The Salisbury's

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2010-04-04T09:36:00.001-07:00

Okay, I have taken a very long break from blogging. It looks like the last I did it was was when Merek was born and he is now 7 months old!! I will try to catch up and put some of our important moments on here that has happened since then.
Merek had his first bath.

He is our smallest baby and has remained that way. We just couldn't take his little diaper off.

He didn't enjoy his first bath but loves them now especially because he takes them with his big brother who he just adores.

Little Merek David

2009-11-18T14:38:00.001-08:00

On August 27th we welcomed our third and finally baby into the world, Merek David. He was 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 inches long. He is our littlest baby and almost three months later still our smallest. He is actually still wearing 0-3 month clothes the other two were out of those by the time they hit one and a half months. The labor was fine especially since I planned it and have drugs that make it so I don't feel a thing... until afterwards. It is a little nerve racking being in the operating room and Dave and my doctor will agree that I get a little chatty. I asked if they could put on some music and everyone seemed to enjoy that, we listened to 70's rock. So to those of you who have c-sections I would definitely recommend you requesting music it makes it go by a ton faster.

They got him all cleaned and stamped up and took him up to the nursery, while I went to recovery.

After I came up from recovery I got settled into my (much larger than last time) room, and was able to hold little Merek for the first time.

Shortly after my mom was able to bring McKenna (after her 2nd day at school) and Reeve to meet their new little brother. McKenna was wonderful with him and knew just what to do but Reeve on the other hand was a little weary. He didn't really want to go near me and just didn't seem to understand what was going on. He liked seeing the baby but didn't want to have much to do with him. He did however give him a little kiss which made us all happy.

The next day Dave had a interview in Twin Falls for a full time lifeflight job (which he did get). We live a crazy life I tell ya. Anyhow, my brother Jeremy and his wife Amberlynn were able to come up from Rexburg and spend the day with us and help my mom with the two kids. They are so good with kids and it was just so wonderful to have them there with us.

I am so thankful to my mom that she could come from Washington to be with me for the birth of all my babies and for Jeremy and Amberlynn for coming up to help as well. My sister-in-law Mindy came and helped me and also my mother-in-law came. I really couldn't have done it without them. Most of all the help Dave gave me through recovering from the c-section. He is such a good daddy and his children and I love him so very much. We are so thankful to have little Merek in our lives even though he was a bit of surprise. He is the best surprise I have ever had. He is such a sweet little baby and so very loved. Here is Merek getting ready to leave the hospital.

Kindergarten

2009-10-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

McKenna is officially a kindergartner! She has been looking forward to this day since she was three. The day started out with waking up extra early. School starts at 7:55 am. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a morning person so the early mornings have proven difficult (especially after being up with a baby and sometimes babies). I gave McKenna a ride to school which she was not happy about because she wanted to take the bus. She is such courageous little girl. We took a couple pictures in front of the school before she went in.

I brought her in and sat her down and gave her a few words of encouragement like, "Listen to your teacher." and "Be nice to the other kids." and "Be a good girl."

By this time I had tears streaming down my face. It was time for me to go.

It is so cute in this picture it looks like McKenna was sad to see me go. She actually was upset that I was crying. She is such a caring person. Just thinking of that day just makes me well up. She is such a big girl and I am so proud of her.

When school was over I went to pick her up and she apparently wanted to take the bus home. She cried all the way home. I told her she is the only child I know that cries when she leaves school. She has loved kindergarten so far, making new friends, learning new things, and of course taking the bus.

Our Salisbury Summer

2009-10-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Ohh how I miss summer already. There are so many things I love about it and long for throughout the long long winter. Julie Andrews put it best "these are a few of my favorite things."

Watermelon and lemonade are a staple during those hot summer months. Of course who doesn't love flowers (especially my favorite kind that my husband got me for my birthday).

Jumping on the trampoline was a favorite pass time this year. McKenna especially liked putting the sprinkler underneath and jumping.

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly cut grass?

Just lounging.

Every day we went to the park for free lunch. The kids played and I got to sit and chat with all my friends.

Dave bought McKenna and Reeve a Power Wheels. They love cruising up and down our street with their friends.

We spent many days in the front yard playing in the pool.

At the end of each summer day we would have a bbq dinner together on our back deck. I just love my family and this is just a little of the fun we had this summer.

Rexburg Spray Park

2009-10-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I do miss Rexburg sometimes. It has this great spray park out there with slides and water that comes up from the ground. The kids love it and best of all it's free.

Right next to the spray park is a great carousel that has been McKenna's favorite for year's. I remember one year we got a summer pass. I cannot tell you how many times I rode that thing that summer. Reeve had his first ride and was very nervous at the beginning but warmed up to it once he saw how much McKenna loved it. That is the way he is with most things. He just looks at McKenna for the way he should react to things or even people. It is so funny to watch.

Another thing I miss about Rexburg is two of my best friends Susan and Shera. Since I have moved to Pocatello and Shera moved to New Mexico we haven't been able to see each other that much. It was such a wonderful treat to meet up for lunch and take the kids to the park. It is crazy to think when we first met there were only three kids. Crazy! Here are all the kids. Maci, Lexi, Katie, Lyn, Nathan, Reeve, and Kenna. I can't believe how big these guys have gotten. I just seems like yesterday that they were all born!

It was such a fun day and I am so grateful to have wonderful friends like them.

A few of Reeve's favorite things!

2009-10-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have blogged but if any of you know me well then you know that I have a slight form of OCD. I can't blog the most obvious that we had baby number three. I have to go where I left off which was Reeve's first birthday party. I will try to catch up with the rest.

That was the fastest year of my life. It seemed to go a lot slower with McKenna maybe because I was only getting like three hours of sleep per night. I was also just anticipating every mile-stone with her, with Reeve I wanted him to stay immobile for as long as possible. Yet by his first birthday he was running around like the big boy he is.

The theme for his birthday was "All of Reeve's Favorite Things". He loves balls, as McKenna says "they are his favorite circle." His next favorite is balloons. We cannot go into a grocery store without him pointing and wanting one. I swear he can spot one from a one mile radius. His next favorite thing is eating. We had all of our friends over and had pizza, chips, watermelon...

Water - Bath time is party time at our house. Just like all the Salisbury children and grandchildren Reeve loves water. We filled the pool and the kids had a blast going from the pool to the trampoline and back again.

Of course we can't forget eating, getting dirty, and sweets! Daddy made such a good cake!

I'm gonna eat with my hands mom.

Yummy!!!!

So good!

Yep he ate it all. After that he took a dip in the pool to wash off and it was time for presents.

We did a little art project that I have yet to finish. I thought it would be fun to make place mats with the kids names and hand prints and pictures. The kids loved getting their hand painted.

It was such a fun day. Reeve and McKenna had such a good time. We are so lucky to have Reeve in our family. Anyone who knows him knows how special he is. His little dimpled smile can melt any heart. He is just the sweetest thing. Happy 1st birthday to our little Reeve.

Twinkle, twinkle little sparkler.

2009-07-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

This 4th of July we started out by going to the parade. McKenna loves parades and is always sure to have a bag for all the candy that they throw out. I was sad that Dave had to work this year but what can you do. However, it was really cool when the helicopter flew over the parade on their way out to call, at least he stopped by, right?

