Flaming Gorge 2012

An annual tradition for the Green family is to gather at Flaming Gorge for camping, fishing, and some good old-fashioned Green family fun.

We've been unable to make it for the past couple years. In fact, the last time we went, I was 16 weeks pregnant with Sophie.  So yeah, it's been a while.  When it came to it, I couldn't pass up another opportunity to make good memories with my family.  My kids don't get to see the Green family too much and I don't either.  I missed them dearly and knew any trouble or chaos would be worth the trip (opinions may vary depending on the source).

I was raised fishing and camping and spending free time enjoying the outdoors.  I really want that for our kids and being on this trip with my brothers and dad really sparked that inside me.

We practically commandeered my dad's fifth wheel upon arrival which was a DREAM to have with Pearl and Eloise who still aren't walking.  They had a nice warm place to sleep (and I did too).

Jonah and Sophie had a blast with their cousins.  Jonah was really excited to catch Kokanee Salmon and requested that we eat our salmon the day we got home.  He got to ride in the tube in the lake and had such a fun time.  He did not, however, enjoy the drive to and from the lake.  Sophie played with Nellie and Gracie and enjoyed going at a leisurely pace in the boat (not 60 mph with Uncle Josh).

One night I was able to leave the kids with Jon and go out fishing with my three brothers.  I can't even tell you how much fun I had.  It was one of the best experiences I've had in a very long time.  We sat there on the boat, fishing, talking, and laughing.

Pearly exlporing Grandpa's boat

Naptime?

Post-Tubing Enthusiasm

Bathing in Grandpa's trailer

Bush Family

Grandpa with all the Kidlets

Another Year Gone

It's funny.  I was always so eager to see the months pass with Jonah and see his new tricks and was always waiting for the next stage.  It's something that gets more difficult with each child.  I find myself holding on for dear life while my kids zip through their early years in the blink of an eye.

Pearl and Eloise turned one last month. ONE.  I'm not going to lie--I was a little sad about it.  The year flew by but I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of their first year.  I wasn't am not ready for them to be toddlers, walking all over the place and talking.

It was a bitter sweet day, June 5, but the feeling that overshadowed all others was of gratitude.  I'm grateful my babies were healthy and have grown and developed the way they're supposed to and that Jon and I have been well and have been able to enjoy every minute of these miracles together.  So really, what's not to celebrate?!

Pearl, you are a darling ball of sass (I wonder where she gets it?).  You make funny faces and often give me sideways glances of mischief.  You are a bit bossier than your sister and often get what you want, leaving your sister in tears (don't worry, I think she'll forgive you).  On your first birthday, you head-butted your sister in the cart at Target because she had something you wanted.  It took my by surprise and I had a good laugh watching you acknowledge your sister in such an obvious way.  You are a very happy baby and love to eat.  You eat anything I give you and get very excited when I go to the pantry and come out with Nilla Wafers.

Sweet Baby Eloise, you are very laid back and love to observe the world around you.  I think perhaps you take after your dad a little more than me.  You fall asleep so easily and hardly ever put up a fuss.  You love eating, especially Oreos and string cheese.  You are learning how to defend yourself against your sister and her tactics and I'm sure she's backed down on several attempted toy heists.  You learned to crawl before Pearl and are standing up without holding on to anything. My guess is you'll be walking in 2 months.

Pool party in the "Piece of Jungle" (which is now retired and on its way to the garbage)

Bear Lake Girls' Weekend

Last weekend was spent with three of the most wonderful women I know.  My sister-in-law, Audra, planned an outing to Bear Lake for the Green girls.  It was wonderful. We relaxed in the condo, ate whatever we wanted, went for runs, played at the beach, walked to and from town, and watched plenty of sappy, love flicks.

It's getting more difficult to travel without kids these days so as a compromise for allowing me to go, I took the babies along with me.  They were perfect little travelers and didn't mind sleeping in their pack 'n plays in the large master bathroom.  I missed the big kids and couldn't help but think they'd love to be there with me.  Maybe we'll make it a family trip someday.

Eloise snuggles with Auntie Lala

Bathing Beauties

Our First Chores

It was a day of cleaning splendor.  My hair was up in a messy bun, grown-out bangs too short for my pony-tail stuck to my sweaty forehead.  I had just cleaned the kids' room for the umpteenth time and then it hit me, like a ton of bricks except less painful.  The kids need chores! It's time!

I decided to consult one of my best friends, Pinterest, and I found this idea.  Chore sticks.  We ran to Hobby Lobby and my mind raced with creative ideas on how to make it happen.  I picked up some mason jars, some craft sticks, a little glitter and voila!  My kids are excited to turn over their sticks each time they finish a chore.  And better yet, they have "special" chores that when finished, they get paid for. 

It's been a week and so far I'm nagging much less and finding much less resistance when I ask for chores to be done.  It must be the officiality of it all.  Now that their chores are written on sticks and they have their own jars, they know it needs to be done. 

