Adams Family

January Wedding in Salt Lake

2012-01-22T21:21:00.001-08:00

We enjoyed a quick trip to Salt Lake for Matt and Tori's wedding at the beginning of January. We got back from our 10 day, Christmas trip to Olympia on Sunday, and left for Salt Lake on Wednesday. It was a little bit of a tornado, and probably would have been easier to leave the kids in Olympia with my parents, but we didn't want them to miss out on seeing Grandma Andrea and Papa Tom back from Hungary. It was such a treat for the kids (and us) to spend time with their grandparents.

Seeing Matt and Tori in the sealing room in the Salt Lake Temple, made all the craziness of the trip worth it. What a fantastic girl Matt found. They just glowed together the entire day. I'm so thankful we were there.

Matt and Tori with the nieces and nephews

I just love this picture! Matt's wedding is one of the many beautiful blessings of having parents serving in the mission field.

No snow, but very cold. Amelia lost it after this picture and cried all the way back to the hotel room saying, "go home, go home" over and over again.

Back at our hotel you can still see the tears in Amelia's eyes from her melt down.

A little happier playing with my bouquet at the reception.

Simon and Russell eating their cheese cake and wedding mints:)

The brothers working on the car.

Next morning in the parking lot of In-N-Out

At the church doing our family Christmas gift exchange.

The boys playing with their Hungarian puppets.

At the Bean Science Museum at BYU

Our last night we spent with Chelsea and Spencer (thanks a million for the room and car). Carson, Jenna and Court came and visited us in the morning before Chelsea drove us to the airport.

Thumbs up to Court for reading Russell's Star Wars encyclopedia for at least 45 minutes.

Just outside the temple, waiting for Matt and Tori to come out.

Olympia Christmas

2012-01-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas in Olympia with family. It was a little quieter than Thanksgiving:) but we missed having the entire family home. We were grateful to see so much of Carson and Jenna. We were glad Beth, Wes and Oliver came Christmas day to spend the rest of the week with us. We spent a few of those days out at the beach house and enjoyed the new pool there.

We made Gingerbread houses with Grandma and Jenna (can you spot Santa?)

This is just easier:)

Making Gingerbread girls with Grandma

Believe it or not this was Christmas Eve (granted the boys had been running around a lot).

Santa's Christmas Eve visit

The Nativity Story

Christmas Morning

The Darth Vader flashlight key chain is Trevor's gift not Russells:)

Papa and Amelia playing Christmas carols (or princess songs)

Out at the Beach House

December Outings

2012-01-21T21:09:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures of our pre-Christmas outings.

Out on the Town for our 13th Anniversary

Dinner at Jake's (Trevor surprised me with pearl earrings)

The Grotto in Portland

The Nativity was inside a rock cave.

Carol got the kids PJ's for Christmas

Work Christmas Party

2011-12-15T22:31:00.001-08:00

We went to Trevor's work Christmas party last Friday. Best family work Christmas party we've been to. We got pictures with Santa, listened to two different live bands, ate a delicious dinner, and played in the kids game room.

Amelia would only hold TJ's hand (Santa did get a quick reaction from her when he mentioned the word princess).

TJ and Ameila listening to one of the bands

Russell opening Santa's gift

Waiting in the Santa line

The three little heads are my kids. They listened to this band for quite a long time.

This band was playing when we first walked into the building. They were so good.

Trevor and Russell eating their turkey dinner

This is the forth picture we took together because Amelia kept pulling funny faces.

I couldn't decide what video to post, so I posted them all:)

TJ Turns Six

2011-12-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

TJ turned six this week. We celebrated with family on his actual birthday and then had his party the following Saturday.

TJ in the morning with his birthday cereals (one strong and one weak) I love that the Life Box had balloons on it:)

Excited Brothers

Carol came over after school to give TJ a Transformer creation

TJ wanted Pizza for dinner so I gladly picked one up earlier that day.

I think it has now become tradition to make cupcakes in the shape of the number they are turning (nice and easy for me).

Birthday blocks, banner, balloons and presents for TJ's Lego birthday party

Cake from Costco, lego guessing jar, creative lego plates

The boys came in and created their own lego plane or jeep for our first activity

Lego drop from the balcony (each boy got to drop 5 legos off the balcony into a big bowl down below) This was a hit!

Opening presents

Happy Birthday song

All the kids at the party. I need to add that Trevor was a huge help and support.

TJ opening up a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Adams

Oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

Trevor took the Monday after Thanksgiving off so we could go get our Christmas tree as a family in the middle of the day. We got to the tree farm right when it opened and found a great tree in no time. The kids enjoyed tromping around the grove and picking up lose branches. Their favorite part was the hot chocolate and candy cane at the end. Later that week the kids and I decorated our little fake tree we put up in the preschool room. This is where all the memorable home made ornaments go. The kids decorated the entire tree with just a little guidance. My kids are growing up.

Silly faces after the decorating

Trevor and the kids with the chosen tree

The kids did not like the chain saw

Olympia Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T22:14:00.001-08:00

So, I better finish November before December ends. We spent Thanksgiving in Olympia with the entire family + Grandma and Grandpa +Aunt London. What a full house. I loved being home with all my brothers and sisters. As each family gets bigger, gatherings like this get fewer. I feel blessed we were able to spend almost a week together in one big house. Yes it was crazy, but it was well worth it.

Mom did an incredible job feeding us all. She is the perfect hostess. We all love cooking and cleaning up and the cooking some more together.

Latin Farms Outing

Looking at the cows

Dirty, Cold, Duck Races

Animal lover just like her mom

No more yummy fritter. It's in our tummies.

