The Hills Family

Going Back to April!

2011-05-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Easter was so much fun this year. The SAA organized an Easter Egg hunt that both Addy and Ensley LOVED! We also dyed eggs, found the "Hidden" Easter Baskets, and looked our best for Easter Sunday! I just LOVE Easter!

My Little Addy

2011-05-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Addy came running out of her primary class today because she was sooooo excited to tell me something. I didn't really put the pieces together until we got in the car. Today was her spotlight in primary. Her spotlight tells all about her so I thought I would share some of her favorite things right now. (Mostly for me to remember)

Addy Loves to tell stories. She loves to make up stories about princesses and dragons.... and pretty much anything she can think of.

She absolutely LOVES Family Night. She asks almost everyday if it is FHE tonight? Her favorite game is Don't Eat Pete, and Toy Story Yatzee.

She Loves to color right now. She just figured out last week how to color in the lines and she is good at it. She has colored all of our old coloring books and now needs me to draw a picture so she can color it. (Which usually doesn't turn out the way she wants it... I'm going to have to buy a coloring book soon!)

She Loves Exercise Group. She has a hard time on Saturdays and Sundays because EG is just part of our routine. It is going to be a hard summer without the EG group!

Addy is a very hands on Big Sister. She is always carrying Ensley EVERYWHERE! -Even when ask her not to carry her sister. :) She is always trying to help her and give her toys and just take care of her.

We chopped Addy's hair... and she LOVES it! Her cute little friend Bostyn got her hair cut really short and Addy wanted it to look just like hers. Even though Bostyn's hair is very straight... Addy was quite pleased with her new hair cut. She especially likes how there are no Tangles!

Addy Loves to cook. She loves the beat, stir, set timers, crack eggs(with supervision)- Pretty much everything. Although she loves to cook things... she still refuses to eat most of it. (unless it is cookies)

Addy Loves to fish with her Dad. The other day in her prayer to bless the food for lunch she said," Thanks that Dad could get a fishing pole. Help us to catch a fish, then kill it and SMASH it on a rock to make sure it is DEAD." -Yes this was a prayer- It took all I had not to laugh right out loud.

She really makes me laugh everyday! LOVE YOU ADDY!

Addy's Graduation!

2011-05-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Addy finished her first year of preschool! She loved every minute of it. Almost everyday she would ask me if it was a pre-school day. She is going to miss doing it with all of her friends- but she is very excited to go to a BIG preschool in the Fall.

Sprint Triathlons are SO MUCH FUN!

2011-05-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

I was a soccer player. I LOVED it! ... I liked Nothing else. I ran in high school to keep in shape for soccer, but I hated every minute of it. After two knee surgeries (2 ACL from playing soccer) - I decided that soccer would have to be done. I was a VERY competitive person on the soccer field. I loved the Adrenaline rush from pushing people and playing. I never thought I would feel the "Rush" again. After marrying Ammon I got my first running partner. She was one of those ladies that would run in 10 inches of snow with the temperature at 2 degrees. But I LOVED it! I LOVED running with someone! I ran my first 5K that October with her and I thought I was going to DIE! But the "Rush" had returned while running it.
1 Marathon, 2 half Marathons, a couple of 5Ks, Melanoma, and 2 kids later...(and Many Many running partners) I realized that I really did LOVE to run. And I wasn't that bad at it. But I still wanted something more. So I decided to try a Sprint Triathlon. It was AWESOME!!!! I will never be the same! The swim was a little rough. I really hadn't swam seriously since I was 10 years old. But after some practicing I was able to manage. The Bike ride was my FAVORITE! I didn't have a bike so I used Ammon's. The only problem was that I didn't have the special clip in shoes so I balanced my Running shoes on his little tiny pedals. But I practiced enough that it worked for me. And I wasn't that bad at it either- (Biking is my new LOVE). The last part was the run. If you have never experienced riding a bike then jumping off and running... ya.... it just feels so funny... like you rode a horse for awhile. Ha Ha... I don't know how else to describe it. Anyways... the run was good and I actually ended up getting 2nd place in the Triathlon. I highly recommend doing one! It is a whole different level of the "Rush" and I LOVED IT! Bring on the next Tri! And maybe this time I will find a bike that fits. :)

We Did It!

2011-04-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

After years of talking myself out of running a marathon I decided to do it. After 10 weeks of training (I was training for a half at the time so I wasn't starting from scratch) Megan Burkhardt and I ran the Olathe, Kansas "OZ Marathon." And can I just say that it was AWESOME! - The few days ago I would have told you differently - but now that I can walk down stairs.... it was AWESOME! My Friend Megan gave a very detailed experience... (Righteous Family in my friend list)
I had to go to a conference on Thursday and Friday and then my Marathon was on Saturday. I flew my Sister Elyse to Missouri so she could Babysit my Girls. I am so lucky to have a sister like her. Thanks Elyse! Addy says she misses you and Cam everyday!
I'm very glad I was able to do the marathon. I never really thought that I could do it. Next event.... The Triathlon.... Ha Ha.... This will be interesting!