Reeve even had fun. The people would give him papers, otter pops, and McKenna shared some of her candy with him. He especially liked the police cars and firetrucks (he is such a boy).

Later that night we planned to go to the big fireworks show with our friends. The only problem was that we were have one of the worst storms Pocatello has seen in ages... well besides for the one on my birthday. When I met up with them we got reports that our street was flooding again. I decided it was time to go home and check everything out and just call it a day. Our house was not flooded, the water had just come up to the front of our driveway (sigh of relief). The only thing was the hail had ruined all the plants we had just planted the day before. I tried to get some pictures of it.

After the water had receded we decided to light off the pack of fireworks I had gotten. The kids loved them. I sometimes forget that just small, simple things can make them happy. McKenna of course loved the pop-its and sparklers. Reeve was just happy to watch all the different colors.

After our little fireworks show I decided to take the kids and watch the big show just down the road from our house. It had gotten fairly cold by that time so we decided to stay in the van. Well that was...challenging. With McKenna rolling down the window and trying to hang out of it which in turn made Reeve want to do the same thing. I am trying to hold on to him, he then pushes down the horn which everyone hears. Then they hear me yelling at McKenna to get back in the van. I just had to laugh and shrug my shoulders. All I have to say is Dave better not work on the 4th next year. You know what though, it really was a fun day and I'm glad the kids got have such a good time even if it was a little hard on me. Isn't that what it's all about?

I'm 29 for real!

2009-07-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have to say after being told my whole life that I look younger than I am this year is a first. It was my birthday on the 2nd and when someone would ask, "how old are you?" I would say, "29". Then they would say, "again", or "really?" because everyone thinks it's a joke when you turn 29. I'm thinking how old do I look, right? I'm now contemplating Botox or a face lift! Okay, 29 isn't that old but I remember being 16 and thinking it was. My twenties have been great, what a difference 10 years can make. I got married (21), had my first baby (23), bought a mini van (27), bought our first house (28), had my second baby (28), and will have my third baby (29). (It was a goal of mine to have all my children before I turn 30. Snuck this last one in just in time.) A little bit older and wiser too...

I had a really nice birthday (in between the bouts of pregnancy crying because... well I'm turning 29). Dave got this delicious cake from Costco and we had some friends over to share it with. Sidenote... that week (being a little depressed) I ate most of that cake and went in for my doctor's appointment and had gained 5 pounds! (That is almost a third of what I have gained the whole pregnancy. The nurse asked me if I had been eating differently and I told her I turned 29. She understood and nothing else needed to be said.) Here are some pictures of me with my yummy cake.

Lastly, it was a beautiful day around 80 something and later that night it started to pour rain. When I say pour I mean it! It actually flooded our street (not our house thank goodness). McKenna put her bathing suit on and ran around in it (how sanitary that is, I don't know but Dave seemed to be okay with it so I figured she would be fine.) Our friends even got out their canoe and Dave, McKenna, and their son Parker went boating in the street. Such crazy weather we have been having!

Father's Day

2009-07-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

I first have to start out by saying what a wonderful father Dave is. McKenna and Reeve love him so very much. For a while there if Dave was around Reeve didn't even want me to hold him. I remember when McKenna was young and Dave would get home from work she would grab him and take him to her room to read stories or play and I would try to come join them and she would tell me that she wanted to just play with him. (This of course sometimes hurt my feelings but also made me so happy that she has a daddy that she loves so much.) If McKenna gets hurt the first thing she wants to do is call or show daddy. If a diaper needs changing he will just change it instead of just handing me the baby.

I love that when he gets home from work he doesn't just kick off his shoes and turn on sports or something. He sits down and plays with the kids and takes a real interest in everything they are doing. I remember my mother-in-law saying once that her husband was gone a lot being in the military but when he was home, he was home. I know that Dave got this very wonderful quality from him and am so thankful. Speaking of Grandpa, McKenna has always had such a sweet bond with him as well. She loves to have alone time with her favorite people and Fred always takes advantage of that time with her reading books and playing. She just adores her Grandpa and just like his own kids is very excited when she makes him proud. I am so glad we have Father's Day. In a world that so many kids don't have a father in their lives I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful one in my life for my kids to celebrate.

Thank you Dave, for being such a wonderful father and husband, we are so lucky to have you!

For Father's Day this year. McKenna and I got up early and made Dave breakfast (sausage-egg-muffins) which we all enjoyed.

Then the kids gave him their cards.

I made him a little plaque that says "We cannot control the winds but, we can adjust our sails." It was a fun little project that McKenna helped me with. It was a really nice day. We went to church and had Hawaiian haystacks (Dave's favorite) for dinner. All in all it was a great Father's Day.

Biker Baby

2009-07-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know she is not a baby anymore especially if she is riding a bike all by herself. This day was once again an emotional one for me. It all started when we went to the park and McKenna saw her very good friend Makenna (yes same name) riding a bike with no training wheels. She was so impressed and told me on the way home that she wanted to take her training wheels off. So the next day before Dave went to work he took them off and after maybe two tries she was off and going. I was so proud of her! Yes, that is a dress she is wearing on top of jeans, she insisted on wearing it, she is such a girly girl sometimes.

Here is a video of her going down the street!

On a sad note we had our first bike accident today. She was in the park on the path and as she puts it "I went wibbily wobbily and then went down." She has small scrapes on her knee, elbow, and cheek. For a first timer accident it really isn't too bad. She is a pretty tough little one. I was really proud that when it was time to go home she just jumped on her bike and wasn't scared at all to ride it.

Cabinet Diving

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

As I have said before Reeve loves to get into the cabinets and pull what he can out. He still gets very upset with those stinking child locks but we love them. One thing that sometimes happens is he will crawl to the back of the cabinet and gets stuck. Of course Dave and I being such great parents have to laugh for a little while before we pull him out. Here is a video of him getting stuck on the Lazy Susan.

He is getting so big and doing so much. It is really easy to know what he wants he just points at an object or a direction. He also wave hello and bye bye. So cute! One night he woke up and he knows exactly how to get himself out of bed. He just says in the most miserable voice "ma ma ma ma ma" and of course I come running. So I go into get him on night and he looks at his crib and waves "bye bye" to it and then points at his door so I know the direction to take him. He just cracks me up. For the most part he is a very good sleeper and I am very lucky. He always wakes up in such a good mood. The other morning I went into get him and he was just reaching his little arms out to me and I scooped him up. He then gave me a big kiss on my cheek. What a little love bug! We just love this little guy. If he is playing on the floor and you just look at him, he will give you the biggest smile. It just melts my heart. Everywhere we go people are always stopping us and talking and playing with him. He loves it as long as they don't get to close. He is really shy and there is still a select few he will even let hold him. He likes to stay close to mom and dad and his big sister he likes to call "enna". Which she has told me is her new name and would like to be called that instead of McKenna. She was asking Dave the other day how to spell it. I just love my kids!

