GIRL!
We just had an ultrasound this morning. She looks perfectly healthy and yes, we are fairly sure it is a girl. What can we say? We make cute girls. :)
Poor Jonny. ;)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
We are having a . . .
GIRL!
We just had an ultrasound this morning. She looks perfectly healthy and yes, we are fairly sure it is a girl. What can we say? We make cute girls. :)
Poor Jonny. ;)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Casper
Our dog, Casper, passed away yesterday.
We got him as an early Christmas present from the pound this last year for the kids. They had been wanting a dog for years, and I finally gave in. Casper was very gentle, rarely barked, and fairly well trained. The vet estimated him to be about 2 or 3 when we got him, and besides an ear infection, he seemed to be healthy. The kids were so very excited to have a dog. We named him Casper, because he kind of looks like a ghost and he was so friendly. Here they are on the way home from picking him up for the first time.
Casper lived with us for 8 months and 4 days. He loved to chase the kids, clean up after Jonny ate, chew things up, and go on walks. He was so very good with the kids. I think his favorite time of day was when Richard would come home. Richard would often run around the backyard, over the trampoline and through the swingset, and Casper would chase after him. We had a lot of fun with Casper.
During the last month or so, he started developing symptoms for what we later found out was tick fever and valley fever. He may have contracted tick fever before we even got him, as we have never seen a tick on him. This is probably why he was always so mellow...he was sick and we didn't know it. He started taking medication, but it wasn't very long until we noticed more things wrong, like his face drooping. So the vet started treating him for a thyroid problem. Then a week and a half ago, he started vomiting more and not being able to walk straight. The vet thought it was a problem in his middle ear or a brain lesion, but it would be hard to tell without further (more expensive)tests and even then it may not be treatable. She started him on a 6th medication to see if it would help. It didn't. Within a few days, he became so sick that he wouldn't eat and couldn't hold water down. We made the decision that it was time to put him to sleep. It was very difficult on all of us. This past weekend we all spent more time petting him and giving him lots of love and attention. We made imprints of his pawprints. We took lots of pictures and shed lots of tears. We know that Casper is happy now, free to run around and play and eat lots of steak.
Casper, you will be greatly missed.
We got him as an early Christmas present from the pound this last year for the kids. They had been wanting a dog for years, and I finally gave in. Casper was very gentle, rarely barked, and fairly well trained. The vet estimated him to be about 2 or 3 when we got him, and besides an ear infection, he seemed to be healthy. The kids were so very excited to have a dog. We named him Casper, because he kind of looks like a ghost and he was so friendly. Here they are on the way home from picking him up for the first time.
Casper lived with us for 8 months and 4 days. He loved to chase the kids, clean up after Jonny ate, chew things up, and go on walks. He was so very good with the kids. I think his favorite time of day was when Richard would come home. Richard would often run around the backyard, over the trampoline and through the swingset, and Casper would chase after him. We had a lot of fun with Casper.
During the last month or so, he started developing symptoms for what we later found out was tick fever and valley fever. He may have contracted tick fever before we even got him, as we have never seen a tick on him. This is probably why he was always so mellow...he was sick and we didn't know it. He started taking medication, but it wasn't very long until we noticed more things wrong, like his face drooping. So the vet started treating him for a thyroid problem. Then a week and a half ago, he started vomiting more and not being able to walk straight. The vet thought it was a problem in his middle ear or a brain lesion, but it would be hard to tell without further (more expensive)tests and even then it may not be treatable. She started him on a 6th medication to see if it would help. It didn't. Within a few days, he became so sick that he wouldn't eat and couldn't hold water down. We made the decision that it was time to put him to sleep. It was very difficult on all of us. This past weekend we all spent more time petting him and giving him lots of love and attention. We made imprints of his pawprints. We took lots of pictures and shed lots of tears. We know that Casper is happy now, free to run around and play and eat lots of steak.
Casper, you will be greatly missed.
Friday, August 13, 2010
First Day(s) of School
My three girls just started school this week. Rebecca and Breanna started on Wednesday at the same school they attended last year. We are all so happy with the great teachers they have and are looking forward to a really fun year!