ATSU Fun Run

2011-04-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

So this year I was in charge of the ATSU Fun Run. It was so much fun to organize it and put it on! Ammon ran the 1 mile with the 2 girls in the jogging stroller and he won 1st place! I was so proud of him! Addy also got to run in the Kids Run and she did a Great Job! She was in first place at the beginning because she sprinted as fast as she could.... but then not realizing she had to go a long distance she died rather quickly..... Then Cried a little..... Then she would see other kids running and she would sprint as fast as she could again.... then die.... then cry.... I'm glad Ammon ran with her. He was great support. Anyways... Addy finished the race and we were so proud of her!

What a Day

2011-03-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today has been CRAZY! I just had a lot of things on my mind. Well.... when a lot of things are on my mind I seem to not pay attention to things as close as I should.
I made some brownies for FHE last night and left them on the oven over night. I usually don't leave things on the stove but I never took them off. I started to boil some water in a pan to cook some noodles but I didn't realize the brownies in the glass pan right next to it. Only.... I wasn't heating the water.... I was heating the brownies.
I decided to go and play with the girls while waiting for my water to boil (I usually just stay in the kitchen)- but this time I didn't. -Thanks Heavens-
A couple of minutes later I heard an explosion and glass shattering. Then the fire alarms were going off. I told Addy to stay there and I ran into the kitchen. The was glass EVERYWHERE but I wasn't worried about that because the brownies were on fire and the fire was a foot tall. So not thinking about where I am stepping I ran into the kitchen and and starting dumping water onto the brownies. Luckily I got the flames out but then I started to look around me. The glass was EVERYWHERE in every direction and there was blood EVERYWHERE! I grabbed my phone and called Ammon to come help me. Then I had Addy carry Ensley into their room and shut the door. Addy was so worried and didn't understand why the blood was all over. Thankfully she obeyed. Ammon got there a couple of minutes later, got all the glass out and super-glued the big cuts shut. Hopefully they will stay closed. I took some pictures but decided against posting them. :) Anyways.... this post is to tell you.... yes glass pans will shatter. :) I am just so grateful me or my girls weren't in there when it did explode. And yes I have the best husband ever who cleaned Everything for me. :)

Ensley's First Birthday!

2011-03-13T19:43:00.001-07:00

My little Girl has turned 1. I still can't believe it! She is getting bigger and bigger everyday! She can say a few words now and can understand a lot! Her favorite things to say are UH-Oh, Da Da, Ma Ma, Adda, and Eyes. She also can bark like a dog.... I don't know if that is considered a word, but I think it is really cute! She can take a few steps on her own these days but gets nervous and drops to her knees. Ensley loves any type of doll or stuffed animal that has eyes. She loves to hug them and give them kisses. Her favorite doll is of course Norma Jean. She holds on to her hair and sucks her thumb.
Ensley loves any kind of animal that moves. Her favorite animal is a dog but she is starting to see birds and rabbits and she gets so excited.
Ensley's Birthday landed right in the middle of finals week this year so we had to wait for Dad to finish. We also waited until Grandma Vicki could come and celebrate with us. Ensley LOVED her cake. At first she decided to give her cupcake a hug. Then Grandma Vicki helped her take a little bite and she realized that it was good stuff! Then she tried to eat it by shoving it in her face. :) It was really cute!
Anyways.... Happy Birthday Ensley! I love you so much!

Norma Jean... Where Would We Be Without You?

2011-03-11T18:45:00.001-08:00

When we went back to UT for Christmas Ensley became attached to Norma Jean. Well... we decided to steal Norma Jean. She belonged to my sister Steph so I never said anything and never posted any pictures that had Norma Jean in them. I was too aftaid that she would want that little doll back. I finally confessed and found out that she was perfectly fine with it. So This e-mail is for Steph. Thank you! Norma Jean has saved my life.
Below are some examples of Ensley with her "Baby." She goes everywhere with us! She really is part of the family. Ensley never leaves her behind when she is getting out of her bed. She always has to bend down, grab her by the hair and bring her along.
The only bad thing is that she always wants to eat with her. So I usually give Ensley some time in her chair before she gets food to just play with baby Jean. When she decides that she is hungry she will give me her baby. I then place her standing on the table so she can watch Ensley eat her food. Ha Ha Ha. Hoorah for Baby Jean!

Quotes from Addy

2011-02-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

Addy just talks and talks all day long. So yesterday I decided to write some of the funny things down.

During Ensley's nap me and Addy usually play Barbies. But I was tired yesterday so she did good playing on her own for a bit. I was sitting on the couch and she was hiding behind our rocking chair. All of sudden Barbies started flying out from behind the chair one by one. Thinking she is just playing I didn't say anything and just watched. Then she said, "Mom... do you see all of the green people- they know how to fly because they are green." Then I looked closely at the Barbies and yes they were all green. The heads, hair, clothes, were all colored green with marker.

After we played Barbies for a bit and talked about how we can't color on them..... I could hear Ensley starting to wake up. I started walking towards her door and Addy runs infront of me to stop me. She says,"Mom. Lets just pretend we didn't hear her. Maybe she will go back to sleep."

