Best Friends!

A Snowy Day at Last

2011-02-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

Finally, we received snow that the kids could play in. First, thing this morning they heard the snowplow outside and ran to the window. When they looked out they yelled "it is snowing!" Without hesitating the boys ran downstairs and preceded to get their snow clothes on. Katelyn followed of course. In this picture Trenton is making his Pingu the penguin face. He is in love with Pingu.

Catching snowflakes. Too cute.
Katelyn with her snowball. She is 2 1/2 years old. Nothing like hand me down snowpants and gloves from her big brother Ryan. She didn't seem to mind. Next year we will have to get her some of her own.

Ryan acting cool while leaning on his snowball that he used for the body of his snowman. He did such a great job. The snowman had a hat, scarf, gloves, carrot nose, raisin smile and eyes. Ryan is seven years old.

Trenton was trying to figure out how to make a snowman. He was so excited to play in the snow. He jumped right in and made a snow angel. Trenton is five years old.

And if you are wondering where Isaac was. Toasty warm inside with mom (Heather) as she prepared hot cocoa and cinnamon toast for the little snow angels outside. My mother always had hot cocoa and cinnamon toast waiting for us when we played in the snow in Michigan. It is a wonderful memory and one I would like to create with my own kids.

Puerto Rico

2011-02-25T22:06:00.001-08:00

I love this picture of Isaac with Nate. Nate was asking Isaac if he liked the Ocean. Isaac did! He squeaked at first but then proceeded to grab the water. I think he thought that he could capture the reflection. It was so cute!

Another view from the balcony of our room. Tranquilty...ahh.
Isaac wanted to touch the starfish so bad. He was being sneaky and reached over slowly to feel it. I always forget how hard the outside of a starfish is.

The gang. From left to right. Melisa and Adam Hendrickson, Nate and Isaac Allen, Melanie and Clint McIntosh, and Jake Allen. We had so much fun together. We have to do it again for sure!

View of the coast from the fort. Have I mentioned the view was amazing.

Puerto Rico

2011-02-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

So we had an all expense paid trip to Puerto Rico from Primerica the company Nate works for. It was so much fun to get away to a sunny place with good friends. This is the view from the marina. Palamino Island is in the background. We took a ferry and enjoyed the beach and snorkeling. I saw a four foot shark and returned a sea star back to the reef that a friend (Zack) found.

This is the view from our room. The smell of the ocean was so wonderful. Sitting on the balcony at sunrise was magical.

Isaac is seven months and was lucky to come with us. He was so happy the entire trip. He was loving the one on one time with his parents. Maybe he was thinking my siblings are so jealous:)

This is up on a hill near the Fort. The view was amazing. The grass was really strange. It was spongy and sank as you walked on it. The iguanas didn't seem to mind. There were about 20 of them sunbathing until we interrupted them.

The streets of Old San Juan were so charming. We hit the shops and ate at a delicious pizza place. We rented a compact car and that was a good thing because anything bigger would have not fit on the streets. We took a scenic drive and literally came to a road where the turn was so tight that the back wheel of our little car hit the curb. It was a blast!

Trenton Turns Five

2010-12-20T23:44:00.001-08:00

I can't believe Trenton is five. It only seems like yesterday when he came into our family. We have had some challenges but I would not trade them for anything. I love this little boy with all my heart. He can be such a sweet boy. The other day he was sick and he came up to me and said in a sqeaky voice, "mom I lost my noise". I laughed so hard. He had lost his voice due to his cold. I wonder what future adventures we will have with him. I am looking forward to them! Happy Birthday Son. We love you!

Trenton got a Spiderman bike and helmet for his birthday. He rode it up and down the sidewalk for hours. He was blessed with a sunny birthday in November. When it turned cold outside that did not deter him. He asked for gloves, boots, and his winter jacket. I smiled as I watched him out the window from our warm home as he rode up and down the sidewalk. He had the biggest smile on his face. A taste of freedom was worth it.
Nate drew Trenton a shark poster for his birthday. Trenton still has it up in his room.

I finally have a picture of myself to post. I should be better about taking my picture with my kids. Trenton has such a great expression here it warms my heart.

Here are Ryan and Trenton sporting their Sponge Bob party hats as they wait in line to redeem their points for a prize at Chuck E Cheese. Trenton loves his big brother! When Ryan went to school for a full day this year, Trenton asked a thousand times when he was going to be home. Finally, when Ryan came home Trenton ran to the door to give his brother a hug. Ryan was glad to see Trenton too. They gave each other the biggest hug.

Trenton Turns Five

2010-12-20T23:29:00.001-08:00

First I must give a little history. Trenton started planning his fifth Birthday Party in March. He turned five in November. He told us he wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese's, he wanted his cousins to be there, and that he wanted a shark cake. So as you can see by his smile he was HAPPY! His Grandpa Allen had a Hammerhead Shark cake made for Trenton. To say Trenton loves sharks is an understatement. The kid is obsessed! The hammerhead is his favorite one. He made his wish. I wonder if it was for a pet shark.

