Family Pictures 2011

My sister Amy took some family pictures for us a few weeks ago, here's a sneak peek! We had our photo shoot at Wheeler Farm and they turned out so well! It was so much fun, and she is amazingly talented! She has posted a few here of the many on her blog. If you're interested in getting your family or individual or baby pictures done, she's so great at photography and very reasonable as well. Her contact info is on her blog. (: Thanks, Amy Lou! Love and miss you!

Spokane, our new hometown!

We made it to Spokane this week! We were busy getting things ready to go last weekend and saying our goodbyes. We really appreciate all of the help we received from family and friends!
Last Sunday, we had a little birthday party for Grammie/going away party at my parents with my family. That was great to see everyone again. Grammie was up here visiting my Aunt Suz and Uncle Dave the week before, and went with them to see the places we were looking at renting. She recommended the one we're in now, and we're glad for her insight! Later that night, we went and met Dennis & Calena and their kids for one last time for a while. They got a cake that said "We Miss You Already" on it, which was so cute of them, and we had cake and cold milk, and let the kids play at the park together.
Monday, we just packed the final things up and put everything in the Budget moving truck. The kids thought the ramp and the moving truck was pretty cool! During the afternoon, my mom took the kids over to Aunt Shirley and Uncle Jeff's place to go swimming, to take a break from all of the moving. They had a ball and learned some new swimming techniques from Grandma Di. All of the family came over that night and we had dinner and hung out for one last time. Stacy tried to prepare an FHE lesson, which was sweet, and the kids did an activity. It made me cry seeing the girls (Emma and Tayla) say goodbye. They've grown up together, and now won't see each other as much, but it will be good! They're going to be pen pals, so that's exciting! We gave cards to the ones we have been living with, to thank them for all they've done. We tried to get to bed early as Dave said we'd leave at 4 a.m. - ahh! But we didn't go to bed until about 11:30 p.m.

Here's the spider that built a web our moving truck over night, it was huge! Even more scary was the shadow it cast! That was even larger!

The alarm clock went off at 4 a.m. Tuesday. Early! But I never have a hard time waking up, so it was just fine. We got ready, then my Dad and Mom came over. Dave's parents woke up to say goodbye, and then we got in the cars/truck and waved goodbye right at 5 a.m. Dave led the caravan in the moving truck, then my mom drove with me and the kids, and my dad was behind us. I drove almost the whole way, except for about an hour an a half. I was glad I had some help, because there's no way I could've helped the kids and drive the whole way, yea for Mom! I had a fun time talking to my mom as well! She is so great! We kept the kids entertained with activities we found, movies and lots of snacks. And the kids drove with Dave for part of the way! They thought being in that big truck was the coolest thing ever!
We stayed in a motel the night we got up here, because the carpets weren't dry yet after cleaning. I'm actually glad that happened, because we were all so pooped, I don't think we could've moved very much.
Wednesday, the 10th, we woke up, and Dave an I wished each other a happy anniversary! We both agreed that moving was expensive, and we weren't going to buy anything for each other, but just celebrate by moving! (: We went to a "romantic" breakfast at the Rodeway Inn together before all of the kids woke up.

Then we checked out and went to sign the rest of the papers and get the keys for our duplex at Call Realty. Funny thing, everyone at Call Realty is LDS. We aren't in Utah anymore, Toto, so now we're the minority. It was fun to talk to them. We actually ended up being in my Uncle Dave & Aunt Suz's ward, which is funny, because we had no idea when we found this place. Suz told me she would try not to be too biased when she went around to see the places we'd found, but did say she'd love to have us in her ward. A few minutes after we got here, my Uncle showed up with Alex, Kyle and Morgan, my cousins. Then Dave asked for some help from the ward, so we had quite a few here helping us unload the truck. I stood by the truck and directed everyone where to put things. It was so nice to have the ward come out and help and get to know some people already! They were all way nice! Morgan and Kyle, the twins who just turned 8, were so much fun with Emma and Cal, they had a blast playing together. This made it nice so we could get things done. Suz brought over some lunch for everyone as well, so it was very sweet of her to do that! I didn't take many pictures, because things were so hectic, but I did take a couple of the kids later on in the day.

This is what we all felt like doing, but only Cal did. ZZZZZ, we were all wiped out!

