.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome the year of the dragon!!! In light of the New Year, I decided to give Lia, Kiri and myself matching Gold pedicures. I would have done red the other good luck Chinese color...but the girls were still too squirmy to allow me to do a red pedicure well. You can tell that Kiri has the Phillips' second toe and Lia has more of a Chiu second toe!

For New Years, I decided to host a dinner party. The hardest part of the party was deciding who to invite. We have enjoyed our new ward so much that there seems to be an endless supply of interesting and fun young couples to get to know.

I made mochi sticky cake.

Soy sauce eggs, lettuce wraps, peanut meat balls, red Chinese BBQ chicken legs, long life noodles, and everyone got an orange and a red pocket with lucky money (though, surprisingly, most of our guests didn't take their lucky money).

It was a great evening with good conversation and lots of laughing. It's been great having the finished basement because all of our kids just played their hearts out the entire evening and the adults got some much needed adult interaction! Chris, Beth, Ruth & Eric.

Chris, Beth, Ruth, Me, Matt, Crystal, Nick (and his wife April is missing from the picture).

The girls are getting such cute personalities

Here they are showing their glasses...we call this Lia Librarian and Cool Kiri.

The kiddos watching a movie...that's right, Max's slim bum still fits into his Bumbo chair...gotta love it!!!

Lia is so quick to smile and laugh!

Kiri has the sweetest, kindest disposition and always loves to be cuddled and will often pat you on your shoulder if you are cuddling with her.

They are just a pleasure to have in our family and we are so grateful for our three blessings. I remember when Max was a baby, this woman came up and said that my next child would be a 'terror' because nobody is that lucky...well, I might not deserve it, but I am sure thankful for them.

Snowdays and Church...

2012-01-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

The girls have been doing so well...they're both about 11lbs and just thriving and have such good dispositions. They're both smiling so much and Lia and Kiri both had their first laugh two days ago. They both sleep through the night, I'm talking 10p.m. to 8 a.m. I'm too anal to let them slept that long without food...so, I wake them up once or twice to feed them.

They still don't have that much to do with one another...they don't seem annoyed at the others' existence...just totally unaware!

We finally went to church all together last week...I figured, they've been blessed...it's time.

We've had such a mild winter this year...thank goodness!!! Sadly, Eric's parents and brother and sister-in-law and baby were going to come visit last week but got snowed out!!!! We were so sad...but at least we got some snow to make snow angels and...

we played around and even made snowman for Max...

It was HUGE!!!! It took us forever to make!!!

Just kidding!!! It was all we could manage to stick!!!

80's Bunco Night...

2012-01-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was 80's Bunco night...and I had to pull together an outfit in 20 min...luckily 80's fashion has been creeping itself into the main stream for some time. My bangs, which I raved about cutting myself after a Youtube instructional look terrible in this picture because I sprayed an entire can of hairspray trying to get them to do 'the 80's wave' which my hair was not meant for!

Here are some people who did not pull from their closet, rather went all out and went to Eileen's closet (the local thrift shop). Yes, those are jelly shoes Hillary is sporting! Mandy is just a hot mess on the left of 80's craziness!!!

You will be impressed as she googled '80's make-up!'

...whenever there is fun there's always, coca-cola!!!!

...I think we're alone now!!!! April was literally on the ground dancing with Tiffany's, 'I Think we're alone now." her favorite song of all time, 'Baby pick your head up...come on and look me in the face. Is it the rumor, that another guy, wants to take your place...don't you know I'm forever your girl!' (By Paula Abdul...pre X Factor, pre American Idol, Post Lakers Cheerleader).

Top three best dressed!!!

The whole group...I'm making the ugliest pose...but that's because I couldn't help 'getting on the floor and doing...a dance...cause they put me in a trance with a funky song' (my all time favorite band ever...can you name that song?!). Hint, I went on a few dates with one of the singers (after giving him a Book of Mormon at a concert)!!

The Girls' Blessing

2012-01-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture of the entire day!

The girls and I sported our matching bracelets (courtesy of Charayye).

Max and Lia. She was a little tired, but they both did fabulously at their first sacrament meeting.

Family shot.

Everyone...thank you everyone for coming, we know the drive is a long one and we appreciated it so much!!!

Max and Lucy...is there anything cuter, seriously?!?!?!

O.k., maybe this one...

I love pink and have always wanted a pink party...so, I made sure we were pink galore!!! I even made pink heart shaped ice cubes to go in the pink punch! Some women have to learn to embrace the pink once they have a daughter...not the case with me!!

I made a pink trifle with three different pinks!

Kristee, Linzie, Adam & Eric eating...

Jason...

Kenzie (Buzz Lightyear), Max (Woody) & Lucy (Jessie). Lucy found a brilliant way to torment Max's soul by saying that Woody is a girl...Max could not handle life while she taunted him...it was hilarious!

Me & Meradith. Don't be fooled...I'm not wearing a dress...that's my apron.

Julie & Carli...we were sad Chuck couldn't make it!!

Jared and Kristee...

Our new friends in the ward happen to be two of Camille and Adam's best friends! So, we invited them to come over for lunch! Ruth teaches relief society and I am always excited when it's her Sunday.

Among other things Adam & Camille gave Max some silly putty and Eric and Carli were being mean to Kiri...I didn't get a good picture of the pig nose he put on her...

Max and Julie share the same birthday, so I made Julie and strawberry lemonade cake with purple fondant roses I learned how to do online. Here she is making a wish and then never had a single piece of my cake!!! I'll try not to be offended! :) Happy birthday, Julie!

Happy Birthday, Max!

2012-01-08T22:30:00.001-08:00

Max turned three this past weekend. He requested a superhero party. So, with the invitations, we attached superhero rings to set up the theme. Max also loves dressing up so much that we asked that everyone come in costume...which was not met with much resistance from three-year-old boys!

The girls were also being blessed we had lots of family come up for the party and I didn't want to disappoint with a lame cake...so, I tried my hand at making a cake with fondant. I think it turned out o.k. The bottom layer is Spiderman, the middle is The Hulk (notice the fist imprint- Hulk Smash!!!) and the top is Captain America.

Hanhy, Linzie, Kenzsie, Brookie and Max eating their 'Hero Sandwiches' and their Captain America Drinks before activities began... I made these red and blue star shaped ice cubes for the Captain America drinks.

We had all of these games planned out...and in the end, they really enjoyed running in a circle!

Eric came up with a great game of Superhero and Villain that was similar to Musical Chairs and involved a lot of dancing and Super Hero theme music. It was great! Notice in almost every picture, Kristee is standing somewhere...without her there to help, the party would have been a disaster. I think I was way in over my head and I'm so grateful that she was there as another helper. Also, a special thanks to Julie for watching the girls and bringing Hanky and Brookie (who was also a spectacular helper) to the party!!!

Then, no party is a party without a Pinata...Lucy, Kenzie & Linzie were so cute but were no match for Brookie's strong swing!!!

This was the first year that Max actually understood and was capable of blowing the candle out on his cake...my baby is growing up!

We handed out capes to everyone who came (thanks Meradith for picking those up for me!!!) and let each person pick out what design they wanted on the back...max wanted an Mr. Incredible cape, I think it turned out pretty good! Happy Birthday, Max, you are everything I could hope for in a son and enjoy everyday that I get to spend with you! We love you so much!!!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Eve, everyone was so shot from helping us with Max and the girls that they all conked out by 10 o'clock (myself included) but I woke up just before midnight and Eric and I still had to run our traditional run in the snow around the house. Since we were in California and there was a lack of snow, we decided to walk down to the Bay in front of my parents' house and counted that as an adequate substitution for our traditional run. I was sad to not get to do our usual run, but after last year's particularly cold weather and me getting trapped in a snow drift and then having my entire feet blister and peel like I'd dipped them in paraffin, I think my feet were grateful for a year off. Here's hoping you all had a wonderful New Years!!!

Christmas #2 and #3

2011-12-27T05:59:00.001-08:00

The day after Halloween, Max asked when it would be Halloween, again. He was pretty baffled as the thought of having to wait an entire year. Everyday for the next week, he asked if it were Halloween yet. Then came my birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Christmas has been the only holiday that has earned the constant inquiring of it's return. This year, he got to have 3 Christmases. Christmas #2 at Grandma's house combined several of Max's favorite things, Halloween & Hanky. Max loves all of his cousins but holds a special adoration for Hanky (or, Buzz Lightyear).

Then we drove (and by "we," I mean, Eric drove all night) to California to have Christmas #3 with my family. Here is Max and the girls with my mom's cousins.

A cute picture of Kiri making a funny smiling face.

Eric holding the girls tandem.

Max in his ever adorable outfits.

Here is a picture of our first and only excursion out as an entire family to dinner...we left my parents' house at 4 o'clock to try to go to dinner and a walk...we only succeeded in going to dinner and that took 3 hours!!! After that experience, my brother said he was exhausted and was even more grateful to us for driving to visit them.

We were grateful to them for their gifts...particularly Max. He loved getting Mr. Conductor and completing his Dinosaur Train set!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas was quiet this year...but fulfilled all of my hopes. Max could not get over that all of the gifts were for him. He was pretty much content after the first two stocking stuffers. After Christmas at home, we will be partaking of two more Christmases, one in Evanston and one in California. Max won't know what hit him!

I made chocolate truffles for Eric to distribute to his colleagues.

Max, patiently awaiting Santa's arrival.

His loot! Thanks to George and Joan for getting all of the kids their own piggy bank! Max kept asking to take the girls' quarters and put it in his bank, because, 'they're so little, they don't need monies!'

After opening all of his gifts, Max graciously thanked Santa for his presents and then we cruelly told Max to stop playing with his toys and get ready for church...which he did...after many tears were shed.

I got some Justin Bieber perfume...you can mock all you want, but every time I go to the mall, I spray a little, 'Someday' on me and invariably someone comes up to me and compliments my perfume and wants to know what it is...to which I sheepishly reply, 'Someday' without mention of Justin Bieber.

Max said his favorite toy was this Iron Man costume...it's such a shame that Eric hid it underneath the bed and Max found it a few weeks ago and Eric had to tell him that it wasn't for him and that we were just keeping it for the neighbors. Even after opening it, Max asked if it was for him or the neighbor boy.

Max's favorite thing to do is to dress up...here they are as Iron Man and War Machine. Eric got some Kenneth Cole sunglasses, some tap out stuff and a subscription to Entertainment Magazine.