Trenton enjoying his pizza with his cousin London. He calls his cousins "his best friends". I am sure London has forgiven him for all the times he knocked her down when they were toddlers:)

Trenton with his cousin Olivia. Can you see the family resemblance? They had a great time playing the archade games together.

Trenton with his Grandpa and Grandma Allen. He loves his grandparents. When we tell the kids we are going to visit their grandparents they are all so excited. Trenton is the first to get his shoes on. I wonder if Trenton knew to buddy up to Grandpa because he could pull some strings to get the hammerhead cake:)

Halloween 2010

2010-12-20T23:10:00.000-08:00

We had a super fun Halloween this year! Isaac was a monkey (four months old), Ryan was an army man (7 years old), Trenton was Captain America (5 years old), and Katelyn was a witch (2 1/2 years old). The kids loved their costumes. The three oldest wore their costumes for days after the holiday. It was fun to see that Katelyn finally understood what trick or treating was all about. She loved collecting the candy this year:)

Isaac our little monkey. He wanted to eat his costume.

Katelyn our little witch who "charmed" her way into more candy by saying "trick or treat" it was so cute!

Ryan looking cool here. He is growing up so fast. He wants to be so independent now. He loved having the gun to go along with his costume.

Trenton our Hero! He was so funny this year. He loved the fact that he had wings on his mask. He jumped around for hours in his costume. He has such a great smile!

Isaac's Blessing

2010-12-20T23:03:00.000-08:00

Isaac was blessed on November 14, 2010 by his Father. It was a wonderful blessing. Isaac didn't cry a bit. He chewed on his fingers the entire time. Isaac is such a happy baby. He smiles and makes cute noises all the time. He is such a blessing to our family. We love you!!

Latest News

2010-12-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

Isaac is three months in this photo. He looks content here which we are glad to see. He was too thin so we started giving him formula. He changed overnight. He was a happier baby. I feel so sad that for the first two and a half months of his life he was probably hungry. But his is getting chunky now:)

Nate one day went to check on what Trenton was doing. When Nate found him he had stripped down into his underwear and was rock climbing our house. Of course he yelled for help because he could not get down. But a PROUD father took these photos first. Looks like we have another rock climber in the family. I wonder what the neighbors thought:)

Katelyn is such a little princess. I love this grin. She is into Strawberry Shortcake, anything Princess, and baby dolls. However, the other day she had wrapped one of her brothers toy reptiles in a blanket and was carrying it like a baby while singing to it. Maybe she has a little tom boy in her too.

Isaac Sean Has Arrived!!

2010-08-24T10:24:00.001-07:00

Isaac is four days old in this picture. I had a friend ask "where did you find such a tiny wig?" Isaac was born with a ton of dark hair. What a sweet little boy. What a BIG BOY! Isaac weighed 8 pounds and 8 ounces. He was 21 inches long. He was our biggest baby yet.

Isaac was born at 11:14 a.m. on Thursday, July 8th 2010

Isaac is only minutes old in this picture. I love you my sweet angel.

Isaac with Mom and Dad. We are so glad you are here. We can not wait to make memories with our little boy!

Ryan's First Day Of Kindergarten

2009-09-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

Ryan had his first day of kindergarten on August 24, 2009. With a Bumblebee Transformer backpack he headed into his school. Ryan attends American Heritage. He is loving it. Every year on the first day of school they have a flag ceremony and shoot a cannon. Ryan thought that was "way cool".

Ryan walking to school.

Ryan at his desk. I had this picture rotated earlier. Maybe I will fix it. Mom and Dad gave Ryan smiles and told him to have a good day. He stood at his desk and watched us leave. I think the reality was setting in that he was getting left there. It was so funny...sad...cute all at the same time. Mom did good and did not cry, but I am crying now as I write this. Ryan would probably say "are you crying again, mom I am still a little kid." What can I say. I love my doodle bug.

Ryan hanging his backpack up with his teacher's help.

Ryan has his own binder and pencil box with a cubby all of his own.

Bouncing In My Belly

2009-08-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Trenton said the funniest thing the other day after lunch. He was sitting on his chair and said "Mom, something is bouncing in my belly." He was tapping his belly as he repeated "Something is bouncing in my belly." I looked closer to see what he was talking about. Then he HICCUPPED. He said, "See my belly is bouncing." I laughed and told him that he had the hiccups. He said, "Hiccups? I need some medicine." I told him to take a drink of his milk and they would go away. Thankfully, they did. He is saying the cutest things lately. Trenton will be going to preschool soon. I can't wait to see what humorous stories he will have to tell me then.

Swimsuit Blues

2009-08-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

So Katelyn loves the water! She loves splashing and drinking it. However, it had been a long afternoon and she was just not into pictures at the moment. But mom had to get a picture of her in a swimsuit at least once this year. Katelyn is thirteen months old in these pictures. She is walking all over the place and still climbing. The other day she climbed up onto the kitchen table. Her parents were not to pleased with this accomplishment. But Katelyn sure was. She sat there squealing and patting her legs until Dad got to her. Looks like we are going to go shopping for another child safety gate!

