The Whitaker Family

November 2011

2012-01-05T21:39:00.019-07:00

I can't believe my baby Tyler turned 1 this month! Tyler is our family mascot by making everyone around him happy! He loves to laugh, sing (could hum Wheels on the Bus and ABC's at 8 months old), dance, cuddle, give kisses, and he'll let anyone hold him. He's a tall string bean, coming in at 98th percentile for height and 22nd percentile for weight. One of my favorite features about him is his big blue beautiful eyes! Tyler also loves to get into everything he can, making as many messes as possible. Happy Birthday Tyler! We LOVE you!!!

We ate pizza and dinosaur Jello Jigglers!

I'm so proud of my homemade dinosaur cake from Betty Crocker's website! I used the tips of candy corn for the teeth, blue M&Ms for the eyes, Hershey Kisses for the spikes, Hershey shells candy (can't remember name), brown M&Ms, and Oreo cookies for the dots. The frosting has neon green and regular green food coloring mixed together. Lastly, I colored coconut for the grass. The website has candy rocks on the grass, but I couldn't find any in time... Yeah, for cute cakes!

The day before Tyler's birthday, we went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate our friend's little boy's birthday, who has the same birthday as Tyler. This is a famous face of Tyler's- he blows air out of his nose multiple times while making it!

Tyler's first tooth brush!!!

My nephew, Wyatt, from Texas came to visit and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! This picture was taken afterwards with his Grandma Hacking (my mom).

Nicole coloring after baptism. As a side note, this green polka dot dress is Nicole's absolute favorite dress and she wears it as soon as it gets out of the wash!:)

Tyler and Aunt Megan- he's always adored her

Tyler and Uncle Scott

Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Lance, Wyatt, Grandma and Grandpa Hacking after baptism

Alyssa and cousin Grace

Tyler and Grandma Whitaker, who spent a wonderful Thanksgiving with us at our home. I made my first turkey, but am sorry to say it did not turn out like my mom's, so I'm going to keep practicing!

The day after Thanksgiving we went bowling with my side of the family

On Thanksgiving Tyler woke up with hives all over his body from an allergic reaction to Amoxicillian. This is the day after Thanksgiving when it was worse...poor guy.

Thanksgiving morning

Alyssa and Nicole had so much fun doing daddy's hair :)

Tyler was loving his Lion House roll and I had to take a picture. Don't you think he should be on an ad for them? :)

Monumental moment of Tyler pulling himself up to standing for the first time!!! Yes, I went crazy taking pictures of this moment...

Nicole made this turkey in nursery at Church and she was SO proud! She was adorable, carrying it around with her and even having it by her bed at night.

Love this silly girl

October 2011

2011-11-15T00:37:00.014-07:00

Kids Picture
Family Picture

Love this Superman shirt on Tyler. It reminds me of my Dad since he wore one during my childhood

Tyler is my only baby who sucks his thumb, but only when he's tired. He also holds his blanket up to his face when he's tired.-- LOVE

On October 19th, Tyler had to have minor surgery on his eyes to have his tear ducts unclogged. Tyler was born with the clogged tear ducts and I vividly remember the nurse handing him to me for the first time and he had tears, which babies aren't suppose to have until they're older. Tyler had to "go under" with anesthesia for a couple minutes, which was a little scary for me. I did; however, find this baby hospital outfit darling! Afterwards, all the nurses wanted to snuggle him and commented what a happy boy he is.

Tyler loves to put his mouth on glass

Halloween- Tyler the giraffe

Alyssa as Ariel and she got to wear it to school

All the children showed their costumes in a parade

We went to Will's Halloween work party at Usana

Nicole dressed as Belle

Right before Trick-or-Treating. I took the kids out and after a while the girls got too tired to walk, so I had to push them in our stroller up all the hills and get candy for them since they didn't want to go home yet. I jogged from house to house, pushing the stroller, and got a great work-out!

The story behind the next two pictures is that Nicole sleeps with this grayish-brown super soft blanket Usana gave to Will. Every time Tyler sees it he pulls it off her bed and snuggles into it and make happy noises. He loves this blanket probably more than any other.

My Mom, sisters, sister-in-law, two nieces and I having fun at Gardner's Village to celebrate my Mom's birthday

Nicole with her Preschool class for her Halloween party

Tyler's first haircut!!! October 5th, my baby turned into a little boy (sniff). I took him to "Cookie Cutters," where he got a certificate w/ his picture on it, a balloon, snowman cookie cutter, and a sucker. I took a lot of pictures because of how significant the change was with his appearance :)

I heard tons of rustling noise in the kitchen and when I turned the corner I found Tyler with this guilty look on his face from playing with the "junk mail"

September 2011

2011-11-15T00:09:00.010-07:00

One Saturday we visited beautiful Bridal Veil Falls

Alyssa lining up for Kindergarten one day

Nicole's first day of preschool at U.S.A. Tykes! (September 8th) She was so nervous to go and was not her usual happy self. Daddy took the morning off to take her. Luckily, Nicole got potty-trained just in time to be able to attend...:)

Nicole broke down when it was time for me to leave. Here she is with her teacher, Miss Mikki (Pursel)

Happy Nicole after preschool- Yea!!!

