Sweat Family Blog

Disneyland

2010-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Growing up, going to Disneyland was something people did, not something we did, but people did do it. So at 27 yrs old I experienced Disneyland for the first time! For us, we enjoyed the shows and plays, more than the rides. There's something about waiting 20min in a line, for a 2-3 min bumper car ride that just doesn't seem right?! I think in a couple of years when Blake gets a little taller and we're able to enjoy the rides we want to go on, it will be a little easier to wait in those long lines:). Don't get me wrong, we still had a great time! I have about 350 pics to chose from, so here are a few of the favorites.

We splurged and took the kids to Ariel's Grotto for dinner one day, by far the best memory we made that trip! It was so cute to see Bailey go bananas when a princess would come out! A memory I/we will have for life! A couple of things in these pics A: Bailey isn't looking at me in any of them! She was too busy making sure everyone else in the room knew she was getting her pic taken with the princess, that she forgot to look at me, no matter how many times I reminded her, "Bailey look at me and say cheese! B: Blake is absent in all but one pic taken at Ariel's Grotto. Blake wanted nothing to do the princesses ... except for one ... Sleeping Beauty! He even sought shelter under the table when Snow White entered the room. However when Sleeping Beauty came in, he was all about it! Jumped up and said "I want take picture with her!" Can't knock the little guy for knowing what he wants!

We were also able to sneak in an Angels game, also another highlight!

Our trip south

2010-04-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

We took a trip south, destination: Disneyland!! We split our 10hr car ride and stayed a couple nights in St George, Ut. While there, we went hiking, played at the park, and rested up for the last leg or road trip. Here are some of the pictures of that portion of the trip.

This place was amazing! Ancient petroglyphs just hanging out on rocks everywhere. It was fun making up our own interpretation of what was written thousands of years ago!

This massive boulder was just perched on a tiny pile of rocks. It baffles my mind that it was so stable and unmovable, truly breathtaking! I told Bailey to go hold up that rock or it was going to fall over. I just love the innocent mind of this little 4 year old :)

I love St. George!!

Easter at Thanksgiving Pointe

2010-04-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

We went with Jackson and Bella to Thanksgiving Pointe for some Easter festivities. To say it was cold that morning is a major understatement! We were frozen, I think I recall seeing that Jackson's little hands were purple. It took hours in a house with the heater cranked way up and hot baths to finally warm up. Despite the weather, we still had a blast. Thanks Mylene!

Summer stroll

2010-04-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

The weather had been nice recently, so I figured it was a good day to take the kids for a bike ride up Provo Canyon.
The walk started off nice, then a couple minutes up the trail, this is what we ran into! I was quickly reminded we are only weeks into spring. We didn't let it stop us. We parked the bikes and walked the rest of the way.

Here are some of the pictures I got!

St Patricks Day

2010-04-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

We spent St. Patty's day trying to catch a leprechaun. We had our trap set, bait (lucky charms), and a plan of action. We had to run some errands and when we returned, much to our (their) surprise, the trap had been set off. Unfortunately that sneaky little guy got away, but left some gold behind. Maybe we'll have better luck next year! :)

This is our Trap

These are the faces I got when they saw the trap had been set off! They were a little nervous!

I love that the kids are starting to enjoy these things. This is such a fun age, I wish I could just push pause on this phase of life.

Christmas

2010-04-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

This year for Christmas we got a special visit from Santa. He was giving the Reindeer a break in the field and decided to pay us a little visit. It was actually our good friend, I wasn't sure he was going to pull one over on our kids, just because our kids adore him, I thought they'd see right thru the costume and catch on to him. Much to my surprise the kids had no clue! As soon as he left the kids ran upstairs and climbed in bed eagerly awaiting Christmas morning. Here is proof that "Santa" was in our living room Christmas Eve.

Let's try this again!

2010-04-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

So I've clearly neglected my blog, I just get caught up in the day to day that I forget to take pictures, then let along blog about them. I've vowed to be more consistent with my blogging, so here is my attempt! :) Last I posted was Santa pictures, here's what we've been up to since.

I took the kids ice skating for Bailey's birthday. It was fun! It took them a while but they finally caught on!

Although they spent more time on their bums than on their feet, they still managed to smile and laugh thru it! Good sports!