Katelyn in her suit and sun hat.

New Set of Wheels

2009-08-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here Ryan is trying out his new set of wheels. It took him a few tries to get a hang of it. A little different from his big wheel and scooter. But he loved the new found freedom. He was cruising the street in no time.

Cake and Candles

2009-08-03T15:00:00.001-07:00

I look back over the last six years and can't believe that my first little boy is old enough to start Kindergarten this year, play T-ball, and ride a bike. It is true when it is said that time goes by too fast. Ryan has been such a joy to our lives. Ryan is such a fun kid! He loves planning unbirthday parties (a party in your honor when it is not even your birthday) and holiday parties for the family. So it was really fun to throw a birthday party for him. Uncle Davin dropped by and brought Ryan a lego set. Rayn has been building airplanes for two days straight! Great gift uncle Davin!

Ryan getting ready to blow out the candles after thinking about his wish.

Ryan with the family. Trenton slept threw all the fun. So he is not pictured with us. But we all love you Ryan! Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Ryan Turned Six!

2009-08-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Ryan turned six years old on July 30, 2009. He wanted a new bike. So mom and dad put the bike on the front porch and wrapped the helmet. When Ryan came in to see his presents he looked disappointed and walked out of the room. I asked him what was wrong. He said he already saw his presents. He was looking for his bike, but mom and dad where being tricky. So I told him to come open up his gifts and that the last one was the best one. So he was a good sport and opened his gifts. When he pulled out the helmet from the bag he got a HUGE smile acrossed his face. Nate then said "what do you need a helmet for?" Ryan listed a skateboard, scooter, and then a bike. I told him to put his helmet on and then head to the front porch. So he donned his head gear put on a smile and then went to see what he was going to be using the helmet for. He opened the bike and said "It is a bike." But the funny thing is that he was trying to hide his excitement. He has ridden it everyday and is loving it. Ryan was really happy to see a helmet. That meant he really could be getting his bike after all!

Photo Shoot

2009-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

After the game Ryan wanted to take some pictures. Not to bad for a kid that is turning six years old tomorrow. Trenton was a great subject to take a picture of. He was ready to get out of the hot summer sun!

Ryan's self portrait. Cute tongue:P

Trenton with his red cheeks. What a trooper.

T-Ball Adventures

2009-08-03T14:25:00.001-07:00

Ryan played T-Ball for the first time this year. I am not sure how he felt about playing in the hot sun this summer. All I know is that he loved getting the treats after each game and I wonder if that was what motivated him most of all. The last game of the season the kids got a gold medal. Here Ryan is with Hunter Ball showing off their prize. They were really excited. Here Ryan is warming up before the game.

Look at the form!

Ryan diving for a grounder.

Hanging with some teammates!

Our Nephews Have Arrived

2009-08-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Our family has grown by two! Davin and Aubrey had their little boy Preston Erik Jarvinen on July 27th, 2009. And Jake and Nicole Allen had their little boy Liam Wainwright Allen on July 17th, 2009. They are super cute and both completely different in looks as you will see. Preston has light brown hair and is jaundiced hence the yellow undertone. We think he has his dad's eyes and possibly nose, but the rest is all his mom. Preston has his mom's hands for sure! Liam has dark hair like his daddy. In fact we think he looks a lot like his father. But he has his mom's chin for sure! What a sweet baby! Welcome little one too the family! I hope you can survive the Allen's:)

Allen Family Picture

2009-07-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

We got together to celebrate my father in laws 59th birthday. I wanted to get a photo of the great grandparents. In front is Barbara Erdmann, Angela Allen-Gurney, Patricia Erdmann-Allen, Olivia Gurney, Betty Allen. The back row is Donald Erdmann, Robert Gurney, John Allen, and Jack Allen. What a great looking group.

Katelyn with her Grandma and Great Grandparents.

Katelyn with the terrific women in our family. Great Grandma Erdmann, Grandma Allen, and Great Grandma Allen. NOTHING LIKE GIRL POWER!

Our Adventure to the City of Rocks

2009-07-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

So we took the kids to the city of Rocks in Idaho.

Here we are hiking to find our campsite.

I love this picture of Trenton hiking along the trail.

Ryan climbing the rockface near our campsite. The kids played for hours climbing and exploring the area. For dinner we had dehydrated meals and they I must admit were better than some of my attempts at cooking:O)

Trenton sitting in his chair waiting for dinner.

The Littlest Hiker

2009-07-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Katelyn loved hiking to find the perfect camping spot. She just rode in her baby carrier and tried pulling off her hat. The little cutie finally got the message that she had to leave her hat on.

Dad with Trenton and Ryan in the City of Rocks. Ryan is so cute and waves to the camera. The boys loved hiking with their dad.

Here mom is with the kids. I must tell you that it was a fun trip. We only threatened the kids once that we were going to go home. But it had been a long drive and it was nap time when they were going nuts. So we just fed the animals some Subway sandwiches and that calmed them.