August 2011

2011-11-14T23:28:00.012-07:00

Alyssa's first day of Kindergarten- August 30th (sniff)

The girls thought Tyler needed some extra toys to play with

Tyler crawling for the FIRST time!!! (August 20th)

Super Alyssa

Grandpa reading to kiddies

Tyler with only two bottom teeth :)

Grandma w/ the girls

Such goof balls

Nicole buying big girl undies for the first time- My Little Pony & Rapunzal

The girls LOVE playing with Tyler

Alyssa and Grandma bonding in the early morning

Nicole, Phoebe (neighbor), Alyssa, and Isaac (neighbor)

July 2011

2011-11-14T10:55:00.013-07:00

This past summer we got passes to Seven Peaks and had a blast going as often as we could.

Nicole turned 3 years old this month and we gave her a tricycle for her birthday!

Grandma and Grandpa Hacking gave her this doll crib...

...and this Aurora baby

We celebrated at Chuck E Cheese

Nicole requested for many months prior that I make her an Aurora cake for her birthday and when we asked what toy she wanted for her birthday she replied she only wanted an Aurora cake!

Nicole also had another birthday dinner with Grandpa Whitaker, Aunt Diana, and Uncle Brandon at our home

Grandpa gave her a kitty

The girls had so much fun dancing to music

Nicole practiced her gymnastics

We ate more cake and I love this picture because Nicole is pointing to Daddy, calling him something like "pizza head"-- inside family joke

Aunt Diana and Uncle Brandon gave Nicole ballet slippers

Here are the girls playing dress up and finding amusement in a box- love how the simple things make them happy :)

We went to the American Lending Network's (another place Will works) Summer party

My hotty hubby wore this tux as a best man for one his best friend's wedding-- Kathan Blair

Tyler's first tooth!! It started to barely show in the middle of June and here it is all the way through.

Just had to get these pictures of my baby on the Fourth of July. Will hurt is back badly, so we didn't celebrate but at least I got to play with my cute kids at home. The story with Will: I found him moaning in the garage on the floor after he pulled his back out from lifting an over-sized Christmas box. Poor guy couldn't move for 30 minutes and was in bed for many days.

June 2011

2011-11-12T14:54:00.011-07:00

In June we had the Hacking family reunion in Texas, where my oldest brother lives. We went to Seaworld, Six Flags, The Riverwalk, and many more places together. It was such a great vacation!

Nicole and Uncle Scott

Tyler and Grandpa Hacking

Family with Scooby-Doo. Nicole was so scared of him!

We wore out Nicole

Some of my nephews: Ryan, Josh, Micah, Aden, Ethan, Zach, Connor, Wyatt, & Chase

Some of my nieces (and daughters): Grace, Alyssa, Savannah, Lydia, Sophia, Nicole, & Ireland

We ate at a small Mexican stand by my brother's office with the YUMMIEST food!

On the plane to Texas (we actually missed our flight the night before & had to stay in a hotel by the airport without our luggage- don't ask:)

Lagoon! Will's work, Usana, has a Lagoon day every summer, which happened to be on the day we left for Texas. Aunt Diana and Uncle Brandon came with us.

Alyssa and Nicole had the faces painted with unicorns

Daddy played a golf game...

...and won this lion for Nicole and puppy for Alyssa!

May 2011

2011-11-10T17:47:00.016-07:00

Girls gearing up for summer!

Tyler 6 months old and loving his exersaucer!

Alyssa graduated from Preschool on May 25th from USA Tykes with Miss Mikki (Pursel)

Miss Mikki gave Alyssa a stuffed zebra, jungle book, and a picture of Alyssa in a lion frame

Alyssa sang in the graduation program

Alyssa receiving her "diploma" and goodie bag

Alyssa next to Emmerie, one of her good friends

Alyssa and some girls in her class

Alyssa and Nicole's Gymnastics performance with Miss Heather (Austin)

Daddy dancing with the girls

The story behind this picture is that at Usana they have "Mustache May" and they have a contest with who can grow the best mustache, etc. This is Will's attempt & he got the certificate for the weakest one-- honestly, I'm proud to have a hubby who's not very hairy :)

April 2011

2011-11-08T23:43:00.009-07:00

Alyssa turned 5 years old in April and we had so much fun celebrating, having a few parties! She requested a Princess Jasmine cake and although it didn't turn out as hoped, she was happy with it! :)

Alyssa wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese for her birthday!
Cool Grandpa Hacking in his element :)

Very Cool Daddy showing his manhood :)

My friend gave Tyler this darling hat and I couldn't resist taking a picture

Easter Sunday

The girls got a kick out of putting daddy's hair in their flower clips

March 2011

2011-11-08T23:39:00.002-07:00

This is the only picture I apparently took in March, which is no surprise since we officially moved into our new home on February 28th...:) Tyler is exactly 4 months old here.

