Snyderville

I Am Thankful post #1

2009-11-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Because I have so much to be thankful for, I will jump on the bandwagon of sharing my thoughts of gratitude on my blog in November. And today it is being a mom, plain and simple. I remember the day I looked in my cupboards and all I saw were adult size glasses. I knew it was time to start multiplying our family. I was in the depth of a career I loved and didn't know how I would melt into the culture of a stay home mom. So after a few years of working on making a family Stella arrived and I worked part time. And then just two years later a wonderful red head surprise showed up and we called him Miles. It was then that I made the full plunge into staying home with my kids. I would go to the park without snacks, forget jackets, feel frazzled but eventually I got the hang of it. Finally while hiking around snowbird Mr. Brighton made his debut. Some days are hard but it is a wild ride that I cherish and am grateful to have. I once had someone ask me if it was difficult for me to let go of my career after working so hard in school. I could honestly answer it was hard for me to make the decision but once I did it was like I could fly. I also said very matter of fact, "I will go back when the time is right." I still teach college courses one night a week to keep my life balanced. But these three people are a part of me and I can't imagine how gray and linear my life would be without them. They are my rollercoaster and I am enjoying the colorful ride.

A Happy Haunted End

2009-11-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

I LOVE holidays and all of their festivities. But I am also glad to move on to the next. This is how we wrapped up Halloween this busy and fun weekend.

Stella had her costume parade at school Friday afternoon. She is marching around with her friend Aubrie.

Then Friday Evening we were off to the big Snyder barn party. Nate and Anya didn't get the memo and were the only ones dressed up! But they were looking quite festive.

Who knew bobbing for apples was really swimming for apples. Good thing I brought their PJs.

I got one....by the stem!

A little Halloween Twister in the office of the barn. The warmest place.

Saturday morning the carving began. Spencer takes this very seriously and they turn into vegetable works of art. Stella punched the tiny holes to outline the picture and they all helped clean them out. But we left the big knife procedures to Dad.

The artist.

The finished work.

I would rather not run into a tree such as this in the forest.

Saturday afternoon we spent at the Cornbelly Pumpkin Fest at Thanksgiving Point. Where the kids jumped, rode in trains, played in sandboxes full of corn, dressed up, found their way through a corn maze, went through a giant dinosaur, tunneled through hay bales, and ate a great big mass of curly fries.

After the pumpkin fest we decorated cookies and had an early chili dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Carters. And finally the big grand finale that all the kids have been waiting for....to go Trick or Treating. So we headed home and got into character.

Our enchanting Mermaid.

"Hotwheels Guy"

Sweet little Sharky.

I seem to be able to coordinate at least two kids costumes, but I am a firm believer in letting them choose their costumes. If you want them to wear them of course.

And the candy collecting begins. I chased them around for a minute to get some photos but then I was the candy distributor. I did sneak some pretzels and glow sticks in with the candy to hand out.

The neighborhood was alive with all sorts of fun characters.

The loot. Maybe I will buy their candy so they can buy something really great, make it magically disappear, or let them eat to their hearts content.

And this is what our house looked like the next Halloween hangover day. We laughed when we opened the paper Sunday morning.

And that is the end of our Happy Halloween holiday!

