Dallas & Candice Family

January

2012-01-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

January's always go by a little slower than other months and there aren't usually too many fun activities going on them so here is a catch up of January.

Princess Kenzley. I got her to try on one of her dress ups she wasn't happy about it but did like wearing it once it was on.
The kids love Aunt Stacy and it's been fun having her come up and visiting alot!
We turned Kenzley's crib into a big girl bed. I think I had the hardest time with it out of anyone in the family. I cried over it. I think it is so sad that we don't have a baby crib in our house anymore and that we only have big kid beds. Hopefully some day soon I can changes Dallas' mind and we can turn it back into a crib.

Cohen tucking Kenzley into bed, and Kenz changing her mind that maybe she doesn't want to sleep there.

She actually did really good. We probably slept with her the first 3 or 4 nights till she fell asleep and she would come out every now and then but now she does really good. It even seems like she sleeps better in it. I think her favorite part is that she can get out of bed all by her self now.
All the neighborhood boys came over to our house and knocked on our door to ask if they could come race cars with us. I thought it was adorable that these boys like hanging out with Dallas and Cohen. So we took them over to the field and had fun driving their cars around.

I finally was able to take Cohen bowling for the first time with his cousins. He seemed to have alot of fun with it and especially being with his cousins. The ball sure was heavy for him. Kenzley slept half the time but than she woke up and decided she wanted to play with Grandma a couple of times. Now one day I just need to go with Dallas since we have never been together!
Cohen and Oakley.
Oakley and Dakota wanted to both teach Cohen how to bowl.
I love how sweet these two are to him.
Kenz bowling with Grandma.

This night we had a small get together for my birthday. We played games, the boys played xbox and the girls talked and then we had some yummy cake. It was a perfect day! These two boys are so cute together they both have dirtbikes and love to go with eachother and now they both love to play motorcross on the xbox.
Is it sad that it took 5 boys to light all my candles. Man I must be getting super old!

I love this picture of the two boys helping me blow out the candles.
All I asked for my birthday was this delicious dessert from Olive Garden. I absolutely loved it so I wanted a big cake of it and it was yummy!
Happy Birthday to me!
Cohen and Kenzley relaxing in their bath tub.
The boys took their trucks out to the sand dunes and me and Kenz tagged along since it was such a nice day out. They loved driving them around and also loved running around enjoying the sun. It was such nice weather especially for being January. It felt like it was March.

Kenlzey has even more friends that she sleeps with now. Here are Two Buzzes, Woody, Jesse, Bulls eye and Minnie Mouse. Every time you tuck her in she asks for each and every single one. It is pretty funny.

Christmas

2011-12-28T12:27:00.001-08:00

What a weekend it has been. Good and bad. We ended Dallas' birthday thursday night with a bang but the next morning Kenzley still was running a fever and not feeling good. I finally decided this was enough so I got her into the doctors that morning. When I took her I didn't even think she had felt that warm compared to other days and at the doctors office her temperature was 102.4 so I don't even want to know what it could have been at home. I swear our thermometers are not accurate. It turned out she had strep throat and they gave us a prescription. I'm glad I finally got her in and that we could get some medicine to help her feel better. We came home got her medicine and decided that me and Cohen would go to the annual Vincent party without Kenzley and Dad. I was sure bummed that they couldn't go but she was so lathargic there was no way she could and she was still contagious. We got to the party and the kids played red light green light and ran around and played with eachother. We had a great program and then the kids got to meet Santa Claus.The boys played a shepherd and the girls were the angels in the christmas story.
Cohen opening his white elephant present he was so excited.

Santa Claus came! Cohen ran up to him because he had to tell him that his sister was being good but she couldn't be here because she was sick. He was so cute he kept following him around until he could tell him that. What a good big brother.
Telling Santa what he wants for christmas
The treats Santa gave Cohen and Kenzley.
Cousins
Then we went and did the gift exchange with my family.
Cohen loves Bolt! He always talks about how he wants a dog just like Bolt!

Christmas Eve Kenzley was feeling a little bit better. She still slept alot but we were able to go up to my grandparents house to have a christmas eve party. My dad and step mom flew in from Kentucky so it was so nice to be able to celebrate some Christmas with them since we haven't been able to in years due to them living so far. We had a nice dinner and did some more gift exchange.
The kids looking at the christmas village. Aren't they so cute!

My family!
Kenzley got her present and would not let go she kept hugging it and wanted to open it so badly but she needed to wait her turn!
Cohen being a big helper and passing out presents.

Cohen taking lots and lots of pictures of everyone! He does a pretty good job though!
I got a dvd of my great grandparents. I think that is such a cool present to have on DVD interviews with your ancestors. It's always good to know where you came from and who your heritage is and how they lived. What a priceless present, thank you Grandma.

We had such a great time getting together with my family!
On the way home Cohen was looking everywhere for Santa's sleigh and Rudolph. He even thinks he might of saw Rudolphs red nose!
As soon as we got home Cohen ran inside and picked out his jammies. I said but we can open one present and of course they were jammies but he didn't care he said he would wear them tomorrow night but that he needed to get his jammies on and get in bed.
We hurried and got Santa's cookies and milk and also carrots for all of the reindeer!
Now we are ready for Santa to come!

Santa came and spoiled us all rotten!
Cohen reading the thank you note from Santa and seeing that he ate his treats and drank his milk

Poor Kenzley was still not feeling good. In fact that night we were up multiple times with her because she threw up twice so we had to wash jammies and sheets. Then the second time she got her blanket and she will only sleep with that blankets so she ended up sleeping with us the rest of the morning. I felt so bad for her it was an awful night for all of us. Even Cohen woke up once and came and crawled in bed with us for a little bit. Finally they all woke up at 8 am and we got to go see that Santa had come.
I got my card for my camera so it will hold more pictures because we all know I love to take pictures!
Kenzley and her Minnie plates.

Poor Kenzley wouldn't even open up very many presents we ended up opening most of them for her. It was such a rough morning for her!
Cohen and his roller blades. He was so excited when he got that because it was on his list so he just knew that he would get the rest of what was on his list after that.
And here it is the long awaited gift that is all that he has been able to talk about and no one could understand it because he would say it so fast. His remote control gas powered racing truck. You say that 5 times fast it's a tounge twister. He was so excited and even more excited when his dad got one too!