Later that day Addy asked me for a drink of water. After she took one drink she said, "Well this water is poison and it shouldn't go in the sink. So she opened the dishwasher and threw the water in there.

After Ens woke up we were playing in her room and I could tell she had to go to the bathroom. I asked her if she needed to go and she replied... No- I'm just dancing to push my pee back but I don't have to go."

5 minutes later.....

She runs from the room and I hear the bathroom door close. About 5 minutes later she yells, "MOM! Don't come in here!" Well... knowing from experience those words are not good. So I run to the bathroom and she is trying to clean up her pee with some toilet paper (only 3 squares) Lets just say it was everywhere.

I put her in the bath to clean up a bit. Now Addy loves taking baths (especially with bubbles) and she hates getting out the bath. So I always set a timer and she usually does goood getting out when the timer goes off. Well today the timer went off and she yelled from the bathroom. "Mom- these bubbles are POWERFUL! They say I get 5 more minutes."

Finally Ammon gets home and we eat dinner. Addy is sitting with her knees against her chest and her head down. I asked her if she is okay. She told me, "I can't see good. I need some carrots so I can see." - We have been trying to talk about healthy food and what each thing does for you. So I gave her a carrot and she slowly took a bite. Then as if by magic her eyes go really big and she announces that she can see again!

After Dinner Ammon plays with the girls. They played soccer yesterday passing it back and forth. As I was doing dishes I heard Addy say,"I am so good at soccer. I'm like the Karate Kid!"

There you have it! As I wrote down all the funny things she said yesterday, it made me realize how much she listens and is starting to understand things. I Love my little princess so MUCH!

Still Cold Outside

2011-02-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

One of Addy's favorite things to do is to play Tea Party. Ensley Loves it too... but she always messes up Addy's plates and cups. :) We love playing inside but we love it even more when we can play outside!

My First Triathlon

2011-02-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

So Ammon came home the other day and told my about an all Women's Triathlon. It has always been my dream to do one but I never thought I would be able to. Well, I decided it is now or never. I have access to a pool, to a bike and to well the pavement. :) I LOVE running races! I'm definitely not the fastest and I don't win every race by any means but it just gives me something that I have to work for and accomplish! It also gives me a huge adrenaline rush in a positive way. So bring on the swimming... the biking... and the running! I am SO EXCITED!

Oh Man!

2011-01-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

So I had a friend point out to me that I hadn't written on my blog since Sept.... Yes that is a very long time! So sorry to friends and family. :)
Things have been going well here! I'm very excited to see January come to end because we are just one step closer to warmer weather! My poor kids are going crazy being inside all the time! Ensley is getting bigger everyday! She said her first word other than Da Da and Ma Ma. She said Uh Oh! She says it all the time! She also can mimick what a monkey can say. I can tell she is starting to understand a lot more things even in this past week. Addy is getting bigger too! She LOVES Preschool and is sad whenever it is not preschool. She also is a sunbeam in Primary and she gets to give the prayer in 2 weeks. :) She loves learning about her letters and what words start with the letters. Addy looks forward to the gym every morning and Loves Friday because that is my day to babysit and it is sucker day. I asked her today what her favorite thing to do was and she said - Playing with all her friends and playing playdough. Last week we went to the swimming pool and Addy loved it! She grabbed onto the noodles and just took off! Ensley on the other hand... hated it. She cried the whole entire time. We are going to go again this next week so hopefully Ensley will get used to it.
Ammon is still working really hard while being at Medical School. He definitely has some really long days...weeks... months.... Well he takes a break about once a week so we can watch a movie together. :) His work is tough but he knows one day it will come to an end- we just have to make it through. Ammon is also starting to cook every Sunday for me. - It has been wonderful to get a break for just one day. Today's recipe was DELICIOUS! What an amazing husband I have!
I am still just having a good time here in Kirksville. Somedays are definitely better than others but overall I do Love it here. My friend Tera and I are in charge of a 10K and 5K that is coming up in April. I never realized how much work a race was! I am also training for a 1/2 marathon that I will be running in April with a bunch of Medical Student wives. I am very excited! I am still selling things on Ebay but January is REALLY slow so hopefully February will pick up a little bit.
Well... that is our lives in a quick couple of paragraphs! I hope everyone is doing well!

Getting Ready for the PARTY!

2010-09-19T17:09:00.001-07:00

Addy's Birthday!

2010-09-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Sept 18th Addy turned 3 years old. She decided that she wanted a party just like her other friends. So we decided to plan one and she picked what friends she wanted to invite and what she wanted to eat and what she wanted to do at her party. She was so excited all week long! I made a Princess Cinderella Cake that she LOVED but it melted here in this humid climate. It was also COVERED with bugs from the party so we had to throw it away when we got home and she got to use cupcakes for her cake that night. Her favorite thing was the pinata and right when she got home she asked if we could make another one. Her birthday was so much fun! I am so Grateful for my little Addy Kay. I love her so much!

Being a Med School Wife

2010-09-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

The first picture is him and the girls with the celebration icecream cake. :)
The second is at his first White Coat Ceremony.

