News Archives

2007 News Archives

December 25 - Merry Christmas!
Christmas is finally here.  On Christmas Eve we spent the day playing together at the park and riding bikes.  We did all of our Christmas Eve traditions, including each of us opening one present.  Kristen left a note for Santa with his cookies and drew on it for him.  She made him a happy face that looked like it had drank a little too much egg nog.  Santa came and filled our stockings and left us each a gift under the tree.  This morning we ate cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate while waiting for Kristen to wake up.  When Kristen woke up we started opening stockings.  The first thing Kristen pulled out was some Ritz cheese crackers.  She opened it and started eating them and would have been happy even if that was all she got.  We kept encouraging her to see that there was more.  It was hard because every time she opened a gift she wanted to play with it.  It took us a little while to get through everything, but we finally did it.  The girls received a play kitchen from our neighbor and Bret spent a good 4 hours this afternoon putting it together.  But it was worth it because Kristen loves it!  We miss being with all of our family but enjoy these precious moments with our girls.  Laura's First Christmas Video & Kristen's Basketball Hoop Video / Pictures 

December 20 - 5 Days 'Til Christmas
We finally turned on our heater this last week.  Bret & I could do without it, but we figure we shouldn't freeze out the girls.  There isn't anything new going on, just the normal hustle and bustle.  The cards have been sent, all the shopping is done, the presents are wrapped and now I'm just waiting patiently for Christmas to come.  I'm looking forward to a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas day.  When we moved here three years ago we started some of our own Christmas traditions for our family.  My favorite thing that we do on Christmas Eve is read about the "White Stocking".  We read the poem and then we each write on a piece of paper our gift to Jesus.  We focus on the birth of Christ and really try to make it a special night.  We hope that everybody has a very Merry Christmas and is able to have the true spirit of Christmas.

December 10 - Temple Lights & Ice Cream
This past weekend was Bret's work Christmas party.  It's such a rare occasion that we go out by ourselves, that I love getting dressed up and going out.  We had fun and ate great food, then I was anxious to get home.  I can enjoy myself for about 2 hours then I start watching the time and wanting to get home to my girls.  Sunday evening we drove out to Mesa to see the Christmas lights at the temple.  We bundled the girls up so they would stay warm and walked around the temple grounds.  Kristen loved being out of the stroller and leading the way for us.  When we got home we had ice cream, straight from the carton.  Laura has tried ice cream in the past and didn't care for it, but this time Daddy couldn't scoop it fast enough.  Laura Ice Cream Video & Pictures

December 1 - Laura...Six Months Old
Laura is growing up so fast.  She does great sitting up (which I love for taking pictures) and she'll be crawling pretty soon.  Now she does more of the roll and stretch to move around but she can push up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth.  She has yet to "crawl" while lifting her tummy off the floor, but once she figures it out, she'll take off.  I love Laura's smile and her laugh, it just melts my heart.  Laura adores Kristen and looks at her so lovingly.  I hope they end up being the best of friends.  Pictures

November 28 - It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
What happened to Thanksgiving?  We ate food and that's about it.  But the day after Thanksgiving is the official beginning of the Christmas season.  We went to the Home Depot to buy our Christmas tree and after being ignored by their employees for 30 minutes, we finally just took the tree and left (yes we did pay for it.)  I pulled out all my Christmas bins and began decorating.  After lasting 7 years, our lights for the Christmas tree stopped working.  So the following day Bret got more lights and we decorated the tree (and watched BYU beat Utah.)  Last year we got as a gift an ornament with Mickey, Donald and Goofy that sings and moves to the music, Kristen loves to push that button.  Kristen was exhausted but is getting so excited about Christmas.  Our neighbor has an inflatable Mickey Mouse in their yard and Kristen visits it daily so she can give him a hug and a kiss.  Christmas Tree Lights Video / Pictures