Pre-school Graduation

2009-07-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

The past year McKenna had gone to a pre-school at Randy's Tumbling. She has absolutely loved it. She went three days a week and on Thursday's they would do tumbling. It was a very emotional day for me. Okay, I'm pregnant and my baby is going to go to elementary school in August. I just feels like yesterday she was born! It was a cute little program. McKenna was the one who welcomed everyone and started the graduation. They sang songs, played instruments, and showed us some of the things they had learned that year. The teacher had asked the kids some cute questions and read them during the program and then gave them their "diploma". Here are some of McKenna's answers.
The last part of the program was a gymnastics program. It was so cute to watch her show off all she has learned!
At the end of the gymnastics program they all got gold metals. We then had some drinks and cookies and the kids played. McKenna wanted to make sure to get a picture with some of her good friends (Jenna and Emily) and her teacher Mrs. Bybee. I can not believe that she is so big! How the time flies. She is very excited to start Kindergarten (which I know will be another emotional day for mommy). I know she'll love it though.

Memorial Day

2009-07-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

We were all in Washington DC the week before Memorial Day and I was still thinking a lot about all those who had lost their lives for our country when Memorial Day rolled around this year. I am glad that we take a day to honor them. Usually on Memorial Day I'm thinking of BBQ's and camping or being able to wear white again. I am very thankful to those that serve our country and grateful for the freedoms we have because of those that have come before us. One thing we did this year while Reeve was taking his nap was make a flag cake.

Pocatello Zoo

2009-07-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

One of the last field trips McKenna took with her pre-school class was to the Pocatello Zoo. I had never been there so I decided to go with them to help out. It's not very big but for $4 it's fun for the kids. It was so cute all of them had a little buddy that they had to stay with.

Here is McKenna with her class and teacher. She misses them and is sad that they won't be coming to Kindergarten with her.

One of the things the kids liked the best was this huge playground they had there. As you can see McKenna was having a blast.

They were able to go to the petting zoo and feed and brush the animals which I think the animals liked as much as the children. What a life, to have people come and feed and brush you all day.

It was a fun little day trip and I was happy that I was able to spend that time with her.

Maryland Trip

2009-06-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

We recently went on a trip back east to visit some of my family. It was so much fun! We started off leaving a day early and staying a day in Salt Lake City. It was nice to see some old friends and we even made it to Ikea. Reeve loved crawling around the hotel room and following his Daddy everywhere. When I say everywhere I mean he even stalked him in the bathroom! Dave was in the shower and right outside was a closet, where Reeve sat waiting for him to come out. When Dave opened the door Reeve was in the bathroom before Dave even knew it. He is such a funny little kid.

The flight was long! From Salt Lake we flew to Chicago and my mom caught the same connecting flight from Chicago to Washington D.C. All in all the kids did really well and enjoyed looking out the window at all the clouds.

We got in that evening and went to visit my Grandfather at the rehabilitation center. It was so nice to see him and my Grandmother. McKenna was a little worried about his roommate most of the time but we finally got her to stop peeking through the curtain at him.

The next day my mom, uncle, Dave, McKenna, Reeve, and I went to Baltimore to go to my favorite pizza place. We decided to take the little foot ferry that runs on the Inner Harbor. There is this one point when you are on the boat and pass a sugar factory and you can even taste the sugar in the air. We loved being in a city that had so much history and beautiful architecture. (I loved eating my favorite BOP Pizza.)

Later that day we were able to go and see my Grandpa again. McKenna had warmed up to the rehabilitation center by this time.

The next day was D.C. I had been there once before but Dave hadn’t and we saw a ton (even with two kids).
We started out at The Washington Monument.

The Smithsonian of Natural History (which was McKenna's favorite.)

The White House (where we actually saw the President walking his dog!)

The reflection pool between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial (where Marine One even passed by.)

The Lincoln Memorial

The Vietnam Memorial Wall

It was so amazing to see some of these beautiful monuments for the first time. Just to stand in places that history has and is being made is kind of surreal.

The next day was Salisbury Day! I really mean it. We went to Salisbury, MD. It was really fun to see our last name all over everything… Salisbury Fire Dept., Salisbury Police Dept. We went to Salisbury University and bought a bunch of sweatshirts, t-shirts, and so on.

After we left we headed for Ocean City. Dave had never been to a real east coast beach. It was supposed to rain that day but it turned out to be beautiful. McKenna and Reeve loved digging in the sand just playing outside.

They had these really cool toys made of wood there for all the kids to climb on. Between the beach and the toys I don’t think McKenna ever wanted to leave.

One awesome thing Dave and I loved was the Firefighter Memorial they had there on the beach. They even had a portion of a T-beam from the World Trade Center. It was amazing and emotional to touch this piece of metal. To know how many had been lost that day. It’s hard to describe but both Dave and I felt how amazing it was to be able to see and touch it. We of course topped it off with some ice cream and headed back. It was a wonderful Salisbury family day!

The next day my Aunt Debbie had a big BBQ at her house and all my aunts and uncles and their families were able to make it out. Why this of all days I forgot to take pictures I don’t know. (I kick myself all the time for forgetting!) It was so wonderful to spend time with all of them. My cousins are all teenagers now which was a huge shock for me. The last time I had seen them they were all little kids. It was so hard to remember to talk to them like adults. It was one of my favorite days there and I am so thankful that we were all able to be together.

The following day we went out to see my Uncle Leo and his family. Rui (my uncle’s wife) made us the best lunch ever. McKenna was especially attached to Anna (my uncle’s step-daughter). She loved following her everywhere she went and is still so excited to wear some of the clothes that Anna gave her.

That night we were even able to go and see a family that Dave had grown up with when they lived in Hawaii. It was hilarious to hear some of the stories about Dave when he was growing up.

Our last full day there we decided to take the kids to the Baltimore Aquarium. They had such a blast looking at all the fish and sharks. We even went and watched the dolphin show.

When we got home we decided to go see my Grandfather. It was nice to spend time with him and my Grandmother. They are such amazing people and I love them so very much. I am so glad that McKenna and Reeve were able to see and be around them. My Grandfather even played the piano for us, one-handed and all.

The day we left we had some time before our flight came in so we decided to go to Arlington Cemetery. By this time the cameras battery had run out (and I of course forgot to charge it) so we have no pictures. Needless to say it was such an amazing place of reverence and peace. To physically see all those that had given their lives for our country just made me feel so grateful. Next to the cemetery is Pentagon and we drove around it and saw the portion where the plane had flown into it. Just seeing that image even after it has been mostly fixed was still very emotional.

This was an amazing trip that I'll never forget. It was full of fun, history, adventure, but best of all family.

Baby number three!

2009-05-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

I realized I haven't officially put on my blog that we are expecting baby number three. This was not planned but we are very excited. Reeve and this baby will only be fourteen months apart. Crazy, I know! Did I say this wasn't planned. It will be boy number two, which is so nice because he can just use all of Reeve's clothes. My due date is September 7th but will probably have him at the end of August because I have c-sections. The biggest thing I'm having a problem with is picking out a name. With McKenna and Reeve I knew what I wanted to name them even before they were born.

A few names we have been thinking about are: Teagen, Tyson, & Ethan. What do you think? Do you have any good boy names... you are willing to share? I know I want to have his middle name be David. That's the only thing I'm sure of. Here are the first pictures of the newest Salisbury to join our family coming this August/September.