We Moved!

2011-10-31T15:36:00.008-06:00

On October 31st, 2004 Will and I, who were married less than a year, moved into our first home. We built this track home and had countless wonderful memories here, including bring home from the hospital three kids. We had amazing neighbors who loved and served us for 6 1/2 years and we miss them dearly. We moved to have a little more room for our growing family...

Family Room

Kitchen

Front Room

Guest 1/2 Bath

Banister- we upgraded instead of having a wall there

Kitchen Table- yes, we had carpet there. This was a decision made before kids were on the brain!

Family Room

Master Bedroom

Armoire in Master- had T.V. in it :)

Tyler's Room

Alyssa and Nicole's Princess Room- Will did all the wood work and paint in this room (ceiling was blue w/ clouds)

Kid's Bathroom

February 2011

2011-10-28T23:18:00.008-06:00

Nicole got really sick with stomach flu for a week and had to spend the night in the hospital to get hydrated. Needless to say, it was so sad to see my sick little girl in this crib with bars...

January 2011

2011-10-27T09:34:00.007-06:00

There's not a lot of pictures taken in January and February because we were finishing building a home and losing our minds...!

November & December 2010

2011-10-24T13:22:00.021-06:00

Love, love, love these two boys!

Christmas morning!

My little elf! Grandma Whitaker gave Tyler this darling outfit. Tyler was the greatest Christmas present we received!

Alyssa and Nicole got Christmas Princess nightgowns. They LOVED them! Nicole got Ariel and Alyssa got one with Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella.

Grandma Whitaker gave the girls these gorgeous Christmas dresses.

Just had to share Tyler's first Church outfit, sporting a tie onesie. It is so fun having a boy!

Playing in the snow!

Alyssa had her preschool Christmas program with Miss Mikki and Cabelas. She was so cute!

Alyssa and Nicole had their gymnastics performance and did such a great job! Miss Heather gave them bell necklaces at the end of the performance.

These girls are such goof balls!

Tyler was blessed on December 5th, 2010 by his Daddy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Here's Grandma Hacking and Tyler.

Tyler with Grandma's!

Tyler with Grandma Whitaker

Tyler loves his Daddy!

Mommy with Tyler

Tyler's blessing outfit

Tyler with Grandpa Hacking

Aunt Diana with Nicole

Tyler with Uncle Scott and Aunt Megan. From the beginning, Tyler has had a special bond with Megan and she could always make him smile, even at only a few weeks old!

Don't ask me why we have a pic of all of our babies on our bed holding a remote. I guess we always get a kick out of it (or should I say Daddy does)!

Photo Shoot November 2010

2011-10-17T10:49:00.051-06:00

These pictures were taken of the kids when Tyler was only 5 days old by Skye Johansen (http://www.skyejohansen.com/). As you can tell, Nicole was NOT happy to have her picture taken individually and so she doesn't have as many. LOVE these kids and feel so blessed to have them!

Baby Tyler

2010-11-23T20:12:00.013-07:00

Tyler's here and is one happy darling little boy! We are filled with overwhelming joy to have him in our family and feel even greater peace in our home with him in it. His big sisters LOVE him and bring him diapers, blankies and binkies whenever needed. Nicole can't pronounce his name and she calls him "Tytao," which has become a fun family nickname:)

Alyssa and Tyler

First time in swingFirst bath

More cute bonding

Ready to leave the hospital
Aunt Sara and Tyler
Three generations of Whitaker
Omi and Tyler

One proud Mommy
Daddy- so happy to have his son!
First family picture (I know, we have our work cut out for us :)
Grandma Hacking and Tyler
Grandpa Hacking and Tyler

First time holding Tyler! They recommended skin to skin and it was a precious experience
Grandpa/pediatrician checking Tyler
Smiling through contractions :)

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T19:11:00.002-06:00

We went to Will's work Halloween party at Usana on Friday and tonight Will took the girls out in the rain trick-or-treating. The girls looked like wilted flowers when they got home and their hands were so cold, but the excitement of having bags of candy soon made them forget all misery!

Love These Girls!

2010-10-30T19:06:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I had to take a picture of Alyssa in my favorite dress of hers. My darling Nicole also wanted to join in :)

My Adorable Girls

2010-10-28T19:35:00.009-06:00

Grandpa and Omi took the girls to Thanksgiving Point Cornbelly's Corn Maze and we had a blast!

The room of corn!

Aunt Linda was in town!
Emi, Nicole, and Alyssa got their faces painted!

