Sweet, Sweet Tay

So, we got quite a surprise when we went in to check on Taylee after her nap the other day. She had somehow found a bag of DumDum suckers, and instead of napping, she ate them. We counted 8 sucker sticks and wrappers. She was quite "happy" the rest of the day.


Jake has been really busy lately with Softball, and long work hours. So, the kids hardly leave him alone when he is around. I let him deal with them the best he can, because it's good for him. I only step in if it's absolutely necessary.

Nature, and sorry Natali

As soon as I saw Princess Giselle on the movie, "Enchanted," I thought of my sister, Natali. She has many gifts and talents, but one of her greatest is her companionship, and deep love for nature. She almost has a sixth sense for finding abandoned, and forlorn animals, and taking them in, and healing them. She loves the great outdoors, and loves camping, hiking, climbing, the whole bit. Let's just say, that's not me. This is why I am apologizing beforehand to her for what we did today.

After I got back from Idaho, I noticed a new little present left under one of the boughs of our porch. It was an exquisite bird's nest. I immediately thought that it had to go. After all, don't all little animals, and their waste have diseases and stuff? My kids play on the porch. Well, yesterday was the day to do it, I told Jake. My heart cried when I saw two little perfect blue robin eggs. I know, I'm a terrible person, but it had to be done. I'm sorry Natali!

It was quite amazing how a little bird could make this nest. It was so perfect.

It's been quite a few years since I have seen nature so up close.

The kids loved it, and kept waiting for the little birdies to pop out, and say hi to them.

Spring Cleaning. . . Whether I want to or not!

So, I've never been much of a Spring Cleaner. I remember doing it ever year at our house, and especially my Grammie's when I was younger. In fact, I think she would usually make me do it all by myself, while she did other things. But, I still love her for it! Anyways, this summer we have a fun house guest. My sister, Whitney, decided to brave the big city, and spend the summer working and living in the Evergreen state with us. I'm so excited for her to be here, and know that we will have many great adventures together. However, this meant that our playroom/office had to be emptied out to make a room for her. I was procrastinating this for awhile, and actually hadn't done anything before I left for our trip. This meant that Jake had to do it. I'm sure you are all thinking, "Well, that's okay, less work for you, huh!" But, that's not the case. My dear husband is many things, but he has never been the best cleaner. He is very good at moving things around, but really finding places for things, and deep cleaning, he leaves to me. The kids' rooms were piled high with boxes and bags of toys that were previously kept upstairs. In fact, you could barely open Taylee's door. After trying to ignore it for a few days, I decided it was finally time to tackle this job. And, what a job it has been! I once again realized that my kids have way too many things. (I blame it all on their Grandma. She spoils them rotten!) Let's just say that the next group of youngsters to step into the nearest Salvation Army will be in heaven! Next, I need to tackle the paperwork. Wish me luck!!

This goes out to all the fans!

The "Fox" song is a big tradition for our family. And the second one is Ben's version of a Princess song, which Taylee specifically asked for.

Beautiful Baby Cameron

The highlight of the trip was spending time with my new nephew, Cameron. Oh, how I have ached to see this boy! He is such a joy, and I revelled in every moment I spent with him. He, once again, gave me my "Baby Fix." (That is, until Jer and Mo decide to have another). I have such a wonderful family. I feel so blessed that we are such close friends, and love spending time with one another. I don't like living so far away, but it makes the times we get together that much sweeter!

At 2 months, he is smiling, and giggling like a champ!

I could hold him like this all day long!

This is Cameron's favorite position. Holly and I have what Shon calls the "Bounce and Sway." It is usually the sure fire thing to lull babies. Most guys cannot re-create it, no matter how they try.
What a cute little Chub!

Leo's Fun Place = Flu for my kids

Leo's is a fun pizza place in Idaho Falls that has this big jungle gym, arcade games, and quarter rides. I have never taken my kids to one of these places, because I am way too scared about all the germs. But, after much persuasion from Holly, and my mom, I gave in. Taylee was too scared of the jungle gym, but loved the rides and games. Rohne soaked everything in. We sanitized, and sanitized. I thought we got through unscathed until Rohne started throwing up Friday night, and Tay followed the next morning. No one else got sick at all. My only assumption is that all of the germs at Leo's were just too much for my little ones to handle. Maybe someday I will take them again, so they can start getting used to it.

Rohne climbed, and slid, and dove. It was actually a really great thing.

All the kids on the tractor, where Tay spent most of her time. Thank you, Grandma Honey, for forking over all the tokens and quarters.

"Are we at Idaho yet?"

On Wednesday, we drove to Idaho Falls. We spent a lot of time with my sister, Holly, and her 3 boys. My brother, Bryan, lives in Rigby, and had a birthday we helped to celebrate. Then, my other brother, Ben, came up from Ogden on Friday night, and we spent time with him. The only one missing was Nat. But, we sorely missed her, and thought about her a ton. I don't know why I didn't take many pictures of us all together. I don't have any of Bryan and his wife, and didn't get one of Ben's beautiful wife, and their baby, Josh. Who, by the way, is quite the cutie pie. We got all the kids together on Sunday morning, and went to Walmart and got a grandkids photo. Trying to get 8 kids to sit still was a challenge, but we think it turned out great. I can't wait until we see it!!

Dancing and singing is always the norm at Hamblin get togethers. Ben played the guitar, and the kids danced and sang along.

Holly's boys are blonde, and Ben's have brown hair. But, all of the grandkids have blue eyes. The cousins were lined up here, waiting to play with the fire truck. I think that Tyler organized it, and it eliminated a lot of fighting!

Tyler, Holly's oldest, and the oldest grandson, is in Kindergarten this year. He has learned to read, and entertained everyone with this newfound skill. One of the favorite books was "The Ants Go Marching." He loves to make the cousins laugh. So cute!

Everyone took turns holding the new baby. Although, I don't know if he liked it so much!

Taylee and Ben's 2nd boy, Jakey. (Not named after my husband) He is the one that looks most like the Hamblin side.