Matt, Lori, Taylor, Brayden and Austin

Bear hats

2012-01-30T11:01:00.002-07:00

The boys got some awesome winter hats from my parents. Here they

are in all their glory.

Little bud's first haircut

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Austin's been rockin' the 'front rat tail' look for a while. When he was born he had short hair, and two REALLY long hairs! They were like 4 inches long.Well, we went as long as we could and after Christmas we evened out his front. It looks so much better.

*and he loves to clap- as seen in both pictures :)

Fowler fam

2012-01-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

For Christmas this year we got to go skiing with my (Lori) side of the family in Vail.

My parents have spent the last 12 weeks in Korea for my dad's work so it was nice to get to spend time with them.

Papaw and Gr'Anna on the shuttle to watch the ice skating show

'We're in order!'
Th Fowler siblings
Ladies- the boy is at BYU and available!!!:)

Did I not mention that? ;)

2012-01-30T07:17:00.001-07:00

Ya.... My husband works for BISSELL.

Count 'em.... There's 9!!! And we have the garage pro mounted in our garage.

12.7.11: Santa at Bissell

2012-01-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Santa came one evening to Matt's work and the boys were able to deliver their letters to him and decorate cookies afterwards. I can't find our family picture with Santa but the boys were glad to see him one more time to remind him of the things they would like.

Visiting Santa

2012-01-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

We got season passes to a local art museum/sculpture park/ really neat place!

For Christmas each year they decorate Christmas trees from different nationalities. It was so neat to see how people decorate trees all over the world. On your way in or out Santa is waiting to see the kids. Thankfully we didn't have any criers this year!

SpiderMan-in-training

2012-01-10T18:27:00.001-07:00

Taylor thought this was hilarious...Austin wasn't so sure but he sat there and took it.

12.3.11: Cutting down the tree

2012-01-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Cutting down the tree has become of our my favorite Christmas traditions. Matt's family always had a real tree and my family always had a fake tree. While I want to have a nice fake tree one day- when that day comes, we'll then just have two trees because this is too much fun to pass up!

There was a tree farm just 5 minutes from our house that takes you out on a wagon ride, you pick and cut your tree and then load it back up and take the ride back to your car. The boys loved the tractor/wagon ride and it really gets our family in the mood for Christmas.

The tree of 2011

Matt teaching Taylor how to saw the tree trunk

In the end... Matt did all the work

Proof I was there... sporting my fancy,warm winter boots

Austin supervised the work

And Bray... well... he was Bray- being silly and entertaining us the whole time

11.24.11- Thanksgiving

2012-01-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

Every year for the month of November we try and start our Thankful tree and add a few leaves (and this year pumpkins and acorns) with things we are thankful for to it each day. Here's how our's turned out this year.

For Thanksgiving we were lucky enough to have my sister, Amy and her little boy Rex come up for the week. We weren't all that exciting as Taylor had school a few days and Austin was sick the whole time- but it was SO nice to have them here with us!

The cheeseball- one of my favorites!

The turkey turned out pretty good and all the rest our spread was delicious. It was fun to be in the kitchen again with my sister.

Me and 'Rexy-boy' as Bray and I call him. He's the cutest little kid
and only 5 days younger than Austin so it's already been
decided they're going to be the best of friends.
*And of course I'm the favorite aunt... right Rex!?:)

It's as easy as riding a bike

2011-11-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

For Taylor it is...

I wanted Taylor to learn to ride his bike this summer... due to our living arrangements (and the fact that his bike was in storage) it didn't happen but we quickly remedied that two weeks after we got here to Michigan. We took his training wheels off and after about 3-4 minutes he was riding. About a week later he mastered starting himself. He loves riding his bike and doing his 'loops' in the street.

Brayden 'upgraded' to Taylor's old bike

Date Night: Haunted Corn Maze

2011-11-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

I found a groupon for a haunted corn maze and thought that it would make for a fun date. It didn't disappoint. Marie and I were 'spooked' while standing in line! Matt was a wuss- but he warned me he would be. He doesn't do scary, creepy stuff. It was a fun night out taking in the Halloween season with some new friends!

Date Night: ArtPrize

2011-10-10T11:07:00.000-06:00

Proof that Date Nights still exist :)

I've missed our baby-sitting swap group SO much! (for

multiple reason- great friends for both me and my kids!)

We enjoyed a night out on the town with just our baby- who was pretty

good the whole night. We had some good, not great, Thai

food and walked around downtown GR for more ArtPrize.

We went as a family for FHE (another post coming next) but didn't get too

far with three boys in tow. It was a fun night out with Matt.

No one called us 'mom' or 'dad' for 4 amazing hours-

thank goodness Austin can't talk yet!

Productivity

2011-10-10T11:05:00.000-06:00

So far:

- Ran (we don't have to talk about what measly little distance!)

- Ab workout

- Made breakfast for the boys

- Made 2 dozen breakfast tacos (with bacon, sausage, potatoes and onions- yum!)

- fed my baby

- cleaned the kitchen

- finished writing 3 blogs posts

- clipped Sunday paper coupons

- steamed and pured 7 pears for Austin and put them in the freezer

.....and it's only 10:30 am. Pretty sweet. How come when I'm productive, I'm REALLY productive, and when I'm not, I'm REALLY not- as in we don't even have a decent dinner on lazy days. Crazy!

little man eating his pears slices from a mesh bag- LOVES it!

9.18.11: Let's Go Fly a Kite- Or Not

2011-10-10T11:03:00.000-06:00

First things first- this kid is Adorable!!!

It was pretty windy the other day after a family bike ride so we got the kites out. It's been a while and we were a little rusty... and I guess there wasn't enough wind but we had fun running to keep them up!

9.6.11: First Day of School

2011-10-10T11:00:00.000-06:00

Taylor's birthday is August 5th. We have been thinking about when he would start Kindergarten since we knew his due date... 5 1/2 years ago!!!! It's been really stressful trying to decide when to start him. He did great in his preschool- loved spelling tests (he got 100 on each one last year)- really loves learning, but he'll be young. Matt was pushing for Kindergarten and my 'mother's intuition' wasn't enough evidence to have him wait a year.

We went to sign him up for K and went to 'meet your teacher' day and I just about lost it! There were 14 boys and 7 girls in his K class. 8 of the boys were already 6 years old, and were WAY bigger and taller than Taylor. That's what I was afraid of. I think that, for us, it will be better for Taylor in the long run, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically to wait on K for one more year. I came home and talked with Matt and he agreed! Yea! The best part is that Michigan has a great program for kids in exactly this situation- kids that are ready to learn and have class room structure, but are just a little young- birthdays from Aug 1- Dec 31. It's called Developmental Kindergarten.

Taylor goes to school from 8:36- 11:36 everyday. He even gets picked up by the bus in the morning (which was HUGE for him!) and gets dropped off around noon. Academically it's not advanced at ALL! But he's in a classroom, has art, gym and music class and gets to go to the school library once a week. He loves it. Next year we're hoping his name will be drawn in the lottery for the Spanish immersion program here. It's supposed to be amazing! But for now... I'm going to be excited for my litte DKer!

First day of school- front door

waiting in line at the bus stop, across the street from our house

Getting on the bus and the bus driving away

Getting off the bus at school- walking to his classroom
(yes, I know, kinda ridiculous to follow the bus but I just wanted to make sure he got there- he has

to switch buses at another Elementary school)

Home!

8.30.11- Rice Cereal

2011-10-06T13:16:00.000-06:00

The first taste of solid food is always fun. I knew this kid would take to it right away, and I was right. He gobbled up his first serving and has since moved on to bananas, pears and applesauce- all made by yours truly!

