Johnathan, Mackenzie, Kieran and Rhys

Idaho Grandpa and Grandma visit

2012-02-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

My parents came in town January to visit. It was so nice to see them and the kids of course loved to have them around.

The boys had fun with Grandpa's IPad

We went to the aquarium

Saturday we headed down to San Diego for my cousins wedding. It was nice to see him get married and to see some of my relatives again.

Roxie with us

My grandpa filming everything and his three sons Robert, my dad, and Layne

Poor Rhys was so tired he fell asleep while I was holding him which is really rare for him. He would not let go of that cheeto, even half asleep I tried taking it and he would perk up and get mad at me.
After San Diego we drove all the way to Hemmit for the reception. They had a DJ and lots of dancing which my boys loved.
The bride and groom:)

Kieran and my cousins little boy Daxton

My cousin Jared and my dad

My cousin Stephanie

Grandpa Beck

Monday we went to Knotts Berry Farm. I will have to scan the photo in but Johnathan, my dad, and I went on the wooden ride. It was hilarious and the photo is so funny.

Kieran is quite the snuggler, and grandma loved it.

We took a walk on the stand and walked down to the beach. My mom always loves to get her toes in the sand and ocean while she is here.

Kieran wrote is name all by his self in the sand!

Thanks for coming to visit! Wish we could see you more.

Long Beach

2012-02-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

We rented surrey bikes with the George's and rode them around Long Beach. They were fun and funny but it was a work out!

New Year's Eve

2012-02-09T14:37:00.001-08:00

Our friends the George's had a NYC New Years Eve Party with all the kids. It was a very nice evening. The kids had fun playing and the adults had fun chatting:)

The Russell's

The Ghent's

The Spjute's

The George's

Christmas

2012-01-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

Santa was good to us this year!

Kieran got a fishing pole and baseball helmet from Santa

And Rhys got a fire engine that he looks super excited about:). We woke him up Christmas morning so we could open our presents since we had church at 9am. Didn't want him to be left out since Kieran was already up.
Kieran got a lot of Spiderman stuff which he loves!

And Rhys got a lot of train stuff that he loves!

We had some friends over for dinner then we all fell asleep together watching a movie after a nice pleasant perfect Christmas day!

Christmas Eve

2012-01-11T21:42:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. We started by making cookies for Santa, then went down to the beach for a walk/bike ride. We have been so lucky with the weather in Southern California, it has been beautiful. The best winter we have had since living here. Then we went to our friends the Spjute's for an early Christmas dinner that was fabulous, I of course forgot my camera. Then we came home to open our Christmas jammies. Johnathan got me footie jammies and Kieran loved them and thought it was so cool that I got footie jammies like his.

The Christmas tree at the Hermosa Pier

Johnathan's amazing Trifle

2012-01-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

Johnathan made this for Christmas Eve at our friends house and it was amazing!

Nixon Library

2012-01-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

We went to the Nixon Library a few weeks ago. Mainly for the trains, every year at Christmas time they set up a few big train displays. The one is made completely out of legos, it is pretty amazing. In another room they have four different themed train displays, one being a North Pole Theme with the Polar Express making its way around. The boys both loved it and could have stayed in there all day.

Christmas Pictures

2012-01-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

Creche

2011-12-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

We go to the Creche in Orange County every year. A church puts on a display of hundreds of nativities from all over the world. They are so beautiful to see. After you walk though the displays you can dress up like the nativity for pictures. Kieran's favorite....dress up! He wanted to stay in the room and keep dressing up like different people. There was also a craft room which Rhys loved. He is quite the artist and will sit and color for a long time for his age.
They also have different choirs and people singing Christmas music the whole time. We went with our friends the Candell's and Rosie, and had such a great time.

Playing with daddy

2011-12-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

My three favorite boys!

Manhattan Beach Firework show

2011-12-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

Every year Manhattan Beach does a firework display in December. We never miss it! It is always beautiful and the kids really love it. We went with our good friends the Russells. Their daughter Lyla is Kieran's little girlfriend.

So sweet! He is so sweet and nice to her when it is just the two of them and then when he gets around his buddies he acts like he doesn't like her and just wants to play with his friends, what a BOY.

Journey to Bethlehem

2011-12-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

A local church Journey of Faith puts on this Journey to Bethlehem every year. They have live animals shops set up to buy food and different things with the shekels they give you. Mary and Joseph are there with baby Jesus. It is pretty cool.

Andrew, Kieran, and Hamilton

Kieran was terrified of the Roman soldiers after he saw them drag a peasant out by his feet and they wouldn't break character. Poor little guy was so scared of them and didn't want to stay long after he saw that happening.

Kieran asked to take a picture of him by the lights on the way to the car.

Gingerbread House

2011-12-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

LA Temple Lights

2011-12-13T22:27:00.001-08:00

We went and saw the LA Temple nights for Family Night last week with a few of our friends. The kids had a fun seeing all the lights. The boys kept hanging out by one of the groups of trees and Kieran said it was their internet.
All the kids minus Gigi she ran off. Hamilton and Beckett, Kieran and Rhys, Hunter and Landon

Knotts Berry Farm

2011-12-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

We have passes to Knott's and we go there occasionally not as often as Disneyland though. We thought we would try the kids on the log ride since Kieran is not as scared of rides and well Rhys he just had to come along for the ride. Kieran loved it and went three times in a row with daddy but Rhys was a little frightened by the end so we got off.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

We put the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. You've got to enjoy the tree the whole month of December. Kieran helped decorate with Christmas music in the background and a sleeping little brother. Then he gladly put the star on the top.

