utah trip ~ top ten

Here are our top ten activities from our trip to Utah:

1.  Swimming. . .in luxury 

We were lucky enough to get to swim at this pool.

Which belongs to a friend of Brian's dad.

We barbecued.

The kids went fishing.

I floated on a raft and just laid there. . .

which I haven't done in I don't know how long.

Most of us wore sunscreen.

Some of us didn't.

Several of us got severe sunburns.

Sunscreen or not.

 McKay was a swimming fool.

But got completely exhausted after awhile.

So on went the floaties

and so did my peace of mind.

Ellery just bobbed in the water like a little fish.

And we all had a wonderful time.  

And don't even worry about us smelling like chlorine.

It was a salt water pool.

No big deal.

2.  Playing at Grandma's

Wish I had more pictures of this.

We just hung out. . .which is one of our favorite things to do at Grandma's.

Cousins played.

Ellery discovered Pretty, Pretty Princess and was in heaven.

And also found two constant companions

named sweetie pie and yellow.

Adele made delicious meals, snacks and desserts.

And McKay, too.
The kids had fun jumping on the tramp,
And going on walks with Grandma.
Every morning McKay would ignore us,
and go right up to find Grandma.

We played lots of games.  

And had two wonderful Sundays together.  

3.  Greeting the Golfers

The boys played golf.

And we met them at the fifth hole.

Complete with pizza and Propel.

The kids were so excited.  

My cousin also came into town.

And the family gathered to greet her and watch SYTYCD.

Nonnie gave out licorice.

I forgot to serve the rootbeer floats.

4.  The Land

It feels kind of funny to say, "we went to The Land" to people who aren't in the family.

"The Land" means we went to Thunder Mountain. . .

which means we went camping.

A zip line was put up.

Cousins played.  

Cousins got dirty.

Chili-cheese sandwiches were devoured.

And Uncle Alex was initiated into the family officially.

There were go-kart races.

Four wheeler rides.

And plenty of treats to keep us busy.

Also, my wonderful parents-in-law 

let my pregnant body sleep in their bed in their trailer.

I love them.

5.  Grammy's

We had a swimming party at Grammy's.

It felt SO good to be out in the sun.

To even see the sun.

Mom made gourmet sandwiches for lunch.

While I made the kids crusty pb&j. . .

which they didn't even care to eat.

Too busy splashing around.

Got to go out to dinner with mom and dad.

Ate WAY too many rolls at Texas Roadhouse.

Nonnie and McKay were best friends.

And read book after book after book together.

We also got a visit from an ice cream truck.

Which perhaps was the best thing to ever happen to McKay.

Mom treated me to some much needed hair care and some maternity clothes.

Loved visiting with Nonnie, Grammy and Poppy.

6.  The best day of the year (aka Orem Summerfest)

Brian's favorite day did not disappoint.

Except it was a wee bit cold.

But the rain let up when we needed it to.

So we can't complain too much.

Except I did complain a lot that it was raining in Utah.

Because that is what I left behind in Portland.

The day started off with a fun race.

For Jenn, Alex, McKay Sr. and Bri.

The kids were very involved in cheering all the runners.

And we celebrated with donuts from Macy's.

As always, McKay secured a wonderful spot at the parade.

And Ellery LOVED waiving at all the princesses.

McKay was serious about collecting candy.

And of course Brian caught a tie.

And then, fireworks.

What a wonderful day.

It's no wonder the family holds it so dear.

7.  Minnetonka Cave

Joined the Roylances for a tour of this cave.

There were a million steps.

Maybe more like 800, but still.

Brian hiked up and down this cave all while holding Ellery in his arms.

I don't know how he did that.

Jana and Mark thought that Carson died somewhere in the middle.

And checked for breathing when we finally emerged into daylight.

Brian and Mack stayed with the tour guide.

as he led a group in complete darkness with only a rail to hold.

We saw a moose on the way down the canyon.

It was exciting.

8.  The Cabin

Jana and Mark graciously hosted us at the cabin.

It almost didn't happen. . .

due to the stomach flu going around the family.

But they finally made it up, and no one else got sick.