Cousins Meeting

2011-10-06T13:11:00.001-06:00

I'd always wanted to be pregnant with my sister.

I'm so glad it finally happened! We were due just

two days apart. I was induced 5 days early and

her baby, Rex, came early so they are 5 days apart.

I can't get over how similar they look and

can't wait to see how these boys grow up. We're already

planning on them being the best of friends! When we

were together, everyone would ask if they were twins.

Austin (l) Rex (r)

Austin {4 Months} 8.25

2011-10-06T13:07:00.002-06:00

Such a big boy!

This month:

travelled from California to Utah

travelled from Utah to Colorado

met your cousin Rex

met your uncle

met your aunt

wearing 6 months clothes

in size 3 diapers

reaching for toys

smiling at brothers a lot- especially Taylor

still a little scared of Brayden

not sleeping great again
weighs about 16 3/4 lb (from grocery scale)

8.9.11- 26th Birthday

2011-10-06T13:06:00.000-06:00

After Dino Ridge we did a little shopping and drove around the Denver temple. Then it was time for the 'jumpy place.' My mom had bought a groupon for a jumpy place and the kids were so excited! Matt got some energy out there as well!

One of Bray's favorite toys there

After the jumpy place we met up with my parents and sister and her little baby, Rex at Red Robin for dinner. We hadn't met Rex yet and we were so excited to see him!

After dinner we headed home for my birthday cheesecake! YUM!

26 years old!!!

best accomplishment- our great family:

I'm not really sure what I think about being 26. 25 was cool because I felt old enough to have kids but not too old to be frumpy... I don't have impressions of 26 yet... we'll see!

Blowing out the candles. Notice my mom's hand over Taylor's mouth. Bray was practicing.

8.9.11- Dino Ridge

2011-10-06T13:05:00.000-06:00

From Utah- we continued on to Colorado to see my family and to prep for my baby brother coming home from his mission.

We dubbed Aug 9th 'Family Day' and spent the whole day together- with only us. We hadn't had our own space in a while and it was a fun day. Matt was leaving for MI just two days later so we tried to soak up our family time.

There's a place called Dinosaur Ridge near my parent's place that has dinosaur fossils and tracks. It was really cool to see.

The boys in front of the replicas of the dinos that lived in the area

The tracks

They think this part of earth used to be a river bank and the dinosaurs walked through it, it dried and then became a fossil. Taylor thought this was so cool. Brayden was too hot and not really picture worthy! :)

Bray thought the dino was thirsty- it was a hot day.

8.3.11: 5 Years since his birth- Taylor edition

2011-10-06T13:03:00.001-06:00

After driving for 12 hours in the car (which they did SO well) we figured we'd celebrate Taylor's actual birthdate at Chuck-E-Cheeses in Utah. The boys had a blast!

A few things I want to remember about Taylor:

-he hates goodbyes.. A LOT!

- he loves his family

-he wants to play super heros all day long- every day!

- he is so helpful

-he tries to calm Austin down any time he's crying

- he loves his grandparents

- he can do a lot on his own: shower, get dressed, buckle himself in the car, start a movie

- he's an awesome Big Brother

-he takes his scriptures to church every week

- he always gets 'extra' of stuff for Brayden (at school or at church)

We sure love you Taylor, Happy 5th Birthday!!!!

*sidenote- I can't believe Chuck-E can hold a baby. With all that padding I can't see how he can get a good hold and not drop him. At least he didn't drop mine!

8.2.11: Taylor's Birthday Party

2011-10-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

So we had to drive from California to Utah on August 3rd, Taylor's actual birthday, so we had a little party on the 2nd. We've decided to do 'friend' parties starting at age 5 and having them only on the odd birthdays (5,7,9...) so this was our first experience with a friend party. I think we pulled it off.

I baked a chocolate cake and thankfully my MIL decorated it for me. I did make the superhero little flags :) Taylor thought it was awesome!

We raided my MIL's closet and found a crown for him to wear. Lara made all the kids black superhero masks to take home- they were so cute!

Playing a velcro superhero game.

'The girls' One of Matt's good friends from high school still lived in the area and has three girls.. all about 6 months older than our boys. We hung out with them quite a bit while we were there.

L* taking her turn at the spiderman pinata

the loot

blowing out the candles

L* and Taylor

*most of the kids at the party showing off their Iron Man stance*

I didn't get a picture of one of the games we played but I had 'bad guys' send all the kids a note that said the superheors were captured. They had to run around adn find the clues around the yard and finally the last clue said the super heros were 'frozen in time.' So we ran to the freezer and there was batman, 2 spidermans and iron man frozen in water. The kids got to break them free with a hammer. Everyone wanted to play that one over and over again- not easy when it takes a while for water to freeze.

Taylor got the Iron Man mask and repulsor from his dad and I- it was a big hit!

Bray being Iron Man and L* wearing the spiderman pinata's legs

Tay refused to take pictures without the mask on. We sure love our little Iron Man!

Dad's Work

2011-10-06T11:58:00.002-06:00

We got to go see where Matt works a few weeks ago and tour the campus. It was really fun for the boys to see where he works and for me to learn about all the cool things BISSELL is doing.

His title changed 3 days after I took this picture-so I'll need to go get an updated one! He's now an Associate Brand Manager.

Friends in Cali

2011-09-27T09:29:00.005-06:00

One of the perks of moving to the Bay Area for the summer is that a lot of friends from the MBA program were moving there too- all be it for a job, but fun none-the-less.

Austin and Baby B are two months apart! B's parents are very active, fit and thin people... we'll just say Austin's are different than them :)

Baby faces

The older siblings hanging out together at H&M while the moms shopped. We sure miss you guys!!! See you when we visit the in-laws!

7.26.11 Jelly Bean Factory

2011-09-27T08:39:00.005-06:00

On our way home from the ranch we hit up the Jelly Bean Factory. It was kind of crazy and busy, and I didn't have a stroller for Austin but we made it through and was SO fun to see. I think that would be a fun job for me... but only if I could work on the pear and coconut production line!

Before our free tour the boys had a chance to 'make energy' and crank a toy train around the track. They kept going back for another turn- they thought it was so neat.

7/26- Riding Horses and Visiting Old Friends

2011-09-27T06:28:00.007-06:00

While we were living with Matt's parents in Half Moon Bay this summer we were able to go up and see some of my old friends at his parent's ranch. Lisa is one of my best friend and my college roommate and Mark (Lisa's husband) is one of Matt's best friend and college roommate (fun huh?!). They were visiting from Texas so we got to go up and see them and RIDE HORSES! and meet their little boy. Matt was interviewing in Texas, near their home, and missed out on this trip :(

The boys absolutely loved the farm and all the animals!

Yay for good friends! I just wish we lived closer to them!

We Don't Get it

2011-09-12T09:08:00.003-06:00

Brayden asked to read the "flush mommy's watch

down the toilet" book. I don't think he gets

the emotionalside of the book!

The decision is made...

2011-08-11T08:46:00.004-06:00

Matt accepted his offer from BISSELL and will be an

associate product manager for them. He starts

August 15th. We are so excited for this new

adventure! I am so proud of him and he's really excited

about starting his career with this great company.

He's driving out to Grand Rapids, MI today and

tomorrow. He'll search for housing for us while me and

the boys hang out in Denver and wait for my brother

to get home from his mission.

If you ever make it up to Michigan, look us up!

An Offer

2011-07-25T23:48:00.002-06:00

Well, it happened! That job offer that has been alluding us all this
time finally came in. And ya know what- 5 other companies jumped on board
and started moving their hiring process along. I just thought the
last 3 months have been stressful! Matt will have 5 different fly-outs in 10 days!

