Our first Christmas

So this was the first Christmas that my family has not spent Christmas with either Aaron's family or mine. Aaron was more than pleased with this decision, and did his best to keep the kids entertained and start some family traditions of our own. I will admit, I had a few moment when I missed being home, but on the whole he was quit successful!! We decorated ginger bread cookies, sugar cookies for Santa, took goodies to friends and saw Santa on more than one occasion.(Library Santa continues to be my favorite). The kids each drew a name and we went shopping for their Christmas gifts, which they loved! We went out for lunch Christmas Eve, and then sat down and had a family home evening, focusing on the Jesus and his birth, followed by the tradition opening their pj's present. Christmas day was filled with plenty of presents, cinnamon rolls and later in that afternoon we went to Alvin and the Chipmunks the squeakual. So that is our Christmas in a nutshell, our first private Christmas, with out a hitch!

Thanksgiving Trip

We had one very full week of family! We were a little nervous traveling with Eli, but he was an amazing little trooper and we had a great trip. It ranged from making homemade raspberry jam to riding horses, and don't forget lots of loves and kisses from aunts, grandmas and great grandmas. For some reason taking pictures on Thanksgiving day is hard for me, so Thanksgiving day is never on the record.. and that's how we roll!

preschool fieldtrip

The theme for preschool this month was transportaion. So my friend found out that her husbands boss owned his own airplane and set the whole thing up for us, what a sweetie! The kids had a good time, each took a turn inside the plane as co-pilot. What a boss, to take time off of work to talk to your employee's, three year old and her friend! What a great experience for the kids!

Eli's Blessing

It was only a little over a year ago that we were at church and a little guy was being blessed. I looked at Aaron, who was deep in thought and asked him what he was thinking. He said that he was thinking about what he was going to say when he blesses his son. I just laughed, at this point the idea of a fourth child was not an option in my mind, little lone adding a boy to the mix. Here we are a year later and Aaron found himself thinking once again, about what he was going to say when he blessed his son. We are soo blessed to have this healthy beautiful little boy!!

My baby girl is FOUR!

This sweet baby girl was the smallest of all my babies, only 8lbs 3oz. Unlike my her siblings she stayed tiny for the first four months. This had me a little panicked, but as anyone who knows her now with her adorable little body and legs, there is nothing to worry about! Sydney has always had a hold of my heart, allowing her to get away with things that her sisters wouldn't have dreamt have! She can be a stinker for sure, but she is the cutest sweetest, little girl and I am so grateful and blessed for the opportunity to have her in my life!


Eli is my baby now, but Syd has been my baby for sooo long, it is hard to see her all grown up! She decided that she wanted to go to Chucky Cheese this year. On our way there we stopped at Sears to buy a vacuum. We told Syd that was all she was getting for her birthday, thinking that we were going to get a reaction. As we were leaving Chucky Cheese, Syd asks, with great enthusiasm, if she can vacuum with her new vacuum when we get home. She is defiantly Aaron's child!! Syd was spoiled rotten, with clothes, money from all the grandmas, very thoughtful gifts and singing from her little friends, and cupcakes from her preschool teacher. Thanks for helping make her birthday a special one!

Fall Pictures

This was my attempt at taking some falls pictures. I have now learned that for me and my lack of training, pictures must be taken in the morning or just after the sun is behind the mountains in the evening. I haven't been able to get the sun to work in my favor as far as lighting is concerned. I am also counting the days down until I get a new camera for chirstmas, this old one is on its last leg!

Halloween Costumes

I thought that I was going to get away with staying home this year while Aaron went out, but fortunately or unfortunately for him he was sick with that nasty head cold that is making it's way around. With a snow storm just three days earlier, we were pretty fortunate with the weather this year. There was still snow on the ground, and it wasn't nearly as warm as last year, but I have definitely survived much MUCH worse. It was so nice that Syd could keep up this year, no stroller. I savored the moment since it will not be for long.

More Eli

Yes, I do remember that I have three other amazing children that I love to pieces!! But Eli is changing so much every week, I can't help it, please bare with me!

