Memorial Day 2008

The hammock was one of the highlights this year.

My cousin Eric. Uncle Bob. My cousin Jen (married to Eric) holding Serena. Uncle Dan with Serena.

I like this picture. It looks like Serena's going to eat all that yummy holiday food! Another hit was the sprinkler. It was a really nice day though-for once it wasn't too hot or humid. Three cousins-Addy, her sister Nora, and Connor Connor and Nora were fascinated by Bob's outdoor train. Frankly, I am too! Mike having fun with the camera.

News Flash!

Just in... It has been reported that on Sunday May 25th, on her five month birthday, Serena Noelle Brandt rolled over for the first time. There were no witnesses on the scene, but her mother reported that when she went to get her out of bed, she was on her back instead of her belly. More converage and photos later.

15 year class reunion

What! That's right, I am that old. But I don't mind, I like the era that I am in, and I enjoyed my reunion. There were a lot of old friends missing, but it was an intimate group to socialize with. We only had 140 in our graduating class, so you can't expect much to begin with! There were about 30 of us classmates there with our families. Mike and I topped the entire crowd with three kids. Go figure, the Mormon family! I included the pictures I got, but I feel bad I didn't get everyone. I didn't even get pics of the girls that organized the whole thing. Sorry girls! The reunion was at John Rudy park which has turned into a great park. The kids loved it (including Daddy). The weather was beautiful again too. Ryan Charleston Lauren Allie Who are they? And where is that third kid? Amy Guffy Judd Chapman, Scott Gierasch Old pals-Ashley and Paige Amber, Georgia and Hughie Heather Dostle and Jared Bean Abby Stauffer "the mom," for Hughie, and the back of Georgia Rogers and Jillian Stauffer. Scott Gierasch, Tiff Malinky, Greg Smith in the backround to the left. Just about everyone looks similar to what we looked like in high school (updated!), but we've all matured and grown into our age. Our lives revolve around our kids, and everyone seemed very genuine. It was fun to hear how everyone has evolved since high school.

Washington D.C. Zoo

I love animals. We were all excited to make our trip to the D.C. Zoo yesterday. Hayden had off school and Mike only had to take a half day, and the weather was perfect. The only problem was there were hardly any animals! We had a very enjoyable day and had lots of fun watching the boys get so excited. Connor loved watching the meercats. They are pretty cute and funny, and remind me a little of Connor sometimes! Although he doesn't look it in this picture, both Hayden and Connor loved the reptile house. They learned about the reptiles by asking A LOT of questions! Even though the spider exhibit always freaks me out because there is no glass, I thought this was cool. Serena only slept for about a half-hour the whole day, but she was happy just looking around.

Flamingos are very cool birds, and Mike taught me yesterday that they need to eat shrimp in order to maintain their bright color. The other reason they lose their color is when they are feeding their babies, they lose nourishment. I think that happens to us mommies sometimes-we get washed out!

I've always liked seeing the hippos, but they never seem to do anything because they are so fat. Yesterday was the most action I have ever seen from a hippo. He loved this plastic ball and chased it all around his pool. Apparently his brain isn't large enough to realize that he couldn't grab it in his mouth no matter how hard he tried! We stopped on the way home to have a picnic dinner. Serena was the only kid willing to have those helicopter things stuck on her nose!

Playing with the camera and Photoshop

I don't know much about either yet, but it's fun to play.

This one isn't special, I just thought it was cute. Connor reading the Ensign (church mag) to Serena.

Sleep

Okay, activites have been piling up for a week now and I have finally found the time to blog. Lately either Connor or Serena will not nap during their designated time so that Mommy has down time, and the boys have been AWEFUL at going to bed at night. Last night was the last straw. This morning Mike and I sat down with them and had a long discussion. Connor put his head in his shirt, so I knew that he knew he was upsetting us. We layed down some more rules and harsher punishments, and hopefully tonight will go smoothly. The past 5 nights they have not layed down in their beds until after 11pm. and get up before 7am. They were wearing US out! I don't know how they have survived.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

In honor of Mexico's independence, we decided to have a yummy Mexican party. We all contributed ingredients for huge stuffed burritos, then we each added a side dish and dessert. There was oh so much yummy food! Brenda brought a soup called pasole (sp?) that I never had before and was very good. The two pregnant ladies! I'm glad that's over for me! Andy is holding Serena. Seems weird that he is holding a girl huh!Of course the kids get the table because they outnumber us!

Connor was being such a skunk that day (probably lack of sleep and choosing to not eat a few meals). He decided he wanted to eat on top of the sandbox by himself.

I made homemade churros for dessert (they are really easy) and key lime pie. That's my garden in the backround. It mostly dirt now but hopefully it will be lush and green this summer!

Action shot. Look closely at Connor and Ewan. Doesn't it look like Connor is going to beat Ewan with the bat?! (I don't think he did!) But you never know with those toddlers! Minivan car lot!