Our Happy Little Life

Christmas Overload

2011-12-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

I have made a goal to keep up with my blog better so there are no more six posts in one day. Here is the rest of our Christmas season. It has been a fun one. The kids are at a fun age and really understand what is going on.

First Derrick, my very sweet husband, knew how much I hated our old tree because it was falling apart and was a 15 dollar walmart special that we bought about 6 years ago. Well he bought me a new one this year. It was a great deal! it is 9 feet tall, but can also be shortened to seven foot if needed. It is such a beautiful tree! I love it! Christmas pajamas
Everyone in the PJs

This is what Santa left

Santa also tracked snow into our house from another area.

Avarie has been asking for snow so this was what Santa brought her

Christmas Morning

off to church

a little better lighting on this one. They are so adorable and getting way to big!

after church opening presents

Reid running away from the dog with one of her toys

Reid playing with our dog

Yes this is my prissy daughter who has wanted a pink gun for about 6 months or so now. She talks about getting her pink gun and going with daddy and grandpa Kent to go shoot the deers and the birds with them. Not sure how I feel about this. ha ha. Granpa Kent found her this toy pink gun and she loves it!

practicing her target shooting with her princess and the frog figurines lined up on a board

Daddy Reido time reading a book

Christmas Preparations and Fun!!

2011-12-16T10:12:00.001-08:00

There is a lot of catching up and a lot of new posts below. I am sorry for the overload of posts, but we have been busy since halloween. We have recently been busy with preparations for Christmas. This is one of my favorite times of year. The chill in the air (as much as San Antonio allows), the sights, smells, and the feelings of it are just amazing and make me feel overwhelmed with love and joy! Here are a few of the holiday goings on down here in Texas and I am sure there will be more to come in the coming week.

Happy Holidays to everyone from Reid and Avarie We made Santa hats the other day and they have enjoyed wearing them
Apple cider and cookies after decorating the Christmas tree

Adorable kids

Decorated tree

One of my all time favorite Christmas traditions is making gingerbread (graham cracker) houses. This year we decided to make some like every other year and this was the result.

Reids house assisted by me

Shingles on the roof. It is hard to see but on the frosting snow there are sparkly sprinkles to make the snow shimmer.

Avarie's So fun to do this with her this year she is really getting a hold of the excitement and fun of this season.

Avarie's

Here are a few of the adult projects that have happend around here. These are the kids count downs for Christmas. Derrick cut them out and I painted them and put the nails in to hold the lifesavers

Avarie'sReid's

Here are the stockings I have sewn and ebroidered for the kids. I am currently working on Derrick's and will hopefully finish before Christmas eve Ha ha

Reid's

Avarie's dancing sugar plum fairy. I thought it was very fitting for our little ballerina

We wish you a very merry christmas and hope your holiday season is full of love and joy and that we all remember what Christmas is really about. Our Savior Jesus Christ!!

Visit to the Fire Station and Sissor Incident

2011-12-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

This is just a random picture of Avarie's new haircut. She decided one day last week to cut her own hair off. I walked into my bedroom and there was hair everywhere. Here is the result. She is definitely a cutie with short hair. I would have been more angry, but I love her with shorter hair.Ok so onto the fire station. We were able to go to the fire station recently so Reid could see the fire trucks. Casey Allred our neighbor and friend works as a paramedic for the fire department and was nice enough to come let us visit while he was at work. It was so fun to see reid so excited he could do anything.

in a fire truck

Avarie in the fire truck

Avarie, Tabitha, and Reid by the brush rigg. Thanks to the Allreds for a fun day.

Happy birthday Avarie!!!

2011-12-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

December 2nd Avarie had her fourth birthday. I do not know where the time has gone and cannot believe it has been four years since we first saw her and held her in our arms. We are looking forward to a new a wonderful year of new adventures with our sweet little girls. This year she has learned to ride a bike, She can write her letters up to E and knows what sounds they make. She is so smart and remembers so many things even down to details. We are so blessed to have her in our family. Here are some pictures from her special day and her ballerina party that was on December 3rd.

The crib Derrick and I built equiped with the blanket and pillow her grandma Karla made to go with it.
Doll crib and high chair. High chair has still not been painted, but will be painted black after the holidays. Funny story: Avarie told us that she wanted a doll high chair and crib for her birthday, but was very specific. She told us they had to be painted black and there had to be a pink blanket and pillow. She is a girl who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to tell you.

Crib

Avarie all ready for her ballerina party in her new tutu

Decorations. There were pink silouettes of dances all over the walls of the living room. It was so fun to have everything pink and girly

More silouettes. Balloons were also covering the ceiling

open her presents from her very sweet little friends

Ballerina cupcakes for her party

blowing out the candle

ballerina craft

ballerinas dancing with their ribbon wands

Thanksgiving

2011-12-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

This year for thanksgiving we went over to our frinds The Allreds and had it with them and Charly's Parents. It was such a wonderful day with tons of great food and friends!!! My pictures are not the best because they are just with my phone, but you will get the idea.

Pecan pie Reid was so worn out from having fun with his little friend Tabitha that he fell asleep during dinner
Yes he fell asleep with his finger stuck in his roll

The 30lb turkey that sat in a brine! it was the most amazing tasting turkey I have had! Charly is an amazing cook!

Here is the beautiful and amazing tangerine cake she made

Kids playing

Reid Chillin'

Avarie and her friend Mckayla coloring

Avarie and Mckayla again

Indoor Campout

2011-12-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

In November we had an indoor campout and roasted marshmallows here are a few pictures from our adventure.

I just thought this was a cool picture. Avarie and daddy roasting marshmallows. Derrick very proud of his perfect marshmallow
Reid trying a marshmallow

camping out in the tent in the living room

Trunk or Treat

2011-12-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

On the 29th we had our ward trunk or treat. The kids had a great time. They had a chili contest, costume contest, activities for the kids. It was so fun!

Reid coloring
Fishing for a prize

Before the trunk or treat in the cute costumes

PB and Jelly

The whole peanut butter and jelly family

Derrick and I the bread with the PB and Jelly spread on them.

Avarie and Reid the Jars of PB and Jelly

Cutest Peanut butter I have ever seen

Randolph AFB Airshow

2011-12-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

Our halloween this year was on the 29th, which was when our ward was having their trunk or treat. That morning we went to the Airshow that they were having at Randolph AFB. It was such a beautiful day and the kids had so much fun getting to see all of the planes and going inside some of them.

Reid chilling on the grass pointing our the parachuters Just Chillin'
in one of the big cargo planes

Together with my sweet kids

just a really good picture of Reido

getting to look inside one of the jets

Avarie all dressed up for halloween

The full outfit. My mom found this adorable halloween outfit for her when she was here on her visit. It was so cute!!

Halloween Party with Friends

2011-11-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

The monday before halloween we had a fun little family home evening/halloween party with some of our good friends the Allreds! We love hangning out with them. It was such a great party.

Derrick's Pumpkin The nose says RIP but it is hard to see in this picture. Derrick and Casey carving
Avarie painting her pumpkin

Reid's first experience with painting. He had a blast!

The kids eating their spooky meal

Our spooky food

Orange rice krispies and green salad

Mummy pizza

orange worms with green ranch

amoeba jello in petrie dishes

Dragons blood punch

ok this was not food, but I just had to share these. They turned out so cute. These are my bats flying over my buffet and of course the adorable Avarie showing them off

Avarie's Recent Dance recital

2011-11-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

Avarie recently ended another 6 weeks of dance class and they had their recital. It is always so cute and her teacher miss Nanci does such a great job!! Here are the cute little dancers!
Dress rehersal

Baseball

2011-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Derrick decided to take the kids out and play some baseball. No the ball isn't correct but we thought a bigger ball would be easier for Avarie and she got the hang of it pretty quickly!