I Don't Think We are in Kansas Anymore

2009-10-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Wicked, Central Park, The Met....oh my! There truly is nothing like a little New York City trip in the fall. My sister-n-law is a very talented seamstress and creates great curtain ideas that she markets in New York City to the big companies. You can see some of her work in JC Penny and soon Bed Bath and Beyond. She invites friends and family to come along, so this trip my sister, my niece, and I tagged along for some pure New York fun! We took the red eye flight in and hit the yellow brick road running. We did get a little sleep and eating in but mostly ran from one fantastic event to the next. We were delirious at points and I am convinced that the cashier at the deli where we were buying our midnight herbal tea thought we had lost our minds because of the incessant laughing. Mostly it was a great break from our daily routine to get some adult playing time in one of the great cities. I always come home rejuvenated and so grateful to be the mom of three very lovely munchkins. Because we know there is no place like home Toto.
A 6:30 am run to one of the many tasty bakeries/delis in the city that never sleeps. We were taking this quite literally and waiting to sleep when we got home.
The New York City temple...a refuge surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. We attended a meeting here where it was the primary program. All 16 kids were adorable and full of New York character. I can't imagine what it would be like to raise children in Manhattan or to be raised there.
One of our strolls through Central Park. We were asked many times if we were sisters. And the answer is YES. I love this lady and I loved sharing this experience with her. I have been to New York before but this was her first trip to NYC and she was so HAPPY that I drug her there.
The talented Ms. Danelle and her daughter (my niece) Brittany. I think that Brittany really enjoyed her trip to the big Apple. She loved the big toy stores and Natural History Museum where Night at the Museum was filmed.
Ice-skating even when it is 60 degrees.
Central park is enchanting with its musicians, bridges, ponds, and all the people sucking in a little nature in a such a place.
One of many bridges in Central park...I just wish I could truly capture its beauty.
The tour bus system is great. You get to ride an open air bus and find out interesting facts like where John Lennon was shot, or where Audrey Hepburn lived. Just short of the "I heart NYC" tee shirt we were the ultimate tourists.
For me there are no words to describe attending a Broadway Play especially one like Wicked. I found myself getting a little choked up at the end, one because it is a moving song, two because I was so excited to be there, and three I was a little sad it was over. I found myself jumping from my seat and clapping in a very enthusiastic standing ovation with the rest of the crowd.
The famous Gershwin theatre.
Anyone that knows me...knows that all these pictures of me is really difficult. I LOVE photography but I like to be behind the camera!! I didn't have my kids or hubby to photograph and my sister wouldn't model so here I am smiling again and again for the camera. I did manage to get a few good shots of the city without me in it! Our hotel was right in Time Square.
A self portrait of me and my sis riding the big red bus.
Since this was my sister's first visit we made the trek to the top of the Empire State Building. And here I gaze across the very impressive city.
I loved the charm of Greenwich Village. I felt like a local walking in the park and eating at a deli with all the NYU students.
At the famous arch and fountain of Washington Square in Greenwich village.
The ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty.

It looks like someone photo shopped me in here.
We did try to experience every mode of transportation including the plunge down to the subway, the ferry to Staten Island, and of course a taxi cab ride.
I know Phantom is old news but for some reason I have never attended this Broadway Musical. I have wanted to see it ever since I was 10 years old. I played the music on the piano. I read the book. I watched the movie over and over. And finally this can be marked of my life's list. I gave this ticket to my sister for her birthday and it is something we will always remember.
Our last day it rained and we were glad! It scared off all the people at the Today Show so we were right behind the cast and on TV. Did you see us??
St. Patrick's cathedral is majestic and amazing to see. My niece sad it was weird and smelt funny. Or in other words...different and educational to a child.
If you have a daughter and get the chance to experience a three level American Girl Doll store I would highly recommend it. It was fully equipped with a doll hospital, salon, cafe, and clothes design center. I bought Stella a mini doll (because she is asking Santa for a full size one). I was wishing she would have been with me. Maybe we will visit the one in LA.
The movie "Night at the Museum" was filmed at this really large and historical Natural History Museum.
Brittany made about 10 trips in to Toys R Us. We rode in a Barbie car round and round on the Ferris wheel inside the store.
The rain maid the fall colors even more brilliant and the walk to the Metropolitan Museum was unbelievable. The pond was surrounded by bright beautiful leaves. All the photographers were out!
So many wonderful art pieces to experience at the Met. Like the Sunflowers painted by some guy named Vincent van Gogh. On special exhibit was Vermeer's painting "The Milk Maid"
Coming out of the Met and getting ready to hale a cab back to the hotel just in time to catch our ride back to the airport! And so I got my I "heart" New York t-shirt, gained courage to navigate through a big city even late at night, and exercised my brain with all the information and museums. I clicked my heels together and happily made my way home. There is no place like home, there is no place like home...