Max picked out this gift for me...so, when I cook, I can still play with him...he referred to me as Captain A-Mom-ica!

He pretty much sat like this the whole day recovering from sensory overload. We are so grateful for all of the blessings in our lives. I could not have received a single gift that would have made me more content than the three most precious gifts we have already been entrusted with. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

Max has decided that he likes chocolate ice cream...how can you stay mad at that face?!?! Incidentally this picture was taken at 11:15 at night, we walked out into the dinning room to find Max helping himself to some Chocolate Cherry Amaretto ice cream. Nice parenting, I know!

He is so full of character...he found this miniature 'Joy of cooking' book I have and was enthusiastically showing me how he can read.

He also loved to dress up as every character he sees...here he is being Frosty the Snowman. Notice the measuring cup he's using as a cigar...so creative!!!

For all the adjustments that have had to be made since the girls arrived, I think we're all finally starting to get into a nice groove!

Kiri and Lia. I swear they match a lot...why is it they are always in different outfits when I take pictures?!

...and as a happy side note: how have they not invented Peppermint marshmallows until now?!?!?! Delicious!!!!!!!

Christmas fun...

2011-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

We decided to get out all of the candy and make some gingerbread houses. Here is Max in candy heaven.

Here is Eric's gingerbread house...

Our finished masterpieces!!!

A picture of Eric holding the girls...so cute. It's crazy how quickly time flies...they are already 2 months old.

...and yesterday had their first outing to the doctor's office for their 2 month vaccinations. They both are gaining weight really well Lia and Kiri are 9lbs 1 oz and 8lbs 15oz and are both charting across the board at 25 and 10 percentiles for height, weight and head respectively. I am loving their sweet personalities and getting to be stay at home with them.

...I also am enjoying going out...Eric is always so supportive of me going out and having adult fun (or, rather fun with adults) and since he had to be away on business, Julie came up to watch the kiddo's while I went to my Ugly sweater Bunco night. You don't get the full effect of the sweater unless you see Eric in his matching ensemble! It was great fun and I'm so grateful for family. Thanks, Julie!!!!

All I want for Christmas is...

2011-12-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the Christmas themed pictures we took...

Diamonds and pearls...

I love these stockings I bought at Walmart.

Lia's hand on Kiri's knee...makes my heart melt...

Lia's smile...

I believe Lia's feet...Kiri's feet have the Phillips' second toe...

Max kissing Kiri...so, this year, for our Christmas card, we only had pictures of the kiddo-s because we didn't take pictures of us...oversight on my part...but Eric thinks that's unheard of to only have the kids on the Christmas card...hopefully he's wrong and you won't all judge us when you get your card. Maybe on the birth announcement, we'll just do a picture of me and Eric with a tiny pic of the girls...anyway, enjoy the pics and Merry Christmas!!!

Twin Preciousness

2011-12-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

I love this picture...Kiri's smile is so cute, you gotta wonder what she's thinking!!

Lovely Lia

Max's million dollar smile!

Twin preciousness...that's what the photographer kept saying...

Kiri sleeping...I got these two clips from a paparazzi party for $5!

Two little rabbit hats...they're born the year of the rabbit...just like my grandmother, Winnie.

Lia sleeping...you can still see some of her preemie hair...I believe it's called lanugo...she's already lost most of it.

Sugar and spice and everything nice!

My Happy Place...

2011-12-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

There are positive and negative aspects of Eric's job...getting calls at midnight on Christmas day is part of the latter group...Eric is pretty patient with his clients, but when we got a call around 11:00 this past Friday, Eric had had it...he was about to pitch a major fit, but to his surprise and delight, it was Chuck calling to tell us that he, Carli and Julie were coming up for the day to hang out, shop and eat!!!

The girls were not happy about me making them wear those crocheted bunny hats...but they're so cute in them! Carli holding Kiri and Julie holding Lia. We had such a fun day and were just sad that they couldn't spend the night...Chuck promised that they will the day after Christmas...and we're holding him to it!

The girls are growing and changing everyday. Last week, Kiri and Lia weighed in at 8lbs 3oz and 8lbs 6oz, respectively. They are also going longer between feedings, they're at about 4 hours. They've had amazing neck control since the first few weeks of life and are still improving each day. The newest development is that they're smiling.

Throughout my life, I can name some of my happy places, being 8 and going to the Temple with my family and then getting ice cream at Sausalito, being on vacation with my family at a friends house in Cape Cop sitting in their ice cream parlor that was attached to their house and watching my parents walking along the shore holding hands, Fentons Ice Creamery after opening night of a musical in high school...wow...I just noticed that all of my happy places have involved ice cream so far...driving to Stinson Beach or Lake Berryessa, wakeboarding with friends during spring break, hanging with Tamara, Curtis, Sarah & Nate and his parents' PhAt house...and most recently...this:

All three of my beloved babies, sleeping, happy and all in one place. I signed Max up for preschool for this upcoming school year...and I have to tell you...my heart can barely take the imminent sadness that will overwhelm me when that day comes...and I will have to find a new happy place...but for, now, I am soaking up the rays of happiness from this happy place! Wishing you all a Christmas season filled with time spent in your own happy places!!!!

December Days

2011-12-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is just a random post about life...here's a picture of Lia getting her bum changed...

I love both of their big blue eyes.

We started decorating the house for Christmas...Max is so funny...he put on his Santa hat and immediately had to put on his stocking which he referred to as, 'Santa's Shoe."

Here's a picture of Max after we finished decorating our 9ft tree. Max has the cutest excited look on his face.

We had left over ham, so I made a big pot of split pea and ham soup...mmmmm yumm.

Max is funny when he plays...he's so creative...he put his skeleton glove on his foot and told me that it helps him to run super fast. He also taped the easy button on his chest like Iron Man.

Here he is being 'Lotso' from Toy Story 3. You gotta love this kid!!! When Eric asked Max if he loved his sisters, Max's reply was, 'not yet...maybe when they're bigger...maybe then they'll be more fun.' Every day he is learning & adjusting to life with the twins and becoming such a great helper and big brother to the girls.

Friends...

2011-11-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

So, this morning started out a little hectic. Eric had to leave early for work and I was feeling the let down from a four day weekend with Eric around the whole time. So, after a melt down from Max, I got the girls fed and bathed and put down for a nap. Since they fell asleep so quickly, I decided to have some Max and me time.

Just then, our neighbor and friend Julie stopped by to invite Max for a walk with her son Lincoln (one of Max's favorite friends). So, here I am with an hour to myself and I wanted to take the time out to say some more thanks. I am thankful for friends who stop by, I am grateful for in-laws who come over just to bring dinner and hang out.

I thankful for friends (both ours and Max's) that come over with banana bread and company (and matching shirts). I am thankful that ours is a gospel that is hinged upon our relationship with not only our Heavenly Father, but with one another. To quote one of me and Eric's favorite shows, Walking Dead, "A new command I give unto you: Love one another, as I have loved you." (I mean, if we're going to be all technical, I suppose I should reference the Bible...but you get my point).

Thanksgiving Post

2011-11-24T14:14:00.001-08:00

Since the girls are still so young, we didn't want to risk getting them sick, so we stayed home for Thanksgiving.

Eric holding Lia.

Our friends Charayye and keith & their kids came over. They are moving to Arizona soon and we're sad to be losing friends, but happy for them as this is a good move for their family!

Here is my Thanksgiving turkey. I thought it turned out pretty well.

Our friends who had to work the day before and after Thanksgiving came over and we had our own mini Thanksgiving. The food was great and we were so happy to have friends come over...but it doesn't quite feel like Thanksgiving without Linda's rolls!

The kiddo's eating candy before dinner!

Me, eating a turkey leg. My favorite part of this picture is Max dressed up as Buzz Lightyear in the corner. That kid is always dressed up as something!

Eric with a turkey wing.

The boys eating at their table.

The girls all dressed up.

By the end of the night we were all shot! This year, I'm thankful for my family: it was so wonderful having my mom here for a month to help with the girls and Jim & Julie watched Max for weeks and helped make the transition a smooth one for Max. I'm thankful for the girls, they continue to thrive and impress me. I love them so much and can't imagine life without them. I'm so thankful for Max and his kind heart and his sweet disposition. He wants nothing more out of life than to be around family and friends and sharing in the things he enjoys. I'm grateful for our home, to be in a more permanent situation in a ward that we love. I'm grateful for the partnership I have with Eric. It's been more hectic with the two girls, but I also feel like we have been working so well together and I'm grateful for a partner who cares and tries so hard!! I'm most grateful for the gospel because without this amazing focal point in my life, all the other things would seem a bit meaningless. So grateful for all of the blessings in my life and most grateful that the most important ones I get to keep for all eternity. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving!

Where's my pump gun?!

2011-11-22T05:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of Max with Santa at the Holiday Home Fair we took my family to while they were here.

Eating breakfast at Denny's. It's fast becoming a tradition in our little family. Who'd a thought?!

A picture of my sweet girls. Lia on the left and Kiri on the right.

Eric begged me not to take this picture...but how could I resist?! Max, as predicted, has felt the loss of attention and the benefits of the all around plush life he once enjoyed as the only child. Through it all, though, he has managed to still have brilliant moments of tender kindness and a happy over all attitude.

For instance, the moment prior to this picture, one of the girls woke up and was hungry, to which Max responded by immediately jumping out of bed and grabbing my manual pump (which he calls his pump gun) and sat by our medical grade pump and yelled, "the girls are hungry, don't worry, Mommy, I will pump milk for them from my belly!" You gotta love this kid!!!!!

The Girls' 1 month birthday & mine

2011-11-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of them their first week home and their second week home. What a difference a week makes!!! Here's Lia before and after.

Here's Kiri before and after. She's such a chunk!

So, my parents and brother and his family all came to visit the girls and celebrate my birthday. Here is a picture of the proud 'Gong-Gong." Kiri is on the right and Lia is on the left.

Since my birthday was on a Sunday I requested Thanksgiving dinner for my dinner. We had all of the fixings, including a 22lb turkey. MMMM!!!!! My brother got me so much baby stuff, clothes, a double stroller and a bouncer. Eric got me make-up and JUST DANCE 3 for our Wii...so, anyone feel the itch to dance, come on over (so long as you are not and have not been around anyone who has a cold or temperature in the last 5 days and are willing to get a retinal scan like I had to do at the airport in China during the Bird Flu scare.