Circus, Circus

2009-05-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to the circus. When we were on the way McKenna kept saying "I'm so excited to go the fair!" I told her that we were going to the circus not the fair and that there weren't going to be any rides there. Of course when we got there she still asked where all the rides were. It was really fun. I hadn't been to circus since I was a little girl. McKenna really liked the ponies and the women that would the do acrobats from the fabric rope things. (I can't remember what they are called.) Dave loved watching the motorcyclists in the ball. Reeve pretty much liked watching glow sticks in the audience. It was a fun family day and McKenna even got to ride on one of the elephants.

Reeve had a long, long, long, long day.

2009-05-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Our church starts at 1pm and like most of you know that is nap time for most kids who still take naps. Lately Reeve has had a hard time falling asleep if anything is going on around him. Dave brought him home early this day because he was so tired and when he was changing out of his church clothes Reeve just laid down on the floor and fell asleep. I'm telling you this kid will fall asleep anywhere... the floor... his highchair. I'm just happy he sleeps at all!

Easter Fun

2009-05-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

On Easter day we started out like most holiday's around the Salisbury household having pancakes (McKenna's favorite breakfast). Dave made these cool ones that looked like little bunnies. McKenna decorated them with jellybeans which she really enjoyed.

After breakfast it was Easter basket time. This year I was lazy and just got the pre-made basket. (Which after running some numbers I figured was much cheaper than making one.) Reeve's most favorite thing in the world right now is balls. He loves to play with them and roll them back and forth. Since I figured he wouldn't remember this Easter anyway I just got him a bunch of balls which made him very happy.

One of my favorite things about Easter is going to church and seeing all the kids dressed up in their new Easter dresses and outfits. McKenna was so funny this year she even wanted a hat and gloves. She told my mom this and of course we received a box in the mail with a new dress, hat, cardigan, and matching purse. We had so much fun that morning curling her hair and when I was done she decided that she didn't want to put the hat on anymore. She is so funny! She is becoming such a girl. For example she had been playing in the sprinkler this evening and when she was done she took a bath to warm up and I put her jammies on (it was about 7 pm). She then saw her friends playing outside. I told her she could just go out in her jammies. She said, "Mom, Parker and Allie are out there. I don't want to be embarrassed." Of course I didn't want her to feel embarrassed so I told her she could put on whatever she wanted. It just feels like she is growing up so fast now.

After church we came home and made some fun Easter cupcakes and had our traditional Easter dinner of ham, twice baked potatoes, rolls, and sparkling cider. All in all it was a wonderful day!

A Hippity Hop Day

2009-05-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

One thing I really love about living in this area is how family oriented the community is. The Saturday before Easter our neighborhood had a huge Easter egg hunt at the park down the street. They set out a ton of eggs and marked off sections by age (very smart). McKenna was so excited because all of her friends were able to be there with her.

It was so much fun watching them run into their areas. It was literally watching kids in a candy store!

Here is McKenna with some of her favorite friends after the mad dash. ~McKenna, Drake, Parker, & Makenna (yes same name different spelling.)

Reeve's favorite part of the day was going over to the park and swinging.

Dad Seriously!

2009-05-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

Dave is such a joker. Unless you knew him well you wouldn't know it though. I remember when we first met (and were just friends at this point). We would get ready to leave his house and he would throw stink bombs into his parents bedroom when his dad was in there. My mom had a donkey lawn ornament and he dug into the flowerbed so only its bottom was sticking out. Of course the big one... Across the street from where my mom lived they had one of those blow-up snowman yard decorations. My mom hated it! She called it "the scary snowman." (Amongst other things.) So Dave had everyone chip in to buy one from Wal-Mart and placed it on top of our roof! So funny! Actually just the other day he had run into Walgreen's to pick up something and this guy with crazy spiky hair came out and I kept thinking to myself "don't look at him Tia", but he was walking up to the van were I had my children. Just then I noticed it was Dave. He just makes me laugh all the time! Well, with all this you can image what happens to our children. Poor Reeve!

More Dave pranks... He once told me he had Shaken Baby Syndrome. Okay, I had never heard of this before and it came up in conversation with some friends. I said "ohh Dave had that." Dave was looking at me like I was crazy and then had to explain what the it was. I then explained to him if he doesn't tell me he is kidding then he is lying. So if there are any rumors of Dave being abused it may be my fault. (Sorry Kim). My brother would always shower with the door cracked open at our house because the fan didn't work very well. Dave couldn't resist always pouring a huge glass of freezing water on him. When he worked at Olympic High School as a security guard he had to do after school detention. He took that opportunity to buy a fart machine and mess with the kids in that way. I just love him and think he is the funniest guy in know. Hopefully the kids will appreciate his humor as they get older. McKenna still gets pretty upset if she is the one the joke is played on. Here is Dave's idea of getting Reeve ready for church.

Caught in the Act

2009-05-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Our little Reeve is such a sweet and sneaky boy. With McKenna we knew when she was up to something because she was quiet. Reeve is a pretty content little one and quiet often, so it is hard to tell when he is into something. He has figured out how cabinet doors and drawers work now and is constantly getting into them. On this day he found the cabinet with all the cereal and found daddy's stash of Fruit Loops. Dave came into the kitchen while Reeve sat quietly eating his Fruit Loops. He even offered Dave some! Since we have put child locks to use on the cabinets and drawers we don't want him rummaging through. Of course he still likes to have his Fruit Loops every so often and pounds on the cabinet were they are located until I get him some.

Goin' Green

2009-05-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

We love St. Patrick's Day around Salisbury house. First thing we did in the morning was eat green pancakes. McKenna helped me make them and Reeve helped by eating them.

We of course dressed them all in green (so no one would pinch them.) Later that day we made cookies with green frosting. We delivered the cookies to all of McKenna's friends. I also made a little poem about Lucky Leprechaun McKenna Mae to go along with it. It was so cute watching McKenna go and deliver the cookies all by herself (which she insisted upon.)

We are so lucky to have each other!

Sweet home Alabama

2009-04-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Dave's brother is in flight school in Fort Rucker, Alabama so we decided to take our first family vacation to see him and his wife Mindy. It was so much fun for the entire family. After a long day of traveling we arrived late at Nate and Mindy's. First thing in the morning McKenna, Reeve, and I went with Mindy to the gymnastics center that she works at. McKenna had so much fun being with Mindy and showing off her gymnastics skills to her. Reeve even had a good time bouncing on the trampoline and climbing over mats. After gymnastics we went to the best barbeque place ever. It was a small place called Big Daddy's. I have never tasted anything as good as their pulled pork!

One of the main things Dave was looking forward to was going with Nate to the flight simulator on base. Dave had a ton of fun but he says that he is still okay with sitting in the back seat. We'll leave the flying up to Nate. They talk about someday working together with Nate flying a medical helicopter and Dave being the Nurse/Paramedic in the back. They are so fun, they deffinatly keep Mindy and I on our toes.

The next day we went to the Ft. Rucker Flight Museum. It was really neat to see all the different helicopters. We were able to see the helicopter that Nate was flying and the one that their Dad flew. McKenna and Reeve especially like being able to go inside some of them.

Later that day we packed up and headed for the beach. Reeve was so excited to go he kept crawling into the bags.