Hitting the ball

hitting the ball again

ball boy

Hiking

2011-10-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we went hiking around Castle Rock! It was a fun short little hike for the kids! They had a lot of fun!

Playing in the rocks
My favorite people and dog in the whole world!!

He had to help and carry the water

fun hiking

having fun climbing down the rocks

sweet family

Avarie & Reid

2011-09-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of what the kids have been up to. I started a Pre-school with Avarie this week and these are some of the things she has learned and is doing pretty well with! She loves school and is constantly talking about it and wanting to have it every day.

Upper case As all her no help Lower case As with no help
I wrote her name of the top line and she copied it

Reid tickling Avarie.

He attacked her and got her to the ground and then started tickling her!

Avarie taking pictures of herself

Avarie kept talking about wanting a guitar so Derrick got his out of storage and she keeps trying to play it.

Reid wanted to put Derrick's shirt on. It was pretty cute!

Cory Visit

2011-09-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Cory, my brother, came to visit us the first week in August. It was great to have him here and the kids loved it! We went and did lots of fun activities. We Went to the zoo, sea world a couple of times, the Riverwalk and the Alamo. We also went to the Cave Without a Name. It was such a fun visit.

Zoo Trip

Reid loving the hippos Having fun with Uncle Cory
The hippos

Cory at Lory Landing being bombarded by the birds

Cave without a name

River walk boat ride

Standing by the Riverwalk

The Alamo

Reid being his goofy self at the Alamo Avarie and Cory at the Alamo

McArthur Family

2011-08-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the McArthur's trip to visit San Antonio

Reading with grandma Swimming with grandpa
Zoo Trip

Seaworld Visit

splash pad

Shamu show

Azul show

Derricks Parents came to visit for a week recently and like a dork I forgot to get out my camera, but it was a wonderful visit. We were able to see lots of sights and have a great time with them here despite the suffocating heat. We went to seaworld, the zoo, Cabelas and the outlets, the pool. It was so great to have them here with us and be able to visit with them. We had a wonderful discussion about ancestry and because of this Derrick and I were able to find some of the birth records for my ancestors that were born in denmark. It was such a great experience. My kids are so blessed to have them as grandparents and examples! Hopefully I can get some pictures from Derrick's mom and attach them to this post later.

Derrick Oral Exam

2011-08-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Derrick had his comprehensice oral exam on July 6th and PASSED!!!! Yay!!! We are so excited. The exam ended his in class portion of the program. He is now in a clinic for his internship which will last until next august and then graduation!!! We are so proud of our Derrick!!! He passes first time through with no call backs which was wonderful

A very relieved and excited Derrick

( I think he is the most handsome man in the world especially in his uniforms :) ) Happy family
Cake
(not my best the fondant was not cooperating that day)

4th of July

2011-07-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so this is really late, but here are the pictures from the fourth of July. I have been having trouble with my internet or blogger I am not sure which. I haven't been able to load picture so I will be trying to catch up over the next few days. Here is our fourth of July. Derrick had his comprehensive oral exam the next week so we didn't really do much, but it was still fun!

Our breakfast star beignets Ready to go to the parade
Cute Festive kids ( I love these two more than anything :) )

Waitin for the parade to start

Bucket head

Still waiting but can see the parade starting and getting excited

Sweet boy

So excited

Ready for candy

Patriotic

Excited about his candy

Had way too much fun at the parade

Random Pictures

2011-07-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the progress on the kids room. I love the way it is turning out!

Here is the lamp. I was able to find the parts to make a jar lamp and then I filled it with marbles. Here is some of the decor. I still need to pain the shelf that you can see part of just above the USA, but that is to come.
Here is the pattern of the fabric. It is a little blury sorry, but you get the idea!

Here is their bed with the decor above it. I still need to make one more pillow for the bed, but I have finished both duvet covers and the dust ruffle

Here are some random pictures of Reid and how goofy he truly is. He is hilarious and always trying to make us all laugh. He is such a joy in our lives and we adore him. Forgive him being in just a diaper. He gets so hot here and we have to let him run around in a diaper to cool off for awhile after being outside. He is so warm blooded like his dad and sweats like crazy.

I am not sure exactly what he is trying to do here. Goofy baby

Typical goofy face

update

2011-07-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry no pictures for this post. We haven't been doing much lately. Derrick has his comprehensive oral exams on Wednesday July 6th so we have to stick around so Derrick can study for them. We have been a little lonely with out him around to terribly much but it will get better soon. After his orals He will start his internship, which lasts one year, and then he will graduate!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The orals are the last of his school work so no more tests (except his board exam at the end of the internship)!!! We are so excited to be able to see the end for him!

Avarie is doing well and as silly as ever. She is always saying hilarious things like yesterday she asked if we could go to old mcdonalds (McDonald's). she is always cracking us up.

Reid is starting to talk and loving the summer. He adores being outside and walking around picking up stick, rock or dirt. He adores his sister and it doesn't take much for her to make him laugh. He is constantly trying to tickle her, which is really cute.

Me I am hoping to start working PRN (1-3 days per month) in the next few weeks. I will be working at BAMC (the army hospital) in the ER if I can get through the security clearance stuff. ha ha! I have been working on updating the kids room. I made a duvet cover for each of their beds, the pillows, and found/made some decore. It is an old american theme with antique red, off white, and blue with stars. I have it mostly done and will post pictures when it is complete. well that is all for now.

Avarie

2011-06-12T06:28:00.001-07:00

Avarie is growing like crazy also. She is starting to learn to write letters and be able to tell you what letter it is. She loves primary and singing the songs there. She loves to draw, trying to write, and loves to read books.

This is a for that her and Derrick made in the playroom. It was her castle. Our sweet little Avarie. We are so blessed to have her in our lives (even when she is acting like a 3 year old ;) )

Reid

2011-06-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of Reid. He is growing like crazy, starting to say a few words, and getting into everything. He is our little comedian. He is always doing stuff to make us laugh. He will do something and then turn and give us this hilarious grin like ha ha I am being funny. He is the sweetest little boy also. He is always giving hugs and kisses. He has his mischevious side though. He is constantly into things and making large messes and then when you catch him he gives you this hilarious grin that is hard not to laugh at.

Sweet boy Here is his mad face. Derrick and I think he looks like a little bull dog when he does this.
Dad got an early Father's Day present. He got Mario Kart Wii. Reid loves to play with his daddy and will bring us the game so that he can play. It is so much fun to watch.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day weeked we decided, since Derrick had Friday and Monday off, that we would go down to the beach. It was a blast! The kids loved it and we couldn't keep them out of the water.

Avarie ready to go to the beach Happy boy

Getting a snack playing in the water with dad

loving it!

Very happy baby

letting the waves hit them

Playing in the sand

On Memorial Day we went to my grandpa and his parent graves and put some flowers on their graves. I recently found out that they were all burried at the cemetary on base.

my grandpa

my great grandmother

Apparently I didn't get one of the other side of the headstone, but the other side is my great grandfathers.

Sea World

2011-06-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

We went to Sea World recently and the kids loved the adventure. They both absolutely love animals and so this is one of their favorite places.

