Wiser Family

Happy Birthday Leah and more...

2010-03-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

I know it's cliche, but I can't believe my Leah is one! I swear I just had her! She is a sweet, easy-going baby, that always makes me smile! Her best "buddy" is Allie who she follows around all day, except at nap time and dinner time when she finds me! When Allie sleeps she scoots down the hall to Allie's door and sticks her little fingers under- until Allie laughs and comes to play! She too loves the bath and bath time is usually around a half hour, only because I want them out.

For her birthday...

We had all been sick with colds and mine had even turned to Bronchitis, so the party planning had to all be done that day including the gifts from family since they had sent money and gift cards for me to get her a present! That night we had Leah's fav. food and cupcakes with family. She loved opening her present and especially loved the new toy she got. We even let her stay up for awhile since she was having so much fun playing with it!

Leah

Special skills: her unique scoot, high fives, repeating letter sounds

Says: mama dada hi

Development: starting to pull up on things. She has 5 1/2 teeth and curly hair growing in.

Favorite food: spaghetti and go-gurt

past time: pulling things out of any bag, baths, and being with mom or Allie, reading books

toy: my phone , balls, and baby's, books, and play kitchen

Ask me if I care?

Ask me If I care that my three and one yr. old are splashing water all over the kitchen and themselves! No! Look how happy they are! Just prior they had both been whining and driving me crazy! Water is a blessing!

Allie is pretty famous in the ward for her singing and dancing skills! We had a family baptism where she enthusiastically sang "I am a Child of God" and everyone commented afterwards!

Tonight we are singing at the Clark house here in town for some volunteer work. Allie has done so well at the practices and sings so cute! I hope she develops a true talent for it!

She just got a haircut- which i have mixed feelings about since I love long hair! It doesn't get tangled now and it is growing on me! Pictures to follow! Allie has been helping a lot lately and even gets upset if I end up doing something that she was trying to help with! I love that girl!

Pictures: A friend in the ward wanted to practice her sweet photography skills on Leah, and so I got to have some adorable pictures taken.

A few favorite things...

2010-02-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

For journaling purposes, (since this is usually the only journaling I actually get done) I thought I should write what some of our current favorites are! We all love playing RockBand and are currently touring the world. We have even allowed some guest appearances from other family and friends. (Picture below is of Allie singing with her "microphone" and her cousin Cameron playing the guitar.) Even leah claps in excitement and rocks back and forth dancing. Everyone is impressed with Zach's lack of Shame!

Yes, my Leah is so special! She even "crawls" or should I say scoots special! I don't know if it is just by choice, her creativity, lazy, the fact that she is a"genius", or just because we have wood floors, but whatever the reason she chooses to scoot and is pretty fast! Especially when there is something small dropped onto the floor like money, food, keys, or any of allie's princess toys! She loves scooting back to play in Allie's room the most, probably because that is the only room that is pretty much guaranteed to have something "fun" on the floor.(video shown below)

Bubbles! I know every kid loves bubbles, mine are no exception. Allie has dumped many bottles of various body cleansing products into the tub in hopes of creating a never ending supply of bubbles. Unfortunately Leah is a perfect target for bubble decor.

Allie loves painting, coloring, school, and anything creative. She is even creative with her room style. She adds various colors to the doors, dresser, bed, wall, toys, etc. Yes... still. I probably could have supplied an entire school with the amount of markers, crayons, etc. I have thrown away.

The way we know Allie truly loves something... she sneaks it when we aren't looking (even if we don't care), and runs back to her room to hide it under her bed or pillow until night, so she can then sleep with it. These are usually Leah's things, cards and valentines that were sent to her in the mail, food, or make-up.

Allie is obsessed with birthdays and parties! She loves Birthday cake and when she learns it was a friends birthday she tells them a hundred times "happy birthday" and asks about birthday cake. Recently she has had the opportunity to go to many princess birthday parties which are her fav.!

Zach has been really busy starting the business and so unfortunately Allie and Leah have picked up on a few things.

Leah loves her sister and doing anything with her, especially laughing together! They both have a great laugh, unlike me!

Leah loves smiling with her new goofy teeth and saying "hi"anytime anyone enters the room!

