekend. Eli spoiled me by taking me out to the Melting Pot for dinner and then we went to a movie, The Time Travelers Wife. Eli was a good sport to sit through a sappy chick flick. Anyway it has been a great 5 years...I am looking forward to the next 5.

Our wedding day at the Bountiful Temple August 21, 2004.

Some more August Birthdays

In addition to Abby's Birthday we also celebrated Eli's birthday on the 14th and Grandma Nancy's birthday on the 15th. Happy Birthday!!!

Eli and his cake, chocolate with buttercream frosting and blueberries...yummy.

The kids got to stay up way past their bedtime on Dad's birthday. They both helped decorate a Happy Birthday banner.

Grandma Nancy celebrated her 70th birthday with a Murder Mystery Night. It was a blast!

Happy Birthday Abby!

We celebrated Abigail's 1st Birthday today! I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. Abby is such a wonderful addition to our family.

Here is my Top Ten List of things I love about Abigail!
1. the way she tilts her head to the side when she smiles.
2. her curls
3. chubby legs
4. snuggles
5. her waddle walk
6. her curiousity
7. her independance
8. how she points at books and squeals with delight at the pictures.
9. 10 perfect fingers and 10 chubby toes.
10. her bear hugs...they are simply the best!





Caden lucked out that both Grandma's got him something so that he wouldn't feel left out. He got some cool airplanes from Grandma Skidmore and this spinning light from Grandma Baldwin.



Abby loved her new phone from Grandma Skidmore. It goes well with the new play purse she got.



Abby snuggling with her new bear from Aunt Amy!



Helpers...lucky for Abby she had 2 helpers ready and willing to help with the unwrapping.

(Just in case anyone is wondering, no she didn't burn her finger.)

Aquarium

Yesterday the kids and I decided to head into Salt Lake for the day. We stopped by Eli's work and had a picnic with him for lunch and then we headed out to the Aquarium in Sandy. The Aquarium is small but was the perfect size for the kids. They both loved it...did I mention that they loved it??? We will be going back for sure.

Abby's favorite were all the bright colored fish. She just kept pointing and laughing every time the fish would go by.



This was the open tank that had the manta rays and other small fish in it. Caden loved the water, of course.



Personally I thought the octapus was the coolest thing we saw. It was neat to watch it climb up and down the side of the tank. As you can tell from Abby's position, she wasn't that sure about it.







I think this was Caden's favorite part. He loved pushing the button for the frog sound.

Wow...It's Been Awhile!

Well time does sure go by fast. I didn't realize it had been sooo long since I had posted anything. We are having a busy summer and have done some fun things, so here is our summer so far in pictures. We started the summer with a trip to New Jersey to see Grandma and Grandpa Skidmore. This trip we decided to fly into Philly and spend a day there before heading north. Sorry I uploaded the pictures backwards, but this is our time in Philly.
(p.s. this might take a few posts to get caught up...I am way behind but want to show off the kiddos still.)



My favorite picture of Caden. I LOVE his smile!




Abby getting her first taste of a snowcone. She doesn't look like it in this picture but she really did love it!



Doing the "National Treasure" tour.



So anyone who knows Eli, knows that he can always usually sweet talk his way into a nicer hotel room, car, etc. This trip was no exception. He was so nice to the lady at the front desk that we got the FREE upgrade to the Presidential Suite at the Downtown Marriott in Philly. The room was huge and had a kitchen, dining room, a grand piano and lets not forget the giant flatpanel TV. It was amazing.



Obviously this photo was taken at the beginning of the flight. I mean look at us we are all still smiling. Traveling with kids is not by favorite thing. Caden was pretty restless and Abby was pretty grumpy until she fell asleep at which time I tried to not move for over 2 hours so she wouldn't wake up!

What we have been up to

Okay, so I admit I have totally neglected this blog lately...sorry to all those who like seeing pictures of the kiddos. Anyway here are just some random photos of the kids.


So I had to take this picture of Abby in one of her cute new summer outfits. I am such a sucker for a great Gymboree sale!

Caden wanted his picture taken too so he decided to give an all out cheesy smile for the occasion!

"Yep, I'm standing on my own!" Well that lasted for about 5 seconds but Abby sure was having fun. She actually thinks it's funny to fall down when you let go of her hands.

Caden trying to stowaway in dad's luggage. That would have been a looong ride to Africa!

One of Caden's new favorite activities is to feed the ducks, although I think the seagull end up with more bread than the ducks. Anyway there was a bunch of babies that Caden wanted to feed. Well he got a little too close, can you see the momma duck hissing at Caden??? Yay, Caden didn't care...I had to grab him because I was afraid that momma was going to come afer him!

Hanging out in the stroller.

Chencking out the frog exhibit at the Museum of Natural History. They have a cool program where they have free admission the 1st Monday of every month.



Digging for dinosaur bones at the museum...okay really Caden was just throwing the dirt. Eli tells me it's a guy thing, just like kicking rocks down the street.

Abby Playing

Abby has recently really got the army crawl down. She hasn't quite got crawling on all fours..yet, but she is really close. Anyway this is just a cute little video of her doing a little exploring under the table.

Da Kiddo's

So Caden has always been really great about going to bed at night. However, the other night he just wasn't quite ready I guess. I said my good nights to him and left his room well a few minutes later he started calling for us. Eli went in and Caden wanted his flashlight so Eli found it for him and then left again. Eli went back a little while later to see if Caden had fallen alseep and this is what he found! Caden was hiding under his covers playing with the flashlight!

Today when Abby woke up from her morning nap I say a cute little hand reaching out of the crib!

Riding the Trains

Caden is really, really into trains. Eli took him up to the Ogden Train station where they walked around and looked at some of the trains that they have outside. They have a steam locomotive train that Eli said was huge and that Caden said, "this is an awesome train." Then they hoped on the Frontrunner train and took into Salt Lake. Once they were in town the also got to ride on Trax. Let's just say I think that if Caden could have one wish today would have been it!

At the Ogden Train Station

Riding Trax

A Day with Dad

Caden and Eli spent the whole day riding the trains and hanging out in Salt Lake today. Here are a few of the highlights.

Inside the Tabernacle on Temple Square

At the Conference Center looking towards Temple Square.

Sitting by the reflecting pond on the Main Street Plaza.

On the FrontRunner Train

Happy to be riding the Trains. Eli said he held on to the timetable schedule the whole time!