Rhys got a close look at the tree after it was decorated.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-08T17:53:00.001-08:00

We got to go the Utah for Thanksgiving. Johnathan's sister Kim just had a baby girl, Maren so we had to go see her. We had such a great time with all the Brandon's. Kieran and Rhys just love being with their cousins.

This was the traffic at the airport on our way out.
Kieran was soo sweet with Maren. He loved her and always wanted to hold her and would talk about how cute she is.

Kieran and Emily, Maren's older sister.We took the kids ice skating in Provo. It was so much fun! I haven't been ice skating in years and Kieran was pretty good, the kids looked so cute skating around with their little bar. They actually had skates small enough for Rhys so I thought we would give it a try. He hated it of course and was a little nervous, so he just watched.

Liam and Jade. (cousins)
Thanksgiving morning we did a Turkey Trot. A little run .7 miles. The kids were so cute in it. Johnathan carried Rhys on his shoulders the whole time.
(little Suzie snuggled up with grandpa)

We had a lovely Thanksgiving feast at Kim's.

Kim made these cute little Turkey name tags.

Rhys enjoying his pie.

Rhys was a little curious about Maren. Mostly he payed no attention to her and didn't like it when I held her.

I thought it would be a great idea to take the train to Temple Square and see the lights. It turned out to be the coldest night of the week, and Rhys was mad and pitching a fit all night because he wanted his coat off. If anyone know Rhys knows he hates wearing clothes he would rather be naked all day, so wearing a puffy coat was not his idea of fun. So we didn't stay to long but it was still nice to see the light and be on Temple Square.
Cute little cousins!

Gemma.

Homeward bound, we sure wish we could see everyone more often. Kieran enjoyed a movie on the plane while Rhys slept. It was a pleasant flight home.

Halloween

2011-11-03T21:20:00.001-07:00

I think Halloween is now probably Kieran's favorite holiday. He has wore his Spiderman costume everyday since the day his costume arrived. It already had a couple holes before Halloween came. And now that Halloween is over continues to wear it everyday:) Gotta love those 3 year olds. He totally plays the part, turns into Spiderman, and I can't even call him Kieran when the costume is on. ( He also wants a Spiderman story every night and I am terrible at them, I guess I need to catch up on my shows.)

The boys got to wear their costume to class Thursday and we had a pot luck and costume parade. We really like our class this year

Saturday night our church had a truck or treat party. It was so fun, and I wish I would have got more pictures of all the cute costumes. Johnathan and I were garden gnomes.

Kieran and his buddies. Kieran aka Spiderman and Hunter aka Superman were searching the church for the green goblin half the night, so they could fight him.
Rhys didn't feel great, I don't know if it was all the costumes or what. Poor little guy.
Kieran's girlfriend Lyla.

Rosie and Johnathan passing out candy to the kids.

I took the kids around to all the trunks, which were all decorated spooky.
Mia
Sawyer

When Halloween finally came around we had music class in the morning that the kids got to wear their costumes to, didn't get any pictures :(. Then once in got dusk we headed out. Rhys really got into in he finally let me put the Brobee costume on and kept posing for the camera. Then loved walking around getting candy.

He always wanted to use the full mask since the real Spiderman has a full mask.

We went to Rosie's first then went over the our friends the George's and a group of us went out.
We got WAY to much candy but the kids loved every minute of it.

San Diego/Tanaka Farms

2011-11-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

We went to San Diego a couple weekends ago. Me and the boys went to the zoo then Johnathan flew in and met us.

Old historic carousal in San Diego.

We tried meeting up with our friends at Tanaka Farms, but we got stuck in traffic and ended up going alone. It was so hot and the little Rhys gets very irritable in the heat, so we didn't stay long. Especially after the goats almost ate off Rhys' fingers. Poor little guy.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-27T13:41:00.001-07:00

We met my cousin Kayla and her family at Faulkner Farms pumpkin patch. I hadn't seen Kayla in years probably since our wedding. Her and her family recently moved to the LA area, so we thought we would meet up. She has a little boy Daxton who is Kieran's age and they had a great time together.

watching the band with the nuns.

I love going to pumpkin patches they are always so fun and the kids had so much fun too.

Halloween Sugar Cookies

2011-10-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

I made Halloween Sugar cookies and the boys helped me frost.

Are you ridiculous

2011-10-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

Today on our way home from the park I said to Kieran "I think maybe you should take a nap and rest your eyes". Kieran gives me a look, shaking his hand and says sternly, "Are you ridiculous".

Idaho

2011-10-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

We went to Idaho again! Johnathan had a conference in McCall so we tagged along and picked up my mom on our way. McCall was beautiful, we haven't been there for a few years and last time it was freezing and covered in snow. The lake was so clear and pretty. Our hotel was right on the lake, and the weather was perfect.

When we got back to Boise Johnathan and I headed to a BSU game. I grew up in Boise and that was my first game, pathetic I know. We had a lot of fun and ran into a friend/co-worker of Johnathan's and her fiance.

Johnathan flew all over working while we stayed and played at my moms all week. We went to my great aunt Treva's (my grandmas sister)to visit. My grandma's other sister Mary was in town. We picked a lot of grapes that my mom and I turned into jam, and Kieran fed the squirrels and ducks and birds again.
My grandma and her sister Mary

the bins of peanuts, bird seed, and duck food.