November 19-20 - Christmas at Disneyland
As always, we had a great time at Disneyland and it was beautifully decorated for Christmas.  Grandma & Grandpa Gage and Grandma Dee & Gavin met us there.  The weather was wonderful and we had a great time being together.  I loved the fireworks show put to Christmas music while looking at Sleeping Beauty Castle decked out in snow and icicles (lights).  It was busier than we are accustomed too, but still not crazy.  The days were long, but the girls loved it.  Kristen loved seeing the characters and Mickey even blew a kiss to her during the parade.  This has been the "Year of a Million Dreams" at Disneyland and while we were in the Golden Horseshoe before the show started, one of our dreams came true.  The dreams cast member gave Kristen a Winnie the Pooh puzzle/picture frame and also gave us a few sticker sheets of Christmas gift tags.  It really has been a dream of mine to get something, so I was really excited.  We had a little misfortune when we got home and our pictures were accidentally deleted, but we were able to get most of them back (Thanks Mike!)  So that is why it has taken me a little while to post them, and because sometimes I need sleep more than I want to update the website.  As you can see from the pictures and videos, we have such so much fun at Disneyland, whether we are spinning in a teacup or just waiting for the park to open (Kristen dancing).  Teacups Video, Parade Video, Princess Hugs Video, Dancing Video & Mickey Hugs Video / Pictures

November 18 - Beautiful Pictures
I just got these beautiful pictures from Milka.  She took them while we were hanging out at Dee's house during our visit to Fresno in September.  She is super talented, I am so amazed at what she can do with her camera.  Of course I'm a little biased to begin with, but I think the pictures are awesome.  I especially love the one with Bret giving Kristen a kiss.  Thanks again to Milka for the great pictures!  Pictures

November 14 - New Foods
Last week I started babysitting for my neighbors 2 1/2 year old daughter for 8 hours a day and will continue until just before Christmas.  So I don't have time to get on the computer during the day, but Kristen loves having a friend to play with.  The most exciting thing around here is Laura starting to eat solids.  She likes the food but loves grabbing at the spoon and chewing on it, especially now that she has two teeth on top (4 total).  Kristen wanted to help, so we let her feed Laura.  It was messy, but very cute to watch.  The weather is still a little warm for this time of year, but it is nice and cool in the evenings.  We ate dinner outside last week and Kristen liked swinging around the fly swatter.  We also celebrated our 7 year anniversary this last week.  Lucky for us that it was on a Sunday this year and we got to be together the whole day.  Kristen Feeding Laura Video & Pictures  

October 31 - Happy Halloween
We had a great Halloween!  This is our first year celebrating Halloween all together as a family.  (The past two years Kristen and I have been in California.)  We went to our ward Halloween party where they did a trunk or treat.  Before we got there Kristen had practiced saying "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You".  But when we were there it was so noisy, you really couldn't hear her say it.  After the ward party we came back home and went down the street in our neighborhood.  We had a wonderful time being together and making fun memories on Kristen's first real Halloween.  I asked Kristen what her favorite part of Halloween was and she said "eating chocolate", that's my girl!  Pictures

October 29 - Halloween FHE
Kristen and Daddy set up the tent in the backyard and went "camping" this weekend.  Kristen loves sleeping in the tent, and it doesn't matter to her that they're in the backyard.  It's actually better because they can do the air mattress so easily.  We started up our fire for the first time this fall and even roasted marshmallows.  Laura and I slept comfortably in our own beds.  For Family Home Evening we decorated pumpkins.  I thought it would be too messy to carve pumpkins, or to paint them.  But permanent markers...that's not messy....right?  We each got to color our own pumpkin and Kristen even colored on herself a little.  We tried on costumes and Kristen is going to be Minnie Mouse again this year.  Lucky for us it still fits her.  The downside is that she really doesn't like wearing the Minnie ears.  Laura is going to be Tigger because she loves to bounce, and also because it fits her.  Pictures

October 25 - Twice the Mess
I have a new saying whenever I'm cooking in the kitchen, "Twice the mess, twice the fun."  Kristen loves to help me bake and likes to do whatever I do.  I let her try almost everything I do, she's not allowed to do anything with knives.  But she has gotten quite good at cracking eggs.  Last weeks baking adventure was making cinnamon rolls and they turned out great.  The biggest problem was that they were so good I ate too many.  And even though I have to spend more time cleaning up when we're done, I love it when Kristen "helps" me.  Just a few days ago while preparing dinner, I was chopping onions in my pampered chef chopper and of course Kristen wanted to try it too.  She did great until she opened the chopper and all the onion fell on the counter, step stool and floor.  I'll try to encourage her and let her help as long as she wants to, (I know this stage won't last forever.)  Laura is much more mobile now and can roll across the whole room to get into things.  Now we've got to really baby proof and put all the choke-ables away.  Cracking Eggs Video / Pictures