Reid looking at one of the fountains Reid trying to figure out what the whale was. He would walk past him, but not to him.
Watching an Elmo show

Happy kids

At one of their shows. Avarie was dying and Reid was so excited he kept shaking.

Totally locked in on what was going on

Derrick's 27th Birthday

2011-06-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Ok so this is over a month late, but here are pictues from Derrick's Birthday. He had a major test on his birthday so we had to celebrate it a day late, but it was a great day!

On his actual birthday I could let him get away with nothing. So this is his birthday coffee cake before going off to the test.

opening presents
Avarie and Reid "helping"

Derrick Playing with his new toy.

The cake

blowing out the candles with help of course

New Find in San Antonio

2011-06-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

We recently found this great little nature park while out on one of our drives to get out of the city. It feels like you are out of the city, but it is only about 15 minutes away. It has some perfect trails that the kids can hike easily. The kids had so much fun and loved it!!
Reid had to have his hat on. It was hilarious!

Easter 2011

2011-04-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our Easter adventures this year. On the Friday night before Easter we deceded to dye eggs. Avarie had a lot of fun with that. Excuse the hair and pajamas we went to the pool right before dying them.

Avarie with the colors and eggs Waiting very impatiently
On Saturday we went to an Easter egg hunt on base. It is a great hunt. They set out eggs that are empty and the kids go and get them. At the end they turn in the eggs for a bag of candy, therefore eliminating the competitive parents. I love it.
Avarie and Reid both had a lot of fun with it. I lost Avarie during hers because she just took off and the parents were supposed to stay back.

Avarie out in the field "hunting" for eggs

Cute picture of Reid before his age groups hunt

Avarie and her loot

Reid before his hunt getting his basket ready

Reid excited about the eggs he got

Showing everyone he could find that he got eggs

Eating the candy Oh Yeah!!

On Sunday morning we did the easter baskets

Avarie looking for hers

Reid had just found his. he was so excited he grabbed his stomache and squeeled

Avarie is her Easter dress ready for church

Avarie's hairdo

Ready for church

Cute little family

Cute little family again

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and everyone is doing well!!!

Random pictures

2011-04-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here are just some random pictures that I was looking at today.

Avarie & Reid at my grandfather's grave that is in the Fort Sam Houston Cemetary Reid being Reid with his cute little belly

Reid watching daddy play softball. He was so mad when he couldn't go play

Exciting New Purchase

2011-04-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday we found exactly what we have been looking and waiting for for the past 6-8 months or so. We finally have a second car!!! We have been trying to manage with one and it has been a real struggle and very frusterating, but it ended well. It is a Nissan Pathfinder that has 7 seats (enough room to grow into, no that is not an announcement:) ) . I am so excited I had to share.

Promotion Ceremony

2011-04-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Derrick was promoted on March 31st to 1st LT. We were so proud of him. The people in his class that were being promoted with him were all standing in a line and they went through and individual gave them their plaque and then they switched out their "pins". Avarie was able to pin Derrick which was so much fun to see. Here are the pictures I was able to take.

Random Children

2011-04-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pictues from teh past month. I do have a video again so check back later for that to be added if you would like.

Avarie and Reid are the craziest sleepers I know. They almost always end up upside down and backwards. I love it!
Silly Avarie

St. Patrick's Day

2011-04-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

On St. Patrick's Day we went to the zoo for some fun here are a few pictures from our adventure. As a lot of you know our children are animal lovers to say the least. They have so much fun at the zoo. Reid's favorite are the Rhinos and the birds. Avarie's favorites are the elephants and the big cats. I am going to add a video at some point of Reid, but I am still having trouble getting them to load so hopefully later today there will be some videos on the new posts.

Our World Through the Eyes of a Three Year Old

2011-04-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ok so these pictures need some explaining. Avarie the other day got a hold of my camera and went to town taking pictures and these are what I found. This is life from her perspective. It is pretty funny. These are the works of Avarie.

ignore the messy living room.

Avarie's Newest Toy

2011-04-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

One of our neighbors in the complex recently gave us this scooter. It is like one of those razor scooters, but has two wheels on the back so it is more stable for smaller children. Avarie has loved using it!!! Here are some pictures from her first adventure with it.

Avarie taking it down the hall outside to practice using ittrying to get the hang of it

Silly girl posing with helmet ( I think her helmet might be a little small)

Park visit

2011-04-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Some time in march just before St. Patricks day we took a day out to have a picnic at the park. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures from the adventure.

Avarie being brave and going down the slide head firstReid being the climber that he is trying to climb up the slide Avarie's posing

Driving a car ha ha!! Reido and Daddy

Having fun

yay for double toys so they can play together

Avarie's Dance Recital

2011-04-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

On March 12th Avarie had her dance recital! It was so adorable! She loves to dance and is so excited when she gets to. I am sorry I am posting this so late. Things have been absolutely crazy around here but here are some adorable pictures and a couple of videos of the dances. Enjoy!! (videos to be added later they aren't working right now sorry will edit and add later)

Posing after Wild Thing Dance Being silly Class picture with Miss Nancy Pretty little dancer

Random Pictures

2011-03-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pictures from the last week or two. We have been a little crazy, but are doing well. Avarie has her dance recital this Saturday and I am so excited to watch it!! It is going to be so cute and fun!!

Avarie being a goofy girl! She got some feathers and stuck them in her pony tails and then came out of the playroom giggling. Reido at 13 months. Reido is walking pretty much everywhere now and loving it. He is so silly and is always trying to make us laugh. I love it!!

Here is one of the projects I am currently working on. They are probably not the best, but it has been fun to make them for easter. Will post the others when I am done with the last couple.

Derrick has been working on our car and fixing a few things! I am so lucky to be married to a man who is willing to save us money and do the work himself! He also has orals coming up in a week and then the big comprehensive orals in July, which is a little scary, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for him.

Update

2011-02-26T06:22:00.001-08:00

Ok so it really has been too long since I have posted on our blog. Things have been absolutely crazy. Below are updates and recent pictures of the kids that were taken for their birthdays.

Well we are all now well and healthy. Reid (the week of his Birthday of course) got RSV and was pretty sick. It was bad enough we had to take him to ER. He had a fever of 103.8 and was breathing way to fast. It was awful, they were talking about admiting him to the hospital. He ended up needing an IV and fluid. I think it took them 5 tries to get the IV and he for the most part just laid there and did nothing. It was so scary. They gave him a breathing treatment and the fluids and he ended up perking up enough to go home with an inhaler and various other medications. After of this Avarie caught it and then Derrick and I got some really bad colds. It was the worst couple of weeks we have had.

Derrick has still been up to school he finished his 8 week internship just before Christmas and has been back in the classroom since just after Christmas. He will be done with the schooling portion of his degree sometime in July. He then will start his year internship and after that will graduate. I think we might be finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!! He has also taken up working on our car and fixing various things and does pretty much all the routine maintenance for himself. he is wonderful!!!!

Avarie Below are a couple of new pictures of her taken by a really great photographer in our ward named Jenny Boster.