Kieran and Beau ready for Halloween
bath time with cousin Natan
Story time with Papa

Making play dough with grandma
I got to see my good friend Morgan and her little boy whom I hadn't seen in a couple years. We have been friends since elementary!
Johnathan cleaned out my moms car as he always does when he comes to town. Rhys wanted to help this time.

Go Broncos!

Camping at Big Sur

2011-09-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago we went camping with our friends at Big Sur. It was quiet the drive, but a pretty one along the California Coast. We stopped to see the elephant seals on our way. It was so windy out, but well worth the stop they were really cool to see. Then we missed the campsite by 40 miles which was an extra 2 hours on the windy coast roads. Not so fun, but we finally made it.

It was so much fun to camp again. I have so many childhood memories camping and Johnathan and I have only been camping together once shortly after we were married. There is nothing like being out in nature and enjoying it's beauty. Kieran and Rhys loved it and had so much fun. They are such boys with their rocks and sticks and dirt. Kieran slept with his pockets full of rocks the first night we were there. And he was so excited to sleep in a tent in his own little sleeping bag.
While keeping himself busy in the car with pipe cleaners he fell fast asleep.

Lyla and Kieran

The elephant seals.
Having fun with glow sticks by the fire.
Kieran, Asher, Jude, and Brynn.
Lyla.

Rhys and Atticus.

Kieran helping Adrienne with the dishes.
We went to Hearst Castle which was amazing and beautiful. Really cool to see. Kind of hard to see everything and listen to the tour with antsy toddler and a bored little boy. But I am glad we got to see it.

This was his indoor pool under his tennis court. And it was amazing in person.

Each family took a night cooking. We made dutch oven chicken and dumpling that turned out delicous.

Kieran and Asher in their too small one piece jammies. They both love them, it was hilarious.Little cute Maybe the Candell's dog. She is such a princess it is so funny.

Their will definely be more camping trips for us in the future. Especially since the boys had so much fun.

Granny and Grandpa Brandon visit

2011-09-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Johnathan's parents came down labor day weekend to visit. We had so much fun with them as usual and wish we could see them more often.

Shortly after they got here we headed down to the Newport Harbor for a duffy cruise around the harbor. Very pretty view, and you get to drive the boat yourself.

Rhys as cute as he may be was very difficult on the boat. He wouldn't have anything to do with his life jacket, wouldn't sit still for a second, and thought it would be fun to jump in the water.
After the boat cruise went to dinner. They had a balloon guy stuff for guests. It was so funny I asked Kieran what he wanted the guy to make his and without hesitation said a tree with a monkey. I was thinking umm OK but I don't think he could make it, and sure enough he made just that.
The next day we headed to the Venice Canals in Venice beach. We have always heard about them and drove past one night but wanted to go see them up close. They were beautiful. How lovely it would be to have a house along the cute canals and have a little kayak. (Well if you didn't have small kids I suppose)

check of the size of those dahlias! WOW! Amazing! One of my favorite flowers.

We stumbled across a little park with ducks on our walk.

The last day we went whale watching in Palos Verdes and to the Long Beach Harbor/The Queen Mary.

We roasted marshmallows in our fire pit. (I can't tell you how many smores I have had this last month between beach bon fires, and our fire pit, and camping.....too many)

Thanks for coming and visiting we all had so much fun. Kieran was especially sad to see Granny and Grandpa leave.

My little boys

2011-09-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

I love my little boys. Sometimes they fight, sometimes they have tantrums, and sometimes they just drive me crazy. But they are so sweet and I love watching them grow and develop into their own personalities. Most the time they have so much fun together. It is so fun to see them play together and laugh together. Often times Kieran wants to wake Rhys up from his nap so he can play with him. I am so blessed to have them.

The Sunflower

2011-09-12T21:42:00.001-07:00

Kieran planted a sunflower seed months ago in our mommy and me class and a couple weeks ago it finally bloomed. He had so much fun watching it grow and was so excited when it bloomed.

Ponies and Trains

2011-08-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

I went with my friend Kate and our boys to the Griffith Park Pony Ride and Train Ride. The boys loved it and we enjoyed watching them. Rhys was a little nervous on the pony ride, but really liked the train. Kieran liked them both.

Beckett, Rhys, Kieran, and Hamilton

Robot

2011-08-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

Kieran is really into playing pretend and we had these spare boxes so we made a robot. He loves it!

Drum Circle

2011-08-25T13:59:00.001-07:00

A couple weekends ago we went with our friends the George's to a park in El Segundo. They had several food trucks set up to eat dinner, art, and a drum circle for the kids with all kids of instruments to play. The kids had a blast and really got into the whole drum circle thing.

(I only had my phone so the pictures aren't great)

San Diego Zoo

2011-08-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Johnathan worked in San Diego the other day, so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to spend the day at the zoo. We all had so much fun and were lucky to see some of the animals awake that are usually asleep.

They loved the Jaguar. It was so funny a little girl walked up and said look at the leopard. Kieran gives her a look and says "ITS A JAGUAR!"

Rhys

2011-08-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Guess who is finally walking!! This little cutie right here.
He took his first steps while we were in Idaho and now he is a full on walker. Still looks a little drunk while he walks but he's doing it and I couldn't be happier and neither could he.