October 18 - Who Do I Look Like?
I just came across this "Look-alike Meter" from myheritage (thanks Celeste) and thought it would be fun to post.  I'm not too sure how accurate it is, but had fun with it anyway.  Pictures

October 14 - Two Fun Girls
Both Laura and Kristen are so entertaining to watch and play with.  After last weeks trip to the grocery store, Kristen has new toys to play with....bags of beans.  I don't know what it is about them that intrigues her, but she takes them out of the pantry multiple times each day.  We pulled the walker out of the closet for Laura to use, but Kristen spends more time in it than Laura does.  Kristen loves running around the kitchen in it, while Laura only knows how to move backwards.  Laura loves to smile and laugh, especially when Kristen is playing with her.  A new part of our daily routine is our bike ride.  I put the girls in the trailer and we ride around the neighborhood for a little bit.  Kristen likes to see trees, birds, and cars.  Laura does awesome, unless Kristen is poking at her, but they usually last at least 30 minutes.  Last night our ward had a luau for adults, so we left the girls (thanks Haylie!) and got to enjoy an evening out.  The luau was a lot of fun, complete with a roasted pig and hula dancer.  Laura Walker Video & Kristen Counting Beans Video & Kristen Beans Colors Video / Pictures

October 7 - Four Months Old
Laura turned four months old on the first, so we did a little photo shoot of her.  This is the first time that she really cooperated and smiled a lot.  She really is a happy baby and loves to laugh.  She laughs when we tickle her, and she laughs when she hears us laugh.  She also loves to roll over and her favorite thing to do is put things in her mouth.  We went to the doctor this last week for the girls' well visit, which worked out great since Kristen was sick.  Kristen was getting an ear infection, so we got some antibiotics to help.  Both of the girls seem to be growing so fast.  Laura is a big girl and already 14 lbs.  And Kristen only needs to grow another inch to be tall enough to ride Matterhorn at Disneyland.  Kristen finally opened her birthday present from Grandma Dee, a little 4x4 truck that she loves riding around the backyard.  She has gotten better at steering, but still crashes a lot.  Get a load of our crazy weather; up until Friday we had been in the 90s, and then Saturday it was 79!  It was so beautiful, there was a great breeze and we were able to keep our windows open all day long.  But unfortunately the forecast shows that we'll be back up to 99 in five days.  Kristen Running Laps Video & Kristen on Her 4x4 Video / Pictures

September 30 - Slow Days
We have had some pretty uneventful days over the last couple weeks.  I haven't taken many pictures but have a few things I want to share.  Laura has started rolling over, so it's no longer safe to leave her on the couch, (although how safe can it be on the floor within Kristen's range?)  Laura has also moved out of the bassinet and into the crib in Kristen's room.  She still wakes during the night to eat, but so far the girls are both doing really well with it.  (I think Daddy's glad too.)  It's officially fall, and a little cooler, so we have been able to spend more time outside in the backyard.  Kristen has been sick the last few days, so we just hang out and take it easy.  We look forward to calling Grandma & Grandpa every few days to talk to them while they're vacationing in England.  Kristen Making Laura Laugh Video / Pictures 

September 14-15 - Daddy/Daughter
Kristen and Daddy went camping together for our ward's Daddy/Daughter.  They had a great time together.  Daddy had been in Mexico all week for work, so she was ready for some much needed Daddy time.  Laura stayed home with me and I was even able to knock out a few scrapbook pages.  We can't wait until next year when Laura will get to go too.  Laura's two bottom teeth are already coming in, so it is no longer safe to put your fingers in her mouth.  I put up my "fall" decorations since it is September, but it's a little awkward since it's still over 100 degrees.  But next week there are a few days forecasted to be in the high 90's, we shall wait and see.  Pictures

