Newman's News

Newman's 2011 Review

2012-01-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

2011 was a wonderful year. We've been so blessed... Scott and I have been able to travel the world together, without the kids :)... He surprised me with a trip to New York City in June and for our 7th year anniversary we went on a Mediterranean Cruise, my first time traveling to Europe. It was amazing. The one thing that excites us the most is our soon to be addition to our family. We will be welcoming another sweet baby girl to our family sometime this April.

Scott....

Finished his first year at Juniper Networks, working from home.
Released from Primary and now is the 2nd Counselor in the Elder's Quorum.
Continues with his passion of taking pictures and going to new places with his camera always in hand.
Loves to BBQ, especially using his charcoal BBQ.

Melissa...

Joined the gym and got in shape!
6 months along with a new little bundle of joy... Above is a pic of me right before I got pregnant...
Released from Young Women's and right back into Primary as a teacher...
Traveled to many new places this year including: NYC, Italy, Monte Carlo and Spain.

Ethan....

Learned to ride a scooter... and his bike without training wheels.
Turned 5 years old!
Started his last year of preschool with Mini Explorer Preschool.
Now sleeps in his own bunk bed.
Learning to read and write and can't wait to start Kindergarten in the Fall.
Is an awesome big brother to Emma and can't wait to meet his new little sister.

Emma....

Turned 2 years old!
Finally has hair and loves to be all dolled up!
Loves to run, climb, jump and play with Bubba (Ethan)!
Learned to petal her tricycle.
Now sleeps in a Big Girl Bed.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

Having kids makes Christmas a lot more fun. This year especially. This year Ethan was very much into Christmas and Emma was riding on Ethan's excitement. Santa must have been very impressed with these kids because there was a ton of present ready to be opened!

I buckled down and made the kids a photo book... this was Emma's 1st year book...

Since I was very behind on Ethan's he got a book called "The Early Years" there was no way I could have caught up and this worked out perfectly.

Evidence that Santa was here!

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Christmas at the Newman's...

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Christmas at the Riddle's...

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It was a long day... Presents, church, Newman's, and then to the Riddle's and finally home... poor kids didn't get a chance to play with their toys until the next day.

Emma in her new dress up clothes...

Ethan got a Tag reading system and don't ask me why he is sitting on the table.

Holiday Fun!

2012-01-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

This year I tried to do some fun things with the kids for the holidays. They are getting older and Ethan, especially was totally in the Christmas spirit. So it was my responsibility, as a mom to do something about it. I really could have done better, but I felt like I did pretty good considering my "condition"...

This year I wanted to make an advent calendar for the kids. Ethan was very into counting down to Christmas and someone sent me a good idea about making trees and each day the kids would open one and find a special surprise. On Thanksgiving, while the guys did the clean up, the girls went to work and helped Becky and I make these cute trees... It was a lot of more work then I anticipated, but worth it. The kids loved these trees and unfortunately it got the kids, especially Ethan, wired from day one! It was a LONG month!

I totally forgot to get a picture of my trees when I first set them up... we started with 24 trees and here we were down to 5!

In the trees I included treats and sometimes an activity... One activity was to build a snowman. Since we didn't have snow, we build edible snowmen... It was an interesting experience that Ethan and Emma loved and wanted to go it again.

Of course what would the holidays be without gingerbread houses. Ethan begged and begged to make one. He saw one at his friend's house and so I caved and we did it! Here is Ethan very proud of his little house.

I think Scott decorated more of Emma's then she did...she really discovered treats and sugar this Christmas and has been on a sugar high since!

Another activity we did was ice skating... Since I'm not brave to really take the kids ice skating and since I'm really a bit top heavy I pulled out some paper plates and the kids went wild. It was a hit!

Ethan performing for me!

Sugar cookies aren't my favorite cookie, but the kids loved making and decorating them for Santa. Here is Emma's cookie... kinda got carried away with the sprinkles!

Yummy cookies!

Scott and I hosted a Christmas Eve dinner with part of my family. Love having family over!

Russ and Alicia!

Christmas jammies!

Scott whispered to me... He never seen someone so excited to get new jammies as Ethan. He does love his jammies!

Finally, my angels all dressed up for Christmas morning church.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

Trick of Treat!

Captain America!

Princess Cinderella

and the priest....

Halloween Fun!

2011-11-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

Halloween is definitely a lot more fun when you have kids... There is more to Halloween then trick or treating these days... These are some activities or fun stuff that we did to celebrate!

Dressing up.... Emma trying on the Dragon costume when Ethan was two... Ethan and Emma loved dressing up in their costumes and sometimes Emma would be wearing her Princess dress 2 or 3 times a day :)

Gotta love those Halloween shirts... Plus, those bows are to die for!

Who's afraid of monsters??? Maybe if they looked like this you would be very afraid!

Of course, we had to make and decorate cookies... this year we made chocolate sugar cookies and orange frosting (all from scratch, thank you very much!)

Ethan brought this home from preschool and of course Emma had to try it on! She makes a pretty scary witch!

Scott and I were invited to a Halloween party and we went as a priest and a pregnant nun. We won best costumes!

Went to "Boo at the Zoo" With Grandma and Grandpa Riddle and cousins...

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Carving Pumpkins...

Ethan's "evil face" pumpkin...

Emma's jack-o-lantern!

Grandma Baker

2011-11-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

I think I've mentioned this before, but these are two of my favorite people... My Grandma Baker and my mom... My sweet Grandma Baker returned to our Heavenly Father. She had a long and wonderful life and we will miss her!

Her Obituary...

Vyrl Cool Baker, 91, passed away October 15, 2011 in South Jordan, Utah
Born January 5, 1920 in Salt Lake City, Utah, daughter of David William and Lola Almira Belnap Coolbear. Married LeRoy Edward Baker September 30, 1938 in the Salt Lake Temple; he preceded her in death. Married Bernard J. Myers October 22, 2008. Active member of the LDS Church. Accomplished oil painter for 43 years. She was creative, trying out all types of crafts. She loved people and people loved her. She was always the life of the party and had a great sense of humor. She handled life's adversities well. Before LeRoy died, they were snow birds, seeing the country and loving it.

Survived by children: Ronald L. Baker, Lawrence B. (Sandy) Baker, Kathleen (Dennis) Riddle; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by daughter, Virginia Christensen.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where a viewing will be held Monday, October 17, 2011, 6-7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.

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The viewing and funeral was beautiful and I was asked to share a few thoughts about my Grandma at her funeral, this is what I said...

A Wonderful Grandmother

We had a wonderful grandmother,

One who never really grew old;

Her smile was made of sunshine,

And her heart was solid gold;

Her eyes were as bright as shining stars,

And in her cheeks fair roses you see.

We had a wonderful grandmother,

And that's the way it will always be.

But take heed, because

She's still keeping an eye on all of us,

So let's make sure

She will like what she sees.

-Author Unknown

This is my "Can't forget list about Grandma..."

Who Can't forget the annual Mother's Day Root Beer Float?
Or the trips to Fairmont Park to feed the ducks or play on the playground
or running around in the backyard to be watched very carefully so we won't trample over her precious garden
Hugs from grandma when we come to visit and a hug when we say goodbye!
Running and exploring the house
Playing the organ, with grandpa's supervision, of course
The box of toys in the downstairs closet just for us kids to play with.
The kids and my mom playing the piano
Sharing our special days...
or the stories about the basement and the elephant from Liberty Park trampling through the yard.
Or the times we spent camping together in our families trailers...
Your pets, Shadow and lately you're Canary
Your MANY marriage proposals
Dancing and playing pool at the Senior's Center
Being Snowbirds
Your 200+ paintings of all different sizes that hung in you home
Most of all we can't forget you smile and laughter.... Something that I hold dear to my heart. Grandma we love you!

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I wouldn't be a Riddle without getting some pictures at the grave site... (though it was Scott taking them )

Her favorite color was pink....

I love this picture of Uncle Ron... He loved and adored Grandma so much and this showed the deepest respect for a mother he loved so much...

Uncle Ron, my mom and Uncle Larry...

This house holds a special place in my heart. My grandma lived most of her life in this house. I have so many childhood memories associated with this house... Unfortunately, the house needed to be sold and my mom just closed on it last week. Goodbye, pink house!

The Pumpkin Patch...

2011-11-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Another year and another trip to the pumpkin patch. This is Ethan's 3rd time at Black Island Farms and he doesn't get bored with it at all.

Ethan with his buddy getting lost in the maze...

Found just the right pumpkin and one for Emma too!

Plenty of activities to get Ethan exhausted... Slides...

and more slides...

and the tractor pulled train!

34 Years Young!

2011-10-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

If you go back about a month, I celebrated, yet another birthday. It's funny how they seem to come every year even when you really don't need to have another one. This year I turned 34 years old! EEK!!! I can't be that old, I don't feel that old... What does 34 suppose to feel like???? Anyways, I feel good and I have the most precious possessions in the world... My family... I'm thankful for them each and everyday and I know how lucky to have a wonderful husband that loves me unconditionally and two sweet kids that adore me...