Rhys is so funny and sweet and is growing up to fast. He is starting to talk and now walk. Kieran is his favorite playmate but Rhys sure doesn't put up with him if he is being mean and fights back now.
He has one mean tantrum, full on laying on the ground kicking.
Loves playing peek a boo.
Loves cars and pushes them all over the house.
Is very independent, so this walking thing is great for him, he gets so mad when I try to pick him up or carry him.
Loves chocolate and ice cream. Every time he goes to Rosie's he goes right over to the chocolate drawer and stands on his tippy toes waiting trying desperately to get one.

We love you Rhys Piece and are so happy you are in our family.

Road Trip

2011-08-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Mid July we took off on a two week journey to Utah and Idaho. We drove over 3500 miles and touched into 7 states while doing it. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery along the way.

First stop The Hat for their World Famous Pastrami Sandwiches, on our way out of town.
We stayed in Mesquite and headed to St. George in the morning. We stopped by the temple, then went to the Tabernacle, which has an awesome water feature outside that the kids had a blast playing in.

We had planned on going to Zion's but when we saw it wasn't too much further to The Grand Canyon we decided to head on over their instead thinking we could hit up Zion's in the morning.

Rhys isn't quite walking on his own yet but always wants to and is very independent. So everywhere we went he wanted to walk but needs my help and would pitch a fit squirming and pushing to get down when I would pick him up.

The Grand Canyon! It was beautiful and amazing, but very scary with two little kids and a not so safe railing with a narrow path leading to it.

Everywhere we went that day Kieran asked if we were at Utah Granny's house yet since he knew we were going there, the answer was of course always no. At 8pm we reached a hotel in Kanab, Kieran was asleep and we woke him to go inside, he looks around "Are we at Granny's?" And burst into tears when I said we are going in the morning. So we decided to just go straight to Granny's that night. He didn't care about doing anything but getting to Granny's house. It was worth it, he was so excited in the morning to be with Granny and Grandpa.

Johnathan had to go work for a few days so me and the kids got to stay at Granny's and play with his cousins. Johnathan's sister Kim lives in Daybreak, a cute little neighborhood. We took the kids to play in the fountain by the shops.

Kieran and Emily.

Johnathan's other sister Janice lives in Payson. We went down for a visit and went to the local pool.
Jade and Liam.

After a few days of fun and play we headed up to Idaho for a Beck and Brandon family Reunion at Island Park. On the way we stopped at Bear World which was so fun and the kids loved it!

Jade, Gemma, Kieran, Rhys, and Liam

All the Brandon grandkids. Kieran, Liam, Rhys, Emily, Gemma, Jade. Johnathan's mom made all these cute little outfits for the kids to wear over the weekend. Numbered in order of their birth.

We went to Yellowstone Friday with Johnathan's family. We had never been there before. I don't know why I never have. I am from Idaho and went to school in Rexburg, but somehow never made it up to Yellowstone until now.

It was beautiful!

We saw so many deer who just came right up to the cars and walked along the roads. I guess they are just used to all the cars and people.

We attempted another photo with the kids but Rhys had just had a 10min melt down and was not over it and wanted nothing to do with this picture.

Old Faithful! It shoots out every 90 mins or so.

Firehole Springs

That night some of us went to the local rodeo.

My nephews Beau, Damon, and Issac with all the other little kids got to chase a calf and tried to pull a ribbon off him for a prize. The boys had a lot of fun doing it.
Rhys was such a mommy's boy and wouldn't let anyone hold him. My dad tried and tried though. He finally let him for a minute until he spotted me.

Saturday was the Clarence Beck Reunion held at my uncle Doyle Beck's cabin. Clarence is my grandpa Becks dad so there was a lot of people there. It was so fun to see all my cousins and relatives again, whom I haven't see most of them since my wedding 5 years ago if not longer. There was a dunk tank for the grandpas/dads, face painting, a bounce house, horse shoeing, boating, and more.

DJ Tim

Me and all my sibling. Jeremy, Kirsten, Jolie, Tim, me, and Cade

This is Big Springs a Natural National landmark, which is the start of the Henry fork of the Snake River. The water was so crystal clear and beautiful.

The way home we stopped at Mesa Falls. Which were also beautiful. After living in LA for 5 years coming back to Idaho and Utah in the great outdoors everything is SOO beautiful, all the mountains and rivers, and lakes, and trees. All while we were driving we couldn't stop talking about how pretty it was.

Stopped in for a Huckleberry shake in Ashton. We drove through Rexburg which was fun for me since I went to school there and haven't been back since I graduated. So many fun college memories there. It looks a little different and they have added this lovely temple since then.

Just watching a little Surf's Up on the way to Boise.
Kieran will hate me when he is older for this, but it was so funny at the moment, pooping on the side of the road in his little potty.

We made it to Boise!
Went to a Boise Hawks game with my parents and the Streett's. Then Johnathan had to work again for a few days, while I hung out with my family.

Played in the park with all the Beck cousin's.

Hung out with Stockton again!

Went to the Train Depot for a picnic and play with all the cousins.

Every summer my mom does a "camp out" one night in her backyard. Roasts hot dogs, marshmellows, and she sleeps in a tent with all the grandkids. They all had a blast.

All the Beck grandkids. Issac, Lucas, Damon, Beau, Scarlett, Madeliene, Rhys, Trevor, and Natan.

We said our goodbyes and started on our long trek home. We stayed in Utah one night, Mesquite the next. Stopped in Las Vegas to the The famous Pawn Shop, and take a break. Then from Las Vegas home it took us 12 hours, yes 12! Never leave Las Vegas on a Sunday.