September 3-6 - Laura's 1st Trip to Disneyland
After the Beach we headed to Disneyland and checked in at our hotel and got cleaned up.  We made it to Disneyland by 5:00 pm and squeezed in a few hours of fun before it closed.  When we got there Kristen wanted to give Mickey a kiss and a hug (which she had been talking about for weeks).  The funny thing is that she saw him in the distance long before we did.  So she gave him a kiss and a hug and then we moved onto her favorite attraction, the Tiki Room.  Laura did great, but found it difficult to squeeze in naps without missing the fun.  The new "Submarine Voyage" with Nemo was lots of fun, but Kristen did get a little scared.  The longest line we waited in was to see some princesses and when Kristen was with Snow White she saw Minnie and took off towards her.  We felt bad for Snow White, but come on, there's really no comparison.  We went to one of Grandpa's favorites, "Billy Hill and the Hillbillies" which Kristen slept through both times but Hannah loved dancing around to the music.  We had great seats for the parade and the girls loved interacting with the characters.  At the end of our trip we left all the girls with Jen so we could go on my favorite, "Splash Mountain".  I was in the front and got soaked.  I felt like I had just jumped in a pool with all my clothes on.  We all got very wet, but it was so fun!  We love going to Disneyland but we especially loved being there with Grandma & Grandpa and Jen & Hannah.  Carousel Video & Teacups Video & Parade Video & Chip & Dale Video & Goofy Video / Pictures

September 3 - Hangin' at the Beach
Since Kristen is two years old and had never been to the beach, we thought it was time to do something about it.  We went to the beach in Santa Monica where Kristen and Laura got to see the ocean for the first time.  Kristen didn't really care for it.  The water kind of freaked her out, and she didn't like getting dirty in the sand.  But once Daddy showed her how to throw the wet sand, she started having more fun.  We had our fill within an hour and were off to find some real fun.  Beach Video / Pictures

September 2 - Laura's Blessing
We headed for Fresno the night of Kristen's birthday and got there early Friday morning.  First thing on my list was for Krista to cut my hair.  (Thanks again!)  We got to see our families and Kristen enjoyed playing with her cousins.  Bret blessed Laura on Sunday in the Cedarview Ward and then we had brunch at Mom & Dad's.  We also celebrated all the August & September birthdays, 11 in all.  On Labor Day we went to Michael & Mechelle's for a pool party.  Kristen loved being in the pool, and especially loved being with Bryce.  We spent the night at Shelly's and then headed for the beach with Grandma & Grandpa and Jennifer & Hannah.  Pool Party Video / Pictures

August 30 - Celebrating Birthdays
We celebrated Bret's birthday last week on the 20th.  He was busy working, but we were able to have a special dinner with him and cake for dessert.  Laura continues to get bigger each day and she loves to watch Kristen.  Kristen has become increasingly independent and wants to do everything her self.  Her new favorite phrase is "I try it."  Kristen turns the "Big 2" today and we've had lots of fun.  She got sick 2 days ago, so she's not quite her normal self.  Her appetite is seriously lacking but she still runs wild around the house.  We're hoping that she'll have the "terrific two's" instead of the "terrible two's", but only time will tell.  Spinning Zebra Video & Birthday Presents Video / Pictures

August 18 - Gone Camping
Bret originally had scout stuff to do today, but yesterday we found out that it got cancelled, so we decided to go camping.  This was Kristen's first time, and Laura's too.  We drove up to Flagstaff and got set up.  We hit traffic on our way, so it was getting dark when we got there.  We had a great campfire, ate fajitas for dinner and then made smores.  We all squeezed into the tent and woke up early this morning.  We loved being in the great outdoors and being with each other.  Kristen loved it and we can't wait to go again.  Pictures

August 15 - Our Normal Life
We have finally gotten back into our routine and into our new normal life.  Being home everyday with Kristen and Laura is lots of fun and I have even been able to get some things done around the house too.  Lucky for me, they nap at the same time.  Going out is still a different story.  I've only gone out by myself with both girls twice, and it happened to be on the same day.  Laura had a doctors appointment, and that night we had to go to church for my Activity Day Recognition Evening.  Bret was in New Mexico for work, so I was flying solo.  I'm so thankful that Kristen and Laura were both so good while we were out.  Laura is getting big so fast and is now 12 lbs. 10 oz.  A couple weeks ago Bret took his scouts on a back backing trip and they hiked to the top of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona.  He had a wonderful time and can't wait to do some more back packing.  Kristen Hiding Video / Pictures

August 1 - Two Months Old
Laura is getting so big and making cute little sounds and smiling now.  She is very good at falling asleep on her own and is very patient when she has to wait to eat.  I'll try to take more pictures of her now that she can smile.  Kristen has been quite the helper in the kitchen and likes to help whenever I make anything.  She helped Daddy make homemade bread this last week and it was so yummy!  I think they should do it every weekend.  Making Bread Video / Pictures