Stone Soup

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a cook! So when we went to Miller Farms and came home with all those vegetables, I had NO IDEA what we were going to do with them! Then the story of Stone Soup came to mind, and I figured that not only would Sdyd have fun, but if we did it with her friend, i might get lucky and not have to be the one who figured out how to make it. Turned out I was right, I read the story to the kids while MY friends stood over the stove! In the end EVERYONE was Happy! We let the kids pick a rock, wash it and put it in the soup, after all what is Stone Soup without the STONE?

Smiles

He is now to the point where he is smiling for reasons other than gas! He is just over a month now, and still changing so much everyday. We still haven't decided who we think he looks like. One minute it is Syd, the next he is more Abs. Only time will tell, maybe he is just Eli!

Preschool Field Trip

Sydney is in preschool this year. She has been waiting since last fall to be going to "school" like the girls. So she was super excited when Abby was in 1st grade, that being the marker that let HER start school. This week we had our first field trip to Miller Farms. It was quit the adventure. There was lots to do and not enough time to do it all. Most of the time was spent on a huge wagon pulled by a tractor through the giant field of corn, pumpkins, potatoes, carrots, onions....and we got to fill a bag.

Mamma Duck

So last night was my first official excursion, by myself with all four! So I didn't have anyone to take a picture of the momentous occasion, but these pics are a good representation. To my very pleasant surprise, Eli slept the whole time, so it actually went well! I lead the crew with the shopping cart, and the girls followed behind with one pushing Eli in the stroller.

More Eli

We are loving our new addition. The girls are as a HUGE help, as they do not like it when he cries, and he cries plenty!! He is training them well. I can't believe he will be a month on Tuesday! The last of family left on Tuesday. I was so blessed to have so much time and help from family, a total of three weeks!! Not to mention a ton of help from all our friends that kept us fed and helped keep Sydney entertained. Aaron and I really appreciate everything...Thank you!!

The Announcement

Just finished his birth announcement!

Our BIG boy!

Our little guy Eli Aaron came to us as planned August 25th. Everything went well and he was 10lbs 2oz, yeah not so little right? These are pictures from the his first week, he has already changed a ton, but as you can tell I am a little slow sharing, more will come, no worries:)

Isn't 3D Great!

I love this ultra sound picture! This little guy is not going to disappoint, looks like all chubs to me!!

More Visitors!!

We have been so fortunate to have so many visitors this summer! This last weekend we had the pleasure of seeing Aarons sister and her family. We made our way to the Hammond Candy Factory in Denver for a tour through the factory that makes all their candy by hand. Saturday we made our way back into Denver for a few of fun filled hours at the zoo. (when I say "we" I imply everyone but me, the zoo is a little out of my comfort these days) The rest of the time was spent visiting, playing dress up, eating and watching a few not so good movies! The timing of these visits couldn't be better, it has been so nice to have something to look forward to and break up what seems to be forever before Eli comes! We love you guys, appreciate the efforts made to come such a distance with your little ones, and hope you can come again sometime!

Fun with the Petersen Boys

Aarons brother and family made the lovely trip from Idaho through Wyoming to visit us this last weekend. City boy meet cowboy..Yes that is his brother and no neither were adopted!! We did our best to keep them busy and entertained, in hopes they might make the visit again one day!! Friday we went to Boondocks for some miniature golf and go cart fun, followed by a trip to the pool. Saturday the kids played on the slip n slide while Aaron took Justin to a saddle shop in Brighton. We spent the afternoon at a place called Dan and Busters. We had never been before, I was a little skeptical at first, but the kids had fun. The evening was finished with steak and potatoes compliment via chief Aaron and a few movies. We had a good time and are so glad that they would come and see us..hope to see you again in these here parts!!

What a week!