We were so excited to get to the beach in Destin, Flordia. McKenna had so much fun playing in the sand and water. Even Reeve had a good time, he just kept eating the sand. We had such beautiful weather and all got sunburned. Mindy and I especially liked going shopping at the factory outlets across the street.

Nate was able to get a condo at local Airforce base. It was so awesome, it had three bedrooms and kitchen and was even right on the beach. One night Reeve couldn't sleep and Dave took him out on a walk. When they were out looking at the water he saw some dolphins swimming in the inlet. I was so mad that he didn't wake me up! What I wouldn't give to be back there now.

It was such a fun trip. Dave loved going back to a place he called home when he was about McKenna's age. Everyone was so nice there, McKenna made friends with all of Nate and Mindy's neighbors children. The best part was being with family and spending quality time together. Of course we can't forget the biggest McDonald's playland we have ever seen in Birmmingham.

My silly little Valentine.

2009-04-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

We were in Washington for Valentines Day this year and McKenna and her Grandma thought it would be so much fun to go get a mini pedicure to celebrate. McKenna was so excited to go to the nail place. She picked out the colors she wanted (a bright red and sparkles on top.)

She so enjoyed being pampered, all the while sucking on her heart lollipop Grandma had given her. She was especially excited to put on her new shoes I had gotten her because they have a little heel on them and she calls them "my high heels." She is so fun and I just adore her!

He's been doing this lately.

2009-04-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Reeve loves to eat and play. Sometimes after he has eaten and played a little too hard this is what happens...

The first picture I was bringing in groceries and in the second one he had just finished his lunch and I was doing the dishes. I remember McKenna doing the same thing when she was his age. They are so cute!

Sledding Salisbury Style

2009-04-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

Dave had a random Monday off and it had snowed the night before (almost a foot and a half) so we decided we would go sledding. We bundled up the kids and headed up to the college baseball fields because they have really steep hills. Dave had picked a hill that was much bigger than I thought was safe for Reeve's first sledding trip. Of course being the good dad he is, he went down first to make sure the sled wasn't going to tip over or anything. Reeve, McKenna, and Dave all went down and Reeve loved his first time sledding.

It was so cold so we took turns sitting in the van while McKenna went down the hill over and over again. She got so brave that she would run and jump on the sled head first down the hill. I was really surprised because McKenna is usually pretty cautious. At one point she even convinced Dave to roll down the hill with her while I enjoyed the heated van. We had so much fun and it was just nice spending time with our little family.

Building Forts

2009-04-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

McKenna has really been into building forts lately. This particular day she was building a "doghouse". I remember as a kid building them in our basement with my brothers. We would make them into mazes with dead ends and hide in them or we would make houses with our own rooms. I even remember decorating my "room". I have heard it said that, "Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons." I think that is so true. I know that it has been a beautiful season for me watching these two little ones.

Reeve's first haircut.

2009-04-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

The day after McKenna's birthday party things had calmed down. We had our friends Heath and Stacey and their two kids come over for dinner. I had asked Stacey to give Reeve a haircut because it was getting so long on top that it was looking like he had a baby comb-over. I was scared that Reeve would cry like most babies do when they are getting their hair cut but he was only interested in eating the clipper attachments. I of course kept some of his hair to put in his baby book. He has had a few haircuts since and everyone seems to love the crew cut look on him (especially since his hair stands straight up). Sometimes we even put a little gel in his hair and give him spikes. He is so fun!

The do's and don't of planning a birthday party for a 5 year old.

2009-04-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little girl is 5 years old. It really seems like yesterday that she was just a little baby. I don't know if it is just me but the same way I am having anxiety about my 30th birthday quickly approaching, I had a really tough time with the fact that McKenna was turning 5. Not to mention the fact that she will be starting Kindergarten in August.

Well, McKenna's birthday is three days after Christmas and I decided that I was going to throw her a big birthday party this year. Up until now she had only had her birthday with family and a friend here and there. I thought I would do it a couple weeks later to give everyone a break after the holidays. My wise mother-in-law told me that that the rule of thumb was, "to invite as many kids as the child is old." Just let me tell you that is very good advice. Of course I didn't take this advice and invited three times that amount (don't number 1). McKenna wanted ALL of the kids from her preschool and all her friends from church plus some. I thought, "yeah, I can do this, how hard could it be?" So we planned the party McKenna wanted, a princess theme, and since there were boys coming we added pirates as well.

The invitation said:

Hear ye, hear ye.....
Come one, come all from across the kingdom.
Her Royal Highness Princess McKenna requests
your presence at her 5th Birthday Party.

Please join us at the Salisbury castle:
Our address, time, date, so on...

Please RSVP the Queen Tia
(phone number) by Thursday, January 8th,
A royal lunch will be served.

The party started and I was still half asleep from staying up late making gift bags for all the kids. When they arrived I had princess crowns and diamond and jem stickers for the girls to decorate and pirate hats with gold and silver pens for the boys.

After they were finished we served pizza for lunch. Did I say that I planned the party to last three hours, yes three hours (don't number two). By this time craziness had set in so I thought it would be a good time to give the kids a bat and some candy. Thank goodness the only thing that was mangled was the pinata.

We came in and had more sugar in the form of cupcakes. I know the parents loved not having their kids for three hours on a Saturday but I'm not sure if they were happy with the condition I sent them home in. She opened her presents and loved all the gifts.

We had just gotten new couches downstairs that came in huge boxes. I decided to save them for the party. We had one box be a princess castle and the other we cut into a pirate ship. I gave the kids crayons to decorate them and they absolutely loved it. I had the pirates invade the the castle and steal a princess and the girls loved going into the pirate ship to save their "sisters".

By this time I was exhausted. I looked at the clock and still had thirty minutes until the party was over. I picked out a gender friendly movie (Aladdin) and had all the kids sit down to watch it until their parents came.

All the parents came and picked up their children unharmed but definitely with a bit of a sugar high. Even though I will never do this again McKenna had the best time and it was worth all the time and energy (do number 1). She is such a little doll and we are so grateful have her in our family.

Sunday Inspiration

2009-03-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

I went to Washington in February and while I was there I went to a wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and we had a lot of fun. The thing I will always remember from it was a quote that the pastor said. I don't know if I have the words exactly right but this was basically what it said.
"Be careful of your thoughts because your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words because your words become your actions. Be careful of your actions because your actions become your character. Be careful of your character because your character becomes your legacy."
It made me think about the big and small things in my life. It really inspired me to be better.

A Very Salisbury Christmas

2009-03-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have finally come back from my blogging break. I have so much to add since we are starting with Christmas and it is the middle of March.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. The only sad part is that we didn't go to Washington to spend it with our families. I guess we are getting to the age (and size) that it is just easier to have it at our own home. Dave also had to work on Christmas night so travel would have been a little hectic.

We all woke up (me with just a few hours of sleep). Helping Santa set everything up really is hard work! McKenna went strait to her big present and unwrapped it. She was very excited to see a trampoline underneath.

McKenna opened her stocking and was so happy to find that Santa had brought all the treats she asks for while we are checking out at the store. She also loved helping Reeve open his presents. She was so good at explaining that you are supposed to rip the paper not eat it.

It was a wonderful Christmas. Of course we kept the Salisbury tradition of having Cinnamon Pull-a-parts which were so yummy.

When Busy....