July 22 - Two Little Girls
Kristen and Hannah had so much fun together this past week.  They both slept in Kristen's room and Hannah was still on Georgia time, so they woke up at 5:30 each morning.  The days were filled with playing outside in the pool, going for walks in the wagon and lots of giggling.  Tad had a conference here for work at a really nice resort, so we went out to visit him and go swimming at the hotel.  I hadn't planned on Laura going in, but she ended up in the water with her clothes on and it didn't seem to bother her.  The girls loved it and were so exhausted that they fell asleep on the way home.  We had so much fun that we went again the next day, and so I brought a swimsuit for Laura.  They had a lazy river we could float around on inner tubes and 3 other pools and even a waterslide.  Kristen liked the waterslide, but wanted to go down by herself.  Jen, Tad & Hannah left yesterday and Kristen misses them already.  We'll now see what it's like to be just the four of us and see if I survive.  Laura is doing great and has slept 7 hours at night twice, hopefully she can keep it up and soon sleep even longer.   Crazy Girls Video & Waterslide Video / Pictures

July 16 - Family Visits
We had a busy week as Grandma Dee's visit came to an end, and we welcomed Tad, Jennifer & Hannah for a week.  The girls have had lots of fun playing outside, especially in the pool.  They don't seem to care that it's hot outside.  Grandma Dee flew home Saturday and Kristen loved the trip to the airport and watching all the planes take off and land.  Now every time she sees a plane or hears us say airport, she says Grandma.  We went to Makutu's in Tempe and the girls loved climbing, running around, and going down slides.  They have much more energy than the rest of us.  Laura is getting bigger and is now sleeping in her bassinet, instead of in Mommy & Daddy's bed.  Kristen Flip Video, Kristen Pool Slide Video, Hannah Pool Slide Video, Makutus's Video / Pictures 

July 9 - Happy Independence Day
We had lots of fun last week even though we missed Daddy a lot.  Rylie came over to swim with Kristen and even Mommy cooled off in the pool.  We reached 115 last week but will be cooling down to 108 over the next few days.  At Laura's one month appointment she weighed 10 lbs 7 oz.  Needless to say she likes to eat and is growing very fast.  On the 4th of July we went out to eat at Carl's Jr., nothing fancy, but we wanted to do something different.  We were smart enough to stay out of the heat and watch the fireworks on TV at home.  We are so happy that Daddy survived scout camp and is back home with us.  While at camp they had a thunderstorm and Bret was standing 20 yards away from a tree when it got struck by lightning, pretty scary.  As for the future, we are looking forward to Jennifer, Tad & Hannah's visit this week.  Pictures

July 1 - One Month Old
We have now had Laura with us for a whole month and it's already hard to remember what life was like without her.  Kristen has begun paying more attention to Laura and likes to point at (poke) her eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.  Kristen is also very good at letting me know when Laura is crying.  Michael, Mechelle and family made a quick stop here before flying to Tennessee.  Kristen was absolutely thrilled to have her cousins here and especially loved playing with Bryce.  We had a busy week as Daddy went back to work and was preparing for scout camp.  We're glad to have Grandma Dee with us to play with Kristen and so Mommy can get some sleep.  Building Blocks Video & Pictures

June 17 - Happy Father's Day
Today has been a wonderful Father's Day.  (Well, at least I think it was, hopefully Bret did too.)  We ate really good food and even had some homemade ice cream.  Daddy got a gift certificate to go golfing, and a coupon book from the girls to spend time with them.  Grandma Dee got here this past week and Kristen is enjoying the extra attention.  We filled up our big pool as the temperature has reached 112.  Even Grandma couldn't resist hopping in and joining in the fun.  Pictures

June 10 - Family Fun
We have had such a wonderful week as a new family of four.  We went home from the hospital on the 2nd and Laura has been doing great.  She is a great sleeper when she is being held or laying next to Mommy.  Kristen has been pretty distracted by lots of new toys that she hardly notices Laura.  She got a bouncing zebra as a gift from Laura just before we went to the hospital.  Grandpa put it together and she started bouncing right away that she practically ignored us as we were saying goodbye.  The backyard was finished the day we came home from the hospital and Kristen has been pretty busy playing outside ever since.  Grandma & Grandpa had to go back home but we are thankful for all their help while they were here and for watching Kristen while we were at the hospital.  It's very nice to have Bret home for a few weeks while we're adjusting.  Kristen thinks the best part about having a baby sister is that Daddy doesn't go to work.  They have so much fun together no matter what they're doing.  Bouncing Zebra Video, Slip&Slide Video, Big Splashes Video & Pictures