Here's a picture of Max singing, "Happy Birthday" to me. I got the costume at Walmart the day after Halloween for $2.88. Best $2.88 I ever spent!! Much better than the money I spent on this new haircut Eric insisted on Max getting. The spiky look, we've decided, while cute...is trumped by his old baby Bieber sweep!!!

Here's a picture of my brother's adorable 7 month old, Parker. Parker is wearing Max's most recent hand me downs...and by that I mean his 18-24month clothes!!! He is so tall...and adorable!!!

I figured if I didn't post some better pictures, Kristina Hopper was going to have a cow. I took these just for you, Hopper!!!I like this picture of Lia and Kiri below because it shows their blue eyes. Neither Max or Parker had blue eyes to begin with. Here's hoping that they stay this color!

I love my girls. I also have to give a big shout out to my Kiri-girl. She was born with an umbilical cord half the size of her sister, and smaller in height and weight, but she just fights through, as of last week, they were both 6 lbs 6 oz. Then, a few days ago, Kiri had a temp of 100.3. I called our pediatrician and my cousin who is a Peds Dr in California. Both said that at 100.4 we'd have to go to the ER and get some blood work done and probably a spinal tap...but my Kiri girl just kept working through it and after two feedings, the fever broke and she never looked back. I could not ask for better babies than the three angels I have. Best birthday in years!!! :)

This is Halloween!!!

2011-11-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

My family has been here helping us adjust to life with the twins and Max. My mother loves Dancing with the Stars and Max has learned to share his TV time. For their Halloween special they had all these children dancing to, "This is Halloween," and Max sang that song for the rest of the Halloween season!!! Here he is TrICk oR tReaTing!!! We live in a great neighborhood...we only hit up a few houses on each block and we got loaded with candy. We also realized that we are cheap-o's!!!

Here's Max before doing the downtown stroll on Halloween.

There was a haunted house in the fire station. Max was so brave and had so much fun!!

Max kept saying, "It's you, mummy."

At one of the local businesses, we ran into another Captain America...and Max kept inquiring as to who was the 'real' Captain America. Of course, Max is!

Soon, the other Captain America's siblings wanted in on the picture action! So cute!!!

We also had a super fun ward activity. Our new ward is so ridiculously fun and social...we haven't even hosted anything yet. It's awesome!!!

Our friends down the street put on their own scare house in their garage. They are so cool!!! We had such an amazingly fun Halloween and we are so grateful for family and fun!!!

Home, at last!!!!

2011-10-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

I actually switched their names because the bow is bigger on the right side...but Lia is on the left and Kiri is on the right.

I love these pictures of them under the Billi-lights...sisters holding hands...

here they are sleeping...again, Kiri is on the right and Lia is on the left.

Yawning...here, Kiri is on the left and Lia is making some weird face on the right.

Max has been adjusting so well...he loves his "mei-mei's." That's little sister in Chinese. I think it helps that Eric and I, along with all the grandparents have been lavishly spoiling him with gifts...between all of us, I believe he has every mask they sell at Wal-Mart for Halloween. Here's his new Spiderman mask.

Halloween ribbons for the girls.

It breaks my heart that I don't get to spend as much one-on-one time with Max...but I do love that he has been exploring his independence. His imagination has always been so keen, but I love that he is crawling and spreading his wings to be Spiderman for himself...all the while admiring his reflection in his bedroom window. He is such a wonderful boy and Kiri & Lia could not ask for a better brother. Eric and I can not properly express our gratitude for these three amazing blessings in our family.

Pumpkin Painting

2011-10-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

Carli came up with the idea to paint pumpkins this year instead of traditional caving. We were all supposed to smile as cheesy as possible...but Carli apparently did not get the message.

My Mom bought Max this Iron Man pumpkin set...and he L-O-V-E-S it!

Us showing off our pumkins.

Max decided he wanted to be the pumpkin...really, he just wanted to be Iron Man---pyooooo!!!

Proud Big Brother of Twins...

2011-10-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

That's what Max's shirt said, when he visited the girls for the first time.

He has been obsessed with this house he refers to as the, "Halloween House." At first he was afraid of it...but now he wants to go visit it everyday!

I just thought this picture reminded me so much of Max after a good feeding.

THE TWINS ARE HERE

2011-10-10T18:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a calm and normal day. We took some pictures in our skeleton shirts. You'll notice Aimei had two skeleton babies in her belly. Not sure what Max is doing with his hand. We won't judge.

The twins were born the next day, October 10, 2011. Both Aimei and the twins are doing great. They came a week or so earlier than we were expecting but there are no problems to report.
I also got to dress up a bit early for Halloween. The only thing that ruined the Halloween dress-up party is everybody in the delivery room had on the same outfit.

Aimei did fantastic. She didn't have any contraction pains and didn't have any idea she was even in labor. The Doctor who delivered the twins said it was "smooth sailing."
This is Lia at about three minutes old. I'll be honest, she's cute but she looks like she has been through heck. I told Aimei the war-wound on the head would add character. She was the first born.
Kiri came about two minutes later. The Doctor told me it was normal for newborns to look like little old men. You've gotta love that blonde curly hair. Everybody seriously needs to see these two, they are adorable and absolutely beautiful.

We feel very blessed that they are here and healthy.

Boar's Tusk and the Sand Dunes

2011-10-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

It was Conference weekend and we decided to drive to the Sand Dunes and Boar's Tusk.
Here's Eric in all of his Sand Dunes glory!!

Eric and Adam and their brotherly rivalry. We have a video of this that we will update later.

Max and Grady relaxing in their thrones.

Here's Julie trying to get Max to roll down the dunes...she was so nice as to show him and still, he was more content just playing with the sand.

Jim, triumphantly finishing an exhausting climb.

Max loved playing with "Grady Boy" as he called him.

We forgot his hat and sunglasses...so, he had to make due with wearing daddy's hat and mommy's glasses. Afterwards dinner, the boys went to the Priesthood session and Julie, Camille and I got to go shopping for a few hours. We were so happy to have visitors!!

The Twins' Shower!

2011-09-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Eric's family put on a baby shower for me and the twins. It was so much fun! Rather than a diaper cake, Julie and Jody made a diaper bassinet with two baby dolls in it. As a side note, Max has been wonderfully delighted with the dolls, he refers to them as the sisters...whenever their pacifiers fall out, I make a crying sound and he rushes over to put them back in their mouths. Too cute that boy!!! Meradith, now has put on two showers for me and I've done none for her...I suck, she rocks!
Linda was kind enough to host it in her home. Two sisters.

Julie and Jody spent a lot of time preparing for the shower and making all of the goodies...like Jell-popcorn!!! Thank you, both! I remember loving to go with my mom to these type of events when I was a little girl. Looking at this picture makes me excited to have girls.Some more of the Eldridge sisters.Enjoying the food and company whilst I opened gifts.
I made off with a lot of stuff to fill the closet of the girls' nursery. It's fun to be able to go to the store and not feel frustrated at the over abundance of girls' clothing compared to boys'.

Jen Carlile showing us the proper way to sip from the water bottles that were so cleverly used for the shower.

...and, Mer, you're going to hate this collage...but I love all of these faces...just a normal day in the picture taking life of Meradith! Even when making a phugly face, you're hot!!! Few can pull it off!

Meeks- 2011

2011-09-09T21:15:00.001-07:00

It was another great year at Meeks Cabin.

Grandma out on a walk to the Totum Pole with Na-Na and Max.

Max and his friends at Meeks.

The big slide that I told Max he was too little to go down by himself...it started with me going with Max, then Brooke started taking him...but I had to draw the line when Na-na assured me she could take him down the slide. She. herself, was amazing at going down that slide that some of the adults had trouble with (Carly)- just kidding.Carly & Jody were so nice to get everyone craft projects...so, we all learned the way of letters and holiday crafts! Here are the fruits of our labor...I didn't get a finished picture of Camille's Harvest or Jody's Star Wars themed H-A-N-K-Y...but all the crafts turned out spectacularly.The kids joined in and painted rocks and made puppets for a puppet show.

The Feast was delicious as always...this year they added mushrooms and these GIANT shrimp that were easily four or five times the size of a normal shrimp...in the end, Kale won, again, with 57 shrimp and a couple of GIANT shrimp. As an honorable mention, Chuck won for the most corn eaten.

I just love this picture..they were so cute together.

I love this picture, too, doesn't Clayton look like he's about to clock Casey?

Here is a picture of us and me in all my phat pregnancy glory.

Another Meeks comes to an end...Annie, you guys had better be there next year...and for the rest of your lives!!!!!!

Cathy's wedding!!!!

2011-09-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

So, I flew in from California just to make my friend Cathy's wedding reception. She is without a doubt one of the best people I know. She inspires others and never judges. I miss those old days in Davis when we would watch T.V. and make soup and grilled cheese! Or road trips to Utah planned while working the night shift...you deserve the best and I'm happy it's all coming true for you!!!

Hogle Zoo with Jared & Kristee

2011-09-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to Hogle Zoo and called up Jared and Kristee to see if they wanted to join us...and were so happy when they did!!!!

I have never been to this zoo without this elephant scaring some child to tears...I was just happy that it wasn't Max this time.
Linzie, Max & Kenzie got to pet the tortoise that was the star of the show.

Max and I had a great time riding these horses.

Max's hand compared to a Gorilla's. Max in a Giant egg shell.

Here is a picture that I have been meaning to put on some post...Eric and I are skilled beyond all of your knowledge!

Lucy turns 3!!!

2011-08-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Lucy for turning 3 and having parents who put on such an awesome party!!!!

We got to meet up with some cruise friends and their kids...the dynamics are definitely different when you have all the kiddo's around.

Max wouldn't go on the bounce house at the last fair we were at, but when it was filled with cousins and familiar friends, he jumped his heart out.

...and played in their play structure...

...ate custard and cake...Max and I practiced, "Happy Birthday" the week preceding her party. I explained that Lucy was turning 3...Max was a little disappointed to still be just 2...so, we added the "... and a half." So, if you happen to ask him his age, he will now proudly state, "too and a haf."

...hung out with friends...

Corbin and Brandon enjoying the festivities...

...jumped on a trampoline with balloons galore...

played with this for like ten minutes...

...got our faces painted...well, Eric and I did...Max wussed out at the last minute and would only get 'a snake in his boot.'

