Home with the girls...

So this past week, well two weeks we've pretty much been cooped up inside skipping from one sickness to another. And to those of you to whom I recently commented how rarely we get sick... Oh boy am I eating those words right up. There have been moments of insanity but Heath lets me out every now and again. Terrible, that sounded like prison. Really, its not that bad. We're all surviving pretty well.

The girls are growing so fast and every day I am reminded how irresistibly adorable they are, even as snot-nosed and sometimes aunry as they are now.

Saydee loves to read stories to "Ana" and hold her and tell her what and what not to do. Very informative and sometimes a little pushy. Elli is very laid back and loves any attention Saydee gives her.

Yesterday I came in the room to find Saydee holding a little manger scene very close to Elli's face. "Ana you see da star? And dat is baby Jesus and a cow."

And then later that day I walked in on Saydee attempting to change Elli's diaper. She managed to get her pants off and was working on her onsie when I rescued her. Ahhh, such a helper. She even had a fresh diaper laid out and ready to go.

Here are quite a few pictures of our homebound week.

Saydee loves to play with Elliana in her crib.

We have found that Elliana's helmet is a kid magnet, especially for the little ones. They are fascinated by it and Saydee is no exception. And she does get a little helmet envy. As soon as it comes off she is trying to put it on her own head or clean it or put it on back on Elli's head. She especially loves all the little stickers and flowers we put on it. So we got her this hat that we let her accessorize with Elli's little doodads. Nearly satisfied.

Story-time with Dad

It's been a rough week. :)

All of our kids are going through such fun phases. We wish we could be there to see Tyson's in person. But, we are glad for our close connections. Tyson's mom Tiffany just sent us this cute Christmas e-card from him. So sweet, we love it!

Annnnnd... she sits!

Way to Go Elli!

Family, Fun, Flu, and Turkey... ahhh good times.

Our Thanksgiving vacation was great minus a little sickness and many a sleepless night. It was wonderful to see our family and we had alot of fun. But wow, little ones make vacationing alot more work and a little less relaxing.

First we picked up Tyson, the long awaited reunion. Yeah!
He loves playing the big brother to both girls and Saydee followed him everywhere.







We spent some time with my folks down in Price where the kids basically ate drank and slept the Trampoline. Thank goodness for good weather. Dad is recooperating well. It was so wonderful to spend time with the fam.

The rest of our time was spent up in Portage Utah with Heath's mom and the Wiser-Tree Family Reunion. Unfortunately for everyone Saydee got some bug the day we arrived in Portage which was then passed on to some of her cousins. So so sorry!

But she was pretty happy and we had a good time nonetheless. Lots of kiddy crafts, delicious food, and family time. Pretty much all you'd expect from a great traditional Thanksgiving.

Eilisa took these Family pictures. Thanks!

Then the night before take-off Saydee got sick again. Diareah. Yeah, not great timing for the flight home. Surprisingly she did really good. Then Elli caught it yesterday. But they are all little troopers and are doing pretty well.

So we had a wonderful Thanksgiving Utah Vacation. However, we have decided when we go back in August we are just going to one central location to camp out and everyone is welcome to come see us if they'd like. A little less travel and a little more vacation if you know what I mean. I don't think those kids could have lasted one more hour in the car especially after the plane ride.

On our way to my parents the kids did great but this is what we heard the last 30 min.

Saydee:

"Mom, I get out... Mom, my bum bum hurts, I get out? Oowww mom, bum hurts."

A few seconds later...
"Dad, I get out, I hug you dad. I hug you peas. Hug. Out. Peas."

A few seconds later...

Completely defeated and desperate she looks over to Tyson from her carseat,

"Tyson.... Help Me."

Heath and I couldn't help but chuckle. We tried to keep it silent for her sake. Poor kids.

Day 7 & 8

Salt City Candles. I still haven't found another brand of candle I like better. We'll definitely have to bring one back from the trip.

Legos. No matter how many new fancy dancy toys on the market today it seems kids never tire of old fashioned traditional Legos. Tyson played with them everyday he was here. Their simplicity allows for much more imagination and creativity.

The Forgotten Carols. Heath and my official "first date". We would love to make it a holiday tradition. I didn't think we'd get to see it this year but I overheard Heath planning it out and ruined my own surprise. I'm still excited!

Magic Erasers. Wonderful.

Modern Medicine. My dad had back surgery yesterday. It went well but I don't envy his recovery process. He has a great attitude and was just grateful that all his back problems could be corrected.

Seasonal Chocolate Oranges. You know the ones that you crack and they peel apart into individual slices. Soooo good! And I like that they save them special for the holidays.

Day 5 & 6

Elli's New Helmet. Now I can be a bit less paranoid about the humongous soft spot on top of her head. We're easing into it the first week. So far she's handled it pretty well. According to Heath it came just in the nick of time what with the big BYU/Utah Game this Saturday. He's got big plans for decorating her helmet. I have to remind him she has yet to form an affiliation for either team. Don't push the girl.

Scrapbooking Embellishments. It'll be fun to accessorize her helmet everyday. Options are endless and she'll look adorable I'm sure.

Mirrors. I don't consider myself overly vain, but by golly mirrors have their purpose. Today we were in St. Louis at the hospital for much of the day. I hadn't had the chance to glance in a mirror until an hour ago. Apparently during the morning make-up rush I only put eyeliner and mascara on the one eye. Very obvious. Had it not occurred to Heath how strange I looked all day? Obviously not my Go To Guy in that category.


Hot Chocolate. What would winter be without it.

Barnes and Noble; Borders. If I had a penniless hour all to myself and no obligations I think I'd spend it in a quiet cozy little corner of Barnes and Noble.

Flip Flops. I'll miss your convience and comfort!

Day 4

Gabrielle. Congratulations to Isaac and Keitra! They have a beautiful new baby girl, Gabrielle Lynn Knight. Isn't she beautiful. I love being an Aunt!

Sleeping in on the Weekends. This morning Heath let me sleep in and he even made me breakfast. I so look forward to a lazy morning. When you get up at 6:00 every day 8:30 seems like heaven. Thanks Heath!

Primary Songs. I sometimes wish we could occasionally sing one during Sacrament meeting. They're so cheery. Saydee and I especially love the wiggle songs.

Day 3

Computers. And to those of you who know me best, thats right computers. I can't believe I said it either. But I can no longer deny their convience and superior methods of communication, and unlimited resources of information. I still would prefer a hug rather than an e-mail from my mom but hey, I guess its the next best thing, next to a call or a handwitten letter. J/K
Seriously I'm so greatful for computers, and I love the blogging.

Grass. I love lush green grass. It's coolness, the texture, the smell, especially right after it's been mowed. My allergies would dare to disagree but I love grass. And though its not big, we now have a grassy yard of our very own :)!


Geneology. People fascinate me. I haven't always been a history buff but I've always enjoyed stories of people, especially those nearest and dearest to the ones that I love. I love it when my parents and grandparents reminisce.
When I see old photographs of my Grandparents or Great grandparents, I can't help but wonder what life was like for them. Who were these people? Even besides the different eras they've experienced, their personalities and interests, political and religious views fascinate me. I wonder of their influence on those closest to me, my Mom and Dad, my husband, my In-laws, good friends.
In fact some of those that I have the deepest respect for are long gone and people I've never personally met. Isn't it interesting how we all influence eachother.