A couple weeks a go we went to Temple Square for Family Home Evening, which was such a neat experience.
Such a goof!
The girls had so much fun playing on these rocks while we waiting for Will to close a loan!

Will's Birthday!

2010-10-28T19:18:00.006-06:00

Will's birthday is on September 12th and he had a great birthday- he said! He was able to go to St. George with some buddies for the weekend to play lots of golf and we had a birthday party for him with family. The kids and I made this birthday sign for him and I hung it up with dental floss :) Karate choping to blow out candles?!

Farewell to Nicole's Blankie

2010-08-28T14:11:00.010-06:00

On August 16th, 2010 I went to the hospital to get a glucose test done and a Rhogam shot. I parked in the main parking lot and walked in by the gift shop, only to discover that the lab had been moved to a new building, Outpatient Services. To get there, I had to walk through the main building, out the doors, and through two parking lots under a garage, and the building was next to the garage. So there I was, holding Nicole in my arms (mind you I'm also pregnant and Nicole refused to walk) with three dolls in Nicole's arms, holding my diaper bag, Nicole's blankie and holding Alyssa's hand in the parking lots. I draped Nicole's blankie over the diaper bag and made the tiring haul to the lab. During my 2 hour wait at the lab I suddenly noticed that Nicole's blankie was gone and couldn't see it anywhere in the waiting room. When I finished at the lab we walked back the way we came and to the car and Nicole's blankie was nowhere. I asked the lab, the main Lost and Founds, and an individual at the customer service desk in the main building if anyone had turned in her blankie and to my dismay no one turned it in. Since then, I've called a couple times to Lost and Founds, gave them my information, and no one turned in her blankie. Nicole was devastated, especially the first day and refused to take a nap without it. That night I found some other baby blankets. Nicole seemed to like one that is pink with brown polka dots, has ribbon on the edges, and is extremely soft. She has been sleeping it with it since the 16th and has done just fine without her blanky, but I on the other hand, I'm still upset about her missing blankie. I bought her blankie with the hopes that it would be her favorite and it was! She has carried her blankie with us everywhere we went and it was a chore to get it away from her to wash it. She loved to take the edges and pull it up to her nose to comfort her and it acted like a binky and made her stop crying when we gave her it to her. I always hoped that I could someday have it in her memory box, along with other fun treasures; such as: her first binky, her first baby bracelet, etc. My only solace in the fact that someone may have actually taken her blankie is that the person who took it must have REALLY needed it. Who else would steal a used blankie, but someone who is in desperate need of one, so I can tell Nicole when she is older that she helped someone in need. Given Nicole's sweet personality, she will be happy to know that another child is enjoying her beloved blankie who needed it more than she did. Farewell, blankie. We'll miss you!

Grandma Hacking

2010-08-28T13:02:00.008-06:00

My Grandma Hacking, also known as Grandma Mazie to my kids, passed away on August 19th. She died peacefully in her sleep at 95 years old and was a remarkable individual, who stayed active by golfing almost her whole life and constantly reading books. She even golfed on her 94th birthday! It is comforting to know that Grandma is with my Grandpa, who passed away on December 24, 1999 and their two kids, Lani and Paul. Some of my fondest memories of my Grandma is her homemade peach ice cream, Christmas morning breakfast and bingo, swimming at Riverside Country Club, and Grandma teaching me how to skip. Love you, Grandma, and look forward to seeing you again!

Thanksgiving Point Farm

2010-08-28T12:52:00.004-06:00

Recently, we went to the Thanksgiving Point Farm with some neighbors and had a blast!

At the end of the table is my dear friend and visiting teacher, Kristina Woodbury, who is my angel. She is one of the kindest, most charitable individuals I know.

California Vacation!

2010-08-28T10:16:00.020-06:00

On July 31-August 8th, we took our family vacation to California and had the best time! We stayed with friends, Hyrum and Becky, with their cute kids for most of the trip and then with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Brandon and Diana, for a couple nights. We went to Disneyland twice, to the beach, swimming in Hyrum and Becky's backyard, to the L.A. Zoo, and to a place like Kangaroo Zoo. The rest of the time was spent visiting and eating lots of yummy food together! :)

Family with a Toy Story soldier

Nicole had a hard time choosing a suvenir!We went to a Colors Show at night, which was amazing!
Tigger!

Eeyore!
Snow White!
Aurora!

Ariel!
Belle- Nicole tried to take her with us!