Seriously, this picture says it all...Max loves Lucy and was so happy to enjoy the party she put on!!!! Happy Birthday, Lucy!!!!

Parker's Party!!!

2011-08-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

We got all of our family in California together for a party for Parker.

My dad and his two grandsons.

My parents, paternal Grandmother, Kristina's parents, me, Peter, Parker, Max & Kristina.

We went on a walk through the California Redwoods.

Max relaxing on a bench he found.

A trip to Tilden park. I used to love this park as a child.

Max at the airport with his Toy Story suitcase...asleep, literally 2 minutes before we landed, and the flight attendant who kindly carried him to the gate until he noticed that it wasn't me and abruptly stated, "you're not my mommy, you're a LADY!!!!" It was a great trip home and back!

Road trip to California

2011-07-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

So, we just moved into our new house and two days later drove to California for the fourth of July weekend. We stopped off at the Silver Legacy for one night, ate a breakfast buffet (we couldn't leave Reno without having at least one buffet) and drove the rest of the way to see my little nephew Parker...
Some of you may remember Max posing in this outfit (when he was about 6 months old). My dear nephew Parker is barely 3 months and a proud 95% for weight. Look at that face...I just want to steal him and keep him forever!!!

My brother and sister-in-law live next to Children's Fairytale Land...so, we went.

I used to love these card keys that would play a story and song.

I love each of our faces in this shot!!! Especially my brother's.

Eldredge Reunion 2011

2011-07-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

This year's reunion was at a familiar place. A few years back we did hay rides around Christmas at Wheeler Farm in Utah.
Cousins, actually second cousins...they were so funny together!
This time of year we got to see some animals...

Max on the hayride cart...

Max petting a newborn.
I love this picture...he's saying that something is 'stinky!' I think his face says it all.
This little lady is about due to give birth to triplets...Eric thought it only fitting that I pose with her...it really sort of freaked me out!
Jared, Kristee and fam. Cute, cute, cute!!!
These girls were the best posers!!!
Jason, Meradith and girls!

It was also Chuck's birthday, so we went out for a quick celebratory bite to eat!

Hopper Happenings in Wyoming!

2011-06-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

We were so happy that one of my good friends from college was having a family reunion near us...so, they drove the extra few hours and stayed with us for a couple of nights...we used the opportunity to try out the new frozen yogurt shop on Rock Springs called, "That yogurt place." And it was delicious!!! It was a little slice of home...they had the normal flavors, chocolate, strawberry, some cool flavors like Root Beer float and Reese's Peanut Butter and of course, my favorite traditional Asian Tart yogurt!! MMMMMM!!! The best surprise for Max was the popping Boba (泡沫) that my mom would get Max in Chinatown was available at our yogurt shop!!!
Max doesn't even care for the yogurt, he just gets a little cup of the Boba's. His favorite flavor is Passion Fruit. This guy behind me in line asked me what flavor I was getting. I replied Passion Fruit to which he rhetorically questioned out loud, "I wonder what fruit they would choose to call 'Passion' flavor...maybe like mango?!" I didn't say anything...I was just happy to be with friends and eating tart yogurt!!!
I saw on her blog that they had the same shirt, so she brought it. Twin-ers it was!!!
The morning before they left, I went to Cowboy donuts and got a dozen of their more tame flavors like, Banana laffy taffy, strawberry blueberry, crumb cake, etc...we didn't venture for the bacon maple bar. We were so happy to have our first visitors stay at our home in Rock Springs. We had a blast, Hoppers!!!!

Clay Hills 2011 & Double Trouble!

2011-06-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

Uh oh, we're in trouble...somethings come along and it's burst our bubble...!!!!
First, we have a little announcement that we are expecting twins this fall...which means we are celebrating the new additions to our little family and simultaneously mourning the transition from being a little family into a full fledged adult family!

Each day, we laugh and appreciate the calm happiness we have felt with Max. He is such a wonderful boy and insisted on climbing with his sword and Spiderman mask!

Annie and her girls were here to help celebrate Geoff's birthday. This is one cute family!!!

A pick up game of football.

The kids built a sandcastle.

Delicious food and s'mores were consumed!! Sorry for the lack of pictures of the cooks!!!

Max handing Geoff his present.

A little after dinner hike into a cave. I got my camera out just a little too late for the picture prior (the all female grandchildren picture) this picture is the all grandson (missing Grady...so Eric stood in his place) picture.

Jimbo and the rest of us celebrating our climb...don't you forget about me...don't, don't, don't...don't you...

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend we got to have a mini cruise reunion. We got to go celebrate our friends' wedding as well as their new home in Orem, UT. They had it catered by Cafe Rio and it was such a fun night.

Here we are enjoying some chocolate cake...

We had such a fun time but were missing the Popes!!!

Then on Monday, we drove up with Eric's parents and Carli to Lyman to visit some memories and pay our respects...here is a shot of the velvety horns...

A house that Jim lived in...

Some graves & the flowers we put...we also put some on Leland's headstone but didn't get a picture.

Cherries, Chicken feet & Indian Cheese

2011-05-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

We went to California to visit my brother and sister-in-law and their newborn son...here is a collage two are Parker and two are my brother Peter as a newborn...scary, huh?

I love fruit...I love mangoes, watermelon, mandarin oranges, guavas, some that I don't know the English translation for...and while I love a good cherry, I seldom purchase them as they are rarely sweet and even on sale are at least $3.99 but this trip to California, my mother and I went to Chinatown and found the most delicious cherries for $0.59 a lbs...over the course of my trip (a few weeks) I purchased and ate over 7 pounds of cherries...and am missing them greatly...

I chose to forgo the large camera and didn't bring a camera on this trip...so, all my pictures are still on my mom's camera so...here is a tribute to all of my favorite foods while I'm at home. Homemade green onion pancake.

Walnut Shrimp...

Dim Sum...

is not Dim Sum without a good serving of Chicken Feet...judge all you want...I stand by them.

I've been going to Genova's since I was a little girl and would eagerly look forward to the owner offering me a free slice of hard salami. ..and this trip, I went with Max and the owner remembered me and offered Max a free slice.

Some Palak Paneer and Naan...mmmmm.

A lengua burrito.

My mom's Chinese Eggplant.

...and last but not least, some sweetened soy milk and stinky tofu!!!

Easter 2011 in Jackson Hole

2011-04-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter this year in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Jim had work to do in Jackson Hole, so the rest of us followed that weekend.

We ate at Bubba's...

The food was great...ribs, brisket, fries, Bubba's Famous beans...not 'bad' beans...must find word...(that's for you, Chuck!)

Shopping in downtown Jackson. It was such a perfect time despite being 'the off season.'

After joyously engaging in much superfluous shopping, Jim, Max, Eric and I headed to the Bunnery...a Jackson Hole eatery known for it's delicious baked goods. While there, we saw a clown...she offered to make Max a balloon Moose...but what she made was magical chemistry with Jim!!!

Then we went to the leather shop where Max fell in love with this cowboy hat...to which major fits were pitched upon departure. Everyone had the same string of thoughts that I had, 'oh, we really loves it...i wonder how much it costs...holy crap...$70 bucks!!!! Forget that!'

To appease the cowboy yearning...when we passed this old photo shop...we got a brilliant idea...

You know you wish you were in this picture...no one mock my face... I know...my shame is great...and immortalized. ...and the shame continues...

...but this picture is beyond words adorable!!!
Then to lunch. Chuck was super happy about it apparently.

That night we dyed eggs...Julie was amazing and boiled 5 dozen eggs in advance...it was great fun...the night ended exactly as every Phillips craft activity does...Eric and Carli finishing the night out while everyone had long since given up.

We went to Church and back for a delicious Easter ham, deviled eggs, carrots, blueberry cream cheese pudding...it was perfect!!!

Max is without a doubt the most wonderful boy whom we adore and love his growing personality and understanding of life! Happy Easter.

Max's first Easter Egg party (mine, too, for that matter)!!!

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Max is so lucky to have such fun boys in the nursery to play with (and their moms all rock, too!) I guess my first clue that I might be taking on more than I could handle, was the response from one of the dad's when I asked him if he felt like his twin boys could decorate eggs yet (they're almost two) to which he replied, "At my house, 'no,' at your house, sure, why not?" HMMMmmmmmm... I made a whole wheat banana cake (Bird Nest) , it looked better after I decorated it...

and had lots of toys, pencils, candy, and eggs.... gotta love that dollar store!!!

I love this picture of the boys as they were being distracted by candy... and they were all wearing smocks...

Each child got to pick their colors....

We had an impromptu egg hunt...Max wasn't that aggressive (is it weird that I still can't type that word without the cheer ringing in my head, be aggressive, b-e a-g-g r-e-s-s-i-v-e) but neither were any of them...but you could tell the difference in the slightly older boys (or rather boy!)
Seriously...he put all the other boys to shame...he had the eggs by the shirt full!!! How cute is this face?!!?!

Kandice and Landon...so sweet and cute...they won a prize for their egg...

Me and Max attempting to decorate an egg and not have Max eat it....

He preferred the stickers on his own face over the eggs....

In the end, we all had lots of fun and I was happy that I went through with it...here is our final egg...Happy Easter, everyone!!!!

Lyman, Goin' South & Baby Horses!!

2011-04-19T13:53:00.001-07:00

We had to go to Kemmerer to meet with our new renters in Kemmerer...so, we decided to meet up with Thayne and Cherilynn and go to our favorite restaurant Goin' South!!!!
Afterwards, we went to see the house they are building and their family's horses...Max loved the horses...
he particularly loved the baby horses...

He loved watching the baby horses with their mama's...these were only a few days old!!!!

It was funny, when the horse neighed at him, Max quickly replied, "Sorry...sorry!"

Thayne's parents were kind enough to let us visit with them in their home for a little while...this is their fire place...on the left is a close up of the rocks and fossils that make up this fire place...crazy!!!

Of course...the moment I saw this beautiful picture of Thayne, I knew it would be up on our blog for all to enjoy!!!!

Thayne was playing with Max...Max was having the time of his life!!!! Thanks, guys, for such a fun visit!!!!

Parker Chiu Can't Lose!!!! & Potty Training!!!

2011-04-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

So, when my brother told me he was having a boy and they decided to name him Parker, I instantly regretted not having another son first and naming him Parker...it's like Seven...once it's out you just want it...how cute is this boy?!?!

I can just hear it now...

"Who's valedictorian of this class?"