Cohen giving his daddy loves because he was so happy!
Cohen was so funny he opened this present and it was a controller to an Xbox. We asked him what it was for and he said the XBox and we said you don't have one and he goes but I am going to get one for my birthday. I thought it was so cute because he wouldn't ask for it for Christmas because of the other stuff he asked for so he thought to himself he would get it for his birthday in 6 months. I also thought it was cute that he didn't mind that he got the controller so early! There is a video of all this too because I get so carried away so you can see most of the conversation that took place! What a funny smart kid!
Poor Kenz.
Loving his cars pillow pet!
Kenzley got a big girl bed for Christmas now we just have to turn her crib into a big girl bed! I am having a hard time with losing the crib because we need a baby to go in the crib not turn it into a big bed but hopefully I can convince Dallas one day! I love that the kids are holding hands in this picture! So sweet!

Ever year I try so hard to surprise Dallas with something and every year I fail. Either he sneakily finds out or I am awful at keeping secrets and get too excited and tell him what it is. This year I was trying to cover my tracks but I forgot to close my gmail one time and he saw a secret santa and also Rocky Mountain in my email so he knew! Dang it but I'm still glad he got it. He has been wanting a GoPro forever but just hasn't wanted to spend that money but when it comes to Christmas I say go for it(which he doesn't love so luckily I also had some of Santa's helpers help me) However he loves it and is so excited to use it! Oh for those of you that don't know what a GoPro is, it's a little camera that you can either hook on to your helmet while you ride or we could hook it on to the razor or even his remote control truck and it takes video.
Kenzley not feeling good so she walked away from us all and went in and laid on her new bed!
Cohen giving dad more loves because he is so excited and thankful! I love what a grateful kid he is for everything that he gets!
Kenzley finally perking up playing with Cohen's track and cars.

One of the one and only presents that she opened that morning.

The Stash from the day!

Taking a break from all the excitement.
The kids playing xbox.
Mom and Kenzley having a tea party!
I love this girl!

Cohen singing songs in a microphone!
Daddy of course had to play the xbox too!

Kenzley was so funny. She wouldn't eat much so we would always try and get her to at least eat a roll. Here she is eating the roll while she is sleeping. Funny girl.
Love my boy!
And love both my boys!
My sweet little sick girl!

Cohen trying out his rollerblades. He told us he needs to learn and lots of practice.

The kids playing the dance game. Again there is a video of this too!

Christmas day was such a nice relaxing day! We woke up did all the presents and Dallas' sister and kids and his mom came down to visit. Then later on my dad and step mom came down to see what the kids got and also my mom came down. It's so much more enjoyable when we are not driving all around Utah visiting all the different grandparents and we are able to stay home and let the kids play with all of their new toys and relax. So thanks to everyone that drove down we appreciate it!
Cohen out driving his remote control racing truck!

We had an amazing Christmas and once again were spoiled by Santa Claus. We have just loved seeing all of the holiday excitment with having kids and am so grateful that we can do all of this! Hope everyone else was able to have a great christmas too!

Minute to Win It Birthday Party!

2011-12-22T22:42:00.001-08:00

What a day! We started off getting Dallas' birthday cake and then we decided to head up to the mall to see Santa Claus since we haven't seem him yet this year. Better tell him what the kids want before Christmas. The kids loved it and ran right up to him and gave him a hug and told him what they wanted. Afterwards we came home and began to get ready for Dallas' birthday. Last year some friends in our ward had a minute to win it party and ever since then I have wanted to do it as well because it was a blast. So a couple of days I thought this would be the perfect time. I got lots of games to play and got all the supplies ready. We had some friends come over and ate goodies and away we went with the party games! Kenzley still wasn't feeling amazing though so that was sad. This is a picture of them getting a quick nap before people started arriving.
We started off with chocolate unicorn.

Here is Cohen doing the noodle game. He was so cute he would try almost all of the games after we did.
Devin and Cassidy tearing it up with the tissue boxes.

Dallas and Marty doing the back flip with the pencils.
Devin and Josh doing cookie face. There is a video of this one.
Candice doing the balancing the dice.
Teressa and Cassidy dizzy mummy.
Cohen got a blue mouth from the popsicle stick!
Ben and Dallas going the distance

Devin shaking his booty and getting a work out!
Candice shaking her booty and I killed it I might add!
Ben celebrating because he got the quarter in the fork.

Rebound
Stacking pop cans

Balancing game

Yes I am that good. No one though I could do it and I sure did and no one else dared tried!
Happy 31st Birthday Dallas! We love you so very much and I am so glad you are my husband and the father of my kiddos! Here's to many many more years! Love you babe!
Enjoy the videos from the night of festivities!

Temple Square and more

2011-12-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here is my cute little family eating lunch in their new clubhouse. We helped Dallas' sister move a few weekends ago and she wasn't going to take this playground to her new house so we are lucky enough to have it! Me and the kids were thrilled I have been wanting one for them for years but never got it. They have loved it. Even though it isn't all put together they still will go out there and play in it in the freezing cold weather. I also think there will be lots of lunches out there now too! Cohen thought that was such a fun thing! I can thank Stacy enough for letting us have it!
This is after church. Kenzley comes home and passes out. She didn't even make it to her bed and this was within 10 minutes of being home from church. I guess I wear her out in Nursery. This I think will be my last week in Nursery and then who knows what my next adventure will be. I have loved Nursery alot but have done it for a long time so it will be exciting to switch it up a bit! It will be interesting to see if Kenz does ok without me though.
The other night Dallas' friend Ben invited us to go up to Temple Square with them and I jumped at the offer. Dallas doesn't love to drive all the way up there and freeze our butts off in a huge crowd but it's one of those things you just do for Christmas. The weather really wasn't that bad at all. We had a great time. While we were there we went and saw the Christus and and showed the nail prints on Jesus' feet and hands. Ever since then Kenzley asks everyday to go back to the temple and touch Jesus' feet. She is always talking about his hands and feet and how she wants a hug from him. I think that is so sweet!

