The Hunter Family

2012-02-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Day out at the indoor mall park, the kids sure do love this place Andrew and Quinn stopping off for a snack
Hailey

Austin

I love being a stay at home mom, wouldn't want to miss any of this. Feeling super blessed

Out with the old and in with the new

2012-02-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

Our old Sienna (the white one to the right) was having some trouble and showing its age so we thought it was a good time to trade her in for this "black beauty" (Jonathan that was for you) I love that this van seats 8 and I can fit 3 car seats in the middle row. So now Austin, Hailey (the 3 year old I watch) and Andrew can sit together without me having to climb in the back to buckle and unbuckle every time. People this is life changing!!!

While Austin was away

2012-02-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Andrew had a field day with all of his toys!
Actually Austin was in the bathroom and was excited to see Andrew on the train, its so neat to see them FINALLY sharing

The sun is out and so are we!

2012-02-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

We went for a walk and ended up at our neighborhood park. Austin was so excited to be outside again! All smiles

Can't wait for the spring and summer, we are going to have so much fun with these two!

I love my boys

2012-02-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

They bring so much happiness to our lives. I can't imagine life without them.

All Aboard!

2012-02-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” - Albert Einstein

Every Child is an Artist - Pablo Picasso

2012-02-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

Austin's snakes (he even makes snake sounds when drawing them, so cute!)
Circles

Portrait of Mommy

Sunday Best

2012-01-30T16:41:00.000-08:00

Aren't my boys so handsome in the ties that their Oma made them? Thank you mom, they're perfect!
(side note - church is at 9:30 hence the no make-up on which is applied on the car ride to church)

Andrew proofing the house

2012-01-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

What happens when you potty train a toddler?

2012-01-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

You go through several roles of toilet paper that double as binoculars

Crazy Hair Day

2012-01-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

What do we do on a rainy day?

2012-01-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

Rain Rain go away, come back...never :-)so since we are inside all day, what better to pass the time then jumping off the couch!
these 2 caught some serious air

Andrew trying to get in on the action

rather than having him get hurt I put him on his truck, who knew he would be so upset sitting on his truck. Poor baby

It snowed so much...our power went out

2012-01-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing will humble you more than having your electricity taken away! What a wake up call and good trial run for our family. We weren't prepared but you better believe we won't be in that position again! We were with out power for a day and a half. Which wouldn't have been so bad but I am not super confident driving in the snow (California girl) so we stayed home. Here are some pictures of our adventures.

Preserving the important stuff

our only heat source in the house and protecting it from Austin and Andrew
keeping the chubs warm

This one too

We were caught at the end of our cycle so we needed to go grocery shopping but couldn't leave...no food. But pizza showed up at the door step, my sister ordered pizza for us (my phone wasn't working so I couldn't call myself)

all in all we survived. It made me think of my Mormon pioneer ancestors and what they must have gone through trekking in the snow with their children. Wow. Super grateful for all they have done.

Generator has been purchased and food that doesn't need to be cooked will be bought (we have an electric stove). We will be prepared next time. But I am glad that we have a good network through our church and good friends who checked up and helped one another.

Snow Time Videos

2012-01-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

It snowed some more

2012-01-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

So we "tried" to make a snowman

In my defense I grew up in Southern California where snow doesn't exit so this was a good as it got! Austin was super excited about it so that made me happy and I didn't feel like I was a total failure.

Luckily Gideon and Elliott (young men from our ward) came over and showed us how to make a proper snowman. Austin was so excited to have them over.
Look mom a snowman

Good Job!

Snow!!!

2012-01-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

It snowed! So let's get the snow suit on and play in the snow mom!Jumping on the trampoline and eating snow
Loving being outside

Andrew loves watching Austin. He adores his big brother SO much

It Snowed

2012-01-14T17:05:00.001-08:00

Bath Time

2012-01-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

On Firday nights we throw the kiddos into the tub a little early and have a family movie night. They love taking bathes together. Austin, showing Andrew how to work all of the toys
my sweet buddy

and baba time. Don't you love Andrew's curly hair?