4Th of July

2011-07-14T16:51:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun and festive 4Th this year. We started early at a ward breakfast with our church. There was food, a bike Derby for the kids, an egg toss, water balloons, three legged race, it was so fun.

Kieran and his friend Atticus

They weren't as grumpy as the look:)
Hamilton and Kieran hitting a few balls.

Kieran and his 99 year old buddy Leo

That evening we went to the Dodger game with some of our friends for a good time and a great firework display!

The Russell's
The Candell's

The Broadbent's, who our kids had so much fun with!

After the game they let people on the field for the fireworks, we tried to get down there but it was too packed so we sat just outside the stadium.

The whole group.
Poor little Rhys was terrified of the fireworks so I had to hold him close. Kieran loved them though.

Happy Birthday America!

Idaho

2011-07-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

The boys and I went to Idaho a couple weeks ago, while Johnathan was busy working all over the west coast. It was so much fun, Kieran especially had a blast. He was playing nonstop all day every day till late!

We walked to the neighborhood park to play baseball the first night. Kieran couldn't go without baseball while we were traveling!

We attempted to put all three in the wagon but Kieran was the only one who wanted a ride.
Grandpa Beck pitching a few.

Cousin Natan.
I love little boys, they found a big dirt hole and were throwing rocks out of it.

Grandma Beck and Kieran.

It was fun having these three boys together, they are all one year apart.
The boys loved grandmas trampoline. Rhys started standing alone because he was trying to jump.

Rhys was so pooped he fell asleep in my lap while I was getting my hair done.

Cousin Scarlett

Beau, Scarlett, and Kieran having so much fun.

Little cutie putting mud into the pool!

We got to see the Streett's which was so fun! Kieran and Stockton had so much fun together. And I had fun talking to Kylee, catching up!

This was at a cute little nature park in Boise.

Stockton and Kieran had so much fun pushing their little bothers, and Rhys and Logan loved it too! They were giving them "underdogs" it was hilarious.

We went out to Nampa to see Tim and Flavia's house and went to Lake Lowell for a picnic.

Great Grandma and Kieran.

Roaring Springs Water Park.
My parents neighbor Kimi (who I have known since I was a baby) came by on her bike. We all tried it out. Tricycles are a lot harder to ride than you would think!

We had so much fun in Idaho!! When we got to our gate to fly home Kieran burst into to tears saying "I want to go back to Idaho, I want to go back to Idaho" and continued for an hour just bawling. Once we landed and changed planes he was excited to get home and see daddy, as was Rhys and I, we sure missed Johnathan.

Summer Fun

2011-07-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have had such a fun summer already and its only the beginning of July! These are some of our favorite regular activities.

Walks/bike rides on the stand.

DODGER games! I don't even know how many we have been to this season. We have started our bobble head collection though from bobble head nights.

We always have a good time at the beach.

Irvine Spectrum for a family fun night.

I love summer and the warm summer nights!

ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN

2011-07-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

The Arboretum is a beautiful place located just north of LA. This was our first visit and it was beautiful, I was really impressed. It had beautiful plants from all over the world, with differnt themed gardens. There is a big pond with fish and ducks, a waterfall, and much more. And to top it off there are stunning peacocks wandering around everywhere you go.
Some garden art

Brandon, Hamilton, and Kieran

Feeding the ducks

The kids started eating the old POPS cereal too it was funny.

At the waterfall. All the babies were in their strollers.
Rhys

CazdenBeckett

Enjoying lunch on the grass after a hot, fun afternoon stroll around the gardens.

Happy Birthday Kieran

2011-06-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

Kieran had a birthday on June 13th. He is a big 3 year old now. Wow..... I can't believe I have a 3 year old. Where has the time gone. I love this age it is such a fun age. Kieran has quite the personality. He is very funny and quite the tease. He loves baseball, the color blue, mac n'cheese, and Lightning McQueen. He is very clean and organized and likes things in its right place. He is very observant and notices things I never would. When he does anything it has to be done just right or he gets really frustrated. He is a little sweetheart (most of the time) and I love spending my days with him.

Kieran had two weeks of celebrating his birthday. Since all his grandparents and cousins live far away, he got packages in the mail almost everyday for two weeks. He LOVED getting all the packages, so thank you to everyone who thought of him and took the time to send him something.

He got a new real metal bat from daddy.

Trying out his new bike he has wanted for months.

We went on a walk on the strand and stopped at the beach for some baseball. Then went and got his favorite dinner and came home for cupcakes.

THE PARTY

We had a baseball party for him and his friends. It turned out to be a cooler night than expected but we still had a great time. The kids played baseball, and we had a baseball pinata.For the food we served nachos, hot dogs, Johnathan's homemade mac n' cheese, peanuts and cracker jacks. I made a baseball cake with ball cupcakes that turned out pretty cute. Kieran loved his party and all the attention!

Disneyland

2011-06-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

The past five weeks me and the boys have been to Disneyland once or twice a week! Ahh.... it has been fun and we have been on almost everything the boys can ride on but needless to say I am kinda happy about our blacked out summer.

We are so excited about the Cars 2 movie that comes our the end of June. And even more excited about the Cars land being built in California Adventures. Kieran can't wait for it to open next year.
I got to meet up with a good friend from high school Andra and her family, and catch up while enjoying our time at the happiest place on earth:) Kieran really liked her daughter Emma.

Kieran and Tyler. She is six years old and is such a little mom it is so cute!