Rebecca - 5th grade
Breanna - 3rd grade
Sidenote: The girls really wanted to dress nicer for the first day of school but Rebecca had PE and we weren't sure when Breanna's PE was, so tennis shoes were the footwear of necessity.Katie started preschool on Thursday. We were lucky enough to find a program through the community where she can attend for FREE! (That is probably the best feature of this preschool!) Anyway, Katie was SO EXCITED to go to school for the first time ever. Here is she at the meet the teacher open house. (Unfortunately, the teacher is a temporary one until a permanent one is hired. Therefore, the room was not ready and no real information was given.)
One of the things I am not thrilled about is that I have to walk her all the way to her class everyday and wait for the teacher to open the door. That may not sound horrible, but considering it is in the middle of the day in HOT AZ in August, and I will need to bring Jonny with us, it makes for an uncomfortable 10-15 minutes. But Katie did great. She waited in line and didn't cry or hold onto my leg, like I thought she would. She did want two hugs and kisses though. And as she walked into the classroom, after she briefly turned around to wave, I did get a little teary. Here's another one of my kids growing up too fast. (I couldn't stay sad for too long though, as Jonny and two of my nieces were waiting at home with my brother.)
Here she is after coming out of the class. She was so happy (but the sun was so bright!) She asked me later if I had stayed outside the whole time just waiting for her. (Uh...sorry. No. Not in 100+stupid degrees for 3 hours.)
I am so proud of my Katie bug. She did so great and is excited to go again!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Vacation!!! (Day 4 - end)
Ok, I just need to finish this and move on. Be sure to scroll down to see the first 2 posts about our trip. :)
Day 4 - My (Carolyn's) Birthday! The day started off great with a wonderful breakfast in bed. Then we all went swimming at the hotel, which I like much better than the beach (no sand, not frigid water, no seaweed, etc). We headed out for the day around lunchtime, so we picked up some food and had a picnic at La Jolla Cove. It was so beautiful there!
We all enjoyed seeing the sea lions and exploring the tide pools (and trying to avoid the waves). From there, we decided to head back to Sea World. We made it to the Cirque de la Mer show as well as the dolphin show again. They were both so impressive. Since we were soaked then (which wasn't my favorite thing to do on my birthday) we decided to get REALLY wet and go on the rides. We all got soaked through to the skin on the Shipwrecked ride, but we still had fun. Then we were going to go on the Atlantis ride again, until Katie had a meltdown and decided she really would die if she went on it again. So the girls and I decided we were done being wet so we changed into other stuff (which for me consisted of some swim trucks of Richard's and a sweatshirt...nice). Then we left the park intending to go eat some steak, but since I was not really dressed for anywhere in public, I needed to find some clothes. So I went shopping at Kohl's(the only place with maternity clothes open after 9) and got some new stuff. Since it was almost 10 and we were all starved, we opted for Boston Market across the street from Kohl's, but to us, it tasted like steak. 
It was a long day, but a nice birthday. The best part: being out of the heat with my family! Day 5 - Wild Animal Park and Zoo (again) We started out by going to the Wild Animal Park. It is NOT close to the beach and therefore, not cool. It was probably around 80 degrees...so hot! :) The best part about it was riding the carousel twice! 
The rest of our time there consisted in lots of walking, then waiting for our safari ride for 45 minutes with Jonny who was having a meltdown (probably from the sunscreen in his eye), then going on the safari ride still trying to calm him down, and then walking uphill back to the car(by then Jonny was asleep). Needless to say, we didn't take many good pictures of this part of the day. We did see some lorakeets up close and the girls thought that was pretty neat. 
We then headed back to the zoo, but it was warm there too. Oh well. We took the tram as much as possible and got some great looks at some animals that we just don't have in Phoenix, like the polar bear and the pandas. Here's Becca doing her Kung Fu Panda imitation. Surprisingly, the pandas do not actually do martial arts. 
And a polar bear...lying in the dirt. 
After riding the sky ride again and getting a few souvenirs, we were done with the zoo. We got some food for dinner (what else but Panda Express on the day that we saw the pandas?) and headed to the beach to watch the sunset. (Note: chinese food and sand do not go well together.) 
I think we were all tired and cranky so we headed back a little earlier....9:30. :) Day 6 - Last day in San Diego After packing up everything and checking out from our hotel, we decided we wanted to go to Sea World for our last day. We went to see Shamu again (3rd time) and got soaked again. But this time we were prepared! The girls all wore their swimsuits and we all had a change of clothes. They rode the wet rides again (notice "they" did, not "we"). We also saw the Pet show, which Jonny especially loved. Mostly it was dogs and cats doing incredible things and he just got so excited. We next went to the Artic experience, where they have a helicopter ride simulation, but Katie really did not like that part. Seeing the animals though was so "cool." We then made our way to the shark tunnel. That was really awesome, but hard to capture it in a picture. (Besides, this is getting too long anyway.) Lastly, the girls loved the dolphins so much, they needed to get some souvenirs. So after some serious shopping, our last stop was to try to pet the dolphins again. Becca was lucky enough and it made her day! They plan to be dolphin trainers some day, so I'm sure they will get another chance. 