Tiana!Brandon and Diana w/ Alyssa
L.A. Zoo, which has tons of hills and gave me small contractions walking all day up them! Also, it was extremely hot so we don't have a lot of animal pictures because most of them were sleeping in the shade :)
Jungle place like Kangaroo Zoo (can't remember the name)
Will, Alyssa, and Dewey

How could Nicole cry on a toy that looks like Nemo?!Baby Tyler and I at the beach :)
Other people built this ship and left it, which brought great happiness to our kids

Hyrum and Becky's cute daughter, Ellie!
Alyssa and I having fun with the waves

Nicole HATES the beach! She hated the sand and got sunscreen in her eyes! She wouldn't stop crying, so Will and I took turns with her in the van almost the whole time at the beach while she calmed down to the movie, "The Little Mermaid."
Dumbo- one of the few rides I could go on
'N' is for Nicole!
'A' is for Alyssa!
Hyrum and Becky's boy, Dewey, and Alyssa in line for the Toy Story ride
Love this picture!
Hyrum and Becky's boy, Timmy, showing us his cute pretzel fingers!
Swimming in Hyrum and Becky's backyard

Nicole's 2nd Birthday!

2010-08-27T18:57:00.006-06:00

My sweet Nicole turned 2 on July 28th! Nicole is our snuggle bug! She loves to give hugs, kisses, to be held, and to cuddle. She has a gentle heart and is really kind to others. She is also very shy, but once you win her over she'll shower you with affection. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father sent us our angel Nicole and am so proud to be her mommy! She brings joy to everyone and is a great example to me. We celebrated Nicole's birthday by having Will's side of the family come over for a "My Little Pony" themed party with pizza (Nicole's favorite), salad, and a pony cake. Then, on August 22nd, my side of the family got together to celebrate Nicole and Uncle Timo's birthdays and we had cupcakes and ice cream.

Nicole's First Hair Cut!!!

2010-08-27T18:46:00.005-06:00

On July 26th, I took Nicole and Alyssa to "Cookie Cutters" for Nicole's first hair cut! Both girls got to sit in these cute cars, watch a movie while they got their hair cut, and they took home a balloon and sucker. It was such a great experience for them! Nicole also got to take home a certificate with a picture of her on it with some pieces of her hair.

BeforeAfter

Before

After

Pioneer Day at Lagoon

2010-08-27T18:36:00.003-06:00

On July 24th, we went to Lagoon with Grandpa Whitaker, Omi, Marcus, Miche, Emi, Eden, Ashton, Lucas, Holly, and Briggs. It was so much fun, but I didn't get a ton of pictures since we were just there last month and I got a lot then.

American Lending Network Party

2010-08-27T18:21:00.004-06:00

Will's work party was at South Fork Park on July10th. The girls had tons of fun and as you can see, so did Will! The employees play a game every year and can win prizes. This year each costume item Will had on at the end of the game won him a specific prize and Will won the best prizes, including an XBox, a $25 gift card for Outback, a $20 gift card to Cafe Rio, and a bag of Frooties!

The water fountain was Nicole's favorite thing to play with at the party

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-06T15:39:00.010-06:00

On Saturday, July 3rd, Will took me to the Stadium of Fire and we had so much fun getting out without kids :)July 4th-5th we went to Manti to spend time with Grandma Whitaker
Love how the ball is almost overcoming Nicole

Nicole and Alyssa had so much fun playing with Grandma's dolls!Daddy reading to the girls. Alyssa was just being silly by making a mean face :)
We all went Canoeing! Here is Grandma Whitaker and her friend Dave

Grandma Whitaker blowing bubbles with the girls
SPARKLER FUN!

Not everyone liked the sparklers...Will had the most fun with the sparklers :)
We were able to walk around the beautiful Manti Temple

Father's Day Dinner

2010-07-06T13:40:00.004-06:00

My side of the family had a week late Father's Day dinner together and had a blast! Happy Father's Day to my sweet Dad and my amazing hubby!

You'll probably notice that Nicole loves to make the cheesiest faces for pictures and I adore it!

I had to take a picture of my brother, Scott, eating pie out of the container. First of all, Scott hardly ever eats desserts. He eats blueberries and other fruit for dessert and exercises for fun. So, this is why I had to document this rare occurrence.
Grandpa Hacking and Nicole

Cheese!!!

Alyssa w/ cousin Grace

Love this picture of Alyssa! I think it completely represents childhood summer!

It's a...BOY!

2010-06-28T14:51:00.006-06:00

On March 8th I found out I was pregnant with baby #3 and surprised Will by getting this cake for him. My birthday is on March 9th, so I told him that my visiting teachers had brought this cake by and then I slid it over to him to see. He stared in complete confusion for a minute and then when he looked up at me I exclaimed, "I'm pregnant!" Finding out we're expecting was the best birthday present I could have asked for! :) By the way, I asked Dippidee's, the cake makers, to put pink and blue frosting on, but they only put blue and now I'm thinking perhaps they were inspired!!!

Yesterday, June 27th, we had a late Father's Day dinner with my side of the family. I surprised them with this ice cream cake and told them that the gender of the baby would be the color of the ice cream. Everyone was so happy to find out we're expecting a baby boy, our little Tyler.
On June 24th, Will and I had the ultrasound and found out we're having a baby boy, Tyler Smith Whitaker! We are so grateful to have Tyler joining our family around November 15th (due date) and can't believe how much love we already feel for him. We are also excited to get some more blue in this house and to introduce trains, sports, and all the other fun boy things!