Avarie is now 3 years old and is well a 3 year old. She has an opinion about everything and it has to be done exactly to her specifications. She is sweet as can be most days and can be quite the little goof ball, making everyone laugh. She is really into any music and loves to dance. Her newest thing though (this is since Derrick and Cory went hunting with Derrick's family over Christmas break) is she keeps asking for a "pink gun" so she can go "shoot birds" with daddy. I am not really sure how I feel about that. She is such a girly girl most of the time and then she throws out her love of tools and apparently now pink guns, but I guess the pink part makes it a little more girly. She is in love with skirts and dresses and does not like to wear pants. It is pretty funny.
Reid is one year old now. This past week he has picked up on walking and will do it 5-10 steps at a time. He is our little comedian. He is always playing games with us or just generally being silly. He loves to head bang to any music that is on even if it is Tchaikovsky. He is into everything and anything he can and climbs on anything that sits off the ground even if he has just fallen off of it. He is constantly on the go and constantly hungry. He is about the sweetest little boy I have ever seen. He is constantly giving hugs and kisses, which I adore!! He adores his older sister and now that he has started to walk is trying to run after her. He loves trying to be a big boy in anyway he can. He loves cars, trucks, trains, and tools.

Loving being a big boy

Siblings

my update. I havent been up to too much just taking care of the family and church responsibilities, but I was able to reapolster a couple of chairs and make some new pillows for my couch, which was a lot of fun.

I am sorry this post was so long.

Ronald Ivo Christensen

2011-01-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful trip to Utah and were able to see our families, but there were some sad times also. My beloved grandfather passed away on December 22 while we were there. He will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful man and taught us all a lot. He was so strong in the church and I am sure that he is one of the reasons my dad and my family are where they are today. We love you Grandpa and will miss you terribly!!!!

Great Grandpa Christensen at Reid's baby blessing

At the grave site.

One good thing was that the entire Christensen family was here for Christmas, included all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Great Grandma Christensen with the 3 youngest great grandchildren

Avarie was refusing to get in the picture.

trying to get Avarie in the picture.

The entire family.

Carlsbad Caverns

2011-01-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

On our way home from utah we stopped in Carlsbad, New Mexico to see the caverns there. This was kind of a tradition in my family when we would drive here to San Antonio from utah to visit my mom's dad and my great grandparents. It was so much fun with my family that we thought it would be fun to take Avarie and Reid.

"The Caveman" Our family.
Looking at the formations with daddy

Reid pointing and the stuff he loved "The Lion's Tail"

Reid pointing to the different formations

Avarie loving the cavern

Christmas

2011-01-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from Christmas morning. I wasn't very good about taking too many pictures during our trip to utah, but there are a few.

Tired boy after opening presents Avarie opening presents
Tasting his new truck

Trip to utah

2011-01-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pictures from our trip to Utah.

Here is our sweet boy and his hilarious sense of humor. Happy after cake
Silly boy

Avarie's Gingerbread house

Avarie making her gingerbread house

While we were at my parents house Avarie had fun trying on all the hats they had around the house. Then my dad got out his beaver hat and gloves for avarie to try on.

having fun trying on all of the hats

Tigger

Avarie and Reid's Birthdays

2011-01-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Birthdays the past few months. Avarie had her 3rd birthday december second. Reido we had an early birthday party in Utah so that grandparents could be there. His birthday isnt really until January and he will be one.

Reid is trying to walk and loves using a walker ( he discovered this just before his birthday party in Utah). Grandma Karla got out a walker that she had stored at her house and he immediately took off. He loves to say Uh oh and tries to talk. He loves trucks, balls, and especially Thomas the Train. He loves playing with his sister and loves snuggling and being held.
Reid's birthday cake
Avarie is now 3 years old. She loves to sing and pretend to cook. She loves to play with her friends and attend nursery. She is now graduated to a sunbeam. She is a very happy girl and loves to talk to pretty much anyone she meets.

Avarie's new kitchen set

Avarie with her presents

So excited for her cake

Avarie's Cake

Avarie's Dance Recital

2010-12-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from Avarie's recent dance recital that happened just before Thanksgiving. I tried to upload some videos but it wasn't working so I will try those again later.

Avarie after getting her sucker from her teacher. Avarie with her dance class.

Lackland Airfest

2010-11-11T06:33:00.001-08:00

Last weekend Lackland Airforce base had their yearly air show called Airfest. It was so much fun. Here are some pictures from the event. We were there at 9:30ish and then the actual airshow didn't start until about 11, but there was a ton of planes that you could walk around and look at. Some of the planes you could climb up in and see inside of. Avarie loved this part. The show with the planes and demonstrations lasted from 11-4 with a reinactment of Pearl harbor and the Dolittle raid (fake bombs going off and everything). It was the best airshow I have ever been to. We had a great day.

Avarie and I by one of the really big cargo planes. Derrick and Avarie in a black hawk.

Avarie was so happy and excited about the show she couldn't hold it in and gave Derrick this huge hug. It was so cute and made the day.

A little tired first thing in the morning.

Watching for planes.

I found one!

Resting

Showing daddy what the planes were doing.

Reido with his earplugs in. This lasted about 10 minutes.

Cute girl

So excited!

Halloween

2010-11-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from halloween. Avarie was a cute little butterfly and Reido was an octopus.

Flying around like a butterfly

Playing games at the Trunk-or-Treat.

Happy little octopus

Random Pics

2010-11-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pics of what has been going on here lately. The weather has been wonderful so we had a few trips to the playground and lots of walks in the stroller.

Avarie update:

She will be 3 years old in 3 weeks from tomorrow.

Avarie is growing way to fast she is now wearing 4T clothing.

She loves the body book (it is an anatomy book geared toward school aged kids). We have to read it every night.

She loves her dance class and is doing pretty well and learning and remembering her dances.

She loves to play with littlest pet shop toys.

Loves to help clean around the house ( I just looked over and she is in the kitchen on her hands and knees with a wipe cleaning the kitchen floor. haa haa.)

Our sweet Avarie swinging.

A Reido Update:

9 and half months old

He is crawling around like crazy and way to fast for me to keep up with him.

He keeps disappearing and getting away from me. Luckily to his or Avarie's room to play with toys.

He just 2 days ago started pulling himself to standing on the couch and the crib.

He loves to laugh.

loves to make noises and jabber. Favorite is to say Da da da and is starting to say mama and dada to the correct person, not just to make noise.

He loves to hit things and play in the dirt/bark if at all possible.

Here is a picture of our sweet little boy playing in the swing with his baseball rattle. He loves swinging and being outside.

Reido's first bed head. It was hilarious and a lot worse in back but I couldn't get a decent picture of the back.

Here is my first fondant cake. I had a friend that took me under her wing and helped me learn how to do this and this was the result of my lesson with her.\

Preparations for Halloween

2010-10-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our preparations for Halloween. We have had some fun with it lately.

Avarie painting her pumpkins. Intent on getting it done.

I made a witches hat for the pumpkin so naturally avarie wanted one and so this is what was made. Here is our cute little witch.Our pumpkins

I just made these new Halloween decoration. I love the way it turned out as a whole.

Here is my bat.

The ghost.

The pumpkin.

The cat.

The moon.

The haunted house.

The whole thing. This picture doesn't do it complete justice, but it gives you an idea.

Cute Pictures and Videos

2010-10-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the kids and a couple of videos that are more for grandparents than anyone else, so enjoy if you chose or ignore if you dont want to watch. Also ignore the mom voice in the videos it is a little cheesy.

Our sweet little girl Reid's new favorite thing to do. This is the legs of my table in my living room
And now Reid trying to climb through and getting stuck.
Our adorable little Reido.

Here is a cute video of Reid just being Reid.

Here is one of Avarie playing with Reid and tickling him.