"Parker Chiu"

"...who do you have a crush on?"

"Parker Chiu!"

"Parker Chiu for President!" (or maybe vice president...We'll save the first part Chinese presidency for Maxwell Daniel Phillips!)

My parents flew out to visit them, they were in China on vacation...this kid can eat!!! He's up to 3 or more oz a feeding...he's like four days old!Max keeps referring to pictures of Parker as, 'baby Max!' Though, I don't think they look as alike as I thought they might.

this is a classic picture of max about to go Potty...to which he will quickly exclaim, 'gOoDbyE!!!' and demand his privacy. Since this seemed like a perfect opportunity to start Potty Training...we have been taking on the daunting task...

So, after one particularly long wait, I was so thrilled to see a little kernel of reward...After I commended Max on his potty-ing in the potty...he laughed and said, 'chocolate raisin!' To which I discovered, indeed it had just been a chocolate raisin...I don't think he's taking this whole concept very seriously!

I know it's been a while!!!

2011-03-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Max has just been growing, learning and developing his wonderfully sweet and charismatic personality.
Since moving to Rock Springs, Eric has gotten to get back into church basketball...which he LOVES!!!!
We celebrated Eric's birthday with Julie and Carli with a day of shopping! :)
Max has made quick friends and is adjusting so wonderfully to Nursery! Eric had to go on business, so Max and I stayed behind and visited friends. We got to hang out with my college friend Cathy and her daughter Devin...he watched movies, went out to eat, cooked, went to church with the Prophet who smiled at Max...yea, pretty much your average weekend!! Then we went to stay with Meradith and Jason until Tuesday when Eric was flying back in town.
He is so coordinated and athletic...he went to gymnastics with Lucy...they really have a love-bully-love relationship...
This was his second time at the little Gym...he loved it so much!!!
Lucy is quite fearless and has great natural balance!!! Look at that tutu...
Scarlett...ridiculous...who can handle how cute that shirt is? Puts my outfits to shame!!!

Max loves to hop, jump, spring and bounce!!!
....and bubbles...he L-O-V-E loves bubbles!!! These bubbles were invincible...they never popped!!!

Disneyland 2011!

2011-02-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

So, there's nothing like Disneyland to remind you that life is good.

The girls all had Minnie ears and Max wanted in on the action.
Split screen from a year and a half ago to now.
In front of the Disney castle.
Max and Max!
Such a stud I have!!!!!
Toon town!

California Adventure...by far my favorite!
Max loves Woody and Green Man!

While we waited for our turn to go on Tower of Terror, we caught a street show with Monsters and Incredibles and Green Men!

We all went to the Blue Bayou for lunch on Jody's birthday.Yo-ho-yo-ho...a pirates life for me...

I was tired of Max being left out of the Disney Magic, so I got him a Prince Charming costume.

Which do you like him with Jasmine or Cinderella?
Max loves chocolate...You've got to love how well they're taken care of at Disneyland!
Audrey & Max...so, so, so cute!

I love these two together!!!!Max with his backwards sword hold!!

All the sweatshirts at Goofy's kitchen.

Happy birthday to Camille, too!

Giants, Phillipsville & 10,000 Buddhas 萬佛聖城,

2011-02-09T03:08:00.000-08:00

So, after my dad left for a conference, my mom, brother and I decided to take a little road trip up north. It started out as just something to do...but it morphed into what can we do that Peter won't be able to do soon since he'll be a dad in less than 8 weeks!

My mom loves redwoods and hiking...so, we drove up to a northern California State Park called the Avenue of the Giants (Giant Redwoods). Before we got there, we drove through a little town called Garberville to get some lunch for our hike...it was my favorite part because it felt like my family was just hanging out with me in Kemmerer, Wyoming.

When we got to the Avenue of the Giants, I was tickled to see that it was in Phillipsville. I've often wanted to someday have a home with a title...like Pemberley...not that I am seeking a similar estate, only in ideology. So, Eric and I had once discussed names that would more properly suit our humble home...I had actually suggested Phillipsville and was brutally rebuffed for it's lack of je ne sais quoi...well my friends...After the afternoon of hiking we headed to a hot spring jacuzzi. Max loved that he had a little pool to himself.
For dinner we went to this little restaurant called Walter's Cafe with the most wonderful sushi selection...the "Fire Dargon" while difficult to pronounce was spectacular.
On the last day, we drove through Talmage, California (about 2 miles east of Ukiah) to visit the 10,000 Buddhas 萬佛聖城, it was amazing and very peaceful...unfortunately, Max was literally chasing the peace out of the monastery. My parents have a vase full of Peacock feathers that Max was constantly (and unsuccessfully) trying to pilfer...he was delighted to see a beautiful collection of feathers...
that poor bird was petrified of Max!

Birthday update!!!

2011-02-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

We have been traveling and haven't updated in forever!!! We can now no longer give anyone any grief for being blog slackers!!! Here are a few pics from Max's 2nd birthday party.

I made SpiderMan cake pops...the inspiration came from Candice in our ward who dropped off Christmas cake pops and Max just adored them. So...the theme was created!!!

SpiderMan cupcake made courtesy of Max himself!!
Presenting the presents!
I just can't get over how cute these little boys are!!!
At the end of the party, everyone looked just like this...a little dazed, a little sugar crazed and a blue mouth!!! All in all a great second birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Max!

2011-01-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already been two years...I remember thinking that my life would never be the same again...little did I know how right I was! Max has been into Elmo, Justin Bieber, Spiderman, Super Why, Sesame Street,...

broccoli, green beans, deviled eggs, Chinese porridge,

cake pops, dog-o's, chocalicky, friends...nursery, sleeping in his own big bed...Goodnight moon, Book of Mornin' and prayers.

We had some scheduling conflicts...so, his birthday party will be next Saturday. Not to be too cheesy...but to quote Sound of Music, I must have done something good...to deserve such a wonderful son, he brings laughter and joy to our lives everyday! Happy birthday, Max!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the Phillips fam!
We completed the New Year's Eve tradition of running around the house barefoot. Only Eric and I dared make the run this year. I think the fact that it was negative ten (seriously) deterred everybody else. Our feet still haven't recovered and it is STILL painful to walk. If I end up with Roulon Gardner toes over this so help me!

The snow was so deep that I got stuck in a drift. I yelled for Eric to help but he was gone! I had to tunnel my way back to the door.

I made Gingerbread s'mores with Gingerbread graham crackers...to die for!!!!
Gingerbread 'mallows in Julie's famous hot chocolate....so good!!!

Eric and Chuck did "TIMTAM SLAMS," Tim Tams are a chocolate cookie that melts as you suck hot chocolate through them. They are a tasty messy delicious treat.
Chuck giving us a tutorial on the proper way to do a Tim Tam slam.
Jimbo doing his best moose impression.

A Very Phillips Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great this year...Christmas ever was full of yummy food and fun.

We had a delicious ham and hung out with the fam...

The traditional Phillips Santa hats.

Jim read some scriptures and helped teach us the real meaning of Christmas...

I know it's sacrilegious...I don't know how this picture came about...but how cute is my little pray-er?!?!

Then Julie played the piano (with a little help from the Max) and we all sang Christmas carols and danced.

I love this picture of Adam...Max loved his uncle Adam!

Christmas day....Max was excited just to get to open presents! He was so cute this year...there was a definite theme to his gifts this year: ELMO! I used to hate Elmo, then you have your own child and spend hours watching Elmo and somehow he grows on you.

Our theme for Julie's gifts was Hawaii!n Lucky duck!!

Eric and his spoils...Annie gave him some Utah Jazz paraphernalia...so he can go to church basketball properly decked out!

I got an iPad from Eric, a sheep skin rug from Carli & Chuck and Eclipse and Justin Bieber (well, not the real Justin Bieber....unfortunately!).

I had Carli this year...which was fun because she's pretty easy to buy for.

This was from Carli and Chuck to Jim...but it was one of my favorite gifts of the year...Santa Snuggie!!!

We got Jim a wall hanging for his office..."courage is being sacred to death and saddling up anyway..." gotta love that John Wayne.

Eric had Adam this year...we got him a custom made BYU quilt...we hoped he liked it...it was hard to top last years BYU helmet chip holder!

That Grady is ridiculously cute...oh how he can melt your heart!

And the final gift everyone got was news that we are all going to Disneyland in February and a sweatshirt to commemorate it! wE'Re gOiNG to dISneYLanD!!!!!

Foothill Ward Christmas party

2010-12-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Max did so well this year with Santa Claus...he really is growing up so fast!

Santa just asked Max what he wanted for Christmas..."Ummmm..."

This was our first activity as members of the Foothill ward in the Rock Springs stake.

We've already met some awesome couples and Max has so many friends that are his age in the nursery.

Jim & Julie will attest to the fact that Max loves pulling those "balls" from the tree!

This just makes me laugh...his son dropped a pitcher of hot chocolate and it landed perfectly square on the ground and just shot up like an erupting volcano...her you can see him trying to reach it.

Max playing the piano...

Dancing with some of his new friends...

This adorable little girl was dressed up as a Christmas tree...

Me and the Max!!!

Twas the night before Christmas...

2010-12-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

We're horrible and did not really get a chance to send these out...know that we were thinking of you all and wishing you the season's best!

December Catch up...

2010-12-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

We know that we've slacked on our posts lately...we've just been busy moving, getting Christmas underway...anyway, here are some pictures....Max riding a horse (for about two seconds!)

Riding around with the horse drawn carriage...

Max enjoyed it...after he thawed out!

Annie and her girls came to visit...unfortunately we only got to spend a day with her...she is so fun and her girls were a blast, too. We decided to go to the pit and roast some marshmallows...and sing some Christmas carols...I'd forgotten what a pretty voice Annie has...she even sang harmony to Jingle Bells.

It was pretty cold...but Max had his Spiderman protection!

Annie and Julia...she was so excited about s'mores...she kept telling us over and over that she wanted to roast marshmallows...Julia was excited about s'mores, too!

The pay off for enduring the cold!

Delicious!

We also got to spend some time with Meradith & Jason and her girls...Max loves kissing babies...Scarlett didn't seem to mind, either.

We went out to eat at an all-you-can -eat that was so good...but we had to do the faces afterwards...you all know that one...the freaking full fat face!!

Nawlins!!

2010-12-19T13:12:00.001-08:00

I just got back from New Orleans. I was there for a week on business. The atmosphere in New Orleans was awesome. I listened to a lot of jazz music and ate some really tasty Cajun food.