Landscape shot of the area.

The landscape was so beautiful along our hike. Near the river the land was filled with lush flowers and plants. The further from the river you found rocks and pine trees. It was really a peaceful area.
I must tell you what happened after I took this picture. We heard a girl crying. Nate saw her first and asked her what was going on. She said she couldn't find her mom. We were in a very dense part of the terrain. So we decided to hike her out to the parking lot where she said her family was parked. The great part of this story is that Ryan said a prayer for her that she would find her family. And shortly after we heard her family yelling her name. Ryan said "See I knew all I had to do was say a prayer and she would find her family." It brought such a smile to his face. What faith my little boy has. All he had to do was say a prayer.

Vulture Lookout

2009-07-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

We saw vultures which we named this area "Vulture Lookout" The kids loved watching the birds flying in for the evening.

Near our campsite ran a river that fed into this waterfall. Her I am with my adorable children.

Here dad is with the boys. Dad is the one who was brave enough to walk along the edge to find the waterfall. Way to go dad!

The boys are following in their father's footsteps. They love to climb the rocks!

Posing for the camera.

City Of Rocks

2009-07-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here Ryan is testing out the tent. It was his first time sleeping through the night in the great outdoors. He said that it was "the best time of his life." Looks like he takes after his parents.

On the hike back to the car Trenton found a walking stick and Ryan a beetle. Both boys carried their prized possessions almost the entire hike.

Trenton loved being in charge of the flashlight. He held it the entire camping trip and had it on whether it be day or night. Funny kid.

Ryan showing off his beetle.

Dad helping Trenton keep pace on the way back to the car. Notice Trenton still has the flashlight.

Adorable Little Girl

2009-07-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Katelyn was sitting so sweetly for mom on the fourth of July. Katelyn had fun watching all the kids at the parade. She kept kicking her feet because she wanted to get down so she could join them. I am sure next year she will have a wagon of her own:)

So here is the family. We need to get a professional one taken soon. But this will have to do for now.

Katelyn and her big brother Ryan loved the fireworks! Ryan loved picking out the firework to be lit and Katelyn enjoyed watching the show. She would clap her hands and bounce up and down while sitting on her knees. I love this picture of them together.

Fourth of July Parade 2009

2009-07-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Trenton were in our neighborhood parade. They were sporting festive bikes and loved picking up the candy afterwards. It was great fun!

Katelyn On June 13th, 2009 First Birthday

2009-07-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

Katelyn is one year's old. She is such a darling little girl. She is always smiling, laughing, squealing as usual. She was walking around furniture and finally on July 6, 2009 she took her first steps from the couch. Mom and Dad where there to witness the big event. She fell on her belly and sat up and laughed. We suspect that over the next few weeks she will become better at it. She can crawl all the way up to the top of the stairs on her own. And she climbs up on her brother's little chair used at his desk. We think she will follow Trenton's footsteps and be adventurous.

Happy Birthday Katelyn! We love you very much!

Katelyn Eating Her First Birthday Cake!

2009-07-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here Katelyn is using both hands to eat her cake.

Uncle Davin got this cute shot of Katelyn using her finger to get more frosting.

KATELYN IS ONE YEAR OLD!

2009-07-07T08:06:00.001-07:00

Katelyn took one finger and stuck it into the frosting first. She ate her cake for a while like that and then mommy put her hand in it and she started taking handfuls. It was super cute.

Katelyn with her party hat.

Katelyn tasting her card from Granma and Grandpa Jarvinen.

Katelyn loved the ribbon off her present. When it was taken from her she actually crawled to were it had been placed forgetting all about opening her gift.

Katelyn with her presents. She was so excited. She was laughing and squealing.

My Family

2009-07-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

My parents have a pond in their front yard. The kids loved it! Catching fish, frogs, tadpoles, throwing rocks into the water. They played everyday as long as their mom would let them. One of the great things about Michigan is the fire flies. Mom took the kids on a firefly hunt. We caught them and put them in a jar to see them light up. The kids were so amazed. When we let them go Ryan said that we should make a wish for each firefly. I thought it was a splendid idea. A new tradition has begun.

My sister Holly and I took our Niece Kelsey and Nephew Tristen to a movie. They were not able to make it to our Saturday party so we wanted to do something with them. Here we are outside of the movie theater in Owosso. I used to go to that theater as a teenager. Boy it brought back some memories. It was a fun seeing them.

Ryan is showing off his tadpole collection. They had thousands in a bucket on the shore.

Trenton was fishing with a friend of the family (Aaron) they caught a nice sized bass here. Trenton thought it was so much fun to go fishing.

Here is the clan. Back Row: Brittany, Marlena, Jason (brother), Jeremy (brother), Keith (brother), Bob (dad), Bobbie (mom), Luke (brother), Lars (brother), Front Row: Caleb, Corey, Katelyn, Trenton, Heather (me), Ryan, Kathleen, Austin, Riley, Holly (twin sister), Amy, Gage, Lindsey. See what two people can create. Crazy isn't it. We love you mom and dad!

