One Decade Old

I can't believe I have a 10 year old. Rees hit the double digits this year. He was afraid I would be in the hospital for his bday, but Lydia was so considerate and came early. Alas his bday wasn't too exciting since I was still trying to cope with everything. Grandma Snyder was here to help. The Sat. before Jared took him out to dinner to Olive Garden, he was super excited. Jared also took him shopping with some money we gave him and he got a big Lego set. We didn't do much on his actual bday. He played a little and watched a movie. I took him to KFC for his lunch. We then came home and we had a breakfast dinner that he requested.

Opening a couple presents in the morning of his Bday.

Much needed socks, he actually was excited. He also got some needed shorts. I know so exciting, but he did use all his money on the Lego Set. We let him watch Prince of Persia the next night also - he was sooo excited and has been begging to watch it again since. He later bought some more lego sets with some grandma cash.

Rees requested a chocolate cake peanut butter cup ice cream bday cake with orange buttercream icing.

Can't believe you are ten! We love you Rees, you are such a good older brother to all your siblings and so sweet to help all your younger siblings out and play with them. You have a creative brilliant mind and we love you very much!

Rees 4

Rees 3. You've grown so much!

Bike Gang

A few months ago Darin tried riding his bike. He did ok. He would wobble and fall and crash. He soon got a scooter for his Bday and rode that for many months. The day before Lydia was born he asked Jared to help him on his bike again. He got on and took off. Now he is a bike riding machine.

Darin riding his bike like he owns the road.

He is so proud!

Now you can find Darin cruising the neighborhood with all his buddies riding in a bike gang. Now he needs to try the next size up, that bike looks teeny. Way to go Darin!

She's Finally Here!!

Lydia Stenson was born July 12, 2011. (yes, yesterday) She was 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 22 in. She came quickly and perfectly. I had her all natural, no tearing - I'm pretty proud of that, and no IV - I was excited about that. Jared helped catch her and cut the cord. She came so fast we didn't even have our camera so I made Jared run down to the car and get the camera after her birth. We are so blessed to have her in our family!

The ugly mom just had a baby shot.

My sweet girl, I made them move the towel that they wrapped her in so I could check just to make sure. :)

Getting her bath.

The boys all came to finally meet her. Dad was changing her diaper and of course they all had to check that out.

Darin and Lydia.

Tagg grabbed her like a football, thank goodness Jared has good hands.

Rees was cool because he could actually hold her without help.

Luke too.

I forgot this pic earlier...my cute kids.

Her first girlie outfit. That made it more real to see her in pink. She loves to eat already and only likes to be held. This could be interesting little princess. We are so glad she is healthy and strong and are literally tickled pink!

Uncle Trevor Came to Town

My little brother drove up to Portland for a wedding and borrowed a car to make the trip down to us to visit. Our boys were so excited that Uncle Trevor was coming to town. We went swimming with him (thanx Hales) and the boys had a blast being launched and just playing with him. Jared came along thank goodness because Tagg was everywhere. I just hung out with my fat feet in the pool.

The boys with Trevor.

All the swimming boys.

Every one needs a strong uncle to launch you as far as they can. Darin loved it!

We later came home and had our Friday night pizza and a movie with him. He spent the night and played a little Wii before heading out the next morning.

It was good to hang out with my little brother, catch up and spend some time with him. Thanks Trevor for making the effort to come see us! We had lots of fun! (yes, that is my huge belly at the bottom of the pic, I thought I would have a baby by now, but she is taking her sweet time and I am getting huge in the mean time)

Independance Day 2011

We started our 4th of July early with a ward flag ceremony and pancake breakfast. Jared went early with the boys to set up. Jared ended up conducting the Star Spangled Banner for it and got heckled for the shirt he was wearing. I was going to take a pic of him but never did. He was wearing a BYU shirt that had red, white and blue...the red was at the end of the phrase "BYU dominates the U." So that's my patriotic husband, true blue.

Some good friends invited us to go swimming, which made our boys day since we had no concrete plans.

Luke falling in.

The boys had a blast playing and falling backwards in the water.

Taking a ice pop break by the pool. Jared stayed home doing work while Tagg napped.

We had a little neighborhood BBQ and then it was time for the fireworks. We had some good friends that made some trips to Boomtown to load up. Thinking we might have a baby by now, we didn't buy anything this year. Thanks friends for letting us join in!!

They scared Taggy and he went from clinging to Jared to under the blanket on my lap most the night.

These pics aren't so great, but hey it's what you get.

Darin and Luke

The Dads had long sparklers and tried to do a mini fire dance, it was pretty funny. Jared is on the far left.

They had tons of sparklers they passed out to the kiddos.

Tagg mustered up some courage from dad to try a sparkler.

We had a pretty kick back day. Thanks to friends that made this day into something! We had a blast - ha ha pun intended! Happy 4th! Thanks to all those who serve our country so we can have the freedoms that we do!