Things going on with Riley and Chloe

They just got new bunk beds, that I adore! Chloe is 2 1/2 and has been climbing out of her crib for quite a while, a big girl bed was long overdue. They love just "kickin it" it their beds. Riley has been letting us know that when we put them to bed, Chloe climbs up the ladder to get into her bed, and Riley has to send her back down. My Mom gave me these cute "shabby chic" quilts, that go great with the already green theme of the room.

The greatest thing about these beds is that they separate into 2 stand alone beds... something for me to look forward to! Most of all I love them because My girls love them, and they were so excited to finally get them. We love to have them sleeping so close to one another. (Please pay no attention to that big blue rail, I really despise the way it looks, but with kids, its gotta be safety first!)


On to cooking! I LOVE cooking with my girls. I don't know if its a girl thing, and I wonder if I had a boy if he would enjoy cooking with me? My girls always want to help, and Riley at a really great age, she knows where a lot of items are in the kitchen and can go get things for me. Chloe is on her way...she's at the age where she likes to squish the butter between her fingers before she puts it in the bowl.
This particular night we made some yummy, couldn't stop eating them, chocolate chip toffee cookies.
And these little aprons were a gift from Aunt Traci, bought at a little craft store in Washington or Canada or somewhere... don't matter, they're adorable with their names on them and all.

The Jacksons came back!

We miss these people!

Melissa and Dana came out to visit from Utah, and we were so excited to see them, we wish they had more time here. Everytime we see them, its like they've never been gone! We miss their little girls too.

Move back soon!! OK?

A new year in preschool!

I was excited to have Chloe all to myself today! However, when we drove away she started screaming for Riley, and wouldn't calm down for quite some time. I'm glad she missed her sister, I didn't expect it. We did end up having a good time together (after some fruit snacks).

At school with her "new school year" gift for her teacher. And Riley with 2 of her good friends in class. She reported afterwards that her day was good!

Labor Day Weekend

This past weekend we had the chance to go visit Mike's Mom, and some other family in Roseville. It was a nice relaxing time with good laughs and good food! The girls loved playing with everyone in the family!

Here is the Beall Clan

L to R - Jason, Toby Genny(Grandma), Terry, Riley, Jaime, Mike, Chloe, Abby

On the way up, just to break up the trip, we stopped at the jelly belly factory. So many of our friends have been there, and we finally had the chance to go! It was so fun, and we learned some interesting facts and history of the jelly belly!

All in all, a very lovely weekend!

Soccer Season Begins!

Riley is starting on a team league this year. I'm so excited to see her first game! She was so excited to begin her practice. I think she got a little intimidated, because some of the other kids are a bit older and didn't give her a chance with the ball. When we left she said "I'm the worst kicker ever" poor girl. We've had to talk about not giving up and just run and have fun, oh and not to let the kids take the ball away - GO AND GET IT BACK! Mike especially, because he is assistant coaching.

We should be in for an exciting season!! Go Riley!

A visit from my parents!

My Mom and Dad came out from St. George last week. They split their time between us, and my sister Traci in Modesto. We had such a blast! We were constantly going and going, except at night when we konked out, because we had so much fun!

Here are some fun pictures of just a few of the things we did:

The first day we went to Capitola. We watched all the surfers, walked all the village shops, and ate at a yummy lunch there.

(this is the only pic I have its from a phone - can you see us?( its Traci, me, Dad & Mom)

My parents stayed in a hotel. The first thing my girls did when they went in, was climb in the bed and ask to watch a show - not surprising.

We went swimming in the hotel pool. We were so happy it was heated! Its been a really cool August for us here, which is nice, but not when you want to get your swim on!

Every time my sister visits, we have to make a trip to Powells Sweet Shoppe. I wish I had a picture of it, its the coolest candy/ice cream shop ever. It has every kind candy imaginable. Its in our little downtown area. Then we walked down the streets to look at all the cool little shops, while the kids ate their candy - and Chloe stopped to climb trees.

I love Conner's face, while Chloe is trying to climb down.

We had a great trip. I'm so glad my parents came. Riley and Chloe adored them, not to mention, they bought us all kinds of goodies while they were here. I hope they can come back soon!

Micke grove with my Sister

My sister Julie is moving to England for 3 years!!! Her husband, James got an assignment there through the military, so off they go. They took a tour through Cali, visiting all their friends & family before they left, and we were one of those stops. (not quite in san jose though)

We met them in a little place called Lodi, CA. There is this zoo called Micke Grove, and its just perfect for all our little toddlers. We used to go there when I was growing up, so it brought back a little nostalgia. They have this beautiful Japanese garden, that I remember my Grandpa Klingman loved when he came to visit.

Here is our day:

The Japanese Garden

The Zoo

The Kiddie Train




( I love this pic of my sister and me. I'm closing my eyes, and Jules doesn't look quite ready, I had to post it, because its the only pic of her little guy Carson)

It was such a a fun Day! I'm glad we got to spend one last day with them before they left. We're going to miss their family for the next 3 years!!

My Riley

A friend from the ward took this at an activity and I just thought it was so cute, I had to post it. We adore this little girl.

I love this guy

Who else would want to spend eternity with ME??

Independance Day 2010

I'm not putting my pictures in any order. I'm just going to "journal" what we did this past 4th of July.

July 3:

Went to see Eclipse, the big movie! We thought it was pretty good.

We drove to Manteca (have you heard of that place before?) Its a small town in the Central Valley. My sister Traci, said there was a good fireworks show. So we met her for a delicious dinner at Red Robin. Then we headed over to the stadium for some fireworks. It was a pretty cool setup, they had all the regular concessions, kettle korn, shaved ice, hot dogs, margaritas - no thank you for obvious reasons :)

Anyways, we just had a blast hanging out, playing, and talking.

The best part of our night was Chloe. She is sooooo afraid of things. The kids were all playing a little way off and it was getting dark. They let off a firework to let the crowd know the show was starting, and all the kids screamed an ran back to their parents excited to see the fireworks.

Poor Chloe had no idea what was going on! She burst into hysterical screams, not sure where to go with all the kids running everywhere. When she got to us, her little heart was beating out of her chest and she was just shaking! She kept saying " wanna go home, wanna go home"

Oh my! She finally calmed down, and by the end was saying oooh and aaah like everyone else.

We made it home safely at midnight!

July 4

Made it to 9:00 church after getting home so late. Had some great lessons. As I get older I appreciate more and more just how lucky we are to be in this country! I was touched by the words of the songs Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful. It is so wonderful to be in a country where I can make my own choices and believe what I want to believe!

Went to a rad BBQ with some friend in our ward. Good food and good laughs, you can't beat that!

July 5

My first nephews birthday! I just had to say that! Happy Birthday Conner! Went to a ward pancake breakfast. Riley decided it would be fun to kiss a boy on his cheek. twice. Seriously?

Anyways, we had an awesome weekend of celebrating America!