Santa

2009-12-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to visit with Santa a few weeks ago (yes, and I'm just now getting around to blogg about it) better late than never :) It was interesting to see how the kids reacted. We had a bit of reverse roles. Bailey (my usually outgoing, carefree personality) proceeded with caution however, Blake on the other hand ran right up to Santa and jumped on his lap as if they were long lost firends. I am so excited for Christmas this year. The kids are getting old enough to get excited with me this year! Hope the Holidays are finding you all well!

Barbie Cake

2009-12-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

I distinctly remember as a child, having a barbie cake for my birthday that my grandma had made for me. Last year I wanted so bad, to make one for Bailey, but I failed miserably. I asked my mom that next time she visited, to teach me how to make one. Not only did she teach me, but she made it look easy, giving me the confidence to try one myself. Unfortunately Bailey wanted a butterfly cake this year... maybe next year she'll want a Barbie cake! Here are the pictures of my mom's masterpiece!

Mission Impossible--Or not?

2009-12-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Bailey had a birthday, she turned 4 yesterday. While my mom was visiting for thanksgiving she taught me how to make a barbie cake, which I'd planned on duplicating for her birthday cake. However Bailey had something different in mind! She decided a butterfly cake would be better, after much effort to get her to change her mind, I realized it wasn't going to happen, so a butterfly cake it was! I figured it couldn't be that hard, my mom showed me the basics! After nearly 10 phone calls to my mom this is what I came up with. Not to bad huh?

27yrs old and I've still got it!

2009-11-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

Pleasant Grove Rec. Center had a turkey shoot tonight and I thought it would be fun to take the kids and try our luck! Rules were simple, best of 20 from the free throw line. I was placed in the 16-30 yrs old age bracket, and I held my own. I only made 12/20 but that managed to put me in 1st (stiff compeition!). Another (younger) girl hit 12/20 too, so we had a shoot out and I came out on top. She shot first and only made 2/10, i stepped up and sank my first 3 to secure my 15lb turkey. 27 yrs old and I still have it!! We also walked away with a pumpkin pie, t-shirt, 2 water bottles, certificate to Bajio's and Blake won a $25 certificate for a savings account. Here are the pics of our winnigs!!

The kids were super proud of their mommy!!

Bridal Shower

2009-11-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

My best friend is getting married! We had a bridal shower for her. For the longest time she refused to have one, in fact I wasn't certain she was going to show until she actually walked in. I didn't pull out the camera until the very end. So here is the ONE picture I got.

Nell I am so excited for you, I couldn't have hand picked someone better for you! Love you!

Thanks to Shannon and Mylene for helping put this together, you guys are the best! :)

Halloween

2009-11-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

Bailey had a little program at her school. Here are some of the pictures :

Spot (aka Blake)

Princess Bell (aka Bailey)

Park City getaway

2009-11-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

I woke up that morning with a note on the counter telling me to have a overnight bag packed and to be ready to go at 2pm. (that was cool!) He didn't tell us where we were going, we just got in the car and went! We ended up in Park City for the night. We roamed around park city and finished the night with a movie at the theatre (we even got popcorn!). That morning he took us to the zoo and lunch at a cute little diner just above the zoo called Ruth's. A get away I will never forget! I know, I know, I am one lucky lady!

Annual Red Barn trip

2009-11-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

This is our 2nd annual (that's right, we're trying to start traditions!) trip to the Red Barn in Santaquinn to pick out our family pumpkins.

Blake for some reason, was more than willing to pose for pictures.

He jumped on this bail of hay and said "take picture mom", then this was the pose that followed! Not joking! I just wish it was a better looking pumpkin he had decided to pose next to! :)

Here are the pumpkins we went home with:

Field trip to Hee Haw

2009-11-13T11:07:00.001-08:00

Bailey's class took a field trip to Hee Haw farms. We got to feed the farm animals, go thru a corn maze (we got lost!... seriously!), and pick out pumpkins.

Bailey's reaction was so funny, she had me cracking up. I'm sure people thought we were nuts! Bailey was screaming with joy, and I could hardly stand up straight I was laughing so hard! I think we put almost $2 in the little $.25 feed machine, we couldn't get enough!