I Can Breathe

2009-10-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Spencer rarely leaves me to go out of town for business and I feel very lonely when he does. But luckily this time it fell on fall break when my parents, my sister, and I headed to Park City for a little rest and relaxation. If you can call it that with seven small children. We were there six days and our time went something like this...eat, swim, eat, crafts, eat, swim, eat, shop at outlets, eat, swim, eat, hike, eat, swim, eat, tennis, eat, swim, gym, eat, shop downtown and ride trolley car, eat, swim, alpine slide, eat, swim.... Oh and we did watch all of the A & E version of Pride and Prejudice and The Scarlet Pimpernel when all the wee ones were fast asleep. This was when the relaxation really kicked in! Spencer was able to join us for the weekend and we were so happy to have him home. I did have lots of things to do waiting at home but it is so worth it to have some breathing time. And the vacation/mountain air does seem easier to breath.

Spooky Seventy

2009-10-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

It is spooky that my dad is 70 years old-officially on October 13! It makes me feel old even though I was the tail end of seven kids. And look how handsome he was as a young fellow. There are so many endearing things about my dad. My siblings and I wanted to create a party to celebrate those things!!! And so we threw him a Happy Haunting Birthday Bash. We spread the word to all his siblings, my mom's siblings, great aunts, cousins, etc to get this party going. The kids and a few of us brave adults dressed up for the occasion. There was a great turn out of people who love my dad. He was like a dad to all his siblings. And the best dad we could ask for. We had so many great soups and salads. My sister made homemade root beer and there were plenty of desserts to feed the crowd. The table centerpieces were even edible... black caldrons filled with homemade carmel corn. The Halloween music was pumping and the kids were staying busy playing twister, spider racing, and coloring spooky pictures. I created a table with a few of the things my dad loves and everyone added to it! This was his gift. My brother made copies of on old photo of my Grandma, dad, and aunt for everyone. My sister-n-law made a poster of all the things that we love about Grandpa Ronnie and we read this aloud. Some of the things I listed were; he taught us the value of education, he always made us feel like he was proud, he is so kind and generous (never disciplined us), spoiled us rotten, loves junk food, cried when we were sealed as a family, great provider, tells us often that he loves us, great babysitter and Grandpa, says funny things in his sleep, has probably checked the air in my tires a million times, asked if I had my cell phone, asked if I had gas (in my car that is) ...... the list could go on and on. That leads me to one of my momentum gifts that I gave him, an engraved tire gauge. It read "Thanks Ronnie! 2009" I have been told many times that I am like my dad. I take that as a compliment because he LOVES his family and is such a kind and good man. Happy 70th Birthday Dad! We love you.

Pumpkin Lane

2009-10-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin patch very close to our home is a fall favorite around here. The little Snyders will run through the corn maze about a dozen times and try every tractor lined up to be taken for an imaginary test drive. They gather at least a dozen pumpkins in their little wheel barrels only to be narrowed down to two each when we check out. Miles could not hold the weight of the wheel barrel. He wobbled, tipped, and fell all over the pumpkin patch...much to our amusement. They always complain when it is time to go but are excited to adorn the porch with our orange, white, and green pumpkins just waiting to be carved!

The Miracle of Love

2009-10-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

Fall conference means pumpkin treats, relaxation and the Alpine loop drive. The first time Spencer and I started the tradition of driving the loop to see the fall foliage I thought it was a small miracle that we got transmission the entire way, not missing a minute of conference radio style. While I no longer think that radio transmission is a miracle I do think it is amazing that those wonderful messages are carried across the world. Right down to our mini mini van driving through the canyons. The fall colors did not disappoint and the snow had melted at least for one day. We stopped for a little pesto turkey sandwich at Sundance and then made the walk to Bridal Veil Falls. I really noticed a theme of the importance of LOVE this conference ! So I vow to love my family, friends, and strangers more.