The first company to give him an offer gave us until Friday to decide.
He's flown to Grand Rapids, MI, Orange County, CA, Neenah WI. He got
home an hour ago and leaves in 11 hours for Plano, TX. He'll spend 3 hours in
the SFO airport waiting for his flight to Topeka, KS on Wednesday
and be back home late Thursday night.

Friday will be a long day... *hopefully* sorting through different offers
and figuring out where will be the best fit for him and our family.

We have been so blessed and are ecstatic to see a light at the end of the tunnel!
Just not quite sure where that tunnel leads to just yet. But
only a few more days and then we will!

Thanks your all your prayers and support! Especially to our families who have
been such a support. And to Matt's parent's for putting up with us (and
Brayden and Taylor's 5:45 wake up calls!)

Beach Day

2011-07-15T15:01:00.004-06:00

We love being so close to the beach- now if the fog would go away so we can go again!

The boys favorite game is 'get out of jail.' We dig a pit for them to stand in the cover their legs and see who can get out of jail first. It's a lot of digging for us for the 5-second escape but they LOVE it!

As we were leaving we saw this:

The poor guy thought it was a small puddle and was going to drive right through it to get out of the beach parking lot. Woops! There's got to be some gospel analogy I can use here...:)

Obstacle Course 6.30

2011-07-15T14:54:00.005-06:00

One afternoon we were trying to think of something to get some energy out so we built an obstacle course. We started off with just a balance beam but then it grew and grew. The boys would start on the left, run and jump over the balance beam, weave in and out of 8 screwdrivers stuck in the ground then cross the balance beam. We had 7 large bolts lying on the ground they would jump over then run up the 'ramp' (all two inches of incline) and cross the finish line.

Taylor ran the course probably 20 times in a row, trying to beat his previous time and get faster. Then he rode in circles around us on his big wheel grandma Lara bought him.

Matt's surgery

2011-07-15T14:50:00.004-06:00

I've mentioned that Matt had surgery and is on crutches but here is a post devoted to it. He rolled his ankle on the first day of the MWC Basketball tournament, just 1 hour before BYU was to play (I remember, we couldn't watch it because I had taken him to get x-rays at urgent care) back in February. He went through some physical therapy but it wasn't helping so he went to see an surgeon and they decided surgery was necessary. He 'went under the knife' (and saw!) on May 29th. They tightened and reattached the ligament he stretched and scoped out all the scar tissue and then they cut his heel bone and shifted it over 6mm and screwed it back in place. You can see the 'screw mark' in the pictures below.

He was in a cast for 2 weeks then got a walking boot. He was on crutches for 6 weeks but was approved to walk in his walking boot this past week. YEA!

His poor little calf looks so weak. By then 2nd week of crutches he was so sick of them
so he just started hopping everywhere and not using them. So not only was his one calf
not used, his left calf got the workout of it's life EVERDAY! He got so good he was
jumping up our stairs two-at-a-time.

Stress

2011-07-15T14:45:00.004-06:00

I have discovered the amount of stress I am under can be calculated on the scale. In the last month I've been under about 8 pounds of stress... and the seams in the 2 pairs of jeans I brought with me can't take much more! Thank goodness I'm nursing- I'd be in serious trouble.

Matt had a total of 11 interviews this week (6 just today!) and flys to Michigan on Sunday, hoefully the job hunt stress will be over soon!

Life Update

2011-07-10T22:48:00.007-06:00

(*** kinda long and boring and there's no pictures but I just need to write it all down)

So the last two months have been crazy for us. Matt graduated, we had a baby, Matt had ankle surgery and then we packed up our place- moved it into a storage unit and drove the 12 hours to California to stay with Matt's parents in the gorgeous Half Moon Bay. (how's that for a run-on sentence)

Matt is still interviewing like crazy and job searching to find the perfect job for our post-MBA life. He's been on crutches for 6 weeks and finally got the ok to walk just a few days ago. It's been so nice to have another pair of hands around! (crutches made it hard for him to carry anything meaning LOTS of extra trips when trying to get everyone in the car)

Half Moon Bay was always our back-plan. My thinking is that if I'm prepared for a bad situation, then I won't have to use it... well, not the case here. There's something big out there for our family, we're just having to wait a little longer for it. A lot of prayers, fasting, patience and humility have gotten me to a place where I can even talk about this. Why this is happening to me/us goes through my head daily but the boys are really loving getting to hang out with their grandparents and it's been a huge blessing to have family that can help support us in times of need. I'm searching for the blessings in this situation and can find the Lord's hand in our life- just not the way I had it planned out. Isn't that the way it always goes?

Things are still up in the air. One thing for sure that I know is that my little brother comes home from a mission in Argentina on Aug 17th and we will be there with signs and balloons at the Denver airport to welcome him home after two years of devoted service to the Lord. Until then-we'll just keep chugging along, trying to do what's right.

Matt has two fly-outs for two different companies coming up in the next few weeks to Grand Rapids, MI which would put us in close proximity with multiple couples from the MBA program which would be SO fun. We need a job, and Matt wants to support his family doing something he loves- brand marketing. I know we're being watched over and blessed by the Lord, I mean look at these kids- they're the proof of that for sure! Keep your fingers crossed and say an extra prayer for us!

Austin {2 months} 6.25.11

2011-07-10T22:22:00.006-06:00

It's been another great month to be alive! Austin is doing great and has started some really fun new tricks.

This month:

started smiling
drove from Utah to California (has now been in 4 states!)
eating like a champ
weighed 12 lb 10 oz, 24" tall at 1 mo 19 day
waking up only 1/night
at the end of the month he started sleeping 8 hours at a time
still in size one diapers
wearing 3-6 month clothing

We sure love you Austin and you're such a good baby!

Tummy Time, 6.22

2011-07-10T22:15:00.004-06:00

Having people to talk to makes the 'tummy time' fly right by!

Taylor the Second's Release, 6.14

2011-07-10T22:09:00.004-06:00

Before we left Provo we had a big release party for our fish (yea- he's been alive and well for almost on year now!!! go us!) It was a pretty sad day for Taylor and Brayden but we let them know that Taylor II will make some friends and be able to play with new fish at the pond. I hope that's true but I have my doubts!

Thanks Taylor II for being resilient! You withstood the light feeding days (I would ALWAYS forget), and the heavy feeding days (half a bottle of food- thanks Bray!) You would sleep with your light on every night I forgot to turn it off and most importantly you didn't die on us! We hope you're enjoying your new home.

Family Night, 6.10

2011-07-10T22:04:00.004-06:00

Our last week in Provo a local realtor put on a family night in the park near our place. They cooked dinner for us and had face painters, a balloon artist and bouncy houses. The boys loved it!

After dinner they set up a movie, Tangled, outside so we went to that as well. It didn't start until dark (9:15!!!) but the we had a lot of fun. Even Austin seemed to enjoy it.

I Love to See the Temple

2011-06-02T09:32:00.003-06:00

For Family Home Evening a few weeks ago we went to walk around the Provo Temple and talk about the importance of temples.

The boys are still talking about that trip. I love when I try to do things and they actually make a difference. Sometimes I feel like I'm just banging my head into a brick wall when trying to teach the boys. A success every now and then gives me the will power to keep on trying.

I am so grateful for the temple and that Matt and I were sealed to each other forever.

Proof I Clean... sometimes

2011-06-02T09:28:00.003-06:00

*this is really random but I thought it was kinda cool*

The other day I was sweeping the kitchen and I went to go get the dust pan and the broom stayed standing all by iteself! Crazy!