On Bourbon Street they had these Slurpee machines all over the place. Upon closer inspection I realized these were alcoholic Slurpee's and I remembered a story Aimei told me about visiting New Orleans as a child. Lets just say they really should have carded a confused 9 year old with a sweet tooth.

The French Market was really cool. It was this long tunnel of shops. They had exotic meats, spices, and other local trinkets for sale. I bought a bunch of local spices for Aimei and was all excited when I brought them home. She then showed me where I could buy all these spices at Walmart. Curse you Walmart!

They had a bunch of voodoo shops in the area. There were spell books and magic powders for sale. They don't let you take pictures inside the shops but I snapped this photo from the outside window. They had shrunken heads in one of the shops. I wanted to ask how much a shrunken head would cost but I was too scared.

Street performer. Not really a baby.

There were painters all along this street. I thought this guy was amazing until I saw he was painting the same portrait over and over again.

This guy was sitting on the street. After I took the picture of him he became furious with me. He screamed "How dare you take a picture of me. How rude." As I walked away I thought, "If you have tattoos on your face and a snake around your neck, don't be surprised if people take pictures of you."

I walked and walked every single day after my business meetings. There was so much to see. I actually put holes in the heels of my socks. I think I bought them at Walmart. Curse you Walmart!

One of the Worlds largest Gingerbread houses

2010-12-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

After Thanksgiving and my grandmother's funeral we needed some levity...so, off to San Francisco we went!

This shot was for Eric since he had to go back to work!

I left my heart...
Look at that face!
Eric and I took a picture in front of this tree three seasons ago...

Man, I forgot how fat I was! Me and the Max-ers!
And the WoRLd's largest Gingerbread house!
Happy Holidays!!!!

A Thanksgiving Post

2010-11-18T04:14:00.000-08:00

Seriously, look at that face!!!!

I love this picture...I can just hear him saying, 'look, mommy, look!!!'
This is his content smile!
This picture makes me laugh...the photographer wanted a few pictures of just me and Eric...well the Stink wasn't about to have that!

This is such a sincere laugh picture! He's so ticklish...when Max was just a baby, Eric and I would compete to see who could make him last faster...it really never was a challenge...he's such a good boy with such a happy disposition.

I have my mom to thank for this one...Max just loves to swing!
I was originally planning on making this a family photo 2010 post...but I thought in light of the season and that I hope my posterity will one day read this, I thought I should write a Thanksgiving post. As I sat here and began reflecting on this year...I realized how tough this year has been.

No major tragedies have occurred this year...so, I've been reflecting on why it's been so difficult...

It dawned on me that as I have gotten older I have become more 'realistic' (cynical).

I had a friend ask me if I was an alarmist. First, I thought, 'what, like Dennis Quaid's freak brother and wife who think that all of Hollywood is out to kill them?' So, I googled it and was shocked to see some of the definitions as being faint of heart, pessimistic, voice of doom (my personal favorite). So, maybe there is an alarmist in us all and we have to choose not to embrace it...or we'll end up constantly running from the 'Star whackers' and become Hollywood refugees!'

Trials have broken my heart , but that's what life is about...working through things and enduring in your endeavor to find and put all of the pieces back together. The difference recently versus my childhood, is that the hope and belief that everything would be o.k. has been replaced with fear and trepidation...often masked as worry...and how harrowing is a task when you feel like it's outcome is hopeless?

This season, I've found that hope and faith ...and as quickly as heartache can push you down, a renewal of faith can buoy you up to higher ground.

I am thankful this season for so many wonderful people that love me...the best husband whom I love so dearly, the cutest boy in the whole wide world, parents who never want anything but my happiness, my brother who has always been such a great friend and example (whom Max asks for all of the time...Peeta...Peeta) , great friends, friends who care enough to ask if you're an alarmist, wonderful in-laws who love my family...I truly am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of my blessing...and here are some pictures of my two favorite!

Cruisin' to Cozumel!!!

2010-11-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Jason and Meradith have kindly invited us for the past three years to their company cruise and every year we regretfully had to decline because of scheduling conflicts...but, FINALLY, we decided that it was time to spend some time alone (with thousands of other people)!

It wasn't easy, I had to fly to California to drop off Max at my parents' house. Eric flew in the next day at 8 at night, then we went on the red eye to Miami with a layover in Minneapolis. After two flight delays we ended up in Miami at 3:45p.m....the boat was supposed to leave the dock at 3:30. Luckily, when Delta screws up...they screw up big and so many flights were delayed or grounded that a significant number of cruisers were stuck at airports. To top things off, Delta made us do an in-flight check in of our carry ons and then couldn't get our bags in time so, we spent the first day of the cruise with matching shirts!
Checking out the liddo deck...
Karaoke...I may have invited that girl on stage...but it was a courtesy invite...I never thought she'd come running up!
This was part of the family that adopted us in Minneapolis...if it weren't for their tenacious mom and dad...we might not have made it! Every time we saw them on the ship we would yell, 'family!'
Breakfast by the sea..

Key West was so much fun, we happened to be their for one of their biggest holidays called, 'Fantasy Fest.' We were told it was similar Mardi Gras...it was and so much more...check out the lady on the bottom right...if you're over 18!
Dancing at the clubs...that Katie...she's AMAZING!!!Cozumel and the ruins were great and inspiring.

Catching some rays on ship day.
Halloween on the boat was great...Mer and Jason won first place...well, they tied first place with my Asian nemesis/doppelganger!!! Just kidding!
The cruise was so much fun, we are planning on attending every year...even if we aren't invited!!! Of all the activities, places, sights, food, and relaxation...our very favorite part was sitting around a table with friends, some old and some new found connecting and remembering that we were once fun and cool and could still be! Long after the slightly dizzying feeling of still being out at sea wore off, I find myself thinking about soft serve and pizza on the liddo deck and great some great conversation from the rise of Communism to wenuses...

...till we meet again

2010-11-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here surrounded by boxes and wrapped furniture and I had to somehow release all these emotions that I am feeling. At the tip, I believe I am feeling a little excitement for what the future holds, but deeper down, I am feeling grief. I guess I'm grieving for time passing...somehow, the moment I knew which university I would be attending, every high school activity became sacred because it would be the last. I know that this is a unique idiosyncrasy that I have, even as a young child, I remember bidding adieu to my Cabbage Patch doll, Ronnie, and telling her that I would be in middle school next year and could no longer associate with 'dolls.' I've always made change such a dramatic thing in my life...for better or for worse, I hate it.

But as I begin to sulk in my grief and hatred for change, I realize that even within our time in Kemmerer there has been much change...in fact, some of the greatest changes of my life occurred while living in this home...our marriage, our first born child, his first steps, words, laughs will all be remembered as happening in Kemmerer. So, as I delve even deeper into the myriad of feelings I am having, I become cognizant of a more profound emotion: gratitude. I am so grateful to so many people and how they have affected our lives, the Erickson's, who never judge us for our sometimes long absence in our friendship and always welcome us with open arms when we call, The Deardens (Big and Little) would we even be married without you guys?,

Jill Allen for cooking your first Thanksgiving turkey with me, for Holly who shared in a lot of sadness...but everything for a reason, the Hogan's who just were a great couple of look up to in so many ways, but just as fun to just hang out with, Sandal's thanks for being great neighbors, even when I showed up at your doorstep and scared the crap out of Colton, Peterson's,Hubbard's, Meagan & Chase, the saddest part of your arrival was that we knew we were exiting and try as we might, we still got hooked on your coolness!

Jackie Holt, worlds' most tireless worker...she is what you get if you google, 'magnify your calling.', Gigi, I'm not sure you know how important what you created, and work so tirelessly at, is to us and to all of Kemmerer, Deb Archibald, what will we do every July...come to Kemmerer for Fossil Fest!!!!

...Nancy Ellis, it actually pains my heart to think of anyone else teaching Max in nursery, who will know and love each of these kids like you...who will actually prepare lessons and games that teach them of the gospel, I've been to other wards, they don't compare to you,

Lump & Dan, I think Max would have been naked the entire first year of his life if it were not for you and Braydon!!! and Dan, pretty much you kept our house in tact and functioning! You guys were a part of the Phillips family before I was, so, no good-byes...just a heartfelt Thanks!

We wanted to drive around and tell each of you in person how much you mean to us...but realized that we'd need weeks to get everyone, there are many who will never know how they've touched or inspired us, we will take a piece of you where ever we go. Thank you and we wistfully bid you, 'Adieu...till we meet again.'

Max's HalLoween!

2010-11-03T06:02:00.001-07:00

Eric and I sent Max to California to be with my family for Halloween...they took him to one of my favorite places as a child...Children's Fairyland...to which Jim replied, "I will not have a grandson of mine going to 'Fairyland' in San Francisco!"

Well, I'm sorry to report, he went and had a fabulous time!!!

Upset that someone disturbed his reading time!
Welcoming my mom into his humble abode.
Gotta remember to go to church...my mom said that while we were gone, every time he would eat he would say, 'Father, blessing, food, Christ, Amen." It warms your heart as a mother to realize that you are teaching them and equipping them with the tools to go through life without you.
Max, taking off his shoes before going inside...little things like this show how quickly Max is growing up into a big boy.

Trying on the Spiderman mask...a new development this year has been his fear of masks...
Getting psyched for the big night...
Sadly, he this picture is the only one taken because after three houses and three separate failed attempts, they retired for the night! Hope everyone had a great Halloween!!

WhO YoU gOnnA cAll?!?!?...

2010-10-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

GhOsT bUSTerS!!!!!! Eric saw an ad in the newspaper telling of a new class at the local educational outreach center called, 'ghost hunting' so naturally, we signed up...
We went dressed for some real ghost busting!
Not allowing a last minute change of plans to deter our ghost hunting adventures, the Stink went with us.
Eric's face on the infrared heat sensor monitor. That's right, this was no joke!My face and Max's didn't show up...that's because we are not human! At the end of the night...the only unexpected thing we saw on our camera was this...

You gotta love that boy!!!!

Sylvester Phillips

2010-10-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday marked 13 years since Sylvester Phillips died...I never got to meet him, but feel as if I know him from all of the many stories and jokes that are retold of him.

We went to the Clay Hills in honor of him. We also went to name rock where he carved his name...it really was carved by it's namesake unlike the "Brighum Yung" I saw carved in a nearby rock!