After leaving Sea World, we headed up the coast to Huntington Beach. We stopped at a nice beach for an hour or so. At least it was a bit warmer. We arrived at Grandma Kay and Grandpa Towne's house around 8:30. YAY! Day 7, 8, and 9 - Huntington Beach We enjoyed visiting with Grandma and Grandpa. Saturday, Richard and I went with my dad to the Newport Beach temple. After a nice afternoon nap, we all went out to Boston Market again. Sunday we went to church together and then went to the park to feed the ducks (always a highlight). 
Kay made a wonderful dinner that night and we played some games together. Monday morning we headed to the beach. It was SO COLD though. I don't know how the others got in, because my feet barely touched the water and froze off. 
After a quick dip in the pool, we cleaned up and packed up the car again. We all went down to the pier and got milkshakes from Ruby's. 
Then we said our good-byes and we were headed for home. It really was a wonderful trip, but it is good to be home.
Day 4 - My (Carolyn's) Birthday! The day started off great with a wonderful breakfast in bed. Then we all went swimming at the hotel, which I like much better than the beach (no sand, not frigid water, no seaweed, etc). We headed out for the day around lunchtime, so we picked up some food and had a picnic at La Jolla Cove. It was so beautiful there!
We all enjoyed seeing the sea lions and exploring the tide pools (and trying to avoid the waves). From there, we decided to head back to Sea World. We made it to the Cirque de la Mer show as well as the dolphin show again. They were both so impressive. Since we were soaked then (which wasn't my favorite thing to do on my birthday) we decided to get REALLY wet and go on the rides. We all got soaked through to the skin on the Shipwrecked ride, but we still had fun. Then we were going to go on the Atlantis ride again, until Katie had a meltdown and decided she really would die if she went on it again. So the girls and I decided we were done being wet so we changed into other stuff (which for me consisted of some swim trucks of Richard's and a sweatshirt...nice). Then we left the park intending to go eat some steak, but since I was not really dressed for anywhere in public, I needed to find some clothes. So I went shopping at Kohl's(the only place with maternity clothes open after 9) and got some new stuff. Since it was almost 10 and we were all starved, we opted for Boston Market across the street from Kohl's, but to us, it tasted like steak. 
It was a long day, but a nice birthday. The best part: being out of the heat with my family! Day 5 - Wild Animal Park and Zoo (again) We started out by going to the Wild Animal Park. It is NOT close to the beach and therefore, not cool. It was probably around 80 degrees...so hot! :) The best part about it was riding the carousel twice! 
The rest of our time there consisted in lots of walking, then waiting for our safari ride for 45 minutes with Jonny who was having a meltdown (probably from the sunscreen in his eye), then going on the safari ride still trying to calm him down, and then walking uphill back to the car(by then Jonny was asleep). Needless to say, we didn't take many good pictures of this part of the day. We did see some lorakeets up close and the girls thought that was pretty neat. 
We then headed back to the zoo, but it was warm there too. Oh well. We took the tram as much as possible and got some great looks at some animals that we just don't have in Phoenix, like the polar bear and the pandas. Here's Becca doing her Kung Fu Panda imitation. Surprisingly, the pandas do not actually do martial arts. 
And a polar bear...lying in the dirt. 
After riding the sky ride again and getting a few souvenirs, we were done with the zoo. We got some food for dinner (what else but Panda Express on the day that we saw the pandas?) and headed to the beach to watch the sunset. (Note: chinese food and sand do not go well together.) 