When you go to Costco...

2012-01-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

you come home with some pretty big boxes that turn into pretend cars and trains.
(no babies were hurt during this photo shoot, although Andrew wasn't exactly thrilled being in the box)

I love this boy...Austin

2012-01-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

My sweet buddy. I love you. I love how much energy you have, your ever growing vocabulary, your love of all things trains, your enthusiasm for everything, your sweet hugs and even sweeter kisses. You brighten up my day with your curiosity, imagination and silliness. I love the quite moments when we read books and pretend to nap. I love even more running around with you, bouncing the balloon, blowing bubbles, drawing, building tunnels, going on advantures and tickling daddy. I love that you like things out of the ordinary, you love the color orange, the letter "Q" and while others might like Buzz Lights year and Woody...your favorite character is Zurg! You have brought so much happiness to our lives and I can't imagine life without you.

No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all. you're the only one who klnows what my heart sounds like from the inside.

I love... this baby

2012-01-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

To my sweet little baby I love you. Although you were only with us a short time you have taught me more than you'll ever know. You have taught me that I am stronger than I thought. You taught me how precious life is. You have taught me how important it is to be faithful in the gospel because the end result is families can be together forever. I have learned that although I didn't get a chance to raise you in this life that I do get to raise you in the next, because I am your mommy and you are mine. You have taught me in the depths of my sorrows to be thankful for the blessings that are so great around me and pick my self up and live in the moment because I won't know what tomorrow will bring. I love you little one and I can't wait to meet you some day.

No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside.

I love this boy...Andrew

2012-01-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

My sweet little baby who is growing up all to fast. I love you. I love your laugh, wrinkle nose smile, how upset you get when I leave a room, how happy you get when I come into a room, the way you look at your brother and adore so much, I love how your butt wiggles when you crawl, how you love your baba's so, how you love to sit and look out our back window and how much you love us and want to bite us all at the same time. You have brought so much happiness to our lives and I can't imagine life without you.

No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside.

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

Austin woke up saying "scary night mama", referring to the fireworks that are legal in Washington. So he rang in the New Year with us and we all played Rock Band.

Happy New Years!

2011 has been another amazing year for our family. It is our first whole year in our house and we love living here. Although our family isn't without its hardships, we loves me Oma (90 years young) who will be greatly missed. But we also welcomed a new baby into our family and we couldn't be more thrilled. Andrew is such an awesome baby. He always has such sweet smiles and is happy as long as he has slept and ate.

This year I decided that I am NOT going to make resolutions this year, but rather some life style changes (probably the same thing just some fancy words but it makes me feel like I can obtain it).

1. be a better mother (more loving, kind, patient, creative, give lots of kisses and hugs)

2. be a better wife (same as above)

3. be more active (yay! got an elliptical for Christmas so no more excuses)

4. find ways to be more kind and serve others with no recognition, just because

Seems pretty obtainable (I hope), just in general I want to be a better person but I am not perfect but at least I am trying.

Clean up

2012-01-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Austin and Andrew are helping mama clean up for a fresh start to the new year!

Christmas

2011-12-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

Presents are wrapped, just waiting for Austin to wake up. (didn't wake up until 9:30!) Austin's big gift
his play house (thanks mom for your help coloring)

Present time!

unwrapping he and Austin's gift from Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, they got a bounce house!

Austin is loving his new train!

getting ready for church

our day was going great until we were trying to make dinner and found that our oven wasn't working. So we ended up at McDonalds, but at least we were all together.

and I was sporting my new scarf, thanks mom!

After the kiddies went to bed we played Paul's new Rock Band

Merry Christmas!

Andrew's 9 month pictures

2011-12-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

Oma and Opa came to visit

2011-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

Yay Oma landed, we were so excited to see her! Before we came home we stopped at the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and to also meet Paul there.

We did so many things during their trip, here are a few pictures.

at the mall, Austin loves the train ride
Andrew and daddy

Austin made cookies with oma

And Andrew of bit by opa

such a happy baby

reading with oma ( a train book no less)

Opa and oma are so happy to be with their grandbabies

Opa feeding Andrew, he is such a hungry boy

We went to Spanaway to Fantasy Lights. Its a drive

(this picture is for you mom)

Tunnel!