Zach and I love laughing at all the silly things our girls do. One of our favorite things; the crazy legs Leah gets when she is excited! (video below)

We love Leah's new teeth. They look ridiculous! The picture tells all!

Our new Sat. date night! There are pro's to having another adult practically living at your house! (Jason you know we love you - I'm just teasing) Saturday's we have been putting the kids to bed and then going out for "us" time! I love it and definately need it! Eventhough sometimes we come home only an hour later because there aren't many things to do in this small town that don't take planning, it is great to just dress up and go out with my love!

How amazing the weather has been this year, here. Besides the frequent rain, I have no complaints about the weather here. I was so worried to live in the cold and cloudy darkness again, but this part of Idaho is beautiful and it has been one of the more mild winters. The rain really isn't that bad either since I have become used to it living back east.

Loving my calling- I've been in primary forever- so it was so awesome to get something new in RS and I am loving it!

I could go on- but these are just a few things! the end.

Christmas - just the four of us!

2010-01-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to stay home for Christmas after all the chaotic moving! That also left us the perfect opportunity to start our own traditions with the kids. The traditions began by our Christmas tree picking adventure! We got a 5$ permit and drove (like 15 min.) to the National Forrest and began looking for the perfect Christmas tree!

We had researchedwhich type we wanted and decided that we would get a 9 ft. tree since we live in a shelae? (couldn't find how to spell it! You know the cabin- like houses with a wall of windows and the wood beams all showing, etc!) Anyways- we set off and decided to make a picnic of the day. There was just a little snow in the mountains but it was very cold and I hadn't brought our snow stuff. Well we discovered that not only were we not going to get the perfect tree but we couldn't find ANY tree that was remotely close to the 9 ft. range, or if they were they weren't very full! So trees do not grow as pretty in the wild

apparently! Allie started throwing fits, and we about gave up when Zach spotted a beauty! He ended up having to drag it through a little river but it was beautiful and so full! When we got it home we discovered that it was actually more like 12 feet and not as full as non- wild ones, but we liked it and it was a fun day!

Allie was so much fun this Christmas! She didn't care what present she received! We went to some town events and made all sorts of crafts and projects as well as visited santa! She kept telling everyone "Happy Christmas" as they would walk by! Even after a night of events - when Christmas morning came she had forgotten! It was easier to keep her distracted until daddy was ready, however. When she did come out she was seen with her classic Allie dramatic expressions which make all the work worthwhile! She loved her gifts and so did Leah!

A few funny things...

2009-11-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

Allie has always said some of the funniest things, but a few things that have happened in the last few days are...

She was singing "I love to see the temple" She sang... " for the temple is a house of God. A place of love and BEAUTY... " she pauses and then says "Oh! Beauty mom!"(meaning sleeping beauty).

I said: " Yes Allie, but not sleeping beauty. Beauty means pretty"

Allie: " Oh yeah, beauty means Preeety!"

Me: "Yes."

So for a few days she would always stop after beauty and say, "Pretty mom, pretty!"

Today she was singing the song once again and so I joined in and it went like this...

Both: "For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and "

Me: "Beauty."

Allie: "Wait! No mom! Jasmine! Jasmine!"

I was laughing so hard! She is so funny!

Then for Halloween I taught her the song " Mean old witch with a hat" . On sunday her nursery teacher told me that Allie taught the whole class a new Halloween song. We new exactly what it was.

I'm a mean old witch with a hat.

I ride on my broom with my cat.

And my nose is pointed and my chin is too.

And you better watch out or I might scare you.

I'm a mean old witch with a hat... Boo!

Then later that day she was singing it and the song went...

"I'm a mean old witch with a ... and my nose is pointed and my chin is three"

We stopped her and said, "Allie and my chin is too!"

She said, "No mom I'm three!"

Crazy girl!

The vacuum incident

2009-11-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

One picture can say it all- can't it?! Allie was cleaning her room until she came out like this! She was scared at first, but soon started laughing at herself. Being her mom can be so exciting!

Hiking

2009-11-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we went hiking in the forrest near our home. It was unlike any forrest I had ever been to, with different types of moss and toad stools. It was very wet and cool, and there were many water falls nearby.

Leah was a trooper being carried of course, however half-way through Allie decided she didn't want to walk anymore!