Perhaps due to the heavy sanitizing going on.

And lots of prayers.

We had a campfire.

With giant marshmallows.

Played games.

Ate snacks.

And just enjoyed being together.

Thank you Jana and Mark.

It was a lovely weekend. 

which also involved. . .

9.  Shake your booty

Someone brought up a dancing game.

I don't have a Wii so I don't know what it was called.

But I just want you to guess who totally rocked

And won this game.

Brian.

And me.

I never knew we had such secret dancing talent.

My dad was pretty good too.

And the Allred kids know the routines by heart.

It was funny.

Funniest to see the men dancing to the Rocky theme.

McKay was so proud of us for winning.

We kept telling him, "You won third!"

And as long as the word "won" was in there,

he was happy.

Look at those moves.

I married a dance genius.

10.  Bear Lake

I love this lake.

The color shocks and delights me every time.

We had a picnic lunch

and stayed all day.

McKay wanted to be burried so he was just a head.

And sweet Ellery wanted to help bury him.

So she dumped a bucket of sand on his face.

And that's when it became not fun anymore.

Trevor took us all out on the boat.

And a few skied.

But mostly we sat on the beach,

played in the sand and shallow water,

And enjoyed the sunshine.

And of course the raspberry shakes afterward helped too.

So that was our trip in pictures and as few words as I could manage.  It was wonderful.  We love our families and thank them for hanging out with us, feeding us, and having fun with us while we are in town.  It means so much to us to visit and spend time with those we love and miss so much.  

And now. . .for perhaps the biggest highlight of the trip for me, as the front seat passenger, I give you a bonus.  

11.  Sleeping Children

I got so angry on the way down.

Because during fourteen hours on the road.

My children slept zero of those.

No dozing, no naps, no nothing.

And that's getting up several hours earlier than usual.

It made me crazy. . .like really a little crazy.

So on the way home I was determined that they would sleep.

And the ticket was not giving in to their every request.

And designating "rest time".

Where mom and dad wouldn't hand them anything.

Or even talk to them.

I was such a happy momma.

Two hours of bliss. . .

except that baby dancing on my bladder.

thoughts on a sunday

• Brian has been grillin' away on his new BBQ.  I can't believe we've gone this long without one actually. It's so nice to have.  One of my favorite things is a grilled veggie burger, so I'm a happy girl.  We also tried mahi mahi this week (not me though) and he made some delicious grilled vegetables.  Eggplant.  We've never eaten eggplant before.  But it was tasty!  And lets not forget grilled pineapple.  Pineapple is good enough, but on the grill?  Even better.

• After trying a few bites of mahi mahi McKay said, "I do not like hee-haw hee-haw." 

• This week we have just kind of been getting back into the swing of things around here.  It felt pretty lonely coming back from two and a half weeks of being surrounded by family constantly.  It is good to be home, but we've had to adjust to being just us four again.  The kids have been extra whiny this week, which I think has something to do with them getting back to their normal routine and missing all the attention.  Either that or we just have really whiny kids.  Especially our girl kid.  She is unreal.

• Lately I find extreme pleasure in brushing my teeth.  I'm thinking this is a pregnancy thing.  When I was pregnant with Ellery I could not get enough of my lavender hand-sanitizer.  I would put it on over and over again just so I could smell it.  It was my favorite thing.  My guilty pleasure.  And now that seems to have moved to brushing my teeth with this one.  I have to make myself stop because otherwise I would be doing it for ten minutes every time.  It just feels so right.

• Also, my love of chewing ice has returned.  Big time.  

• It's June 27th.  June 27th.  I'm 29 today.  I think 29 is a pretty ugly age.  I started saying that my dad is 70 as soon as he turned 69. . .because. . .when you're 69 you're pretty much 70.  Am I right?  So I guess  I might as well be 30.  

• It's always kind of weird when your birthday is on a Sunday.  Sweet Brian made me german pancakes and a delicious crock-pot dinner, all while fasting today.  We just did our regular Sunday routine.  When I blew out the candles on my cake I wished that Ellery would stop crying and eat her dinner so she could have some cake.  My wish came true.    