For our anniversary Dallas took me to the Circue de la symphonie. It was a great night! We dropped the kiddos off at Jaymies house for the night and headed up to go to the Cheesecake Factory. We were worrying about time because we didn't have time for the 55 minute wait that they had. Luckily within 3 minutes I grabbed a hightop table in the bar which was perfect we were out of there within an hour! How lucky were we! And the dinner was superb as always. Then we headed up to Salt Lake to find parking. After looking for a few minutes we found parking and headed to Abravanal Hall. We got in there and both were laughing because the majority of people there were older people. There was seriously one other younger couple. I thought it was funny. Then the show started and of course the symphony sounds amazing but they brought out all these acts. Juggling, Ribbon dancing, strongmen, contortionist, the hoop dancer. They were all amazing and I mean amazing. I had so much fun it was nice to dress up and go out for an evening instead of getting dirty and gross at the sand dunes! I forget how much I love to go to those type of shows! We headed home and rented a movie to watch and hung out and best part we could sleep through the whole night without hearing any whimpering or kids talking in their sleep or hearing them get up to go potty and we got to sleep in. It sure made me realize how much my life has changed since having kids. We didn't get too much time to ourselves before having kids so it was nice to have one night where it was all about me and Dallas! The next morning we went and got Kenzley because the day before she started running a fever and it kept getting worse. Dallas went and picked her up and brought her home and she seriously slept on the couch and watched movies all day. I felt so bad for her she was so lifeless today which is so not like her. She finally perked up tonight but it was a long day for her! Poor thing. Cohen stayed with Grandma all day and had a blast with her. However I did miss him! I love having time alone but I sure do worry about my kids the whole time and miss them. It's amazing how much you can love them! What a great week it's been! Now for Dallas' birthday next week and Christmas!

Kenzley's 2nd Birthday

2011-12-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my baby girl is 2 years old! I have been having such a hard time with my baby growing up! I wish they both could stay little forever! I have absolutely loved having my little girl and even with all of her spunk and personality she is so much fun. She talks so much and says the funniest things. She gives the funniest looks and also the best hugs and kisses. Kenzley has been a joy to have. I decorated the house with all Minnie Mouse stuff so when she first woke up she thought it was Minnie Mouse's birthday so I had to keep saying no it's Kenzley's birthday. We got ready and went and got her birthday balloons and then we went out to lunch with Uncle Cory. He was in town for work so we did lunch since him and his family were unable to come to the party that night. We ate at San Francisco's Sour Dough pizza and had fun. Right afterwards Cohen had a field trip to a candy story right next door so we walked over there. They were able to make snowmen out of marshmellows and chocolate. They had alot of fun doing so. Kenzley was trying to eat the candy the whole time.
As soon as we got the snowmen made they said you could eat your snowman but then Kenzley wouldn't eat him!
Cohen having no problem eating his snowman!

Then we went and picked up her birthday cake and came home and took a nap before the party! We had some family and friends come over to celebrate Kenzley's birthday that night and we ate some potato soup and taco soup. It was fun getting together with everyone. Here Kenzley is playing with her cousin Jackson.
The gang eating their dinner.
Cohen and CJ having a balloon fight.

Kenzley opening up her presents she could not figure out what this feather boa was and did not like having it around her neck. It was so funny.

She loved the Minnie Mouse card where Minnie say happy birthday to her. She has been carrying it around for a couple of days showing everyone.

Playing with her new toys.

She Loves her toy story figurines they literally have gone everywhere we go! All of them!

Thank you so much to everyone that came that night we really appreciate it! She loves you all very much! And she is also a very loved little girl!
The next day Grandma Jackman and her cousins Tristyn and Brooklyn came down to wish Kenzley a happy birthday.

She got a Minnie Mouse back pack and was so excited. She put it on and immediately went to daddy and said come on preschool. She loves picking Cohen up from preschool. I have to put her down for her nap before I drop him off because if she comes with me she crys and crys that she doesn't get to stay. So she thought the back pack was pretty cool and is ready to go to preschool with her big brother.

She also got a Minnie Mouse bow boutique. She took all the bows out and put all of her friends in there to give them a ride. Funny girl!
Here Cohen is showing his grandma and cousins his video from Santa Claus he is still very excited about it!

Busy Christmas time

2011-12-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

What a busy time this time of year is. For awhile both my kids were loving painting and coloring so here are some pictures of what a mess Kenz is when she paints. But they sure do love it!

Cohen posing after we just decorated the christmas tree!
Cohen's letter to Santa Claus. He wrote it all by himself and did such a good job. He has asked for a gas powered remote control racing truck, jumps for that and his bike, and roller blades. The next day he received an email from Santa Claus himself! Santa had pictures of Cohen in his book and his elves also checked to see if Cohen and Kenzley had been naughty or nice and they both were on the nice list. After we were done Cohen asked where mine and daddy's email was. We also had to write letters to Santa Claus so that we could receive an email as well. I loved watching their expressions as they watched the video. It was so cute!

Every night Kenzley has to sleep with so many things. You have to have that blanket and only that blanket. A binkie of course. And Minnie Mouse is number one, then Buzz Light Year and Jessie and she is also holding a star. She cracks me up. When Cohen was her age he wasn't attached to anything yet. He didn't like sleeping with anything until a year ago so now with Kenzley she is very peticular about who she sleeps with.
My very handsome boy!
Cohen and Kenzley in their christmas outfits. I think they are adorable!
Putting up more decorations that we made at Grandmas.

Again Kenzley carrying her friends everywhere. We say it's time for bed and here she comes with all of them!

A family tradition that I love is going to the Festival of trees. This year it wasn't busy when we got there so we were able to look at the gingerbread houses. Usually it's so packed that you have to look at those from a distance. Not this year so I took lots of pictures. Some day I would love to make one that amazing but I doubt that will ever happen.
The house from UP
Madagascar
The white house. It was amazing looking.
The beach where I wish we were!
Tangled
Now moving onto the trees. Kenzley loved everything she was pointing to everything and telling me about it. Then she would point to stuff and say Kenzies, I hold it. She wanted it all!

Again some day I will decorate a tree this gorgeous!

Stacy and her kids were up here for Thanksgiving so one night we spent up there making all sorts of stuff. Here Cohen and Kenzley are showing them their email from Santa Claus.
The kids made yummy cookies!
Me and Dallas putting together the gingerbread train.
Love these guys we have so much fun together.
Kenzley always climbing on these stools.
I love this age where they can fit under everything. I also love how she is looking up at everyone.
We were having a hard time getting the gingerbread house to stay together so Dallas pulled out the glue gun.
The ornaments we made. They turned out so cute!
Me and Cohen decorating his train.