We stopped to see a beautiful waterfall and also visit the largest cedar tree! It is said to be over 3000 years old, and even with all of our arms around it, we didn't even reach half way around! It was an amazing site! It was a great day with the family!

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

For Halloween we went to the ward Trunk or Treat and trick-or -treating on Halloween. Allie and her cousin Cameron had such a fun time together! Being family and only three days apart- they have a lot in common. We all went trick-or treating together except for the boys Skyler and Kaleb, who went out with friends! Allie was Sleeping Beauty and Cameron was Tinkerbell. Leah was a little ladybug!

All of the kids were so excited to wear their costumes. I gave them glow sticks and some fireworks that were left over. They ran up to every door and after quietly knocking cameron would say" Hi" or Happy Halloween and Allie would say," Trick or Treating"! Everyone loved them and with a full bag of candy, including some full size candy bars, they were the last ones in the small town to return home that night! Smiles on their faces!

No silly, Sleeping Beauty didn't need a pumpkin!

Snow during general conference!

2009-10-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

What a surprise! Idaho had "unexpected, unusual" snow during the first week of October! Whenever I'm there it snows and that is what people tell me! We loved it though! The snow was perfect snowman making snow- so we made a snow-girl! Allie loved eating it as usual!

Ballerina girls

2009-10-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

I made

some ballerina tutu's just for fun and decided to take picts of the the girls! We

have been

"traveling around" for a few weeks and had plenty of moments to take a few snapshots. Unfortunately, none were the best of Leah! She wasn't feeling well and was a little grumpy- oh well next time! Also,

happy to say we are finally at the new home!

Labor Day

2009-09-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

For labor day the last thing I wanted to do was "labor", so we were all trying to think of something fun to do for the day with the kids! Finally, we decided on going to the Carver's family time-share in Peoria. It took us quite a while to get there, but was way worth the effort.

We had so much fun, especially the kids... okay all of us!

There was a three-story water slide that was used pretty much the whole time by us

The kids would climb up- go down- swim to the side- then run and start climbing again! The adults took turns going up with them, and we would try different "techniques" on the way down!

Needless to say it was very easy putting all the kids to bed that evening!

Happy 3rd Birthday and fun with the family!

2009-08-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Allie's third birthday! We were so sad that we couldn't spend it with daddy,(Zach) but I guess there is always next year! I just let her pick the activities that we were gonna do and she chose swimming, pizza, cake, dancing, and watching a movie! So that's just what we did!

I made little butterfly, flower, and star cupcakes- because those are three of her favorites besides princesses which I was definately not going to attempt!

Allie loved the homemade pizza and cupcakes and was so excited to do each new thing.

She loved all of her presents and didn't take the jewelry, dress, crown, rings, bracelet, etc. off until I made her at bed time! She also spent the night dancing the night away to the Disney princess songs cd my mom got her!

One of the best things abt. summer is spending time with my family- and so these were a few shots I took of them to remember the good times!

My sister Julia or "aunt jew- la" as some call her, is such a big help to me and one of my best friends! We love her so much and will be so sad to leave her! It has been a little crazy all living together like old times, but with Allie and Leah!

Overall though ... a great time!

Fun in the sun!

2009-07-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Allie is so brave in the water and a celebrity here at the Stuart Woods apts.! We swim most days and with the same people most days! As soon as we walk in Allie begins waving starting with the life guard and then walks around as everyone says "Hi Allie!". Then she will pick someone to tell some random story to before throwing all of her pool toys in, (even when she can't reach them, and there is no one in to get them) jump on the step, get out, and then come and ask me for whatever snack she saw me pack for the day!Here are some of the fun picts.!

The people here are so friendly and fun here in Herndon, VA! It is very refreshing after the cold, alternative life style living in Towson, MA. There were some friendly people there too, but not many.

Wiser Family

2009-06-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I hardly have any pict. of Zach's side on here recently. I want them to know how truly grateful for everything they have done for us and how much we miss and love them!

They are great grandparents and I wish they would move closer! These picts were a few of my fav.!

* My mother-in law Gail won't let people take picts. so they are scarce! Not sure why though!

Bye Bye Baltimore!