My family! How did I get so lucky!

Scott surprised me with tickets to the Broadway play, Mary Poppins.... I LOVED it... He even arranged for my sister, Jaime to come up and watch the kids. It was great!

On my birthday we decided to head down to Salt Lake and visit Temple Square. Conference was the following weekend and we wanted Ethan to see where conference was held and visit the temple grounds.

Boondocks!

2011-10-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

So we've had a Bookdocks was built 5 minutes from our house about 2 or maybe even 3 years ago and we finally went to check it out. Ethan wanted to try bowling for his birthday... so here we are! We had a GREAT time!

Preschool.... ONE more year!

2011-10-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ethan's last year of preschool... Yep, this is his 3rd year. We did a neighborhood, Joy school type preschool for the past two year, this year, he is going to Mini Explorers Preschool located a couple of streets away taught by a wonderful lady in my ward. He is loving it and loves to eat lunch there and meet new friends!

Newman's Review

2011-10-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been awhile and looking at my blog it has been over 2 months! Our family has been busy and hopefully I will find the time to finally catch up with all the craziness... Here is the going ons in the Newman's house these past 2 months...

Ethan started preschool (his last year before kindergarten)!
Ethan had turned 5 years old!
Ethan has learned to ride his bike without training wheels! He still has a hard time starting and stopping and needs to grow a little into his bike... Hopefully, by spring he'll be off and riding and hopefully not getting hit by any cars :)
Emma, after trying all summer, decided to finally learn to pedal her trike all by herself...
Emma is doing much better in her big girl bed and will go right to sleep at night without coming out about 10-20 times... YEAH!
Emma still wakes up 2-3 times a week, but lately she has been doing very well with sleeping through the night. I think she has nightmares sometimes that wakes her up, but thankfully, she goes right back to sleep!
Scott is busy with work and is on a deadline! He is to teach his first Beta class after Thanksgiving! It's crunch time!
Scott's grandmother passed away a month ago and travelled to California for the funeral. We will miss you Grandma Shehorn!
Me.. I celebrated, yet, another birthday... I wish I can honestly say I'm 25 again, but who am I kidding... 34 years old!
LOVE having Ethan into a preschool that I don't have to teach. I love sending him off and not having to worry after 6 little munchkins! Maybe, I'll have to try it next year with Emma... I know, she is going to be old enough for preschool next year! Crazy!
Finally.... April is going to be a fun month as we are going to welcome a new addition to the Newman's home... Yes, we are expecting our 3rd little baby this spring. I know, shocker, huh?! I started blabbing the news to everyone when I couldn't hide the pudge anymore :) didn't want anyone to get the wrong impression :) We are excited and a little freaked out because it happened faster than we expected and it is the 3rd kid and we are going to be out numbered. But... there's no going back, not that we would. So now I'm almost 14 weeks along, but really looks like I'm 5 months along :) but it's all good!

I'll be playing catchup with some new blog posts... stay tuned:)

Newman's Review!

2011-07-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

July 30th, yesterday, Scott and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary!

This last Monday we returned from our BIG trip to the Mediterranean. It was amazing... Pictures are coming, I promise!

Ethan and Emma survived, I mean my parents survived watching the kids for 10 straight days!

Ethan finished swimming lessons yesterday and actually jumped off the diving board!

I'm now officially back in the primary in church. After taking a 3 year break, I'm back in with the kids.

Emma has been sick twice this month, colds. She went 6 months without being sick to be sick in July!

Ethan stayed up until 11:00 Thursday night, his first time ever, to watch an outdoor movie with the neighbors...

Barcelona, Spain

2011-07-31T13:12:00.001-07:00

Our last day! We are off the ship and spending the day in Barcelona, Spain before heading home the next morning. We REALLY wanted to go home at this point. We were both very exhausted and ready to get back to the kids and back to our home. Oh, well... We can't complain... we got to see Barcelona! I really didn't know much about Barcelona but they hosted the Olympics awhile back. I still don't know or remember much about the city. I do remember I liked it there and wish we had more time.

The view...

We took a Hop on and Hop off tour of the city... It was probably the best way to see the city!

Some sites we saw on our tour.

Very interesting architecture.

Ramblas... A main street for shopping... The city was pretty much dead for a Sunday afternoon until we got to this point.

Alleyways!

Gothic Cathedral... Very different from what we've seen in Italy and Monte Carlo.

Feed the bird... we could buy food and feed the bird... nay, not today!

Sangrada Familia... Already been in construction over 100 years and will be lucky if it is finished within 30 to 40 years. Architect Antoni Gaudi...

We decided to ditch the bus and walk back to our shuttle stop... It was a LONG walk :) but we got to enjoy the quietness of Barcelona. I really liked how pedestrian friendly the roads were... They had divided roadways with a pedestrian walk lined with trees in the middle. It was beautiful.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

2011-07-31T13:11:00.002-07:00

Our last port of call was Monte Carlo, Monaco. Monte Carlo is where the rich play. This very small country is known for it's casinos, fancy cars, and big yachts.

This was the view from our balcony...

View of Monte Carlo Casino... another view from our balcony.

We decided to do our own thing and didn't take a tour. I loved it... Scott in front of the Carnival Magic.

My turn!

View of the Mediterranean Sea... The water was a very deep blue... absolutely beautiful!

Scott took this picture... LOVE IT!

This was some type of museum... It was pretty cool...

We found some gardens to walk through...

Walking through Monte Carlo is what I like to compare to walking through Disneyland. Clean and orderly. Big contrast to Italy.

The palace

The cathedral... This is where Princess Grace Kelly was married and buried...

Some random corner in Monte Carlo :)

It was quite the climb to get to the palace and cathedral. We walked up through the gardens and going down this pretty steep walkway to visit the casino.

Scott is headed to Cartier's to get me something nice :) yeah right!

Only in Monte Carlo would you find a Ferrari in front of Prada...

There were Ferrari's everywhere!

The casino...

Here I am doing my best James Bond 007!

Scott thought this guy was classic... We still chuckle when we see this picture :)

Florence and Pisa, Italy

2011-07-31T13:11:00.001-07:00

Florence was another city I was excited to see... I wish we were able to really enjoy what the city had to offer by going to the museums, but unfortunately, we didn't have the time. Hopefully, someday I will return and see the art!

We spent the first half of the day in Florence...

Besides the museums, the Duomo, the 4th largest cathedral in the world, is a very striking piece of architecture. This was our view as we were walking to the cathedral. Took my breath away!

Made entirely out of marble. WOW!

The dome by Filippo Brunelleschi... The largest dome made out of brick!

Loved it here!

Those doors are huge! We just took a walking tour of the city and didn't get a chance to go into the cathedral.

Our famous pose! You can't trust your camera to anyone out there...

The Ponte Vecchio meaning, "Old Bridge" is the only remaining original bridge. Florence has been hit with floods and war time destruction, but this bridge is one that remained intact. There are shops lined up on the bridge.

River Arno... Beautiful view!

More views.

I had to post this picture, it just cracked me up with the Coke bottle and Scott's lens cap. A bottle of Coke would cost us about 2.50 Euros... Rip Off!

Sorry, just the waist up view of David by Michelangelo... This isn't the original, but a replica. Supposedly, the replica is just as good...

Basilica of Santa Croce... another cathedral. I'll tell ya, these guys knew how to make cathedrals!

Our "typical Italian lunch"

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After lunch we were off to Pisa. The drive was so beautiful. Florence is the capital city of the region of Tuscany... So we passed vineyards, sunflowers and corn fields. I wish we would have slowed down a bit to take a picture, but nope.... Just take my word for it, breathtaking!

We parked a view blocks away from Pisa's main square. When we entered, this was our view. Amazing... That tower is actually leaning!

I think seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa was one of the highlights of my trip. It was something I only seen in books or on TV and here I am, soaking in the experience!

The Cathedral... The tower is the bell tower!

Inside the baptistery.

View of the baptistery from above!

After hiking up the steep steps to the second level of the Baptistery, you would be sweating too!

Another view of the cathedral with the tower in the background.

"Holding up" the tower!

Rome, Italy

2011-07-31T13:10:00.002-07:00

It has always been my dream to visit Rome and this was the one port that I was looking forward to visiting the most. I remember when we finally got out of the bus to do our own little walking tour I couldn't help but be a little giddy... "I'm in ROME!" I would be turning around in this plaza and was just in awe... It was just an amazing day. It is really hard to put it into words.

Rome is definitely a city that can't be visited in one day. We had 12 hours! We decided to do a tour through the cruise line because we didn't want to spend our whole day lost :). We had to pick between the ancient ruins of Rome or the Vatican. We chose the Vatican because we at least got to do a drive by of the Colosseum and some of the other ancient ruins. So much to do and so little time!