We had a week full of family. Everyone was in good health and turned out to be a good week for everyone. My parents and sister arrived Wednesday night. Thursday the girls and grandma Ann headed for Fort Collins for a B-day shopping trip at ToysRus, lunch and a movie. Friday my parents, sister w/ her family went to boondocks for a round of mini golf, go carts and token games, topped off with a couple hours in the pool. Friday evening Aarons parents and sister arrived, completing the group party. Saturday morning Rylie was baptized, which happened to be her on her birthday. She was so excited, and we are so proud of her for her consistent decisions to make good choices and always striving to please those around her. It was very sweet baptism, Aaron was choked up though the whole thing, having to pause before each blessing. Rylie had LOTS of friends and family come and show their love and support. We headed back to the house for a BBQ, and then Ry wanted to go to the rec center for more swimming. My family left early Sunday morning, and we were able to enjoy the rest of Fathers Day with Aarons family.

Slumber Party...Success!

All evidence points in the same direction, I am getting old!! My oldest is turning eight on Saturday. My poor children have never had a birthday party that consisted of more than family...no friends, no themes, just cake and ice cream. I applaud all of you ambitious mothers, to much work for me! Instead the girls get a slumber party on their 8th, 12th, and 16th birthday. Seems like a compromise to me?? Anyway, we (I) just survived the first "party" Rylie said that it was better than she had hoped, that is all that matters, so I call is a success. It started with the slip n slide, then fingernail painting, make-up, pizza and a movie, cake decoration, sucking the frosting dry, and finally one last movie with plenty of junk food. Ry only had three friends over, and like I said the night was a success.

Summer Photo

I found a great place for pictures. I have been missing my spots back home, so it was fun to find something new. These are pictures for the grandma's mothers day frames. Mothers Day was a month ago, but it has been raining every evening for the last month. Not that I am complaining, the cool temps have been wonderful, I will only be so lucky for them to continue.

S.O.S 2009

Summer has arrived and so starts our second summer with the Summer of Service Club. I didn't have my camera for last weeks project, we helped assemble the summer reading prize coupons at the library and gave appreciation cookies to our librarians. This week we met at one of the neighborhood parks and pulled weeds. I love this program!

Cinnimon Rolls without frosting???

I don't know if it was a dream or what brought on the craving, but I had cinnamon rolls on the brain this morning. Not Pillsbury, or the flat ones from king soopers, but thick fresh cinnamon rolls with lots of frosting. I called Great Harvest, and yes they have cinnamon rolls. I drive 10 miles into town, but it going to be worth it right? OH they have cinnamon rolls alright, wheat with NO FROSTING!!! Who eats wheat cinnamon rolls without frosting, not to mention that they were 2.50 a piece!!! I didn't think I needed to ask, "Now do your cinnamon rolls come with frosting?" Maybe rasins or not, but frosting?? That is like asking if the hamburgers come with buns!!

How long will it last??

I knew it was only a matter of time!! Aaron took the girls to Dicks Sports over a year ago while he was looking at clubs for himself. They have a little putting green set up in the store, and the girls have been asking to go back ever since. So this weekend we broke down and bought a set of jr. golf clubs. They have been outside practicing all afternoon, with a few breaks in between, and the blisters to prove it. So far it is looking like a good investment, but we will see how long the new lasts.


Look at that form, and THOSE EXTENSIONS, defiantly pro material!!

Good times in Casper *&*??

Who would have thunk I would be going to Casper by choice in the first place, little lone have a good time?? But it is true, the girls and I accompanied Aaron to one of his "favorite" store locations and stayed two nights and two days. The first night and morning were a bit of a bummer for the girls due to the swimming pool being out of commission. The real reason for the trip was to meet up with my aunt who was also visiting the area from Arizona. We spent the rest of the day with her, thus making the trip to Casper a "good time" Seeing her is always good, no matter the location. I didn't do a very good job with the picture taking, but you can imagine!!

The girls in the cutest small door found at the discovery center, and a picture of the people they made. We did finally make it swimming for a few hours before we had to check out, but a picture of the girls watching MORE tv, while patiently waiting for the pool.

Just Waiting

The girls went outside to wait for a little friend to be dropped off. When I looked out the window to check on them, this is what I found. Just sitting out on the steps keeping busy, until the company arrived!! Even more surprising they stayed and the little friend joined them, even with a promise of swimming in the backyard.