At Cabelas, a sportsman's store

The kids loved looking at the displays

Austin and his oma, they always have so much fun together At Red Robin with Paul, Austin, Opa

Oma, Andrew and Momma

Andrew's after dinner snack

in their little play park

Someone stopped by to drop off some presents

2011-12-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

No more diapers!!!

2011-12-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

Look at this guy

2011-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

He has been doing this a lot lately!

oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

Paul takes much pride and satisfaction picking out our perfect tree. Mommy and Austin
Mommy and Andrew
(for you California people who follow our blog, yes in winter it gets cold, it was about 30 degrees)

Our beautiful tree

California Trip - Day 11 - our last day

2011-11-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

On our last day we made a mad dash for DISNEYLAND before our flight at 5:30. Boy do we miss that place and Austin had so much fun. We found Nemo!
It's a small world

Dumbo

Train ride

All tuckered out and ready to fly home to his cozy bed

We love California, especially the weather, family and friends. We will miss you, until next time!

California Trip - Day 10

2011-11-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

On our last full day we took Austin to central park, Paul loved playing here as a small child.

Austin had a lot of fun making holes and playing in the sand

Then we were off to Two Brothers for some of their famous pizza

Andrew stayed behind to be cuddled by his grandparents and take a nap

Later on that night we went out to dinner and boomers with my parents

my happy boy

Todd also met us there so he could meet Andrew and see how much Austin had grown since the last time they saw each other

Austin had so much fun on the rides and loved that there was never a line and he could go on the train as much as he wanted to.

California Trip - Day 9

2011-11-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

It was a warm 80 degrees in Southern California (what a difference from Washington's 40!) So we went for a walk to the park by my parents house. Andrew loves the swings, but not too high
Coming back with some fruit my dad, Paul and Austin got from a neighboring tree

That night while Paul and my dad went to the car show, My sister, mom and I took the kids to South Coast Plaza from some dinner and TRAINS!

California Trip - Day 8

2011-11-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

Friday - We met up with the Peterson Family with their annual lunch in at...well you guessed it In and Out (don't worry it was our last time for the rest of the trip). We were a little early so we tried some Black Friday shopping at Walmart. Sadly we didn't find anything but it was fun to watch all of the other people frantically shop for deals.Kali (Tanya's daughter) had a blast paling around with our kids
Being really silly with Austin
yup still sick, poor little guy

but after some down time we went to the mall to ride the carosauel and he was so excited. What a mom won't do for a smile.

California Trip - Day 7 - Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday - Thanksgiving Day

It was a nice sunny day in California. Although Austin was still sick we bundled up and went to the park (this kids got energy even when he is sick). We went to the park behind Star View School.

My mom and Austin on a space ship

going down the slide with mom, yahoo!
Then I picked up Paul from the airport and we headed to Tommy's for a "light" Thanksgiving day snack before we headed back to the house.

Austin was so happy to see his daddy

My sister came with her 2 dogs and the kids had so much fun playing with them

Oma, me, Andrew, Paul, Austin, Opa, Jessica and Matt

Austin being silly and giving kisses to Badger

This Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for, but I am most thankful for is:

My husband - who does ANYTHING to provide every need and want for our family without complaint

My Children - who challenge me most days but have given me more joy then I knew possible

The Gospel - that helps me to become a better person even though I am not perfect. but has given me a perfect example, my savior Jesus Christ. It has also shown me the way to have my family be with me forever (the ones that are with us now, and those ones we have lost in the past)

My Family - although the drive me nuts at times we do love each other and no one can love your kids like grandparents can.

California Trip - Day 6

2011-11-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

Wednesday - We started our day with cartoons because Austin still wasn't feeling well. But after a few hours we needed some fresh air! What better place then a mommy son date then In and Out! We had a great seat. He was close to the kitchen and loved looking in on all of the action.
After much needed naps Austin and I went to dinner with my good friend Monica to our favorite restaurant Don Jose. Andrew was at home being cuddled by his oma and opa.