2009-06-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

On sunday we moved yet again to Herndon, VA. We wanted to separate ourselves from some bad situations in Baltimore and feel that it was for the best that we join this office that will cover the same areas as last summer! It was so much work but we are mostly moved in now on the third floor, (no elevator this time!) and while the apt. its self isn't as nice there are trees, two playgrounds, a kid-friendly pool, a river, walking paths, and less chaos! Poor Allie though! She asked me today if we could go home. I asked her where, and she said to where her new friend Linley was in Baltimore! She is so confused!

These are a few picts. of the pond that was across the street from where we lived in Baltimore where we spent a sunday feeding the fish!

Three months?

2009-06-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Three months?

2009-06-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

What? Today Leah is three months old! Can't believe it! She is so sweet and getting big so fast! She is definately more petite than most babies and is just barely switching to 0-3 size- (finally, I was bored with the nb clothes!) Don't worry though she holds her head up great and has four teeth showing through already - (Yeah not sure what that's about!) Her favorite thing - Mom!

I thought I would just show some picts. for family so enjoy!

Reunited!

2009-06-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to meet up with some of the friends from last summer! We went to the colonial farm just outside the CIA headquarters and then to a park with the coolest playground i've ever seen! Allie was so happy to play with her little buddies again!

Seriously though if you are ever here for very long you should check out this playground!

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri/playground.htm

2009-06-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Having a busy two year old can be exhausting- especially when you just had another child. So for the summer I decided to schedule different days with different activities here in Towson. One of the days we go to the library for the scheduled story time and to check out books. I decided to then pick another day of the week with a theme that matched a few of the books. So for instance we did a fairy theme. That day we read two very cute books by the same author, The knot fairy and The sock fairy, played fairies, made a "magic wand" and dressed Allie up like one! She had so much fun and it was nice to do something different!

Martin/Janson/Wiser family photos

2009-06-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

So all of you know that Leah was born the end of March, but many of you don't know that my brother also returned from his mission at the same time. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Cebu, Phillipeans for two years. This meant it was also family picture time. I am the oldest of four children, and the oldest grandchild on my mom's side, so their were many different family combinations but these were just a few!

Baby Blessing

2009-06-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Leah's blessing was such a special day and I want to thank all of you that were able to come and share this day with us! (I know many of you had to leave before we took this pict. sorry! Also, we did forget to invite some and thought that some just wouldn't want to come since it was an hour and a half from home! Sorry if you are in this category! But we love all of you, and are so grateful to all our family and friends that have helped us with this "transitioning" time!

Just a couple sweet photos...

2009-04-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Allie loves her new sister "le la" and kisses her like every minute! She always wants to hold her, especially when she is sad- and my favorite- she holds her hand every time we are in the car. I liked this pict. of Leah because she is always looking around and sitting so peacefully! It is so nice to have someone so sweet around.

Leah Brielle Wiser

2009-03-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Leah was born on March 24th at 1:13pm. She weighed 6.7 lbs and was 19 inches long. Her older sister is obsessed with her and gives her kisses every minute. Leah is so small and cute. She is very peaceful and will just sit and look around or sleep. We are loving every minute with her! The delivery went great and I feel amazing for the most part, and am so happy to not be pregnant anymore!

My baby bedding

2009-03-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hopefully it is a girl! These picts. are of the crib bedding that I made- for those of you who have wanted to see it! It was so fun to do and didn't take near as long as I thought it would. I made Allie's but I did my own pattern which was a nightmare! My friend Shannon used her sweet math skills to change the pattern measurements and the fabric sizes for this one, and she helped me cut the tricky fabric. The sewing didn't take me long and I think it turned out great!

Quick shots of Allie

2009-03-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

No exciting story just had to add a few pictures for Grandmas and Grandpas. Doesn't she look so old? I thought I should take a few picts. before there are a bunch of the new baby here in a few weeks! Love you all!

Looks can be deceiving!

2009-03-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Oh she looks so sweet! She must be an angel, right? No! She was terrible the other day. She has been a little "emotional" lately and that afternoon I almost put her on the street with a "For Free" sign on her. In an hours time she had colored all over the tile and the leather chair with crayon, spread candle wax on herself, the carpet, and me, dumped water all over the floor and "cleaned it up", somehow get a 12 month baby onesie on herself, take her clothes off abt. 3 times, and many other things that I have chosen to "forget". Glad every day isn't this way!