So the next couple of pictures are pictures taken from my window on the bus. We literally did a drive by!

Not bad for a window picture... The tour guide actually made the bus driver clean his windows for us :)

Breathtaking!

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We had 2 hours on our own and they gave us a map and let us loose in Rome. It felt nice to separate ourselves from the pack and experience a little bit on our own!

Drop off... and we are off! Look at this place. I don't even know what it is, but it's cool!

Street we had to walk down. It was pretty crazy!

The Spanish Steps!

More of the Spanish steps!

Trevi Fountain...

This fountain was packed with people. They warned us to hold tight to our belonging because of pick pockets. I held on my purse a little bit tighter!

The legend goes you throw a coin over our left shoulder into the fountain and you will return to Rome someday. I would love to come back someday. It was amazing!

Can you find Scott? Trevi Fountain was a pretty crowded, a touristy place!

We still had time and so we walked over to the Pantheon. Scott loved this building and I did too. It was so beautiful!

Can you believe this building was built in 126 AD... Man that is older than anything here in the United States. I loved that there was so much history all around us. Everyone has asked me what my favorite place was on our trip and I couldn't tell them because every place was so unique and full of history. This was Rome, everywhere we turned would be something truly amazing!

The dome of the Pantheon... Taken by Scott...

Again, here I am, caught in the moment :)

Spectacular! Another of Scott's pictures.

The columns of the Pantheon.

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After a 'Typical Italian Lunch" we were off to see Vatican City. The Vatican is it's own little country within Rome... Very interesting, hum...

St. Peter's Basilica...

Within the Vatican's courtyard.

Starting our tour of the Vatican. It was so awesome, nothing I've ever seen before. The ceiling were beautiful. A lot of sculptures and murals. We loved the tour, but we felt we were hearded like cattle. It was hot and stuffy. But we did enjoy ourselves :)

So there was somes rules about the Sistine Chaple. No talking and no taking pictures. Some of these rules were not followed :)

The Chapel was packed and we had to crank our necks to see everything, but this was an experience of a life time to stand here in this chapel and see one of Michelangelo's most famous works.

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St. Peter's Square... HUGE!

Pieta! One of Michelangelo's most famous scultures. I was so excited to see this. A few years ago I taught the Maggelet twins about the renaissance time period and talked a lot about the art at that time. This was something we talked about.

Within the Basilica!

This place was huge!

St. Peter's Square!

I loved Rome! It was an exhausting and hot day... a 12 hour tour, but it was worth it!

Next.... Florence and Pisa!

Naples, Italy

2011-07-31T13:10:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Naples, Italy... Naples was very dirty, in fact there has been a long standing garbage strike! You would need to pray for your life if you dare to cross the street. Who needs traffic rules. You have to get out Naples to enjoy what this port has to offer. This port is the stop for Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Cliffs. Plenty to do! We chose to do Pompeii (of course) and the Amalfi Cliffs (we ended up going to Sorrento, due to bad waters).

When we were looking at the itinerary for the cruise I was very excited to see Naples as one of the ports for one reason, Pompeii! Who hasn't heard of Pompeii? I had to go back to my World Geography/history class, but this was an ancient city that was buried in volcanic ash from the infamous Mt. Vesuvius. Excavation of Pompeii has been going on for about 300 years and it is only 2/3rds done. It was just an amazing experience to be there and to walk the streets and looking at these ancient ruins. There are a ton of pictures in no particular order. Enjoy!

Scott's picture!

Another Scott picture!

Scott was in heaven here! So many things to take pictures of... He was always lagging behind and always had his camera up and ready!

Another picture from Scott!

This place was massive!

I almost got a smile :)

I think I was starting a jig of something!

Scott was too busy to remember me so I took a quick picture of myself :)

These were the actual roads... The elevated circles were their "crosswalks" usually there were some unpleasant stuff littering the roads and these circles were so they can cross without getting their feet in the mess.

Scott took this picture of this guy who was unfortunate and lost his life. Most Pompeii residents didn't perish, but slaves and people foolish enough to return for their precious items lost their lives.

Told ya! Scott was always armed and ready!

Mt. Vesuvius!

Listening up on the info!

Pompeii was spectacular!

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Sorrento

BEAUTIFUL!

Panoramic that Scott took of the Sorrento coast!

Not too many beaches, but a lot of cliffs! Spectacular views. We were told Amalfi was similar.

We actually talked someone into taking this picture of us!

This street was a switchback!

Street after street of small shops!

Very into lemons!

More lemons!

Love this picture! You would see a small table and chairs tucked into small little alley ways. Felt Italian!

Restaurant or cafe!

The said "tipical Itailian Restaurant" We thought that was funny because we had lunches provided for us on our long tours and they referred to them as "typical Italian lunch" I also loved the spelling of Typical!

Leaving Naples!

It was a long day! Saying goodbye to Mt. Vesuvious!

Next.... Rome!!!!!

Messina, Sicily

2011-07-31T13:09:00.002-07:00

Our first stop, Messina, Sicily... Before we left for our cruise I did my research and found that there wasn't much to see in Messina and it was recommended to travel to Taormina, about an hour away. We booked a tour through Carnival, not wanting to be too adventurous, scared that we would somehow miss the boat. They leave you behind if you are late. It happened almost every port. Thankfully, it never happened to us!

This was the main attraction in Messina, the bell tower... a quick picture from the window of our bus was good enough...

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Welcome to Taormina...

We made to Italy! Sicily to be exact! We are so happy to be here! Notice the red sticker on Scott's shirt... You'll see these stickers on us about every place we went. This was our tour number and helped us stick together. I felt like such a tourist! But with Scott's big camera around his neck and the silly red stickers, we were dead give aways!

They had the most beautiful flowers!

Scott took and retouched this picture...

More of these gorgeous flowers!

Our walking tour... Wasn't too impressed with our guide. Monotoned and once we got to the city we couldn't hear a thing she said because she wouldn't speak loudly enough! Other tours we had headphone!

Beautiful buildings!

I loved this city! It was so pretty... I loved the buildings and walking the main street packed with people. A perfect place to start my Italian experience!

I was told by MANY people to try gelato... It was delicious, especially on a warm day... Gelato tasted a lot like ice cream, but better!

I was listening to some Italian music from this guy while I was enjoying my gelato!

The town square!

The view of the Sicilian coast!

This was our final destination of our Taormina walking tour, the ancient Greek theater.

We didn't take too many picture of the inside because they still use this theater as a venue for concerts and they were setting up for one while we were there. Didn't make for an excellent experience :(

We did get some great views of Taormina from the Greek theater. BEAUTIFUL!

Another view!

I tell ya, I was just in awe!

In the back is Mt. Etna... one of the world's most active volcanoes. We were told there was a bit of an eruption during the night before and it was still smoking. We heard on the news a week ago that the volcano had a big eruption. It was pretty cool to say that we were there!

Sicily was nice and it was a perfect place to ease me into the Italian culture, it wasn't my favorite stop, each stop just gets better and better!

Next, Naples!

Carnival Magic

2011-07-31T13:09:00.001-07:00

This is our story of our Mediterranean Cruise... Be forewarned, there are A LOT of pictures! Before we start, first we need an introduction... We wanted to go on a trip without the kids. I kept telling Scott he owed me a BIG trip since he did this traveling job for 3 years and we deserved a nice vacation. The timing worked that my mom was going to be out of work and so Scott and I begged and pleaded with my mom and dad to watch Ethan and Emma... They agreed... There was some apprehension on their part... but the kids had a blast! Where to go??? We wanted to go somewhere in July, being our anniversary and all... We were looking at Hawaii, but we didn't want to go somewhere tropical in the middle of the summer, what fun would that be? We started looking at Europe, after all, we have a boat load of sky miles to use up! We ended up choosing a cruise, because we didn't have to cart our luggage everywhere, our meals are included and we would be able to see much more in our 7 days than if we planned it ourselves!

Now, let the journey begin!

We left late Saturday morning and flew to Atlanta and we flew a red eye to Barcelona. DIDN"T SLEEP A WINK! By Sunday morning (Barcelona time) we arrived... I was so TIRED! But the adrenaline was pumping! I was in Europe! We were waiting for our luggage and I couldn't contain myself! I was so excited to finally be there and off that plane!

Off to the boat we go! We figured out transportation and got ourselves checked in!

The Carnival Magic is a new boat and has been sailing in Europe for the past 2 months. We liked the idea of a "new" boat and we loved the itinerary so we gave it a go. We liked the boat, but the food was just ok and the staff, in my opinion, not the best... Oh, well... we still had a blast!

On our way to the boat! I'm smiling...Scott, not so much!

We couldn't go into our stateroom until later in the afternoon, so we explored, ate some lunch and wished we were asleep!