2009-01-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life passes faster then we expect. I remember when I was in high school people would say, "if I could go back, I would do this or that, so you should do it". I know they were trying to give me those jewels of wisdom that they wished they had known when they were my age. I don't know if it's a sign of my age (with 30 quickly approaching), but I find myself giving that same bits of wisdom. I found this poem that really touched my heart and really made me think about the little choices I make throughout the day.

My Hands Were Busy

My hands were busy throughout the day
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say: "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wished I'd stayed a minute more.
For time is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear...
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.

Author Unknown

While the family is away the Dave will....remodel.

2008-12-24T23:31:00.000-08:00

We have been working hard on updating our kitchen. When we first moved in Dave painted all the cabinets and replaced all the light fixtures. Then we had new counter top installed. After that Dave started his first tiling project. It turned out so good and we were almost done except for one large project.

While I was in Washington Dave decided that he was going to tear out the drop down ceiling and huge, horrible florescent light fixture. This turned out to be a larger task than he had anticipated. When he was almost done he told me "this is the kind of project you get half way through and wish you never started." (We have blow-in insulation) Well he did start and finish too! It looks awesome and our kitchen looks so much bigger.

I thought that this was all he had done but of course he couldn't stop there. He painted all of our upstairs doors white.

He also started the remodel on the downstairs bathroom.

Everything looks so good and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband that enjoys making our first little house such a beautiful home.

Washington Trip 2nd Edition.

2008-12-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

We have always been in Washington for McKenna's birthday because it is three days after Christmas. She was upset that we wouldn't be there this year. We had so much fun at Chuck E. Cheese last year we decided to celebrate her birthday early when we were there. First we went to Chuck E. Cheese. Her Nana, Grandma, Uncle Troy and a friend Makayla and her mother came with us. They had so much fun and so did we.

We came back to my moms for a spaghetti lunch. Then headed for the pool. McKenna is doing so well with her swimming. After that we came back for gifts and cake. I'm so happy we were able to spend that time with our family. The toughest thing about living in Idaho is being so far away from them but we try to make the most of our time when we are there.

McKenna was especially happy when her cousin Brooklyn came. Now that Brooklyn walks McKenna just chases her all over the house. They have tone of fun together and are so much alike. They were even able to spend some time with their Great Grandpa George.

So many firsts.

2008-12-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun in Washington. Reeve has started sitting up by himself. Sometimes he forgets that he is not being held and does a nose dive right into the carpet. I usually try to put pillows around him but of course the one place I don't put one he inevitably falls that way. He also went into the pool for the first time. I think he was a little cold because in every picture his face looked like this.

He just cracks me up because he just goes along with whatever we do, no complaint.

Another first, on a not so good note was his first ear infection. We were up to 5:30 in the morning and needless to say we were in the doctors office the next day. Then yesterday (Christmas Eve, Eve). His first tooth popped through. Poor little guy had an ear infection and was teething I can't imagine it was any fun. Yet like everything else he was a happy little guy.

He is even happy when I'm digging in his mouth trying to get a picture of his little tooth. (The tooth is the little white spot on the right.) We are having so much fun with him and McKenna just adores him.

Christmas Parade

2008-12-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving Pocatello always has a Christmas parade down Main St. That's how we know Santa has come to town. McKenna loves parades but I think it is mostly for the candy. When I was getting out of the car she kept trying to run over to the parade. She was yelling "it's starting, it's starting!" We finally got settled and she was happy....

until I wanted to take a picture of her. She is screaming at me to get out of the way. I calmly explained that the parade still hadn't started and to calm down and take some nice pictures for me.

Just two days before on Thanksgiving it was warm enough to eat outside. On the day of the parade it was frigidly cold. The reason my pictures look blurry is because the camera was starting to freeze. I thought Reeve wouldn't enjoy the parade but I think he had just as much as McKenna. He loved looking at all the lights. The only time he got upset was when they would honk their horns or turn on sirens.

So Santa Claus has officially come to the town of Pocatello... or at least to the mall, where McKenna thinks he lives. Kind of prophetic when you think about it. Non the less he is here and McKenna is terrified of him this year. I asked if she wanted to sit on his lap and tell him what she wanted for Christmas and she said, "No, I'll just send him a letter this year." To each their own.

Thanksgiving Feast

2008-12-17T14:57:00.001-08:00

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving. Dave and I have been cooking our own Thanksgiving meals for the past four years. We have our duties down pretty well now and everything turns our absolutely delicious. While everything was cooking we played some board games (which is one of my family's traditions).

Dave has gotten very good at carving the turkey and McKenna and I have gotten really good at eating it! I'm sure next year Reeve will enjoy some yummy turkey as well.

We live in Idaho, right? It was so warm outside that we decided to go Pilgrim style and eat outside. McKenna loved it and she kept saying, "This is the best Thanksgiving feast I've ever had!"

Reeve had his Thanksgiving dinner later that day.

Being in the holiday mood we even decided to decorate for Christmas. When Dave told McKenna we were going to get out the Christmas tree she ran to her room and got out her Christmas CD's. We had to listen to Jingle Bells about 20 times before she would change it. It was so fun and my little Miss Mae is more into the Christmas spirit than ever.

Growing Faster Everyday

2008-12-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

Last night was a sleepless night! Reeve is starting to get a cold and would not go to sleep no matter what I did. Finally at 1 a.m. he fell asleep. At 2 a.m. McKenna woke up with growing pains in her knees. Her crying woke Reeve up and he started crying. At first I was so frustrated. I had only been asleep for 30 minutes. As I was sitting there rubbing her knee, explaining what exactly growing pains are it made me think. The reason she is hurting is because she is growing. I thought how fast the almost five years have passed since she was born and thought one day I am actually going to miss when she would wake me up to rub her legs. I stopped being crabby and rubbed her knees until she fell asleep and was able to get Reeve back to sleep without very much trouble. I laid back down and thought a little bit more about family and life and fell asleep much more content than when I woke up.

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow..... For babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow...... So quiet down cobwebs..... Dust go to sleep.... I'm rocking my babies, cause babies don't keep!

I got this off of one of my friends blogs and thought is was sweet. Thanks, Stacey!

Twilighting

2008-11-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

It all started when all of Dave's family was visiting. My adorable sister-in-law Mindy would disappear every couple hours. I would ask, "Where's Mindy?" The answer was always, "Probably downstairs reading the last Twilight book." I had heard of these silly vampire books but like Harry Potter had no interest in reading them. Finally I was sick of not understanding what the hype was about and so I went on ebay and bid on the book (I was not about to pay full price for some ridiculous vampire book). It came in the mail and a week after I got it I started to read it. At first I was thinking this so silly. Why am I reading this book? Yet I continued to read. One month later and after reading about 3000 pages of the four books. This teen vampire love story had me sucked in like most. I even drug a couple more friends into the Twilight obsession with me. Your welcome Angie and Susan.

That leads us up to November 22. The movie adaptation of the first book had just been released. I was invited to got to a Twilight... event. I don't use the word event loosely. We had limo rides, got t-shirts, a gift bag with tons of swag, bite tattoos, and a private showing of the movie. It was such a fun night!

Here is our group in front of the limo. Susan, me, Autumn, Angie, and Linda.

