Swimming

That's right, all you freezing snowed on Utahns. It was so hot we got out the pool this week.

Camping and WWII

We wanted to go to Fredericksberg and the National Pacific WWII Museum. It was a long drive (a couple of hours is long with 2 kids) so we broke it up by camping down there Friday night. We love camping.

Biking and Children's Museum

After all, Austin is only and hour away from Killeen, right?

So we took a day trip and our bikes down to the city. It was fun to just spend the day together. We also checked out the Children's Museum. Their golf ball physics exhibit was great and the girls just played and played.

PS-Our biking gear is getting tight in the trunk space, does anyone have a recommendation for a good back-of-the-van rack?

We're so glad when DADDY COMES HOME

After a week in AL, Tyler has returned again. YEA!!! I'm sleeping better. He of course remembered presents (that I actually bought at WalMart and had wrapped and waiting for him) but the thought was his. Lily loved her princess magnet dolls. And Niki was just thrilled that she got to open something (a princess book). Needless to say, we did not go to bed early that night due to the overjoy and excitement.

Monkey and A Tail

Niki's latest climbing trick is getting onto the couch by herself. She's so short, but she's clever. She figured out that she can drag her chair over to the couch and use it to climb over the arm-rest. She was very proud of herself.

For her birthday we ordered a "Monkey Tail" leash for Niki. It finally came and she spent the entire evening getting me to walk her around with it. She LOVES her monkey (little does she know it was soon to be used against her, ha ha ha).

Back Blogging

For those of you who really follow every detail of our blog, you've noticed a lot of our Utah trip has finally been posted. Well, I have big news, I'm FINISHED! Fianlly. Up-to-date.

New Year, New Powder, and New Shirts

Tyler and I went on a much needed ski date for New Year's. The snow was great and we had a blast together. I miss living in Utah.

For Christmas, Diane gave us all blank T-shirts and a tie dye kit. They turned out lighter than anticipated, but we sure had fun.

Conference Kids Crafts

I was a little dissapointed about it being General Conference (see mormon.org) weekend just as Tyler left for a week TDY. Well, it wasn't the same without him, but we found some ways to make it fun. Cookie-cutter pancakes, a conference map (thanks to the Friend magazine), and time to work on projects together (if you want the full flower pattern, just ask).  What a fun day.

Family Pictures

In honor of Tyler's upcoming deployment, we had family pictures taken yesterday. The girls are growing and changing so fast! We ordered the last 2 poses.

Happy Birthday to You!!!

We had quite the birthday party for Niki. She loved getting the presents in the mail as they arrived over the week, the last of which finally arrived today ("That's Not My Dragon" - a great board book!). What a fun day.



Niki,
You're One Year Old...
You're so Expressive and Photogenic.
You're such a MONKEY! Climbing, running, jumping, rolling. Keeping up with your sister.
Opinionated and Vocal.
You're never quiet.
Curious and into everything.

You love...
going outside, putting on shoes (because it means going outside), pushing your doll in the stroller, playing with waterbottles, doing whatever Lily is doing, swinging, JUMPING ON THE BED and playing ALLIGATOR, listening as airplanes and helecopters fly by, your lovey, DAD and grandpas (and any really nice old guys),being chased and tickled, Goodnight Moon and That's Not My Dragon, pickles/olives/manarin oranges and CANDY.

You sign milk, more, done, and please like a pro. You've even managed to form a distinguishable word now and then. You definantely understand what we are talking about.

I love how cute and little you are. You have so much personallity in your tiny frame. You always make me laugh and I love playing with you. I wish I had more energy to keep up, but you make up for it with your kisses and tickles. I can't wait for all of the adventures we will have, one day at a time.
...Love,
Your Mom

Camping!!!

We had so much fun camping with some of our friends. We made banana boats and ate dutch oven cobbler around the fire. The girls loved the tent and their new Princess sleeping bags. We found Lily asleep upside down in her sleeping bag in the morning. For bfast we celebrated Niki's first birthday with a candle in her pancake. After we packed up we went on a nature walk 'hike' around the park. It was so much fun, I can't wait to do it again.

Our little Monkey is ONE YEAR OLD!

Niki's birthday was yesterday (we celebrated while we were camping), but the official party will be tomorrow night. Lily and I spent the afternoon creating a monkey jumping on the bed for the party. Lily kept talking to her monkey girl and asking if she was comfortable on her cozy bed while blowing kisses goodnight. Niki just ran around and liked up all the frosting that fell on the ground. She even got Lily to squirt some down to her when my back was turned. What a mess!!!

Let's go Fly a Kite

We visited our friends in Dallas on Saturday and went to a park. It was fun to spend the entire day (practically) with our friends. Thanks for the fun times!

New Tent?

Well, we needed a larger family upgrade so we bought a new tent. Actually, we bought 2. This is WHERE YOU COME IN... what do you think will be the best choice for our family in the long run? we are torn and keep arguing points for both.

Tent A-
smaller to store and less area to set up. Still fits 2 queen airmatresses (barely). Much easier to set up. Costs lest(tyler's favorite).
(more Pictures coming soon)


Tent B-
larger so more room. 2 room divider. Door on front side and on back side (so you don't have to climb over people). Tall enough to stand up in everywhere(janna's favorite).


Deadline to decide is this Friday when we go camping with some friends so let us know ASAP!

March marches on

Ra Ra Ra


New Swing Set


Tutu Time


Daddy Day