The Grandkids With Grandpa & Grandma Jarvinen

2009-07-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

So here are Grandma and Grandpa with most of their grandkids. Yes, they were missing two so they have a total of eleven grandkids and another one on the way. This was the goofy shot as promised they could do if they smiled nice in the first photo.

Here I am with my mom and dad and their dogs that have replaced us kids:) Ryan is almost six years old. Katelyn just turned one years old. And Trenton is three and a half years old.

My nieces and nephews happy that Aunt Heather is making them take ANOTHER picture.

Crazy kids.

Katelyn Is Eleven Months Old

2009-05-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Katelyn is eleven months old! Can you believe that in one month she will be a year. She has five teeth so far. Her top two incisors came in before her two front middle teeth, so she looks like a baby vamps. Maybe she will be a Twilight fan. Katelyn is crawling super fast now. Once she figured out how to move on all fours she dumped the slower army crawl. She is pulling herself up to furniture. She gets the biggest smile on her face when she does. Katelyn loves to sing in the car still. She will say "Mom" and then sing by moving her tongue back and forth while she is vocalizing. Then mom says "Katelyn" and precedes to do the same thing. We go back and forth like that for a while before one of us laughs. It is a fun game to play in the car. And Katelyn is always the one to start it.

Katelyn with a serious look on her face. She wasn't fond of the grass on her legs.

Here is our little girl already showing some leg. She is so much fun. We love you Katelyn.

Canopy Tour in Costa Rica

2009-05-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we look like total nerds...but there is a good reason for the helmet. If you turned to look around while doing the zip line your head could hit the cable. I know this because I did it. So I am really greatful for the super stylish white helmet.

Nate with his excited expression for the zip lines!
We did 15 zip lines through the forest. On a couple of the lines we were given the chance to go upside down. Here is Nate enjoying the view.

And here I am just about to end the ride upside down. It was really fun!

Here we are near the end of the tour. We made it out alive!

2009-05-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Nate and I at the Adventure Dining Restaurant. The overlook was so beautful.

Nate really wanted to try to surf. So he took some lessons from Renaldo and got up on his first try!!! I could not believe it. But here is the picture to prove it. Now he just has to teach me:)
Here he is about to get up.

Nate with his super big board. He was so happy.

Nate and I got to hold a parrot. He liked my sunglasses. We saw all kinds of wildlife on our trip. Parrots, macaws, green and black frogs, crabs, lizards, monkeys, alligators, and gorgeous butterflies.

Costa Rica

2009-05-22T12:42:00.001-07:00

Nate won a trip with our company to Costa Rica. We had such a great time. This is the view from the private patio of our villa. We ate breakfast every morning with friends and enjoyed this view.

Nate and I standing in front of the boats docked at the cove.

We had our own private pool with and infinity edge. The water temperature was perfect and it had the same breathtaking view of the bay as our patio.

The pool view.

This was the outside of the villa we stayed at. It was so nice! We felt right and home and didn't want to leave.

Mom, Can We Go To The Dinosaur Museum?

2009-04-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

So every time I drive past the Dinosaur Museum Trenton yells, "Mom, I want to go to the Dinosaur Museum." So I told the boys that if they cleaned up their toys, practiced music, and ate their dinner for a week straight that I would take them. The bribe worked:) So off to the museum we went. Ryan's cousin Austin that lives in Michigan sent us a school project where Flat Stanley travels to different states to learn about them. So Ryan had a fun time getting his picture taken in front of the dinosaurs with Flat Stanley. Because all of us Utahans know that dinosaur fossils are plentiful here.

The kids loved the shark! This was Trenton's favorite for sure! I could have gotten a picture of him climbing over the rail to touch the shark's "sharp teeth" but figured I better catch him before he got to the shark. For you see, I feared that the shark would have been at the losing end of the deal:)

Trenton was so excited that this is the one and only picture I could get of him standing by a dinosaur. He was too busy running from one dino to the next.

Katelyn is Ten Months Old

2009-04-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Ryan loves to get his picture taken with his sister. They are such good friends. Ryan will be six in a three months and Katelyn in one year in two months. Katelyn turned ten months old. We can't believe how fast the time has gone since she entered into our lives. She has her two bottom teeth, started crawling on all fours, laughs, giggles, squeals, and plays with her brothers. She still loves to take off her socks and put everything into her mouth. She also crawls up to our dog Moose and sits there watching him. To mom's dismay she even tried some of his dog food for a few seconds before mom retrieved it. Looks like she won't be a picky eater. Katelyn loves playing with her brothers basketball. She was so excited to get her turn.

Katelyn will sit on her knees and bounce up and down. It is super cute.

Katelyn got the ball! Look at that smile. I wish you could hear her squeals of joy.

Katelyn Elizabeth Allen is ten months old!

Katelyn's First Picnic

2009-03-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Katelyn started out in her stroller at the Easter Egg Hunt. But she was not to happy about it. She wanted out so she could play. So mom decided that she could join her friend Ali for a picnic. Ali and Katelyn were born in the same hospital and are less than a day apart in age. So they literally have been friends from day one!