The finished product.
It has been such a great month. We have kept so busy with family. I just have to say how grateful I am for my family since I haven't for Thanksgiving. I am so beyond grateful for my cute little family. Dallas is the most perfect husband I could have ever asked for myself. He takes such good care of our family and loves us! Cohen is such a sweet little boy. Kenzley she is as cute as a button but full of attitude! I am by far the luckiest girl in the world!

Late Halloween Post

2011-11-15T09:50:00.001-08:00

I know I am so late on this Halloween post but here it is. The kids had a great night! Kenzley once she got the hang of trick or treating she loved it. She probably could have gone longer than Cohen but Cohen was cold and done and it was dark.

Grandma came down and surprised so she was able to come trick or treating with me and the kids. It was alot of fun. Dallas had to stay at the house and pass out candy this year because he had the sick bug. Usually he goes out with the kids but I was more than happy to take them out this year!

Had to get my yearly trick or treating pictures at Nan's house. We absolutely love them. The best neighbors ever!

The end of the night getting a picture with the pumpkins!

Love these kiddos!
Cohen wanted a picture so badly of what he had done at school that day. Funny kid!
Daddy with both kids on his lap reading them scriptures. So cute! Love love my family!

More Halloween Festivities

2011-10-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

To start the Halloween season off I found a fun haunted gingerbread house and thought it would be fun to decorate. Cohen loved it and I think it is so cute!Kenz did not want her picture taken.

The finished product.
Cohen's preschool went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. They were able to pet animals, play in corn, play in a maze and of course pick out a pumpkin.

Cohen making corn angels.

Kenzley hiding.

Cohen's class making funny faces.

Bumble Bee and Minnie Mouse!

Kenz was a little scared to hold his hand.

Minnie and Bumblee bee fighting. She loves to act just like her big brother.
Cohen and his friend Jaxon. Bumble Bee and Optimius Prime.
Going on a parade to sing to people at their houses and hopefully get candy.

Kenzley and Camden.

Carving Pumkins. Eww Gross!
Kenzley was loving it!

She really wanted to do everything on her own. She kept saying no mamma my turn I do it.
Then she started eating the pumpkin and liked it! Silly girl
Showing off her final product a ghost!
MMm it's good Mommy

Both kids just have to cuddle with Daddy even though he was sick.

Cohen fishing at our ward halloween party.
Kenz fishing
Getting their faces painted.

Kenzley was actually so good. She sat so still and held her cheek out. But as soon as we were done she wiped it all off with her hand. Same with the make up I had on her earlier she wiped it all over her face!

Corn Bellys

2011-10-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

We went to Cornbelly's with my mom this year. I am finally starting to get excited for the holidays. From here till January it will be all about doing holiday stuff and I was so sad that summer was already over. Oh well I need to start thinking about christmas and shopping and next summer! Cornbelly's was alot of fun for the kids we probably could have been there all day but we got there in the evening time. There were all sorts of activities for the kids and tons and tons of little playgrounds for them to play on.
Princess Kenzley
They had so many fun places that they made and they were really cute to see. Maybe Dallas will get an idea and build one in our backyard.

The kids love loved these horses I think they could have stayed there all day!

Love Kenzley's hair in the spider web!

Duck races.

Little mazes for the kids.
The cow train. I think Dallas picked the smallest cart to ride in!

Love their sad faces!

Kenzie got scared!

It has turned into a nightly routine for Dallas and the kids to eat their cookies and milk and I think they are so stinking cute!

Lake Powell 2011

2011-10-05T11:45:00.001-07:00

What a trip we have had! A few months ago me and Dallas went to the boat show and while we were there we filled out a paper to hopefully win a houseboat. I have known about this trip for 2 years now and have always thought it would be a blast to win. Especially since I have never been on a houseboat before. A couple of months after the boat show Dallas received a call saying that we won a free houseboat. At first I didn't believe it but then it started to become legit and we really did win! We could use it once the peak season was over, so we requested the first weekend after the peak season which I think was the first weekend in September and it was already booked so we got the second week. Still a perfect week if you ask me. Still hot from the summer and not quite cold yet. We decided to invite our sand dune friends which are our really good friends. The closer the trip got the more stressed out I got. I was nervous about what we were going to eat how were we going to get the food down there and lets face it I'm just a stress case! The day before we went me Dallas, Jono, Jaris and Nicki all went to Costco and Walmart loaded up on food. Me and Stacy had pretty much figured out the menu and now it was time to get all the food. We did pretty good financial wise on the food it cost a little over 500 bucks. So this trip would be fairly cheap for everyone which isn't bad. Who would complain about that free house boat, and probably 40 bucks a day for food! That night we packed up the boat full of food, packed up for coolers for of food and at 530 in the morning we were off to Lake Powell. We decided to leave Kenzley back so I could enjoy some of the trip better cause last time we had both kids and I didn't get to have near as much fun. Plus Kenzley has no fear of the water so we were afraid she would jump off the boat and she hates wearing her life jacket. And lets face it Kenzley isn't always the easiest child, she is very stubborn and likes things done her way so it was'nt in her cards to go on this trip this year. My mother n law Jaymie was nice enough to watch her while we were gone. We drove down to Powell and got there we were all expecting a piece of junk house boat but to our pleasant surprise the house boat was really really nice. Plenty of room for people to sit and a big enough kitchen. They had a cooler, a barbeque pretty much everything you need including linens, sheets pillows everything which will be great to know for next time because I packed everything not thinking they would have any of that. There was three bedrooms with four beds, and two bathrooms. It worked out perfect because the bottom bedroom had two beds in it so that's where all of the kids slept. Except Cohen would always wake up in the middle of the night and end up in bed with me and Dallas on top of the deck. We took off in the houseboat and Jono drove us to our destination. Dallas found a perfect spot in gunsite where you would go through a semi small crevice and it would open up a little bit there were two houseboats at the beginning but once they left we had the place all to ourselves. From there on out there was alot of boating, jet skiing, swimming games, lots of food and so much fun with friends. Despite me freaking out with stress the trip couldn't have gone any smoother!

