Sunday, August 03, 2008

Soooo overdue, it's not even funny!!

Pretty much I should use the excuse of a second child for the reason I haven't been blogging, but that's not it at all. I haven't felt like being on the computer. Maybe it's the summer weather and all I want to do is be outside, or maybe it's just blogger burn-out once again. Whatever it is, I still have it, but I am forcing myself to post so I have these great memories documented. Poor Bradli is getting the major shaft on the blog, so I need to step it up- ugh!!!

Here's a recap and let me tell you, it's full of pictures, pictures, and even more pictures!!

We blessed Bradli Ruth on June 22nd. My Mom wasn't able to make it because my sister Lisa had just had Brady and needed help. She had to have an emergency c-section and thank goodness everyone is doing great. My Dad came and even flew out "The One and Only" Grandma Ruth for the blessing. It was so special to have Bradli's name sake to share the special day with us. It was even more perfect because it happened to be Grandma's B-day!





Bradli may seem real innocent, but right at the end of the blessing she threw-up all over Doug and the Bishop- oops!

After the blessing we had a wonderful dinner at Doug's parents house.

I even made my first apple pie for my Grandma's B-day. It's her favorite dessert.




The very next week was a hard week for my whole family. My Grandpa Ernie got sick and passed away . It was unexpected and difficult for all of us, but the opportunity to reflect on his INCREDIBLE life was comforting. Just knowing I will get to see him again and make dribble sand castles with him gives me comfort. I just wish he could have held Bradli like he did Jaden.

My sister Cara and I when I was about 4, making dribble sandcastles with my Grandpa.
Last summer with the Great Grandkids, they now have 3 more.
79th B-day at Disneyland

He was an incredible photographer and thanks to him, we all have thousands of pictures full of memories.

I love you and miss you Grandpa!!

We were able to be in CA for the 4th and had a great time. We were all pretty drained from the previous week so we took it easy. We didn't get down to the beach until about 1 and decided to watch fireworks from my parent's house, which turned into quite the party.

The crazy crew


My Mom "works-out" on the Health Rider which has been a long time joke in our family. We took advantage of the situation and decided to pose on the beautiful piece of machinery.







My very single and HOT brother and sister- hint hint :)


We turned the trip into our annual summer visit. I stayed for 3 weeks and Doug was lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time with us, now that his company's headquarters are in Carlsbad- PERFECT!!

All Jaden wanted to do was "surf" with his best buddy, Matthew.


Having some pool fun with Lindsay

The Orange County Fair with Melissa and her family

Irvine Spectrum

Montage Beach


Balboa Island


Bradli's normal position at the beach

Dinner date with Suzanne

Jaden decided to be our photographer

Lunch with Grandma

She is so strong and so beautiful!!

Cousin Emily and Bradli

Golfing with Lindsay


Being a big brother
We were able to meet our friend Robyn at the pool. Jaden and Trent are about 1 month apart.

Bradli and Jenna are also about 1 month apart- too fun!

Dana Point Harbor with the Bergens

Funny faces!!


Mike's a natural!

Now this is the craziest thing ever! We ran into our friends Scott and Kelli at In-N-Out. Scott and Doug were companions on their Mission as well as roommates at BYU. Kelli and I lived in the same apartment complex at BYU. We haven't seen each other in FOREVER and now they are moving right by my parents! Such a treat for us when we visit!!

Now that we're home we have been spending TONS of time at the pool with friends, especially Laura, Alexa, and Dallin- don't move!!!!

Grandma gets to come and play with us too!

Jaden loves the water and took swimming lessons all last week. He's a fish!

Now to brag about my husband!! Doug and his buddy Mike completed the Copper Triangle Bike Race yesterday! They biked 80 miles up the mountains- watch out Lance Armstrong! They went from Copper Mountain, up Vail Pass, over to Leadville, and back to Copper- CRAZY!




Doug did an amazing job and we were there to cheer him on!!

Afterwards we hung around and found this huge chair. Perfect for some pictures.


This is my favorite!!

"Mom, what are you doing to me??!!"