This picture doesn't do it justice but Kieran's face is priceless when he sees one of the characters walking around waving at people and especially when they wave at him. This particular day we went with our friends the Candell's and we happen to get front row at the beginning of the new parade. All the characters waved and Kieran and Peter Pan even shook his hand he was so excited.

Rhys is such a good sport and has always been really good. His favorite ride is Small World and gets excited and starts clapping and bobbing around when we go on this one.
Dumbo is Kieran's favorite. And daddy gets to meet us after work sometimes.

Atticus and Kieran outside Pooh Bear's ride.

Kieran always asks who we are meeting there and remembers what level I parked on. He always asks to go on Dumbo or the Rocket and says but not Pirates.
Until fall Disneyland, we will miss you!

Edible Crafting

2011-06-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

We have been doing some crafts and the kids love that you can eat what you are playing with, especially Rhys.

They did finger paints with chocolate pudding.
It is so funny watching them. Kieran is a neat person and could care less about eating the pudding and was painting pretty clean. Where Rhys couldn't get the pudding out fast enough to eat it.

After he saw it all over Rhys he thought he would get in on the mess.

Another day I made edible play dough made out of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and honey. Rhys couldn't get enough of it to eat! They had a good time playing and eating. It made enough to save some for later. So I got it out again with just Kieran so Rhys wouldn't wreck everything.

Tanaka Farms

2011-06-01T13:21:00.001-07:00

A group of us ventured to Orange County to Tanaka Farms for some strawberry picking. (Thanks Kate) If any of you know Kieran know how picky he is and won't eat any fruit, but Rhys does and I do, and I thought it would be fun for the boys to pick and just see how things are grown.
My two strawberries!

We loaded on a tractor that took us around the farm to show us the different veggies they grow and just see everything. As we were going along we got to sample all kinds of vegetables.

Kieran was even trying some of the stuff and when we left he said he liked vegetables. Now if only he would eat them too.:)

Little Beckett loves everything, ate this whole raw onion and wanted more.

Rhys put everything in him mouth.

Kieran, Hamilton, and Lyla

When we got there you got to eat as many as you wanted while picking and filling up your pint. My boys wouldn't eat any even Rhys who likes strawberries, so I ate plenty.

Kieran was so proud of the strawberries we picked and insisted on carrying them back.

Tanaka Farms is awesome! We had so much fun and we will probably be back for watermelon picking, and pumpkin picking.

Blanket Burrito

2011-05-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken a couple months ago, but this is how you will find Kieran on many mornings. He is always cold in the morning and likes to watch a show. So he likes to be wrapped up all cozy for his morning show.

Father Son Camp Out

2011-05-13T14:26:00.001-07:00

Kieran went on his first father son outing last weekend. We read the book Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer to get him excited for the night.

He LOVED it and had so much fun. He helped pitch the tent. They played games, ate camp food, watched a movie under the stars.

Kieran and Isaac.

Throwing rocks in the pond with Hamilton.

Johnathan said he kept saying, "Thank you daddy I am having so much fun."

EASTER

2011-05-13T14:15:00.001-07:00

Saturday night we dyed eggs to leave out for the Easter bunny.

Sunday morning the bunny came. The kids were so excited to find all the eggs.

Cousins: Jade, Gemma, Liam, Rhys, Kieran
I think Kieran ate two whole chocolate bunnies. My kids both had colds so we just stayed home the rest of the day.

Good Bye Streetts

2011-05-07T08:45:00.001-07:00

Our really good friends, the Streett's moved away to Boise, Idaho. :( Not only were they our good family friends but Kieran was best friends with their little boy Stockton.......and Kylee's grandma is married to my grandpa so we are step cousins:).......if that is such a thing. We miss them but are really happy for them and their move. Luckily they picked a good spot to move and we can see them every now and again when we visit grandma and grandpa Beck.

Good bye hug. These two saw each other almost every day.

Kieran has a pretend phone that he calls him on everyday and tells him what he is doing. He also prays for him and Kylee every night, its really cute.

The Monster Bash! AKA Rhys's Birthday Party!

2011-05-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

For Rhys's big one year birthday we decided to do a Monster Bash! When Johnathan and I have parties for some reason we always go all out. It couldn't just be a little bit monster, it was monster everything.

The gift bags.

The goods. A special thank you to Janice for all your help with the monster treats!

If you notice the sign, the taped off area was for "little monsters only" so the big brother monsters wouldn't take over and push them aside.

ALL THE "MONSTERS" AT THE PARTY!
Atticus

Hunter and Hamilton

Kieran and Stockton

Liam and Jade (cousins)

Jade and Gemma (cousins)

Logan and Beckett

Landon and Rhys

Micah and Caleb

Asher and Eve

Jude and Atticus

The little ones loved Rhys's pirate water table. They all got soaked!

Gemma and Granny. We were so glad granny and grandpa, and aunt Janice and her family got to come spent time with us and help celebrate Rhys's birthday.

The big brothers/best friends eating lunch.

Pin the eye ball on the monster.

Monster cakes. Yummy.

The birthday boy! That looks GOOD!
ohhh it is!

I made us all monster shirts. :)

And that's it. It was really cute and really fun! Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy! I can't believe you are one, oh how the time fly's.

beach day

2011-05-03T22:01:00.001-07:00

We took granny and grandpa and the cousins down the the beach to play for a while. It was such a lovely day.

Always eating the sand.

