Weekend fun with the Bates' Bunch

Yes it's true! Grandpa and Grandma Bates' did it once again... they made yet another trip to Rexburg this year! (Two visits in two months...were talking all time record here!) And this time they were joined by Jim and Emily and their girls, and Rachel and her two children. We had SO much fun!!! What might you ask brought them to the "frozen tundra" yet again...? Well... friends, family, a Dam Marathon, a birthday boy, and a baby blessing! We are grateful to them for traveling all the way from South Dakota, Utah and California to visit us. Can't wait to see you again soon.

Here is a picture of just a portion of the Bates' Family who came to visit us! What's up with Hannah?

First event: The Dam Marathon. Mark decided he wanted to run in the Teton Dam Marathon this year, so he recruited a few of his fellow teachers and co-workers to participate in the marathon relay. They were then challenged by some 6th grade girls for some friendly competition, but were relieved when the girls dropped out. Overall, they did pretty well and finished 3rd in their division. We are so proud of you Marky. Here are a few pictures of the Big Race Day.

Here is Marky's cheering Squad! Aren't they so cute!

Looking Good Marky! (We even got a thumbs up!)

The race took Mark right by the Rexburg Temple!

Here they are...The brave marathon runners...minus one!!! Great job you guys!

Second Event: Mikey's Birthday Party. Uncle Mikey celebrated his 22nd Birthday Party the week our family got together. So we postponed the big celebration so that all could participate. He wanted a BBQ, so we grilled up some chicken, and enjoyed a wonderful BBQ dinner...INSIDE!!! Stupid Rain!!! Aunt Rebecca also made a fun swimming pool cake (sincle we were supposed to have a pool party...but got rained out!) that tasted so good.. Happy Birthday big guy, thanks for having a birthday so we could have a party!!!

Third Event: Family Time. Between the DAM Marathon and Mikey Birthday Party...we got to spend alot of quality family time together, in my tiny house. But is was alot of fun and no one seemed to mind the tight living quarters.

There was wrestling!

There was shape sorting...sort of!!!Relaxing!!!

Reading!!!

Ring-around-the-Rosies!!! And when it was nice... for those few short hours...we played outside!!!

Fourth Event: Hannah's Baby Blessing! We blessed Hannah on Sunday June 14th 2009, at my parents house. It was a wonderful experience surrounded by close friends and family. Mark gave a wonderful blessing in which Hannah slept right through! (Phew!) In fact she slept throught the whole dang party. Hannah was blessed in the same dress as Abby, and wore the same ring and bracelet too! I guess that makes the whole outfit that much more special. Anyways.. we are so grateful to have such a wonderful girl added to our family. We love you sweet little Hannah!

A Trip to the Tautphaus Park Zoo!

This last Memorial Day, we decided to celebrate by going to the Tautphaus Park Zoo and take a picnic. I think everyone else had the same great idea too! Oh well! It was a beautiful day, and Abby enjoyed the zoo, regardless! Here are a few things we saw.

Flamingos... Zebras...

Lemurs...

Goats...

(This was part of the petting zoo, but this was as close to the goats as Abby was going to get!)

And a Tortoise...A moving tortoise, at that!

How many of us have actually seen a tortoise move!?!

They were rubbing his shell down with oil so that it wouldn't crack. You can tell he loved it! He did not move from that position the whole time!And for those of you who have been to the Tautphaus Park Zoo, will appreciate this one!
And more...

As part of the zoo, there is a LITTLE (and I emphasize little) theme park. It has about 5 rides, and seriously you ride them at your own risk. But never-the-less, Mark bought 2 tickets for the Carousel and Ferris Wheel, for He and Abby to ride. She was nervous to begin both rides, but eventually relaxed and for the most part Abby enjoyed them both.

Overall, we had a wonderful day and are looking forward to many...MANY... more beautiful summer days like this one.

The last two weeks!

Well...it's official, I have been a mom of TWO kids, for TWO weeks. Wow! Although, it really hasn't been to bad...knock on wood! Hannah is such a good baby, and Abby is a sweet big sister who LOVES to give her kisses. We have also had a lot of company to help us out. Grandma and Grandpa Bates came for a few days (while my family has gone to tour the East Coast). It was so much fun to have them here. Abby soaked up all the attention Grandma and Grandpa Bates gave her. Overall it was a pretty relaxing few days...well for everyone except Grandpa Bates. He worked hard ALL day long, cleaning up our backyard so that we can put up a fence. Thanks Grandpa Bates!!! So this week is the first week Abby, Hannah, and I have been alone...just the three of us. So far so good, but life can get pretty boring around here. (Pray that the weather warms up so that we can play outside soon!!!!) Anyways here are a few pictures of the last two weeks.

Hannah's First Real Bath!!! How do you think she liked it!?!
Abby's most prized possessions...her puzzles!!!

A couple cute ones of Abby cheesing it!

Hannah in the afghan Grandma Bates made her. Thanks again Grandma Bates!

Grandma and Grandpa Bates with Hannah! (Abby wouldn't get in the picture!)

The newest addition to our Family!!!

Hannah Lynn Bates
Born - Tuesday, April 21st 2009 @ 1:16 pm
Weight - 7 lbs 9 ozs Height - 19 inches

Well, I can't believe it, I am a mother of two...count them TWO kids! But I wouldn't have it any other way. Having Hannah come into our lives has been so much fun. There is nothing like a brand new baby to remind you of the important things in life. (Patience...long suffering...among other things!) Anyways, Hannah's delivery brings no traumatic stories to tell(no meconium...no Special Care Nursery) just a happy and healthy baby. Thank goodness! Here are a few pictures of Hannah first few days here!

She was born with tons of dark hair!!!

It took awhile for Abby to warm up to Hannah, (and at the hospital, she would have nothing to do with me) but after a little coaxing (and a couple of days) she has become a helpful and loving big sister. (We are now working on being a gentle big sister!)

Hannah's first day home! Welcome Home Sweet Pea!!!

Back to life...Back to Reality!!!

So much has happend in the last few months...it would be impossible to update you all on everything. To get caught up quickly, however, I have put together a slide show of pictures from the last little while...and you will just have to fill in the blanks yourself. Enjoy!

Abby goes to Canada...Again!

During October my family took, yet another LONG trip to Canada. This time for my cousin's wedding. And this time we got pictures...not much but a few!

Day 1, Hour 2- Looking pretty good! Abby's got her "loops" and everything is good!

Between the US/Canadian border and Taber (the town where my aunt lives) there is this tourist information/museum kind of thing. It has a big statue of a dinosaur that provides the perfect picture oppurtunity. It has been tradition since I was a little girl to stop there to take a break. We ALL have a picture of us standing by the dinosaur, and this trip was no different.

This is the picture of me and the Dino when I was in Kindergarten. (It was the middle of the 80's...need I say more!)

18 years later, a new generation enjoys the thrill of being amongst the Dinosaurs.

Day 1, Hour 9 - Still looking good, but you should have seen her the last 7 hours. (Hence the lack of pictures in our progress!)

Here are just a few more pictures of Abby exploring the place. Abby had so much fun walking around, it was a rough experience putting her back into the carseat. (All you mom's know what I am talking about! )

Uncle Nick and Abby exploring a cave!

Abby on top of the world!

That's the end of the pictures (I don't know what happens), but we had a wonderful weekend. The wedding was beautiful and the food was WONDERFUL (seriously food tastes so much better in Canada), and it was fun to see everyone again. We look forward to the next little get-together.

Abby LOVES Olives!

Mmmm! Yummy!