Will Camping

2010-06-28T14:36:00.004-06:00

Will went camping with his friends, Ryan and Kathan over this past weekend and had a great time.

Ryan playing with fire

Steaks while camping?! I remember growing up camping with powdered food or M.R.E.'s!

Kathan perhaps making a bold attempt at skipping a really big rock
Always feels to good to get those push-ups in while camping :)

Lagoon

2010-06-28T14:03:00.009-06:00

On June 19th our family received free tickets to Lagoon for Will's work party. It was SO much fun! The girls could not get enough of the rides and Alyssa was tall enough to go on "The Bat" roller coaster with Will!

Alyssa and Will are on the second row from the backAlyssa and Will soaking wet after going on Rattle Snake Rapids

Kathan, one of Will's best friends, and his date LaurieWill won the tiger Nicole is holding in the above picture from playing golf
Will also won the girls a pink bear from shooting some hoops

Be very impressed with Will for going on the spinning ride with Alyssa since he gets very motion sick easily.We all got fake tatoos!
Alyssa got a pink horse balloon
Nicole got a rattle balloon, which really rattled!

Giraffes in a Box

2010-06-28T13:58:00.003-06:00

My Girly Girls!

2010-06-28T13:32:00.002-06:00

Recently, Alyssa and Nicole have been playing together so well! I can't tell you how happy it makes me that Nicole is finally old enough for the girls to play like friends!

Alyssa's Preschool Graduation

2010-06-28T13:26:00.006-06:00

Congrats, Alyssa, on having a great first year of preschool! You are so smart and we are so proud of you!

Alyssa and Miss Mikki Pursel

Picnic with Daddy

2010-06-28T12:03:00.003-06:00

One May evening I went out with a friend and Will took the girls by the temple and had a picnic. Looks like they had a blast!

Alyssa's Gymnastics Performance

2010-06-28T11:44:00.008-06:00

After the performance- Alyssa w/ cousins Grace and Micah and their medalsThese cousins adore each other!

How cute is this girl!!!

This is difficult to see, but Alyssa is so flexible!

Alyssa is amazing with the rings! I can't believe how long she can hold herself up!

Is Nicole picking her nose?

Here is Nicole before Alyssa's performance, doing her own gymnastics. She can't wait to start gymnastics in the Fall!!!

Found More Random April Pictures

2010-06-28T11:38:00.002-06:00

My Silly Girls...

Omi and Nicole

Leaving Church with Daddy

Great Grandma Mazie's Birthday Party

2010-06-28T11:27:00.004-06:00

My sweet Grandma

I adore this picture of Alyssa and her cousin Grace

Sweet Daddy, holding crying Nicole while trying to catch a football :)

Easter and Other Random April Pics

2010-06-28T11:06:00.006-06:00

Uncle Brandon and Aunt Diana-- we miss you!Grandpa Whitaker and Nicole

Uncle Brandon tossing Nicole around, which she loves!

Grandma Hacking and Nicole

Grandpa Hacking, Great Grandma (Grandma Mazie), Alyssa and Nicole

Nicole enjoying the air conditioning

End of Easter egg hunt

Dying Eggs with Mommy

Grandpa Whitaker's Birthday Dinner

Goofy girls before Church

Alyssa and two neighbor boys, who wanted to dress up with her (I couldn't resist taking a picture of boys in dresses)!

Lounging around...

Matilda Jane Clothes--I'm in love with these!

Alyssa's 4th Birthday

2010-06-28T10:43:00.007-06:00

Alyssa had a bunch of parties for her birthday! Will, Nicole, and I went with her to Chuch E Cheese's on her birthday and Grandpa Whitaker and Omi met us there to give Alyssa her presents. We also had birthday dinners with both sides of our family and she had a party with her friends. As you can see, this little girl is so happy to be 4 years old!

Chips and more chips!

2010-03-11T16:38:00.003-07:00

Last Thursday Alyssa threw an entire bag of Tillamook cheese all over our kitchen floor as I was cleaning the house for company. She and Nicole were sitting in the pile with cheese in their hair and on their faces. Looking back I wished I wouldn't have gotten mad and taken a picture instead. Last night Alyssa dipped my veggies from a tray into some dip and spread the veggies all over my floor. I got mad, but not as mad as with the cheese, so I was happy for the progress. Tonight Alyssa dumped half a Costco bag of Sunchips all over the floor. This time I took pictures and told her not to do it again. I also said I was going to buy another bag and she couldn't have any, which will make her sad because she loves them, but hopefully it will make her stop throwing food on the floor! I have to say that I handled it just the way I wanted, without regrets! Yea for Mommy progress!