Wee Witches Weekend

2009-10-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

October is here...and that means bring on every SPOOKY thing! I always look forward to all of the spooky events at Gardener Village. It is like being transported back in time with the cute cottage shops decorated with cornstalks and pumpkins. The witches lurking about are magical and there are so many fun activities at the Wee Witches Weekend event. My sister and I braved the crowds and took our wee witches and warlocks for some fall fun. We were pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't too busy with few lines and plenty of fun things for the kids to do. Most were a great price and others (like the witches brew) were pricey. But we learned quickly which activities to gravitate towards. I think the hay bale maze was a favorite.

(This is not a great picture but I had to post it because they were making me laugh so hard. There was a stage with a haunted castle blasting some really great dance music. All the kids were up there busting a move. And there were some pretty funky moves!!)

Gone Fishing

2009-10-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to hang a sign on the door that says... GONE FISHING!

Well that is the sort of day that had us packing up our gear and heading to the Snyder family cabin for a little family fishing trip. I can not even describe the beauty of the leaves nor could I capture them in photograph. But they were more bright and spectacular than I had seen in a long time! Fairview canyon was alive with bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Some of the quakies were multi-colored. It felt so good to be up in the crisp air surrounded by my little family. As we sat soaking in the sun Miles pipes up and says "Mom, it is a beautiful day!" It was a beautiful fall day. Spencer's parents were there as well. And Grandfather caught six fish! He got up earlier than us. Stella was lucky enough to catch one as well. We grilled up those fish with the Carter clan the next day where my fish loving family was so happy to have fresh trout!

You Say It's Your Birthday.....

2009-09-30T12:26:00.001-07:00

Dear Spencer, Spinner, Stretch and Spotty

I am so glad that you came into the world this day 34 years ago. I am so glad you came with a mellow, loving and adventurous spirit. I am so glad that your musical talents first brought my attention to that long haired hippie boy with his nose stuck in a book. I am so glad that you came to Zion's National Park in your little blue truck. And I am so glad that you asked where I got those green eyes over hot chocolate at Juice and Java. I am so glad that we have seen so many cool places and grown three beautiful children. I am so glad I have infinite amounts of birthdays to spend with you. Happy Birthday Schmoopy! I love you.

Sincerely your,

Krista Krista

Manual vs. Automatic

2009-09-29T20:21:00.001-07:00

Have you ever dared to turn your little camera's dial to manual instead of automatic? I had not until I attended a very fun and useful photo development dinner! I learned all about f-stop, aperture, ISO, shutter speed, etc... I wanted to try out my skills in a less than perfect lighting situation. We have renewed our membership at the aquarium and it was a great place to play with my camera. After many many dark and blurry shots....one finally showed up! Keep in mind I did not use the flash and it was very dark! I am now inspired to take some classes. While my aspirations do not take me into a photography line of work, I would love to learn to capture the world around me and my people in some cool photos! It is such an art and I am amazed at all the talented eyes that can put them into pictures.

Seasons of Past and Presesnt

2009-09-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

September 22 was officially the first day of Fall ( I am a few days late) and so I give my ode to summer and welcome in the new season.

Goodbye flip-flops you have been Brighton's loyal companion.

Goodbye cool summer evenings rocking on the porch.

Goodbye long hot days at the pool and beach park.

Goodbye summer vacations and freedom from a schedule.

Goodbye summer blooms and hanging baskets.

Goodbye popsicles and many many barbecues.

(I dug up this old fall photo of Stella and Miles and it made me smile.)

Hello school and timely schedules.

Hello long sleeves and scarves it has been a awhile.

Hello cool crisp days on the porch and at the park.

Hello pumpkin patches,corn mazes and sunflowers everywhere.

HELLLOO beautiful hikes and drives through canyons spotted with color.

Hello pumpkin spice treats and fresh squeezed apple cider from the mill.

Hello spooky and thankful holidays.

I always anticipate the changing of the seasons. And while I love the season that has passed....I love the one at hand just as much!

A Curious Sort of Walk

2009-09-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

"The first and simplest emotion which we discover in the human mind, is curiosity."

Edmund Burke

That is one of the things that I treasure about becoming a parent. Seeing everything new all over again through the very curious eyes of my offspring. Although it can make for a long hike or walk!