I always heard that going to Med school was really hard. But I never thought of the wife's point of view before. So if you are wondering... it is much harder than I thought it was going to be. Ammon's Masters program wasn't too bad at Midwestern University but here in Kirksville, I really don't see my husband much(One hour today for dinner with the Missionaries). Thank goodness for SAA and excercise group or I would be going crazy! I also feel bad for Ammon. Med school really is as hard as they say it is. There just isn't enough hours in the day for him. But I am grateful that we got in somewhere and I am grateful I have made new friends and that I have my little girls to keep me company. So here we go! Less than 4 years left. Bring it ON!

Our New House

2010-08-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

I absolutely Love having a house. Addy can run, jump and yell without the neighbors pounding the broom on their ceiling! I don't think I can ever go back to an apartment! - I promised my sisters I would post some pictures of my house so... here you go Sisters! Love you!

Lovin the "Ville" -as Megan would say

2010-08-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

As many of you know we have moved to Kirksville, Missouri!!!!! And we are absolutely LOVING it! I just love the feel of a small town. Ammon officially starts school on the 22nd but his orientation is on Friday and his White Coat Ceremony is on Saturday. So this last Saturday was our LAST Saturday before everything begins. So we decided to go to the Aquatic Center. Addy absolutely LOVED it! We went with our new friends the Gibbs and their little boy and Addy get along really well. She told me the other day that he was her boyfriend.... (Great... she is not even three yet!)

Oh Man!

2010-08-06T19:30:00.001-07:00

Well... my blog is not letting me post any more pictures so i'll have to put them on Facebook.... Sorry family

Between AZ and MO

2010-08-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Things have been Crazy the last few months! We have done so many things it is hard to keep updated! On the 4th of july we went to the Layton City Parade. Addy Loved watching the parade and collecting (and eating the candy)! Ens wasn't quite sure what was going on.

Getting Ready for Church

2010-05-20T14:48:00.001-07:00

Sun Screen!

2010-05-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

So a few days ago I went to the pool with my girls to go swimming. I started talking with the lady next to me and it made me laugh a bit because her husband was going to school to be a dermatologist and she was out in the sun just baking away. She was VERY very tan. She kept telling me to get some sun(I was in the shade) because it just feels great. I wasn't offended by her comment but in a way I felt bad for her. I'm not against being tan if you get a spray on tan- but a tan from the sun is bad... We just have to face the fact. I really don't think that people realize what they are doing to their skin! - Yes you might look good for that week.... but it the end of your life... I know that you will regret laying out and being tan.
- Now being a girl who use to lay out and go tanning I know I probably sound like a hypocrite. But in July 2007 I found a mole going funny and went to get it checked by the dermo. Sure enough it was Melanoma (one of the most common cancers among young adults). It was a very scary thing to me because my Grandmother died of Melanoma at a young age. Luckily we caught it at Stage 1 and I had to have surgery to remove the Melanoma Tumor (It came back 5 months later in Stage 1 and was removed again by surgery).
Now I will always be very very cautious of the sun. If you don't use sunblock... that is completely your choice but please please please always sunscreen your children. My doctor told me to use Sunscreen as a lotion in the morning for me and my kids. If you get even one bad sunburn in your life your risk of getting melanoma goes up to over 50%. Every hour an American will die from melanoma (melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer but most deadly). That is quite a bit for being something that we could prevent (For the most part -10% of melanomas are from genetics/non-sun related factors).
I know many of you have heard all of this before but being the one who has had Melanoma- it is a scary thing which I don't want anyone to have to go through (or any of the possible types of skin cancers you can get). So this summer when the weather is nice- Put on Sun Screen, Wear Hats, Don't forget to put it on your hands, face, feet, and ears. UVB rays also can go through white and light colored shirts. So Sunscreen everywhere before you go out.

I don't mean to sound preachy but I just feel very strongly about this topic. I hope all of you have a wonderful Spring/Summer and I hope you all stay protected with the Screen! :)

Blessing Day

2010-05-02T17:52:00.001-07:00

Today Ammon blessed Ensley. I can't believe that she is already 8 weeks old. She was perfect for her blessing. She slept through the whole thing and then slept through all of church. It was a different feeling not having any family there. It made me home sick for UT. But the blessing was beautiful and I'm so glad that Ammon was able to give it to her.

This was my blessing dress
Cute little sisters!

Mad Mud Run!!!

2010-05-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

On May 1st Ammon and I ran in the Mad Mud Run! It was a 4 mile race that had boot-camp obstacles throughout, like a long balance beam, a wall to jump over, crawling tunnels, hurdles, etc. At the end you had to pretty much swim/crawl in a pool of Mud. It was so much fun! I just kept laughing. My second step in the mud my foot went down far and my foot came right out leaving my shoe behind. I tried pulling it out but it wouldn't move. The man in charge of making sure everyone kept moving kept telling me "If you lost your shoe just leave it behind"- So I did. Its ok though because our shoes were so trashed that we just threw them away. :) This was really the best race ever! They need one in UT!

Yes.... you have to crawl under the flags- Look at the guys getting out at the end.... This was some thick mud.

Tunnels and hay hurdles-

Hay kills my allergies so we had to leave right when it ended so I could get away from the hay.