Russell and baby Oliver

Morning Stories with G. Papa

Fighting over the baby

All the cousins on One couch

The "Kids" Thanksgiving Table

The none kid table

PJ's and Play dough

Goofy TJ and Wes

Feasting Party

Working in the Kitchen

G. Papa Time

Carson and Grandma

Sitting with Grandma G.

Pink Princesses

Pomegranate Salad

A little competitions with the Duck Races

Amelia's 2nd Birthday

2011-12-02T23:18:00.000-08:00

Amelia turned two in November. We enjoyed a family celebration together. Amelia wanted Macaroni and Cheese for dinner (I didn't complain). After dinner we opened presents and then had pink and purple cupcakes with mint chocolate chip ice cream. She is crazy for princesses and pink, so she got a few new princesses to play with (our girl toy selection is quite scarce).

Amelia with her $6 Princess Balloon (Trevor said it better last at least a week for that price, and it did:)

The boys were just as excited as she was

Had to get a picture of her by the Birthday Blocks

Trevor brushing out Rapunzel's locks

Test tasting

Russell and Mom eating off Princess plates

Amelia in her new fairy backpack from Carol

This video is for Tom and Andrea in Hungary. This is Amelia opening their gift.

Carving Pumpkins

2011-11-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post a few pictures of our pumpkins this year. I know it's out of order, but out of order is better than not in at all.

Can you guess who carved the Yoda? I was poked fun of because I did not use a pattern, but I had to gut and carve my pumpkin in time to help the kids with their pumpkins. Actually Trevor helped TJ with his bat and moon pumpkin (some how it didn't quite turn out like the picture, could be because we had the boys do all the tracing). We were heading out to a Family Halloween party so we were all dressed up. Trevor is a Banfield vet if you can't tell. He had scrubs on, a puppy in his pocket and a kid stethoscope around his neck. I dressed in my Hawaiian dress (it's my "go to" costume for a quick and easy dress up).

Olympia Halloween Party

2011-11-07T22:07:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to Olympia for Grandma and Grandpa's Halloween party. Their ward does a chilli dog dinner, carnival and trunk or treat. The kids were all very excited to go. I tried to get Amelia to dress up in my favorite lion costume but she wouldn't have it. She wanted to be a ballerina. She won. Grandma dressed up like Tigger Lily and I was Wendy. TJ decided last minute to be Dracula and Russell went as a blue Power Ranger. The kids loved the games and Trunk-or-Treating. I'm glad we got to enjoy some Halloween festivities with Grandma and Grandpa.

In the car after Trunk-or-Treating

Getting a treat from Grandma Tiger Lily

Dracula and the Blue Power Ranger

Playing with Pumpkins and Papa

Halloween Night

2011-11-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'm going backwards with my pictures tonight because it is too late to try and move them all over. I just want them posted. I loved Halloween this year. Trevor's company goes all out for Halloween so our festivities started early. Really early because I volunteered for TJ's kindergarten class Halloween party (strange being the parent volunteer and not the teacher).

As soon as TJ and I came home from school we all dressed in our costumes and drove to Trevor's work. Boba Fett met us at the entrance (what a cool place to work where your dad gets to dress up as a Star Wars guy all day). We went around to the different decked out rooms for games and pictures. The boys loved the Star Wars room the most (finance department). The boys battled Boba Fett, Darth Maul, and Darth Vader, got Tatooine Tattoos, and glow necklaces. They also really liked the Batman room. We stayed and played until 5:30 then raced home, ate a bowl of oatmeal, and headed out the door trick-or-treating with friends.

When we got home Trevor told me he wanted to let the kids eat candy and watch the old Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie (he had just finished reading the book to the boys that week). My first thought was "no way, you don't have to deal with candy overload and late night backlash tomorrow." I replied "Why not honey, Halloween is just once a year." I must admit it was a magical night all snuggled up on the coach together watching Charlie and the Chocolate factory. I think this might be the beginning of a wonderful Halloween tradition.

Happy Trick-or-Treater (I had to pry that pink bucket from her clenched fist at bedtime).

Eating the loot

TJ walking up to one of the spooky houses in our neighborhood

She wanted to do it all by herself

Trick-or-treating at the missionaries house

Russell in his Star Wars Gear (he decided to wear this costume after seeing Dad in his costume)

Amelia and Alyxie (one of her favorite babysitters)

Russell's prized candy of the night a "fireball" It was like Christmas morning when he got it.

Out on the Pedigo's porch normal then silly

TJ battling Darth Vader at Trevor's Work

Trevor at his Star Wars post

earlier that day at work

In the bat cave

The Star Wars bad guys

Daddy and Amelia going fish

A family photo in front of Trevor's office

We carved pumpkins Saturday night with the kids.

Fall Gifts

2011-10-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

Any time the sun comes out in October I consider it a sweet gift. I do my best to get my kids outside to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. We had quite a few "gifts" this October of which I am very thankful. Here are a few pictures from the park. I also added one picture from the new library of Amelia in her Halloween shirt.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful Saturday together at the Bi-zi Farm Pumpkin Patch. This is my favorite fall tradition. If it were up to me we would go to a pumpkin patch every Saturday in October. We did all the same fun activities we do every year, except we added the corn maze and two bags of kettle corn.

Sharing our Kettle Corn

Amelia got a pony ride this year

Luckily Dad had a map and it only took us 35 minutes to get through the maze

Can you spot Trevor with his hot Chocolate?

Amelia wanted to be in charge

I couldn't crop out Amelia's little thumb sucking at the bottom of this picture

Can you believe all the pumpkins?

Russell is there to give you an idea of how big the Sunflowers are

We had to add the pony videos because Amelia was so upset after the ride.