We were so excited to be in the limo and it was Susan's first time ever riding in one.

Her house was all decked out with Twilight posters and quotes. You can see behind us one of the cool ones it was a picture collage of Edward and Bella and said "Be safe". Clever.

Sus and I getting bitten!

At the private showing of the movie. Stacey, Susan, and I. Yes, we have vampire teeth in, watch out!!! Stephanie Meyers aunt was even there!

The after party. Yes, that is supposed to be Edward, Bella, and Jacob. They had a skit before the movie started, complete with smoke machine and everything. I said I had fun, didn't I?

Sundays

2008-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

I remember when McKenna was little every Sunday we would take pictures of her and email them out to family and friends. I've started doing this again with McKenna and Reeve. It's so fun on Sundays because they are all dressed up and looking absolutely adorable.

Brotherly Love

2008-11-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

It has been so fun watching the relationship between McKenna and Reeve. McKenna is usually very sweet to him. He just loves watching her dance and just be her rowdy self. One thing she has loved to do since he was just born is read to him. She has an uncanny way of memorizing books. Sometimes I forget that she can't read because she can remember them word for word.

Isn't it so cute how they are holding hands. Really McKenna is trying to stop him from eating her book but sweet none the less.

Rice Cereal

2008-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Reeve had his first taste of rice cereal last week. We thought that he would love it because he loves to eat so much. Well... watch the video and you can see how much he really loved his first big boy food.

Not so happy but too cute! Here are a couple more pictures of his unpleasant experience with rice cereal. It's funny because I let him have a lick of chocolate frozen yogurt and his feeling were quite opposite. Speaking of that when we took Reeve in for his four month appointment the nurse asked how his diet was and McKenna said, "My mommy gave him ice cream!" Just a little embarrassing. I then had to explain that it was just a lick and that we don't usually give our four-month-olds these kinds of foods. The nurse just laughed. Out of the mouths of babes.

King of the Babies.

2008-11-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

McKenna is so cute, even though Reeve is to little to play with her she still makes a great effort to play with him mobile or not. When he in his exersaucer she will put a blanket around his shoulders and say he is Batman. The other night Dave and I were cooking dinner together, we looked over and McKenna had taken a burp cloth and put it on Reeve's head and was marching around him sing "Reeve is King of the Babies, King of the Babies, King of the Babies." I can only imagine what games they will be playing this time next year.

Bathtime used to be easy.

2008-11-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

Reeve has found his feet and every time he is sockless (which isn't very often in arctic Idaho) he is sucking on his toes. I thought this was so cute until we were taking a bath and I was trying to wash him. He kept pulling his foot up and I was trying to get the soap off it. He is pretty strong and with the soap, really slippery so I think he got a good taste of his baby wash (which like most things didn't bother him). The other thing he has found he likes is paper. He likes to devourer it into a pulpy mess. You know the saying "It's like taking candy from a baby"? I never really understood it. As I understand it, they're saying it's easy to take the candy away. Well I don't know about anyone else's kids but taking anything from my little ones is not an easy task. When we take away the paper you would think I gave him a little pinch as well. Thank goodness he is still young enough to forget what he was crying about. Ce' la vie.

Photography by McKenna

2008-11-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

If you gave a four year old a camera, what would she take a picture of? Well we didn't actually give her the camera but she did get a hold of it. She was so sly about it that I didn't even know that she had taken the pictures until I was downloading them onto the computer. I asked McKenna, "did you take these?" So nonchalantly she said "yeah". Like it was okay and normal for her to be playing and taking pictures with our camera.

Merry Christmas Reeve!

2008-11-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

Dave and I went to Idaho Falls the other day and were at Once Upon a Child (an awesome consignment store). While I was paying Dave put Reeve in an exersaucer needless to say he loved it. We decided to get it for him for Christmas but of course he has been playing in it since we got it. Sometimes I will be holding him and he will be crying and then I put him in is exersaucer just to give my arms a break (he is almost 19 lbs now) and he stops crying. I'm thinking does he like this toy more than me? So... I don't know how much longer we will have the exersaucer!

Princess McKenna

2008-11-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

What I love about these pictures is how it shows McKenna's personality. She is so giggly and loves to dance and is always in motion. When she was about one her Grandfather called her "perpetual motion". She has definitely lived up to it. She surly takes after her Daddy.

First time swinging

2008-11-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

This weather has been crazy but I have been loving it. We have only gotten one snow storm that lasted until noon. It's been chilly but I'm still wearing flip flops. I make it a habit to wear them until there is snow on the ground. In Washington I pretty much wear them all year round. It was so nice that I took the kids to the park to play. McKenna wouldn't even keep her jacket on! I decided to give Reeve his first ride in a swing. He loved it! I shouldn't be surprised because he loves his swing at home. McKenna wanted to push him and I let her but she gave Reeve quite a scare with an extra big push. Poor little Reeve's eyes got big and he just froze. I felt so bad and then felt even worse that I was laughing.

After he calmed down he really started to relax. It reminded me of a guy trying to look cool driving a car. His arm was up on the back of the swing and he was leaning to the side. Then he even started to fall asleep. He is so cute.

Carving Pumpkins

2008-11-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about Halloween is carving pumpkins. For FHE we went to the Aplingtons and carved our pumpkins with them. Heath had never done it before so it was pretty funny to watch. Dave and Heath did most of the work while the kids played and Stacey and I talked. They turned out really cute.

Kind of happy Halloweens is over.

2008-11-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween just as much as the next person but we celebrated it a lot this year. McKenna dressed up a total of five time. You would think "great, you got tons of use out of the costume!" Right? No, McKenna being the little diva that she is insisted on wear something different each time. It's a good thing we have a stock pile of dress up clothes I've collected through out the years.
Party #1 - Parker's Birthday Party. McKenna was a fairy and had a blast they played musical chairs, decorated cookies, and even busted a pinata.
Party #2 - Dave's work Halloween Party. More like extravaganza! McKenna was a geisha and Reeve was the cuddliest little bear you ever did see. It was so fun. They had all the carnival games, cake walk, and even a haunted house... to name a few.

McKenna couldn't stop talking about the haunted house.

Party #3 - McKenna's preschool. She wanted to wear her costume from last year which was a witch.
Party #4 - Our ward's Trunk or Treat. McKenna was Barbi Island Princess. It was so fun we went with the Aplington's and McKenna had fun going from trunk to trunk with Parker.

Party #5 - Halloween. McKenna decided to be the witch again. Which I was happy about because I couldn't figure anymore costumes for her to wear. We went trick or treating with the Aplington's. So I'm glad these are McKenna's baby teeth and she won't have them too much longer because I'm sure they are almose rotted through with the amount of candy we have collect through this Halloween season!

Reeve likes....

2008-11-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

Reeve is growing and getting such a little personality he is so different from McKenna's larger than life and outgoing. He seems to be much more subtle and observant. First of all he likes toys.

McKenna would have nothing to do with them. She liked play with things from the kitchen drawers. One thing they do have in common is their love for the water. They both love their tubbie time.

And of course they love each other. I asked McKenna to watch Reeve while I made him a bottle and I came to see this beautiful sight. Aren't they cute?

Ohh how they grow!

