brunch fun

We had a fun adventure today. We headed down to Central Market to play and have lunch with some friends. Here is Harrison ready to get out and play.
Gwen on the playground.
This is Austin showing me his super hero dance. He even has the strong face on.
Gwen and Ellie are ready for lunch and having a good time. After lunch the kids fed the birds and let Jackie and I talk for a while. Then we got a few treats (green gummie frogs for us) and wandered around the store and let the kids play a bit more. It was so much fun to get outside and play with some friends.

binki tricks

Have you ever seen a binki do a trick like this? Neither had I. But I was entering in the kitchen and it caught my eye, I thought that it was falling but when I turned my head and really saw what was going on I was really impressed, here it is hanging on for dear life, just trying not to fall onto the dirty floor that really needs to be cleaned. What a little trooper. Harrison should be so proud to call this one his.

Memorial Monday

James and Ryan came up with the idea of renting a boat and going out on the lake for the holiday. I myself was very skeptical of having four kids under the age of four on a speeding boat, but yet again I was delightfully surprised. Right when we got on the boat Gwen took the captains seat and was ready for some speed, or so we thought.
London and Maddie (and matching Minnie Mouse's) took the front of the boat, supervised by Ryan.
When Gwen was kicked out of the drivers seat she joined her cousins in the front.
Harrison was also ready to hit the waves, however he did not see too much of the action, he slept a lot. Which was just fine.
The squinty face, as the wind speed picks up.
Ahhhh the blackmail pictures that you have all been waiting for. Here is James.
James took Gwen on the tube, she was not a very willing participant, and that didn't last really long, but at least she tried.
Here I am, this is just before James told Ryan to take it up to mock speed and turn the corner at the same time, where I was ejected from the tube, and thrown into the water. I guess that was fine because where is the fun if you just ride mildly like I thought that I would.
At the end of the day we had four sleeping kids and five worn out adults. It was home for some naps and baths that seemed to allude us at our house. Man those kids better sleep good tonight. We also had the chance to have a barbecue with some of our friends, which ended a practically perfect holiday for the Barlow's. Harrison was just falling asleep as Leslie and Heather took to the tube so I failed to get pictures of that, but it was great too.

Saturday at the movies

Saturday morning we were able to squeeze in a few things like cleaning the church, going to see the new Indiana Jones movie with Ryan and Leslie, and having lunch at a fun sandwich shop called Which Wich?. It was a really fun morning and when we went to pick up the kids from being babysat by Leslie's sister (Heather) it turned out that they didn't take naps, so even better when we got home we were all able to take a little nap. A perfect Saturday if I do say so myself.

let the weekend begin

I know that I am getting behind, because I have lots of pictures that need to be used, but I can't catch up. So since it is a long weekend I think that I will have some time to get myself together. On Friday I was lucky enough to try out a new place for lunch with my friend Paige, and the kids of course. We ate a Waterloo Ice House (2222 and 360) I know that there are a few of them around here.

It was a warm, really warm day and so we let the kids roam free, and ate outside. They have a little playscape, sandbox, and little toys that are there to play with like shovels and trucks.


Gwen decided that it could be fun to get a little dirty in the sand.
So the shoes came off and were filled with sand along with her pants and everything else that she could hold sand in. After we got home she took a little nap, and then was ready to play again, and at 4:45 pm after playing/jumping on the couch cushions for awhile I found her like this.
Totally asleep. I guess that she felt like two naps would be a good idea, I just wish that she had given me the heads up so that I could take one too. When James got home he was playing with Harrison as I fixed dinner, and soon after I could hear Harrison and no James, I looked to find
One sleeping two year old, one sleeping husband, and a baby playing with a box that is bigger than he is. At least I can say that it was quiet. What a funny little day.

the new bribe

I have had a few people ask me how I get Gwen to stand/sit still as we do her hair. Well here is our latest trick. She likes to wash her hands...well it is really just playing in the water, but it keeps her busy for a few minutes.

I am not saying that this comes without some problems. On this particular day we were getting ready for the twins birthday and half way through the first braid she decided that she was ready to go, so we had a little problem, but we worked it out, or should I say I worked it out.washing, washing, washing.
And we made it to the party, a little late, but we made it.

tag I'm it

I've been tagged...Here are the rules:

1. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end, the player tags 5 others and posts their names. Then goes to their blog and posts them a comment to let them know they've been tagged and asks them to read your blog to find out the details.