Once the kids were off to bed I finally got to see Breaking Dawn with Monica, my sister and her fiance Matt.

Can't wait till next year to see the next and last movie. Bitter sweet.

California Trip - Day 5

2011-11-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Monday night Austin was running a fever, so Tuesday I took him to the doctors...double ear infection and a cold. (He was sick for the remainder of the trip)

Poor little guy watching Dumbo

Putting on a brave face for mommy

California Trip - Day 4

2011-11-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

On Monday my mom and I took the kids to the Aquarium in Long Beach. Austin loves fish, especially after discovering the movie Finding Nemo. I am sure this kid could have sat there for hours
He had no fear and was so excited to pet the sharks

mom on the other hand has a real fear of birds

The we stopped by my sister's work (Bubba Gumps) for my dads birthday lunch

That night we went to the mall to the let the kids play

Austin is obsessed with trains and was so excited to go on one at the mall.

Happy Birthday Opa!

California Trip - Day 3

2011-11-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday I took the kids to my old family ward (church) in Huntington Beach with the help of my friend Monica. Thanks to her we were able to go, otherwise its pretty hard to get two kids to sit still for an hour.

Before church, Andrew giving me my favorite crinkle nose smile

While the kids were napping I helped my sister shop for wedding dresses. The pictures below are the ones she did NOT like. But we were lucky enough to find the perfect one (to make its debut next October)

That night my dad had some of his friends come over to celebrate his birthday.

California Trip - Day 2

2011-11-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went to Mile Square Park, they have some pretty cool stuff to play on and Austin had so much fun.He tried everything at least once

Had at work going through the tunnel, he did this about a dozen times.

Andrew soaking up some vitamin D

Then after naps were headed over to In and Out, yummy!

Doesn't this kid have a great smile? Love it!

the cap to everyday, a nice warm bath :-) night night.

California Trip - Day 1

2011-11-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

I was a little nervous getting on the plane with these two by myself, but at you can see it was smooth flying thanks to the iPad and the drones of the planes...one was entertained and the other fast asleep. Arriving at Long Beach Airport. I love the saying on the side of the plane, JetBlue cracks me up!
We got to my parent's house and got settled. Andrew was having a hoot trying to take off Opa's ears.

Then my dad and I took Austin to the park, this kid loves parks!

We also were testing his strength, yup still has super human upper body strength.

Later on I had a few gal pals stop by. It was nice to see everyone.

We ended the night with playing the the sink.

First Hair Cut

2011-11-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

Before
After

My Handsome boy, but could you please stop growing up so fast.

Tacoma Children's Museum

2011-11-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

We piled in the car once again on our way to the Children's museum in Tacoma with Austin and Andrews gal pal Quinn. They all had a blast and the moms liked it because not only did the kids have fun but it was FREE too!

Quinn being cute

its a frustrating life for a little one learning to pull up on things and then falling, its all a part of learning
This is where Austin was for the 1 1/2 we were there (Dad you need to make this for Austin when you get here)

Thanks Rachel and Quinn for joining us, you guys made it that much more fun!

Look who pulled himself up!

2011-11-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Tunnel!

2011-11-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Paul and I tried our hand at block building and made Austin a tunnel for his trains. He was sooooooo excited!

Best Husband award goes to: Paul Hunter

2011-11-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Let's begin Saturday morning: We all wake up, play with the kids. Paul's begins to work in the garage and the kiddos and I play. After he comes home from lunch I am handed a card. A card? Its not my birthday or anniversary...a card just because. He got me a gift card to get a manicure and a pedicure just because. He is the sweetest isn't he! That's just the beginning.

After my wonderful pedicure and manicure we head over to Paul's work party. On our way home I start not to feel so good. From 11pm until 5am the next morning I was sick every half hour with food poisoning from the party. Neither one of us got much sleep that night. The next morning I was told to stay in bed all day while Paul took care of the kids (fed breakfast, changed diapers, played with, lunch, nap times, and dinner!). He also took care of me too, making me toast and making sure I had enough fluids.