Fun at the Tuscon Zoo

2009-03-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

I took Allie and my preschool to the zoo a few weeks ago! It was perfect weather and the kids (and I) all had a blast. Allie excitingly pointed to every animal and yelled to let everyone know what the animal was. She was especially excited to see the zebras, monkeys, and giraffes. I think their favorite part was the train ride and feeding the ducks!

5 weeks left!

2009-02-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

So I only have 5 weeks left! I am so excited but not really ready to have another child! I have everything ready for the most part, but I think I am even more anxious this time since I know what to expect. I am very grateful for another little person to join us. Allie brings so much joy to Zach and I's life and I only hope that this little girl can do the same. Just today we were waiting to meet with some people and Allie was sitting on my lap watching "bella" . She was sining loudly and acting out all the parts! She was so sweet everyone in the room started watching her and smiling at her! She has such a gift to change a gloomy room into a happy place!

The picture is because my sister and a few others have asked if I am big- so you can see... Yes! (Black does slim a little though!) I am big and baby girl is always moving her legs up and down. Can't wait to see her!

2009-01-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Sedona Fun

2009-01-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

Our AWESOME friends invited us to go with them to Sedona for a few days. We had so much fun getting a break from our children! Diana and I are both expecting so it was nice to have one last little trip before the babies come as well! We played fun games, went on a trolley ride, Hiked to a Vortex, listened to a time share (to get free stuff), and then Diana and I both really enjoyed a 90 min. massage that was mostly for free! Unfortunately, we didn't feel any healing or tingling from the famous Vortex(?) but it was a refreshing hike! Oh, and our other Awesome friends were very appreciated for watching Allie for us! I know she had fun! Thanks again!

Christmas

2009-01-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

So I've been a little busy! We all had a Great Christmas though! I hope all of you did as well! Allie was so much fun this year for Christmas. We appreciate everything that we were given and for everything that we were able to give!

Santa

2008-12-12T13:37:00.001-08:00

This is Allie's first year to start understanding santa, and well, at least she didn't cry! I brought her over to santa and we watched the kids sit on his lap and I softly explained to Allie that Santa is so nice, and he gives toys to kids and big hugs. She would smile and point and say "yea, dat hantah! " When I tried to have her go closer though she wanted me to hold her. So I gave her to one of her babysitters who was helping santa and watched, because I really didn't care if she sat with him this year or not, I just wanted her to be happy! When she was least expecting it her babysitter Hailey dropped her on his lap! Allie was so confused and shocked! She immediately tried to get away from him! But I am happy she didn't cry! Immediately following this, we left and she continued to talk abt. Santa for the next two hours!

My princess

2008-12-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

Allie just started loving the Disney princesses Cinderella (Bella), Sleeping beauty (booty), and Ariel (Erel)! She wants to watch them 3 times a day! Her favorite is Bella though, and while watching Cinderella dance with "daddy" and singing "So this is Love" she ran back to her room and grabbed her play dress and started dancing and singing! So cute! This is why I love little girls!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

We all had so much fun visiting Zach's family in Utah for Thanksgiving! We all hung out at the church building there! Zach's cousins had some fun projects for all the kids to do and everyone wrote what they were thankful for on a large turkey feather and then posted it on the board! Allie chose the spot for hers ( the feather a foot below the turkey). She was really in her element crafting with the other kids and kissing the babies! Later, Gail, Kyla, The Cox's, and us all went to see the Salt Lake Temple lights turn on. It was cold, but fun!

E-I-E-I-0 !

2008-12-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

So Allie went into our closet the other day and found Zach's cowboy hat. She put it on and said, "E-i-E-i-o!" (snort, snort) It was so funny I had to take a pic. of her! I was surprised she knew generally what it was! She is in her famous 2yr. old stripping phase, so of course the pants are off, and she loves mom's cheap flip-flops! All together a great crazy combo that just fits Allie!

Family bonding!