2008-10-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago. It is crazy how fast these little ones grow. Reeve is 3 1/2 months already and McKenna is going to be five in just a couple months!! I was thinking when McKenna was little I couldn't wait until she hit her next milestone. Once she would do one thing like crawl I couldn't wait until she walked. It's so funny because with Reeve I just want him to stay my little baby. He is now an official roller and I can't put him anywhere without him rolling onto his tummy. He is such a sweet little baby and we love him so much (especially McKenna.) It is so adorable to see her interact with him. She likes to think of herself as the third parent.

Family hike

2008-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

McKenna and I had so much fun on the City Creek hike so we decided to go as a family. We were a little worried that Reeve would not like it but just like everything else he didn't mind. It was so beautiful all the leaves turning bright oranges, reds, and yellows. Hearing the water flow down the creek. It is so nice just being able to appreciate nature.

Little hikers!

2008-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Stacey who lives down the street from us invited McKenna and I along for a hike with her kids pre-school group. It was so nice to be able to go and do something with just McKenna. With the new baby sometimes it feels that we don't get our special time. Dave watched little Reeve and we went up to City Creek. It was such a fun hike and kids were so good. McKenna had so much fun collecting leaves and random things she found on the trail. This seems to be her M.O. When she was in soccer (which she hated) she would just walk around the field and collect garbage. At least after every game the field had a through cleaning from our little one. Side note... speaking of soccer. I wanted to do some painting the other day and asked McKenna to help me. I found some clothes I didn't care if she got paint on. I said "here put these on so you can help me." It was her soccer shirt. She look at me panic stricken and said in a voice about to break into a full blown tissy fit. "Why did you sign me up for soccer?!?!" I said, "I didn't these are your painting clothes." Relieved, she put on the outfit and didn't mind a bit about getting paint on it. So, yeah, my daughter hates soccer. She just cracks me up with her little four year old dramas.

No rest for the weary.

2008-10-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in Washington and then when we got home the first thing we (and when I say we I mean Dave) had to do was rip out our counter tops. Dave volunteered for this to save a little money. Of course about 20 minutes into the project I heard him scream out in pain. I asked what had happened. He showed me a cut on his hand. It wasn't horrible but there was some blood involved. I asked him "is that your warning cut, before you put on some gloves to save yourself from those kinds of things?" He showed me a smaller cut on his hand and said "No, this is the warning cut." I just laughed. Anyhow the counter tops are in and look beautiful.

Washington Trip

2008-09-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

We got back from Washington a last week. It was such a fun but fast trip. It started out with a three hour drive to Boise. I was a little worried how Reeve would do in the car for that long but he just slept the whole time. I again worried about his first flight on airplane but again he slept through the entire thing. McKenna was so good as well and made sure that everyone was safe including her little paper man that she made, which she buckled in with her.

We had a lot of fun. I felt like "Little Suzy Homemaker". I made a blanket for McKenna and helped my mother-in-law Kim make curtains for our kitchen. (Well mostly I watched.) We barrowed Guitar Hero from one of Kim's neighbors and Dave continued to kick my butt at it (but it was fun anyway.) It was so fun seeing my mom and we spent a lot of time at the pool. I was so excited to get in the hot tub again. (I haven't been able to do that for 9 months.)

For the most part it was relaxing. I read the 2nd book in the Twilight series which was nice. McKenna and Reeve spent quality time with the Grandparents. (which they always love!)

My boy is growing!

2008-09-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

Reeve is getting so big now. He is only 2 1/2 months old and wearing 6 month clothes he is just a little tank. He has just found his hands and rolls them around together like he constantly worried about something. He laughs and reacts to you when you give him a big smile or talk to him. He is such a adorable baby and we are so lucky to have him. Here are some pictures of him watching his light show in his swing. What a cutie pie!

Maci the Ladybug

2008-09-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

So I thought we would go outside and hang out in the back yard. 1) To get these sick kids some fresh air. 2) Who knows how many more days we have of this beautiful sunshine. When we were out there McKenna found a ladybug. (one of her favorite pets.) She is so cute with them. She makes up little names for them and life stories. The one we found today is Maci (after one of her friends). This ladybug is a little angry but not all the time. (we recently read The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle). She said, "that there was a little girl who loved this ladybug very much. They went down slides together and to the water park. She loved her so much that she had to let her go so she could go and find things to eat."

Then McKenna looked at me and said, "Guess who that little girl is, Mommy." I said, "Who?" She said, "McKenna." What a little sweetheart.

Here are some pictures of McKenna with her little ladybug Maci.

Aaaachuu

2008-09-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

It is cold season in the Salisbury home. It happens to be Reeve's first cold which makes it hard for both of us to sleep. I keep on checking on him to make sure he is breathing right. I thought with my second one I wouldn't be so neurotic. Speaking of colds... While I happened to be working on this blog McKenna was up watching cartoons in our bedroom with a box of tissues for her little runny nose. I went to check on her and I found her like this...

She actually took each tissue and put a hole in the middle and put her arm through. When I asked her what she was doing she said that they were feathers, so she could have wings. She is just always cracking me up.

Tha Family

2008-09-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

The House

2008-09-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay I'll be a blogger!

2008-09-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

McKenna and Reeve after church.

Only Daddy can make them laugh!
Mr. Handsome
What a stud!
Okay, Mommy, I'm getting sick of this!

I am finally starting this blog with a little help from sisters-in-law. Mindy put it together for me at Christmas and Kristi added pictures and the stylin' background earlier today. I thought I should do my part. Life is going good. We bought our house in June and I am loving staying home and just being a mom. We had our second little one on July 10th. We named him Reeve O'Neil (Daves middle name). He was 9 lbs. 9 oz. exactly 2 lbs. bigger than McKenna. He is just a little doll and even sleeps through the night. McKenna is four years old now and just stared back up with pre-school. We can't believe that she will be going to Kindergarten next year. How the time flies. I am actually reading the Twilight series now and am in the last chapter of the first book. Mindy (my sister-in-law, who is finishing the fourth book) couldn't put it down when she was here and I'm sick of not knowing what everyone is talking about. Dave is doing great. He is just living his dream of being a flight nurse at Portneuf and is working in the ER. He is also working with Chubbuck fire on call and doing search and rescue diving with Power County. To know him is to love him and all his many adventures.

I am excited to be the newest blogger on the block and have renewed enthusiasm about actually keeping it up. So 'till next time.

Reeve's Blessing

2008-09-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Reeve was blessed on Aug 17th. Dave did a wonderful job and his whole family was able to make it to the special event.

Daddy and Reeve

Our family of 4!

Three Generations
The Girls...

The Boys...

2008-01-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

2007-12-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

This is us at Dave's graduation in April 2007. Aren't we just the cutest couple??

Christmas

2007-12-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

Today is Christmas and I have decided to create a blogspot. All of my family members have one and I feel like I am the last to join the club. We have had a wonderful Christmas so far. McKenna had a blast opening all her presents and is now playing with all her new gadgets. (I just wish it didn't take so long to get the stinkin' things out.) We are going to Washington tomorrow and are very excited to have a much need break from Idaho. Of course we can't wait to see our family and friends as well! Merry Christmas to all and I hope you are all enjoying this holiday season.
Tia, Dave, & McKenna