Updates

2010-10-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Things have been unbelievably crazy at the McArthur house! I was just recently put in the Young Womens presidency. It keeps me busy and is a lot of fun. The girls in our ward are great!. I have gone out with some friends for a girls night which I haven't done since college. It was so much fun to get out and so relaxing. I have mostly been home with our sweet kids which is so much fun.

Derrick Just finished up his second semester at school and on Monday started his 8 week internship. So far he is liking it and his CI is hoping to be able to get him in to watch a surgery. I could tell he was excited even though he didn't want to show it and get his hopes up that it will happen. It is fun to see him enjoying himself.

Avarie is in a dance class now and is loving it. She is so excited for halloween and especially Christmas. She keeps telling about the things she wants and is pretty set on a pink Zhu Zhu pet and a petshop hospital set.

Reid is Crawling and pulling himself up to his knees. He is very vocal and lets you know exactly what he wants and how he feels about everything. He is all over the house and getting into everything. He has so much fun playing with his sister.

Below are some pictures and updates of what we have been up to lately. Sorry this is all so long.

Dance Class and Zoo Trip

2010-10-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

We rececntly took Reid to the zoo for the first time. It was so much fun to watch his eyes light up when he saw the animals. His favorite I believe was the Rhinos he was started kicking and squeeling. It was hilarious and cute!
Reido was exhausted

Elephants at this zooReido enjoying his first zoo trip

Avarie started her dance class on the 8th of October and is loving it!!! This was the morning of her first day. She was so excited. She gets so involved with the class and dances her heart out it is so much fun.

So excited!!

8 months old and camping

2010-10-11T14:51:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of Reido for 8 months old.

he was crawling shortly after this point. happily playing in the sand and this was about 2 seconds before he stuck a handfull of sand in his mouth.
We went camping in September with my cousin Kristin and her family. We had a blast. It was so fun to get together with them.

Kristin, Daniel and Aurora

Derrick and Reid

The three kids.

Reido eating his breakfast

There were tons of Deer there. Avarie loved them.

The Camp Shelter we stayed in.

Avarie using a chair bag to keep herself dry. Haa haa!

The cutest babies!

(This was about two seconds before Reido scared Aurora. It was so funny)

Aurora and Reido playing at the lake.

Avarie's first black eye

2010-09-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Avarie got her first black eye last week. It was so sad. When we would talk about her black eye she would say "No mommy it's purple eye" if was so funny. She is so cute! her are the pictures from the ordeal.

This was probably the worst it got The day after
Somewhere in between.

somewhere in between

Right after it happened

Georgia

2010-09-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend we went to Georgia for Derrick's Brother Troy's wedding. We had a great time and are so excited to have Blaine in our family now. The weather was perfect and there was barely any humidity which was great since it has been so humid here. We stayed with Blaine's family who were great and we had a great time getting to know them. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Reido stuffing his face with bisquits.Plane ride and Reid playing
Avarie out cold.

Avarie excited to get on the plane.

The girls with Uncle Justin at the wedding

Avarie and her 2 cousins Kaylee and Ashlynn

Kalee and Avarie dancing

Avarie dancing with her new friend

Avarie in her "wedding dress"

Derrick and I.

2010-08-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long and multiple posts, but we have been up to a lot in the past few weeks.

Here are a couple of the projects I have been up to.

I made this diaper bag.
Bows for the wedding.

Throw pillows for the bed

Derrick

Derrick has been up to school and then playing with us. He has had lots of tests. Here are a few pictures that I was able to get from his classmates. I have no idea what they are doing sorry.

Kids

2010-08-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Avarie

Avarie is doing well and loves singing and dancing. She is probably going to start a dance class in October with some of the girls from the ward. She always has something goofy to say and an attitude to go with it.

Pretty girl

I made a cake the other day and after I was all done I walked out of the kitchen for a minute. I heard something and came back to this.

Avarie and Reido.

REIDO

Reid is growing like crazy. He is now 7 months old. We have recently had to get a convertible carseat because he has gotten to big for the infant seat. In the last 4-5 days he has gotten his first 2 teeth. He seems to be trying to crawl but cant get from sitting to his knees yet, but he tries.

7 Months old!

Smiley boy!

Going for a walk and stealing the keys (he loves to play with keys)

On a walk with daddy!

Reid has decided he loves the dog and get so excited when she comes in the room. Here are a few pictures of him with the dog.

Camp out

2010-08-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Derrick and Avarie decided to have a campout in the living room the other day. Avarie has been a little bit of a pain at night trying to get her to go to be so this was her reward for being good for a few nights in a row.

Putting up the tent with daddy.

So excited to be in the tent

Goofy girl!

Watching a movie while laying in the tent.

Smores!

Avarie awe at the smores ( I dont think she had ever had them before)

Derrick enjoying his

My goofy husband making a double decker smore.

Port Aransas

2010-08-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Port Aransas down near Padre Island. It was so much fun. We were able to go with a bunch of friends from the ward. I think it was the most relaxing Saturday we have had in a long time. Here are some pictures from our adventure to the ocean.

Avarie going after Daddy. Reido and I having fun in the water.
The girls

Derrick and I.

Looking at the Sky!

Waking up from his nap on the beach.

Sand baby!

Kaelen had way to much fun she was worn out by the end of the day.

Avarie's goofy pose.

Playing in the ocean.

funny look! He loved the sand and water though.

Cotton Field that we saw on the way. I had never seen one before. It was kind of cool.

Nationals

2010-08-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Last week we were able to go to Texas A&M to watch dayna at nationals. It was so much fun to be able to be there and watch her dive. Avarie loved it and still is talking about it. She keeps saying it is her turn to jump off the diving board. We may have a little diver on our hands. After the meet Dayna and my mom were able to come to San Antonio for a couple of days to play. It was so much fun to have them here for that time.

Dayna holding Avarie and ReidReid and I
Reid having fun at the diving meet

Avarie getting excited about the diving that was going on.

Reid

2010-08-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

Here are some recent Pictures of Reid. He has finally decided it is ok to roll from his back to his stomach. He hates rolling for some reason and wont really do it. He loves sitting up and playing. He now can get from sitting to his stomach. I accidentally cut his head off in the top picture but he wasn't holding very still and I thought he has a cute look on his face so I still used it. He is growing way to fast for my liking, but he is such a sweet little boy!

This is a picture of Reid eating his first cookie yesterday and loving it. This first picture of eating a cookie I love mostly because of his eyes look really cool to me.Here is the smile after the cookie and as you can see it got stuck on his shoulder.

Here is another picture of 6 months of our cute little boy!

Here is a video of Reid laughing! He has the cutest laugh!

Avarie

2010-08-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Avarie is now Potty Trained completely!!!! It is hopefuly over because in my opion potty training is not fun at all. Avarie can now sing the ABCs and various other songs without help it is so cute.

Avarie loves to go swimming so here is a picture of her in one of her cute suits and a goofy face pulled ready to go swimming.Avarie eating her ice cream cone. It has been really hot here so ice cream and popcicles
are a must. She had bitten off the bottom of the cone so it was leaking and Derrick put it in a sippy cup for her so she could eat it and not drip every where.
Here is a video of Avarie Singing (This is more for grandmas than anyone else, but watch if you want to)

Our Babies

2010-07-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our pictures lately of Reid and Avarie. They have begun playing with each other. It is so cute! Avarie after awhile is tired of Reid just grabbing things, but that is a work in progress. Reid is now sitting up on his own and loves it because he can do more with his sister. He is eating baby cereal and baby food. I think his favorite so far is peas. He has decided to start growling a lot also.