I think we were all tired and cranky so we headed back a little earlier....9:30. :) Day 6 - Last day in San Diego After packing up everything and checking out from our hotel, we decided we wanted to go to Sea World for our last day. We went to see Shamu again (3rd time) and got soaked again. But this time we were prepared! The girls all wore their swimsuits and we all had a change of clothes. They rode the wet rides again (notice "they" did, not "we"). We also saw the Pet show, which Jonny especially loved. Mostly it was dogs and cats doing incredible things and he just got so excited. We next went to the Artic experience, where they have a helicopter ride simulation, but Katie really did not like that part. Seeing the animals though was so "cool." We then made our way to the shark tunnel. That was really awesome, but hard to capture it in a picture. (Besides, this is getting too long anyway.) Lastly, the girls loved the dolphins so much, they needed to get some souvenirs. So after some serious shopping, our last stop was to try to pet the dolphins again. Becca was lucky enough and it made her day! They plan to be dolphin trainers some day, so I'm sure they will get another chance. 
After leaving Sea World, we headed up the coast to Huntington Beach. We stopped at a nice beach for an hour or so. At least it was a bit warmer. We arrived at Grandma Kay and Grandpa Towne's house around 8:30. YAY! Day 7, 8, and 9 - Huntington Beach We enjoyed visiting with Grandma and Grandpa. Saturday, Richard and I went with my dad to the Newport Beach temple. After a nice afternoon nap, we all went out to Boston Market again. Sunday we went to church together and then went to the park to feed the ducks (always a highlight). 
Kay made a wonderful dinner that night and we played some games together. Monday morning we headed to the beach. It was SO COLD though. I don't know how the others got in, because my feet barely touched the water and froze off. 
After a quick dip in the pool, we cleaned up and packed up the car again. We all went down to the pier and got milkshakes from Ruby's. 
Then we said our good-byes and we were headed for home. It really was a wonderful trip, but it is good to be home.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Vacation!!! (Day 3)
Day 3 - Sea World!
Richard and I went to Sea World 10 years ago for our 3rd anniversary, but the kids have never been. (Well, I was pregnant with Becca that time, but I don't think she remembers it.) They really enjoyed seeing all the animals and loved to sit in the soak zone for most of the shows. First, we made it to the sea lion show, but had to sit in the nosebleed seats. It was too cheesy and didn't show off the animals enough for my taste. No great pictures to share for that. Then we rushed over to Shamu and got great seats. Too many pictures! Those whales can do amazing things!
Right about here is where the camera starting acting funny. I wonder why?
See? It really is the soak zone.
Next we saw the dolphin show called "Blue Horizons." At this point we were getting tired and were still cold and wet, so we opted out of the soak zone. But then we couldn't see the show very well. But it was still neat to see the dolphins and other animals. We went again another day, so I will post pictures then.
Then we found the play area for the kids and they had so much fun.
Jonny loved playing on this large mat with huge building blocks. But all that was forgotten when he saw ELMO. At first there was tragedy, as Jonny was told he had to wait in line for a few minutes. Of course, it was 5:00 and he hadn't had a nap.
But his turn soon came...not a moment too soon.
We then left the park for awhile to eat some food and let Jonny get some much needed sleep. Then came back for some rides. Richard and all 3 girls rode on "Journey to Atlantis" and they all survived. (Katie wasn't sure she would.)
Then we saw the penguins and rode on some Sesame Street rides. We ended this fun day with the Shamu show again, but this time only Rebecca and Breanna were brave enough to get wet. It was too cold! We saw the fireworks and then we were done! We made it back to the hotel around 11-11:30 (which was typical for our trip). What a fun day!
Richard and I went to Sea World 10 years ago for our 3rd anniversary, but the kids have never been. (Well, I was pregnant with Becca that time, but I don't think she remembers it.) They really enjoyed seeing all the animals and loved to sit in the soak zone for most of the shows. First, we made it to the sea lion show, but had to sit in the nosebleed seats. It was too cheesy and didn't show off the animals enough for my taste. No great pictures to share for that. Then we rushed over to Shamu and got great seats. Too many pictures! Those whales can do amazing things!
Right about here is where the camera starting acting funny. I wonder why?
See? It really is the soak zone.
Next we saw the dolphin show called "Blue Horizons." At this point we were getting tired and were still cold and wet, so we opted out of the soak zone. But then we couldn't see the show very well. But it was still neat to see the dolphins and other animals. We went again another day, so I will post pictures then.
Then we found the play area for the kids and they had so much fun.
Jonny loved playing on this large mat with huge building blocks. But all that was forgotten when he saw ELMO. At first there was tragedy, as Jonny was told he had to wait in line for a few minutes. Of course, it was 5:00 and he hadn't had a nap.
But his turn soon came...not a moment too soon.
We then left the park for awhile to eat some food and let Jonny get some much needed sleep. Then came back for some rides. Richard and all 3 girls rode on "Journey to Atlantis" and they all survived. (Katie wasn't sure she would.)