Growing up my mom tried many different chore charts and methods to get us all to pitch in.  I'm sure we still complained and didn't always do our chores (evidence being the Mom Strike of 1997 and the resulting lock-out of the kids' bathroom.  We had to clean it or use the port-o-potty across the street for the construction workers) but we learned how to clean and the importance of helping each other manage the household duties.  I love my mom and dad for teaching these things and I hope I can help my kids become productive and helpful citizens of society.

11 Months, and no more.

I am NOT OK with the fact that my babies will be one year next month.  Just as everyone said, the first year goes by alarmingly fast.  I wouldn't say it was a blur of exhaustion, though.  I relished every moment and especially loved that I got to spend most of it with my love, hand in hand, raising our doublettes.  His unemployment was a blessing in disguise and I truly believe Heavenly Father was watching over us every step of the way.  Getting through most of their first year together was like dessert at the end of a really long, hard day. 

Not much has changed in the way of milestones but they are mimicking sounds and words and I'm amazed at how smart babies are.  Not just MY babies, but babies in general--their little brains are like sponges, just sucking up information left and right.

Pearly

Beauties with their first ponies

Pearly playing with big brother.

They are always right next to (or on top of) each other. Precious.

Eloise

Pearl

Eloise and her "Oh!" face

Princess Sophie

Ah, Sophie. She's one sassy-pants princess!  Boy was she excited to be invited to a real princess tea party this month.  Our cute neighbor turned five and her parents threw a darling garden party in their back yard.  Sophie dressed in her favorite princess dress from Mimi, threw on her Rapunzel wig, and a few accessories--because what's an outfit without the perfect accessories?!  She looked perfect and was thrilled to give her friend the Rapunzel treasure box she found...and really wanted to keep.  Those princess shoes were pretty, but slightly difficult to walk in so Mommy carried her across the street to the party.  She had a ball.

10 Months

Have I mentioned what a joy it is to have twins? I'm seriously in love with these babies and everything about them.  My sister-in-law told me the other day that a baby's face causes endorphins to be released in adults.  Oh my, how this is true!  My heart practically melts when I see them.  I don't mean to brag but goodness, Pearl and Eloise are the best babies.  They hardly fuss unless they're hungry or tired and even then, they're easily soothed.

At this point it's still difficult for anyone outside the family to tell them apart.  Pearl's face is a bit narrower and Eloise has round cheeks but that's about all you get.  It used to be that Eloise was the mellow one (for a few months) but she's caught back up and their personalities are very similar.  Eloise falls asleep a little easier at night while Pearl sometimes fusses a bit before giving up and closing her eyes.  They both love eating, just like Mom and Dad, and have managed to keep the rolls that Sophie and Jonah so quickly got rid of.

Eloise crawls and Pearl still prefers her one-armed army crawl.  They've discovered the kitchen cabinets and drawers, thereby causing Grandpa Bush to spend an entire day installing baby-proof latches. 

A Graduate

We're so proud of our Jonah Boy.  He is now officially a preschool graduate.  I can't believe he'll be heading off to kindergarten this fall.  I've tried not to worry too much about the politics and issues with the public school system and have decided to be a little more relaxed about his first year of school.  Let kids be kids, right?  I am a little worried about him getting bored as he's already reading very well and even reads the scriptures for us at night.  He's extremely verbal and intelligent and I hope he feels challenged enough to enjoy learning. 

We loved Jonah's teacher this year and the school was wonderful.  He felt comfortable there since he went to the same school last year.  When I asked Jonah about his graduation he said he felt pretty proud being a graduate just like Daddy was last year. 

He would often come home these last couple of months practicing his songs for his final program.  The repertoire included songs like "Skinamarinky Dinky Dink" and "Ants Go Marching" among other favorites.  He was baffled that I knew the words to some of them and asked, "Hey! How do you know that song, Mom?!" 

Jonah's favorite things to do right now are play outside with his friends, ride his bike, and build Legos.  From the moment his breakfast is done, he's out the door and usually only comes back in for lunch and dinner.  Thank goodness for a wonderful neighborhood with great kids and parents.

Jonah with is friends Ole (left) and Alex.

Tug o war with the teachers

Sophie cracks me up. She models things so seriously.  This reminds me of a picture from the '90s.

She loved field day as much as anyone

Jonah with Ms Wendy

Easter 2012

We celebrated Easter with that traditional egg hunt with the neighborhood kids, dyed eggs, and took family pictures with our coordinating Easter-ware.  I love being able to celebrate holidays like a kid.  It makes things much more exciting and gives me an excuse to do all the fun things I used to do as a kid.  It's even more fun watching my own kids enjoy it all.

My little fashionista

I love this picture. It reminds me of a picture my dad took of my mom, sister, and me when we were little.  We all wore pink dresses.  I wanted one with my girls.

9 Months

Eloise and Pearl have reached 9 months.  They've been out of the womb just longer than they were in.  The ladies in my twins forum call this the "In/Out Day".  My girls were born at 37 weeks and 5 days so their In/Out Day was March 25, 2012.

Both girls are scooting, sitting up, and love eating baby foods.  No matter what their moods, bath time is always a happy time, albeit a tricky one trying to wrangle to squirmy, slippery babies.  Thank goodness for Jon and his amazing willingness to help me with the kids.  We're truly equal partners in raising our children and I love him for it.