Captain Jono
Me chilling as soon as we got there
Had to shake my booty for everyone! So nice to have fun and not have to be attached to my kids at all times!

Me and Nicki the twins!

Cohen peeing off the boat. Look at the cute bum cheek. All the guys there were so impressed with how far Cohen could pee it was hilarious!

Dallas in the wake board boat!
Cohen so strong
Cohen, Chloe and Dakota swimming.

Captain Cohen
The kids being goof balls, probably watching a movie to wind down before bed. Cohen love loves his cousins so glad they could come with us.

Jaris and Nicki caught a lizard and brought it back to Cohen because Jaris and Cohen had talked earlier about catching one. Sad to say that lizard didn't live very long.Chilling the first night finishing up dinner. Well pretty much just Dallas is still eating as always.
Even the guys got real into the disney movies
Us playing Canadian salad.
Me riding Travis' jet ski it was actually alot of fun.

Cohen attempting to go down the slipnslide.
Dallas and Travis having a blast pulling eachother down the slip n slide with the jet ski. Those boys are crazy.

Now they are off knee boarding.

Enjoying and relaxing on the beach.
I'm ready for some boating got my camera and my drink let's go!
Nicki, Katie and I

Oh how I love Lake Powell's water I could swim in it all day!

Going wake boarding!

Cohen taking a nap on the boat!
Dakota was so funny he went down the slide backwards and I love his face! I think half way down he decided it probably wasn't such a good idea.

Again Dallas and Travis being crazy. By the end of the trip Dallas was standing on the front of the jet ski!

Dallas is king of the world
Brother and sister
Dallas and Marty cliff jumping.
We were driving by this beach when we saw these sand sculptures so we stopped to take a look and talked to the old men that were making them. They are two brothers who come here every year and make a sand sculpture. He even lighted them up for us. It was absolutely breath taking.

Love birds.

Nightly wind down.
Every morning, me Dallas and Stacy would go out on the boat so they could get some good skiing while everyone else was fast asleep. Love these two boys they are so cute!
Love watching Dallas ski he is amazing!

One of the days we went back to the Marina so we could pick up Spencer and his two boys. They were only able to come for half of the trip. Me and Ryker sleeping on the way back.

That day we decided to take a drive over to Rainbow Bridge to see it. I was so excited because I wanted to go for a drive and sight see since I have only been here a couple of times and everyone says how much more beautiful Bull Frog is so the closer we got to that area I can understand why. The scenery was stunning!

The boys looking at a map trying to figure out how to get there.

The whole gang at Rainbow bridge there is 16 of us 10 adults and 6 kids!

We forgot Cohen's flip flops so we had to carry him luckily it wasn't too long of a hike.
The ride back again I fell asleep!
Here is our camp site all to ourselves!

Then the other side where you come into it at.

All the cousins!

I love this picture, one because it's a man doing the dishes but I love how is son Brock is playing at the feet of him. So cute!
The kids ready to go tubing.

Cohen loved it up until they hit a bump then he was done just like his mamma!

I love Ryker's face in all these next pictures!

Apparently you need to wear a helmet to go tubing. But I love that Dallas is this little guy in between these two big guys!

They are saying Bring it on!

Now they're getting scared!Me tubing and absolutely hating it! I am such a wimp when it comes to this type of stuff. I get terrified. Little Oakley was so sweet and talking me through all the jumps saying it wouldn't be bad that was the worst of it ok your ok! It was so funny! But I was super glad once I got off!

Me taking pictures gotta love pictures!

Dallas and all the kids eating cookies and milk, he also looks like one of the kids!

Most of us sleeping up on top of the deck. It was a great slumber party!

Captain Dallas driving us back to the Marina :(

Me and Nicki loved these Titanic life jackets!Catching up on the hollywood gossip on the way back.

Back at the Marina getting gas.
All us girl in our matching dresses! No it was not planned at all we all brought the same dress so once we saw that of course we had to get a picture!

Packing up!

Goodbye Lake Powell! We will greatly miss you and had an amazing trip and created alot of fun memories. Hopefully all of us will go to the boat show again and enter and one of us will win this wonderful boat again!

On the way home we got a flat in the trailer thank heaven for these boys who know how to fix it!

Swimming and first day of school!

2011-09-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Kenzley can be such a crack up! Kenz is very good at giving dirty looks and I mean very good at dirty looks. To the point that it's embarassing because someone will try and say hi to her or talk or just people sitting behind us at church and there she is giving them the dirtiest look you have ever seen! If you know Kenzley it's funny but if you don't you are probably thinking man she is an onry thing! Here are some pictures and a video of her giving us her dirty look and then she started to give a surprise look right after. We were dying of laughing, she though she was so funny. I also love the curlers in her hair. So fun!

Also if Kenzley hears the shower on she immediately starts taking off her clothes so here she is with her clothes all off and trying to get her diaper off but she couldn't quite get it off. And I just loved her little binkini tan line. So I had to take a picture of her cute white bum!
Kenzley wearing Cohen's bumble bee mask going around scaring us all!
Kenzley really does copy EVERYTHING Cohen does. She is trying to drive RC around just like how Cohen does it!
Uh Oh it's not working!

Kenzie and Daddy washing his dirtbike!

Look at my studly boys! Gotta love them!
This year we got the pass of all passes for Christmas and we have absolutely loved it. It goes to Trafalga and Seven Peaks. Of course we have made alot of trips to Seven Peaks. This is pictures of our last trip. I wanted to get some pictures to remember how much fun the kids have there. It has been so nice because Dallas has been able to go with us a majority of the time. I really love having him there to help to have one on one with the kids. Dallas and Kenzley would mainly do the big slides, she loved them! I wish I could have gotten a picture of her coming out of one of the big ones. She was grinning from ear to ear.
Kenzley would always be crouching down walking around. I thought it was so funny!

She would always do this and say I swimming.
Cohen loved taking her tube around and floating through anything he could see. He had a blast!

Kenz coming down the slide.
Cohen loved this slide he would do it over and over again. I think this picture is priceless.Love it!
Yes I am there. There are usually no pictures of me because I'm always taking them but Dallas decided to take one of me!
Cohen coming down one of the medium size slides. He didn't find out how fun these slides were till the very last time!