June 1 - Welcome Laura!
Today was the day.  I woke up with contractions just before 6:00 and we got to the hospital at 10:00.  Everything went great and Laura Dee Harrison arrived at 3:39 pm, weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 20 inches long.  Kristen came to the hospital and enjoyed seeing her new little sister.  I'm feeling wonderful and Laura is too.  She looks just like Kristen did when she was born.  We are so grateful that Laura is happy and healthy and look forward to going home soon.  Baby Laura Video & Pictures

May 31 - The Waiting Game
My due date came and went on the 29th and still no Laura.  I don't want to be induced so I will go to the doctor again next week if she doesn't come before then.  Grandma & Grandpa Gage arrived yesterday so hopefully they will still be here when Laura arrives.  Kristen is enjoying playing with them and being the center of attention.  Kristen loves to wash her hands, the down side is how high the water bill will be this month.  The backyard is coming along and will be done in two days.  Even though it is warm outside, we are looking forward to playing in the new yard.  Olives Video & Pictures

May 23 - One Week Left...Maybe
I've been feeling pretty good lately and Kristen has been wonderful.  She loves watching Mickey videos, so I try to make sure she doesn't do it too much.  It is getting warmer here so we don't spend much time outside anymore.  After living here for almost 2 1/2 years, our backyard will finally be landscaped.  They start this Friday and will be done by the beginning of June.  Kristen will love having a place to play and I bought a little pool for her to splash around in this summer.  ***WARNING: Pregnancy information to follow, continue reading at your own risk.***  I am 6 days from my due date and I went to the doctor today and am dilated 2 cm and 80% effaced.  Which doesn't mean much because I was same with Kristen 15 days before she was born.  I think I could use another week to finally get everything ready, but we'll take her whenever she comes.  Pictures

May 13 - Happy Mother's Day
We had a wonderful Mother's Day today!  From Bret I got a new digital camera, and from Kristen I got an ice cream maker.  I opened the ice cream maker Saturday night so Bret went to the store to get the ingredients we needed to make it.  It turned out really good!  Bret got up early and made blueberry muffins, the only thing I've craved during this pregnancy.  The air conditioning went out on the van, and it is in the shop, so we piled into the truck for church.  Stew was in the oven and ready for us when we got home.  We enjoyed being together this weekend after Bret was away in Texas for work last week.  He has busy days still, but will get a break when Laura comes, at least a break from work.

April 30 - One Month To Go
We are nearing the final stretch of my pregnancy with Laura!  I feel huge and the past month has been quite uncomfortable for me, and will probably only get worse this next month.  I have felt exhausted and sleep whenever Kristen naps.  We talk a lot about Baby Laura with Kristen, so hopefully the idea of having a little sister in the house won't be completely foreign.  Kristen has been sleeping in her new bed for over a month now and seems to really like it.  Bret has been putting in long hours at work, but goes in early so he can be home before Kristen goes to bed.  We made an unexpected trip to Fresno this past month for the funeral of Bret's Grandpa (Gramps).  And sadly, 17 days later, his Grandma (Mimi) also passed away.  We will miss them, but glad that they are together again.  Pictures 

April 8 - Happy Easter
We had a great Easter Sunday starting with church at 8:00.  We all took a long nap after church and woke up to find trails of Easter eggs around the house.  Kristen was so excited when she woke up and saw all the eggs.  She started putting the eggs in her basket, but once she realized there was something at the end of the trail, she stopped picking up the eggs and went straight to the end of each path.  She searched for more Easter eggs downstairs and then we went outside to try out her new Piggy Bubble Blower.  She had a wonderful day and I think her favorite thing was being with Daddy all day long.  Today was also her first time in nursery since she has been sick or we were out of town.  She didn't do so hot, we ended up staying in there with her the whole time.  Hopefully she will get used to it soon.  Bunny Trail Video & Easter Eggs Video & Bubbles Video / Pictures

April 7 - Mommy's Little Helper
Kristen loves to help me clean.  Any time I grab a Clorox wipe, she wants one too.  When she is finished eating she likes to wash the table and the floor.  l have even caught her cleaning the walls all on her own.  She also likes to help me with the laundry; putting dirty clothes in the washer, the wet clothes in the dryer, and the dry clothes into a basket.  But when I wash her "blankie" I have to do it without her seeing, otherwise she likes to keep it.  Pictures