Taking a break from all of her "hard work" dressing up and playing with the cousins to eat some dinner. The kids have liked Washington so far and I think they're excited to be here! Cal because he got his toy trucks back and there's a lot of room to run around; and Emma likes it because we live by Morgan and Kyle and she loves red apples and they're grown up here! (:

The place we ended up moving into we just love! This is a good thing, especially because we had a really hard time choosing, there were two places that were very comparable, that we kept going back and forth on. We prayed about it and felt that either choice would be fine so it was up to us, but a few days before, I just kept feeling over and over "Colton, Colton, Colton" (that's the street name this duplex is on). And Dave's really felt good about this one from the start so we went with this one. We've been looking at places (houses, duplexes and apartments) to live since about March. Dave's been like a shark and knows Spokane back and forth, thanks to Google Earth and Maps. This place came up for rent early summer, but then the owner decided to try to sell it. She put it back up on the market, but it didn't sell, so just a couple of weeks ago, it came back up for rent. We jumped on it and called and had our family go see it. And now we're here! The place is about 1700 square feet, so it's pretty big. There's lots of natural light (sky lights and big windows) in it, which I like. It's in the best school district for this area. The price is right and a lot cheaper than most right in this area. It's got a fun fenced-in backyard and porch. It's close to Dave and Suz. It's three bed, three bath, a family room and living room, 2 car garage, and a big kitchen with lots of counter space. It's close to lots of shopping, yet isolated, as there is a big empty lot right behind us. It's only 6 miles from school for Dave. The neighbors (that we've met so far at least) have all been really nice. I haven't taken any pictures of the inside yet, because it's not quite put together, but I took a few of the outside. I'll post some of the inside soon. Nothing fancy, but we like it and it suits us well. The yard needs some work for sure, it's been vacant for four months.
Thursday, we unpacked all day, and then went shopping at night to get some things we needed, plus Washington State University shirts for everyone! That was fun!
Spokane is beautiful! We've done lots of driving around, familiarizing ourselves with this place. We are really loving it!
On Friday, we did more unpacking and organizing drove to the Spokane temple and walked around the grounds, it's a nice temple. Emma said she liked this temple, but not as much as the Bountiful temple. Cal said "I like the Poskane (that's not misspelled, that's how he says it) temple!" Then we went to a park downtown and played. Then we went to "The Onion" for dinner. It was delicious!
Saturday, we did more putting life back together and are just living out of a few boxes now. Then we drove to Post Falls, ID (just about 30 minutes away from us), and went to see the falls and walk on the paths over there, play at the playground, visited Cabelas and got some fudge and walked around.
We got a couple of phone calls, and Dave has some job interviews this coming week, yah! Wish him luck! (:
This next week we still have to do a lot, register Emma for school, switch our insurance, get our car through safety and inspection, get new liscences, and stuff like that that comes when you move out of state!
But things are really working out, and we feel like this is where we need to be for now. I know we've received a lot of help from our Heavenly Father, as well as from our family and friends, and I'm so grateful for that!

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it usually through another person that he meets our needs."

-Spencer W. Kimball

I'm thankful for those of you who have helped meet our needs! Thank you, thank you! Love from Spokane! Until next time...

I love my family, farewell all!

The past couple of months have been great, to have been able to spend so much time with family! We've had the privilege of staying with Dave's family the last month and a half. They've been so good to us! We've loved being able to see them so much (though I don't know if they could say the same for us!) Screaming baby, toddler meltdowns, and four-year old drama...Just teasing, I'm sure they enjoy it, too!

Most people ask, "So, how is it living with your in-laws?" thinking there will be a lot of dirt or everyone is driving each other crazy. But they are so great, and we are so thankful that they are the people they are, and are so willing to let us come into their home. I always said I'd never live with family, but this summer, we really had no other choice. I love them all so much!

My mother-in-law Sue is awesome! She loves the kids, and the kids love her! They enjoy watching Scooby Doo and other cartoons with her on her bed, helping them pet the kitties, and eating Otter Pops together. She takes the kids to the store with her quite a bit, and they love that, especially Emma! I always tell Emma not to ask for anything, but she always comes home with something for her and Cal, and a bunch of food she got to pick out. She will do favors for me, like fold up my laundry before I can get to it, and clean up after our messes because she says she'd rather have me play with the kids than clean. She really is great and I'm so grateful she is my other Mom!

My sister-in-law Julie is amazing! She's always willing to step up to the plate and help out with the kids without being asked. She is so cute with the kids and they just love her! The other day I was packing, and I noticed in the bathroom box, she put a bottle of vanilla soap (my favorite) from Bath & Body Works in our box. She's always doing sweet things like that.