10K Wine Run

2011-10-02T22:32:00.001-07:00

I ran my first race Saturday with four great friends. It was the first 10k for all of us. Before I left home, Trevor turned on Rocky music while I got ready to leave to get me pumped up. What a nice guy. The nerves and adrenaline together turned me into a crazy hyper kid. I was giddy from the minute I picked up my girlfriends until I came home from the race. There were lots of ups and downs on the course with one Goliath of a hill I didn't think I would make it up, but I pushed through and surprised myself. Near the finish line I got one last kick of adrenaline and went for a full out sprint to beat the curly headed lady who passed me earlier on in the race. I ended up placing ninth in my division with a time of 54:45. That came out to be a 8:50 mile (that's fast for me). My friends really pushed me. I think I've found something I really love! I can't wait to sign up for my next race

Connie, Me, Ellen, Sara and Holly at the END!

Before the race, waiting in line for the bathroom

Me acting a little silly while stretching

Our ride to the race

Girls Weekend in Seabrook

2011-10-02T21:54:00.001-07:00

I spent the last weekend in September in Seabrook with my mom, sister Beth, Grandma Russell, Aunts London, Cheryl, and Marina, and cousins Jade and Amanda. We all slipped away from the busyness of our lives and slowed down for a girls weekend together in Seabrook Washington.
We hope this is the start of new September tradition (next year we'll get a few more ladies there). The weather cooperated and gave us plenty of sunshine. I didn't get any picture of our fun white elephant gift exchange or the other wonderful meals we enjoyed all weekend, but here are a few highlights.

Hot tub synchronized swimming

Yummy Pumpkin Waffles and Buttermilk Syrup

Beth and I after a morning jog on the beach

Aunt London with Baby Oliver (the only boy and baby allowed).

Oliver tried out his Chilli Pepper costume for Halloween (he looked more like a stuffed pepper)

On the beach on one of our hikes

Walking out on the water

A Hula-hoop contest won by mom

Grandma with her three girls

Grandma and Marina relaxing

August Highlights

2011-09-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

In the busyness of summer ending and school starting, I didn't get to post many of the highlights of our August activities here in Washington. Here are a few activities we squeezed in before September.

Seabrook for a SUNNY weekend

Russell Hot Tubing

Ready to go on our coast trip

Trevor Surprised me with tickets to see Josh Groban with Marrisa
From our seats in the Rose Garden

The new downtown Vancouver Library on the children's floor

Inside one of their Tepee's

In Olympia for Russell's fourth Birthday

Latin Farms with Aunt Jena

Klineline Pond only 5 minutes from my home (I don't know why it took me eight years to discover this great spot)

A splash party in our backyard

Popsicle and Slip-n-slide

Clark County Fair

All Girl Dress UP

First Day of School

2011-09-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

TJ started Kindergarten this week. Trevor took the morning off so we could send him off together. We were both pretty emotional. I held it together until TJ jumped up on the bus and turned around to wave. My baby is in Kindergarten.

Russell, Amelia, Uncle Tyler and I went to lunch downtown Vancouver and then played in the water at Estashore Park. The three hours passed quickly. It felt strange not having TJ with me.

When TJ got off the bus and I asked him how his first day went he said, "exhausting." Then he said, "and I have to do it tomorrow." I just laughed. He looked pretty tired. Trevor had lots of questions for him when he came home. He had a great day from what we could tell. It's been an emotional week for all of us.

TJ ate his French Toast on the "You are Special Today" plate

My new favorite brother picture

Waiting at the bus stop (we had plenty of time for pictures since we got there 20 minutes early).

I love that he is grabbing onto my leg

Family Picture at the Bus Stop

This is when the tears started...

...this is where they continued.

We followed the bus to school and made sure he went to the right class

Uncle Tyler and I took Russell and Amelia out for Thai food and then to the park to play

Russell waiting for TJ's bus to come backGetting home from school

Eating after school snack and talking about the day

Our Last day in Cardston

2011-09-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

We went to Grandma Cahoons sacrament meeting Sunday. After church our family stayed in the building and had beef on a bun for lunch. Everyone visited and played together. We had a Cahoon family sing a long and then went out to visit Grandpa Cahoon's grave and Aunt Colleen's grave. There is a special spirit out there among the rolling hills and tall grass.

Grandma Kathy, her sisters, and Grandma Cahoon

We sang "Kindly Words" and "We're Thanking You."

I just love this picture of the boys in their Church clothes

This picture is of Russell at the Cabin where lots of the Cahoons stayed during the reunion

Four Generations

Parade and 27 Swim Hole

2011-09-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday we spent the morning watching the Cardston parade. Grandma Cahoon's posterity keeps growing and growing. We were so large this year we took up both sides of the street. After lunch everyone headed out to 27, the old swimming hole my mother grew up going to. It was quite the adventure in my van. I drove out as far as I could and then hitched a ride on one of the 4 wheel drive vehicles. Getting down to the swimming hole is an adventure all in itself. It's probably been 15 years since I've been to 27. Memories of catching minnows with my cousins and roasting hot dogs with Grandpa Cahoon came back to me.

Cowgirl Jena riding in the parade. She even won second place for Senior Cowgirl. She looks fantastic on Grandpa's horse.

My van in the middle of the Cardston parries:)

The boys roasting marshmallows with Grandma and Carson

TJ's smoores

Amelia is throwing rocks. She spent most of the afternoon doing it.

Baby Oliver

Amelia got her hands on a giant marshmellow

The Cahoons made a makeshift tent for shade

Grandma Kathy and Grandma Cahoon

Waterton and the Cahoon Family Program

2011-09-04T22:36:00.001-07:00

We spent the first day of the Cahoon reunion in Waterton. I think Waterton is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We played at a playground with a spraypark, raced in the baseball diamond and listened to the family program in the church.