A New Little Girl

2010-03-13T19:45:00.001-08:00

She is finally HERE!!!!! On Monday March 8th at 4:18pm our little Ensley Jo Hills was born. She weighed 8 lbs and 13 oz and was 21 and 5/8 inches long. I got induced with Ensley and it was really nice knowing that I get to go into the hospital and come home with a little baby. No more of the waiting game. They broke my water around 11:30am and around 12 I got an epidural. I really think that having a baby is like Christmas Time! It is so much fun! Ammon and I watched a movie and just talked about how much our lives were going to change. Time Flew by and the next thing I knew they were telling me not to push and wait for the doctor. I only stayed one day because Addy couldn't come to the hospital because of the swine flu and other diseases kids carry. I just missed her so we decided to stay one day and go home on Tuesday. It all kind of seems like a dream to me and that I still have one little girl.... but I do love both my girls very very much and I'm so glad they are part of our little family!

Almost Time!

2010-02-19T20:30:00.001-08:00

We have have had some adventures these last couple of days. I'm just over 36 weeks and went in for my weekly appointment. Everything was looking good until after she checked me. When we left the room I got up and realized I was in a puddle of blood (Sorry if this is gross for some people.) I didn't really think to tell anyone about it because sometimes after an exam, blood just happens. Well... My doctor called right when I got home and asked if I was going into labor. I wasn't- but the blood just wouldn't stop coming. So a few hours later, after I picked Ammon up from school we went back to the doctors. She did many tests and ultrasounds and after leaving there almost 3 hours later she still wasn't sure what caused the bleeding. So the next day I got to go to the hospital for more tests and ultrasounds. Gratefully I got to come back home after a few hours to determine i just have huge blood vessels in my cervix (not sists or lumps) and the big baby is just pushing on them. Ensley is now 7 lbs and 10oz (Addy was only 7lbs and 2oz) so hopefully I will have her soon! :) I am just very grateful that everything is ok and the Ens is doing just fine too!

Valentines Party!

2010-02-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes being away on holidays can make me miss my family even more. My Mom would always do something special for every holiday. So Addy and I decided that we would have a Valentines Party and invite her friends Brooke and Christina. Addy was so excited all day! We made Valentines, frosted cookies, did a fish pond from the Pond of Love, and their favorite activity was throwing the balloons in the air. We had a lot of fun getting ready for the party and throwing the party.

Ammon decided to get Addy something very special for Valentines Day. So on the 13th - which happened to be my birthday- we picked Addy up from Brooke's house and went to go pick out a fish. We have been going to the library and that week we got a book about a goldfish named Norman. - So I'm sure you can guess.... his name was Norman.
Addy was so proud of her fish Norman and would run in there every 5 minutes just to check on him.

On Sunday after church Addy came up to me and said... "I want a new Norman! That one is boring!" Sure enough we went to his little bowl and he was dead on the bottom. Addy looked at him more closely and Announced that he was Dead! So Norman went to go live with all the fishies in Heaven and he had to go down the Potty to get there.

We have yet to get a new fish... but she reminds us everyday that she needs a new Norman. A good Norman.

Ultrasound for Ensley

2010-02-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

On February 2nd I went in for an Ultra Sound because Ensley was measuring bigger. I didn't get an Ultrasound that far along with Addy and it was so fun to see how big she was! I'm measuring a week early and she would still be in the 70th percentile. She is now 6lbs and 5 oz. I'm hoping that She will come on the 28th of Feb. because Ammon's last final is the 27th then doesn't have to be back until March 8th. I guess in a perfect world..... :)

I told Addy I had to go to the doctors again to check on baby Ensley. I think she understands what is going on because she asked when is the doctor pulling her out so she can come home and play. She talks about her everyday about holding her hand and telling her stories. Hopefully Addy isn't too disappointed that Ens won't be able to do much.

We are all very excited for Ens to come!
This pic came in sideways.... oops

I think she looks a lot like Addy... But we will see!

Nevada Adventure!!!

2010-02-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

On January 25th Ammon had an Interview at Touro University in Henderson NV. Addy and I decided to make it an Adventure and Go with him! We stayed at Circus Circus and Addy LOVED it! We got to watch a couple of Circus Acts and walk around the Theme Park. The next morning Addy and I decided to play instead of staying in the hotel.

We stopped on our way home and ran around for a little bit before we had to get back into the car.

Addy wanted me to get the drips after every bite she took. She doesn't like being sticky

Playing in the park

Family Visits! YEAH!

2010-01-08T09:53:00.001-08:00

On December 26th my Mom, Stephy, Lauren, and Kenj all came to visit us in Arizona! It was so fun to have them come and Addy was so Sad to see them leave. After they left she would ask every morning for the next week when they were coming back.

We had so much fun at Chuck-E-Cheese. Addy just loves it there!

Kenj playing basketball- (She is on the school team and we are very proud of her)

Stephy is racing Addy in the Monster Race. Addy killed her. :)

What cute Sisters!

Addy Loves Clifford! This was her favorite ride!

Thanks Family so much for coming! We miss you and can't wait to see you again! We need to do another Skype session soon!