Let’s Begin:1. What was I doing 10 years ago:

Oh boy, 10 years ago if we are counting the entire year I was in a choir that was chosen to perform in England! That is right. It was a really neat opportunity and I was able to go with my mom and my younger brother. I was able to see some exciting things, like Big Ben, ride on a double decker bus, we saw a really big street protest (against using fur), street markets, lots of cathedrals and little shops, we went punting (you are in a boat and use a large pole to steer), rode the underground, and saw a Shakespeare play in an outdoor theater just to name a few things.

I also gave up the summer before my junior year to go to school and become a CNA (certified nurses assistant). I passed the class and the day after my 16th birthday I started my first official job at a assisted living center. I worked as a CNA for the next four years on and off.

I also started my junior year of High school, and I was now 16 so I could drive and date, but that information is for a different time. I ran Cross country and was on the swim team.

2. Five things on my to-do list:

Well you know that I am a list person so this will be easy.

1. feed the kids breakfast

2. shower, and pick up the house, the maintanence guy is coming to do some stuff.

3. start the laundry for today, and hopefully finish it too.

4. make a trip to the mail box, I have a lot of things to mail.

5. unload/load the dishwasher. And clean the kitchen.

3. If I were a billionaire I would: Buy a house and naturally furnish it, and get a second car. Fund James' next movie. Give part of it to each of our families. Invest a little more, and naturally I would like to do a little shopping for myself, you know find a pair of jeans that fit and flattering dress wouldn't hurt. And I would like to see my friends and family, that don't live close by, a little more often.

4. Bad habits: Procrastination, I think that this was a learned trait when I got married. Too many treats. If you ever need a treat you know where to come. I don't like to admit this but we eat out a lot, I think it is really because I don't think that I am a very good cook. (ask James about rice) and I hate coming up with what to eat for dinner. And I think that I could totally work on being more patient.

5. The last one is 5 places that I have lived.

James and I have moved quite a few times but almost all of them were to different parts of the same town, so as far as different places there are only a few. Logan, UT. Ephraim, UT. back to Logan (where James and I moved 4 different times including getting married), and then to Austin, TX. Which is where we are today. ta da.

Now I am supposed to tag some people, so I will tag Julia, Kelly C., Leslie, Syl, and Conni.

a famous yummy treat

If you know me, you know that I love dounuts. And it turns out that we live quite close to a famous place. Round Rock Dounuts is known for its yellow/orange dough, and icing. James and Ryan were coming home from some video stuff on Saturday and stopped in for a little treat. James brought some home, and they were still warm, yes my friends that fresh. If my stomach would have allowed I am sure that I would have eaten them all. It is a good thing that we don't live closer, I think that I might live there.

Where is Miss Lori?

I don't know how many people watch the PBS kid shows, but Gwen loves Super Why, Curious George, and Sesame Street. And in between the shows there are little learning games with this lady named Miss Lori. Well today we turned it on and there was someone else instead of our friend Miss Lori. Did I miss something? I guess that I better get to work to see what is going on in the public broadcasting world.

The catch up game

You know when you have friends and family visit your normal boring schedule gets put on the back burner and you get the chance to do all the really fun things that you have been wanting to do, one fun thing after another.


Well after the company leaves reality sets in I realize that we are still playing the catch up game. Back to regulating all the schedules, naps and bedtimes. The kitchen and bathroom floors still awaiting a cleaning time. And just a little behind on the laundry. I am sure that we will soon get back to being caught up, but for now I feel like we are in warp drive and the week is just flying by and I have yet to finish a single thing. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