TJ gearing up for the pillow case race

Grandma Cahoon handing out licorice for race treats. When I was a little girl I remember Grandma walking around swinging the licorice during the races.

Jena, Beth and a sleeping baby Oliver

I love this smiling picture of Grandma

Amelia going after the deer grazing in the ball park

Russell climbing the play rock wall at the spray park

Amelia wading into one of Waterton's lakes

The family program

Cousin Jaret opening the program with Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat. Check out Papa Dean for the first number.

Cardston Alberta

2011-08-31T23:00:00.001-07:00

We spent our first day in Cardston at Grandma and Grandpa Russells home. Grandma fixed us yummy pancakes and sausage. We got to eat at the outside table in front of the home. Jena and I took the kids in the backyard to look out over the town. I loved the pictures Jena got of the kids. I felt something special watching TJ, Russell, and Amelia explore the same places I explored as a child. Cardston memories are so sweet for me.

Carson, Jena, G. Papa and I took the kids to the barn for some real country fun. We fed,brushed, and rode the horses, chased kittens around the barn, rode the Quad, and made a water hole. These experiences with their Great Grandfather alone made the long drive to Canada worth it. I don't know how much my children will remember of this trip, but I'll never forget it.

The kids and I overlooking the town from grandpa's backyard

(you can see the temple off to the left)Breakfast outside the Russell house

TJ up in the same tree I climbed as a girl

Baby Cowgirl

Amelia and Jena riding

G. Papa teaching Amelia about grain

G. Papa pulling Russell, Amelia, TJ and me around in a trailer behind his quad

Uncle Carson sharing one of his favorite past times with the boys

Feeding the horses

Amelia being grumpy while I ride around the barn

A boy made water hole. G Papa said next time we need to let the boys play in it.

Cowboys in training

Sullivan Lake

2011-08-30T23:10:00.001-07:00

I did the drive up to Canada in two parts. I drove six hours to Spokane to say with Beth the first day. Early next morning, Beth and I drove with all our kids, two hours out of the way to Sullivan lake so we could spend half the day at the Russell unreunion. Then we caravaned with Mom and Carson eight hours to Cardston Alberta.

The detour to Sullivan was worth the two hours. We got the best of Sullivan, visiting with Russells, eating great food, raiding the white trailer for cookies, and playing at the lake. We missed out on setting up tents, sleeping in tents, cleaning up and packing up. I only wish we had more time to see everyone. Looking forward to next years reunion.

We did have a scare 10 minutes before the boarder, I realized I left my passport at home. Luckily I had all my kids passports, my letter from Trevor and my drivers license so they let me in.

Playing in Sullivan Lake

Grandma Kathy and Baby Oliver

King of the Log?

Amelia loved the water

Grizzly Uncle Carson (look at the facial hair)

World's Longest Post:

2011-08-14T22:05:00.001-07:00

We spent the last week of July in sunny Corona, California. We were celebrating a triple missionary farewell. Tom and Andrea were called to Budapest Hungary, and Nathan was called to Dallas Texas Spanish speaking. Our 10 days there were unforgettable. This is the longest post of pictures. I usually break our trip up into sections but decided to just put it all in one big post. The post goes from our last day to our first day.

Russell, TJ and Simon at the Farewell

Aunt Lindy with Baby Espy and Amelia

Our family poster for the missionaries displayed for the farewell. Each person in the family decorated a few letters for the message. Lindy was the master mind behind the project.

Trevor, Amelia and me at the Farewell

Sunday lunch with family and friends

A worn out son before the farewell

Russell's favorite place at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Friday at Huntington Beach

Trevor covering the kids

I promise I feed my child

Amelia and Uncle Nathan

Russell "surfing"

Russell at Chuck E Cheese for a cousin birthday party.

The women at a day spa (this was Andrea's Mother's Day gifts we all got to enjoy).

Mineral Mud Bath (yes that's mud and no, I'm not that tan).

Grandma time

Slacklining at the local park with Uncle Tyler's equipment

My favorite picture of Russell and Uncle Tyler together

The cousin creation

Trevor built things out of these toys when he was a boy

Papa Tom's Gazebo for his beautiful backyard. I like Jackie's pose.

The lake at Mission Viejo

Papa Tom showing the grandkids Hungary on Google Earth

Sunday Smiles

Park time with Uncle Trent

Hungary Family Home Evening

Building...ever building

July 4th

2011-07-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

We spent the 4th of July with friends from our ward. We enjoyed the most delicious pot luck BBQ early on in the evening and then had popcorn and treats during the fireworks. It was one of those nights where you say to yourself we are building great memories for our family.

Trevor did miss his favorite pyro partner Carson this year.

Our family Sparkler picture (Amelia didn't want to have anything to do with the fire).

Pre-show play

Wanting to be included

Russell eating the most tasty popcorn ever made

Carol and Connie watching the show (Amelia is the bundle on Carols lap)

The boy pack

Russell kept this position most of the night, when he wasn't running around like a crazy kid

Boy bonding

A little snuggle

A family Celebration

2011-07-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to Outback last night for a family dinner celebration. Trevor received a promotion at work. We are so proud of him. It would have been easier to have left the kids home with a sitter, but we wanted the kids to know this was a special occasion so we all went out. The kids did pretty well.

Trevor and TJ playing tic-tac-toe

Russell really liked the bread

TJ took a spill on our driveway earlier this week (hence the red cut on his head).

