Craters of The Moon

We stopped at Craters of the Moon on the way home from Blackfoot on Monday. We had fun checking things out. This was my first actual time in the Preserve. It was so great to finally see it up close.

Some of th beauty that we got to see.


Bailee pushed her stroller and two babies around most of the time at Craters. She was so cute. We learned that it was actually helpful for her to push them around be cause it kept her busy. These are pictures at the spatter cones, which were much bigger than I thought they would be.


The Inferno Cone : We hiked up to the top, despite all of the wind. The view was awesome, pictures don't do it justice.

2008 Hansen Family Reunion

Friday we headed to Blackfoot for the 2008 Reunion. It was a long drive, once again Bailee got sick. We have concluded that she actually does get car sick. We had a fun time seeing everyone at the reunion.

Grandma and Grandpa Hansen and the six kids. Kevin, Bobby, Terry, Vanice, Darrin, and Deanne

Grandma's Big Give! Grandma decided it was time for each of the kids to take their childhood stuff, among other things, so she did it at the reunion. It was fun to see some of the stuff they all had as kids. Who knew that Dad played the Eukelele? She also gave back a calendar given to them with a picture of Matt and Steph on it. It is so cute and Bailee insists that it is a picture of her and Matt's cousin, Jaxson. It is too funny, but she does look a lot like her Aunt Stephanie did when she was little.

Grandma also gave some of the old toys to the little kids, Bailee chose these blocks and has been playing with them a lot since Saturday. She picked out a dump truck for Owen.

Most of the kids that were there.

I was in charge of games for the kids. I think that the favorite was Duck, Duck, Goose.

It was a good time.

Big Sisters and Babies

Bailee loves to play with Owen especially now that he can hold on to things. The other day she Gave Owen her Baby (Laney) to play with. Doesn't he just look so cute with his niece :)
It didn't take her long to decide that she no longer wanted her brother touching her toys. I thought I had a little bit longer before that started. She quickly took it from him and said "No Owen! Don't hold my baby!!!" Then she gave this face.

Family Night at Carinos

Last Monday we had Family Night dinner with some of our friends and their families from our ward. (the four of us girls make up the Primary Presidency) We had so much fun with the eight crazy kids and two adorable babies. We were lucky and were able to have this whole room to our selves. The kids loved having the freedom to get up and move after they were done eating and all of us enjoyed not having worry if we were bothering the people at the next table. The food was great and with Carino's Family Night Monday's deal we were able to get out of there for under $13!!! With all of the kids we weren't able to get a picture of everyone at the table at the same time. This is everyone left to right staring at the front of the table. Debbie Thompson, Melanie Neilson, Lori McKnight holding Luke, Bailey McKnight, Jared McKnight, and Kenneth Neilson. (Not Pictured: Bryn and Josh McKnight, Bethany Neilson, Jake, Jabren, Jameson, and Josh Thompson)
Josh, Debbie, and Jameson Thompson
Bethany Neilson and Bailee (These two are so cute together, they love to do girly things like show each other their outfits and bows)

Potty Training Blues

This is just for me so I can get my feelings out and sort out my thoughts.
So I thought that we were finally almost to the point that Bailee would go potty all on her own and we wouldn't have to remind her very often. Of course that was short lived and the roller coaster ride began again. This week has be horrible, must be a regression from me leaving for a week.
Utter frustration set in a few days ago and today I am feeling at an all time low as a Mom. All day I have been saying that I am going to get her diapers again. It kills me to do that since we haven't bought her diapers in about 9 months. I feel like it might be the only way to let me relax about the whole potty training thing and then let her tell us when she feels comfortable with the potty again. I fear that I have been to hard on her when she has an accident and have caused her to be afraid of the toilet. I think that we were doing so well with the reward system that after a bit we felt like she would be fine with out the rewards, but then she slowly regressed and instead of returning to the reward system we started punishing her.
I am so confused as to what I should be doing as a parent right now. At the moment I just want to climb in bed and cry and not get out until she is potty trained. I know that I need to be gentle and patient, but it is so hard when you know your child knows what to do and when. Or does she? May be a break form potty training is what we all need to let the tension out of the air in our home. So what if we have two kids in diapers, right. It is more important that we are a happy family and that our daughter knows that we love her even if she isn't using the potty.

Girls Trip 2008

Thanks To every one who made this years girls trip in Scottsdale, AZ so awesome. We had such a wonderful week filled with lots of girly stuff. We did nails and hair, watched American Idol and voted, swam and sun bathed, ate way too much yummy food, had a dance party, played fun games, and even stayed up all night(I'm still recovering from that and wondering if it was really worth it. We did have a great time though). It was so fun to be with all of the sisters and get to know everyone so much better. Love you all and I can't wait for next year!

A special thanks to Matt's mom for coming and taking care of the kids for me. You are the best!

Soccer Game

On the 10th my sister, Diane, and her husband came to Boise for their son, Treven's soccer tournament. We were able to go and watch one of his games. Despite the wind we had a good time visiting and watching the game. Owen was a very happy boy at the game.

What's a girl to do?

What does a girl do when she is thirsty and mom just keeps saying hold on? Get root beer to go along with her breakfast! I caught her in the act when I was busy sewing. At least she didn't spill.

Spoiled Mama

For Mothers Day I was given this new pack for backpacking from Matt and the kids. It is the most expensive gift I have gotten for Mothers Day ever! (but we got a great deal on it!) I am so excited to have a pack that fits me! It is going to make this years backpacking trip so much nicer. In the same week I also got my new Bosch! Yeah for me! Now I can make homemade bread! (not hat I couldn't before, but now I will actually do it, lol)