Granny, Kieran, Jade, Jory, and Liam

Liam, Jory, Jade, and Janice

Rhys loves the ocean, he always crawls straight back to the water when you take him away.

Have to get rinsed off. :) Sorry Kieran!

After the beach we had a BBQ and then headed off to an Angel game to make it three days in a row of baseball games.
It was funny Kieran kept shouting no Let's go Dodgers when the crowd would shout Let's go Angels. A true Dodger fan.:)

Rhys actually fell asleep which was a miracle, he never cuddles up and sleeps.

And we got to watch Friday night fireworks which is always fun!

Happy Birthday Rhys

2011-05-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Rhys turned one on April 21st! I can't believe my little baby is one. Kieran was sure to help him open all his presents.

After opening a couple presents we headed up to LA with our friends for Langer's Deli and another Dodgers game.
The three stooges waiting for lunch

The whole group

The game was particularly long, 12 inning, but the boys had a great time, as they always do together.
After the game we headed home and Granny and Grandpa Brandon and cousins and aunt Janice and uncle Jory were there waiting for us.
Rhys got to open and few more presents from cousins, and grandparents.

We all headed down to the beach for a short stroll in the wagon. Then stopped at the mini aquarium at the end of the pier.

Grandpa Brandon, Liam and Jade checking out the sting ray.

Let's go Dodgers!

2011-05-03T14:34:00.001-07:00

Wednesday night April 20th Roni Brown, a sweet lady from church took us and the Steett's with her to the Dodger game. She just so happens to have the best seats in stadium. I forgot my camera of course so these are the best pictures I could take with my phone. Kieran and Stockton sitting on top of the dug out.

That's Josh Duhamel, he threw out the first pitch and then came and sat a few seats from us. Fun, fun night as all the games are.

Hollywood Hike

2011-04-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

After living in LA for nearly five years we decided to hike to the Hollywood sign. The hike ended up to be a little longer than anticipated but very fun, and great workout I might add. Kieran and Hamilton walked nearly the whole way with their little legs in the hot sun. Good job boys!

There it is!

Taking a little break. You could take the stroller the whole way which was awesome since we had three babies amongst us. And they all did really good I might add.

We made it to the top! Brandon's, Palmer's, and Spjute's

Rhys and Brielle

The big boys got a little tired and needed a ride on their daddies shoulders.

Rhys was exhausted and fell fast asleep before we were done. What a fun morning, the views were amazing. We could see all of LA and the Valley.

FHE at the beach

2011-04-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Good food. Good friends. Beautiful sunset. Good times.

Mustache Party

2011-04-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago our friends Eli and Joelyn put on a Surprise Mustache Party for Joelyn's dad's 55Th birthday. He sported a stache up until a few years ago. It was a really cute, fun, and clever party.

Do I look hot or what with a stache....ewwwww.

Sexy!! :)

We got Rhys to put it on for a second. He didn't like it at all.

Kieran thought the whole thing was hilarious. He wanted the finger tattoo stache as his actually stache. He looked so funny.

The Strickland family.

Our attempt at getting all four kids to sit still and have a mustache at the same time. Not very successful. Caleb, Micah, Rhys, and Kieran.

Opening Day

2011-04-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Johnathan decided he wanted to start a tradition with the boys, of going to Opening Day every year. We usually go to quite a few games each year, but apparently Opening Day is a big deal. Rhys stayed with me this year since he is still pretty little, and cannot sit still, so it was just Kieran and daddy.

Bye guys have fun! I will have a good time with just me and mommy since that's a rarity.

Kieran was so excited. Johnathan said he held the tickets in his one hand and his glove in his other the whole way up to the Stadium. It's hard to explain how much Kieran loves baseball. He wants to play all day everyday. He'll even play imaginary baseball if we're in the house or at the store etc. He runs back and forth throughout our house pretending to swing the bat and slide into home plate A few nights ago instead of asking to watch a kids show like he often does at night, he said " mom can I watch Baseball on the TV, please" and lay on the couch watching intently for at least an hour. He likes to practice everyday sometimes we film him cause he likes to see if he's doing it like the guys on TV. It is so cute, he'll hit the bat on his feet like the pros, give a few practice swings and then bend his knees with a little bounce, shake the bat and swing for the fences.

Enjoying his fries at the game. And the Dodgers beat the Giants!!

11 months

2011-03-29T21:42:00.001-07:00

So I can't let the little guy go unnoticed this month. I know there has been a few months I have skipped over blogging about his milestones.

Rhys is such a sweetheart.
He is such a good baby, and is such a joy to have his around.
He is so happy all the time and gets the giggles frequently.
Especially when his bother is doing something crazy, he will laugh and laugh.
He loves Kieran and follows him everywhere and always wants to play with him.
Kieran had a hard time when Rhys first started crawling, he was mean; hitting, pinching, stepping on his hands. He did not like this new mobile Rhys. Now that it has been a few months, they are really starting to get along much better and actually at times play "nicely", and make each other laugh.
Rhys still hates riding in his car seat even though we faced him forward, 3 months early - shh. Every time we walk to the car he starts whining and arching his back.
He likes most food.
He loves music and dancing he starts "bobbing" his head and sometimes his whole body with the beat.
He is not the best night sleeper, but I don't mind cuddling, since for whatever reason my boys refuse to cuddle when they are awake.
He likes to stand all the time and is starting to cruise.
Rhys piece is sooo cute, I can't get enough kisses, and is always good for a smile, you just have to look in his direction and he will give you a toothy grin.