Another Graduation

2011-06-22T23:11:00.001-07:00

We had a mini reunion in Olympia for Carson's graduation. Chelsea came up from Utah with her two boys, and Beth, and Wes came to visit with new baby Oliver. It's always a little crazy at Grandma's when there are six grand kids running around under the age of five. However, we all enjoyed spending time together and celebrating Carson's graduation. One of the best things about moving to Vancouver is building a stronger relationship with my two youngest siblings. Carson and Jena were very young when I left for BYU. Over the past seven years of living in Vancouver, I've been able to get to know them all grown up. I'm so thankful my kids know and love their Uncle Carson and Aunt Jena. Here are a few pictures of the five days we spent in Olympia.

Carson with the family on Graduation Night

The oldest and youngest Russell kids:)

A baby shower for Beth at the Olive Garden

Chelsea and Nash at the Beach House Playground

A sleeping picture of Grandpa (there is one of those at every get together).

Russell feeding the baby goats at Cider Mills Farm

TJ and Cousin Benson at the farm

Amelia with new baby Oliver

Yummy Fritters

Amelia couldn't get enough of Oliver

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-22T22:32:00.001-07:00

The boys graduated from my Little Miracles Preschool this month. Our graduation ceremony and picnic went well. The kids did an excellent job showcasing their musical talents for their parents, and the sun showed its face at the park.

TJ is moving on to Kindergarten in the fall and Russell will have another year with me. I'm excited to have some of my younger kids next year. This will be the first time I've taught preschool back to back.

I could not have pulled off such a wonderful year without the help of my dear friend Carol. I'm so thankful she gives her time and love to the preschool kids. I don't know what I would do without her.

Little Miracles Preschool Class of 2011

TJ with his diploma

Russell with his

I just wanted to show the face of a future Little Miracle graduate

Amelia thinks she's part of the class

Fathers Day at the Beach House

2011-06-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Our family had the pleasure of spending Father's Day weekend at my parent's Beach House. The kids were so excited to actually get to spend two nights there. This was Trevor's first trip to Pacific Beach to see the Seabrook House. We enjoyed having the whole weekend to focus on family.

The boys did a Father's Day fun run by the beach. We just happened to come to the beach at the time of the race, so my boys ran it in their boots (how Northwest).

Amelia playing horseshoes

In front of the Beach House. It is still waiting for exterior paint.

Getting ready for their first night

I tell Amelia to smile for the camera and this is what she does.

Russell and Amelia exploring.

Getting ready to race (check out the running attire).
Playing Tiddly Winks

A quick video of the start of the race.

The Healthy Challenge

2011-05-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

I gave the boys a 3 week healthy challenge since I was going to be doing a Healthy Challenge with my friends and family. They were so excited they told everyone they talked to about it. Each day they had to exercise at least 30 minutes, watch less than 2 hours of screen time and eat 3 to 5 fruits or vegetables.

At the end of their challenge I took them to the Lego store at Washington Square Mall. They got to choose a Lego toy. I took a few pictures of the kids at the mall play area. When we got home I put all four Lego sets together (actually TJ did most of his own). It's a little addicting once you get started.

Trevor was in Bend with my Dad, Christian and Spencer over this weekend. I thought I would include a picture from their trip.

The curls are gone, summer is here (although you wouldn't know it with the awful weather we're having).

Amelia signing boat in the boat

The golfers in Bend

Museum of Flight

2011-05-27T22:53:00.001-07:00

Earlier this month the kids and I drove to Seattle to spend the day with Uncle Tyler. We spent the afternoon exploring the Seattle Museum of Flight together. The boys really loved the space section. My favorite part was the World War I area. We were thankful for our time with Tyler and look forward to another visit this summer.

The start of our adventures

The boys watching the planes come in (that's Uncle Tyler on the left).

Amelia testing the hot air balloon

Moon Buggy

Uncle Tyler showing Amelia the space capsule

The boys after 5 hours at the Museum

Cousins in Olympia

2011-05-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

We spent time in Olympia when Aunt Jenna, Aunt Heather, Savannah and Drake came to visit Grandma and Grandpa. The cousins were so happy to see each other. We can tell they are growing up because they play longer and fight less. We took the cousins to the Children's Museum and the Cider Mills, two of our favorite places to go with kids in Olympia. We discovered a fun new activity at the Tumwater Valley for their open swim time. Needless to say everyone five and under, fell asleep before 8:00 that night. We really enjoyed spending time with family.

Apple Fritters and Cider Slushies at the Mills

Cheap entertainment

The littles at the Museum

Dr. Curly Head Russell

Who's in the pen?

Russell with his animal feed

(this is in Vancouver but it was too cute to leave out)

Grandma Time

2011-04-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

My mom came to Vancouver for a few days to see me sing in the Life of Christ choir. Our stake puts on a beautiful exhibit of Christs life each Easter. I had the pleasure of singing in the regional choir for the program. I'm so thankful I was able to participate. Mom came to three out of the four performances. The only reason she missed one was because she babysat the kids so Trevor could see me sing. Grandma Kathy babysat while Trevor and I went to the Blazers play off game and she watched the kids while Carol and I volunteered in the Life of Christ Children's room. What a Grandma! We all enjoyed spending time with her Friday and Saturday.

Enjoying sunny weather while playing play-dough

Carol and I in the Children's room at the church

Grandma playing nativity with Amelia

There were so many fun things for the kids to do at the exhibit that my children stayed the entire three hours Carol and I volunteered. Grandma Kathy kept them busy.

Woodland Tullip Festival

2011-04-27T19:05:00.001-07:00

This year I took the boys to a tulip festival a little closer to home in Woodland. It isn't as big as the Woodburn Festival, but it had pretty flowers and a scavenger hunt for the kids. The tulips are late this year because of the lack of sun and overabundance of rain. I'm not sure if we'll make it to the big one this year (we got over the flu at our house last week).