On January 4th Ammon's family came to go the the Fiesta Bowl. Butke, Caleb, Sterling and Erin all came down. We had so much fun and the Stadium was AMAZING! Yeah for Boise State!

Ster, Caleb and Ammon check out the field before it begins

The National Anthem. They had a live Eagle fly over everyone during the song. It was Awesome!

The Man in front of me really wore this hat. It was a real Fox

Smooshing on the way home. It took a long time to find the car (and Burke). It was so much fun! Thanks everyone for coming to visit! You are always welcome!

Christmas Time!

2010-01-08T08:03:00.001-08:00

Christmas Time just flew by this year. I still cannot believe it is over already! Ammon got out of school on the 23rd so we were able to play a little bit before he had to go back.

Addy has a hard time going down for a nap. The only time she really goes down is when she is in the car or I make her lay by me for over an hour and she finally passes out. Well this day I was cleaning getting ready for Christmas Eve and I put in a movie and the next thing I know she is out. It was Wonderful!

Later that day I caught her coloring on her legs with green markers. She told me she had a fin like Ariel. -Also later that day I caught her coloring on her bed sheets with pen. We had a long talk about coloring only on paper. Hopefully it will sink in this time.

This was Addy's first time going to the Movie Theaters. If you haven't seen the Princess and the Frog I Highly Recommend it! It was so cute and Addy Loved it!

Christmas Sunday- Lovely Prego picture too. :)

This was taken about 2 minutes before church started. Next year we will try harder to be on time.

Making Pizzas on Christmas Eve

When we were growing up we had a tradition of opening pajamas on Christmas Eve. Addy got Ariel Pajamas and loved them! She kept dancing around because they were "so pretty" - I'm glad she liked them

Christmas morning is always my favorite. Addy woke up early and came into our room. She didn't even notice that there were presents from Santa just sitting out in the middle of the floor. She then opened her stocking in our bed and we all went to find what Santa brought. It was so much fun.

I think her favorite thing was her candy and starbursts.

These are all her gifts. :)

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Oh- one other important fact. On the 23rd Ammon got accepted to Med School in Missouri. He has another interview on the 25th of January in Nevada. Hopefully he will be accepted there so we can have some options. :)- But we are Very excited that he got in!

Ammon's Triathalon!

2009-11-10T20:05:00.001-08:00

On Halloween Ammon did the Monsterbash Triathlon in Surprise Arizona! He had to be there at 5 in the morning. Well having just one car we had to drive together. So Addy and I got out of bed and went with him. Now being in AZ you would think that the morning would be warm... No. It was freezing! - nothing like UT but we were so cold!

The line wrapped around the pool and went throught the pool also.

Well.... Addy didn't last very long. She was supposed to dress up in her costume but she was too cold, too tired, and her shoes were too tight to put on.

After the 350 meter swim you had to run through the cold to your bike. He then rode 12 miles on his bike.

Addy finally woke up and she was very concerned that she would have to swim in the water because it was so cold! This was our little camp out area where we would yell "Go Dad Go!" whenever we saw him! Addy loved that part.

Ammon did a wonderful Job! He got 22nd out of 300+ people.

Its a Girl!!!!

2009-10-30T21:39:00.001-07:00

Yes yes! We are having another girl! I am very excited for Addy to have a little sister! We haven't decided on a name so any ideas would be wonderful! The first is the 2D Ultra sound but the last 2 are the 3D ones. Those are CRAZY! Right when the lady saw her face she guessed that she was a girl. Heh heh heh... she was right and we are very excited!!!!

She kept waving to us.

Halloween Ward Party!

2009-10-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

Addy was very excited to go "Trunk-or-treating" this year as Dorothy. She was so funny with her basket and dog. She was very proud and carried them around everywhere with her.

She couldn't wait any longer for Dad to come! She announced that she was leaving!Addy and her little friend Christina

After a long walk of the church parking lot, Addy was ready to eat her candy!

Halloween Fun!!!

2009-10-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Growing up we always had a tradition of making and frosting sugar cookies. So Addy and I decided so make some. Addy was a very good helper .... with the flour.... it was her job to add more and her job was to also make the bat shaped ones. She did a wonderful job!

Look Closely... there is flour all over her face

We are about to deliever the finished product!

Arizona in October

2009-10-21T21:07:00.001-07:00

We have offically lived here for 3 1/2 months. I can now say that I LOVE it here! The weather was a little too much at the beginning but now I see why people live here. It is wonderful weather! I also have been able to find my way around a little better and I now have friends that I do everything with because they too have lost their husbands to school.

Addy and I went for a walk the other afternoon (it was 86 degrees) and I decided to take pictures so everyone could see what our apartments looked like from the outside. (and maybe to try and convince people to come visit!)

This is one of the pools. This one has the hottub hooked right onto it. It also has foundains shooting into the water- you just can't see them

This is what it looks like right out our front door. You walk down the steps and you are right at the gate of the swimming pool.

This is our neighbors awesome Halloween decor. This is not even half of what they have but Addy likes the tall skeletons the best. We have to walk by there a couple of times a day because she likes to see the bats and spiders. She loves Halloween stuff!