After a long day, they CRASHED and now I am! Until the next post, Good Night!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Oh glorious VAIL!!

#1- Sorry if I grossed any of you out with my previous post! I just had to share that disturbing clip with you (thanks a lot Kara). I still can't believe all the crazy one liners: "Better than mangos." "I don't want to get bigger. I want breast milk." And my all time favorite "Child on one side, husband on the other." Those kids are going to grow-up real "normal"!!!

Here are a few pics from Vail. I promise, no breast feeding involved!

Jaden in front of the hotel



Swimming at the pool. Jaden has to wear his goggles at all times. Thanks Laura! We still owe you $4!

This kid has no fear! He starts swim lessons in July- thank goodness!

Bradli in her swim suit, eyes closed, and one sock!

In front of the hotel.

Going to dinner in the Village

On Saturday we decided to hike to Booth Falls. I got my butt kicked, but it was so worth it. Yeah, I'm out of shape BIG time!!

Doug's co-worker Kristen came with us and we had a great time!

SOOOO BEAUTIFUL!

I felt like Dora, over the hill, across the river, to Booth Falls.


We made it!!!

There was even some snow still at the top.

Look to the right of the picture and you can see the water fall.
On our way down we lost one.

We hiked like this the entire time- okay, stop laughing!

Beautiful Vail Village


We had such a wonderful time together as a family. We were able to celebrate Father's Day doing all the things Doug loves- eating Mexican, hiking, and spending time together.
We love you!!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

"You have to keep everybody happy!!"

YOU HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT!! It's worth the entire 4 minutes and 6 seconds!! Literally, UNBELIEVABLE!!!


Thursday, June 12, 2008

Once again, PROCRASTINATING!!

I know, I bet you're real surprised. Doug has a conference up in Vail so we're tagging along for a few days. I've already packed for Jaden and Bradli (which I thought was pretty good) but now it's 12:37 AM and I still need to finish packing my stuff- ugh! I ran downstairs to grab the sunblock and found myself at the computer. I guess I should get off, but before I go, here are some pictures of what has been going on with us. . .

June's weather has been crazy! 80 one day and the next day 50. On a 50 day we hit the bowling alley with our favorite buddies- Alexa and Dallin!


Jaden hiding so he didn't have to get his diaper changed- pretty sneaky!

Our neighbor gave us tickets to the Rodeo and Jaden had to wear his hat!


Bradli's first day to church and our first family picture of all 4 of us- oops!

Jaden is going to a preschool Summer Camp and he LOVES it. The camp is a fish theme and Jaden is having an absolute blast.

His backpack is really "practical". He can maybe fit one goldfish cracker in it- oh well!!

I had to get a picture of Miss Bradli in this outfit Laura gave her. It was so cute!

Tuesday night we went to Mason's b-day party at Chuck E Cheese. All the kids (including Doug) had fun playing games and eating pizza.

I love this picture of Mason holding Jaden's neck- classic!

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Pictures, Pictures, and More Pictures

Doug and a buddy found this new trail right by our house that is great for hiking, mountain biking, running, etc. It reminds me of Laguna Canyon, minus the ocean breeze and smell- dang it!

Jaden loves riding in the backpack and Bradli loves the Bjorn.


Jaden had to throw every rock he found on the trail.

Bradli's first real bath. She loved the warm water and didn't even cry when Jaden dumped a cup of water on her head. This Little Lady is going to have to learn how to defend herself FAST!

Bradli is still so small she can't fit into much, but I had to put her bracelet on her little wrist. I'm in LOVE!

Jaden really is such a great BIG brother!


So have you noticed Jaden wearing the same outfit in every picture?? That's because Grandpa and Grandma Brown just got back from Switzerland and they brought back Jaden a Swiss soccer uniform. He is OBSESSED with it. He has worn it LITERALLY day and night. I was finally able to wash it the other day and trust me, those white shorts needed to be cleaned!

Where we live there was a huge bike race called Elephant Rock this past weekend. We walked around the venue and then the boys hit the Elephant rock wall.


Bradli was an angel and slept the entire time!

Jaden had to run on the soccer field in his uniform- of course!!