2008-11-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

This morning was such a great moment, that I just had to share with the class! One of the great things about Zach working with APEX is that his schedule is so flexible. This morning we didn't have anything really important going on, and we were up late last night meeting with some people for zach's work. So we just kinda stayed in bed for a while and watched re-runs while allie pocked, jumped, and rubbed us. (She of course has to be right there where all the other people are). After an hour or so she calmed down and just let me rub her "little" belly and shoulders while she watched tv with us. It felt so great when we all laughed at Allie and hugged each other. (mushy I know, but you know how great and few those moments are!) Right now we just laugh at Allie all the time and her weirdness! She is pretty much naked 8 hours of the day, since she has decided it is fun to take off her clothes and that making mom and dad re-dress her is just funny! We love our Allie!

It's a Girl!

2008-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

So it was clear... It's a Girl! We are a little sad, since we were hoping for a boy this time, but So excited to have another sweet girl in our family! We feel so blessed to have another healthy child on the way!

Ward Harvest picnic

2008-11-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Harvest picnic on sat. combined with the other ward in Coolidge. We had a great Thanksgiving dinner, games for the kids, and football for the men! (Zach has been whining now for a few days because he is so sore from being out of shape!) Allie participated in a little running race with other two and three yr. olds. After they blew the whistle she was found still standing at the starting line just standing there looking around! The second time I told her when to start and she ran with another girl and had so much fun, especially when they gave her a sticker! It was weird having my baby participate in a game with other kids!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, well actually we didn't get to go trick-or-treating because Zach and I got the stomach flu the night before Halloween. Luckily, I took pictures a few days before for our church party. Allie had so much fun and she looked so cute in her scarecrow costume! I had so much fun making it too!

Preschool Halloween party

2008-11-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Preschool Party 2008

Everyone had a great time at our preschool party!

We played a lot of fun games, and ate healthy and sweet treats!

They loved the "witches brew" that I made!

Allie and Kendis were deathly afraid of the masks, however. I think that a

few other kids were a little as well, so unfortunately the masks had to stay off for a while!

Getaway!

2008-10-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

While in Idaho Zach and I had the opportunity to take a three day getaway from Allie! It was so much fun. We stayed at a beautiful hotel called the Ashley Inn. They feature different furniture in every room, colonial style, with fireplaces and jet tubs! It was way too short!

2008-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

2008-10-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

More fun in Idaho! We went to a pumpkin patch and took pictures, and made faces on the window!

Trip to Idaho!

2008-10-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Idaho to visit the in-laws! Zach is always trying to convince me that it isn't really that cold there and that it doesn't snow that much! Well our second day there, they had a "freak" foot of snow fall for two days! Needless to say he didn't convince me, but it was fun to play in the snow!

Pumpkin festival

2008-10-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Carvers and us went to Snepf farms the first weekend of October! It was so much fun riding rides, (Zach threw a fit when he didn't get to ride the first two times!)

We went on a hay ride, picked out a pumpkin, went on a train ride, and many other fun things!
We watched a pig race and at the end a few adults volunteered to come up and make a pig calling noise. Then the audience voted wether it was good or not. Well, Zach very loudly booed them and in the next second the man asked Zach to come on up and see if he could do better! It was so funny- he was soooo embarrased! But he did a great job and I was proud!

More sights!

2008-10-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

More sights! The lincoln memorial and the white house.

Allie's birthday party

2008-10-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

Allie, Kacey and Braxton Hanna, Natalie, Ephraim and Addy Carpenter, Melissa, Luke and Landon Mckinnley, Cecily and Brittney Peterson, Dani and Brighton Comin, Dre Meyers, and my sister and I were all there to celebrate with Allie! She however, started acting two on the day of her birthday by throwing huge fits!

Happy Birthday to Allie!

2008-10-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Allie turned two on August 4th! We celebrated on the 3rd with daddy, on the 4th with friends for a Watee party, and on the 7th with grandma and grandpa! Poor neglected child!

Mt. Vernon

2008-10-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

Mount Vernon was beautiful, (and expensive)! We toured George Washington's home, watched a video about him, and enjoyed the view of the Potamac river just down the hill of his backyard. The above quote was from George Washington's along with a few other great thoughts of his. I wish everybody would take this thought to heart! Our country would be a lot better if we stuck to the constitution.

Silly Allie jo

2008-10-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

2008-10-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

2008-10-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Allie is such a silly, fun girl! These are just some pictures from the summer of a few of her funny moments. There is never a dull moment with her!