This is a fountain they have by the front and Addy loves playing in it. Baby "Dawn" is going for a swim- but only her legs because we learned the hard way last time and she had to wait a couple of days before I could wash her with a load of laundry.

The fountain again and the work-out room. And if you are wondering the white thing in the fountain is not "Baby Dawn" -It is just a pipe.

Well- things are going really good for us! I can feel the baby move everyday and when I went for my appointment to hear it's heart beat it would not hold still enough to get it for more than 5 seconds. It would then kick the doctors device when we finally got a good one. She was very surpised how much it moves! We get to find out what it is next week! YEAH!!!

Ammon is still waiting to hear from MD and DO schools. He has one interview and hopefully more will be coming. He just got his MCAT back so it might take awhile still. He is really enjoying the Master's program he is in and is excited to see how is interview will go.

Addy is getting bigger and bigger each day. We took away the binky last week and it has been .... interesting.... She had a really had time with it at the beginning of the week but now I think she has come to except that she won't ever get it back. The only bad thing is now she takes no naps. She is very tired and grouchy by 5 that I can barely last till 8 to put her to bed. Some nights have been so bad that she starts going to bed at 7. But we love her and she is really starting to like it here too.

This morning Ammon was sitting her on the potty and I told him to go jump in the shower and I can watch her. Addy then Announces "Ammon Mom watches me. Go jump in the Shower! Be Careful. Don't Fall!

So tonight as we were getting in the tubs she stands in the tub and says "No jump in the shower- Addy fall- just sit in the tubs"-

Addy is also very concerned about crossing the street. She knows you need to look both ways and wait until no cars are coming. Well we were shopping with one of the neighbor girls and her little girl was walking into the road with us right behind her. Addy realizes that she didn't look both ways and pretty much tackles her to the ground as she is yelling at her to Look Both Ways! In the car Addy explains how her friend needs to look both ways or the car will hit her. POW! (she likes the sound effects these days)- She saw a flat dead bird in the road that got hit so I'm thinking that is why she is so concerned.

AZ State Fair!!!

2009-10-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

On Tuesdays from 12 to 1 you get into the AZ state fair for FREE! It was amazing! There were so many rides and things to do. Addy didn't seem to be having as good of a time... but with no naps these days.... what do you expect from a 2 year old.

The pig was Addy's favorite because it was "locked up and can't get her"

We tried the petting zoo. "Momma! They are getting me!" were the words out of her mouth. But it was true. You could pay to feed them so they would come right up to you and knock you around a bit even if you didn't have any food.

These are Addy's Friends that we do everything with!

Potty Training!

2009-08-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Oh the joys of potty training! It has officially been one week since we started Addy on the Potty. She has had both good and bad days. The first days were wonderful and she loved going to the potty. But now.... she doesn't want to stop what she is doing just to go to the bathroom! But she has not had an accident today so hopefully it will last the rest of the night!

I told Addy to hold up her panties so I could take a picture. She decided to try and put them on her head instead. Her pink panties are her favorite so I do quite a lot of laundry to keep up with her demand of "pink panties." Whatever makes her happy for potty training!

Cute little girl. -although she said she was a "Big Girl" today!

Our life in Arizonia

2009-08-24T15:19:00.001-07:00

We have finally have pictures from our house! Don't look too closely... the ground is a little dirty.

Addy spends a lot of time here!

On the cupboard is Addy sticker chart if she goes potty! Her favorite sticker is the Mickey and Minney.

This is our balcony- Thanks for the curtains LU!

TAble and Ammon's desk and e-bay corner

When Addy misses the potty she gets a baby on the fridge. She had 4 baby's on it at once... but right now she has none! When she goes potty, one gets to come off. This picture was from a bad day! When she gets mad at me she just goes all over! But she has done really well today. One day at a time I guess!

Front door and opening to kitchen. Sorry I would show you my kitchen but right now it is save electricity hours(from 1 to 8- you can't run big items) I forgot to run my dishwasher so I have dishes all over. :)

Couches and the tv is across from Addy. Monsters Inc was on. That is one of her FAVORITE shows right now!

ARIZONA!!!

2009-08-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

Addy has a new bed! She completely Loves It! Next step.... Potty Training on Monday!

More Adventures!

2009-08-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures of our last month's Adventures!

We celebrated Brynlee's 2nd Birthday! The little girls loved playing on the neighbors slide.

Addy of course is right in the action of Brynlee opening her gifts. Although after the party she kept singing "Happy Birthday to Bubba"

I also never mentioned that Camille had her baby! His name is Mason Jared Beckstrand and was born on July 2nd! YEAH!

Riding the bull on the 4th of July

Lauren on the Bull

And Elyse's husband Jared on the Bull

Kendra and Lauren were both in the Parade this year. Your picture didn't work Lauren-sorry!

At the Parade with Grandma and Grandpa!

Grandma loves giving Addy yummy treats! I think that was once a tootsie-roll

Addy loved waving to everyone in the Parade!

Our big bunch! (Elyse is now Prego too! We are due at almost the same time!)

Moving, Baby, School, and much more!