Cohen and Kenzley were having a blast jumping into the water!
I got so many cute pictures of Kenzie's face. I loved watching her jump in there and seeing her huge smile! She is definitely our little swimmer. She wouldn't always want Dallas to catch her even though she has no idea how to swim. Definitely have to keep our eye out on her!

Cohen cheesing for me under the water fall

Kenzley loves to wear Cohen's dirt bike gloves. She will put them on and go Hi Ya and wear them everywhere! I think I have a little tom boy on my hands even though she is still girlie!
Cohen has been SO excited for preschool. For weeks he has been asking if it was tomorrow. Finally the day came and he was beyond ready. This year he is in the afternoon class because last year we struggled waking up and I felt so rushed getting him out the door so I thought afternoon would be better. Well now an 2 hours before it's time to go he is ready! He had his back pack on and hair done and was ready to go. Had to get a picture of him chilling on the couch with his back pack!

I can't believe my little boy is already in his 2nd year of preschool. It makes me realize how close kindergartin is and once he is there he might as well be graduating high school. I am so not ready for my kids to be growing up on me! Isn't he so handsome though! Love him!
Cohen and Jaxon riding their bikes together to preschool. They have became such good little friends!

Cohen and his teacher Mrs. Farr. He LOVES her!
Cohen at his desk!
Me picking him up and he got the snack basket!
Kenzley helping carry the snack basket home for Cohen!

Neighborhood hike

2011-09-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago some woman in my neighborhood decided to take all our kids on a hike up Payson canyon. I forgot what it was called I think Grotto something. But one morning we all met at someone's house then drove down to Payson and started the hike. Boy was it beautiful and a lot of fun! I haven't gone on hikes for years because Dallas doesn't walk he drives stuff but it was so much fun to walk. It reminded me a lot of a hike that is across the street from the Bountiful temple that I would always hike up! Both these hikes had man made bridges that you would have to walk across the little river and that was so fun for the kids to do! Not to mention it really was gorgeous up there. Hopefully I can talk Dallas into walking up there and not taking a machine up it!

I had to get a picture of this I probably shouldn't but I love his cute little bum!

Cohen and friends walking across one of the many bridges.

Cohen and one of his good friends Ben.

I couldn't quite get a picture of Kenzley walking across the bridge sense I had to hold her hand so here is the best I could do. She loved it all though!
Cohen Ben and Kenzley

Cohen saying the water is Cold!

I love love the look on Kenzies face!
Her actually giving you a little smile saying cheese! As many of you know she never smiles for the camera!
The best picture I could get of both of them together!
Snack time!
She looks so grown up right there I think sad for me!

I love this picture these two girls are the younger sisters of some of Cohen's friends. I love that they have sisters that are Kenzley's age as well so she will have some fun play dates coming up soon. Once she learns how to share and be nice!
Thanks to Cami I got a picture of me and my kiddos. I feel like I don't have too many pictures because I'm always the one taking the pictures!

Kenzley Cohen and Zac
The boys making silly faces! I love Zac's face!

Kenzley really wants to sleep with her big brother!

Family Pictures 2011

2011-09-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

We got some family pictures done with my mom's side of the family. I think they turned out really cute. It was funny while we were there the photographer was asking our names and all of a sudden she goes Dallas I know you. Her and Dallas had gone to highschool together and now she lives across the street from my brother so that's why she took the pictures. What a small world. I swear every where we go Dallas knows some girl! ;) The pictures turned out cute. I loved the colors this year and the summer effect! So fun! Enjoy!This top picture we couldn't get Kenzley to leave Minnie Mouse in the car so here Minnie is in our family pictures! She was such a pill and would cry unless she could hold her. Even then she still wouldn't ever smile for the camera. Little stinker, cute stinker though but I wish she would smile for pictures! She never does!
My mom and all her grand kids. I love that picture!
Me my mom and my two older brothers.
The handsome boys!

Cohen and cousin Cayman. These two love eachother it's so cute!

Finally the one and only smile we got out of her!

The gorgeous girls!
My sweet stinker Kenzley!

My handsome boy Cohen! Love these two more than anything in the world!

Bear Lake 2011

2011-08-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

What an amazing week it has been! My dad and step mom came out from Kentucky to visit. I have been so excited to see them since we don't get to see them very often. We started off with a family gathering up at Bear Lake at my grandparents cabin. I love being able to go there. It is so relaxing, beautiful and nice to get away from life for a little bit. Me and Kenzley drove up separately because me and the kids were going to stay a couple extra of days and Dallas was going to have to go back to work. Once we got there Kenzley was shy like most kids but warmed up and became her feisty little self. Once Cohen and Dallas got there it was so cute, Cohen came running out of the truck yelling grandpa and ran right into his arms. I was a little nervous that Cohen wouldn't remember my dad since it has been a year since he has seen him. But boy was I wrong he totally remembered him. It was such a precious moment.

Where's Cohen?!
Cohen and Kenzley playing at the pier. It was so nice this year the lake was all the way up to my grandparents beach. Usually you would have to walk aways just to get to the water but not this year it was right there! The kids were loving it! It was so beautiful to sit there and hear the waves and see the water.

We played alot of games. This was one of them called Corn hole. I wasn't the best at it so I enjoyed watching.
The hammock is quite a hit between the adults and the kids. The adults love to take naps in them while the kids like to turn them over while the adult is sleeping and knock them out. It is so funny to watch.

Kenzley thought she was right at home in the sand. She kept calling them the sand dunes.

We brought the razor up so everyone could get a taste of the "hint of lime" The girls loved it when they got back from their ride they were all fun of giggles.
Cohen and grandpa cuddling before bed.
Cohen wanted to bring his dirtbike so he could show everyone how he can ride it with no training wheels. It was fun to watch my parents and grandparents stand there in amazement and so proud. They kept saying I can't believe he can ride a dirt bike and he is only four years old. They had to show him off to everyone that was there. One time they were showing someone and all four of them at separate times said Can you believe that he is just barely 4 years old and he can ride a dirt bike. I was laughing so hard. I am pretty proud he is quite the rider!
Kenzley taking a quick nap in the trailer.
Loading up the toys to take out to the water.
Cohen having fun on the boat in the little cubby. It reminded me of me when I was a kid because I would play in there as well.
Kenzley fell right asleep on the boat ride.
Dallas doing amazing jumps on the wake board.