My Graduate

2011-06-02T09:15:00.002-06:00

Taylor graduated from preschool last week- man, I'm getting old if I have a preschool graduate!!! :)

Taylor did so well in preschool this year and LOVES learning. He had spelling tests this whole year and I have them on our fridge. Taylor never missed one word all year long. I think Kindergarten is going to come WAY too soon!

Here he is with one of his best friends, Jackson.
After the program we went with some MBA friends to the Creamery on 9th to celebrate.

Brayden ALWAYS has chocolate and Taylor never has chocolate, only vanilla or strawberry.

Family Pictures

2011-06-01T14:57:00.002-06:00

I got killer deal on a photo session at a local

photography studio so we went and had family pictures taken on Austin's

month birthday. I really like the ones of the boys!

Austin {1 Month} 5.25.11

2011-05-26T23:08:00.005-06:00

(wanted to eat, not take a picture)

Love showers

Hates baths

Great napper

Sleeps 5 1/2 hours at night before waking to eat

Wearing half his 0-3 and half his 3-6 mo clothes

Takes a pacifier

Is always swaddled to sleep

Weighs 10 lbs 6.5 oz

Very alert when awake

Loves laying on dad's chest

Spits up almost every time he burps

Umbilical cord FINALLY fell off at 4 weeks old

Hasn't lost any of his dark hair

**************

We love having you in our family Austin. You are so relaxed and very calm, unless it's time for food. your brothers LOVE you and Brayden wants to touch you ALL THE TIME! I try to intervene but the few times I haven't caught him in time you put up with his 'not so soft touch.' Anytime your eyes are open they both love to say "good morning sweet boy." Brayden has this funny twang to it and boy comes out like 'boi.' Happy month birthday!

Austin {9 days} 5.4.11

2011-05-26T22:35:00.006-06:00

Laundry Helper

2011-05-21T21:01:00.004-06:00

taken 5/19, Austin 25 days old

Maternity Shots

2011-05-04T12:00:00.004-06:00

I did a photo shoot with a great photographer and friend of a friend, Suzana. We took these just three days before Austin came. Thanks Suzana- I love them!

MBASA

2011-05-03T21:22:00.002-06:00

One of the great things about going to BYU is the great support system there. Most everyone shares my faith and a lot are in the same 'family situation' as I am in. (Wife/mother/student budget!)

BYU has an amazing club for spouses of MBA students- MBASA (MBA Spouse Association) I have been able to serve in the presidency for this great organization this last year. I have met some amazing women and been to tons of fun activities from kids craft days to cooking nights to fun date nights with Matt. It's so weird that this is now over. Upon Matt's graduation I am no longer a member and its really weird! At least I have made some great friends that I can keep in touch with.

2010-2011 MBASA Presidency

Katie, Me, Marisa, Stacie and Tiffany

This is our amazing Board this year. These other 7 women were really the workers behind it all. They organized almost every event we had and all of our activities and classes. Thanks!!!

Amber, Stacie, Marisa, Me

Alicia, Rhandi, Debby, Lisa

Emily, Sarah, Tiffany and Katie

Conran Brothers

2011-05-03T14:40:00.003-06:00

Yea, I think we just clone the same kid! At least they seem to grow into their own look. Any guesses on who is who?

Austin Perry Conran 4.25.11

2011-05-03T14:07:00.006-06:00

Austin Perry Conran, born at 1:08 om 4.25.11 He weighed 9 lbs 7 oz (my smallest- YEA!) and was 22 inches long.

Excited brothers!!!

Happy Grandparents- Steve and Lara Conran and my dad, Craig

Family Pictures

The Story- feel free to skip this!

I went in to be induced 5 days early to keep me from having a huge baby. I appreciate that the doctors will do that for me and am thankful for modern medicine too!

We got there at 6:00 am and got my IV by 6:45. I was only a 2 so I figured we'd be here for a while. Matt and I both got some rest before the pitocin started to really kick in. The contractions were coming pretty strong by 9:15 so I asked for an epidural. But get this... I was only at a 3!!! That was pretty depressing. I've been induced with pitocin with the other two boys and it did not take this long for me to progress. The doctor came in and broke my water at 11:20- but I was only a 4!!! An hour later Austin's heart rate dropped during a contraction so they came in to check me and I was a 6. 20 minutes later his heart rate dripped again during a contraction and I was a 9 1/2! YEA!

At 12:50 they called the doctor to let him know I was about ready. He was on the phone with a patient and couldn't get off so they started to call another doctor in. I could tell Austin was coming fast so they rolled me on my side and lay still so the doctor could make it in for the delivery. Once the doctor came in I put my legs up and Matt could see his head! The doctor didn't have his drape on or gloves yet so he held his head in with his sleeve while he got his gloves on. I took a breath as the next contraction started and Austin's head slipped right out. It was my easiest labor and recovery has been a dream.

Austin is doing great and is an amazing eater and sleeper. I can't believe he's already a week old! Although it feels like he's been a part of our family forever!

The Hunt

2011-04-30T21:56:00.004-06:00

The Easter Bunny hid our eggs during church and when we got home the baskets were there by the door filled with goodies (kites and super hero books).

The boys wasted no time emptying their baskets and searching for eggs. Both sets of grandparents were able to witness it this year too which was fun for everyone! (I think)

Dying Easter Eggs

2011-04-30T21:42:00.008-06:00

We were going to dye Easter eggs Saturday before Easter, but the day flew by so fast so we did it before church on Sunday. (1:00 church allows you TONS of time in the morning)

The Easter Bunny had so many eggs to hide that he asked us if we wouldn't mind if he hid ours during church. The boys didn't care! :) It was fun to watch them this year and while many messes were made and eggs cracked in the process, it was fun.

MBA Closing Social

2011-04-30T21:32:00.002-06:00

Actually, these are just pictures of this year's MBA band, The Weighted Average Cost of Rock. The MBA program hosted their closing social the last week of school up in Lindon and the band entertained us. All of our friends were there and yet these are the only pictures I took all night- annoying!

The band had a few of my friends husbands in it and they were pretty good- complete with mullet wigs and fake tattoos.

MBA Graduation

2011-04-30T21:18:00.006-06:00

He did it!!! You can now offically call Matt a Master. I am so proud of his hard work these last two years and wouldn't have traded this time for anything. He did really well in his classes and has learned a lot.

Matt's parents and my parents came into town for the big day and we were happy to have them here to celebrate his great accomplishment. The boys did great through the ceremony too which was nice.

*please ignore that big belly that takes up most of these pictures!!!

D Day!

2011-04-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

So today's the day (written on Sunday- I did not wake up early to post this!) The hospital wants me there at 6:00 am, so if everything goes as it has in the past then baby boy will be here before noon! I don't know if it's really hit us yet. I think I understand that I'll be having a baby, but I feel like the newborn stage was SOOO long ago. I hope it comes back to us quickly!

The boy's couldn't be more excited about it. Which is good and bad. I worry that they think they're going to have this great new playmate and will be sorely disappointed when they find out baby just eats and sleeps. Brayden has figured out how to work the swing and practices putting his stuffed puppy dogs in it and singing them lullabies- which is ABSOLUTELY adorable!

Here's our last picture as a family of 4, and my last belly shot (39 wk, 1 d)

So, wish me luck. And the next time you hear from me I'll be the mother of 3!

Lefty or Righty?

2011-04-16T14:00:00.003-06:00

Brayden does a LOT of things left handed... but he wants to be like his brother who does everything right handed. We got the boys a baseball tee and gloves for Christmas and we played baseball yesterday. I guess he's still trying to figure out which 'hand' he'll be.

37 Weeks

2011-04-11T13:08:00.002-06:00

The eviction date has been set as April 25th. Sounds like a great birthday right!? Unless he changed his mind and wanted to meet us sooner!