Here are the pumpkins they finally decided on after what felt like hours of contemplating! I might add that when we made it back to the barn she changed her mind (yet again) and traded it for a orange one! Oh what it would to be 3 again where your biggest decision for the day is what color of pumpkin you want! Gotta love it.

We had so much fun.!

I'm Back!

2009-10-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

For those of you that actually care... I'm back to the blogger world. We made the decision to go without the internet for a while. Now I'm taking a class that is done completely online so we have the internet again and here I am.

Here is a quick catch up of our last 5 months...

Bailey graduated preschool. It is crazy to see how much she has grown this summer, she looks so little!! I am very proud of her, she was so brave, there was never a day she didn't want to go to school. She awarded the "Most Creative"

Bailey took swim lesssons and loved it. She is now brave enough to put her head underwater.

Grandma and Grandpa Sweat purchased a townhouse in St. George, which has allowed us endless southern getaways. Although work schedules haven't allowed us to go as much as we would like, we still feel completely spoiled! This is the park that is just behind the townhouse. Love it!!

Rustin took a ride in a glider for Father's Day. For those of you who don't know what gliders are, it's exactly how it sounds. It is an airplane with no engine, it uses the updrafts form the wind flowing over the mountains pushing you up and gravity pulling you down to stay afloat. It gets towed up by a regular plane and then let go. Then it's pretty much like a paper airplane to float back to safety. Now, I'm an adreanline junkie, there isn't much I won't do, except this! He on the other hand loved it! Here are a few more pic.

My mom came to visit, I managed to get her to take a ride on the Alpine coaster at Park City Mountain Resort. It was so much fun! This is her riding up, she was having far to much fun, its meant to be a slow seneic ride up the mountain. I don't think she knew what she was getting into. :) The next picture is looking behing me on the way up the mountain, about half way to the top.

Trip to the Thanksgiving Pointe to see the dino's

Bailey's taking a dance class. She's a superstar!! She gets her dance moves from me ;)

I think that pretty much wraps up our summer. Keep checking in, I have more, I just need a break for now. Till next time!

Special Gift

2009-05-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

My sister sent Blake a extra big, extra yummy fortune cookie for his birthday. This is the second time she has sent them to us, and we love it every time! They're homemade and loaded with all sorts of yummy goodness. Here are the pictures. Then Blake realizes what it is and this is the face I get...

wait for it...

COOKIES!!!

Then, being the mean mom that I am, I let him know he won't be having any till Daddy gets home and this is the face I get.

Ok, maybe just a little taste :)

If you are interested go to www.sumocookies.com, and check them out! Thanks Kelli!

Fun at the Park

2009-05-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

We went to the park to have a picnic on Monday and caught some cute pictures. Here are some of my favorites. It didn't take long for Bailey to find the flowers!

Bailey and Blake

These two really love each other. I am so lucky!!

Feeding the ducks

Blake checking out the duck and the duck checking out Blake.

The hardest part of taking pictures of my kids is getting them to actually look at the camera. So Rustin asked Bailey what color the lens was and this is what we got.

At least she's looking! I think we will try something different next time. :)

Scary Morning

2009-05-06T09:12:00.001-07:00

I hesitate writing this blog, because I don't want anyone to get worried. Bailey and I had a very scary morning the other day. We were in her room getting dressed. Anyone who knows Bay, knows how much she loves to jump. She was holding onto her bed frame and jumping up and down when she lost the gripping and fell on the bed frame. The bed frame sort of chopped her in half. She started to cry (really hard) and never took a breath, causing her to pass out. I freaked! Holding your little baby and watching her little body go limp, I felt helpless. I screamed her name probably a dozen times, blew in her face and she finally started to come in and out. I didn't know what to do. When she came back, she was very lethargic. She kept telling me she can't breath, she wanted to go to sleep, she couldn't feel her feet. I called my neighbor and she dropped what she was doing and rushed right over. After all the medical training I've had, you think I would know what to do, but it is a different story when it's your kids, I went bananas! Let me remind you , Bay is just fine. We went to the Dr. and she simply had the wind knocked out of her.
There are a few things I learned with this experience.