If that wasn't enough then next day (Monday and feeling a ton better, but still weak) I come down stairs to this...

dishes done. dishwasher done. house cleaned. play room cleaned.

For those of you who know me this is no small task. Everything in our house especially the toy room everything has a specific place of where it is supposed to be put and my sweet husband did it all!

Paul Hunter: Husband of the Year

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Our little Cheese Burger and Pumpkin

Halloween 2011 at our first house my neighbor Pam, she gives king size candy bars. relaxing after a hard day of working for candy

Austin getting his Chocolate!

Old toys are NEW again

2011-10-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

We took out Austin's old toys the other day and it was like Christmas for this little boy who fell in love with his toys he once loved so much (Andrew liked them too)

Bath Time

2011-10-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

We tried bath time together and it worked out well. The boys had so much splashing each other and Austin was such a big helper washing out Andrew's hair.Can't get enough of those cheeks!
All Clean!!!

Out Door Fun

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hailey is the little girl that I watch for one of my neighbors. Her and Austin have become great friends. They love to place and be silly with one another. the other day they were playing outside and I hear screams of terror and the 2 of them yelling frog, frog!!! There was a little green frog on the trampoline
our new buddy, froggy!

When daddy and Andrew are gone Mommy and Austin will play

2011-10-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

Paul and Andrew went to California for the weekend. So it was just me and Austin partied like it was 2011!

After we dropped them off at the airport we headed to the mall for some fun at the bounce house.

and we went on the carousel

we picked the reindeer

then we went to lunch at Johnny Rockets. Austin picked a song for us to listen to while we waited for our lunch.

happy on a date with mom

we shared a shake (strawberry Oreo shake mmmm)

me and my boy sharing lunch

we also had fun at home, painting and playing around

We had a fun weekend just us two again. It was nice having some alone time together again but we are so excited to pick up Paul and Andrew tomorrow.

He's 2 and it shows

2011-10-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

A friend gave me advice for when our kids are in their 2's, take pictures and laugh lots. Well done and done.

What happens when you leave your camera out unsupervised?

2011-10-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

you get some cute shots of a curious and very adventurous toddler
Austin, he keeps us on our toes and we are loving every minute of it

Train Ride

2011-10-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Yes we go on the train a lot and yes our son is obsessed with trains but we love him and love to see him so happy! so focused can't even say cheese
we are on a bridge, daddy and Austin are looking at all of the things around them

Andrew is all tuckered out

Austin reliving the train ride

What a great day!

And a special thanks to the Walker family who bought the tickets from Groupon but they unfortunately couldn't make it and gave the tickets to us!

Spooner Farms

2011-10-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

I love where we live, within minutes we can be at a real farm and our kids can see how pumpkins grow and see farm animals. We went to Spooner farms and had Andrew dress up as a pumpkin.

Me and my sweet boys

Where are Austin and daddy?
Such a happy pumpkin

Daddy and his boy (yes this is Washington weather but at least we didn't get rained on)

Our sweet family

Austin insisted on wearing his rain boots and good thing he did because he saw those puddles and yelled JUMP!!!

We also said hello to our friend the Turkey, gobble gobble gobble!

They also had rubber duck races. We got wet but it was well worth all of the squeals of delight from Austin.

Happy 4th Anniversary to us!

2011-10-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

4 years ago he asked, I said yes! 4 years ago we married at the right place (San Diego LDS temple) to the right person, my sweet heart. 4 years ago we began an adventure together and it has been a busy one with many ups and some downs. Through it all we are the best of friends, partners and love each other very much. Happy Anniversary!

year 4 - Crystal Mountain Resort Restaurant

3 year anniversary (couldn't find an actual pic of us celebrating but here is one of us a month later 6 months pregnant with Andrew)
2nd anniversary - Lake Arrowhead Resort, Ca
1st anniversary - Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach, Ca.

Our wedding day - San Diego Temple

Brothers

2011-10-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Any time Austin does something around Andrew his face lights up. They make each other laugh which is contagious in our house. They have become fast friends and hopefully some day the best of friends.