• My mom is having both her knees replaced tomorrow.  We've been thinking about her today and wish we could have been with the whole family tonight.  I'm hoping that everything goes smoothly- better than expected even.  Love you mom.

• For Brian's birthday I made him a key lime pie, one of his favorites.  I had never made one before, and did you know that key lime pie is made up of lime juice, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk?  Yup, that's it.  I felt weird eating it.  I kind of wish I didn't know it.  And now you know it too.  But it was sure tasty and I felt proud that my first attempt at a new recipe didn't end in disaster.  

• There is a town just up the road that had a huge city-wide garage sale event on Saturday.  Dozens and dozens of homes in each neighborhood.  I went.  The kids joined me.  It was kind of like Christmas in June for them.  I got them stuff.  Some great stuff.  Then when it was over I thought, "What did I just do?"  Brian thought that too.  But I got a Buzz Lightyear costume that looks brand new for $3.  What can you say to that?  All you can say is, "yes please."

• Buzz has been flying all around the house.

• On Saturday I washed the car and cleaned out the garage.  We got some new shelves for the garage and I was basically like a big man heaving boxes around and moving stuff all over the place.  I was pretty sure I was going to go into labor by morning, but I didn't.  That night once I laid down on the couch I could not get off.  I was so tired and stiff.  Brian said to me, "Why are you so sore?  What did you do today?"  And then I wanted to throw my shoe at him, except I wasn't wearing any.  

• Brian doesn't wash the car.  He'd rather pay for it to be done.  So I do it because nothing can scrap the bug guts off from a long road trip like a little elbow grease.  He doesn't understand this.  So he wouldn't know anything about being sore.

• It is not very common to have A/C here in Oregon.  In fact, when we were looking at places I don't think any of them had it.  Except this one!  I think I would die without it.  I'm kind of dying anyway.
• Today at dinner Ellery was being super whiny.  Then all the sudden she said, "I'm going to kick your butt!" as casually as can be.  What?!  My sweet, whiny two year old knows the word butt?  How did this happen?

• Ellery calls sun screen sun scream.  

• We watched Karate Kid today for family movie.  McKay is planning on taking karate as soon as he's old enough.  He doesn't know that he's already old enough.  We didn't tell him that.  That's one of my favorite things about my boy- how interested and excited he gets about everything.  

• This week we put Ellery in the bottom bunk.  She is now in her own big girl bed, and McKay is snoozing on the top bunk.  I cannot even believe how smooth this transition has gone.  With McKay it was horrible.  I remember holding the door closed as he screamed on the other side.  That was pretty much the end of nap time for him.  But I kind of thought Elle would be easier since she has been such a great, independent sleeper all along.  She loves her bed and her alone time in bed.  She has rarely cried about going to bed.  And it was easy!  We just decided one night that it was time and in she went.  She was so excited about her new blankets and using a pillow.  The best part is that she hasn't come out once. . .well, actually tonight she did, but I'm pretty sure it's because McKay told her to.  Other than that, she has just laid down and gone to sleep.  Yay for my big girl!

• Oh, and that reminds me of potty training.  We're back on!  Meaning after three bad days right when we got home, she is now pretty much fully trained. . .except for her afternoon poop.  That one is hit or miss.  

That's all I've got.  Now I'm going to go out on the porch with Brian and rock in our rocking chairs.  I know he's excited about this.  Happy Sunday!

can we talk about me for a minute?

So I've missed my regular Sunday posts due to a long trip to Utah, and right now I have so many thoughts swirling around my head that I just have to get them out.  Don't think I can wait until next Sunday.  But today most of my thoughts are having to do with the wee one sticking her leg underneath my right rib cage.  I always keep a pregnancy journal, currently of which I am very behind on, so killing two birds with one stone and sharing it here.

• I had a doctor's appointment today.  It's funny doing this for the third time.  There are no questions.  There isn't much to talk about during my appointments.  Baby's heart rate is good.  My blood pressure is good.  I'm gaining weight like a champ.  A heavy-weight champ.  Really kinda boring.  