I want to live closer to family. I was terrified and I felt so alone. Our closest family is at least 40 min away, including my husband on work days. I wish we were closer!
I am so grateful for our health. I don't know why it takes something like this to make you realize the things you take for granted everyday.
I have the best neighbor! I am so glad that we are close enough, where i feel like I can call you when I need someone so bad. I couldn't have dreamed of better neighbors. Thanks for dropping what you were doing to rush home to help me. We love you guys!

I could go on, but the kids want my attention, duty calls! :)

Birthday Boy

2009-04-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Blake had a Birthday! My little man is now 2. He loves his Baseball stuff.

The only pic we got of him opening presents we gave him because the camera battery died :(

I know it's blurry but his reaction to the Deigo toy grandma and grandpa gave him was priceless

Say cheese!

We let the kids pick out what ever cake they want for their birthday. No surprise here, as soon as Blake laid eyes on the Baseball cake

he was sold!

Picture with some of the cousins

I was actually surprised he blew out the candles without any help, considering when he usually tries to blow, he blows straight up his nose! Good Job Blake!

Blake, I hope you always stay the sweet, loving, innocent little guy you are now.

Happy Birthday Big Guy !

Yikes!!

2009-04-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

WARNING! The following may not be for those who get a little squeamish when talking about...mice!

A few days ago I was determined to tackle our weed infested flower bed. Armed with a shovel, and 2 little determined helpers, we went to work. Mid-way through, we were blessed

(or frightened) with the arrival of a mouse! I jumped, Bailey got closer for a better look. My initial reaction was to tell Bailey to RUN! After giving it a little thought, I figured I could use her interest in this little creature to my advantage. I instructed her "chase" it into the lot next to ours. As if putting it in the empty lot right next to ours would prevent it from coming back?! She did, however the mouse had a better idea, and hide under the hose reel. Keeping my distance, I told Bailey to wiggle the hose, she did and... well ... lets just say that the little mouse now lives in Heaven.

My Happy Place

2009-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

One (of many things) my dad does well, is his unfailing way to plant the biggest, most beautiful, lush flower pots. Yes, that's right I said my DAD. Not that there's anything wrong with men planting flowers, lets just say it's not all that common. When this first started, years back, I was a little confused, thought maybe midlife crisis, gender identity issues :). I asked dad "Why" the response I get (typical dad response) "Baby, It takes me to my happy place" I left it at that. Years later with 2 young kids I understand. So here are pics of my "Happy Place" Love you Dad!

101 Things

2009-04-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

101 Things

At least one of us have done the bolded items

1. Ridden in a train. Karli, Rustin

2. Slept under the stars KR

3.Played in a band/orchestra

4. Visited Hawaii R

5. Watched a meteor shower KR

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disney World

8. Climbed a mountain R

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo R

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea K

14. Taught yourself an art from scratchR

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning KR

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables KR

19. Had a letter to the editor published

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight KR

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when not really ill. KR

24. Built a snow fort KR

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping KR

27. Run a Marathon

28. Seen the running of the bulls

29. Seen a total eclipse KR

30. Watched a sunrise KR

31. Hit a home run KR

32. Been on a cruise KR

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors KR

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Been on a draw-bridge

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Received a traffic ticket KR