Eric & Jim looking triumphant.
...swagga' waggon!!!

"Let my people go!"
Not gonna lie...climbing in all of those caves made me feel like Katniss Everdeen!
Grandpa and Max having a moment!
Chuck, Carli & Max..."I can taste the dirt on my doggo!"

Also made me think of Hunger Games.
The gang posing in front of Sylvester's name.
Daddy and Max.
After a long day, we treated Max to a kid's cone..this was only 35cents!!

We got to take some family photos with Amy Harrison...we loved her SO MUCH!!! Here are a few of the pics

http://www.rememberthisphotography.com/

Psycho Manor with Carli & Chuck

2010-10-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

We went down to Provo and had some good all-you-can-eat sushi...as Max would say, 'delicious!!'

Chuck's mom Sandra was so nice to watch Max for us while we headed off the a haunted house...Max often can be heard inquiring about, 'Sandra...Elise?!?!'

You can see the excitement in our eyes!!
Whatever was in that foil really did sort of make me want to gag...
How come Carli looks cute-scary and I look ugly-scary?!?!?
I love this picture of Eric...this girl was trying so hard to stay in character...all the while, Eric is mocking her with his disbelief!
We got glow bracelets...who doesn't love these?!?!
You gotta love the split screen! I think I might love Halloween even more than Christmas...I know...blasphemous!!!!

The Uintas

2010-10-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love fall?! Eric wanted to go to the Uintas before the winter set in...
Julie in a frame worthy shot.
Eric and Jim fishing. When I was flipping through these pictures, I kept thinking, why is Eric doing the Judd Nelson Breakfast Club fist raised in the air in defiance in every picture?!?! Then, I took more than a cursory look and realized that he's showing his catch...my bad!
Julie took these beautiful pictures...I was just lucky to get to use them!

George & Joan

2010-10-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

This post is long over due...George and Joan came for their annual Wyoming visit....we were sad to hear that the Blind Dog was no longer running...so, this year we tried the Grub Steak Restaurant.
Picture of all who could make it...
Max eating some of my Kobe steak...he thought it was o.k....but I think Joan L-O-V-E-D it!!!
Joan & Max. It was great spending time with George & Joan. We're sad that this last trip to California we were not able to meet up with them...hopefully next time!!!!

Dragon Boat races and the City

2010-10-03T07:55:00.001-07:00

We decided to go to San Francisco to see the Dragon boat races...here is Max showing his bravery...see how even the dragons feel embarrassed for us?!?!
Max eating his B-B-Q corn...best corn E-V-E-R!!!!!
The exciting dragon boat races...I thought it was particularly interesting since my brother and I were both on Crew in college...Peter, actually rowed and I was the coxswain...see the yeller person all of the rowers are facing with looks of disdain and resentment...yea...but I loved it!!!
There was great entertainment...this is the current world yo-yo champion showing off his skills on the old Chinese yo-yo...this always reminds me of Chinese School growing up...we had an hour of either ribbon dancing, Kung-Fu, Yo-Yo, Chinese poetry or brush painting as our electives.
This is Peter on stage...JUST KIDDING!!! This guy was WAY into it!
Kristina, Max and I having a blast on the BART on our way to Chinatown!!!!
Collage-o-Chinatown....
as we were walking down the street we passed where Eric and I as well as Peter & Kristina had got our invitations and thank you cards...and on display were Peter & Kristina's Thank you card and on the very bottom shelf was our wedding program...it's like we're famous!!!!
Split screen on Max from a year ago and last week!

Utah State Fair

2010-09-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

I've written it before...and I think this just reiterates how this is the summer of fairs. We decided to make the trek over to the Utah State Fair.
We met up with Carli and Chuck & family (they had sheep entered in the fair) and Jim & Julie (Happy Anniversary!!!!!!)
If you know me and Eric...you know that we L-O-V-E Halloween!!! So, we were ecstatic to see them advertising discounts for Frightmares!!!
That's the look I would have in the face of a homicidal maniac...really!
We got to watch see the Jarvis Sheep company entered into the fair....here are what Eric refers to as the 'Ninja Sheep.'
You can see Matt & Chuck with their sheep and Julie, Carli, Max and Eric on the top bleacher. We loved spending time with Sandra, Elise, Matt & Pinky!!!
Cheese...I know...but you've just got to embrace it!
Carli insisted that we go see the butter cows...and it was well worth it!!! Take a look at Jim's face.
I'm just throwing in a couple of pictures from the Mountain Man Rendezvous that we to after Meeks. Here's my little Mountain Man Max!!

Meeks...Twenty Years!!!

2010-09-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

This marked 20 years that Eric's family has been going to Meeks cabin for Labor Day weekend!

The fishing was great...it was wonderful seeing Max interact more with all of the other kids this year!
Max with his walking stick...he just loved Meeks...every morning he would wake up (after only a few hours of sleep) and say, 'outside...play?!'

There was lots of relaxation time spent in the cabin...playing, watching T.V., crafts and of course eating!!! Carrie brought her yummy, chewy Chex mix, Camille brought her savory, ranch Bugle mix, Jody's s'mores were amazing, I brought honey Teriyaki chicken wings and if you were still hankering for some more sweets, there was always the 'Sue Loves you the most' cake that Jennifer brought!

My first Meeks, four years ago, Cooper was just a little guy, it was great but also a little sad to see how mature Cooper was and attentive at taking care of and entertaining Max!

Here are Max and Grady in their matching outfits, chillin' in the main cabin. How cute are they?!?!
We roasted S'mores...I found this bag of GIGANTIC marshmallows...if you look closely you'll see that my GIANT strawberry marshmallow is about six times the size of Conner's regular sized chocolate marshmallow. Conner ate his happily and I felt sick the rest of the night! It was a clear lesson of less is often times more!
Max just loved Clayton. These two were so adorable together. I love this picture because Max had just wiggled his way into Clayton's chair and started touching his face to show him he wanted to be friends, to which Clayton replied (with a surprising amount of clarity and logic for such a young one), "You can sit here next to me, but you don't have to touch me!" Max seemed to understand and their friendship went on quite well after that!

On Sunday, after a great lesson from Jim, we had THE FEAST. I look forward to this meal every year...this year they had baby potatoes (some blue, Yukon and red), crab legs, garlic, shrimp, sausage, corn, garlic, and carrots. It was heavy on the garlic, but even heavier on the delicious!!! Julie and Adam really did an amazing job!!!

Max got his own mini feast! You may have noticed the gargantuan band aid on Max's forehead...the week prior to Meeks, he hit his head on the dresser at the foot of our bead and had to get two dissolving interior stitches...the scab had already fallen off by Meeks, but we put in the band aid so as to appease my over protective conscience!

Giving the sausage thumbs up!Chris, Chris, Chris!Here is a picture of all of the shrimp Eric ate...he and Chuck were competing to see who could eat the most...while Eric beat Chuck, Kale beat all of them without even being in the competition!
I liked this picture as evidence of my husband's contribution in cleaning!!

Family shot after cleaning and right before we left another great Meeks Labor Day weekend! Thank you to all that help make this weekend happen every year!

Green River Fest

2010-08-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

This summer has been the summer of 'fests.' We seem to find one every weekend to attend! We had such a great time running through the water park, hoola-hooping, crafts and then eating all-you-can-eat...randomly, after we ate, we stopped by the mall in town and ran into pretty much every single person in Eric's family and all of Kemmerer! I literally complained that morning that I had nothing to wear (because all of our clothes are packed in boxes) to which Eric replied, I promise you we won't see a single person you know...famous last words!!!

Hickory, Dickory dock...

2010-08-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Max went to nursery, I took pictures, don't mock!!!
(O.k., that was lame...but today on Sesame Street they were doing Nursery Rhymes and mine was definitely better than Baby Bear's!)
I admit, I'm a little bit of a hover-er and have been a little apprehensive about Max going to Nursery...so, I had to muster all of my self-restraint to not go and check-up on Max at Nursery...but, on my way to the bathroom (granted it was the long way...) I peeped in and saw Eric sitting with Max, singing, as content as can be!!! Eric just happened to be walking by when Max started crying...but you can imagine my shock when I saw Eric in there!!

Max actually missed his first two weeks in Nursery because we were out of town and in other wards and I couldn't bring myself to take him to his first Nursery experience with anyone other than Sister Ellis...this woman is amazing!

She always gives special attention to the 'first timers.' She has so many fun activities...

They stay engaged...and all the while they are learning about the gospel...Max came out of Nursery with this for me all about Christ!

I remember really wanting Carli & Chuck to stay in Evanston one weekend and the only obstacle was their Nursery calling...to which I said something along the lines of, just get your back up couple...like it makes a difference (before you send me hate comments- keep in mind that I was just trying to get my brother and sister-in-law to stay because I love them)!

Well, now that I get to witness, firsthand, how impactful a person can be when they choose to magnify their calling...I am humbled and grateful for the wonderful people who give so much of themselves. If Sister Ellis is reading this, you don't know how amazing you are...to turn a situation that I was dreading into something that I look forward to every week! Thank you!

Eldredge Reunion!!

2010-08-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite things to do...go to family reunions...growing up second generation Chinese American had a lot of perks; a really close-knit family, lots of extended Chinese 'aunts' & 'uncles' (ah-yi's & tsu-tsu's), lots of unique cultural traditions to blend with American ones, no random second uncles to worry about if I ever win the lottery...but, family reunions were not one of the advantages.This year was the Christensens' turn to organize all the fun...and they did NOT disappoint!

We went down to Provo park and had so much good food!!!! You gotta love that third picture of the 'after eating belly...' actually, that's just Corbin's belly after Becky fed him her milk of gold!!

We played games...Jared & Kristee organized the games under the theme of the game show 'In it To Win it.' Each family was a team...Christensens, Carliles, Michealis & Phillips. With Jim & Julie out on business, Annie & Bryan on vaca, Adam & Camille using the 'we just had a baby' excuse (and seriously, I used that for, like, a year...best excuse out there), Geoff & Jody unable to make it and Carli & Chuck at a Jarvis family reunion our team was down to three (and Max just barely got running down)...but still Eric and I each won our respective events...go team Phillips!!! Represent!!!

Everybody had so much fun and were all willing to be subjected to great embarrassment!

They launched water balloons...cute Cooper...super Coop!!!

They had stilts...Eric was very impressive on them...of course, the most impressive had to be Jay Dale!!!