I even got out there and wakeboarded and got up on my first try. A couple weeks ago I went wake boarding and was crying as I got in the water because I was so terrified. I don't know why I freak myself out but I do and I start shaking and get so scared. It's fun but yet I'm terrified when doing it. But I'm proud of myself for trying again. I need to get some practice before we go to Powell next month. Hopefully by then I wont cry at all!
Kenzley playing with the games.
It was fun to have other grand kids for my kids to play with. They hit it off and played real well together!

We even talked my Grandpa, Uncle Steve and Aunt Jan to go for a ride in the razor. It took some talking them into it since they were scared but we go them out there!
I love seeing my kids hold hands I think it is so precious and always need to capture these moments so I can remember them when they're not being so nice to eachother!
My grandpa has these trees that have faces in them and my kids loved them. We had to get some pictures of them giving silly faces with them. Kenzley would call them pirates and we would put her binki in their mouths. She was always talking about those tree pirates.

Kenzley giving her dirty looks in the hammock. Maybe it's time for a nap!

Doesn't she look like she could be on baywatch?!
Kenzley going for a ride on the jet ski with grandma!

I couldn't resist getting a picture of all the sand caked onto her butt! She was quite the dirty little girl!

Time for some family pictures!

Right after family pictures Dallas went to load up the trailer and put things away. While he was using his drill to put away the jacks on the trailer he didn't hold onto the drill tight enough and it got away from him and made quite the cut in his chin. He showed me and I said you need to go get some stitches. At first of course he said no he would just go put on a band aid but I said you really should got get some stitches. He decided to agree with his smart wife and him and my dad drove over to Garden City to meet the on call doctor to get three stitches. After that I told him it was getting late and he might as well spend the night and go home in the morning. I'm glad he listened and we were able to play games that night and have lots of fun!
Me taking Cohen for a ride on the jet ski and Grandma taking Kenzley. It was alot of fun to be back out there on the water!

Kenzley giving me a dirty look because I was telling her she needed to keep the door closed. She figured out how to slide it open and shut and thought it was a fun game.

I need to tell a story that happened one of the last nights Dallas was there. Since we had the razor up there we were looking for a trail that we could take it on. We kept looking and all the ones that we would find would have no trespassing signs. Finally we decided to ask a local and he told us of a trail that would get us up to Hardware ranch that is on the way to Logan. We took my cousin and his wife on the trail and it was pretty and all but I thought it would be perfect for a night ride where we could go faster since you can see headlights alot faster. Later that night me Dallas, my step sister Tavane and her friend Derrick decided to head up there for a night ride. We told my parents we would be gone about an hour and then be back. We left about 1030 or 11. We cruised up there and at the beginning of the trail caught up to a four wheeler and a side by side. The four wheeler let us pass them just fine but the side by side wouldn't get out of our way so Dallas honked and then they moved over. We cruised past them and away we went. We were having a blast. We saw some deer and their babies on the way up. We past a couple of camps but no one else on the road. Right when we were about 4 miles from Hardware ranch we noticed that the razor had over heated. It's not suppose to get over 200 degrees and it was 246. Not good! We pulled over and Dallas was looking into what the problem could be. He realized that the fan was not on so it was not cooling off the radiator like it should be. Not a good sign. He was working frantically trying to fix what was wrong or figure it out. While we were pulled over the four wheeler and side by side drove by once they saw us they sped up and didn't even ask if we were in trouble. Thanks alot people I know we probably shouldn't have honked at you but you should never leave people in the middle of no where late at night like that. By this time it was midnight. We waited there a half hour hoping it would cool down. Dallas got the fan to turn on so we turned around and headed back we made it only three more miles when the fan turned off and it over heated again. Uh oh not good. I think Dallas was getting nervous but for some reason I was quite calm and positive about it. Usually I get upset when the razor breaks down because it can be so irritating and I don't understand why we can't leave it the way it was when we bought it and why he has to change so much to it to make it faster. We waited another half hour hoping it would cool down and it wasn't. Dallas kept driving hoping to get us a little farther or to pass a camp site where we could hopefully get some help. We only made it another mile when it wasn't cooling down at all and was still super hot. Dallas decided it would be best for us to start walking and look for a camp site verses blowing the motor up. By now it's about 1am. We started walking and luckily the coat I always wear for night rides had a flashlight in the pocket of it. I was so thankful to find a flashlight, it helped us aton. We started walking and none of us was in the best gear to be hiking in the middle of no where. I had only flip flops on, Dallas had only one sock cause he lost the other to a stomach ache, Tavane didn't have any socks on and not great shoes. But yet here we are walking in the dark, in the middle of no where, no phone service and there is a lightening storm not far from us and it's starting to sprinkle. And no to mention we are in Bear Lake so aren't there bears in this mountain?! At 130 in the morning Derrick's phone received a text message from my step mom asking if we were okay. that's a good sign because at least we know they are awake and worried about us. Instantly I knew that my dad would come find us. I kept telling everyone. Growing up my dad would never go to sleep until I would get home and apparently it still rang true! Except that we couldn't get service so he tried sending a text message and we just prayed that it would eventually send. We come across our first camp site where there were horses, a four wheeler and trailer but no answer. We keep walking and walking. We start heading up a hill that goes into the mountain areas. By this time it's getting super late, we're all tired and ready to be home. None of our individual prayers were working so I decided that it was time for us all to come together and say a prayer. Dallas gives a prayer and thanks for our safety and prays that we will be found. No sooner than 5 to 10 minutes later Derricks phone makes a noise. We all stop in our tracks hoping that our text got sent. He looks at his phone to read text not sent. That was a sad moment. We start walking again and another 5 minutes pass when his phone makes another noise and it says message has been sent. We all got so excited. The text message said we were 9 miles up cottonwood canyon so at least they would know where we were and be able to find us. We got a little burst of energy at least knowing they were awake worrying and got a message to come find us. It was crazy though because where we finally got service was in the middle of the mountain. Trees all around us and up hills both ways. We start walking again and get to the top of the mountain where his phone beeps with text messages and he finally got service to where we could call. We get ahold of Celeste where she says our kids were still asleep and that my dad and the sheriff were on their way! Great news for us but really a sheriff how embarrassing. We start walking down the hill and about 20 minutes later we see headlights. I have never in my life been so excited to see headlights. We were so happy to be rescued. We get in the sheriffs car and start driving home. I guess when they first called him he was just barely getting home and getting ready for bed. He told my dad that there wasn't much he could do because they weren't search and rescue and didn't have the proper equipment in case anyone was hurt. My dad told him that the driver was an experienced driver so he didn't think that would be the case and that something must have happened to the machine so if they could just please drive up the canyon where they thought we could be to see if they could find us. He said ok and asked where we could be. Earlier that day we had taken my cousin on this trail so they called him in the middle of the night to ask more questions and get descriptions of the trail that we were on. While they were on their way we had finally gotten a hold of Celeste so they knew they were on the right track. I am still shocked and amazed that we got service and how everything turned out. However I was quite embarrassed and felt like a 15 year old being rescued by my dad and yet Dallas is 30. We finally got home safe and went to bed to get some much needed sleep. The next morning Dallas and my dad drove his truck back up there to rescue the razor. Where we had left the razor and to where we had gotten rescued we had walked 5 miles. Also where Dallas told my dad we started getting text messages they said there was no way we should have gotten service. Just a few weeks ago I was telling Dallas how I wish I had one of those stories where my prayers would get answered. Well I definitely got that story and it has definitely strengthen my testimony and prayers. Now that we are home we are realizing that there is quite a bit of damage done to the razor. The water pump when out and maybe even the head gasket which isn't good. We were going to take my dad to the dunes while he was out there but that wasn't going to happen now. However I am glad it broke down up there then at the sand dunes. What an adventure we all had. I think we all learned alot and strengthened all of our testimonies and we all helped build eachother up at different times. This will definitely be a story to tell for years! The pictures however don't even do it justice.