Kindergarden fieldtrip!

I was picturing really hot with lots of dust, dirt and a red barn in the background! I was pleasantly surprised! Lots of trees, shade and grass! The kids were not left disappointed either, lots of animals, swings, bridges, tree forts, enough to keep busy for 3 1/2 hours. Abby in her hat and ears reminds me of my brother when he was little!!

Quick Trip

We pulled into Salt Lake City 11:30 Friday night.(7 hour drive) Saturday the girls and I went to Ikea for a few hours and then back to the hotel for hours of swimming. We enjoyed dinner that night with my whole immediate family, followed by another trip to the pool. Sunday morning we attended the blessing of my brothers baby, and jumped in the car for home. It was defiantly a short LONG trip, but it was good to see my family, if only for a day!

Birthday Girl

Wednesday was Abs birthday. I can not believe how fast time flies. I love love love her baby pictures! Those cheeks and rolls were so squishy, and she was such a cuddly little thing.

Now she is my little toothless 6 year old, and I love her still the same. Not for the rolls anymore, but for all she brings to the family. She is such a BIG helper and gets along so well with her sisters. We went to the zoo after school, and then swimming with dad and the girls. She choose Wendy's for dinner and capped the evening off presents, cake and ice cream!

My two front teeth

Last summer Abs took a face first fall and knocked her front four teeth loose. The bottom two came out right away, but she was really good at leaving the top two teeth alone, even though they remained quit loose. So 7 months later we had a small incident involving Syds head and Abs mouth, needless to say there was no going back.

Memory Card Full

I went with Ry on a field trip to the botanical gardens in Denver. My favorite part of the trip was watching her take a picture of EVERY flower until her memory card was full.

I guess 3 is enough!!

It is official, we will no longer be a house full of girls! I made them prove to me that it was not an the umbilical cord, and it is true, defiantly a BOY!! Turns out agreeing on a name was not as hard as I thought it was going to be. So as it is scheduled now, Eli Aaron Petersen will arrive August 25!

We left Easter Sunday for the remembrance of our Savior who died for us. The girls finally get to wear their new Easter dresses to church, along with a few pictures from the day before!

Easter Bunny

We decorated Easter eggs Friday night. A special packet let us sparkle some eggs, the girls loved it! We enjoy all the Easter bunny festivities on Saturday. Finding Easter baskets at our house and then on to an Easter egg hunt. The forecast was for rain, and the clouds led us to expect the worst, but it turned out to be a very nice Easter egg hunt, A big Thank You to Anika for putting it together for us!

One last stop

We stopped in for a day with Aaron's family on the way home. A few wind chilling moments at my niece and nephew's soccer game, and then back to the house for a day filled of cousin love'n fun! The adults were a little under the weather, but it didn't stop the kids from enjoying every minute of play!!

Off to Grandma's house

We said our goodbyes to my sister and decided to try our luck at my parents house. We did fare a little better. We made homemade strawberry jam and the kids enjoyed grandmas fun box of crafts and activities.

Anticipation

The morning Aaron's parents left, my sister and her children came. Unfortunately the anticipation of my sisters stay was better than the actual visit. The first day Sydney and my sister were sick and the second day I found myself sitting at the hospital until 3:00 in the morning with my niece who for the second time while staying with us, had pneumonia. So needless to say it was an uneventful week, with LOTS of movies. The girls had spring break the next week, so the plan was to caravan back to Idaho and enjoy my sisters company even longer!!

Again the anticipation was greater than the visit! We did manage to make it back for my nieces 1st birthday, though the Denver blizzard was not to thank! All of my siblings were able to make it, and we managed a picture of all the grand kids on my side. It was a treat to see my youngest brother and his new little one, only 4 weeks old!! This was to be the highlight of our stay, because a stomach flu hit, and everyone (parents, siblings, spouses and children) took their turn. So the rest of the stay was uneventful, this time the kids had their share of the wii, instead of movies!