41. Sung karaoke KR

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt K

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant K

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight K

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted K

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Been a story on the news

50. Seen a wild mustang

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling R

52. Kissed in the rain KR

53. Played in the mud KR

54. Gone to a drive-in theater R

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies K

62. Gone whale watching

63. Received flowers for no reason K

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma KR

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter KR

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy R

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt KR

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Won a contest R

77. Broken a bone KR

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Been in a cave

82. Bought a brand new car KR

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper KR

85. Read the entire Bible or other religious book KR

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chicken pox KR

89. Saved someone’s life R

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous KR

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one KR

94. Had a baby K

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit KR

98. Been to the top of the Gateway Arch

99. Been stung by a bee KR

100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person

101. Learned to play an instrument K

Easter

2009-04-17T10:07:00.001-07:00

Easter was a little diferent for us this year. I had to work all morning (till 1pm to be exact!), I must've been really tired the night before because I forgot to leave to door unlocked so the Easter Bunny couldn't get in! While working I got a phone call from a very concerned little 3 year old that the Easter Bunny somehow missed us. I assured her that she hadn't been naughty and that the Easter Bunny probably hide it somewhere and that I'm sure we'll find them when I got home. Much to "our" suprise the Easter baskets were waiting for us on the front porch when I got home. The Easter Bunny also hide some easter eggs in the backyard for a little hunt. The reaction we got from Bailey when she saw that eggs were scattered throughout the backyard put Rustin and I both in stitches. Picture a blind dog repeatidly running into the sliding glass door add a little jumping and screaming and you had Bailey,I wish I had the camera rolling. She cracks me up. I 'm sure glad I "forgot" and locked the door, because I would've been sad had I missed out! Happy Easter!

(It was tough trying to get a picture with both of them looking after we opened the candy)

New Cereal Bowls

2009-04-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

They arrived. Here are pictures of the bowls Bailey and Blake painted in Wa. This was one of my favorite activites we did in Washington. The kids love their new cereal bowls, and want to eat everything in it. It makes meal time a little less stressful (bonus!)

And then we had some fun with the bubble wrap they used to ship the bowls to us. In case you couldn't already tell, they are prince and princess crowns. Bubble Wrap + Stapler = hours of fun!

More Pictures

2009-04-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Museum of Flight.

We went to the Pacific Science Center. For those who don't know, they have a Butterfly exhibit that has free roaming butterflies. We walked in and Blake immediately had one land on him. He tolerated it but wouldn't take his eyes off it. Bailey also had one land on her. She on the other hand loved it! This little butterfly stayed on Bailey the entire time we were there. We had to shake her shirt to get it off. She thought that was pretty cool.

(I love this pic!)

We went to The Dancing Brush so the kids could make new cereal bowls. Probably one of the funnest activites we did. I will post pic's of the finished product once we get them.

That's enough for now. Hope you enjoyed! :)

Seattle

2009-04-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

...Continued

My two little goobers outside Safeco Field

Rustin and I at Qwest Field (bad pic, neat view of the city)

I know, I'm a dork, but I had to do it. Baily, Blake and I running out of the Seahawks tunnel.

Go Team!

Bailey, Blake and Eric

We went on an Argosy Tour of the Seattle waterfront. Way cool. Bailey missed the entire thing. she fell asleep about a half hour before we got there, slept thru the 3 block walk to the ship, the 1 hour tour, the 3 walk back to the car, and the ferry ride back to grandma's. I think she was tired! :)

Seattle

2009-04-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to Washington, actually it wasn't so "little", we were gone for 8 days. We had lots of fun, but I am realizing that a vacation isn't much of a "vacation" when you are traveling with 2 small kids. We had lots of fun hanging with the family, but it sure is nice to sleep in my own bed (without bay's knees in my back all night long)

We thought it would be fun to play "tourist" this trip. So we saw and did just about all there is to do in Seattle. Here are some of my fav. pics and activities we did.

Fort Worden, which is a old Bunker used to portect our borders during the war It was a very cold, wet, and windy day. I borrowed that hat and scarf from my dad. The funny thing about this pic is that unbeknownst to me, I have his hat on sideways. The hat doesn't have bill, it is to cover your ears. And here I thought my dad had cute trendy had. I still rocked it!

Pike Place Market

Safeco Field

I couldn't resist!

To be continued! Bedtime :)

Drummer Boy

2009-03-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Blake got a drum for christmas. It was" just another toy" until we went to my niece's concert, where the highschool's drumline performed. Since then, Blake has hardly put the drum down. I have never seen anything keep Blake's attention like that drumline did. Here is a picture of my One Man Drumline.

History

2009-03-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

All political preferance aside, history was made, and this is how we chose to document it. The kids were getting their pictures taken that morning and I had the papers, so Rustin put the two ideas together and this is what we came up with. I think the pictures are pretty neat and I hope when the kids get older they will appreciate them as well.

Picasso

2009-03-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

We had a long morning at work and I desperate to find something new to reward the kids for being such good little sports. Finger Painting!! Bailey was a little worried about getting messy, Blake...not so much. I would've attached a picture of the finished product, but considering they had more fun painting themselves than the paper, it didn't leave much to see. I am sure we'll have many more mornings that look like this!