• I did find out today that I am anemic.  This is just the missing piece to the puzzle for me.  I have struggled with lack of energy this whole pregnancy, and I thought it would get better after the first trimester was over, but it didn't.  Now I'm happy to maybe have an answer to why I have been so lazy tired.  Getting some iron supplements in the morning.  I hear they bring all sorts of fun things.  I hope energy is one of them.

• Really missing my old doctor in Utah today.  It's just not the same.

• I can only sleep on my right side.  I am still amazed that I wake up in the morning and haven't moved at all.  Morning being 3:00am of course.  One of my favorite postpartum perks is waking up in the morning and not even having to pee.  I can't even remember that feeling.

• While we're on the subject, why is it that I am not really thirsty all day, and then when nine o'clock comes around I could drink my weight in water. . .which is currently a lot?  Why can't I be thirsty in the morning when I have all day to go back and forth to the bathroom?  

• Today my doctor told me that my due date is September 8th.  I'm still sticking with the 9th.  Just because.

• I have been pretty emotional recently.  You know the feeling were you just have to cry even though you don't want to and you never know what will be the thing that pushes you over the edge to where you can't hold it in any longer?  Yeah, well it turns out really stupid things can push me over the edge.  

• Brian has been making me laugh by commenting on my pregnancy mask in positive ways lately.  Tonight he told me, "You look beautiful right now.  Your hair, your eyes. . .and your cheeks all toasted."  Although I was very good at protecting the skin on my face while out in the sun these last two weeks, I came home to find that I now have signs of a beautifully toasted forehead as well.  

• I am ready to get down to business as far as preparing my house for our new arrival.  Elle's bedding has been purchased and as soon as we get back on top of potty training (story for another day) we will be putting her in the bottom bunk.  I've started compiling my crazy list and there's lots more to be done and I'm ready to get to it.  

• My mom bought some very cute things for the baby while I was visiting.  Seeing clothes that are just for her make it so real.  I can't wait to see her little ruffled bum!

• Still no name.  A few weeks ago I thought we had agreed on one. . .well, we had agreed on one. . .loosely. . .and then someone decided to change his mind.  So now we each have one that we like, and neither one of us is totally sure if we really want to use the other's.  I don't know what to do about this. Maybe there is still one out there that we haven't found yet.  Or maybe I should get the final say because really, who's doing all the work here?  Just sayin'.

• Getting really excited to have two little girls.  It was hard at first knowing that McKay might not have a brother, but I suppose it would have been hard the other way around too.  I really like my little Ellie girl- she's just adorable- and so I know I'm going to like this little one just as much.  Can I dress them like twins?  Is that allowed?

• When we got back into town both of my neighbors said the same thing to me, "Wow, you've grown!"  This was two separate occasions too.  I'm kind of big.  I'm kind of uncomfortable already.  And I hate that.

• I am in love with Brian.  You know, I just have all this extra love in my heart for him right now.  Sometimes he hates when I talk like this.  Actually, all the time.  It makes him uncomfortable.  And sometimes I like talking like this just to make him uncomfortable.  Except usually it's to his face, not on my blog.  But this time I really mean it.  While writing his father's day card today (late) waiting in the waiting room, I just realized how lucky I am to be having another one of his babies.  He's so good with his babies.  This little girl is lucky to get such a dad.  

• I am loving feeling this little one move around all the time.  Somehow, no matter what time I go to bed, she knows that when I lay down for the night that it's time to do cartwheels.  It's a fun feeling to get to fall asleep to every night.  And getting under my ribs when I'm sitting up is another favorite past time.  Sweet, silly baby.    

Well, I guess that's it.  I'm going to try my hardest to put together posts of our trip to Utah, but instead I might take the easy road with no pictures and share some thoughts on family home evening.  You never know what you're gonna get!

   

for his twenty-ninth

Brian and I are acting like we're millionaires and I got him a BBQ for his birthday/father's day, which we are both loving.  He already picked it out and we've been grillin' for a week now, so I don't have anything to give him on his special day except a card and this.  So here are twenty-nine things I just kind of love about Brian.