Ali wanted Katelyn to share her celery with her. So when Katelyn wasn't looking she tried to swipe it. It was so cute. The girls really had a fun time.

The Hunt Is On!

2009-03-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

We had a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt over the weekend. The boys loved every minute of it. Gathering the eggs, opening them, and then of course eating the candy. Here Ryan shows his egg gathering moves.

Trenton gathering his eggs with such skill.

Ryan with his basket full of eggs. He was so proud!

Trenton decided to wear his basket first. He is such a cute kid when he wants to be:)

Ryan and Trenton showing off their baskets.

Katelyn is Nine Months Old

2009-03-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here is Katelyn wearing the darling hat Grandpa Allen got her last October. Katelyn is so much fun. She is saying "Ma Ma" when she sees me (Heather) so I am officially declaring "Ma Ma" as her first words:) She is so busy "army crawling" through the house. She loves crawling up to our dog Moose. And of course she loves picking up everything she can find and putting it into her mouth.

Daddy took Katelyn for a ride on his skateboard a few days ago. When Nate was boarding this weekend she started squealing and kicking wanting to go to him. She totally loves boarding with her dad. She gets the biggest smile on her face and squeals. Looks like me might have another adventurist in the family.

Here is Katleyn all ready for church. She has a natural curl in her hair on the top of her head. Mom just had to get a picture. Mom shaped the ends under with her fingers, but the curl is all natural.

The Tree House Museum

2009-02-21T03:07:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day we decided to stay over night in Salt Lake, visit temple square, and take the kids to the Tree House museum. We had a really fun time. But hands down the kids loved the museum. Trenton was so busy playing that it was almost impossible to get him to look up to take his picture. He put on a fire fighter's hat and played at these train sets for over twenty minutes. He just kept going round and round. He loved it!

2009-02-21T02:56:00.000-08:00

The museum had a replica of the oval office and the Resolute Desk. Trenton was more interested in climbing on top of the desk. Finally, I got him to sit in the chair.

Ryan sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. He has the smile of a politician...maybe someday he will be sitting at the real Resolute Desk as President.

Ryan found Utah! There was a big map on the floor of the United States. He loved the fact that Utah has a dinosaur on it.

Ryan wanted me to take his picture next to the music notes. He said, "Mom look there is a half note and an eighth note". The music classes must be doing some good. He seems to enjoy them.

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Ryan standing next to the big ruler. He was so exciting to see how tall he was.

Trenton wanted to climb the ruler. He is such a fun kid.

Here the boys are playing the bongos together. They were loving it.

Trenton refusing to smile or even look at me for the picture. He was too busy playing. He kept saying "look at that big drum".

Ryan making up his own song. I can always count on Ryan to smile.

Playing "The Game"

2009-02-21T02:39:00.000-08:00

Nate took the kids to play with them while Heather cleaned up after dinner. When she came to see what they were doing this is what she found. Heather started laughing when she saw this little tiny girl sitting between two boys watching "The Game" as Ryan calls it. Trenton is being held by Nate. If you look closely you can see his foot. What a great Dad!

Go Elmo go! You can do it Dad.

2009-02-21T02:25:00.000-08:00

Here Dad and the kids are playing XBox. Or should I say Dad is playing and the kids are getting some valuable tips on what to do when they get a turn. Dad we get a turn right?

I am so proud of Ryan. He took this picture of me with Katelyn.

Katelyn grasping her toes in excitement. Daddy is doing so good.

Ryan is five and a half years old. He gets so excited when his dad plays XBox. He will jump up and down and tell his father what to do. And must I say gets rather disappointed when things don't go as planned.

Trenton would not take his eyes of the game. In fact he would not smile either. So I told him that I was going to take this picture and show him when he is older how goofy he could be.

Trenton and Dad Napping

2009-02-21T02:16:00.000-08:00

So Nate asked me why I wasn't putting more pictures of us with the kids on our blog. I guess it is because most of the time I am taking the pictures during the day when he is at work. So I have decided to try to get more shots of us with the kids. So how do you like this picture Nate? I thought it was cute...Trenton drooling in his sleep next to his dad. Maybe you shouldn't have asked for more pictures of us with the kids on our blog:) This could get really fun for Heather.

Katelyn is Eight Months Old

2009-02-21T02:05:00.000-08:00

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Now that Katelyn is eight months old she has a few more tricks. She claps her hands, can get herself from her belly into a sitting position, she is rocking on all fours, and she is feeding herself some yummy finger foods. But the cutest thing that makes her parents smile is how she will burst out into laughter as she watches her older brothers play. It is so cute! Oh, and I can not fail to mention that she is still a singer. She loves music. She will sing in the car to the radio almost the entire trip. We love you Katelyn!

I Love Candy!