Here are Avarie and Reid playing together.
Reid and Avarie.

Reid's funny face.

Our cute big boy!!

Reid and Avarie playing with little people together. It was so cute avarie kept switching the toys back and forth so they both could have one.

Here is a video of Reido growling. It is really funny and sounds almost evil.

4th of July

2010-07-17T15:44:00.001-07:00

Here are some Pictures of our 4th of July. We had a fun day!! Here is just a good shot of the bows I made her to be festive for the 4th.
Avarie Waiting for the parade to start. Apparently her bucket made a good seat!

Avarie Waving at the people in the parade.

Avarie waving again.

Derrick and Reido waiting for the parade to start.

Avarie was so excited for the parade that she ran up and gave Derrick a hug.

This was at our wards breakfast that morning and Reido crashed. It was really cute.

Avarie being goofy.

Avarie found a friend to play with at the breakfast.

Family

2010-06-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pcitures of our little family. Derrick has just been in his second semester for about a month now and is currently taking his first test of the Semester. Good luck honey!! He has been doing really well and he will start an 8 week internship after this semester is over in October. He is so excited for the internship part and getting back into a clinic and they recently switched his site to an orthopedic clinic which he is excited about. That is where his interest lies.

Here is Reido sitting with his daddy.If you cant tell by the look on his face he loves his daddy!
This is a picture of Avarie and Reid as you can tell. She loves her brother and he adores her. It is so cute. She always wants to hold him and is the first in his room when he wakes up from his nap.

Here is a funny conversation Avarie had with her dad last night it was pretty cute.
After struggling for 2 hours to get her to sleep and her coming out of her room a couple of times we shut her door to her room as the consequence for coming out of her room and not listening. she had been screaming for about 5-10 minutes after we had shut it before Derrick went into talk to her. We knew she hated having the door shut, but aparently we weren't understanding the reason why until now. Here is the conversation that followed:

Derrick: "Why are you screaming?"

Avarie: "Door Open Daddy!"

Derrick: "Why do you want the door open?"

Avarie: "Want door open."

Derrick: "But why do you want the door open?"

Avarie: "Hear Reido room." (she calles her brother Reido)

Derrick: " You want to be able to hear Reid in his room?"

Avarie: "Yeah! Want Reido."

Derrick then had to explain to her that mommy and daddy listen for Reid and we will take care of him during the night. It was just so sweet that she loves her brother that much.

Avarie's First Real Bike Ride

2010-06-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

Avarie had her first bike riding lesson this week. She had so much fun. The only thing we really practiced was steering. We figured it was better to start there then on pedaling because we didn't want her to get going and then run herself into something. She was so cute and got pretty good at steering. It was so cute.

Here is just a really funny picture I took of her talking to my mom one day. She was telling her about the book. It was so funny!

5 Months Old

2010-06-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Reid is now 5 months old as of Tuesday this week. He is still growing like crazy. He is so smiley and snuggly. It is so much fun. He is starting to try to sit up and can sit up for about 20 to 30 seconds at a time on his own. He has the strength to hold himself fron to back but if he looks to the side he falls over, but he is getting there. Here are some cute pictures of him that I have taken this week. He loves tummy time now and is trying to scoot forward to get things while he is on his stomach. He is also very talkative and coos and babbles all day. He is just so much fun!!

Random Pictures

2010-06-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here are just some random cute pictures.

Avarie eating ice cream with Grandpa Scott.

Avarie and Reid Ready to go Running.

Recent Family Pictures

2010-06-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent family pictures that we got taken with Derrick's side of the family while we were in Utah .

4 months old

2010-06-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Reid in the past 2 weeks has hit 4 months old. He got his first hair cut.

Before hair cutAfter hair cut

He also had his first solid food and thought it was a little weird at first

At his Doctors appointment he was 27.1 inches long (95th percentile) and weight 16 lbs
1.8 oz.
Reid is now rolling from stomach to back consistently and loves to growl. He and daddy playing a game where they growl at each other. It is hilarous and both have lots of fun. Reid also loves to laugh and gabber. He is making noises almost all day. It is so cute!!

Pictures

2010-05-16T14:41:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of us. I wanted to try to get some with all four of us, but it didn't work out the kids both weren't cooperating very well.

Avarie and Reid Update

2010-05-16T08:43:00.001-07:00

Avarie is still trying to potty train. We are struggling a bit and I think it is my fault, but I am not sure what to do, but eventually maybe both of us will get the hang of it.
Her imagination is growing everyday. She plays and pretends a ton. It is so cute. The other day we were at Derrick's school because the class above him was having a pediatrics lab and they asked the underclass if they could bring in their children so they could get some experience. So we took both Avarie and Reid. but while they were there avarie some how got a hold of a stop watch and it was her puppy named Kaelen. It was so funny. She is making things up like that all the time. While I was making dinner yesterday she got into my baking stuff and was making soup for dinner. It was hilarious.

Reid is alert as ever and as sweet as ever. He has decided to become very attached to his blanket that has a silky fabric on the back of it. He will get a hold of it and rub it on is face and will fall asleep almost instantly if you wrap him up in it when he is tired. He is holding his head up pretty well while he is on his stomach even though he hates tummy time we are learning what inventive ways we can do tummy time that doesn't make him scream. He is smiling and laughing a ton and loves to Jabber. He loves to watch Avarie and smiles at her constantly. It has been fun watching him grown and develop.

Everyday Update

2010-05-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

We have been up to a lot lately. We will be leaving for Utah next friday and are driving there which should take about 24 hours. I think we might be crazy, but the jury is out on that one still. Derrick and I have been running usually 4 days a week and we are up to 1.5 miles. Not far, but for me it is good. I am hoping to be able to run a 5K by December but my mom and Derrick both think I could by the end of the summer. We will see how I feel then though that is a definite maybe. We have also been trying to eat better lately. We have been eating more whole grains and I have been able to find some great recipes that are low of calories, higher on fiber and dont sacrifice on taste. why are we doing this? well first the health of our family, but also for my own selfish reasons. I am trying to get the baby weight off. This weight is not from Reid. The weight I gained with him was gone in 2 weeks. This is the weight from Avarie. Yes it has shamefully taken me this long to get the motivation to do it, but proudly to say I am down 15 pounds as of today and only have 6 more to go for my current goal and then reevaluation to see what the next goal will be, but I am back into clothes that haven't fit me for years and kept for some reason. I really do appreciate my sweet husband sticking with me and helping me to get healthier. If it was not for him putting the kids in the stroller and getting out their with me I would not have been able to do it so THANK YOU HONEY!!! YOU ARE WONDERFUL. I am feeling better about myself and feeling the best I have in years thanks to your support and help!

Happy Birthday to Derrick!!

2010-05-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Derrick's Birthday was on Wednesday. He turned 26 this week. We love you so much honey and are so grateful for everything you have done for our little family. I hope you had a great day!! opening presents

Cake

Derrick and Avarie using their party hats as swords.

What have we been up to lately

2010-05-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well we have been crazy busy lately!! Derrick has had a lot of projects and tests lately so he has been a little bit of a recluse, but we are so proud of him. Then last weekend he was in Utah for his grandfather's Funeral. His Grandfather will be greatly missed he was such a sweet man.

Avarie and I have have just played around the house and potty training, but while Derrick was gone we did not want to sit around the apartment alone so we drove to Houston and we stayed with my cousin Kristing, her Husband Daniel, and their sweet little one Aurora. Below are some pictures of the two newest Christensen great grand children. They are about 6 weeks apart I believe. We had so much fun while we were there. Thanks Kristin and Daniel and It was so fun to see little Aurora for the first time. They really helped us not be so lonely with out Derrick there.