March Madness

2011-03-20T22:21:00.003-06:00

Are my kids the only kids that fill out a bracket every year??? When they were really young we would flip a coin for them, then we went to the numbers, asking 1 or 16, 2 or 15 and so on. This year we asked them the names of each match up and they would pick who they want to win. The sad thing is, I am doing terrible and they're both beating me!!! (Definitely not my year!)

Since Thursday our tv has been on non-stop watching the great basketball madness. As terrible as it has been for my bracket, there have been some GREAT games.

On Thursday I ran up to take a shower and as I was getting dressed I hear Taylor yelling at me, "Mom, hurry, it's almost over. There's only 9.6 seconds left!" I came down to this picture. He was hungry, but wanted to watch the games so he got himself a yogurt and a tray table and set it up in the living room so he wouldn't miss anything.

Some of my favorite quotes as of lately:

T: "Ooo... hold on, I just have to watch the game real quick"

When picking his teams for the bracket challenge, Brayden, " Temple.. oh mom, a temple!" (In our religion a temple is a very important place of worship. My boys loves seeing the temple) Needless to say, Temple is going really far in Brayden's bracket... bad for him!

T: "Mom, just tell me when the Hook'em Horns and BYU play. I want to watch that game." (Taylor's picks for the National Championship game)

B: "Go BYU, rar-rar" (BYU isn't playing at the time)

When asked Tennessee or Michigan T: "Tennessee... oh mom, you know what?That must be where all the players play tennis!" (Tennessee didn't get far...maybe they should practice basketball more and not tennis! :)

32 Weeks (and 1 day)

2011-03-06T16:34:00.003-07:00

This pregnancy has been a little harder on my body than the other 2 have been. I won't get into details but I'm just a lot more uncomfortable this go around. Since I've had bigger babies (Taylor was 9 lb 1o oz and Brayden was 9 lb 15 oz a week early) the doctors have said they'd induce me a week early. The only problem is a week early is a Saturday and they won't do elective inductions on the weekend. I've decided that I'll take whatever I can get and Monday the 25th of April looks like the date! Yeah! So that's only 7 weeks away- I think I can make it! :)

***and don't mind the Christmas cards still up in our house- we love all of your pictures and letters! I promise they'll be coming down soon.

Brayden's Tumbling Tots

2011-03-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

One of Brayden's Christmas presents from the Fowler grandparents was "tuition" for Tumbling Tots. It was during Taylor's preschool time and he loved being able to say he went to "class." His favorite activity was the bar.

He received a medal and certificate of achievement upon completion. He was so proud of it and couldn't wait to show Taylor.

Skiing at Sundance

2011-03-02T13:49:00.004-07:00

My parents were able to make a quick trip up to see us over Matt's week-long break from school. My dad and Matt went skiing at Solitude on Monday (President's Day) and found "some of the best powder of their lives." (that's a direct quote!)

Taylor took a skiing class over Christmas break and loved it and really wanted to get back out there so Tuesday we all headed up to Sundance. Brayden thought he really wanted to ski too and I couldn't say no so we got him some rentals and took him down the mountain...eh... slope...eh... small incline.

I didn't trust my balance on skis- or in general- so Matt and my parents took over helping the boys. Watching them grab on and go up the tow rope was very entertaining in itself!

Here's Taylor standing on his head before getting on- he lost his balance. Once he made it to the top he was excited to come down!

PIZZA! Brayden doesn't have a ski helmet so we made his bike helmet work. Skiing with grandpa.

If you weren't sure if Bray would like it, look at that cute smile!!!

In all honesty Bradyen lasted about 20 minutes, but 6 and under ski free so no biggie. Taylor went up the big lift and came down with my dad and Matt. he had fun but by then it was lunch time so we headed home and let the big boys stay and ski.

Sticker Man

2011-03-02T13:47:00.001-07:00

Taylor was a little too quiet...

Body Pillow

2011-03-02T13:26:00.003-07:00

My mom got me this AWESOME body pillow for Christmas. It basically can wrap all the way around my body while I sleep (thank goodness we have a king bed so I have room for it!). It supports my growing belly and my back- LOVE IT! Well, it was just about nap time the other day and the boys decided it's a great spot for them to sleep too!

Making Santa's Cookies, 12.24

2011-02-27T16:48:00.004-07:00

Making Santa's sugar cookies was quite the adventure. Taylor and I had to roll out the dough and cut out the shapes we wanted faster than Brayden could eat it- it was quite the challenge! The boys had fun though.

Dad helped us decorate them. Hopefully Santa was prepped for all that sugar! Taylor really piled on the frosting- and of course, Brayden just licked it off his fingers.

Santa Tags

2011-02-27T16:46:00.004-07:00

I found a cute idea from this scrap book lady's blog to make Love, Santa gift tags. I LOVED them- the boys didn't even notice but I'm going save them and Santa will use them every year.

Brayden, 12.22

2011-02-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is how we found Brayden sleeping one night.

In order to sleep our little boy has to have 2 sleep blankies and 2 puppy dogs.

Sledding, 12.20-21

2011-02-14T08:30:00.002-07:00

We had a full week of dad being home before Christmas. Thankfully it snowed and we got to go sledding.

The easiest way back up the hill- ride on your brother while dad drags you!

Lights at Temple Square 12.19.10

2011-02-13T15:04:00.003-07:00

Another night of family fun was to go see the lights at temples square. The boys really loved this and had fun running around. Unfortunately my camera (or me) was struggling that night so non of the pictures of the actual lights turned out in focus.

Matt's great-grandfather is the creator of this sculpture.

Visiting Santa and a Sleigh Ride

2011-02-13T14:38:00.006-07:00

For December we had a Family Countdown Calendar that had activities for us to do every day. One night our activity was to go see Santa at an outdoor shopping center and ride the free horse drawn carriages. The boys loved it.

Bray was a little apprehensive about Santa- Taylor couldn't wait to tell him everything on his list!

It was pretty chilly but we dressed warm and there are fires all over the place to keep warm.

A lady felt bad for Brayden being out in the cold so during the carriage ride he rode in her lap under her blanket. He enjoyed the extra warmth!

(I know this is REALLy late, but I want to document it)

Ugly Sweater Party

2011-01-16T17:37:00.003-07:00

We had a great time in December... and now that's we've almost recovered I'll post about it.

We attended an ugly sweater party. Yes- Matt's sweater is a little bigger in the chest and short in the sleeves because it is a woman's sweater. We had a great time with some good MBA couples. I'm so sad I didn't get a group picture!

Try Again

2010-12-14T21:45:00.003-07:00

Baby boy was trying to stay just 'baby' and would not move his little legs even with some tough prodding by the ultrasound technician. She had me get up, move around, go to the bathroom and try again. Thankfully that worked. When she said, "you know what that is, it's a BOY!" Taylor said, "humph." He's been wanting twins, but if he couldn't have twins he had said he wanted it to be a boy. Afterwards I was talking to him about how exciting it will be to have another boy he responded with "She should have said GIRL."

In his little four year old mind, he thinks the technician got to pick the gender... and she picked WRONG! So cute! Hopefully the idea will grow on him.
No reason for the blurry picture- just two of my cute boys after baths the other night.

2010-12-13T18:01:00.001-07:00

We bleed blue around here (BYU Cougars ya know) and apparently that's our color! We got to see baby BOY today. His ETA is still April 30th.

In all it's Glory

2010-12-08T20:12:00.003-07:00

Me and baby and 19 1/2 weeks. I feel like I'm bigger than I've ever been this far along- and I wasn't good at documenting the other two so I have no comparison.