I have seen the Alamo

Well to finish off our trip to San Antonio we had to see the river walk, and the Alamo. Basically they are Texas staples, and it has only taken us two years, and an extra kid to do it. So here it is in all of its glory.
After we walked around the river walk for a bit we decided that it was time to find the Alamo.
And we did. It took a little walking, we needed some practice on that, but we walked through it, and through the gardens, and took pictures, you know the regular tourist stuff.
Then we decided to take a boat ride around the river walk, totally worth the ticket price. We had a strange but enthusiastic tour guide, who was full of fun and interesting facts about San Antonio, the buildings, even the species of birds that we saw.
Here we are on the boat, can you tell that it is past Harrison's nap time, he has a binki in so that he will be quiet. And about 5 minutes later he was asleep.
Gwen was putting on London's sunglasses, backwards. And Leslie is restraining London from jumping overboard, just kidding towards the end the kids were done, and ready to eat.
So that is what we did. We ate at a little place under one of the bridges called Rio Cafe, or something like that. Can you see what Gwen did to her cup after only having it for one minute. She had lemonade everywhere.
Here is our little family, and yes Paige, Gwen is eating real food. See I do feed her.
After dinner we meandered back to the cars, and headed out for home. We got home kind of late and the kids, not to mention myself, were really tired. But it was so worth it. So much fun to have family come visit. It is great to show them around and do fun new things. Thanks for coming Brent and Sylvia. We hope that you got some sleep when you got home.

Monday safari

Have you ever wanted to go on an African Safari, but it is just a little too expensive for the whole family? Well I have the answer to the problem. Just outside of San Antonio, Texas there is a wildlife ranch that is pretty much one of the most fun places I have been. And it is the safari that you have been waiting for. Not only do you get to drive around to see all the big and wild animals, but they also have a little petting zoo where you can walk around with the kids, or adults.

Here is James showing London and Gwen how to pet the little pygmy goats.
Gwen LOVED them. She wanted to pet all of them, even the sleeping ones. Look how cute and cuddly they look. You can feed them as well, Gwen tried to eat one of the pellets, and she spit it out (thank goodness) and didn't try that again.
She was really interested in the goats teeth for some reason, and she kept trying to see the teeth of all the goats. Here she is getting a close up look.
After the petting zoo part, we hopped in the car for the driving part, let me tell you that these animals are real friendly in hopes to get some food from you. (You get the food at the entrance of the park) Most of all of the animals are more than willing to come right into your car.
Here is an American Bison, this picture was taken just outside of James' window.
Wildebeest anyone? They are not attractive animals at all.
Here is how we took the drive. It was so much fun to get everyone together in the van to take the drive. The kids loved throwing the food out the side doors. James was so happy to pet the animals too. And show the girls how great the animals were.
Gwen took a few turns feeding the animals.
Here are some of the female Ostrich's. They are huge! There are signs for this part of the ride that tell you to keep your doors closed and it is a good thing that we did, because these little friends tried to peck the car.
And they tried to get in through the sun roof.
Awww look how cute this little baby zebra is.
And here is one that is half way in the car. James petted them, and fed them, and made them stick their heads in the windows.
Rhinos. Ah the white rhinos, they weigh up to 4,000 pounds. And they are kept behind a few different cages/fences so you don't have to worry about them ramming your car.
We also saw some camels, giraffes, gazelles, watusi, longhorns, springboks, and about 35 other animals too. It was really fun and you can drive the ranch as many times as you like. Here is a link if you want to know more about the SAFARI.

Return to Phil's

James' dad flew into town on Saturday afternoon, and what do we do after we greet a new visitor, we go eat somewhere fantastic. Today we ventured back to Phil's Ice House. We love the food, and the kids can run wild while you enjoy your meal. So here is a side view. Phil's is connected to an Amy's Ice cream ( a local ice cream place here) Oh so yummy!
So we were able to get in some play time while waiting for our food, and if you notice everyones faces are bright red, it is because by 2:00 pm it was already 90˚ outside, plus the humidity so you can imagine that it was really warm, the perfect day for ice cream.
London and Gwen enjoy some of Grandpas shake.
Maddie and Harrison enyoy having Grandpa here too.
Gwen found the cow posters. This time she stuck her head right in the face cut out and waited for a little photo shoot.
After all the eating and playing we were all getting ready to go and Gwen climbed up on this table and stuck the tobassco sauce in her mouth, great. She was sorry about that moments later. It was really fun to have everyone together for lunch, and then we decided to head back to a cooler, much cooler place to visit some more.
So London, Gwen, and Madelyn all led us back to Ryan and Leslie's house for a break from the heat. While we were relaxing and the kids were playing, the ladies snuck off to the book store and shopped with both hands free. Hey it was exciting to me.

Sunday after our church blocks, we all had a yummy tex mex meal at Leslie's and spent some time talking and thinking about mothers. A great way to spend the day if you ask me.