The adult only section of the boat. Nice stuff! We ended up soaking in the hot tub up here after our long trip to Rome... More to come about that :)

Carnival does have a reputation as the "Fun Ship" and they didn't disappoint! We did go down those water slides a few times. I felt like I was a kid again!

Barcelona... We ended up having to stay another day because of our flight out and we were able to see Barcelona before coming home... again stay tuned!

Our stateroom was the very back of the boat and we traveled these hallways very frequently!

After a nap and a shower we went out onto our balcony and watched us leave... BON VOYAGE!

Muscles!

Very happy to be here!

Our stateroom

These were actually taken the night before the end of our cruise...

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The weather was pretty much in our favor, but that first day there was high winds in Monaco (our first port) and the officials closed the port. Our Captain rearranged our itinerary so we could go to every stop and so we were headed to Sicily first and traveling up the "Boot" instead of down! So our first day was a day at sea.

We bummed around the boat, soaked up some Mediterranean sun, got a REALLY BAD sunburn on my legs (oops! forgot to put sunscreen there :), took a much needed nap, and we had our formal night. After dinner we headed outside to watch the sunset!

The next several pictures are of us goofing off and enjoying the view!

This is inside on the promenade... Fun stuff... Next Messina, Sicily!

Rock Springs!

2011-07-03T12:39:00.002-07:00

Scott had a couple of days off for the 4th of July and we headed off to Rock Springs to visit my brother and his family. I think it has been almost 3 years since we've been up there... we were overdue for a visit!

We took the kids to a splash park.

Emma was very unsure about this water spraying everywhere and getting in and getting all wet...

Ethan and Austin are loving it!

Emma finally got brave and the sprays of water went down in an area and she decided it was safe to play. Only to be trapped when the water sprayed back up and got her drenched!

This was her reaction! I'm chuckling right now reliving that moment... poor girl!

A few minutes later, she was all smiles again!

Skyler taking it easy, being very careful not to get water in his face!

Ethan loved this thing!

Alert! I think there was some thinking going on!

BURRRRRRR!

Laying down seems harmless!

Later that evening we shot off some fireworks... Yes, the sun is still up, 7:00 to be exact... But it was still fun and the kids had a good time!

Nathan and Scott!

Playing with POPS and having a good time!

Another reason for the visit... Meet my new little niece! Evelyn J Riddle... Born June 19, Father's Day!

Emma really liked the baby!

What a sweetie! Precious! In our family Emma was born on June 16, Becky's birthday in the 17th and Hilary's birthday in on the 18th and now we have Evelyn on the 19th! It was meant to be!

Look Who's a Big Girl!

2011-07-03T12:39:00.001-07:00

Someone is now sleeping in a big girl bed... :( She is growing up way too fast!

The Zoo...

2011-07-03T12:38:00.002-07:00

To celebrate Emma's birthday we headed to the zoo... Emma loves animals and thought it would be a good place to go. I think she had a good time... I think I was trying to show Emma the tigers...

I love that Ethan is totally into maps. Here he is studying our location and where we are headed next!

Always likes to be carried!

Classic picture! Couldn't talk Emma into hopping on for the picture!

Love my kiddos! Ethan skinned his knee within 2 minutes of entering the park. Go figure!

EEK! This is totally my least favorite place of the zoo... Reptile and small animals house!

Looking at the elephants!

Always has her juice close by!

The kids don't even weigh enough as a baby elephant... I think that is good thing.

I love this picture of my kids... standing together looking out, looking at the animals.

Ethan and his silly faces... :)

I think Emma was just about done at the time, along with daddy!

Measuring up!

Ethan really enjoyed the dinosaurs. Most of them he liked from a distance, especially the T-Rex.

Finally, the Merry-go-Round.... Here I was trying to keep Emma from bolting... She wasn't enjoying the ride much...

Swimming Fun!

2011-07-03T12:38:00.001-07:00

Finally warm enough for the pool... The kids had a great time!

Look Who's TWO!

2011-07-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

My baby girl is 2!

34 3/4 inches long (77%)

28 pounds (68%)

18.75 OFC (54%)

Wow! She is getting so big! She really jumped up in her weight... gained over 5 pounds in the last 6 months! That is pretty big for a toddler... I think it had to do with her finally being HEALTHY! Ever since January, Emma hasn't been sick. YEAH!

I love my little girl! She has spunk and personality. She likes to have things her way and when we say "no" she throws herself on the floor and starts kicking and screaming. She is little miss attitude and will give us a pouty face and crosses her arms. Emma is a hitter and a biter! She has given Ethan a run for his money!

Emma is a handful, no question, but I love her to pieces and wouldn't take her any other way. She has a smile that brightens my day. She loves to cuddle and loves to be held. She even still wants me to hold her while she drinks her juice or milk... She has the cutest giggle that gets everyone else laughing with her.

Some things that Emma likes to do...

Play with Ethan!

puzzles

Take baths and splash water

Eat Cheetos

Drink juice and not water, unless it is in a big girl cup with ice :)

play the piano as she sings

Baby with babies... or just be around babies

Be pretty! Always wants to have a bow in her hair!

Jump and run!

Slides and the park

Color

Watch shows... Elmo, Buzz and Woody, and Micky Mouse

Emma sampling her birthday cupcakes!

This is how she avoided getting her hands sticky!

Emma not only wanted one cupcakes she had to eat or sample several more!

YUM!

Happy Birthday, Emma!

2011-07-03T12:30:00.001-07:00

On June 16th my baby girl turned 2! Where did time go! My baby is growing up! We celebrated at our house with some family. We were suppose to go the park, but got rained out, go figure! Oh, well... we had fun and Emma was remembered and VERY SPOILED!

Emma's birthday cake. This was my first attempt with making a layered cake and cake decorating. It isn't a Tonya cake, but it still wasn't too bad and it actually tasted good too!

Emma loved all her presents!

She loves babies!

Ethan was always front and center helping Emma along. He is such a good brother and was very excited for her birthday!

Wow! A new scooter! Maybe, if we are lucky she will be riding it by the end of summer...

Oh, Ethan ...

The candle blowing happened so fast that this is all we got... But still so much fun!

Thanks everyone for your love and support!

New York, New York!

2011-07-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

It has always been my dream to visit New York. Scott has been to the Big Apple many times for work. Me, never! So Scott surprised me... he arranged for a babysitter (THANKS JAIME!), bought plane tickets and booked a hotel, all without telling me. I was shocked! So here we are a couple of weeks later in New York City! CRAZY! There are a ton of pics, bear with me, I didn't want to leave anything out!

After checking into the hotel we decided to head to Time Square...

My first time using the subway!

Time square was just amazing... I couldn't help but be caught up with all the lights and craziness!

The next morning we headed out and Scott took me around the corner and this was our view, the Empire States Building!

We headed to down town or up town, I don't remember :) and here is the view of the Hudson River.

Ground Zero! Nothing too impressive, a lot of construction.

Scott at Ground Zero...

We didn't go to the Statue of Liberty, but took the Staten Island Ferry and did a drive by. The statue was so small compared to all the big building of New York, but it was very cool to see!

Scott and I enjoying our trip back to the city!

A highlight of my trip, Wicked! I absolutely LOVED the show! Broadway Baby!

Manhattan Temple!

This temple reminds me of the phrase, "in the world, but not of the work." It is amazing to see the church's presence in this Big city!

Central Park!

You see anything and everything happening in the city... A guy proposing to his girlfriend... I think she said yes.

Rockerfeller Plaza!

The next morning we tried to get back to Rockerfeller Plaza to see some of the Today Show... We actually saw Matt Lauer! I even almost got to shake his hand! That's my claim to fame!

Observation deck on Top of The Rock!

Empire States Building

Enjoying the view... I really need to remember to bring better shoes next time... MY FEET WERE KILLING ME!

Brooklyn Bridge!

Yes, we walked across it!

The Brooklyn Bridge taken from Brooklyn!

We started and ended our trip in Time Square!

It was an amazing trip! After visiting NY I know for certain that I never want to live there! I'm a small town girl that likes being in a small town.

Camp Champ

2011-06-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Camp Champ is a special class for preschoolers that teaches them some basics for basketball, tee ball and soccer... Ethan's first week was basketball and he was so excited to get a 'real' basketball!

He really was having fun :)

Practicing dribbling...

June...

2011-06-05T12:32:00.002-07:00

There are many reasons to love June... The end of school, the start of summer, the flowers are blooming and everything is green! When I was a teacher I loved the end of school... I was burnt out and the kids were ready to get out and play... So far this spring has been wet and miserable. We only have had a handful of "nice" days! Though, I have managed to have a nice farmer tan going on... This of course due to all the time I have spent outside weeding and getting the yard ready for summer and the MANY walks I have had with my little ones. I love summer... if only the weather will cooperate! Anyways... June is going to be fabulous and this is why...