2009-02-21T01:16:00.001-08:00

Katelyn is busy as ever. Her Aunt Cherie gave her this darling hoodie. Thanks Cherie! Mom was trying to get pictures and Katelyn spied a piece of Valentine's candy her brother had placed on the floor to get her to crawl to him. So of course she ignored mom and went straight for the candy. She was so happy to get a hold of it.

She starting singing to it and then of course bit it.

Here Katelyn is reading the ingredients list.

It's good mom!

Pure sugar just like me.

Oh, you didn't fall for that...what if I move my arms like this?

No?

Okay, if I smile and pose for the camera can I have the candy then?

I guess there is always next year!

You can't blame a baby for trying.

I can sit all by myself...or with my brothers

2009-01-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

Katelyn is Seven Months Old! She is sitting up by herself now. The funny thing is she army crawled before she could sit. This girl is a mover! Some tricks she has been doing lately is making a smacking sound with her lips. It is so cute. She still is a super great baby.

Ryan and Trenton wanted to get their picture taken with their little sis. Trenton makes the cutest faces for the camera:) And look at Ryan's award winning smile!

Clowning around!

Ryan is five and a half years old. Trenton is just over three years old. Katelyn is seven months old. January 2009

Ryan's piano recital: I AM DONE!

2009-01-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ryan had his first piano recital this past Saturday. He was so excited to play. On the way to the recital he said he was a little nervous. But mom and dad told him that he would do a great job. When Ryan's turn came he walked up to the stage sat down to the piano and played his first piece "Singing Sounds". He paused for a moment then yelled "I am done". (Mom and Dad started laughing so hard) Ryan then stood up and took his bow. But what Ryan forgot was that he had two songs to play. So his teacher walked over to him and whispered to him to play the second song. Ryan then sat back down and played his second piece "Hide and Seek". He then stood up and took another bow and walked right to the edge of the stage and jumped off. Leave it to our Allen boy to be the only pianist that shouts "I am done" and to jump off the stage! What can I say...we love adventure! We love you Ryan and are so proud of our little piano player.

Hey, everyone I can do the army crawl now!

2009-01-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Katelyn found a little black dot on the carpet and started doing an army crawl to get it. To her dismay her mother would not let her have it. Instead mommy gave me my doll which I still bit with pleasure.

Almost got the dot. So close.

I thought I was getting the dot mom? Not the doll.

Trenton's Attempt at Being a Barber

2009-01-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

While mommy was cleaning upstairs and daddy was playing XBox with Ryan. Trenton decided to use the scissors Santa brought him in his artist pad to give himself a haircut. Mom came down to vacuum the downstairs and found hair all over the carpet and scissors too. She immediately went to find out who had cut off their hair. Sitting next to daddy was Trenton and this is what she found. The top of Trenton's hair was GONE! And dad had not even noticed.

Trenton was sad when mommy told him she was going to have to cut the rest of his hair short. You see Trenton loves to twirl his hair when he drinks his sippy cup.

After mom finished she showed Trenton and he started to cry. It was so sad. Mommy told him he looked cute and not to worry that his hair would grown back. Ryan was sad as well because he said it was his fault. You see he was the one who left the scissors out. Later that evening we went out to dinner and put a hat on to keep Trenton's head warm. When we got to the restaurant Ryan told Trenton to keep his hat on so people wouldn't laugh at him. Mom and dad smiled and said that no one was going to tease Trenton.

Later that night when mom gave Trenton his sippy cup of water for bed he went to twirl his hair. To his dismay it was gone. Mommy said your hair is too short to twirl it. You will have to wait until it grows back. Trenton thought for a second and then replied, "I know. We can tape it." Mommy said tape won't work honey. Trenton then said, "We can use Ryan's tools to fix it." Mommy said that won't work either. We will just have to wait until it grows back. Trenton then nodded in agreement.

Mommy did learn a few things from this experience. 1). Never assume that Daddy is watching the boys when she is cleaning. 2) Trenton is really good with a pair of scissors. 3) Ryan loves his brother and wanted to make sure he didn't get teased. 4) Did I mention Never Assume Daddy is Watching the Boys:) Even if he knows she is cleaning upstairs.

Sibling Love Or Should I Rivalry?

2009-01-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Ryan loves to hold his little sister. He asked if he could hold her and gave his award winning smile. Katelyn was acting all happy. Then she reached up with her little hand and socked her brother in the head and grabbed his hair. And she smiled the entire time. Sneaky little girl:)

What? It was a love tap Mom. Really it was. Ryan is still smiling.

Katelyn Little Miss Blue Eyes

2009-01-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

Katelyn is six and a half months old now. I can't believe it! She is such a great baby! She loves pulling off her socks and eating them. So mom bought her tights, which seems to be working so far. We have officially decided that Katelyn is going to keep her daddy's sparkling blue eyes.

All Smiles For the Camera!
Katelyn is working on her crawling. She will do push ups and then scoot her little backside up. Someday soon she will figure it out.

Look at me...I am doing push ups.

I think I can do it. Trying so hard to crawl. Do you think my tongue sticking our will help me? My mom sure seems to think it is cute.