The Dentist

2011-09-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

We went to our bi-annual check-up and passed with flying colors. Austin loves it there. They have a carousal, train table and a variety of games for them to plat with. Austin did a great job getting all 20 teeth cleaned
all pearly white!

Excuse the mess, art is being made

2011-09-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

We attempted stamping with different objects like bell peppers, toilet rolls and stamps. It sure was messy but lots of fun!

Austin's magic trick

2011-09-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

had a FAIRly good time

2011-09-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday we went to the fair as a family. My awesome neighbors got us in or free. Pam won us tickets and Kelly won us free parking, I know I say this all the time but my neighbors are awesome. We had fun sampling all of the different types of food
Austin loves corn

We also visited all of the animals

he loved petting the goats too

What a great family night out!

Yup he also likes to bounce

2011-09-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

He's a swinger baby, yay! (In the voice of Austin Power's)

2011-09-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

I think its safe to say someone enjoyed their first time on the swings

Hailey

2011-09-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hailey is the newest addition to our day. I watch her for my friend and neighbor during the day. She is a great addition to our day. Her and Austin have become fast friends. Not only is she a great helper but is a good example for Austin on how a "big kid" talks and acts. Since she has been here Austin has potty trained himself, his vocabulary has soared and enjoys having a buddy around to play with every day!

Just another day at the Hunter's

2011-09-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

My boys finishing their lunch

Finger Painting

2011-09-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

We were trying out our new finger paint. Although it wasn't as vibrant on paper he loved playing with his fingers in the paint.

"Look Mom!"
He loves painting

Finger Paint

2011-09-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Also tried my hand at home made finger paint put it into jars and added
food coloring and walla! Finger paint! haven't tried it yet but I will post

pictures soon of our artwork!

Play Doh Fun!!!!

2011-09-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

I was feeling kind of crafty and tried my hand at making homemade play-doh with the help of a utube video and an 8 year old showing me how to do it. I figured if she could, I could too! Not too shabby for my first time
Austin had so much fun playing. He kept saying dough, dough!

and the next day we invited of some friends to try it out. They all had so much fun.

They were so proud of all of their creations.

Here is Luke with his green snake

Austin making me something good to eat

Shelby and her yellow ball

Hailey making me steak

Cheap fun, gotta love it!

Neighbors

2011-09-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Not only have we moved into the best neighborhood, into the best house but we happened to move next to the best neighbor who has turned into an Auntie for my kids and one of my very best friends. We share, text, laugh and occassionally cry but through it all its nice to have a great mommy friend to go through it all with :-)

Video Cuteness

2011-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to get Andrew to practice crawling and since he loves eating we figured this would help give him some motivation to move

Austin is OBSESSED with trains!

Puyallup Fair

2011-09-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Rachel and her adorable daughter and my crew packed the car and braved the fair traffic on the "free" day at the fair. It was both of our first time there so we weren't sure what to expect but we knew we would have fun. Austin was in love with the ponies and kept making horse sounds
he was so gentle with the pony, petting it very softly

Austin: "mom I want one"

Mom: "ask your oma"

and he even got to see a big pig and her babies

It was a fun day at the fair especially since we had friends go with us. There was a lot to see and do there.

He is on the move people!!!

2011-09-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Wendesday Play Day

2011-09-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

We have started trying to get together with friends and neighbors on a regular basis so our kids and play together and we can chat. So we have been getting together every Wednesday at varies times and locations.

The kids have fun playing with their friends and love seeing each other.

My neighbor Pam playing with Andrew, Heidi and Rachel with her adorable little girl Quinn
Our kiddos
Luke, Shelby, Makayla, Hailey, Austin (no pictured Quinn, Andrew, Olivia and Zowie)

If your free on Wednesday morning/ afternoons come and join us!

On any given day

2011-09-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

my kids are creating playing
and learning

on any given day memories are being made.

I am so blessed to be a stay at home mom and be able to witness this on any given day.

Oma and Opa are here!

2011-09-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Oma and Opa are here! and as usual we did a lot of stuff!