1.  I love his hands.  So smooth, soft, yet still a man's hands.  I love holding his hand.

2.  I love the sound of his voice.  Not his singing voice, that's good too, but I love his talking voice.  

3.  I love how he stays active physically.  Health is important to him and feeling good and keeping his body in shape is a priority.  

4.  I love how he's tidy.  He is not a slob.  He likes a tidy, clean house as much as I do.

5.  I love that after seven years of being married and calling each other almost exclusively "sweetheart" we've since experienced a change and have thrown some "sweeites" in the mix.  

We like to keep things new and exciting around here.  :)

6.  I love how disciplined he is.  I have rarely seen someone with as much self control and self-discipline as Brian.  He sets goals and reaches them.  He decides to do something and he does it.  It seems so easy for him and that quality has gotten him where he is today.

7.  I love that he is a wonderful cook.  Oh what a lucky wife I am!  Although sometimes it causes me some serious self-doubt, mostly because he's better at it than I am, how can I wish for a husband who didn't enjoy cooking?  I can't.  And so I won't.

8.  I love that he likes to watch SYTYCD.  Maybe even more than me.  

9.  I love how responsible he is.  I have seen this especially in him as a student.  He is dedicated and nothing slides when it comes to something he's committed to.  I also know that he will always be responsible for meeting the needs of our family.  I never worry that he won't be able to take care of us.    

10.  I love how he plays with our kids.  He is the one rolling around wrestling on the floor with them.  He is the one playing baseball with McKay.  He is the one giving shoulder rides.  

11.  I love how he makes me laugh.  He teases me a lot.

12.  I love how he rocks his baldness.  We are always shocked when we see pictures of him because he looks so bald.  He really does have some hair up there.  But you know what?  '

It doesn't bother him.  And I like that.

13.  I love how smart he is.  Really, he's smart.  I am constantly amazed.  And it's not just book smart,
he also just knows things. 

14.  I love how he's considerate to other people, almost to a fault.  This can get annoying.

15.  I love that he taught himself to play the guitar.  He's always finding new things he wants to do and learn and just does them.  

16.  I love that he once put up crown molding for me in our old house and it was one of the worst experiences of his life, but he did it for me.

17.  I love his blue eyes, and long, beautiful eye lashes.  Our kids have him to thank.

18.  I love how he tries to make me smell or lick his hat after a long run.  

I never do, but he still almost always tries to get me to.  

It always makes me laugh.

19.  I love the father that he is to our kids.  Our kids are so lucky to have him as a dad.  

He loves them so much.  He is so involved in everything about them.  He is so supportive.  

I am lucky to have him as my partner in this whole parenting thing. 

20.  I love the high-pitched laugh he gets when he's laughing really hard.  

It doesn't happen all that often, but when it does it's priceless.

21.  I love how I still look at him and think he's hot

22.  I love how hard he is working for our family.  This is not an easy time for any of us, 

but especially not him.  There is so much for him to do.  So much pressure that comes with what he's learning how to do. He has a lot on his plate but he still makes me feel like we are his priority.  

23.  I love how he checks on our kids every night before he goes to bed.  Without fail.  

24.  I love how he can't stand surprises.  He is like a little kid when it comes to being surprised.
Hmmm. . .I wonder where McKay gets this from.  It's all making sense.

25.  I love that feeling our baby move freaks him out.

26.  I love how he looks in a short pair of running shorts.

27.  I love how he loves how many pictures I take.  

And how he promised not to make the i-hate-getting-my-picture-taken face ever again.  

(This one is not true, but I thought maybe if I wrote it down it might come true.  Hey, it's my birthday too!)

28.  I love how loyal he is.  He is loyal to those he loves.  He is loyal to his commitments.  He is loyal to his responsibilities and to his word.    

29.  I just love him!  I love that he's mine!  

And I love that after seven years of marriage I love him more than ever.  

Happy Birthday to my Bri.

about us

We got to go to Utah for over two weeks- our summer vacation between terms for Brian.
Now we're back and adjusting to this summer life.
Thank goodness it stopped raining while we were gone.
Well, actually, it poured the day we left, and was pouring the day we got home.
And it poured a few days in Utah as well.
But I'm done complaining about the weather. . .
Because it's summer outside.
Finally.