Russell licking the tulips

I couldn't hold Russell in place and get my head in

Hard time getting everyone to smile for the camera

Most of the tulips were not out yet, but the kids didn't care.

Father and Sons Outing

2011-04-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

Last month Trevor took the boys to their first Father and Sons outing at Sliver Falls Oregon. Trevor didn't want to sleep in the lodge with 50 other noisy people so he opted for the van. Our transformer of a vehicle made a great bed for the three of them. It would have been a restful night had it not been for Russell grinding his teeth and the rain outside. The boys came home thinking they had been on the greatest adventure ever. They still talk about it today. Their favorite part about the trip was the silly song Trevor made up with them on the way to the campgrounds. It goes to the chorus of Corner Grocery Store. "We will not change our underwear, we're not going to take a bath, we're not going to brush our teeth, we're not going to comb our hair, we will not see our baby sister."

Trevor took a few pictures of the falls with his phone

A Mother's Dream

2011-04-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

Russell helped me cook some asparagus Monday night. He was so proud of himself he couldn't stop eating the vegetables. My favorite part of this video is when Russell closes his eyes while savoring the delicious asparagus.

Chicks and Ducks

2011-04-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Last week one of my fantastic preschool moms brought in their baby chickens. The children loved playing with the four little birds. Hands on education is the best. Amelia joined in the preschool animal fun with the help of Carol.

The Chicks

My boys like to quack when they get out of the tub. It's from the ducky towel Amelia is sporting. Now Amelia insists on wearing the ducky towel and quacking.

The Ducks

Just love clean pictures:)

Dr. Seuss Party at Preschool

2011-03-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Dr. Seuss this month in preschool. Today we had a Dr. Seuss pajama party. All the kids showed up to school in the pajamas with their favorite Dr. Seuss book. We wore our tall hats Miss Carol painted with the kids yesterday. Each child got to crack their own egg for our Green Eggs and Ham snack. This is one of my favorite days of the school year.

Seabrook

2011-03-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

My parents built a BEAUTIFUL beach house in Seabrook. This weekend the kids and I got to go see it. We enjoyed sunshine mixed with sprinkles all day long. The best thing about our trip is I spent the entire day enjoying my family. Getting away from the busyness of the day to day helped me focus on who and what matter most, my kids. Here are few pictures of our fantastic day.

The outside is not painted yet (waiting on dryer weather)

Russell eating a warm cookie on the deck (thanks Grandma for always making meal time memorable).

We spent at least an hour in the hot tub. The kids loved swimming around.

Russell playing with shells on the beach

oaki wear is our beach attire for the Northwest:) Thanks Sue
http://www.oakiwear.com/

Weekend with Chelsea and Jena

2011-03-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Last Mother's Day Trevor gave me a trip to visit my sister Chelsea after she had her baby. Nash is now 10 months old and I finally went on my trip (I had to get it in before next Mother's Day). I had a FANTASTIC time! Chelsea, Jena and I shopped, ate at Cafe Rio, went to Hairspray, made freezer meals, tried out Zumba, and just enjoyed being together. I also really enjoyed spending time with my cute nephews.

My mom came up Friday to tend the kids and Trevor took Monday off work so I could spend four full days in Utah. When I came home from my trip the house was clean, the kids were happy and Trevor said I could enjoy a weekend away every year for mother's day. What a man!

A picture at Jena's Work Farrs Fresh

I ate there Friday, Saturday and Monday (would have eaten there Thursday but I got in kind of late).

Waiting for Hairspray to start

Eating In-N-Out after shopping

This is the first elementary school I taught at (reconnected with a few friends)

Grandma Andrea, Papa Tom, and Uncle Tyler

2011-03-06T19:57:00.001-08:00

Grandma Andrea, Papa Tom and Uncle Tyler came for a visit. They arrived by train on my birthday. We celebrated my birthday together with Trevor that night.

We spent Saturday morning at Firstenburg swimming, then headed to Carols Corner for brunch. That evening we went to the Skyview Ward auction for dinner and cake.

Sunday, Papa, Uncle Tyler, and the boys put together a cardboard spaceship titled Babelship Galactica (the special name came from Russell's prayers a few nights before, when he prayed he could build a space ship and visit Heavenly Father and Jesus). Trevor thought it was the same concept as the tower of Babel.

We went to Kids Club, celebrated Uncle Tyler's upcoming birthday, had a root beer FHE, and Grandma and Grandpa helped with Oobleck at preschool. We are so thankful we got to spend time with Grandma Andrea, Papa Tom and Uncle Tyler.

Way too many candles on my cake...

Less on Uncle Tyler's Cake.

Big thanks for all the preschool help (Oobleck is quite a mess, but lots of fun).

Tom masterminded a Root Beer taste test for Family Home Evening (Grandma shared a scripture on righteous judgment).

Trevor not only had to pick out his beloved Henry Weinhards blindfolded, but he had to rate each root beer according to flavor. There were nine different root beers and Trevor actually picked Henry's out of the bunch. The boys were pretty funny after the testing because they wanted to use the blindfold and do their own tests. We had floats for our treat.

Thank you Christian and Heather for the cardboard ship Christmas present. The boys love playing in it. One of the best Christmas presents ever.

They decorated it once it was constructed

The entrance

Inside the Babelship

Baby invasion

The builders

Ready for a family movie night

Amelia exploring space.

Wrapping up the root beer test

Globetrotters with the boys

2011-02-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

We took the boys to see the Globetrotters at the Rose Garden. There were binoculars under the seats. The boys thought they were the best part.

Fridge Findings

2011-02-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

Amelia spent about 20 minutes playing in the fridge. I thought she looked pretty cute standing inside the refrigerator. I didn't notice the eggs by her hands until after play time (that could have been a disaster).