March 20-28 - Georgia on My Mind
We spent a week in Georgia visiting Jennifer, Tad & Hannah.  The scenery is quite different than what we're used to in Arizona or California.  There are trees everywhere and the roads go up and down the hills with lots of curves.  Kristen even noticed as she got car sick our second day there.  We had a great time and doing lots of really cool things.  We were able to relax some and enjoy a nice vacation.  We played at the park, shopped at the mall, saw a laser/light show with fireworks, visited the Georgia Aquarium, went to Stone Mountain, and played with Hannah's cool toys.  This was also Kristen's first plane trip, and she did pretty good.  Kristen & Hannah loved playing together and miss each other already.  Bouncing Zebra Video & Georgia Aquarium Video & Ride the Ducks Video / Pictures

March 15 - Latest Trip to Disneyland & Fresno
We spent last week at Disneyland and Fresno but Kristen and I have both been sick since we got home, which is why it has taken me so long to get the pictures up. We got to our hotel on a Sunday night and Kristen kept pointing across the street and saying "D" (it's how she says Disneyland).  She somehow knew where we were and wanted to go, but we had to wait until Monday.  After having lots of fun on Monday and Tuesday, we drove to Fresno and spent a few days with family.  Kristen enjoyed playing at her cousins house but wasn't too sure about her first trip to the snow.  She also loves her new tractor & trailer that Granddad Harrison fixed up for her.  (It was Mike & Bret's when they were little.)  This was our last trip until after Laura arrives but anybody is welcome to come visit us, if you can stand the heat.  Slide Video & Roller Ramp Video & Snow Video / Pictures

March 3 - Words, Words, Words
I haven't been very good about taking pictures this past month or writing anything new.  Daddy is still really busy at work so there hasn't been much going on.  The most exciting thing is that Kristen is learning lots of new words and has even expanded on some of her animal sounds.  Her animals now include: dog, cat, cow, pig, horse, sheep, chicken, crocodile, rooster, rabbit, snake, owl, duck, fish, frog, caterpillar, elephant, bear, lion, tiger, monkey, gorilla, bird, seal, and I'm sure there's a few I've forgotten.  Some of her words are more clear than others, but we understand when she's telling us something.  She now says the following words regularly: mama, dada, Kristen, cup, juice, milk, water, outside, book, bath, baby, bye-bye, hello, please, moon, cheese, Jesus, Paul, Hannah, Becca, Mickey, Minnie, ball, balloon, uh-oh, shoes, walk, whoa, Buckeye and she continues to add more each day.  She is now 1 1/2 and will be going to nursery at church for the first time tomorrow.  Hopefully it goes well.

February 7 - Back Home
Kristen and I are finally back home after spending the past month in California.  January was the beginning of Daddy's really busy season, so we went on a little vacation.  Kristen got sick right before we left, so we almost didn't go as planned.  She was practically sick the whole month with a cold and Fifth Disease.  We left on January 3rd and met Grandma & Grandpa at Disneyland and spent a day and half there.  Kristen did really well for being sick but I think she could have had more fun.  Pictures 

We got to go to Bakersfield for Sarah's blessing and got to be with lots of family.  We tried to visit everybody, but still missed a few.  We got to spend a lot of time with Jennifer and Hannah who were visiting from Georgia.  While we were there Kristen added quite a few new animal noises and some real words too.  And she had great time to learn how to say "Minnie" right before we went to Disneyland.   Pictures 

Daddy flew to Fresno on the 2nd of February and was able to go with us to Disneyland on our way back home.  We had such a wonderful time together as a family at the happiest place on earth.  Kristen got to see lots of characters and give them hugs.  She saw Goofy and Donald as they were leaving and walked after them with her arms spread wide open, but didn't catch them.  We did whatever Kristen wanted to do, with the exception of Pirates of the Caribbean, she really didn't care for it.  Kristen loved the Parade, Dumbo, the Teacups, Mark Twain Riverboat, Tarzan's Treehouse, and her favorite, The Tiki Room.  Another one of Kristen's favorite things to do is to run around in circles laughing, and she does it everywhere.  Teacups Video & Running in Circles Video & Minnie Mouse Video / Pictures

January 2 - It's a Girl
We went to the doctor today and found out we are having another little girl.  We are very excited.