Here are my munchkins discovering everything along the trails around Silver Lake near Brighton Ski Resort. We even found a dead moose, although it wasn't hard to find with our nose. Very sad.

I hope they keep and use this curiosity in productive ways.

Scratch the Processed Stuff

2009-09-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

With a new semester of teaching nutrition ahead of me, I find myself sticking to the theme of whole foods. Making more foods from scratch, eating more fruits and vegetables (from the garden if possible), and consuming nuts and grains in their natural state. I used to grind my own wheat and stick it in the bread maker every week. I am going to start doing this again and commit to eating less processed food.

So where should I start....by making a cake from scratch of course. A little ironic I know. But this cake was rich and moist. A big difference from a cake mix. Any healthier you ask? Probably not a lot but it felt good to make it from its bare ingredients. Next move is to make something a little bit healthier and just as tasty. But just because I teach nutrition does not mean that I don't think we should have treats. That's what they are "treats" to be eaten on occasion. So indulge and make a cake from scratch this fall.

My Studious Little Man

2009-09-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Miles first day of preschool has finally come. He has been anxiously awaiting the day that he got to return to Miss Aimee's preschool. He could hardly wait to put on his new truck shirt, pants and shoes. We took him shopping in Park City for school clothes and he was hilarious. Holding up all the shirts and asking how they looked. My mom was getting such a kick out of him. This is his second and final year in preschool. This dashing little red head is such an active and articulate little guy. He even articulates in his sleep. We still giggle about the time he said in a very high voice "SALSA" in his sleep. Miles keeps us all on our toes. He loves any attention he can gather and with his charm he gets plenty of that. Miss Aimee loves the kids in her preschool and that makes me feel good. She loves Miles' sweet demeanor and tiny little hands. There is a great playground equipped with sandboxes, bikes, slides, etc. He really enjoys his time there especially snack time and playing with Miss Aimee's cars. Happy first day Mr. Miles.

Miles posing in the outside play area. Brighton is contemplating going up the slide but with one broken arm, mom is a little hesitant.

Miles and one of his best buddies, Sammy. What a cute pair they are. He is lucky to have several friends in the class. It makes the field trips fun with the moms too.

Miles getting ready to dig out every car in the place. I love my little speed racer.

Drugged Yet Still Polite

2009-09-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

For the record....

It started out as a beautiful Sunday evening. We just finished a wonderful salmon dinner, made cookie dough for baking later, and were off on a stroll around the neighborhood. The air was crisp with a hint of fall being just around the corner. Stella and Miles rode their bikes and talked us into making a stop at the "Swing Park". Some of our neighbors were at the park so we stopped to say hello and the kids are happily going down the slide. But not even two minutes later I hear Brighton crying and find him lying beneath the monkey bars holding his arm. Stella is hovering over him trying to offer some comfort. I rush to him only to find his arm deformed into a S shape. Immediately I go white and realize we have our FIRST broken bone. Stella said Brighton wanted to try the monkey bars ( about four feet high) but jumps from the play equipment to her, knocking both of them over. So really he only fell about three feet. Stella felt so bad and I reassured her that it was an accident. I call to Spencer that Brighton has broken his arm. I think a little profanity slipped from his tongue as a very concerned Daddy checked out his arm. Then he was off sprinting on foot to get the car. Our neighbors were kind enough to keep Miles and Stella until my sister -in -law took them home to bed.

We went to our local kids care where they took one look at his arm and sent us straight to Primary Children's Hospital. They indicated he would have to be sedated for a non-invasive surgery to get his bones back into position. They splinted his arm and he was so much happier. But I was a mess. My sweet baby was in pain and I literally felt it. So splinted, elevated, and iced he rode asleep as we made the 30 minute drive to Primary Children's Hospital. I was so grateful my other two were sleeping peacefully at home.