Grandpa Dan, my father-in-law has also been so good! He's very funny, and the kids just love him! He always says funny things. He's been calling Cal "Tickle Boy" and tickles him and he likes to tease the kids. He's so laid-back and easy to get along with. I appreciate how hard he works. He's always doing something!

Randy has been nice, too. He's never complained about sharing his space with us. There's just one problem, I think he's rubbing off on us! He stays up way late, and Dave and I have been staying up unusually late as well.

We've also been spending lots of time with my parents and family. We're so lucky to have them both live in Bountiful. Makes it very convenient! (:

My dad loves the kids and they've softened him up a lot! He has been getting emotional the last few times we've been with him. He says things like "Emma, who's going to give Grandpa a hard time when you're gone?" He tells Cal "Come see me! Grandpa won't get to see you as much anymore!" And when he holds Lucy, he tells her how much he's going to miss her. He got a little choked up. My parents are going up with us to help us move, so we will get to see them a bit longer. They are so good to us!

Ever since we had Emma, I've been visiting once a week, usually on Friday. Dave would drop us off on his way to work, and we'd spend the day with my Mom (and Dad on his flex days). I will miss those days so much, but we're going to Skype it up and call her all of the time! I love my Mom! She is the best Mom and Grandma around! What am I going to do without my mommy? I guess I'll figure things out. We were joking she should come be our nanny! (: I wouldn't mind that. Or she said with all of her grandkids living away, she should get a job with the airlines so she could fly for free and come see us all of the time.

The kids also love Uncle Marko! Who doesn't? They get so excited when he comes and love to play and wrestle and have a good time with him! He's fun to talk to and a great bro.

And then there are the cousins...they are so cute and will miss each other so, SO much! This past weekend, Stacy & Jerry took Emma, and we took Kaison so the kids could have sleepovers together. Em and Tayla did all kinds of activities together, and the boys got into all kinds of trouble together. Stacy picked up these cute matching dresses and did their hair like princesses. They looked so darn adorable!

The boys...always up to no good! Cal idolizes Kaison and wants to do everything he does! Here they are wearing Grandma's glasses. Tee hee!

Brody and Lucy!

Brody is all over now, he's so active and happy!

The Ryerse cousins! Come visit us, guys! And we'll do the same!

Silly faces!

Lucy is oblivious to this whole move. Cal has really idea what’s going on, though he is excited to get his box of trucks back when we move! Most of his toys are packed up, and it's torture for him seeing his box of trucks in a clear storage tote out in the garage on the bottom of a stack of boxes. That, and when he’s driving other cars or his bikes around, he says “I’m driving to Washington!” I think it has set in to Emma what’s going to happen. She has always been able to figure things out and sense when change is coming. Emma’s excited to move, but also sad. My sister Amy took our pictures the other night. When we were done, we were trying to figure out what we were going to go do. We hadn’t eaten dinner yet, so we asked if Amy and Kolby wanted to come. They needed to get going. They explained to the kids that this would be the last time they’d see them before we move. We said goodbyes and buckled the kids in the car. We were outside talking for a minute and then I went in to put some things in the car and we noticed Emma was crying. I asked her what was wrong. “I’m saaaaaad!” she wailed. “I want Amy!” I think that night, it finally set in. It made me so sad to see her crying, and it made it set in for me as well, I started crying, and Amy started crying! We were all just bawling! Emma was so cute, but it was so sad at the same time! Her eyes were red and she was sniffling. We will miss them and the rest of our family so, SO bad! But this will be a good experience for everyone, though it will be hard! Distance makes the heart grow fonder, I just have to keep telling myself. I’m just grateful for Facebook, Skype, cell phones, and all of the other technology that will help us all keep in touch! It helps a lot!

We just had to get a picture of Emma and Amy! Emma managed to smile, though her face is red from crying.

Then here are all of the girls! You can see though we're all smiling though our hearts are breaking. I love my sister!
We really do have the best family! I know everyone always says that, and it sounds clique, but in this case, it's true. I will sure miss everyone when we move to WA. I love you ALL! Please call, come visit, write, Skype, and we'll do the same! We'll miss you! But smile, and don't be sad! (: We will come back in two years!

Time to prepare...for Halloween!

Today is July 31, which means we're only 3 short months away from Halloween, yahoooo! This also means I need to get going on making Halloween costumes! We love Halloween and go all out! To prepare, we shop garage sells, hit the D.I., utilize eBay, visit costume shops, borrow items from family members and friends, and use fabric I can find at a good deal to make our costumes each year. So I need to start early. There's just one problem, we're not sure what we should be yet! Maybe you can help us out!