To answer some of your questions, yes we'll be finding out the gender. If we had one of each gender right now, I'm pretty sure I could convince Matt to let it be a surprise- but since we only have boy stuff, we want to be prepared *IF* (BIG if) it's a girl.

No, I have no 'motherly instinct' on what the gender will be. It's been a very different pregnancy so far so maybe that means something?

We get to see our baby Monday afternoon- so Monday evening check back for an update!!!! Will I be getting anymore estrogen in this house or are we bound for blue all the way... we'll see!

Lately

2010-12-03T10:53:00.005-07:00

I can't get enough to drink... and the water is never cold enough

This little thing sitting on my bathroom floor hasn't been so kind

and a GOOD hamburger is all I think about- ALL DAY LONG!

Elastic bands are needed to hold these up
And nap time can't come soon enough- for both me and the boys

Luckily for me we're going to have one of these joining our family by April 30th- which makes all those little inconveniences worth it!

Hide-N-Go-Seek

2010-11-16T20:35:00.003-07:00

I went in to check on Brayden during a nap the other day and my heart dropped! I just peeked in and assumed to see him right there...

Want to guess where Braydo is?

So scary! I want to know how he got under there, and got his pillow pet in there!

Halloween

2010-11-16T20:27:00.003-07:00

Since Halloween was on a Sunday this year, we celebrated on Saturday night and went trick-or-treating. Taylor could finally wear his REAL Halloween costume now that it was the right day.

Right before we were about to head out the wind picked up and it started pouring! Then it started hailing and I was worried we wouldn't make it out at all. After about 45 minutes of that, it stopped and we were able to get out.

Matt stayed behind to watch football, I mean hand out the candy. It was still a little chilly but the boys lasted 45 minutes and we filled their baskets so they were happy.

They each got to pick one piece of candy to eat that night, here was Taylor's choice.

Brayden chose chips and LOVED them!

Jinxed

2010-11-16T13:00:00.003-07:00

Well, I jinxed it. It's a no go. I'm so sad! I was really looking forward to a week of laying around reading books and having nothing to do! The damage to the engine room is so extensive that Carnival has cancelled cruises on Splendor until mid January. Such a bummer! Now what???

They are reimbursing everyone, plus offering 25% off your next cruise. They'll pay up to $200 in flight costs. My MIL is looking at cruises that leave from Florida, but flights are WAY more than $200... we'll see if she can find anything. Wish us luck!

Halloween 10 K, 10.30.10

2010-11-16T08:17:00.003-07:00

A local theater company organized a 10K the Saturday before Halloween. My friend Stacie and I had been running since school started in the mornings before our families woke up. We decided we could try for this race. Stacie has never run a race and the farthest I've run in a race was a 5K.

We got an extra prize if we dressed up so Stacie found these skirts at Walmart for $5, and they didn't get in our way too much so that's what we wore. For running we also got a really nice wick away shirt and two set of free tickets to some of their upcoming performances.

In the excitement of the race I started off really fast (we had been training at a 9:30/mi- 10:00/mi pace). I kept telling myself to slow down and I thought I was, but when I checked my watch at the first mile marker it read 7:30!!! I couldn't believe I ran the first mile that fast! I really slowed down after that- afraid I wouldn't be able to finish! Around mile 3 1/2 I was running out of energy and needed to make it up a hill. The boys drove around the course and saw me three different times. I ran the batteries out in the camera the day before (leaf pictures!) and forgot to charge it. Matt has video of me running- but no one wants to see that!

Overall I never walked and ran a 9:17/mi resulting in a final time of 57:54. I really wanted to run it under an hour and I did! I got third in my age group and was really pleased with my first race.

Fall Leaves

2010-11-16T08:14:00.002-07:00

We met some friends at the park at the end of October and had a great day in the leaves. The boys loved being able to throw something that wouldn't hurt anyone!

MBA Halloween Party

2010-11-16T08:05:00.005-07:00

The MBA Spouse Association threw a big blow-out Halloween party this year. It was so fun and so many of our friends came. Taylor, yet again, would not wear his true Halloween costume- just the Power Ranger one. Brayden was Henry the Train, but not for very long increments.

Taylor with his scary Power Ranger face and Brayden pretending to have a jet pack like Buzz Lightyear.

Taylor and Pocahontas, I mean, O*. They go to preschool together and she gives Taylor the biggest hug every time she sees him, it's o cute.

For dinner everyone brought chili and soup. The line was really long so while we were waiting I went and got the boys some veggies and fruit to eat. Brayden went with me and grabbed a white chocolate covered marshmallow as well. At least he ate his carrots too!

Games at the carnival and a lovely family picture :)

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-15T20:51:00.002-07:00

So we found out that carving pumpkins isn't all it's cut out to be! Everyone was really gung-ho, and then we cut the tops off to find the guts inside- how disappointing! The boys hated cleaning them out- but after a little persuasion would finally put their hands in.

Unfortunately we never got a finished picture- but in the end they were very pleased with them. Taylor had a scary one, Brayden carved a happy pumpkin, I carved a ghost and a pumpkin and Matt's was a silly, funky face.

Happy Halloween!

Bunk Beds

2010-11-15T20:47:00.003-07:00

Steve, Matt's dad, is a great wood-worker. He built his sons bunk beds when they were little. Once they grew out of them they were moved to the garage and have been stored for about 18 years waiting on some grandkids. The Conran grandparents made a trip to Utah and brought with them the bunk beds. The boys were SO excited! Now if I could just get Brayden to fall asleep a little quicker in them and not come into our bed at 4:30 am.

Cruisin' Together

2010-11-15T08:49:00.007-07:00

For a big milestone birthday (we don't have to talk about which one) of my mother-in-laws she wanted to go on a cruise. She wanted to be on a cruise so no one could tell her how old she was! :) Well, 2 and a half years LATER all of the schedules have aligned. Between high school, 2 colleges and work schedules we've never been able to get all the Conran sibling and parents plus me together.

I have been counting down the days... For about 45 days now. We're going over Thanksgiving. I'm flying the boys to my parents house and we're going to drive to LA to take off! I can not wait.

Anyone want to guess which ship is ours?

Yes, SPLENDOR- the ONLY CRUISE SHIP OUT OF COMMISSION RIGHT NOW!!! I couldn't believe it! After years in the making, we had four different boats we could go on that week, and of course, we chose the one that caught fire and was stranded with all it's passengers without electricity for three days. I sure hope they get a move on and can fix everything. My countdown is still on, and I really want to go!

Ward Halloween Party

2010-11-12T07:59:00.003-07:00

Taylor wanted to be Spiderman for Halloween. A friend of mine let us borrow her costume BUT Taylor wouldn't wear it until actual Halloween. He dressed up 5 times this year in a costume and every time I would try and get him to wear the Spiderman costume. He would ask, "Mom, is it the real Halloween day?" and of course i would have to say no because it wasn't yet so he wore his Power Ranger suit, 4 times and spiderman only once! So on this night Taylor was a BYU Power Ranger.

When my mom was visiting we got Braydo a puppy dog costume. He loved it when he picked it out but would only wear it for 2-3 minutes at a time so we took it back after this party. He does make a cute little puppy though!

We LOVE Mac-n-Cheese

2010-11-12T07:55:00.002-07:00

And we HATE utensils!

After church you're just so hungry you need to get the food in as fast as possible!

Labor Day: Hiking the Y

2010-09-12T20:44:00.007-06:00

On Labor Day we decided to Hike up Y mountain. The boys love finding the "Y" anytime that we're out and about. We borrowed a pack to carry Brayden in took off. It was 49 degrees and the boys were pretty cold but we made it!