Primary Children's ER was alive and active despite the late hours that were approaching us. And we were seen by the triage nurse then waited and waited and waited, got x-rays, waited and waited and waited until we finally got a room only to wait some more. Finally the Nurse Practitioner came to visit and he was wonderful. So sweet with Brighton. He got the ball rolling. And before we knew it they were putting in the IV (he did not even cry), giving him pain meds, sedating him and preparing him for the orthopedic doctor to work her magic. All the staff was really sweet and Brighton was such a trooper. He did not cry once but grunted when things got painful. He was desperately tired and had to be in so much pain. His forearm bones were snapped! Of course the pain meds were kicking in. We stepped out while they moved the bones back into place with the use of x-ray. They said we wouldn't want to see it. I paced and felt sick. But with no cries from the room I was at least sane.

Finally we were done and they gave him a popsicle to make sure he wasn't going to vomit. He was SOOOO loopy and it was a little endearing. He was naming the color of everything. And as I adjusted in the seat it made a sort of flatulent sound and Brighton said "Excuse You". Polite even when he is all doped up. It makes a mom proud.

Of course he crashed on the way home, and puked red popsicle all over me and him when we got home. But finally we put his PJs on and snuggled him into bed about 2am. He slept until his usual wake up time but took a FIVE hour nap today. Such a sweet boy and I adore him. It breaks my heart to see his little arm all bandaged up and in a sling. He has a temporary cast for now but will get a plaster one after the swelling goes down. And so we look forward to seven weeks of healing. Hopefully I will be over the trauma of seeing my baby all bent out of shape by then. With this being our first visit to the ER I feel initiated into another level of parenthood. I truly fear that this will not be our last visit to the emergency room!

Brighton's poor little bones snapped like a twig. His little hand looks so cute.

Wow. He really has the "give me sympathy" look on his face. And believe me he has been given an abundance of love and sympathy. Our sweet little playground war veteran.

A happier face with all the LOVE he is getting from his siblings. Stella and Miles are being sooo sweet with him and caring for his every need.

Heal quickly my baby boy. We love you.

Sleeping in a Tent

2009-09-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I had almost given up on tent camping (while the children were tiny) until some friends twisted our arms and convinced us to take the three little ones up in the Uintahs! We stayed in the Ledgefork campground near Smith and Morehouse reservoir. We are so glad that we did. As a family we used to go all the time but as the family grew and grew and grew until there were three little ones we stuck with cabins. With all the backpacking and camping we have done you would think we had all the right equipment. But car camping is much different then backpacking. You certainly couldn't carry all your car camping JUNK on your back. So we have decided to give it another try and start collecting all the stuff necessary. The kids LOVED every minute adventuring out in the woods and river with their buddies. We made really great food especially for camping and even got a little hiking and fishing in. After the sun went down and the kids were fast asleep, we sat around the fire laughing into the wee hours. I dare say we would do it again.

All of them were so excited to sleep in a tent as seen by Miles' face. Brighton even took a nap in the pack and play during the day.

We hardly saw the kids they were always of romping around in the wood in their "secret hideout". Or playing in the river.

Miles and his buddy Sammy.

This picture is blurry but the only one I got of the ladies. We were cooking up some good grub.

Roasting marshmallows around the campfire.

We had a lot of fun activities for the kids to keep them entertained during the down time. Not that they needed it. They were having a great time playing in the river that ran right behind our campsite.

Playing a little ladder golf.

Fishing at the reservoir.

These two had a great time together and were giggling pretty hard when I took this picture.

Along a pretty little trail.

My cooky little toddler ready to take a dive!

And so we came home stinky and dirty but happy that we went!

High School Musical-The Musical

2009-08-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love when I get a little one on one with my three munchkins. Last Friday Stella and I went on a date. My sister and her kids met us to go to the play High School Musical put on by our local community. Several of the youth at my church were starring in the play! Stella and her cousins were laughing, clapping and completely mesmerized. They even got to meet Gabriella (the cute brunette in the blue) after the show. I LOVE having a girl (and two boys). Each child brings so much character to our family and I am happy to spend some good quality time with each of those little characters. And I can't get the High School Musical songs out of my head..... We're all in this together...together....together...