Kieran and his classic silly face.

My Lucky Charms

2011-03-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

Spring Training

2011-03-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

We went on our second annual trip to Arizona for Spring Training last weekend. We had such a great time last year we decided to make a tradition out of it. Kieran was so excited to go and watch the games. Now that we are back he just wants to play baseball and wear his baseball shirt.

When we got in to town Thursday night we all enjoyed some tasty BBQ. Rhys escpecially loved the ribs, it was hilarious.

Lucky for me my good friend Krista from high school lives there. She had the day off, so we got to spend the whole day together. It was nice catching up, and seeing her again.

While we were enjoying an Angels game Friday afternoon, we look over and see our friends the Strickland's walking up the stairs. We had no idea they were going that same weekend!

I must of ate something bad because I woke up the next morning not feeling good at all. But regardless of how I felt we still had plans for a Dodger game and wouldn't miss that.

We drove around in the morning killing time before the game started and spotted some people playing horse shoes. Like the serious kind with score boards and everything. How fun would that be to play horse shoes every Saturday.

We had great seats, but everyone with a crawler/napper knows when sitting in one tight spot for hours your little one can get very wiggily and cranky fast. Luckily they had this great small merry-go-round and a nice grassy area to run around.

My two biggest Dodger fans.

We met our friends the Streett's at the game. Kieran was of course crazy excited that Stockton was there.

After the game (dodgers lost) :( we headed home. Fun weekend of baseball, now we are all excited for the season to start! Especially Kieran who wants to wear his baseball shirt all the time and play baseball ALL day everyday now.

Grandpa

2011-03-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

I have to make a tribute to by dear sweet grandpa Rawlins who passed away 3 weeks. He died at age 83 of pancreatic and liver cancer, it took him quickly so thankfully he did not have to endure the pain for very long. He was an amazing person and grandfather. He always had a smile on his face and only had good things to say about anyone. He has always been a big part of my life especially my childhood years growing up in Idaho. He loved and always took time to spend with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I have many great memories of sleepovers, with bedtime stories of The Night Was Dark and Dreary, breakfast in bed, and all the scooter crunches from Swans I wanted. Memories of helping in the garden, from planting all his many tomato plants, picking cherries, to mowing the lawn. I can't leave out camping, we went on countless camping trips every summer to Silver Creek Plunge. The day of my baptism when I was 8 years old he had to work late and missed it. He felt terrible and later that week brought me a rose and took me out on a date to dinner.

Since I have lived away and haven't got to see him as much he always was so excited when I would call. Always answering Rawlins Residence he would hurry and get my grandma on the other phone so they could both talk to me together. Every time we came to town he would be sure to make the dessert Johnathan and I both loved. I am so grateful I got to see him one last time to say good bye and be by his side when he passed.

I love you grandpa and miss you and will always cherish the memories I had with you.
I love you,
Mac-a-doodle, Vamp

Look a like?

2011-02-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

Rhys's hair cut

2011-02-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Now he's my little man.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

The yummy cookies I made.

Grandpa and Grandma Roxie

2011-02-17T16:47:00.001-08:00

Just so happens to be that one of Kieran's best friends Stockton, his great grandma is married to Kieran's great grandpa. We are good friends with Stockton's family the Streett's and we have been trying to talk our grandparents in to come visit forever. Well they finally came and we had a great time!

Grandpa Beck, me, and Kieran

Kieran and Roxie.

We thought it would be a great idea to take them to the Ronald Reagan Museum in Simi Valley.....well apparently everyone else thought it was a good idea too because it was packed. We waited for over an hour to get in but once we were in it was really neat to see.

A piece of the Berlin Wall

Grandpa gave us a speech:)

By this time all four boys were getting restless. Luckily at the end of the museum there was Air Force One and cars and a helicopter, Kieran and Stockton immetiately changed their mood and were so excited.

Boys will be boys!

They were pretending to be air planes and were flying all over.

The next day we headed down to the Redondo Pier for some fresh clam chowder and fish and chips.

We got serenaded by a Mariachi Band.

Don, Stockton, and Kylee Street

Utah

2011-02-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

We decided to head up to Utah for a long weekend to meet Kieran's newest cousin Gemma.

We put Rhys in a forward facing car seat to make the ride more enjoyable for not only Rhys but all of us.:) And indeed it worked him and Kieran were both very pleasant the whole 12 hours in the car.

We stayed with Johnathan's sister Janice the first couple nights. Johnathan stayed up late with the kids and Abby the dog to watch Finding Nemo. Kieran was really paying attention and started bawling at the end, when he thought Nemo was dead and then his dad wasn't going to find Nemo, it was very dramatic.

After the blessing we had soup and rolls at Janice's the cousins had so much fun together now they they are a bit older. ( I didn't take near as many pictures as I would have liked I didn't even get one of Gemma in her little blessing dress...ahh)

All the cute Brandon grandkids. Kieran, Emily, Gemma, Jade, Rhys, and Liam.

My parents drove down for a day to see Kieran and Rhys since they don't get the see the kids much living so far away.

We went to lunch then took my parents to Cabella's. Kieran always loves it there with all the animals.

I had been expecting freezing weather and it surprisingly wasn't that cold, until the last night when there was a snow storm. Kieran loved it! I was so pretty when it snowed, with the mountains all white.

Some deer just randomly in Johnathan's parents neighborhood.

And Rhys started crawling forward the day we left.