Scott is home! Summer and fall time were Scott's busy time for traveling and we didn't do much in the way for getting out. Now he is home and I hope this summer will be different!

Emma is turning 2... WHAT! My baby isn't a baby anymore. She is growing up so fast!

New York City! Scott surprised me with a trip to NYC! I never been there and he wanted to take me. We are going to see Wicked and spend time sightseeing... and did I mention the kids are staying home with Aunt Jaime... YEAH!

Father's Day! A day to honor our dads... LOVE them!

BBQ! Love BBQ and I'm glad Scott likes to grill. My mouth is already watering!

Bring on the hot, dry weather... I'm ready!

Feeding the Ducks!

2011-06-05T12:32:00.001-07:00

I think we are pretty fortunate to live in an area that has 2 parks that we can go and feed the ducks. The ducks weren't very hungry, but that's ok, it was still fun!

Emma is always following close behind, if she could keep up!

Love Emma's sunglasses!

Love my little kidlets!

I just can't get enough of these two kids!

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-05T12:31:00.001-07:00

This last year Ethan and I participated in a neighborhood preschool... Some call it, Joy School... This is the second year I did this with Ethan and he loved it! He loved going to school and learning and making cute little projects. Another year is done and we had a fun little graduation for the kids... Ethan excited for the party!

They played games!

Time to graduate!

Love my little guy!

One more year of preschool before Kindergarten.

Mother's Day

2011-06-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

My Heros!

What would I do without my mommy??? I really never want to know. I am the person I am because of her. The greatest compliment that I receive as I try to find out who I am is when I am told I am just like my mom. I only wish I can be like my mom. She is truly amazing. I look back at my life and wonder how in the world did she raise 5 kids! Not to mention that all 5 kids are active members of the church and are able to make it in the world on their own. I have to say that is a great compliment to my mom and how she raised us. She is an example to me to how to keep going and never give up. She is pictured above with my 91 year old grandma on Mother's Day. She spends one or 2 weekends of each month caring for her mother. I can't imagine how hard that is for her, but she does it. Love! Devotion! Wow! I love you, Mom!

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This is how we feel most days being parents...

Some days we feel like we are going crazy! Being a mom, as most of you know, has its bad days, good days, and absolutely amazing days! I have to admit, I wonder what my life would be if I wasn't a mother. Truthfully, I can't imagine it... my life is what it is because of my kids. Every thought, every prayer and everything I do is because of my kids. My kidlets make me want to be a better person... A few months ago I was going through a VERY hard time in my life and I really had a hard time functioning... Thank goodness for my kids because they were the ones that got me out of bed and moving. I had to be their mother, I had to take one step after another for them. Because of their unconditional love, I dug myself out of that dark place and into a brighter part of my life. My kids are my world. I love them to pieces!

For Mother's Day Scott got me a new camera... I know, another one... This one is a nicer handheld camera for better portability... We had some fun taking some "test" shots...

I love being a Mom!

Easter

2011-06-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm a little behind... but oh, well... Easter was a blast... As tradition goes in the Riddle family, we did our annual Easter Egg hunt on Saturday. The grandkids had a blast hunting for eggs. I think we found most of them ???

Emma got the hang of this thing... She did her mama proud!

Ethan didn't do too shabby!

This picture cracks me up... Emma is screaming at Ethan, "mine!" as Ethan reaches for an egg...

Carson had another idea for the bucket...

Lydia and Carson...

Bryson and Melina...

Emma taking a break!

Ethan had a good time :)

=====================

Easter Sunday!

We got up early and the kids found their surprises from the Easter bunny....

New chairs, toys and goodies.... Emma got a stroller with a new baby and Ethan got a scooter!

LOVES his scooter!

Ah, Emma!

After church we headed over to the Newmans... Unfortunately, no pictures :( The kids hunted for eggs and their Easter surprises from Grandma followed by a delicious dinner.

Lookin' Good...

2011-05-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday and the kids are all dressed up! Photo Op! Too bad Emma wouldn't give up her milk and oh, by the way... IT'S FREEZING!

Soccer 101

2011-05-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

So I'm calling this post Soccer 101... an introduction to soccer... This is my first time being a soccer mom and Ethan's first time playing any type of sport. From all the moms I've talked too they tell me soccer for preschool age kids is comical... they sit and pick grass... or cry and want mommy ... or they lay down and look at the clouds... So I had to wonder which one would Ethan fall into??? We walked into his first game with hope that he would have fun and learn to play some soccer. I will have to admit, Scott and I think Ethan has some athletic abilities, and he always seemed to love balls of all kinds... I decided to start him with soccer because he can run and kick pretty good, especially for a little guy... So here we go!

The first game... a little practice before the game starts!

Emma and Mommy ready to watch Ethan kick some trash!

It just so happens his jersey number is also his favorite number 4...

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So now the game is to ready begin! Ethan gets to kick off first and off he runs kicking the ball and "GOAL" scores the first goal of the game!

Then the fun begins... The kids stopped standing around and started playing and "took the ball away" from Ethan and this is what happened.....

Yep, you guessed it... tears! He cried for pretty much the rest of the game.

I wasn't prepared for this at all. I never expected him to have a problem with the competition part of the game. We told him the basic rules of soccer and expected him to do great. From a lot of moms I've talked to, their kids had the same problem... Ethan is doing better, but still cries for part of the game. It is frustrating, but we keep doing it and hope that Ethan will calm down enough to enjoy himself. We have 3 weeks left and I hope by the last game there won't be any tears.

Texas 2011

2011-05-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Every year we try to make a trip to the Dallas, Texas area to visit Scott's mom and brother. We timed our visit with Jacob's blessing! We were only able to spend a long weekend and we weren't able to make it to Eastern Texas to visit Linda's house, but we at least were able to spend time with the Texas clan at Danny's house during our trip in Early April!

Below are a LOT of pictures... I just couldn't choose so I decided to include all of my favorites!

Danny, Amanda, Hannah, Rachel and Jacob...

Emma watching Hannah's soccer game!

Rachel was a little mother to Emma!

Hannah playing soccer!

Emma LOVES animals and there were a couple of dogs at the game and she couldn't resist and became quick friends with them!

Emma calls sunglasses "eye" she couldn't leave Ethan's sunglasses alone!

My little man! Gotta love him!

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Later that day we went to the Fort Worth Zoo! It was a VERY HOT day... 90 degrees... We left 40 degree, snowy weather in Utah and came to Texas... HOT! But we loved it....

I think we did a good job wearing the kids out!

Hannah riding the Merry go round...

"Weeeeeee!"

RACHEL!

Emma!

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Scott did a mini photo shoot of the kidlets... They turned out so cute!

One of my favorites!

Another favorite!

So sweet!

Personally, I don't like me in this shot... but everyone else looks great!

The reason we came.... Jacob Daniel Newman...

Grandma and Grandpa Caldwell holding Jacob...

Grandma and Grandpa Newman also made the trip down!

My kidlets with their Grandma Caldwell

=---------=

It was a good trip and I'm glad we were able to make it. Ethan LOVED playing with his cousins and getting to know them better! I just wish we can visit more!

Newman's Review

2011-04-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Fun times at the Newman's house... Every day is something new and exciting!

A few weeks ago we spent a weekend in St. George. It was so nice to get away! We spent some time at Zions and did a bit of shopping... Who knows, one of these days we may just move there...???

Scott got pneumonia! Yikes! Got onto antibiotics and is now all better! Whew!

Spring has sprung, well... kind of! Had a few days of fabulous weather and spent most of those days outside! Emma LOVES slides and bubbles! Ethan loves riding his bike and digging big holes with the big shovel!

Our daffodils are finally opening up the last couple of days to only be dumped on by snow. It happens every year!

Ethan is all signed up for spring soccer in Farmington! First game in next Tuesday! I don't know if I'm ready to be a soccer mom!

I went to the gym 5 times this last week! I'm not losing a lot of weight, but I'm losing fat and gaining muscle. I'm feeling better and getting in shape!

Emma is starting to string words together... our favorite was when she waved at the bird and said, "bye, bird!" She is talking and communicating more! She is growing up way to fast!

Ethan wrote, all by himself, "mom, dad, Ethan and Emma" on his little magnetic board. Very cool!

Oh, one more thing... I LOVE BEING A MOM... at least most of the time :)

Spring Halloween!

2011-04-03T12:02:00.003-07:00

For days Ethan has been bugging me to play "dress up"... Finally, I caved and here is the result. This is the kids playing Halloween! Emma dressed as Woody... It's a little too big (Ethan's Halloween costume from this past year)!

Ethan has Buzz Lightyear! It still fits!

Emma was still able to fit in her monkey costume...

More of my little ones...

The only one I could get with Emma wearing the hat!

Ethan is Woody!

Emma loves Buzz!

"Cheese!" They are ready to go trick or treating!

