Koda Chrome Basin

With Randy's job, a lot of times he has to travel. He went up to a job by Bryce Canyon one day and really wanted us to go, but I decided that it would be too difficult and so he took his brother, Mark with him instead. He was gone ALL day long, and didn't get home until after midnight. He told me how beautiful it was that night, and how he wished that he was able to take his family with him. Well it just so happened that the next day, he was called to the same area, so we all jumped in and made a family trip out of it! I am so glad that we went because we had such a great time!! The people that he did the job for offered us a little cabin in Koda Chrome Basin for the night for free, so we took it too! We thought we should make the best of our trip!

These pictures aren't all in order, but this is the next day, we went hiking on a 1.5 mile hike. It was a lot of hiking, and at some points I didn't know if I could make it (carrying Rebekah and being pregnant), but we did, and it was beautiful, and worth it! The kids did find it a little long for them though, and it was cold. Randy had to carry Briallen because she was so cold.... But still SO beautiful and worth it!!

At some points Rebekah wanted to walk by herself, she is so independent!

In the car, having a blast!!

On the way up there, we stopped on the side of the road and saw some Buffalo and Llamas, and played in the snow.

This is after the long day , all the kids were freezing and dirty and all jumped in the tiny bath tub to warm up. It was a tiny little cabin, but so fun! We never get to stay in places like this. :)

On the way home, we stopped and played in the snow again. The kids really wanted to go sledding, so we used an old dish and slid down the hill. The kids really loved it!

I am so glad that I decided to go with Randy. I usually don't like going to work with him, but when he goes to places like this, I really hope that I am more open about it. Life is too short to worry about the little things at home. We got to spend time with daddy, and it was so worth it.

Exciting!!

For those of you who don't know, we are expecting our 6th baby!! I am in my 13th week, and I feel great! I think this has been my best pregnancy I think. I have not had very much morning sickness, and I have more energy than I remember with the last ones. I have been tired a lot more lately, but that could have to do with having 5 other kids too. All in all, everything is going really well, and we are excited to be having another one! And we are due in October!! This will definitely be a whole new experience being pregnant and huge all summer. :)

Tragedy....

On Saturday night, Katie and Vern's home caught fire. The whole family was able to escape the house safely, thank heavens!! The house was completely engulfed in flames in just about 5 minutes. They had to stand and watch in horror as all their memories were burnt to the ground. I can't even imagine how they were feeling in that moment!!! When I heard the news I bawled. All night. It is such a scary and devistating thing to think about. It was an electrical problem and started at the water heater out the back door. They could smell smoke, and the kids came running saying there was smoke. Vern looked out the back door and saw the water heater in flames and told everyone to get out immediately. They all moved quickly and were kept safe. That is obviously the most important thing, and such a blessing that they all made it out together without any injuries! I am so grateful it wasn't just a couple hours later when they would have all been sleeping, and I am grateful that Vern was home, and his mom and sister were there also to help. It was truly a blessing!!
It is also so wonderful to see how a family and a community pulls together in a time of such great need. I know that they will be taken care of! The Lord loves them, and is blessing them with such wonderful people around them. I love you Katie and Vern!! I am still crying about this all. Every time I think about it I bawl. I am SO grateful that you are alive and safe and healthy! You are amazing people, and you are such great examples to everyone around you. Hang in there! There is a lot of love coming your way!!

this is the piano in the living room...

the kids' bedroom...

the living room...

another kids' bedroom shot...

Rebekah's birthday

I can't believe my baby is ONE!!! She turned one on January 31st. The year has flown by, and it's so crazy!! She started walking at 9 1/2 months, and she didn't get teeth until she was almost 11 months. She still only has 4 teeth, but it's adorable. She is such a happy baby, and a joy in our family. We are so blessed to have our little Rebekah!!

No one was feeling good on her birthday, so when Molly and her girls came down for a visit a week later, we decided to have her party at Granny and Papa Bundy's house. It was a lot of fun!
Rebekah was giggling and just loving all the attention. She was so cute!

She actually put the flame out on her candle by pinching it between her 2 little fingers, and then she looked up and giggled, it was adorable.

All the cousins had a blast together!

Trying out new things...

I seemed to have gotten into a rut for a while there and made all the same few meals and rotated them every night. Lately I have been experimenting with new things and it has turned out pretty good! I like making it kinda fancy and putting some special time into my meals. It makes me feel better about myself, and a lot more excited to eat. My family doesn't mind either!

This might not look good to others, but it was healthy and yummy!

Girls night out!!

Molly came to town to visit for a few days, and so we decided to go to dinner with as many of us girls that could go. It was so fun! I loved getting to go and hang out with my sisters and my mom. It was such a nice break, and I wish we could do it a lot more often!!

Here is 4 of us waiting for the rest of them to show up: I have such beautiful sisters!! Love you all!!

Still updating...

Okay, so before Emma and Natalie's birthdays, it was Briallen's birthday! She turned 3 years old on December 30! I can't believe how fast time flies! She is so fun to have around, we love her to pieces! Happy birthday beautiful girl!

Briallen's 1st birthday:

age 2
age 1
about age 9 months... (sorry, they are out of order)
There is never a day that Briallen doesn't make us laugh, she has such a fun personality, and keeps us on our toes! We love you, Briallen!

Looking back...

Just over 7 years ago, Randy and I were just about to have a new baby any day...

And then Emma was born at home on January 4, 2004.
2 days shy of a year later, Natalie was born on January 2, 2005. (Look how much they look alike!)


Emma, age 1
age 2
age 3
age 4
age 5
age 6
Natalie when she was born
6 months old
age 2
age 3
age 4 (she dresses herself a lot!!) :)
age 5

Natalie and Emma just turned 6 and 7 this year. I can't believe it! They are growing so fast! We love you girls!