2009-08-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

This last month as been completely CRAZY! We officially moved to Arizona- I am about 12 weeks along, Ammon is taking the MCAT again on the 25th of August, and his school starts on the 26th! Before we moved to Arizona, we got to stay at both Grandma's for a little over 3 weeks. We did all kinds of fun activities with lots of Addy's cousins and now she is having a hard time adjusting. Addy was especially sad today because she missed her cousin Brynlee and she wanted to go to her house "RIGHT NOW!" But once the weather cools down a little bit and we can go outside, I think she will do a little better. Here are some of our pictures from this last month's adventures!

Ammon's brother Sterling got married to Erin Morgan! YEAH!!!!

Addy and Ammon in the water.... she was not happy about it

Ammon showing us his skills

Addy, Alex and Thomas all at Lagoon

It took much convincing to have Addy ride in the car all by herself

Addy and Annecy

Me and Addy on the train at Lagoon- we stood in line for "puff" because she wanted to go on it so bad, but right when it was our turn to get on, she had freak out!

Addy and her cousin Alex. This was her most favorite ride!

MOVING!!!!

2009-06-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

And again... I struggle with blogs. But now since we are moving I have motivation to do it. (mostly so my mom and sisters can see pictures of Addy and not get too sad!)
Ammon and I are now moving to Arizonia for a one year Masters Program and we are pretty excited! Then hopefully Med school will happen after that! We are leaving on the 18th of July and I don't even know where to start packing. I've decided that we have a lot more Crap then we did the last time we moved! But.... we are very excited be on our own and face lifes next adventure!

These last few months have Flown BY! Ammon Graduated with his Bachelors, We took of to Disneyland with Aunt Kendra, Ammon and I ran in the Wasatch Back Relay, and Ammon is trying to study for MCAT everyday so we can go to med school!

DISNEYLAND!!!!

Our little Baby?!?

2009-02-24T22:13:00.000-08:00

Ammon decided to try and put Addy in her doll stroller to see if she would fit. Well, she fit but just in case you didn't realize... Addy has a little bit of a belly and chunky legs. She had marks all down her legs from her stroller but she was so happy!

SLEDDING!!!

2009-02-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

Ammon and Addy were going a little too fast down the hill. Luckily... Ammon hurried and rolled over before he hit the huge snowball!

Addy pretty much just wanted to eat the snow... She loves it and always seems to eat the brown snow or any snow melting on the sidewalk. In the words of Brynlee... "Yummy Yummy"

Straight Hair

2009-02-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

I decided to try and straighten Addy's hair. It took about 30 minutes. By the end she was so sick of me touching her hair that she kept putting her hands on her face. Silly little Girl.

Addy's Photo Shoot

2008-12-19T15:16:00.001-08:00

Jared Beckstrand her Uncle, took these for us. She usually doesn't like the camera... but he got some really good shots.

Taken November 19th 2008

I struggle with blogging...

2008-12-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

I really do struggle with blogging, but I'm going to try harder to do it. This is our cute little family. Addy is now 15 months old and is completely in love with Nemo. She would watch it all day long if I would let her. She can say Nemo (MOMO) and Darla, (the naughty little girl that kills fish on Nemo) and fishies. We have a big fish tank in which she knows that there are fishies in also. Addy's new favorite thing is to hide in the corner by the Christmas tree and read books by herself. Whenever I can't find her, I know she is probably hiding behind the tree, or in the bathroom playing in the potty if I forgot to close the door. We love her!

Ammon is finishing his finals this week and will be one semester away from graduating! He has applied to Med schools so we are just waiting to hear back from them.

We are very excited for this upcoming Christmas Break!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Hiking Adam's Canyon

2008-05-12T09:49:00.001-07:00

Ammon wanted her to be on the rock by herself. The first picture was fine...
This one... I barely caught her in time
During Ammons 1 week break before school started again, we decided to go on a little hike as a family. It was so much fun to be outdoors. Addy was getting a little nervous with the running water, but she really loved being outside and touching the trees.

Addy in MAY

2008-05-12T09:42:00.001-07:00

This is Addy's serious face...
This is her silly face!

In the morning sometimes it takes us close to 3 hours to get ready to go somewhere. By the time we leave Addy usually has slobber all down the front of her. But this day she kept clean most of the day!

SNOW in April! how sad...

2008-05-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

In the beginning Addy LOVED the SNOW! But she was getting really tired of it at the end.

The snow suit was a little big.... Maybe that's why she was sick of it!

So much has happened....

2008-03-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not... I cut my hair! I don't think I'll ever go back to it being long! I can do it in half the time now!
Ammon also got a hair cut, and Addy needs one for her bangs. Her poor hair is always out of control.
Addy really enjoys watching Baby Einstein Videos. She also enjoys watching them upside down.
This was Addy's first time actually touching Gus for more than a few seconds. I think she really likes him.
She can almost sit up all by herself. Addy is now 6 months old! Wow time flies!

Addy and her Daddy

2008-03-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Addy loves being with her Dad. When he comes home, she only wants to play with him!

Big Eye Babe

2008-01-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

Whoa... those are some big eyes!

Addison is Big

2008-01-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

We Have a BLOG! Addison is now 4 months old and we wanted everyone to see how much she is growing!