First Piggies!

2011-04-03T12:02:00.001-07:00

I've waited a LONG time, but finally at 21 months I was able to put little piggies in Emma's hair! I know this is just the beginning of endless hours of doing Emma's hair. I'm just glad she if finally getting hair and people will start calling her a "she" instead of a "he!"

Little Pink Boots!

2011-04-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

Last Fall I was at Target just crusing the asles and I found the cutest pink boots! I bought them thinking Emma would probably wear these a few times, but they are too dang cute! I had to buy them! As you can see, Emma has worn them more then a few times! She has worn them out! They are her favorites and she wore them everywhere. We had so many comments on these boots! And as you can see below, you can see why!

The Master Suite!

2011-03-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

The first room to be painted when we moved up here to Kaysville was our room... We thought it was way TOO big and thought if we painted it a dark color it would feel smaller. I really liked the green, but after 5 years of it, I was starting to feel like I was trapped in a dark cave. I think I caught some kind of remodeling bug... first we remodeled our kitchen and main floor, next the closet... then comes painting the bathroom and now I wanted to take my room back and make someplace nice! This is why we built an office.... This huge desk needs to go!

It was big... I mean it took up a good third of our room... there's the green walls!

So we painted the walls gray! MUCH better! It lightens the room up and became more inviting! Since the big office desk was finally moved I needed something to take its place... well, I found this!

BIG, comfy chair! The kids LOVE it and won't stop playing on it!

I really want new furniture, but not in the budget!

Scott gave me this shelf for Valentine's day... I still need to find a few more things to make it complete...

Another view of the bed...

I found a really long curtain rod on line and found some brown curtains. I think the rest of the house needs some curtains too!

The reason I loved this chair, it was so big that we can all sit on it!

Newman's Review...

2011-02-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

Life this past month has been crazy and I haven't been able to get the chance to update the blog... this is for the very few people who do read this :)....

I joined a gym... yes, you heard right! I joined the SportsPlex here in Kaysville and I try to go in about 6:00ish (in the morning) and work my tail off to get this tired old body back into shape... NO MORE EXCUSES!
Weber/Davis Corridor is proposed to run right across the street from our home in West Kaysville... NOT HAPPY! Our home may be demolished or we will be in throwing distance of a 4 - lane highway... We now are in a wait to see situation!
Yes, I'm still addicted and need my Diet Coke... Ethan was in big trouble after what he did in this picture :)... not really, it was pretty funny!

Our projects this winter was to repaint our bathroom and bedroom and give them a face lift... Here are some pictures of the bathroom... the bedroom pics will be coming, as soon as it is completed!
Our new challenge is to start eating at home more. These kids are just horrible when we go out to eat. Scott and I both like to eat out and with Scott now working from home we want to get out and so we go out to eat. But we decided that it was more stressful eating out that we would now make the conscious effort to plan a menu and stick with it for the week. 4 weeks later, it's working. We still go out a couple times for lunch, but for dinner was mostly make dinner at home. Yes, I'm starting to cook... Wow, I'm turning into a true homemaker!
Emma is now 20 months and goes to nursery without much problem for church... Her favorite words these days are "NO" and "Daddy"... Everything is no around here, even if she wants it! She cracks us up! She loves her daddy and is always saying daddy! In fact, she never says mommy. I know she can say it, I've heard it. She just decides not to call me my name, but just cries and whines until mommy comes! She hates the word "No" and when she is mad at me she runs to daddy for comfort. "Want Daddy" is the phrase I hear all the time!
Emma has been healthy since Christmas besides a couple of runny noses, but nothing major! She is sleeping better, but lately she is starting to wake up again. Not sure why... Nightmares? Teething? Who knows?
We finally got a good enough snowstorm last week... For some reason we've been missed all winter long. Anyways, Ethan was finally able to go out in the snow and make his first snowman... I know, it's about time! Here some cute pics of my little guy and his friend Frosty!

Valentine's Day weekend!

2011-02-25T12:06:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day turned into a big family weekend for the Riddles.... Nathan and Rene came down with their family and we wanted to get the cousins together to play. We took some of the kidlets to Kangaroo Zoo... Ethan, Austin and Skyler were running and jumping none stop and Emma was attempting the jumping thing, but did not succeed... I was able to get a ton of pics of little Emma, because she was easy to keep track of... The boys were another story... They were bouncing off from one toy to the next. We were always on the hunt for the boys!

Emma climbing up and Ethan's coming down...

Rosy cheeks!

Someone was having a good time!

---------------------------------

Later that afternoon, we headed to grandma and grandpa's house for a night of chaos and cookie decorating! All 9 grandkids (under the age of 5) were in one room... CRAZY! It was a blast seeing the kids play and goof off together!

Yummy icing!

Ethan's strategy is how much candy he can pile up on this cookie!

The older cousins!

Good Times!

Ethan's Masterpiece!

Can you see the cookies anywhere?

Fire Station

2011-01-26T13:31:00.001-08:00

Ethan's preschool went on a field trip last week to the fire station... Ethan was bouncing off the walls all morning because he was so excited about going to see the big fire trucks. The firemen were very nice and told us about fire safety and showed us the trucks. It was a blast!

Emma is becoming an expert nose picker :)

Love Emma's expression!

That helmet was a bit heavy!

That hose must have weighed about 20 pounds! Muscles!

The kids were so excited, including this little one!

"Cheese!"

That is one big truck!

Ethan's preschool group!

Emma wanted to do everything Ethan was doing!

Wow! That is way up high!

Of course Emma had to give it a try too!

Hey, look at me!

Changes!

2011-01-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

What is a New Year without making some changes... Some changes are made by choice while other changes are not by choice... but in the end, things all worked out!

New Job...

The biggest change of all this year is Scott's new job. So far so good! It has been different having him home, but I think he is having the hardest time adjusting. Scott is not used to being home all the time. He's getting stir crazy! Being winter, it is even harder... we can't go outside, we are cooped up and that isn't fun! We are still in transition, but this was the best move for the family. The kids love having him home. Emma has another person to run to for a shoulder to cry on. I have to say, what a huge burden taken off my shoulders. I feel like I can relax a bit and laugh at my kids instead of yelling at them!

Closet Organizer!

I love my house, for the most part.... I hate that we don't have a basement or place to store things... After 5 years in this house we've collect A LOT of things! We decided to change some things around here to so we don't feel like we are living in clutter! First, we are finally using our crawl space. We've put toys and baby items down there... Also, we are utilizing our HUGE walk in closet. We contracted a guy to build an organizer with shelving, cabinets, and a work table. Still a work in progress... pictures to come!

So Long "Black" car...

Taken back in 2006.

Scott's dear sweet Focus has met an untimely death! On the way back from dropping his parents off at the airport he slid on a patch of snow and hit a barrier. He had this car long before we met and lately all it was used for was traveling to and from the airport. Now, we are a one car family. We thought we would try it out for awhile and see how long before we have to find something else...

Computer...

We moved the computer from upstairs to the downstairs office... So my access is now more limited... It is very good thing for me... I noticed I've been on the computer a lot more lately and I need to find something else to keep me occupied... perhaps a book, a puzzle or maybe I can finally get back into scrapbooking!

2010 in Review...

2010-12-30T13:36:00.001-08:00

Scott...

Scott traveled A LOT this year! He did most of is travel within the United States mainly on the East Coast!
Scott will be starting a new job on Jan. 4th... NO MORE TRAVEL!
Scott started his own photography business... Scott Newman Photography!
Loves his camera and loves buying new accessories for his baby!
Scott continues to work in the primary in our church!

Melissa...

Survived a major remodel to the kitchen and main floor of the house!
Participates in a Co op preschool in the neighborhood! Teach every 6th week!
Busy caring for 2 adorable sweet little devils... oops, I mean angels!
Still working in the Young Women with Personal Progress!

Ethan...

Turned 4 this year!
Participating in a neighborhood preschool! He LOVES it!
Took swimming lessons this summer... didn't like putting his face in the water!
Loves to play games and tries to play hide and go seek with Emma.
Loves Buzz Lightyear!
Know all his letters and sounds and starting to read 3 letter words.
Recognize numbers to 100!

Emma...

Emma is now 18 months old!
She can now go to nursery, but doesn't mean she will :(
Loves her big brother and tries to do everything that he does.
She is all girl and loves jewelry, dolls, and being pretty!
Emma has 10 teeth and 2 more (the bottom molars) on the way!
Emma has been sick A LOT this year. RSV, Herpangina, pink eye, MANY colds and coughs, and stomach bugs!

Our Family Christmas!

2010-12-30T13:35:00.002-08:00

The kids scored big time! Santa's sleigh must have been weighed down with all these presents! The kids were definitely spoiled, but since they are so darn cute, why not!

Before...

After....