Hogg Mansion

2010-05-07T10:24:00.001-07:00

Ok so while Avarie Reid and I were in Houston we went to this Mansion with Kristin and Daniel that has these amazing gardens. Nothing was flowereing except the Magnolia trees and they weren't in full bloom yet. The gardens were amazing! I cannot even imagine the up keep it would take.

Kristin, Avarie and I by one of the fountains

The house from as close as I could get and still get most of the home in the picture. It was huge. Funny note: The owners were the Hogg family 2 brothers and a sister built the home. Shortly after it was built one of the brothers got married and the other died , so their siste Ima Hogg was the sole resident (yes her name was Ima hogg) mean huh? but funny.

Butterfly shaped garden

Avarie liked this statue

These two are Magnolia blossom. They are these huge trees that have these large blosssoms. The blossoms would fill a large mixing bowl. They are gorgeous and smell wonderfull. The blossom above is not fully opened but the one below is fully open

3 Months Old and Potty Training

2010-05-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

We have hit 3 months with Reid! He is still growing like a weed. He is laughing and smiling. It is so cute if we start singing twinkle twinkle little star he starts giggling. He jabbers and make tons of noises and is such a sweety. In the morning you only know he is awake because he is in there his room babbling to himself. He is such a sweet little blessing in our lives.

Avarie is growing also. She has been potty training which is a little interesting but we are getting the hang of things and doing better. She is not not having pee accidents for the most part, but the other one we are still struggling with. Any suggestions out there to help with #2 issues? Avarie is loving her brother and loves to help change his diaper and give him a bath. She is such a good big sister and a helpful sweet girl.

Below and above are some picture of Avarie and Reid.

Visit from the Tuft family

2010-04-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some picture from when Derrick's sister Tori and her family came to visit last Friday thru Wednesday.

Avarie watching the hippos at the San Antonio Zoo.

Avarie and Kaylee watching the hippos and the fish that are in the tank with them.

Hippos waiting for their food to be dropped into their mouths.

Kaylee and Avarie feeding the fish.

Reid being his cute sweet self being held by his uncle Jason.

Avarie and Kaylee at Sea World.

Kaylee Avarie and Ashlynn Playing in the sand at Sea World.

Ashlynn Kissing Reid. Reid loved meeting his cousins for the first time. He was smiling at them a lot and had fun with other kids to make faces at him and talk to him.

Easter 2010

2010-04-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get these pictures from easter up. We have had family here and have been having way to much fun with them.

Here are some pictures from our walk on easter. Avarie and Reid both love going for a walk so we try to get one in as much as possible. Derrick was in charge if the camera easter morning and he only got video and no still pics so I dont have an pictures of that morning sorry.

Here was Derrick and Avaries Easter Breakfast pancakes.

2 Months old

2010-04-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Reid at 2 months old. He has been smiling tons and will smile at anyone that will talk to him. He is such a sweet boy! At his 2 month appointment he was 11 lbs 2.4 oz and was 24.4 inches long. He is growing like a weed!

easter egg hunt

2010-04-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Avarie at her easter egg hunt last saturday. She had so much fun. She was so excited to put eggs in her basket. Although she wouldn't smile when I had the camera out.

Baby blessing

2010-03-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we blessed our little Reid. Here are some pictures from that. It was wonderful to be able to have my family and Derricks family there that day. It was a great day!

Trip to Austin

2010-03-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we were able to go to Austin to watch my sister Dayna dive for BYU at University of Texas Austin. My Parents and Grandparents were here also and we were able to spend to whole weekend with them. Avarie loved watching her aunt dive! She kept saying " dayna jump! Dayna jump!" while we were there and now she keeps saying " Dayna Dive Funny."

While we were in Austin we were able to go tour the capital. It was a really interesting building The first picture has my grandpa and Grandma with Derrick and Avarie walking around the grounds. The next picture is of Avarie looking up at the ceiling that had a star on it ( she loves stars). The 3rd picture is of Derrick and Avarie walking around the grounds also and you can see my dad behind them in the orange shirt.

Here is a video of Avarie at the pool with her daddy. She had way too fun at the hotel pool she loves the water. It is so cute she kept pointing to the ceiling and telling Derrick "up there" so he would toss her into the air and she would squeal with delight.

Reid and Derrick

2010-02-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Reid and Derrick to compare. I thought he looked alot like his daddy. Derricks mom sent these pictures and now I know they look alot alike. Their baby picture look so close. Although here they are and you can decide for yourself.

1 Month Old and Silly Girl

2010-02-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

Reid is one month old as of yesterday. Here are some newer pictures of him. He is so adorable! He is holding his head up pretty well and holding it there for a shorter period of time. He has gained a ton of weight, I think, he now has a double chin and is getting rolls on his legs. He has grown too. He is starting to grow out of his 0-3 month clothing. When he straightens his legs in sleepers especially he cant fully get them extended. He has started smiling at us some this past week. He loves to just watch thing and be held by me ( he is partial to his mommy). He isn't sleeping through the night yet but is only getting up once at 2-3 am and then going right back to sleep and will sleep until 6:30 or 7 am. He has been such a joy to have in our lives. We have loved having this sweet little boy!

Avarie is growing like a weed. She is still in 3 T sizes at 2 years old. Derrick used whatever the equation is for a 2 year old and if it is right she might be over 6 feet tall. She is talking non stop and still saying new words every day. I love having her around. The pictures of her are her dressing up like a bride. We watched Pricess Diaries II the other day and at the end Ann Hathaway is wearing a wedding dress. She decided she wanted to wear one and she found one of my white skirts and put it on. She had put her arm through the little ribbon things they put in the sides of skirts so you can keep them on a hanger and then brought me a crocheted table topper thing to put on her head. It was really funny. Then she wanted to dance with her daddy. which is the first picture.

The Alamo and Riverwalk

2010-02-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here are som pictures that were taken when we took Karla, Derrick's mom, to the River walk and the Alamo last Saturday. We had a lot of fun and ate at our favorite place in San Antonio. It was such a nice day. It was in the 70's all day.

Avarie and our little family

2010-02-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

Here are some picture of Avarie and our family that Karla took while she was here. She took Avarie a couple of times while she was here to the playground, which as you can see, Avarie loved. She is adjusting wonderfully to the new baby and is starting to help more and more. She is starting to be more interested in Reid. Today she saw his belly button and got excited that he had one too. It was really funny. The next one is of her is her dress for church. She gets so excited when she can wear her pretty dresses. The rest are just of us.

Reid Updates

2010-02-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some newer pictures of Reid. He is now trying to hold his head up especially when we try to burp him. He is doing a pretty good job, but can't hold it for too terribly long. At his appointment last Friday he was still 22 1/2 inches long, but weighed 9 lbs 4 oz. We were happy with his weight gain because by 4 days old he had dropped to 7 lbs 13 oz and the doctors were a little worried. He is obviously gaining weight just fine now. He is such a little sweetheart and is such a good baby. Last night he slept for 6 and half hours which was great even though he has been sleeping atleast 4 hours at a time at night since the second night home. We are so happy to have him in our lives and love him to death. The last picture is of Reid with all his baseball things that Derrick's family has given him and made him. They are starting him young.