The first year we were married, Dave & I were cowboys...but I don't have a picture from that year. ):

2006 - When Emma was a new little baby, we were the Carebears. I was Cheer Bear, Emma was Wish Bear and Dave was Funshine Bear.

2007 - We were the Flinstones, the modern stone-age family! Dave was Fred, Emma was Pebbles, and I was Wilma.

2008 - Blue Man Group! Betcha never saw a pregnant member of the group on the Vegas strip...I was 8 months pregnant at the time! We love Blue Man Group, and saw them in concert earlier that year.

2009 - The cast from the musical "Wicked". I was Elphaba the witch, Dave was Fiyero, the stud of the show, Emma was Glinda the good witch, and Cal, a flying monkey. We went to see Wicked that year, and we love it!

2010 - Kiss! This was Dave's idea, and at first I thought "you gotta be kidding me?!" But we had the most fun with it! People ask us how we're going to top that...Well, you help us decide!

Now, it's time to vote for 2011 - Option #1. The Incredibles! I'll be sewing lots of spandex, but it will be worth it!

Option #2. The Simpsons! This is my favorite choice (and Cal's, too! I guess that means 2 to 1 to 1. We win! JK). I think it would be fun!

Option #3. M&M's! This one is Emma's idea. Which I think would be cute.

Option #4. Write-in. Do you have a unique idea for us of a favorite five-some? Let us know by commenting on this post or on my Facebook page. (: Happy Halloween!

Pioneer Days

Happy Pioneer Day! It’s been so much fun celebrating! On Friday, we went to the Handcart Days parade in Bountiful, which we do every year! I love it, it’s by far my favorite parade of the year as well! We went with the entire Ryerse family. It’s so cute to watch the cousins wave their flags and go after the candy together. And the babies were held by the daddy’s most of the time. At the Handcart Days Parade!

Waving old glory...

The boys putting their hands over their hearts.

"Too loud!"

The daddy's and the babies...Jerry with Brody and Dave with Lucy!

After that, we ate some dinner and then went to the Handcart Days fireworks. We sit up above the temple and it’s a pretty good view. On our way there, we passed the temple. Emma said, “Oh, cute! I love the Bountiful temple! It’s the biggest and best place in the world!” Then her and Tayla and Cal broke out singing an impromptu rendition of “I Love to See the Temple”. It made me so happy to hear that. When we got there, the kids had a fun time rolling down the hill and playing with fireworks. This year, the fireworks were over 30 minutes long! But, we left a couple of minutes before it finished, because the sprinklers turned on and got us wet…again! (: We sat in a different location this year, but it happened again this year!

Cal chewed on a glowstick and it broke and got all over him, he was glowing!

Rolling down the hill waiting for the fireworks to start. I love Cal in this shot, ha!

Cal and mommy having fun at the fireworks. Cal was getting pretty sleepy, but stayed awake throughout it all.

Stacy, Grandma and Emma watch the fireworks. We have the best family!

Finally, we ended off the night with our own firework show at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Dave and Randy, of course, as the pyroiarcs. They’re always the ones to light up the sky for us. We had some good ones, and even got some of the new legal aerial fireworks this year. The kids loved the show, as well as the adults!

The Ryerse firework show is about to begin!

Can't get enough of the fireworks!

Dave lighting it up for us!

On Saturday, we went up to Lyman, WY to see my sister Amy and her husband Kolby in the Lyman Ranch Rodeo. Neither have been in a rodeo before, and now that they have their own horse, Super, they decided to do the Hyde Race in Kolby’s hometown this year. Oh, the things we do for love! Amy used to be a total girly girl, and now, thanks to Kolby, she’s a hunting, fishing, riding, camping, and now rodeo girl! It’s so much fun to see her in action! She was dressed in pink, her favorite color, and she put the rodeo queens to shame! (: They did the Hyde Race with Kolb’s brother Drew. Kolby’s whole family was there as well, so it was fun to sit by them and visit with them, they’re great people. I loved the small-town atmosphere. I felt like a cowboy gringo though. I didn’t have my tight wrangler jeans on, a cowboy hat or a belt buckle! In fact, one guy, as I was going back to the stands after throwing a dirty diaper away made the comment, “I like your glasses. You look very dignified.” What? Who says that? It was a lot of fun, and there were great events that aren’t at the big city rodeos that we’ve gone to. The kids even got in on it and did the bunny catch! They had what seemed like a million kids though and only six bunnies, so neither of them caught one, but had fun running through the arena trying to get one. They did get some licorice just for trying, which they had fun with. Dave grows a beard/goatee/some kind of facial hair out every year around Pioneer Day, “in the spirit of Brother Brigham”, as he always says. This year, it was a full-on beard, which drove him crazy, but then Friday afternoon, he cut it differently to fit in at the rodeo. I thought it was hilarious! He’s so funny! The kids got a kick out of it as well. Amy and Kolby did well though for their first time at the rodeo! There were probably about 6 others who entered the Hyde Race, including the Elders! They didn’t win, but we’re so proud of them for doing it! They are awesome!