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Christmas morning was like any other morning.... Ethan wakes up at 7:00 (7 dot dot) and comes into our room... We asked him what today was and he remembered it was Christmas. We told him to go downstairs to see if Santa came. He went downstairs and came back and his reaction was... "Emma got a pillow pet!" and "I got a Buzz suitcase!" He was pretty excited! By this time Emma was awake and the day has begun!

We insisted on having breakfast first! Ethan wanted his usual, a blueberry waffle!

Christmas breakfast! Blueberry waffles while watching Curious George! A typical morning around the Newman's house...

Ethan watching George! LOVES this show!

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Ethan...

This was the first present of the morning... and it was for me! Chocolate! YUM! Ethan picked it out!

LOVES Toy Story!

Ethan was totally into the presents and everything!

Hot Wheels!

Thomas the Train.... Just what he told Santa he wanted!

A mommy gift... preschool work books! He loves doing mazes and dot to dots! Perfect!

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Emma....

Emma got a baby! I think she ended up with about 4 babies by the end of Christmas!

Mrs. Potato Head!

Little People doll house! She LOVES it!

Emma was done well before Ethan... Near the end she wasn't interested with opening any more presents and was DONE! Ethan picked up her slack and helped her finish opening up her presents!

Emma chillin' with her new pillow pet!

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Scott and I had a wonderful Christmas as well... Our true gifts are our children. We love them more than anything and their smiles and laughter makes our Christmas even merrier!

Christmas Fun!

2010-12-30T13:35:00.001-08:00

Christmas is always an adventure for the us... Coordinating and trying to get from one place to the next. Making sure we get to see the grandparents and of course dealing with tired children...

Christmas day this year was more like Christmas weekend...

The kids in their Christmas getups... This wasn't part of our Christmas Weekend, but it was too cute not to include!

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It's tradition in our family to have a Christmas Eve dinner and program, but this year my parents went up to Rock Springs to spend the holiday with Nathan and his family... So Scott and I hosted our own Christmas Eve dinner... Jaime and Kevin's family came up. It was a blast!

Emma, Ethan, Hilary, Bryson and Lydia! So cute in their Christmas jammies!

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Christmas Day we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Newmans and had a delicious dinner and of course, more presents!

Opening presents...

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Finally, the Riddle Christmas was held on Sunday!

Mom and dad always spoils us and the kidlets!

Cool stuff!

Fun times!

By this time I was done with Christmas! Now I have to find a place for all the new stuff!

18 months!

2010-12-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

My sweet little Emma Joy is now 18 months old! I can't believe how big she is getting! Took her to the doctor this morning... here is how she measures up!

Height: 32.5 inches (75%)

Weight: 22 lb. 13 oz. (27%)

OFC: 18.5 inces (63%)

Emma is an active little girl that follows and copies everything her big brother is doing! She is starting to talk and everything new that comes out of her mouth makes my heart melt. Some words she is saying are: Choo, Choo... Scott, Bye, Hi, nana (banana), and several more... today she said something similar to "stinky" meaning, she has a stinky bum! Emma loves the camera and stops and gives me a big smile and says, "cheese!"

Emma is my little sickly one. She has been sick constantly this past year. She had about 2 months this summer where she wasn't sick at all... She has had a constant cough these past 4 months and today it was diagnosed that she has a slight case of asthma. We have her on a nebulizer for the winter and hopefully that will help with the coughing.

These past 3 nights have been heaven here at the Newman house! Emma has been sleeping peacefully through the night without any crying or coughing! I'm hoping this is the new Emma and we'll all get a good nights rest!

Oh, how we love our little princess!

New Job

2010-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

After 3 1/2 years of traveling the country and earning mega sky miles, Scott is saying goodbye to the travel life and hello to Juniper Networks! At the beginning of the year Scott will be embarking on a new adventure, working from home! Yes, you heard this right... He'll be going from being gone ALL the time to being home ALL the time! One extreme to the next!

So instead of being the teacher, he will be writing the curriculum from the comforts of home... meaning... no more living out of a suitcase, long airplane rides, and no more "when is daddy coming home?" to... working in his jammies, long walks up and down the stairs and tucking in his little man and little princess into bed every night! Good trade off, if you ask me!

We are happy about the change, but a little apprehensive! It will be adjustment! But it was time for a change! Not to mention the nice salary with benefits and perks you only get when you work for a large company.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2010-12-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is how the tree started... notice the crackers in the tree... thanks to Ethan and Emma!

Emma wasted no time playing with the ornaments...

Ethan is showing Emma the ropes...

Nothing breakable within her reach...

Look what we found...

2010-12-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

We pulled all this stuff out of... (not the can)

this...

Emma was at it again and stuffed all sorts of stuff in this speaker... We had to take the speaker apart to get the items out... Yes, we will have to do it again...

Newman's Review...

2010-11-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

Emma's sleeping has improved! Most nights she sleeps through the night, unless, she is teething! Emma, 5:30 is TOO early to wake up for the day... She usually goes back to sleep, but has to be with me! URG!
Emma's new words are... "nana (banana), dye (bye), baba (baby), cacker (cracker), ah oh and boo" there are probably more, but I can't remember them!
Emma is starting to run... YIKES!
Emma is starting to give me cues when she needs to be changed... early potty training??? I think that is wishful thinking!
Ethan is able to count and recognize numbers to 100! I have to say, I'm impressed!
We had preschool at our house last week and Ethan LOVED it!
Scott just got home from another trip to Virginia! I think he's been there at least 10 times this year! Now he's home for Thanksgiving!
We are preparing our HUGE bedroom closet for a closet organizer which includes shelves and a work table! STORAGE! We are having the same people who did our kitchen cabinets do our closet organizer. I'm super excited and will post pictures when done!

Emma's Blankies

2010-11-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

Almost every child has something they use for comfort... Ethan, it is Billow... For Emma... it's her blankies! She LOVES these blankets! She is constantly dragging them everywhere she goes and there is no way she is going to sleep without them! I have to drape one or both blankets over my shoulder so she can cuddle with me and the blankets before we go to bed! The blankets start in her crib and when Emma gets upset she runs to her room and reaches into her crib and pulls out her blankets for comfort!

Ethan also has a white blanket similar to Emma's... She thought it was hers and here she is trying to get it from Ethan!

Meet Billow

2010-11-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Meet Billow... This is Ethan's "baby"... Baby was what he was called until daddy asked Ethan what his name is and Ethan came up with Billow! Get it, Pillow with a B! Ethan got Baby when he was born from Grandma Newman and ever since he's been one, Baby has been his sleeping buddy! Recently we've notice Baby was becoming more "real"... Ethan is starting to talk with Baby... "I'll be right back, I have to go to preschool..." or "I'm home now!"

I've caught Billow propped up on pillows "watching TV" ... Ethan is starting to give Billow naps... He'll tuck him in and turn his music on. Last week we had preschool at our house and Ethan told his friends that they have to be quiet because Billow was taking a nap. It was a short nap for Billow because the kids were too loud! Ethan and Billow are inseparable... Billow had to go the "hospital" last month because Ethan vomited all over him and he had to be scrubbed down. I was very surprised that Ethan was able to sleep without him!

All tucked in and ready for a nap!

Family Pictures 2010

2010-11-12T12:53:00.001-08:00

A special thank you to our friend, Ben, for helping us with our pictures... These are some of the better ones and are unedited... Enjoy!

One of my favorites!

Ethan is the best brother... most of the time!

Love this one!

I think this was the best family shot! Ethan didn't have his usual "silly face."

Ethan... what can I say?

Emma had to stop on the way to gather a handful of leaves!

Love this picture of my little man!

I really like this one too! I love how Ethan is grabbing Scott's leg!

So innocent!

Emma loves those beads!

Another favorite!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

A wet and miserable day to go trick or treating but we grabbed an umbrella and Ethan had his hat and off we went! We just took Emma to a few house. We would have taken her out more, but it was just to dang cold and I wasn't in the mood to deal with another cold from her... She enjoyed herself and got the hang of grabbing the candy and putting it in her bucket!

I was surprised how well Ethan did... He was sick, but he toughed it out! He crashed and burned when we got home!

On your mark... get set... go!

I put a flower Emma's costume so people will stop calling her "dude"...

She loves her suckers!

Newman's Review...

2010-11-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

As we all know, Halloween was this past weekend! It was a blast despite the rain! Stay tuned to pics of the kids! I need to get them from Scott! This past week... well, is something I would like to call, sickening!... Let me explain!