School and Sappy Moms

2009-08-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I tried for years to get a baby and were finally blessed with this beautiful baby girl (not to mention two surprises that came shortly after). It is really difficult for me to think about her growing up. And not being a little girl who wants to have tea parties and dress up. This week was her first week of first grade and it wasn't easy for me. I wasn't prepared but she was so excited! She said to Spencer and I, "I am really excited...and a little nervous!" Her teacher, Ms. Hansen is so kind and pretty too. The stuff little girls love! I think what she was really looking forward to was lunch and two recesses. I hope she isn't too disappointed with the less than palatable lunches. I have been sending her lunches on the days she doesn't recognize what is on the menu. So far she has NOT mentioned what a long day it is but I have noticed. I have expected her to be exhausted only to find her energetic and happy at the end of the day. And so I smile and shed a tear as I enter into a new stage of parenthood. We love you Stella bug.

I am off to school with lunch in hand. It will be fine mom, stop the tears.

Stella and a few of her buddies lining up. She is lucky to have several of her friends in her class.

Stella and her new teacher-Ms. Hansen

Sailing the Seas of Chocolate

2009-08-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

AHOY MATEY!

Jump on our ship and sail through Brighton's pirate birthday bash celebrating his two years of life! We were happy to share our pirate ship with the Carter and Snyder pirate clans!

(Another attempt at this pirate princesses' cake decorating with the help of her captain.)

First up on deck was a taco bar picnic-Cafe Rio style. I have a great cilantro dressing recipe to share from a fellow matey. The birthday pirate loves his beans.

And now the adventure really begins as the sails almost catch fire and our ship sinks as the pirates devour its chocolate goodness.

Oh well, we still have blue water cupcakes and really cute birthday boys.

Time for some pirate music and dancing. Little Brighton was very excited about his gifts. Especially this leapfrog guitar.

We were worried about the morning's stormy weather but alas the skies cleared. And its off to the beach for some more fun adventures....

like quick sand,

and walking the plank.

Or being pushed from the dock by this pirate...grandfather. But these little pirates love to swim around with the sharks.

These pirate prisoners are hanging from the ship and hoping for an escape. But too bad their endeavors just sent them in circles around and around.

Time to get down to business and find the missing pieces to our treasure map.

Hooray the treasure has been found.

And it is SWEET.

These pirates are tuckered out with all the adventure.

Time to look for new adventures and sail on. We love you little pirate and hope you have a great year full of adventure!

A Birthday for Brighton

2009-08-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Day 1 for Sweet Brighton-Really his first birthday!

Two years ago on this very special date we welcomed a third little Snyder into this world. I CANNOT believe my baby is two today. He is still my BABY and that is the story I am sticking too. Well this little fellow decided to show up while we were on a getaway with my whole family up at Snowbird. It was quite the scene as my sister frantically wheeled me out to the car and my mom drove or flew down the canyon to meet Spencer. My water had broke and so little Brighton was on his way. I had always liked the name Brighton and going into labor at one of the ski resorts sealed his fate of being named after one of them.

Brighton has always known exactly what he wants and has always expressed that in many ways! He spoke very early and has recently started to potty train himself. (I am not ready for that yet so it will be slow process). He is bursting with personality and I just can't kiss his little face enough. We all adore and are entertained by this little character.

Brighton's one year birthday mark. He had a construction party and we made these great tiny Adirondack chairs! Look at those blue eyes.

Today for his 2nd birthday Brighton awoke to a favorite breakfast of blueberry muffins, eggs, and cantaloupe. Then it was off to the zoo with my sister and her kids. We are looking forward to his pirate party at the lake this weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIGHTY BOO...WE LOVE YOU!