Here we are at a restraunt in Garden City. It was delicious pizza. Cohen was taking pictures of all of us! He's quite good at it.

Of course we had to ride the rides. I love how Kenzley is holding Minnie Mouse. She goes every where with us.

My dad taking both kids for tractor rides and four wheeler rides. They were loving it. Cohen even was steering it all by himself.

Boys will be boys.

Cohen and Grandma building a sand castle.
I love Kenzley's face in this she is always sticking out her bottom lip so cute.

Cohen and Kenzley making silly faces. Kenzley's dirty look.

Surprise.

The kids and Great Grandma and Grandpa Cottrell.

The kids and Grandma and Grandpa Cottrell

Cohen was so sad to be going home. He wanted to stay at cabin number 2. After Dallas took the trailer home we moved into Cabin number 2 Cohen would call it. He would call cabin number 1 that because it was built first. And he would say we eat in Cabin number 1 and sleep in cabin number 2. What a funny kid.

Us getting ready to go home.

Kenzley saying goodbye to the tree pirates.

Me my kids and Grandma and Grandpa
The kids, Grandma and Grandpa and Tavane their new babysitter. I'm so excited for Tavane to move out here to go to BYU. It will be nice to have a babysitter near by that I trust and am excited for her to start the college adventure.
My grandma and grandpa always wave goodbye to their guests as the leave.
I just want to say thank you to my grandparents so much for all of their hospitality in letting us stay there. I am so thankful for all the food that they prepared for. I am so thankful for them for not killing my husband for getting us stranded in the middle of no where. I am so thankful for the late night games and talks or pillow talks ;) Grandpa! I am thankful for them for creating this gorgeous place where we can make wonderful memories as a family and in all that they have done to make it fun for us. I am so thankful for all that they do for us and can't imagine my life without them. They truly are amazing grandparents and I am lucky to have them. I am also glad that my dad and stepmom were able to come out and visit and get to know my kids better and vice versa. We had alot of fun together and built memories that will last a life time. I am thankful for Tavane and how well she hit it off with my kids. They both love her to death especially Kenzley and Kenzley doesn't alway love everyone. We had an amazing week and one that will never be forgotten!

Fun Fun Fun

2011-08-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Can I just say I love having a little girl! I have always dreamed of being able to braid my little girls hair and put it in curlers and lucky for me Kenzley has always had alot of hair so since day one I have been able to do it! Sometimes as I'm sitting there doing her hair Dallas will say to me you are just so happy doing her hair aren't you and I will say yes I am in heaven I love it! Even though she turns her head and isn't perfect at sitting still it is still a dream come true for me. So the other night I wanted to put her hair in curlers for the night and was hesitant as to whether they would stay in all night sleeping. Well they did and boy was she curly sue the next day it was adorable though! Here are some before and after pictures!

Cohen will get out this elephant tent every now and then and play it it. I will only keep it up for a couple of days because it takes up so much room. The other night he begged to sleep in it so we let him and I can't believe he lasted the whole night in it and he even slept there two nights in a row. He thought it was so much fun. So then I wanted to get a real tent and sleep in the back yard but I haven't been able to convince Dallas into it yet! I think it would be fun but he's afraid someone would kidnap me and the kids.
We took Dallas' sister and her kids to the sand dunes since they have never gone with us and it was probably one of the most fun weekends we have had there! The weather was great, company was amazing and I even got to drive the razor and actually had alot of fun doing so. Usually I'm scared to drive there but there was not too many camps so you didn't have to worry about other crazy people. The kids of course loved playing in the sand. They were making sand beds and pillows and would lay down in them. They were so dirty by the end of the day! Crazy kids!

I love Kenzley's crazy hair at the end of the day!
This is what happens when your cousin is in the bathroom. My kids love their cousins and follows them everywhere including the bathroom!

Cohen showing his cousins and aunt that he can ride his dirt bike all by him self! I love that he likes riding it now and it's adorable to watch him and Dallas ride together. Cohen is getting really fast though. He will take off in front of Dallas which makes me a little nervous!

Kenzley giving her dirty look she gives really dirty looks. Kenzley definitely has an attitude love her but oh man does she have an attitude!

Today me and friend in my neighborhood decided to take our kids to the splash pad in Spanish Fork. We have been to my brothers splash pad in their neighborhood and it is so nice. Sadly I never have my camera there but I'm glad we found one close by and this time I remembered my camera. We had alot of fun. It was cute to watch the kids interact and it was so nice to have another adult to talk to. We will definitely need to do it again!