My 30th Birthday

2010-03-11T16:34:00.002-07:00

For my 30th birthday, Will threw a surprise party at Chuck E Cheese and I was so touched by all the people who showed me love on my birthday. Thank you!

Storytime with Daddy

2010-03-11T16:29:00.004-07:00

Service

2010-01-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight my friend and neighbor, Sunny Schriever, went above and beyond to serve our family. Nicole had tubes put in her ears today and last week we were all sick with stomach flu. Today Sunny called to tell me she didn't know we were sick last week and wished she could have helped. She then told me that she wanted to bring us dinner tonight. I told her we were good, but she insisted. She told me her daughter had dance tonight so she was going to bring us take-out. I protested her offer, but she insisted. She asked if we wanted Cafe Rio, Rumbi, or whatever we wanted. I told her how we love Cafe Rio, but then told her she could chose between that or pizza since pizza is Nicole's favorite. When Sunny came to bring us dinner she brought Will and I Cafe Rio, a pizza for the girls, cookies, and soda pop. I started to cry out of being so touched by her overwhelming generosity. I still can't get it out of my head how Sunny and others have gone out of their way to serve our family the past week.

There's more... Earlier today my sister watched Alyssa at the last minute so I wouldn't have to take her to the hospital for Nicole's surgery. Perhaps I could have managed, but it would have been difficult to pay attention to both girls when Nicole needed all of my attention. With 5 kids of her own, I know she is crazy busy, yet she lovingly served me in my time of need.

In addition, last Thursday both Nicole and Alyssa started vomiting in the morning and I didn't have any Coke or Pepsi for them. I emailed the Relief Society to ask if someone could run down the road to a gas station and pick some up for me and within minutes I had at least 5 phone calls with offers to help me. The first phone call was my visiting teacher, Kristina Woodbury. I must say before I continue that Kristina is an amazing individual who jumps at opportunities to serve and always brings the Spirit into my home when she visits me. Kristina not only ran to the gas station for Pepsi, but she went above and beyond to bring us dinner that night. I might also add that Will also had Lasik surgery that day, so I had both girls throwing up and Nicole had the runs in addition to Will's surgery. I was panicking and Kristina, as well as my mom (I'll get to her next) saved me.

As I mentioned, I was panicking last Thursday and Will needed me to take him and be with him at his surgery. I really wanted to be there for him, but was worried about getting a baby-sitter for our very sick girls. My options were limited and I called my mom for help. Despite that she was already baby-sitting my nephews and niece later that day, she dropped everything to take care of my sick daughters.

I can't thank enough those who served our family and those who offered to help us. We are touched to be surrounded by such compassionate, giving individuals. May they reap many blessings. We are moved to also look for opportunities to give to others and appreciate the many charitable examples.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T14:18:00.003-07:00

Christmas was a very joyous day! Grandma Whitaker slept over and we had fun watching the girls open their presents. We went to Grandpa and Omi's for brunch and to Uncle Scott and Aunt Megan's home for lunch. Also, Nicole started walking on Christmas!!! Fortunately, I was able to record her first steps and since then her confidence and happiness have grown. We're so proud of her! We are so grateful to be apart of such a wonderful family and for our loving Savior. We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and we wish you all a Happy New Year!

Crowns

2009-12-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

Can you tell I can't get enough of my girls?! I love these princesses!

Alyssa's Gymnastics Performance

2009-12-28T13:59:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from Alyssa's gymnastics performance and a couple of her cousin, Grace.

Fun in Midway

2009-12-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

The beginning of December we stayed in Midway for Will's work party and here are a couple random pictures. Aunt Diana found Nicole hiding under the sink and we took Alyssa's picture, wearing the hat Grandma Whitaker bought for her. We also went to an LDS chapel where they had nativity displays and took pictures of families wearing nativity clothes.

All I want for Christmas is...to get off Santa's lap!

2009-12-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

It seems almost every family has one of these classic Santa pictures with a crying child. Santa came to our ward Christmas party.

2009-12-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here is Nicole's latest pictures, taken at 14 months old. This little girl brings so much happiness into my life!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T02:14:00.003-07:00

For Thanksgiving, we had a very fun and eventful day having lunch with Will's side and dinner with my side of the family. Needless to say, we were completely stuffed from having two thanksgiving feasts! I love this time of year to celebrate what we're thankful for. I'm so grateful for my family, for the gospel, our Savior, our freedom, and the countless blessings I've been given.

I made these turkey cookies and I think they turned out pretty cute!

Thanksgiving was also my niece's birthday. This is Sophia trying to blow out the candles :)

Here's Nicole at the end of the day.

Party for November Birthdays

2009-12-01T01:51:00.001-07:00

My side of the family had a birthday party for all the November birthdays, which was a ton! Here are just a few fun shots. As you can see, we are apparently a wrestling family.