Then we saw the penguins and rode on some Sesame Street rides. We ended this fun day with the Shamu show again, but this time only Rebecca and Breanna were brave enough to get wet. It was too cold! We saw the fireworks and then we were done! We made it back to the hotel around 11-11:30 (which was typical for our trip). What a fun day!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Vacation!!! (Day 1 & 2)
We recently got home from a wonderful vacation to California (San Diego and Huntington Beach). It was so nice and cool and we hated to have to come back to the heat (and laundry). To all 3 of you who are reading this, sorry it is so long, but so that we can keep a record of what we did, I will go into SOME detail. Just be glad I didn't include all 750+ pictures. :)
Day 1-Sunday:
We were all packed Saturday late night so we could leave bright and early Sunday morning (which turned out to be around 6:00). We had primary and read books and watched a couple of "Sunday" movies on the trip. We made it to San Diego in time to go to a sacrament meeting. Then we went to the Mormon Battallion Visitor's Center (with probably every other LDS tourist in San Diego). It was very busy and the kids were not excited about waiting 45 minutes for the tour. But they did enjoy panning for gold and seeing some of the other displays.
We then drove to the San Diego temple, but unfortunately it was covered in scaffolding, and that kinda diminished the effect of seeing it.
We arrived at our hotel in Carlsbad in time to make dinner. (We were so blessed to get to stay at a nice Marriott hotel thanks to Richard's brother, David, who works for one in Park City.) After we ate, we went a few miles to the beach to watch the sunset, but NOT go swimming (yeah right, mom). It was too cloudy to see the sun, but we enjoyed it anyway.
What a wonderful way to start a trip!
Day 2-San Diego Zoo and our 13th Anniversary!
Well, it wasn't quite as romantic as our 10th anniversary trip to Hawaii, seeing as we had 4 kids with us ALL the time, but I am so thankful to be married to my sweetheart for 13 wonderful years. We had a good day and thoroughly enjoyed the zoo. This was the first time for all of us, and the weather was perfect and we were happy to be outside enjoying it. We loved to see so many animals so close to us. The gorillas were a favorite as the whole family came right next to our family to say hi. We also had great seats for the sea lion show (which was better than the sea lion show at Sea World, by the way). It was so fun to see the kids' excitement about different things, even leaves.
We ended the day by going to Coronado Beach and having a picnic and swimming. I was way too cold to bother with the water. But the rest of the family got in. I think they thought it was a little cold too.
Good Day! :)
Tune in soon for more pictures.
Day 1-Sunday:
We were all packed Saturday late night so we could leave bright and early Sunday morning (which turned out to be around 6:00). We had primary and read books and watched a couple of "Sunday" movies on the trip. We made it to San Diego in time to go to a sacrament meeting. Then we went to the Mormon Battallion Visitor's Center (with probably every other LDS tourist in San Diego). It was very busy and the kids were not excited about waiting 45 minutes for the tour. But they did enjoy panning for gold and seeing some of the other displays.
We then drove to the San Diego temple, but unfortunately it was covered in scaffolding, and that kinda diminished the effect of seeing it.
We arrived at our hotel in Carlsbad in time to make dinner. (We were so blessed to get to stay at a nice Marriott hotel thanks to Richard's brother, David, who works for one in Park City.) After we ate, we went a few miles to the beach to watch the sunset, but NOT go swimming (yeah right, mom). It was too cloudy to see the sun, but we enjoyed it anyway.
What a wonderful way to start a trip!
Day 2-San Diego Zoo and our 13th Anniversary!
Well, it wasn't quite as romantic as our 10th anniversary trip to Hawaii, seeing as we had 4 kids with us ALL the time, but I am so thankful to be married to my sweetheart for 13 wonderful years. We had a good day and thoroughly enjoyed the zoo. This was the first time for all of us, and the weather was perfect and we were happy to be outside enjoying it. We loved to see so many animals so close to us. The gorillas were a favorite as the whole family came right next to our family to say hi. We also had great seats for the sea lion show (which was better than the sea lion show at Sea World, by the way). It was so fun to see the kids' excitement about different things, even leaves.
We ended the day by going to Coronado Beach and having a picnic and swimming. I was way too cold to bother with the water. But the rest of the family got in. I think they thought it was a little cold too.
Good Day! :)
Tune in soon for more pictures.
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