New Pictures

2010-02-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pictures of Avarie and Reid. The pictures of Reid are from late last week early this week.The picture with Avarie laughing is when she got into the baby's bouncy seat and was playing in it. Avarie is really warming up to Reid now. She is starting to want to watch him squirm and wiggle. She also comes and looks into the bassinette and calls him a "toote Baby" ( cute baby)

He is finally here!!

2010-01-25T12:49:00.001-08:00

Our new little Bundle of Joy arrived this last weekend. Reid Scott McArthur was born on January 22nd at eight thirty one in the evening. He was 9 lbs 2.2 ounces and 22 1/2 inches long. We are so excited to have our sweet little boy with us. We arrived home today and Avarie is loving being a big sister.

Update

2010-01-20T06:41:00.001-08:00

I am sorry everyone. It has been a while since I was able to post. Things have been a little bit crazy around here. Derrick is now officially in school which started on January 4th. He is liking his classes, but some of it is review from his undergrad work so some classes he gets a little bored. He was told by the previous class to hang on through the first month and then that would get better. He has been so excited to get going on things and seems to be doing well. His first test is this friday so we will see then, but knowing him he will do wonderfully.
Avarie is still growing like crazy she is a sweet heart. She plays and talks all day. It has been so much fun to watch her grow. She does have her days where she gets a little mischevious, but other than that she has been an angel. She is starting to learn her letters and tries to sing the ABC song, but doesn't always get the letters in the right order. She loves to count too, but says 321 instead of 123 ( I think this is because daddy counts down when he is going to get her or do something silly).
Me I have been doing ok. I am ready to have this baby. I will be induced Monday January 25th though if I dont go into labor this week or weekend. I have had some Blood pressure issues, but nothing horrible other than lots of tests and one overnight stay in the hospital. The doctors I think are being cautious which is good. The baby although seems to be doing fine. They have monitored him closely and we have testing done twice a week and he is always doing perfectly so we are happy about that.
I hope everything is going well with all of you and we love hearing from you through your blogs.

New Years Eve Fun

2009-12-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our outing to the park today. Avarie had so much fun playing with her daddy at the park. Although we are having a hard time adjusting to 70 degree weather in December. It has been a little weird and it doesn't feel like winter. We have only had a few days this winter so far that have gotten below 50 degrees. Oh well atleast we do not have to shovel snow off the driveway.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T06:22:00.001-08:00

Here are just some pictures of Avarie playing with her Christmas. The third picture is of our cat Sadie. She claimed a present for herself and was napping on it. It was really cute.

Here are some pictures of Avarie before and after opening her Christmas eve pajamas. Apparently we got it right she wouldnt take them off all Christmas.

We are so Grateful for the Christmas season. It was in someways nice to have our own little family Christmas. It really helped me to have the time instead of running around to reflect more about the holiday season and what it means to me. We had a wonderful day. We did miss our families though that was a little bit hard but with skype we were able to see and talk to them which was nice. I hope everyone had a wonderful day! We wish you all well!

My update

2009-12-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have not been up to much other than getting ready for the baby and Christmas. It has been a little hectic with Derrick's schedual and everything to get ready. I have finished a few recieving blankets for the baby and have loved being home and playing with Avarie. I got a rotary tool and board for cutting material so I will have to make a few more things for the baby and Avarie. I have been planning on making a quilt to match her room to go onto her bed and then have some material to make a quilt for the baby. There arent any pictures of me lately due to me avoiding getting them taken.

Derrick Updates

2009-12-26T06:01:00.001-08:00

The first two pictures are of Derrick's Officers training graduation. After graduating OBLC He was able to go through two weeks of orientation and get things set up the rest of the way for school. This made him antsy to get started with the school work and he is now waiting patiently to start school. He will be starting that on January 4th. He has been able to be home last week and this week with us which has been really nice to have this time before things get crazy for him.

Here is a picture of him in his dress blues. I think he looks pretty good but I am a little partial.

Avarie Playing

2009-12-26T05:48:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of Avarie and her new favorite thing to do. She has loved dressing up over the past week or two. It is so cute.

More Random Pictures

2009-12-03T06:05:00.001-08:00

Here are som more random pictures. This first picture is of Avarie in her new dress. Avarie loved it. This morning Avarie decided to put on her dad hat and wanted to put on his boots so here are just some cute pictures of that. If you can't tell she loves her daddy so much and wants to be like him. It is so fun to watch her copy her dad and luckily she has copied anything bad from either of us yet.

Avarie's Birthday

2009-12-03T05:57:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Avarie's Birthday yesterday. First is the cake I made her. It is a little sad, but she didn't seem to care. This is Avarie playing with her toys that she got having a fun time.

Here is a picture with Avarie playing again and yes there is finally a picture with me in it.

This is a picture with Avarie before opening her presents. She was sitting on one and looked for posed.

Misc. Pictures

2009-12-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

These are some pictures of my goofy husband. I had asked him to cut up and onion for me one of the sundays just after he had gotten back from the field and they still had their gear. Apparently he didn't like the smell and the watering eyes from the onion. I turned around from what I was doing and he had pulled out his gas mask and put it on to keep out the onion smell. There is rarely a time in our family that he is not making Avarie and I laugh. We love him so much and his sense of humor. Everytime he does something like this I laugh because his and my dad's sense of humor is so similar. These are just the type of things I grew up with my dad doing and now I am married to a man who does it also. The saying you will marry someone like your father could not have been more true in my case.

Here are some Picture of random things lately. This was Avarie's first experience with Finger paint. I was a little paranoid up until now that she would eat it so I held off. This was the day before Derrick got back from his first week out in the field and Avarie was making him a "welcome Home" poster.This first picture is one of her first reactions to the paint on her hands and trying to figure out why mom was letting her get dirty.

This picture is when she figured out the fun and was taking full advantage of it.
This is a picture of the poster she painted.

Update

2009-11-30T11:37:00.001-08:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted on the blog. We have had a lot going on. We had my cousin Kristin and her Husband here 2 weekends ago. We had so much fun with them here. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures because I didn't think of it at the time. We were able to spend Saturday and some of Sunday with them. We took them to a medical museum on base which was a lot of fun!!! Kristin is a nurse like me and her husband Daniel is in medical school so it was a lot of fun to have people that understand a little bit to go through the museum with us. Avarie loved having them here. She just want to play with them and probably talked their ears off.

For Thanksgiving we were unable to go back to Utah so we spent the day with some friends. That morning Derrick played in a "Turkey Bowl" with some of the men from the ward. He had a lot of fun. Avarie loved watching her daddy and playing with some of the other children that were there. We were able to have a wonderful holiday and long weekend with our little family.

Next thing is Avarie will be turning 2 on wednesday. We are so greatful for a sweet little girl. She is talking like crazy and is busy playing running around or reading books. She loves Princesses and is playing or pretending to be them constantly. She is growing up before our eyes and we love her dearly.

Sorry for the long post. I hope everyone's holiday season is going well!!

Funny incident

2009-11-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to the bank while running some errands and the bank we are using is one for military members and their family. When we walked in there was a picture of a couple of soldiers in their uniforms and kevlar helmets with a helicopter in the back ground. Avarie all of the sudden kept saying "Daddy, daddy, daddy"!!!! I couldn't figure out what she why she was saying daddy, but finally she pointed to the pictures of the soldiers and said "daddy!" in the cutest little voice. It was so cute!!

Halloween

2009-11-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of Avarie on Halloween. I wasnt able to get any good pictures of her when she was at our ward trunk or treat because it was too dark outside.