Sensing San Fransisco

2009-08-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

Visiting new places every year is a goal of mine. So this year we strapped the kids in and took them for a LOOONG drive to northern California in the Bay Area. We were not disappointed. I love all the ways that a new place affects my senses. Especially my vision of beautiful and different surroundings. I love to feel the sand in my toes or the cooler weather of the northwest. The sound of the beach seagulls or waves crashing down is something I crave. Or the busy sounds of the city. I could do without the crying and tired kids but that's what happens when you run them down. I do love to hear there laughter and screeching as they hit the waves or discover something new. I always try to sample the local cuisine, no chain restaurants for me. One of our favorites was the homemade organic ice-cream and cones found in the hippie town of Fairfax. It was fun to sample the local cheeses because there were a lot of happy California cows up north. The smell of crab on the fisherman's wharf or the sweetness of a local candy shop. So many sensations to take in and so difficult to capture in pictures. But I can catalog them with my other travel memories. So here is travel log of our trip. We stayed in a tiny little town on Tamales Bay called Inverness. I was a little nervous because it was new and I found it on the Internet. It turned out to be a wonderfully low key place that was great for the kids.

Our first stop was to this 200 year old lighthouse that was shipped and then traveled by wagon all the way from France. This was very cool and the little ones were very interested.

We went to the beach everyday and Miles literally rolled around in the sand. They are all beach bums and they had plenty of sand down there.

Here we are visiting the GIANT redwoods of Muir woods. We love the NW redwood forests.

We went into the city to visit the aquarium on Pier 39 on the Fisherman's Wharf. These were cool tunnels full of sharks and other sea life. It was shark week and that is all we heard about all week. Especially after watching the discovery channel that night about sharks.

World War II ships the kiddos found fascinating. And Alcatraz in the background.

We ate at a cool rain forrest for the kiddos along the Wharf.

We enjoyed all the sights and smells in San Francisco. It is such a cool city.

The Golden Gate Bridge is so magnificent in person. We were all in awe.

Cute Miles checking out the view.

This was Stinson Beach just north of San Fransisco. It reminded us of Southern Cali and there was plenty of sunshine this day. That is the beauty of the NW. Swimsuits one minute and jackets the next. Perfect weather in my mind.

I loved this picture of them holding hands. They really are in their element. They had a great time playing fetch with the dogs on the beach.

This was McClures Beach in Point Reyes National Park. We hiked down in about a half mile and we basically had the whole beach to ourselves. The pelicans were diving 50 feet from the air and catching the fish. The seals were dancing about as well. Who needs the discovery channel? It was breathtaking to see the sun melt into the sea.

Miles chasing the birds. Bird watchers would be in heaven here.

The hike out.

This is a village representing those of the Native Americans that inhabited this beautiful place.

A hike to waterfalls along a green trail following a crystal blue lake.

Along the trail over one of the many bridges.

We ended our trip with a campfire for roasting chocolate chip cookie smores at the beach.

YUMMY!

This is just a very small sample of such a fun trip. And despite the usual kid flare ups they were so wonderful. When we asked what there favorite part of the trip was they all exclaimed "EVERYTHING"! And that sums up our trip to the San Francisco Bay area that had our senses buzzing!

2009-08-07T21:14:00.001-07:00

Conserve and Grow

2009-07-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Being that we live in a desert, it is essential that we find ways to save water. Spencer is better at this than I am. Often water facilities will have beautiful conservation gardens. These gardens are very close to us and we like to stroll through them on occasion. If you were wondering how to make a water wise yard this is a great place to visit. The plants are labeled and there are lots of education stations. There is even a before and after yard makeover display.

The hands on displays are fun for the kids.

Brighton is not sweating profusely, I just poured some water over his little noggin to cool him off.

Miles taking a break to say "Cheese".

So serious and so pretty amongst the flowers.

Cute little bugs.

A Party for the Pioneers

2009-07-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

We have a great neighborhood with lots of great friends to celebrate Pioneer Day with.

Here is the big bike parade all glitz with their decorated rides.

Stella in Stripes!

MMM....cotton candy. Sticky cotton candy.

Miles really wanted a lion painted on his face.

And this bounce house was rightfully named the "Fight House". You really had to fight for your life if you dared to enter. Brighton was less than thrilled and is on his way out. But there were plenty of kids having a great time finding their way through the obstacle course.

And you can't have a July 24 party without the firework show. Moments after this picture was taken, Stella went running with her ears plugged. They even snuck in some out of state fireworks.

This is a great tradition for the hood with lots of food and great company to celebrate those that settled this beautiful state!