Amy leads the kids over to Kolby and Super the horse.

Cal wasn't too sure about all of the "horsie poop" all over. He kept pointing to it and saying "Ewwww! Gross!"

Uncle Kolby helped Emma ride on Super, she loves riding horses!

The Lyman stadium.

Cal sits on Super!

At the Rodeo! Yeeeehaw!

Contestant 184 and 182...they thought it was cool because Emma is 4 and Cal is 2, and their ages were their numbers. Ready to catch some bunnies!

Dave with his beard "in the spirit of Brigham"...variety unkown.

This is a picture Cal took of Kolby, right before he left to go compete. Kolb & Am got nervous the few days before the rodeo, they weren't sure how Super would do. But they were fantastic!

Lucy loves Grandma...and rodeos!

Emma was trying to make a beard like daddy's with her licorice...

We made some posters to help cheer Amy & Kolby on. We are, after all, their #1 fans!

The kids had a fun time decorating the posters! If you can't read them, the one says "Yeehaw Kolby!" and the other one says "Go Cowgirl Amy!"

The video we took turned out well, but none of the pictures we took. This is the best one!

Future cowgirl!

After the Rodeo, good job, guys!

Cal loves this cowgirl!

On Sunday, it was pretty much a regular day, but I enjoyed having Pioneer Day on the Sabbath, because it was easier to think about the reason we celebrate the 24th of July. I helped the kids make some covered wagons and we played the stick-pull game as a family. That was fun!

Elder N. Eldon Tanner said –
“Pioneers are still needed. A pioneer is described as one who goes before, preparing the way for others. He is a leader, first in his field in discovery and invention. He will be followed by settlers and developers who expand and exploit his discoveries. Anyone seeking to become a pioneer will take care to fill his mind with what is known about the route he plans to take. Some of the qualities needed in pioneering are interest, intelligence, imagination, and determination. A pioneer must investigate, plan, experiment, and work.
“As we pioneer into any endeavor, we have the benefit of those who have pioneered before us. We have the gospel plan to follow, which needs no experimentation, but we must plan and work to accomplish the goal we seek—eternal life.
“We express gratitude to our Father in heaven for the gospel, which shows us the way. We are grateful to all who were prepared and came forth to accomplish his purposes and establish his truths, which are the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

On Monday, the kids slept in, and then we watched some of the Days of 47 Parade on TV. Then we went to Dee’s for breakfast, to get the kids a new bunk bed, and went riding on the 4-wheeler. We’re going to sell it here, so it was probably one of the last rides we’ll go on with that four-wheeler.

The kids riding with Daddy...they love it! They kept saying, "Daddy, do some tricks", "faster!", "Do a flip" and more. Giggles and excited screams were all around!

Monday night, we went to my Mom & Dad’s house, and we had a pioneer dinner with my parents, Marko, and Grammie. We had homemade brown bread with homemade butter, Mormon pioneer stew, corn on the cob, pioneer salad, and for dessert, boiled raisin cake and homemade vanilla ice-cream. Yum! I have a feeling the pioneers only ate like this on the best of occasions. My mom did have some hard tack as well, which is more like what they ate on a regular basis. My mom had some pioneer handkerchief dolls, a whirly gig, and we played some other fun pioneer games.

Emma plays with the pioneer doll.

Grandpa has a soft spot in his heart for all of his grandkids!
Dave using his muscles to shake up the butter.

I’m grateful for my pioneer heritage! What great faith and courage they had! When I was young, I always wished I could’ve been a pioneer. I dreamed about going back to that era. I love the culture and I love their stories. I love them. I’m so happy we have a day to revere our “blessed, honored, pioneers”! I hope I can be like them and show the same determination as they did, be unshakable in their testimonies as they were! As Elder Tanner said, we need pioneers today. I can be a pioneer in my own way, though I didn't cross the plains!
I’m also glad we’ve been able to spend so much time with our families lately, because in just a few weeks, we’ll be up in Washington! I will miss everyone so much! We have the best family! I love them all dearly!