Stand and Step

2011-02-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

Amelia has been standing on her own for about a month now. It's just been the past few days that she's actually taking steps. This video from a few weeks ago, shows how proud she is of herself when she stands.

Dance Amelia

2011-02-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Amelia likes to dance whenever she hears music.

Love Month Fun

2011-02-16T22:41:00.001-08:00

February is Love Month at our home. The kids and I looks forward to doing little things each day for Trevor that let him know we think he is the best. Here are a few highlights from the month so far.

Amelia is eating our "Warm Fuzzies" after our FHE lesson. The kids earn warm fuzzies for showing love with words and showing love with actions. The kids are trying to fill up a jar with warm fuzzies so we can go do something fun together as a family when it's full. Thank you Aunt Heather for the idea.

Trevor and I at the Valentine's Couples Stake Dance. This is the only time we get to go to a dance so we spend the entire time on the dance floor.

Pictures at the dance (it was a cruise theme)

Dinner at Beaches before the dance with 16 other couples

Trevor got a heart french toast breakfast in bed. The boys were so excited about the breakfast in bed they wanted to eat their breakfast with dad in bed too.

Good thing we have a King:)

Date night at Jake's in Portland before our show

A picture with a cast member from BYU's Living Legends

A Blazers game (thanks Banfield)

Candle light dinner for Dad on Valentine's Day

The boys got their own Henry's Root Beer

My Valentine Surprise WOW!

Jammie Day at Preschool

2011-01-31T21:04:00.000-08:00

I look forward to Jammie Day at preschool each year. It's nice to wear your pajamas until lunch. The boys really got into it with their teddy bears and blankets. I have a wonderful group of preschoolers this year. It has been a joy to teach them. I'm grateful I get to be Russell and TJ's teacher this year.

My Class on our stairs

The Teachers in rare form

Intense Toddler Soccer

2011-01-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

TJ and Russell have joined a church indoor soccer team for toddlers. TJ is the oldest kid on the team and doing quite well. In this video we are scrimmaging our own team. TJ scores a point, but watch Russell's reaction to the excitement. He's a little intense for the team. We had to have a talk about good sportsmanship after our practice. We'll see if the talk had any effect when we play a real game this Friday.

Russell's First Talk

2011-01-26T09:27:00.001-08:00

Russell gave his first talk in Primary two weeks ago. I've been trying to upload the video of his practice talk, but it's too long and wont work. Anyway, I took a few pictures the morning of. He did a fantastic job. I only had to help him with two words. He got up and preached! He must take after his dad:) Way to go Russell.

New Years in Olympia

2011-01-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

We feel especially blessed this Christmas to have been able to spend time with both families. After Christmas we flew to Seattle to be with my side of the family for New Years. All my brothers and sisters were home! There were seven grandkids present all under the age of 5. The house got a little wild a crazy at time, but we all enjoyed being together.

An aerial view of Savannah and Russell playing about four board games at once.

Amelia and Benson playing with Mitsy

Cousin acrobatics

The girls together

A group shot of the cousins (no magic moments here).

Papa Dean and Grandma Kathy with the girls

Grandparents and Grandchildren

All the girls in the family

California Christmas

2011-01-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

The entire Tom and Andrea Adams family was together for Christmas this year. It's been two and a half years since we've all been together over the holidays. The cousins had a wonderful time playing with each other. Grandma's house was filled with family. It was fantastic. We feel blessed to have been together this Christmas because Tom and Andrea will be gone the following two Christmas's as they are going to serve a mission in the fall. I just love these two family pictures taken at a nearby golf course in Corona. It's fun to have a picture with everyone there (although since the pictures Lindy has had baby Espy). We look forward to another trip to California sometime this summer.

We spent a drizzly day at Knots Berry Farms (we seem to have brought the rain with us).

Grandpa Tom, Russell and Trevor on the Ferris wheel

Taking the train around the park

Andrea's side of the family gathered for Christmas dinner together

Christmas eve acting out the nativity. Jackie and TJ are Mary and Joseph.

The wise men are the uncles and the other cousins are the shepherds.

Trevor showing off his new Monopoly Pajamas

Amelia previewing the stockings

Christmas morning excitement

I'm sad to say that I forgot my camera battery in Vancouver, and didn't get many more pictures of our trip. I am happy however, with the memories I did capture.

TJ's 5th Birthday

2011-01-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

We celebrated TJ's 5th birthday the first week in December. A few of our friends came over for cake and ice cream. One of these years I'm going to muster up enough energy to throw a full on birthday party for my kids. Maybe next year:)

A new Lego Star Wars kit

This is TJ's "I'm tired of smiling for the Camera" face

Trevor tried to get a Nurf Dart to stick on Amelia's forhead

She thought they were pretty funny (yes that is drool all over her outfit, new teeth).

December traditions

2010-12-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

The boys painted Christmas ornaments for our little tree this year. It is an Adam's Family tradition for each child to make an ornament for the tree each year. I really like this tradition and wanted to continue it with my kids.

We put up our little, fake tree this year because we will be spending the holidays in California. The boys decorated it with their homemade decorations. Trevor has a box his mother saved for him of all the decorations he made as a boy. He pulled them out and talked about them with the kids. I don't know who enjoyed it more, Trevor or the kids.

I had a hard time getting a normal smile from my boys

Amelia thought they were being funny

Trevor and his Christmas bear (each year all the Adams kids would try to get their bear highest to the top of the Christmas tree).

After Thanksgiving Tree Tradition

2010-12-12T14:30:00.001-08:00

When we are in Olympia for Thanksgiving, it is a family tradition to go cut down the Christmas tree a day or two after the feast. We drove to a close tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree as a family.