Christmas Day 2008

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Look Santa Came!!! The kids must have been good this year! Ryan got his tool set and made the bird house that came with it that day. Look at that smile! Ryan got a drawing/painting pad. He is the little artist in the family.

And yes, he and his brother both got Hulk Hands. Mom must admit she enjoys playing with the kids...it is not everyday you can bonk your kids on the head and get away with it. The kids love bonking mom on the head too:)

Christmas Day 2008

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Trenton also got a race car track from Grandpa and Grandma Allen. And the "Cars" movie from Grandpa and Grandma Jarvinen. Can you tell he loves cars. Thank-you everyone! He loves it!

Oh, Santa you shouldn't have. I love paper!! Wait...there is more? Oh, I love my glow worm. He sure tastes great! But the paper I think is still the best. Thanks Santa!!!

Trenton must have been really good. He got his fire truck. He ran right to it and yelled " a fire truck"... and I mean yelled. He was so excited.

Christmas Eve

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The grand-kids did a reenactment of the Christmas Story. Katelyn was the Christ Child but must have forgotten to read the script. It read that "the little Lord Jesus no crying he makes", well all I can say is that she has one healthy set of lungs that girl:) Her cousin Abby was Mary and Taylor was Joseph.

Ryan and Trenton were shepherds. Trenton was having a hard time seeing...I wonder why? They were so cute to watch. Ryan was so happy to be a shepherd and still talks about it.
Ryan helping his brother with his costume so he could see. Such a good big brother. And London and Olivia were angels as usual.

Taylor is quite the talented musician. He played Christmas songs on his trumpet and guitar for us. Way to go Tay!

Happy Birthday Heather!

2009-01-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, I had another wonderful birthday. I am the big 35 years old now. My husband and kids made me a homemade birthday cake. Ryan is the baker in the family and really wanted to make it. It was delicious!!

2008-12-18T22:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! It has been a fun time of year. We decorated our tree and then re-decorated it. Trenton took his toy hammer to a couple of the "balls and was fixing them." Needless to say mom spent a good five minutes rearranging the tree and vacuuming up the pieces.

Our house is ready for Santa. The kids are so excited! They are counting down the days. It has been great to remind the boys that Santa is watching. Ryan wants a tool set and

Trenton wants a race car track. We will have to wait and see what Santa brings.

Ryan, Trenton, and Katelyn by the tree. Heather keeps trying to get a shot of her kids together.

But those with small children will appreciate my attempt:)

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Santa's little helper! Ryan had his school Christmas program today. It was all about Santa's workshop. Ryan had a speaking part "It is Christmas Eve" and did great! We love this little Elf so much!

Ryan's fellow elf-mates.

2008-12-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

The Men playing on the beach. Daddy showing off his moves and Trenton on the boogie board while Ryan is sitting in the hole he dug. Mom pulled Trenton to the car on the boogie board to get him to finally leave the beach.

Ryan thought it was so much fun to be buried in the sand. Look at that great smile.

Katelyn basically chilled in her stroller while we played in the sand. She kept putting her toes up on her tray. I think she wanted some California sun too.

2008-12-18T22:09:00.000-08:00

Here are the boys at Huntington Beach, California. They wanted a picture of the sailboat in the background with them. They had so much fun playing in the sand and water. We had to literally drag Trenton on the boogie board to get him to leave. He thought he was surfing. It was really cute.

Ryan at first was not sure about the water. But by the end of the day he was wet from head to toe and loving it.

Trenton kept turning his hat in all different directions throughout the trip. He loved the sand. He just laid on his belly and started digging. At one point he was on his hands and knees pushing his head through the sand like a plow. We were laughing so hard!

Trenton again with his handy bucket making a "shark cave" as he called it. Again notice the hat's position.

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What a smile!

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Our little angel smiling so big. Her entire face lights up when she smiles.
Our Little Sweet Heart

Little Expressions Are Priceless!
Katelyn was so good for so long and then she decided she was tired. Mom picked her up and she fell asleep on her shoulder in about two minutes.

Our Kids!

2008-12-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

So we were trying to get a picture of the kids together. This is what we got. I guess it shows the true meaning of family picture. All I can do is smile!

The Boys!

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Ryan and Trenton showing some brotherly love. They are really starting to play nicely together. It is fun to ease drop and hear their little conversations and plan making.

The Girls!

2008-12-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-laws (Angie & Nicole) and I got together and made tutus for our little girls. We then had a photo shoot. Angie the photographer in the family captured these precious pictures of our little ballerinas.

My Little Ballerina Girl!

Katelyn was so happy. She was smiling, and sticking her tongue out, and blowing bubbles.

All Tuckered Out!

Katelyn with her cousins London and Olivia

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Olivia (Angie and Rob's daughter) loves...loves..and loves Katelyn. She always asks to hold, hug, and kiss her. She is so cute with Katelyn. I am sure they will be the best of friends!

London and Olivia running through the yard.

London (Jake & Nicole's daughther) smiling in her tutu and butterfly wings.

Ballerina Olivia

London and Olivia

I love this picture!