As soon as they landed we put them to work! We bought a trampoline for the kids and my parent's helped put it together. Austin was so excited
went to the zoo and played with the animals

got ice cream

went to the park, many times!

got to go to the wadding pool

took many pictures

celebrated Oma's 36th birthday or was it her 63rd???

had floor time with Austin

he had so much fun making a tunnel from our legs

the park again, he loves parks!

enjoyed the hot summer days pool side and trying to get oma wet :-)

Opa went fishing and Austin was excited about his catch

we also went to our small airport, got dinner and watched the planes land

we went on a train ride

Austin loves trains! I mean LOVES trains!

having fun with opa and oma

fun family time

we went to dinner a few times

Opa went fishing again (he loved it)

We had a lot of fun as always with oma and opa.

Hurry back!!!

Austin"s Photo Shoot

2011-09-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

My good photographer friend Ann took Austin's 2 years pictures. She is great! She has a 2 year old also and gets how hard it is to capture a smiling 2 year old. She is awesome, patient and finds great places to capture the magic

She also captured a few of Andrew also. I love this kids smiling face!!! So cute!!!

For more information about our photographer:

http://www.lourdesannphotography.com

5 months old

2011-08-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

and already getting up on his knees and lunging forward! I am desperately trying to figure out how to stop or slow down time.

Look what daddy brought home

2011-08-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

One of Paul's customers at work had a spare tire that they no longer needed. So Paul brought it home (with the help of the work truck and 4 men rolling it into our backyard. Our very own monster tire to climb on and through! I am sure will create hours and hours of fun!

Poppa and Grandma Johnson are in town!

2011-08-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Dan and Debbie came into town and we were able to visit them for a couple of days before them went to Emily's house. We had a lot of fun playing at the park, making cookies and just hanging out!

Thanks for visiting, we miss you already!

Beach Day

2011-08-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Each weekend we take the time to try and explore a place we haven't been before. Today we found a beach. Although it was to cold to go all the way in Austin had a blast finding shells and throwing rocks!

Too much excitment for one day, someone is going to have a good nap.

Opa is on the radio!!!

2011-08-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

My dad recorded a song with his friend who has a band and he saved the song to my computer. Austin and I rediscovered it today and he was so excited he started dancing and recognized immediately that it was his opa! Opa is a super star!!!

2011-08-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Children will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, home happier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

I love my boys!

Summer time = splash parks

2011-08-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the Army Base's splash park with Rachel and Quinn again and Austin had a blast!

miss Quinn enjoying the water
3 friends enjoying some lunch

although Austin very much enjoyed the splash park he was more excited about watching the Black Hawks practice their landings and takeoffs!

Andrew...well doing what he does...sleep :-)

National Night Out

2011-08-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

Every year our association throws our neighborhood a block party with bounce houses and neighborhood vendors.

Austin loved the bounce houses He and his buddy Ethan were enjoying

Austin was super excited about watching the helicopter land and even more excited that he got to sit inside one!

our future pilot

me and my boys

we also got to explore a real fire truck

and then we got to ride the train home, what a great day!

Daddy Son Time

2011-07-30T15:21:00.001-07:00

We were so excited to hear that Cars 2 was coming out. We thought it would be a good opportunity for Austin to experience the movie theater for the first time. Paul was so excited to take him and have some daddy son time with Austin (Andrew and mommy went on an outing too and spent time together). Paul said Austin did awesome. He was a little concerned about the surround sound but was so excited by all the cars, trains and planes!
He insisted on staying for the credits

Movie date was a success!

Look what Austin found

2011-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Daddy's socks!

Shiny and New

2011-07-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

When we bought our home last we feel in love with it...well everything except the color of it.

Before

This summer we had it painted. I feel like we have a brand new house. We love it, inside and out!

After

Lots of Laughs

2011-07-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Lots of Love

2011-07-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Let's just say when Oma is in town, there is a lot of love that goes around. Good thing she is coming back in 2 weeks.

Visitors!