We had a great trip visiting family.
I have a million pictures and I hope to post them soon.
But we have some birthdays this week.
And scouts to keep us busy.
So it will probably have to wait.

Ellery decided to hang out in diapers while on vacation.
And we're now trying to get back to where we were before we left.
Today is going great, the past three days have been horrible.
I had a pile of pee soaked clothes to prove it.

McKay was not happy to come back.
But has since had a few play dates with friends,
Which I think helped him change his mind.

I am feeling quite large.
And hot.
And hungry.
Happy to be in the third trimester. . .
And adding to "my list" daily things I need to get done before August is over.

Brian started a new term yesterday.
And was gone 'til almost seven.
He's going to be a busy boy this summer.
And had to give up the dream of running the Hood to Coast relay.
Due to a final. . .and not at all due to the fact that his wife could give birth that day.
Priorities, you know.

So that's what we're up to right now.
Can't wait to fill you in on what we've been doing.

interview with mckay

When McKay was the VIP at preschool we filled out a questionnaire all about him.  Here is the "interview"  

My name is:  McKay

My address is:  I don't know

The name of my town is:  Beaverton

I live in a:  box

Names of the people in my family are:  My name's McKay and my mom's name is Sarah.  My dad's name is Brian and my baby sister is named Ellery

My friend's name is:  David

My teacher's name is:  Mrs. Boyd

I am four years old

My size is:  four

My favorite color is:  blue, green, red and pink

I like to wear:  jeans and my favorite bear shirt

I want to learn about: animals

The thing I do best is:  choose the right

I really don't like:  ghosts, dark, hyenas, church and earthquakes

I love to eat:  mac & cheese, ravioli, pizza fondue, enchiladas and tortillas

My favorite story is:  when mom tells me about horses and dogs and all animals

I watch on television:  Bakugon (he's never seen it), Alvin and the Chipmunks, Arthur 

The whole place of Disneyland is my favortie movie character

I wish: that my dreams will come true

Our family's tradition is to: watch a family movie together

When I grow up I'm going to be:  a zoo keeper

(March 2010)

the last days

Bike Day

I mentioned in an earlier post about the bike day drama and how McKay ended up borrowing a friend's Dora bike.  Well, here is McKay and his sweet Dora ride in action.  Bike Day:  

Filling her up.  

And there she is.  He was a little wobbly sometimes, and the corner he is about to go around had a lot of congestion which produced many crashes, but he zoomed around and around and loved every minute of it.  Very proud day for him without training wheels.  

This little girl was able to tag along on bike day and Mrs. Boyd had a little tiny bike just her size. 

She really took care of this bike.  She pretty much spent the whole two hours washing it.  She rode a little, and then washed it some more.  

Here is the track.  Around and around in circles they went.

We all had a lot of fun at Bike Day.  The kids thought it was great to get to spend the whole day outside, even eating snack outside.  It was a fun day.  

Zoo Day

During the last month of school we got to take a field trip to the zoo.  We've gone to the zoo several times, but it was even more special to be there with all McKay's friends.  

Five little monkeys.

McKayla and McKay.  Silly monkeys.

"Trillphy" Day

Trillphy is one of those words that Mckay says wrong that I don't correct.  Because it's cute.  This is really about trophy day, but don't you think trillphy is cuter?  

This was the last day of school.  McKay's teacher had talked up this little trohpy for weeks, telling the kids that only a champion would get one.  She told them the qualities of champions and every day for the last week of school he would come home and hope out loud that he would be the one to get the trophy. 

Well, of course he was a champion!  And he was thrilled that the rest of his class were champions too and got their own trophies.  

We enjoyed singing songs that the kids had learned and looking at some of their art projects that they've done the last few months.  And of course, one last time to play with all his friends and the toys.  

When it was time to go we told McKay to say goodbye to his friends, most of which he wouldn't see again.  He then went around the room and started hugging each friend, while they were playing and not knowing at all what he was doing.  It was cute.  Here he is hugging Henry who is busy playing with Legos. 

The trillphy.

We sure are proud of this cute boy and of course, proud of that trophy!