At the bottom before we started Taylor looked up and told me he thought there were bugs on the Y. I told him I think it's people, not bugs. he fought with me a little but then let it go. First thing he said when we got to the top was" Mom, you're right, they're not bugs, they're just people!"

Flashback: Sept 2, 2006 Our first family hike up Y mountain

BYU Football Pep Rally

2010-09-12T20:26:00.004-06:00

BYU had a pep rally on the Thursday before their first game. It didn't start until 9:00- about an hour after the boys bedtime but we figured we should take them since we didn't buy football tickets this year. The band played, the cheerleaders cheered and the cougarettes danced. Cosmo came out for some high fives and it ended in a 5 minute firework show. The football players talked a little but the boys didn't understand why they weren't dressed in uniform and why they weren't going to play a game right then. Overall, we were pumped for some football so I guess they did their job!

Timpanogos Cave, aug.14.10

2010-09-07T13:52:00.005-06:00

It was free National Park Day on August 14th so we decided to take advantage of it and go see Timp Caves up American Fork Canyon. It was a gorgeous day! We went to get tickets to the cave but the next time available wasn't until 1:30 so we drove around in the canyon and went to a Cascade Springs. The boys were happy to get out and run around a little. it wore them out too so on our way back to the trail head of the caves they both got a little nap.

It was a 1 1/2 mile hike up a paved trail to the mouth of the cave. Taylor made it the whole way!!! I'd love to say "Mountain Man Taylor" didn't complain, but it wasn't too bad. As long as I told stories along the way he was fine. As soon as the story was over though he would realize his legs hurt.

We were not so prepared for a 45 degree inside temperature of the cave! It felt good at first but then we started to get pretty chilled.

The stalagmites and the stalactites were really cool and the boys liked looking at them. Here is the "heart" or aorta of the cave.

View from the top:

Taylor took a picture of Matt and I. not too bad...

Papa, paparazzi!

2010-09-05T09:32:00.002-06:00

So it's pretty obvious that I don't have any talent quickly getting shots of celebrities... here are my lame attempts!

Bethany from Real Housewives of New York outside the ABC studio

Kelly leaving the set and Kelly after I shouted her name- yea- SUCKY!

Justin Timberlake- can't you see the top of his head above the white sailor hat??? Then he's a little blurry!

I missed taking pictures of the Gossip Girl set- I saw it while I was on the bus. I saw three other sets set up around New York but couldn't figure out what it was for. I think I'll just stick to raising children- I'm not great but I sure enjoy it!

rewind: New York aug.10.10

2010-09-05T09:20:00.003-06:00

I had tried to get Regis and Kelly tickets online before we went but they weren't offering them at the time so I decided to just show up and stand in the standby line.

I didn't make the first taping- they were full but I made it in to their second show taping. We taped the Labor Day show. I saw them interview Jason Bateman- I think that one already aired and then Bethany from Real Housewives of New York and Laura Linney who has a new show called the Big C.

I was not so impressed with these celebrities. Regis was a down right grouch. He looks and seems like he'd be such a sweet guy. During commercial breaks Kelly would come out into the crowd and take pictures or talk and Regis would just sit in his chair. He's occasionally answer a question or two. Kelly seemed really fake too. I've heard people say she's even thinner in person and that is true- but man are her arms to DIE FOR!

Look for me on the Labor Day show! I was sitting in the back left corner when the camera looks at the crowd.

After the taping I had 1 hour and 15 minutes to make it to the MET before I needed to start heading toward the airport! I RAN through the MET. It was phenomenal and I made it through almost all of it in 55 minutes. I could have spent days in there though! Of course, my camera is dead so I took a few pictures on my phone, I just don't know how to get them off...

We had a great time and it was so nice to be able to spend some time with Matt before crazy school life began again!

rewind: New York aug 9.10

2010-09-05T08:54:00.007-06:00

We had to get back to New York because Matt had to work Monday and Tuesday. We also hurried home so we could catch dinner at the McKinnon's. She was my Laurel advisor in church growing up and Mere (her daughter) and I were the best of friends. It was great to catch up with them.

On Monday I woke up early and went for a run in Central Park. As big as the park is I figured if I was going to see any of it that would be the way to do it.

On my way there I stopped by the LDS Temple. It was so gorgeous!

The was by far my favorite part of the run- the arboretum.

After Central Park I took the subway down to the ferry port to ride over and see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island. I should note that my camera is almost dead at this point. I turn it on and take a picture before the screen even lights up and then turn it off- sorry for the bad quality of pictures! AND I just ran- so I look nasty too!

A replica inside the little museum inside the base of the Statue of Liberty.

View of the city and Ellis Island from the Statue of Liberty.

Ellis Island was really cool to see and read about everything the immigrants had to go through there. Unfortunately my camera is long gone by then!

After these tours I went to the top of the Empire State Building, and again- my camera is dead by what an awesome view from up there!

I walked by the bull and a group of 30 Chinese people trying to climb on him at once. I saw Wall Street and then headed to the Museum of Modern Art. Definitely not for me... they had an umbrella stroller and a ironing board on display together as art. ???huh??? Also I walked into a naked picture gallery at the beginning so that kind of soured my mood for the rest of it.

I hurried back to the hotel to shower and meet Matt for dinner in Little Italy. We had some really good food and met a friend of mine from high school and now she's a friend of Matt's because they go to school together. All three of us tried to catch another show on Broadway but everything was either too expensive for crappy seats or they were completely sold out. We walked around Times Square again and went up to FAO Schwartz, but it was already closed.

Matt and I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and then went back to Little Italy for some gelato- AMAZING! I probably should mention that it was my birthday, not a bad way to turn 25 huh?! We hurried back to the hotel to sleep so we could finish strong on our last day in NYC.

rewind: Neport, Rhode Island, aug 7-8.10

2010-09-03T08:50:00.003-06:00

So... since we were already all the way up in Boston, we figured we might as well rent a car and drive to Rhode island- makes sense right? Matt's trying to hit all the states in the US so we were only about 1 hour and 20 minutes from where our friend Merritt and his company were hosting the Newport Jazz Festival. We couldn't pull ourselves away from Boston quick enough so we only made it for the last 20 minutes of the ALL DAY CONCERTS but we came for a great performer! Jamie Cullum just might make me a fan of Jazz. He was really entertaining and had some really fun songs.

The group: Merritt, Matt and I, Tara and Chris

Sunsetting over the water in Rhode Island

Once the concert was over we drove around Newport and saw all the AMAZING homes. They were huge- I can't believe this is the only picture I took!

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is in downtown Newport. This is the grave of a pirate that found God right before he died and renounced his old ways so he was granted a burial in a church cemetery.

Boston: aug 7.10

2010-09-03T08:30:00.007-06:00

We LOVED Boston.Especially when compared to New york. It was just a cleaner prettier version of New York without all the craziness! We got up early Saturday morning to take the walking tour through Historical Boston. it was awesome! it's only about 1 1/2 miles so we planned on maybe an hour and a half but we got sucked in!!! We were stopping and reading everything- it was so interesting and all the old buildings are so pretty!

Boston has a red line painted on the streets to take you through the city. Here is a "guard" at the start of the tour.

The old State Building Cemetery where George Washington's parent's are buried.

The Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony of this church.

Paul Revere's House

Everyone was walking around with these pastries so we figured we should give them a try- not bad!

Paul Revere was the bell ringer at this church.

I wish I could remember more about all these buildings and the stories we were told- it was so cool!

rewind: NYC part 1

2010-09-03T07:56:00.005-06:00

JetBlue has headquarters in both Salt lake City and new york. When Matt first interviewed with JetBlue we thought we might be in NYC for the summer. We ended up staying in Utah, but they did want him to work out there for a week. It finally worked out and we went to NYC right after Taylor's birthday. Matt flew out that night at midnight and the boys and I left the next morning.