2008-10-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Zach, Allie, and I at the beach with some friends with APX. (Girls are from left; ?, me, Kacie Hanna, Danstzel Harper, and Jessica

Terry.) Zach and I love body boarding!

Beach, Beach, and more Beach!

2008-10-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

One of the things Allie and I got to do with my family was go to VA beach! One of my most favorite discoveries of the east coast are the beaches. I love California, but in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland the beaches are warmer water, with no sea weed or jelly fish! Allie does take after her mom with one thing... she Loves the Water! She had fun swimming and at the beach!

Me and my sis

2008-10-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

Another great thing about going to VA was I got to spend a lot of time with my family! Especially my fun sister who came and stayed with me when I was not with at their house. She was a huge help as I was just barely pregnant and not feeling well!

Fourth of July!

2008-10-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to see celebrate the fourth of July in our nation's capital this summer. All of the wives planned to go in the afternoon with picnic food and blankets and save a spot for the show. Well of course the forecast is RAINY! So several wives backed out as they didn't want to be sitting in the rain- and there was a planned rain date for the fireworks, so there was a chance that they may not have even been any. I was determined not to miss it, besides what else were we gonna do!

So Allie and I loaded the stroller and went, at first it was great. But the rain clouds came and it started pouring all over our stuff! We all huddled together and tried to cover our blankets, food, and selves with umbrellas until the rain stopped.

Finally just before the men arrived the rain ceased and a short while later the fireworks began! They were GREAT ! It was extra special watching them in our nation's capital with friends who believed in the same things as us, and shared our love for this country!

A few days before july 4th!

2008-10-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

A few days before the 4th, some people that worked with zach decided to put on our very own firework show! They had real fireworks, and we got to sit right under them! Allie was a little afraid of them, however, and clung tight to me the entire show! She doesn't like loud noises!

Cow days

2008-10-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

A local farm had Cow days! We received milk, ice cream, and butter from their farm that tasted delicious. We watched an educational puppet show about cows, rode tractors, milked a cow (allie was too afraid of course!) made cow ears, and had a picnic. It was fun, but boy was it hot and humid that day!

2008-10-23T16:55:00.000-07:00

2008-10-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

Zach and Allie at the smithsonian and The U.S. Capital building.

Caribbean Carnival

2008-10-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

It didn't take Allie long to make new friends! She had a blast with a new friend that was out there for the summer, too. They loved dancing together to the steel drum band.

They had face painting, food, contests, balloon characters, drawings, moon bouncer, hair braiding, and many other festive activities.

Summer 2008 in VA !

2008-10-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Zach worked in VA this summer, which put us only a half hour from downtown D.C! It was a blast! We got to see the fireworks next to the Washington monument, visit the Smithsonian, See the white house, holocaust museum, colonial towns and farms, Lincoln memorial, New World War II memorial, ride the met, and so much more!

2008-04-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Allie and Miss Jennifer's Preschool went to the zoo! It was so much fun until...
I had Allie in the stroller and decided to go into the "bird cage area". Allie wanted to walk so I let her run around in the enclosed space. When we walked out I was watching two of my preschool children and talking to another parent, when to my dismay, Allie was no longer in the stroller that I had pushed out of the bird area! I panicked, and ran into the bird area to see Allie standing there looking around very confused! Thank goodness, it was only a minute later! I felt horrible!

YW Reunion

2008-03-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Jenny had a chance to meet up with her friends from back home in Glendale, and her old YW leaders - Lucy and Jenny! We had so much fun chatting and seeing Leigh Ann and Tatum's new baby boys! They are so cute, and Allie loved them too!

Backyard adventures

2008-03-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Allie loves her little play set that we have in the backyard. She is so much happier in the sun! Can't imagine where she gets it from?

(Taken last week)

2008-03-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

2008-03-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

In January Zach and Jen went to Jackson Hole, WY for a few nights and left Allie with Grandma. We saw a lot of "deer" i mean Elk. I was made fun of for not knowing (remembering) that there is a difference! Hey, I am an Arizona girl! We also went snow boarding and other fun stuff!

2008-03-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

Fun in the snow!

2008-03-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Allie loved the snow! She thought it tasted so good, and played in it for hours, until her shoe came off (mom didn't know since it was white) and her feet got cold!

Christmas fun with Wiser Family

2008-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00