Christmas at Ma Wheeze's

We sure had a good Christmas. Christmas Eve and morning with my grandma, then Christmas day with Ryan's family. I think we may spread the festivities out a bit more next year, though. When we got home to our house to open presents from Mommy and Daddy, we were tired and on present overload. I think little children are easily pleased and would be happy with just one or two things. Juli sure had fun though, and can't wait for next year. Ryan heard her playing with her barbie Belle, and saying "Yes Santa Clause, I will marry you. Yes, Yes, YES!" Guess Belle wants an in on presents.

Big and little sister. Juli loves her new baby (sometimes too much)! Reagan loves her older sister too.
I love to watch her sleep, and wonder what she is dreaming. Hopefully something wonderful.
My brother Daniel and one of his companions. This is where they do baptisms. He has grown so much in spirit, though in pounds he is shrinking! Hopefully we can put some meat on his bones when he comes home in less than one year. My family met a beloved bishop from one of Dan's areas, and he is such a caring person. It was fun to see a piece of that country, and it made us feel closer to Daniel. I am learning so much from him being on a mission. I can only imagine what he is learning. Way to go little brother.
Photo shoot! Amanda took lots of pictures of my sweet girls with her new camera. It always helps to have such cute subjects to photograph. Thanks Amanda. Juli can not get enough of the pictures.
Here is Julianna in her fully loaded cheerleading outfit sewn by Grandma Suzanne. Amy was kind enough to let her borrow the pom-poms. Julianna loves going to the games, but perhaps knows about as much as Mommy about the game, because at the games she often asks, "Why those guys running on the grass?" I think her voice can be heard above the crowd, cheering her team on.

Stories of a Three-Year-Old

Right now, Julianna is rocking in the rocking chair singing Rock a Bye Baby. I am feeding the baby, and the entertainment is nice. Juli comes up with some great tales. The one she is telling now involves a birthday. "She turns fifty-years-old today." "Who?" I ask. The reply, "my cow." Here is some background in case you are confused. Julianna's cow is a stuffed animal given to her by her Great Oma when Reagan was born. She has latched onto it, and loves it. The story continues; "my cow is fat I not fat, I'm skinny."

Smile or Gas?

The other day, I had a discussion with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law about whether or not infants can smile. The idea in the medical community is that infants only smile with gas. Well just a few seconds ago as I was holding my beautiful newborn baby girl, she not only gave me the biggest smile I had seen from her so far, but she actually laughed. All I can say if the professionals are right, that must have been some gas!!!

Summer Carnival

Face painting was free at the carnival. The face painter was so good with the kids. It was so hot, that the paint melted off Juli's face. She was distressed the next morning when the butterfly was gone from her face.

Julianna was not so sure about going into the firetruck. Laura, however was game. Also a grown man eagerly jumped on up, and asked if he could borrow a helmet for his picture. His wife asked us if we could move out of the shot, so she could get the best picture.

Above is a picture of a dog, according to Jubean. She kept insisting it was not a kangaroo, but was a dog. He seemed very thirsty, so we gave him some water from a cup. Julianna eventually came around, and said "He not a dog, he a kangaroo!"
I sometimes wish I was a kid again, for all of the fun things that they get to do. This is one of them for sure. Wouldn't you just love to ride a miniature pony?
Juli sure cried when it was the other kids turn to ride. She got over it though, when she rode the pony two more times though. Laura and my dad also got to come. We love you, family.

Unexpected Bonuses

Coloring is a wonderful thing. It can keep a three year old occupied for several minutes to longer even. Also, Julianna is a kid who fights sleep at times, so it is nice when she finally succumbs to her extreme tiredness. I think we are entering the last of nap times, however, for which I am sad!

Manti Pageant (June 2010)

This year we went to the Manti Pageant for the first time with Julianna. A good time was had by all. Juli got a twig in her hair when riding on Daddy's shoulders under the pine trees on the temple grounds, and did not notice it for awhile. I just had to snap a photo! A not so good photo of us, but one where we are all together. At least one of us has their eyes open!
All of the temples are so pretty. It is fun to look up at the wonder of it all. Luckily there were a lot less protesters than I have seen in years past. They are just disruptive. Two of us stayed up for the whole thing; Julianna and Ryan. It does go pretty late too. She kept asking where Moroni/Joseph Smith/Jesus had gone if they were not in that particular scene.
With Ryan being an avid outdoorsman, one of his favorite things is to go fishin'. (The "g" sound at the end is not necessary to say.) We caught only one fish, but it was still fun, and Mommy got to work on her Suduko skills. Being in nature without all of the distractions can help to get perspective on life. It reminds one what is important.
Someone before had dug out these nice holes perfect for setting chairs in. It helps so that your chair is not leaning towards the lake. This was our second spot, and much more comfortable being level.
We finished our evening with the famous Manti Marinated turkey dinner, and walking around the area around the temple (the temple hill is steeper than I remember by the way). All in all a great vacation.