TJ got to know the tree farm dog

Everyone in front of the tree we picked

A family picture on Grandma and Grandpa's twenty year old trampoline

Getting rid of the leaves on the trampoline

Thanksgiving in Olympia

2010-12-12T14:09:00.001-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving with family in Olympia. We enjoyed a beautiful feast put on by Grandma Kathy and all her helpers. It's nice to spend time in the kitchen with mom (I always learn something new about cooking). She has mastered the art of homemaking.

Mom in her element:)

Yes, that is dad helping in the kitchen.

Amelia doing her part of the Pomegranate Salad

The boys posing with the spread

A nice family picture

Everyone gathered around the table (Jena is taking the picture)

The clean up crew

Checking out the Black Friday Adds

Snow in November

2010-12-12T14:02:00.001-08:00

We got a little snow near the end of November. The boys got all dressed up for the occasion and played outside for maybe a half an hour. Amelia watched from the window.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl

2010-11-22T21:39:00.001-08:00

Amelia turned one November 17th. Trevor came home from work with a rose for his little girl. He wrote her a sweet letter saying he wanted to be the first boy to ever buy her flowers. She loved the rose as seen in this picture (upon Trevor's request the rose is drying upside down so we can preserve it and put it in Amelia's room somewhere special).

Grandma Andrea sent Amelia a fleece blanket she made, a baby doll and toy elephant

We celebrated Amelia's birthday with family the Sunday before, because Grandma, Grandpa, Heather, Carson, Savvy and Drake all came to see TJ in our Primary Sacrament program.

Amelia got a doll from Grandma and Grandpa

Papa had a little too much fun with the puppets

After much prodding Amelia finally tasted her cupcakes

We all shared a Sunday meal together before Olympia family headed home.

Carol brought over a doll and stuffed elephant for the birthday girl

What a lucky one year old!

Hawaii Long Overdue

2010-11-17T21:01:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe we've only been back for a little more than two weeks. Hawaii seems like a dream now. As I go through the pictures all these wonderful memories flood back of my vacation. Two of the most enjoyable things about the trip without children was one, waking up when I wanted (which was still around 7:30, but I got up on my own without someone demanding breakfast or crying about a toy), and two, concentrating on feeding only myself and no one else (two luxuries motherhood does not provide at home).

We spent the last week of October in Kauai. My wonderful parents took our dear little ones, while Trevor and I reconnected in paradise. We met up with our good friends Wil & Mako and Phil & Holly for golf, swimming, dining and sight seeing. We took so many pictures it was really hard to narrow them down for this post.

Out on a Catamaran touring the cliffs

We saw a pod of maybe 40 dolphins swimming around our boat.

Our favorite place to eat breakfast, walking distance from our hotel

Shave Ice there

Dinner at my favorite restaurant The Beach House

Just before the sunset outside The Beach House

At the check-in desk in the Marriott

Will and Mako's last night with us

The outside Lobby of our hotel

My favorite drink outside the lobby (fruited water).

In the ocean outside our hotel

The hotel pool

The garden area at the hotel

Feeding the Marriott fish

Golfing at Lagoons

I played 3 rounds of 18 on this trip (that's a lot of golf for me).

The hole is on the other side of this gully

The Princeville Course on the North Shore

Napali Cliffs

Falls

Outside the church buliding

Grandma Kathy's Halloween Costumes

2010-11-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Growing up my mom would always come up with the most fantastic Halloween costumes. Since Trevor and I were in Hawaii for the week before Halloween, my mom created costumes for TJ, Russell, Amelia, Grandpa Dean, Carson and herself (all while tending my three kids). We have Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy, a pirate, and Tinkerbell. The Friday before Halloween my parents took my kids to their ward Halloween party. Needless to say the costumes were a hit. THANKS MOM!

Not only did she make everyone great costumes, but she then lent them to Trevor and me so we could dress up with the kids Halloween night. Disney would be proud. Trevor really enjoyed the Hook costume. His scruff from not shaving on our trip added to the look.

A few Fall pictures

2010-11-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite time of year in Washington. I love watching the leaves turn colors. The sun decided to spend a lot of time with us September and October. I guess it felt bad for hiding most of the summer. The kids and I try to go to the park on warm fall days.

Annual Pumpkin Patch Trip

2010-10-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

We went on our annual trip to Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch. I have to admit that this is up there with the top ten things I love to do each year with my family. We decided to go to the pumpkin patch even though there was a constant drizzle outside. We dressed for the weather and had a fabulous time (true Northwesterners can't let a little rain keep them from playing outside). I'm so proud of Trevor because he did not complain once about the weather. The benefit on going to the patch on a rainy Saturday was that there were no crowds. We got to do everything and see everything we wanted without any lines.

Amelia doesn't know why she has to sit on a pumpkin

Trevor and the kids in the corn pit (the boys could have spent the entire afternoon in the corn)

A little rain never hurt anyone

After three years Trevor made a shot in the bucket and won a prize (the boys thought he was the coolest dad in the world).

If I was drinking cofee this would really be a Northwest picture, but we are sipping on hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Amelia loved the apple cider.

Amelia made the funniest faces in front of the goats.

On the way home Part 4

2010-10-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

We had to get home after two weeks of travel. We made one more stop in San Fransisco to see Heather, Savannah, and Drake (Christian was still at work). We took a walk to a nearby park and then saw their beautiful apartment by the rail system. The cousins were so excited to see each other again.

The kids did a fantastic job traveling. We were all happy to sleep in our own beds the night we came home.

Russell and Savvy reunited

The babies together again

I now know why my Dad grumbled when we stopped at McDonalds on road trips. I would be fine never eating there again.

All the McDonalds toys collected on the trip.