Fun Family Time

2009-12-01T01:28:00.002-07:00

This last adorable picture is of Nicole folding her arms for family prayer!

Lunch w/ Some Dance Friends

2009-12-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of November I was able to go to lunch with some friends from Orem High's Drill Team and UVSC's (at the time) Dance Team. It was so great to see those who were able to make it and hopefully next time more can come!

The Princess and the Frog

2009-11-02T08:58:00.006-07:00

For Halloween, Alyssa dressed up as Cinderella and Nicole was a frog. Even though, lots of people thought Nicole was a boy, we still think she looked so cute!

New Family Picture

2009-10-22T16:37:00.000-06:00

Here is our latest family picture! Nicole cried almost the entire time, so this is the best we could do :)

Scarecrow Festival

2009-10-19T09:40:00.001-06:00

We had so much fun going to the Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point with Grandpa Whitaker, Omi, Uncle Marcus, Aunt Mich, Aunt Diana, Uncle Brandon, and cousins- Emi, Eden, and Ashton.
Nicole going down the slide all by herself for the first time!
They had an area where girls could put on a princess dress and sit in a carriage, get their hair or makeup done, etc.

Fun at the Park

2009-10-19T09:37:00.001-06:00

Curls

2009-10-19T09:29:00.000-06:00

I had to take a picture of Nicole's natural curls! She has the most curls right after she takes a bath and later on her hair straightens more. Oh, how I love those curls!

Alyssa's First Day of School

2009-10-19T09:23:00.000-06:00

Alyssa started preschool last month with Ms. Mikki and loves it! She would go every day if she could.

Will's Birthday!

2009-09-18T14:58:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Hubbercup! For Will's birthday he and I went on a date and we played golf, which was my first time, ate at Iggy's Sports Grill, ate Cold Stone ice cream, and rented movies. We also celebrated with Will's side of the family at the Mayan restaurant for dinner and we played miniature golf afterwards. With my side of the family we had a dinner with homemade Cafe Rio pork salads and burritos. Then, Will's mom came up and made him a yummy dinner with this amazing oatmeal cake and gave him a Star Wars movie. Will also got golf shoes for his birthday. If you can't tell, Will loves to golf and eat mexican food!

Labor Day

2009-09-18T14:50:00.001-06:00

For Labor Day we went to Thanksgiving Point barn and Alyssa had a blast! I just noticed I didn't get any pictures of Nicole, but it's probably because she was hot and fussy! Also, notice in the last picture Will is ready to grab Alyssa in case the pony bit her, since there was a sign on the gate that read, "I bite."

Cute Chairs

2009-09-18T14:44:00.000-06:00

Isn't this the cutest pink chair?! I found it online and it is usually in Alyssa's room, but the girls wanted to sit in it to watch a movie. The cute rocking chair Alyssa is sitting in was one I grew up with.

I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home

2009-09-18T14:39:00.000-06:00

These pictures don't really do justice to how the girls feel when daddy comes home. Every day they both run to him, snuggle, play, and wrestle. These girls are so lucky to have Will for a dad.

Darling Girls

2009-09-18T14:12:00.000-06:00

I love that Alyssa and Nicole are playing together more and despite that they have their little fights, they have times when they are completely sweet with each other.

Alyssa Potty Training

2009-09-18T14:07:00.000-06:00

Alyssa is pretty much potty trained as of a couple weeks a go. We borrowed our friend's "Potty Power" movie and that helped inspire her, but mostly I think she just wanted to wear princess underwear. At the beginning she used to sit for a while and read. Now I just need her to go potty in public toilets! Still, wait to go Alyssa!

August- Farewell to Catherine & Weston

2009-09-18T13:11:00.001-06:00

We had a goodbye BBQ at Vivian Park for Catherine and Weston, who are now living in Virginia. Miss you guys!

July 28th- Nicole's 1st Birthday!

2009-09-17T17:29:00.001-06:00

Happy 1st Birthday, Nicole! You are a precious gift to our family and we adore your happy personality and sweet disposition. You bring so much joy into our lives and we love you!

Nicole and Grandma Whitaker

We celebrated with the Hacking side after your birthday with pizza and cake.

Nicole and Grandpa Hacking.

Aunt Tiffany and Grandma Hacking

Cousins!Sick cousin Savannah
Uncle Scott and Grandpa Hacking
Aunt Megan, Uncle Timo, and Aunt Sara

Nicole eating her favorite food pizza!Butterfly birthday cake!
Grandpa Whitaker and Omi brought Nicole a present, a ride on horse!
On Nicole's birthday we had a dinner with our little family and opened her present, which was picnic food that crinkles, jingles, and squeaks!
Nicole ate 2 pieces of pizza!

The Whitaker side celebrated Nicole's birthday a couple days early in Durango. Aunt Linda and I made a bathtub cake that did not turn out due to lack of time and resources.