Last Sunday Emma somehow caught the dreaded "stomach bug"... Yep, you guessed it! Vomit! Emma has been sick A LOT, especially these past 2 months, but this is the first time she has puked! May I just say... EW! GROSS! Never had to deal with this before, not even with Ethan... it was disgusting! Thank goodness it passed quickly...
Passed quickly to me! A couple of days later, I got it... I was up all night, sick! And, yes, I did puke too... I can't remember the last night I threw up because I was sick! I threw up after delivering Ethan and once while I was pregnant with Emma... But I never get sick to my stomach and up chuck everywhere! I can't believe it got me!
Next it was Scott's turn... He was nausea, but no throwing up for him! Thank goodness!
We thought we got off lucky and Ethan didn't get it... until... midnight, Thursday night... You guessed it... Ethan puked in his bed and again all over his floor... put him back to bed and it happened again in bed 30 mins later and 30 mins after that and after that and so on... I was so tired cleaning up puke I put him on the couch! And we were up ALL night long puking and watching TV!
So now... I think we are done being sick, until Emma decides to find another germ to house!

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Some good things did happen...

Emma is making all sorts of animal sounds... cat, dog, monkey, duck... My favorite is her meow... On Sunday in the middle of Sacrament if you heard a meow, that would be my daughter! She is very convincing!
Scott worked from home last week, YEAH! He is now in Atlanta, but with promise of next week completely off...
Tooth #5 FINALLY broke through for Emma! 6 weeks! It's about time!

Here are some fun pics of the kidlets!

Emma LOVES hats! This is Ethan's Woody hat from his costume... She put this thing on and grabbed her pumpkin bucket and was heading to the door to go trick or treating... um, that was last night, princess!
She just cracks me up! Too cute!

So precious!

Went to Wally World this morning and Emma fell asleep on the way back... instead of putting her in her crib, I set her on the floor...

Nothing is more adorable than a sleeping child...

Carving Pumpkins

2010-11-01T19:51:00.001-07:00

OK... can you believe this is the first time we carved pumpkins. What's wrong with us! I know I had a good time and I'm sure the kids did too... but Scott... he couldn't even get his hands in there... Just look at him... he can barely touch it!

It took a lot of convincing to get Ethan to put his hands in there!

The kids are fascinated!

So I stepped up and I put my hands in there and did it! It was a bit smelly and slimy... but it was fun! Brought back a lot of good memories!

Scott wanted more of a masterpiece, but realized we are beginners and decided next year we will be more prepared... so I did the classic jack-o-lantern face... Not too bad, if I can say so myself!

Ethan with his pumpkin... He did help gutting the thing...well, sort of!

Little Emma had to be where the action is... up front and center! She just looks so innocent!

Silly Little Emma!

2010-10-23T19:48:00.001-07:00

I can't help but laugh at my sweet little baby girl... She walks in this morning wearing her winter's knit hat pushing her stroller loaded with various items. She reminded me of an old bag lady pushing around her cart of stuff!

Newman's Review...

2010-10-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Nothing very exciting happening in our lives right now... Things are calm and I hope they stay that way. September was very busy and things are slowing down and back to normal around here. Whatever normal is... Here's to being normal!

Scott was in Toronto, Canada this past week... Canada isn't his favorite place of visit... This was his first international job this year. He usually has several international trips a year, but this year, nope! He is now headed back to Virginia!
Weather has been AMAZING this past week! I finally got outside and did some yard work and took the kids to the park.
Emma is doing a lot better with her sleeping at night. 16 months old and she still has trouble sleeping through the night. I just can't continue getting up 2 - 3 times a night. It's exhausting... My solution... I eliminated her morning nap and waiting until after lunch to give her a nap. Making her more tired at night and hopefully, sleep! It's working... for the past 4 nights she has slept until 5:30-6:00 every morning and I then bring her in bed with me and she'll go back to sleep for another hour or so until Ethan wakes up.
I'm starting to get sleep! Being more rested = Mommy is happy! I realized I haven't been happy because I was just so exhausted! Wednesday was a glorious day... Emma slept through the night and I felt good. I think I was going through a bit of depression and now I just feel better... I know happiness is a state of mind, but it's VERY hard to keep upbeat and happy when my mind and body is tired! Life is looking pretty darn good right now!
This past week my parents FINALLY took a church history trip back East.... I can't wait to hear about it!
Emma added... "cheese", "we" "night, night" and "that" to her growing vocabulary...
Funny anecdote... Ethan was outside playing and Emma was watching at the door... Emma said, "weeeee" as Ethan went down the slide... cute!
Ethan and Emma found a box of shoes in the bathroom... Well, you can guess what Ethan did... he started trying on the shoes...

Ethan tried on my boots!.... Very stylish!

Emma was pulling out the shoes and when I got the camera out she stopped what she did and gave me a big smile and said, "Cheese!"

Couldn't Resist!

2010-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Ethan wanted to be Woody from Toy Story for Halloween... Well, here he is!

Emma is wearing a monkey costume that Ethan wore a few years ago... I'm trying to decide to have her wear that or find something else..??

I love the tail!

Emma showing us her stuff in her tutu!

Too cute!

Ethan in deep thought!

So precious!

Emma's Cuteness!

2010-10-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Some of Emma's cuteness...

Emma LOVES shoes... She'll go find her shoes and bring them to me.... she'll say, "shoe" and hands them to me and sits on my lap... meaning, she wants to wear her shoes. It doesn't matter what we are doing she just wants to wear them.
Emma's new word this week is "down." She actually says, "want down" when I'm holding her and she wants get down.
She loves to play dress up... especially hats.... She finds Ethan's hat and puts it on or she'll find anything and puts it on her head like it is a hat. This morning she found a skort and decided that it belonged on her head...
Emma loves her mommy... at 2:00 in the morning when daddy gets up with her she'll throw a big fit and will calm right down if I come in. Ok, that really isn't cute, because she doesn't want daddy only mommy... but when we are dealing with a sick little girl, it is kind of cute, right?

Some of Emma's not so cute moments...

Emma caught yet, another virus this week. She had her fever for 3 days. She isn't fun when she is sick. No sleep for mommy or Emma... Mommy not getting anything done because all Emma wants is cuddles from mommy.
Endless whining and crying from our little princess... man, it gets very old after awhile!

We love our little girl! She is finally on the mend and hopefully she'll get over with this sickness completely before she decides to get sick again. A nice break would be nice!

Newman's Review...

2010-09-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

What a week...

We finally have our kitchen complete and back together! Washing all the dust off all the stuff was not fun at all! But it so nice to have a kitchen again! I never realized how much I used my kitchen sink until I didn't have it anymore!
Scott is back on the road again... He has been home for 3 weeks. It is always hard to go back! I missed him this week, especially after we had a great time at Disneyland. We really had a great time!
Scott has been Seattle and is now on his way to Atlanta!
Emma's added some new words to her vocabulary... shoes, done, daddy, mommy, juice, and go...
Emma has been working on teeth 5 and 6 so she has been cranky, along with being sick with this lingering cough for the past few weeks. Maybe then she'll start sleeping better at night and allow me to get some rest!
Yes, I think it's official! I'm addicted to Diet Coke! I found myself so exhausted all the time and needed a boost and here I am needing one daily...
Emma continues to make me laugh! She loves to sit on things... she'll back up and sit in laps, on feet, on other objects laying around like pillows, brooms, toys, books.... you name it, she'll try to sit on it...
Emma also is trying to run... I love watching her try to chase Ethan around... She is getting pretty darn good at this walking thing. She is even starting to walk backwards!
Today I turned 33 years old! Where has time gone? And how did I get so old?!

Even More Disneyland!

2010-09-26T13:13:00.004-07:00

Our final day... It was the busiest of the days! It was a Friday, plus, it was the first day of Halloween at Disneyland. It also the day we just laid back and took it as it came. We already did everything we wanted to do. We just wanted to let Ethan chose some of his favorite rides and make sure we made it to the night show and fireworks.

By this time, Emma was DONE with Disneyland and DONE with the stroller. So I hung back at the hotel while everyone headed to the park to get an early start.

A view of Tom Sawyer's Island.

Austin lovin' his sucker!

Waiting in line to the Haunted Mansion. I was surprised to hear that Ethan went on this ride. I didn't think he would like it, being too scary... I was right, but I'm glad Ethan was brave and gave it a try.

Waiting in line to one of his favorite rides, Peter Pan.

Us in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle!

My little princess!

My little man!

Emma always trying to get down!

Scott loves this picture... This was very typical of Emma... Throwing one of her many tantrums!

You see what she did... She threw her cup into the bushes... what a little stinker :)

Scott took this while I went looking for a lost shoe... never found it! Every time we put Emma in her stroller the first thing she did was take off her shoes and this time instead of staying in the stroller she threw it somewhere to never be seen again!

No shoe, but here we are anyways!

Our final ride... the carousal! Our first and last ride at Disneyland!

Here Emma is at about 11:00... way past her bedtime and you can tell... She found Ethan's sucker and had a package of ketchup in the other hand. That was a LONG night!

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Thanks to my mom and dad who helped us out a lot. They took the kids many times to allow us grown ups have some alone time at the park. Also, thanks to Nathan and Rene for letting us tag along. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again... but not too soon... I'm still recovering!