I have to admit, I had quite a bit of trepidation about Jay getting on those death sticks...until I saw how at ease he was on them...a natural!

Adam's birthday & Grady's blessing

2010-08-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

We went to Lander for Adam's birthday and for Grady's blessing. They reserved a local park and we had a wonderful time.
I love this picture of Carli scaring Max...every one's face is classic!

Max is all about 'scaring' lately...here he is trying to scare me.

Everyone knows that Adam loves BYU stuff...but we thought we'd change it up and get him some Cowboy stuff!

I love this picture of Grady...I especially love it because Max took it all on his own!!!!

One on one with Jeremy Evans

2010-08-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Every year the Utah Jazz send a representative to travel around the state to put on basketball clinics with the Junior Jazz players. Max isn't old enough to be a Jr. Jazz player yet...but we couldn't resist going to get a picture. I woke Max up early and got him dressed and fed about half an hour early to meet the Jazz member, who turned out to be Jeremy Evans.

Sadly, Kemmerer hasn't done a very good job in the past years of advertising this event...it was at this point (picture myself and Max alone in the gym watching this poor guy who took out his time to do this walking in) that I called Eric and told him that he had to come down and be a little late for work.

Eric, being the good father and husband and having a kind heart, quickly came over. Soon, a few more people showed up and the clinic could begin (keep in mind, there was never more than a dozen people there at one time).

We had a great time and got to be in their video. Here's Max waiting in line with his mini-basketball for an autograph.

I love how little the ball looks in Jeremy Evans' hand compared to Max's double-fisting.

I got to talk with the Jazz guys and get to know them...they were so kind and so gracious...they were telling me how year after year it is always Kemmerer that has the most dismal turnout.The night before they were in Lander and said they had a packed gym of about 300 kids...it was the first time I felt a little ashamed, Kemmerer is 7.4 square miles and Lander is barely half of that, yet they could show how much spirit and support a little town can have...during the clinic, they spoke of sportsmanship and what it means..I hope they know that I thought they did a great job of teaching that lesson not only with their words, but with their actions, too!

Happy Anniversary!!

2010-08-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today is our anniversary and I wanted to take the time out to let Eric know how happy I am to be married to him and how grateful I am for our little family. The years have gone by so quickly yet from the first moment we met, it felt as though we'd known each other forever. You are the best father and husband I could ever ask for and I'm excited for all the memories we still have yet to make! Happy anniversary! I couldn't stand anything less than eternity with you!

Fossil Fest 2010

2010-07-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

This was our fourth Fossil Fest...hard to believe! The parade did not disappoint.

We were asked to be in charge of Fossil Fest Funnies, again, this year but did not think that we would be able to do it, so had to decline. We didn't even think we were going to be able to attend this year.

At the last minuet our plans changed and we were able to go. Max excitedly anticipating the parade.

Max, picking up his spoils from the parade. It WAY paid to know people...Max kept getting handfuls of candy chucked at him.

Eric crossing the line of full and sick...again!

Our friend, Nick, or as we like to call him, "Wolver-doggo-rine." O.k., that was lame!

Max FREAKED out when Sparky the dog came over...like, howling, crying!!!

Not so many tears when the pretty ladies were holding him!!!! Oh, you coy boy!!!!

Cowboy Max!

2010-07-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

We were sad that we were in California for Pioneer day and weren't able to show off Max in his cute cowboy outfit (that was Eric's as a baby) so I thought I'd show case some pictures I took one day when we dressed up for fun.

How cute is this, huh? Hand in pocket with a little swagger!

Chillin' without a care in the world!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Max resting on my stomach...pretty much, this is the mental picture that I've taken so many times and will remember so many of our early days together.

Fun at the Yurt!

2010-07-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Eric, Max and I decided that Max was ready for his first fishing trip...so, we rented the Yurt at Meeks. What is a Yurt you ask...well, let me tell you, says wikipedia: A yurt is a portable, felt-covered, wood lattice-framed dwelling structure traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia. A yurt is more home-like than a tent in shape and build, with thicker walls. They are popular amongst nomads.

Since we've been living like nomads, we decided to try it out......and I sort of feel like it's a part of my culture (not really!).

Hanky, making Max laugh...gotta love having cousins!

three cutest boys, ever...they just needed Grady in the pic...maybe next year!

My attempt at being artistic.

Fun at Meeks...it was so strange being at the lake at Meeks and not being able to walk to the cabin and have some of Sue's Swedish Fish! All the girls getting the delicious cook out ready.

Hanky, bless his heart, is the most well-natured boy in the world! First, he let Carli play with his beloved fishing pole (pictured here) and she cast the red fish out and it broke and the fish went flying into the lake, never to be found again...Rather than pitching a fit, he just looked at Carli and said in his unusually low and adorable voice, "it's o.k." Feeling badly, Carli attached a pine cone to the end of the line. Hanky's only concern was that, "I don't think the fish will like the pine cone." (as opposed to the red plastic fish). So adorable!Then, still trusting, asked Carli to roast his marshmallow...unfortunately it got a little burnt...and still Hanky said nothing...but his face says it all!

Yes, that's right, I caught a fish and reeled it in myself...and I could not have asked for more perfect timing, as I was just about to reel it in, up drove a truck full spectators (i.e. Hanky, Brookie, Dylan, Carli, Julie, Geoff and Jody)!

Max throwing rocks in the water...life pretty much doesn't get better than this (if only ALL of our family was able to be there)!

Fun at Hogle Zoo!

2010-07-14T08:32:00.001-07:00

Eric always has fun weekends planned for us during the summer, recently we went to Hogle Zoo.

Pottery Barn has some really great deals sometimes, so, I couldn't resist. Eric and Max in their matching hats...Eric hated it...he pretty much only wore it for this picture, he said the hat hurt his game.

Du-Du-Du-Du...

Nature's Nightmares was pretty fun. They had bats, slugs and all sorts of gross things. There was even a guy in there with a mullet. He wasn't on display though.

Max loved the monkeys.

He could relate to the fact they throw their own pooh.

It was like 150 degrees and this boat was in the shade. The only thing that burned was Eric's right arm, I wonder why?

Max getting in touch with his rice picking roots.

Max and Eric were terribly startled when the Tigers suddenly jumped to their feet and took them for a wild wide to Narnia. Oh wait, that was a lion. Never mind.

Happy Fourth!

2010-07-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July wouldn't be the same without the Kemmerer Community Choir and Brother Cook dressing up as Uncle Sam...here is a split screen of him holding Max from last year to this...poor Max!

Here is Max helping 'Favorite Uncle Chuck' with the dishes.

Julie made Chuck's grandmother's lamb recipe and it was so D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!! Annie, I put a lot of extra pictures for you!

We were invited to the Wellings for a get together and I made patriotic red velvet cup cakes...Meradith told me the most interesting story about how cooks used to make the cupcakes so red...so, of course, I googled it...it turns out that it's not red velvet cake necessarily that is made from crushed beetles, but red food dye...so, if you're not super keen on the idea of eating beetles, look for an OU symbol or K- designating that the item is Kosher, also FD&C Red Dye #40 ( known as Red #40) is made from a petroleum product or coal tar, not insects. There's your random fact for the day.

Tracy and Eric holding Monson and Maxwell...just their names alone make them destined to be good friends, don't you think?

Little girls in heels is a hoot...but little boys in heels is ridiculously funny...as long as it's not my son! Just kidding. Sort of.

Corey's new baby...have you ever seen a cuter little smile?!?!

Max in a helicopter.

The fireworks were amazing this year...Max loved getting to stay up late and see all the 'lights.' All night I could hear him saying 'light, please.' It's great to live in a country with so many freedoms, amenities and pride. Happy Birthday!

My Big Brother is a married man!

2010-06-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how this picture happened...but I really liked it...they did a rehearsed dance for their first dance...watching my big brother dance was really touching...he really is going to be the best husband out there...sorry, Eric...he even trumps you.

The only picture we got with the bride and groom and my mom's eyes are closed! Thank goodness they had a real photographer...though, I think Eric did a pretty good job.

Me and the cutest ring bearer, EVER!

The entire day he kept making this face that we dubbed, "scared face!" Every time someone said it, he would do this face.

Me and my brother right before the wedding.

A montage of the wedding day.

A Chiu family shot

This is an action shot of me and Max walking down the isle...
That's right, Max is actually high fiving my uncle Francis as he walks down the isle. You gotta love that kid!

Peter, getting all chocked up during the ceremony.

The kiss...and now, my big brother is a married man! It really reminds you how much you love someone when just seeing them happy makes you feel so much happiness, too!

A visit to Lander to meet Grady

2010-06-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

We tried to get all artistic with pictures...this is one of my favorites...

...I made Max get in the same basket...I can't believe how big he's gotten. He still seems like a teeny, tiny baby to me...craziest of all...next month he goes to nursery...oh the trepidation (on my part, of course).

Max's face is priceless...he was so excited to have caught the ball on his own.

That's right, we're each wearing 'Pee-Pee tepees' on our head. I'd never heard of these until Julie told me about them.

Beautiful little Grady.

Julie was there being the super helper and made the best burgers, EVER.

The proud papas

Happy Fathers' Day

2010-06-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Ezra Taft Benson said, "...a father’s calling is eternal, and its importance transcends time. It is a calling for both time and eternity."

Howard W. Hunter said, "Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children you love them."Eric is more than I could ever hope for in a father for our children. Thanks, for being all that you are: funny, attentive, loving, kind, patient, witty and so much more. Max looks up to you, already, in more ways than you can imagine.

Since they were having a fight a week before our anniversary in Salt Lake, I knew they would be the perfect gift for Fathers' Day. Since my brother got married the Friday before, it was wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family. I love you, Dad!

Bear River Fest

2010-06-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

We went to the Bear River Fest...truth be told, it was a pretty miserable day...I had a fever and the weather was unbelievably cold and we were all unprepared for the cold...especially me and Carli! Though we were only there for about an hour, we made the best of it...Max in his little life vest...so cute!

Right before we went on...this was the only sunshine of the day...Hanky wanted to go on the paddle boats, but the rest of the day was too cold.

It was pretty fun...except for the water at the bottom of the seats which soaked our bums! It was worth it for the picture.

Only YOU can prevent forest fires!

Everyone got their faces painted.The woman doing the face paintings said that Eric was the only adult of the day...little does she know, Eric's no adult!