I flew the boys to San Fransisco to play the Matt's parents. We got in around 11:30 in the morning and my NYC flight took off that night at 11:00. It was a red eye and thankfully I can fall asleep anywhere!

We had a blast in NYC. Matt of course worked so I got to tour everything and anything I wanted. By the end of my trip I was a whiz at the subway and could find my way around pretty good.

I got to NYC at 6:30 Thursday morning and already the city was alive. i got off the subway around the Rockefeller Center and started walking. That morning I walked about 6 miles all over the city- it was so fun to take in the sites that way! I made my way down the the Museum of Natural History and I could have spent all day there! I only spent four hours- but I could've stayed forever. Matt had the camera so sadly I don't have any picture from there!

I went and showered and then met Matt for dinner and a show. We weren't going to pay for one of the good shows, and even the scalpers had higher prices than we were willing to pay. Thankfully a friend at JetBlue pulled some strings and got us free tickets to Chicago. Not knowing much about it but excited to see a show we went.

Well- not the best, moral uplifting story line but the voices were good! On our way out of the show We hung out with Justin Timberlake- oh, wait, and about 1,000 other people.

He was there shooting his movie Friends with Benefits in Time Square. We watched for a little while and then had to get home to start another day of site-seeing.

The Ferris Wheel in Toys R US

On Friday I got a slow start... I hung out with a friend from Provo who was in NY for their internship and finally made my way over to the Guggenheim. Not my favorite. There were some very artistic (read strange to me) pieces there. I'm glad I went and I'm really glad I had a free ticket for the audio tour. It helped me at least understand what the artists was trying to capture... whether I appreciated it or not.

Since we were already on that side of the country we figured we should check out Boston so Matt met me at the airport and we got on a flight to Boston Friday afternoon. We had dinner at a great French place in Boston and then met two of Matt's classmates for ice cream.

rewind: Taylor's Birthday aug.3.10

2010-09-03T07:44:00.005-06:00

My first born is 4!!!! He was so excited about his birthday and couldn't wait to have cupcakes and play party games. In our family we're going to do family parties for the even birthdays and friend parties for the odd ones- so this year was just a family party. Grandma and grandpa Fowler flew in the night before and took the boys to Veteran's Splash Park in Provo for a few hours on Taylor's birthday.

Birthday pancake breakfast and sandwich and yogurt birthday lunch.

pita pizza birthday dinner which Taylor made

THE cupcakes- he was so excited about these. We even stuck Kit Kats in each one because those are Taylor's favorite candy.

Opening presents

Party games- we played pin the superhero emblem (a book in this case) on a superhero- SuperWhy.

rewind: Drive In Movie jul.31.10

2010-08-18T09:48:00.003-06:00

On our summer "bucket list" was the drive in movie theater in north Salt Lake. We finally made it over there, but it was after a long day at the water park. When you buy your tickets to go in it's for a double feature on the same screen. We wanted to watch Toy Story with the boys, and the Sorcerer's Apprentice was on after that for Matt and I. Here was our set-up:

The boys and I laid on the hood of the car and Matt sat in a chair. We all really like Toy Story!

The Sorcerer's Apprentice didn't start until 11:20. I lasted maybe 30 minutes and fell asleep- Matt said it was an ok movie. The boys thankfully fell asleep quicker than I did strapped into their car seats. In spite of me falling asleep it was a fun family activity!

rewind: Cow A Bunga Bay: jul.31.10

2010-08-18T09:40:00.004-06:00

I got cheap tickets to Cow a bunga bay in Sandy at the beginning of the summer and the boys have been dying to go play there. The water is cold on the slides but the lazy river and beach area was heated. We had such a fun time!

rewind: Thanksgiving Point jul.20.10

2010-08-18T09:25:00.005-06:00

Lara, Matt's mom, flew back to Utah with the boys and I after our little vacation for her sister's birthday. While she was here we got to take the boys to Thanksgiving Point farms. We'd never been and the boys loved feeding the animals.

rewind: Fairyland jul.13.10

2010-08-18T09:07:00.005-06:00

After our trip to San Diego the flights home were really full and there were a lot of stand boys so instead of waiting at the airport for a flight home we sent Matt back to Utah to work and the boys and I flew to San Fransisco to hang out with Matt's parents.

Fairyland has been around since 1940-ish and my father-in-law went when he was a kid, then Matt went and now our kids have gone- and I don't think much has changed in all the time! The boys loved it though. You walked around this little park that had scenes from fairy tales.

Do I have to count it against us?

2010-08-18T09:02:00.003-06:00

We're in the middle of potty-training, actually I'm hoping a little more towards the end of it than the beginning... but here's my question:

Twice Brayden has been nakie and I've found him with #2 hanging from his bottom, since it never hit the floor and I didn't have to clean anything up, do I have to count that as an accident?

Ok, so maybe we're a little closer to the beginning stages than I would like to believe.

REWIND: Jetting- San Diego jul.9-11.10

2010-08-15T07:57:00.009-06:00

One benefit of interning with an airline company is the free flight benefits. One benefit of interning with JetBlue- personal TVs on each seat and LOTS of legroom. We have really enjoyed "jetting" with them this summer. Our friends in the MBA program, the Aho's, were living in San Diego for the summer so we decided to take a little vacation out there to see them. We fly stand-by for free so it's a gamble each time at the gate whether or not we'll get a seat or not. Luckily we got out of Salt Lake on the first flight to Long Beach and didn't have to wait in the airport all day that Friday. Matt had to fly "jump seat" with the flight attendants in the back and the boys shared a seat and I had a seat. Thank goodness it's a short flight over there!

Matt had a meeting in Long Beach on Saturday morning so we drove around Friday. We saw Newport beach and Huntington beach. The boys ran around in the COLD ocean. Brayden loved ever minute of it. Taylor was a little more apprehensive... uncomfortable temperatures bother him.

JetBlue has a contract with a hotel in Long Beach that we could stay in for relatively cheap. We were told to being extra socks for our kids so they wouldn't have to walk on the ground it's that yucky. Going into it with that in mind we were pleasantly surprised. They're currently re-doing the rooms and ours wasn't bad at all.

After Matt's meeting we drove to San Diego to play with our friends. I'm so sad I don't have any pictures of us at the beach there. We met up with the Aho's and the Jones' (whose house were living in right now) who are both interning in San Diego. The boys (husbands) went surfing and boogie boarding while the girls and the kids stayed on the beach to play in the sand.

Stacie and I went out boogie boarding for about 30 minutes and LOVED it! We had so much fun even though the water was so cold. By the time we called it quits my feet were numb! As we came in Brayden grabbed my hand and wanted to go out. He couldn't get enough of boogie boarding. Have you ever see those people with dogs on the surf boards... that's what Brayden looked like. He would hold himself up on his hands and knees on the boogie board while I navigated us in and out of the ocean on the waves. He would laugh so hard! It didn't even matter that my legs were now starting to get numb. We had a great dinner with our friends and then went back to the Aho's to play games. We stayed up WAY to late and our sanity went to bed around 11:00- and we stayed up a few hours more. That was such a fun night!

After church on Sunday we went to La Jolla and to the tide pools. The boys really enjoyed walking around on the rocks and seeing all the sea life.

Taylor trying to touch the crab in the rock - - - - - - - - - - - - Crab

Josie sat in the middle of the pool

After three trys this was the best picture of the boys - - - Brayden with Josie

MJ and Taylor watching for seals - - - - - - - - - - Conran and Aho families

Thanks for hosting us guys! We had such a fun time and can't wait to get back to Provo to hang out!