2011-07-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Last week my Aunt Patty, Uncle Richard and my 3 cousins (Jeff, Marcella and Sarah) flew in from the Netherlands. And after their long flight they got in the car (in California) and drove to Washington to visit us (my mom also hitched a ride).

We had so much fun with them that we wanted to share a few pictures from their trip with you.

Jeff and Andrew

All of us out for a family walk after dinner
Jeff and Sarah showing Austin a game

Downtown Washington, Pugent Sound
(L to R) Paul, me, Jeff, Sarah, Aunt Patty, Marcella and Uncle Richard

Stopped for lunch at the famous Crab Pot

And then off to the space needle!

Yup we are both afraid of heights but we made it through

After a wonderful dinner made by my mom we went for another walk

The next day i spent it with my mom and the rest of the gang and Paul went up a gondola ride up Mount Rainer

Thank you so much for coming and taking my mom with you (her photos and visit to follow). The kids had so much fun with you guys.

Hurry back soon!!!

Baby's First Cereal

2011-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

I don't think there was really any question, but Andrew loves food (well his rice cereal anyway)!
Wearing the perfect shirt for the occasion "I am a Don Jose Baby"
(Thanks Tanya for the shirt)

Adoration

2011-07-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Andrew already looks up to his big brother. He watches everything he does and squeals with laughter every time Austin tickles him or gives him kisses.

Hair cuts are fun!

2011-07-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

When you get to ride a plane! Austin's hair grows so fast so again we land in the plane at Totally Awesome Hair Cuts for Kids
Andrew just hanging out

Austin watching Thomas the Train (he loves trains)

all done and so handsome!

Mall time fun

2011-07-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Truck! Austin loves to go "beep beep!" Boat, Boat, Boat!

*Andrew chilln' in the background, sleeping as usual
holding on for safety

Well here in Washington it still rains in the summer so we have to get creative with some activities so that we aren't home all day. The boys had fun even though it was at the mall.

4 months old

2011-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Our "little" boy is 4 months old. I know I keep on saying this but time flies by so fast!

I love this picture because it captures the intensity of which he sucks his hands

Andrew's updates:

- his eyes are still a light hazel/ green

- squeals and laughs

- Austin gives daily kisses and hugs to his little brother

- Andrew can roll from back to tummy but gets made when he is on his tummy

- finds that his fingers make a great snack

- is still so sweet and silly

NKOTBSB

2011-07-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to see New Kids on the Block in concert, Friday the dream came true. Thank you Kelly!!!

My neighbor Kelly is a radio winning junkie :-) and she wins stuff all the time. She even won 4 tickets to New Kids on the Block and Back Street Boys and invited me, Heidi and our other neighbor Pam to go with her.

Getting ready for the concert to start

Heidi, me, Pam and Kelly

Heidi and me (giddy little girls)
Me, Pam and Kelly (the best neighbors in the world)

Back Street Boys

NKOTB

Splash Parks are fun!!!

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

Our friend Rachel invited us on to the military base to come play in the splash park with them. We had so much fun and what a great way to cool off from the summer heat/ Andrew just hanging out, he just ate so he needed to wait 30 minutes before going in the water lol
Rachel and her daughter Quinn

Austin was so excited and happy running all over the place

What a fun day!

Thanks Rachel and Quinn

Daddy's home

2011-07-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

We are all excited when the garage opens and daddy comes threw the door!

4th of July

2011-07-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July - which the start of summer in Washington, so on go the shorts, sandals and inflate Austin's pool!

We bought a few fireworks this year. We tried to find ones that Austin could participate in so we got pop rocks. They are rocks that when you throw them on the ground they make a loud popping sound, Austin thought it was really cool!

My friend Rachel and her daughter Quinn joined in the festivities
time for sparklers!

Austin loved it until...

he got a little too close and the embers fell on his foot

evidence that mommy was there too

since the sparkler incident Austin was keep a safe distance from the fireworks

I think that was far enough, his whale will keep him safe

We had a great fourth of July. We even let Austin stay up late and we all watched fireworks from our bedroom window.

I also like this holiday because it helps me to reflect how lucky we are to live in America and enjoy the freedoms we have.