all along for the ride

I wanna know......

2011-11-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

Should I cut my hair off again?? (Like the pic on the side) Or leave it long??? Any other ideas to do with my hair???

Back to School

2011-08-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

My kids have been back in school for 1 week now- It has been weird not having them around. I wasn't ready for school to start but unfortunately I don't get to choose.

Taylor is now in 4th grade and Anthony is in 2nd grade. Camden will be starting pre-school after Labor Day. They all just grow up too fast!

Lake Powell 2011

2011-08-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Once again we made our way down to Lake Powell the weekend before school started. This year we went with our friends- the Hildreth's and the Clark's. We had a total of 13 kids and 6 adults. It was a lot of fun (as usual)!

This is Drew with the first lizard catch of the trip- see how happy he is!The boys working on the house boat-
Hannah

Justin being tricky

Koda being brave

Dustin being tricky

The girls and our trickery's :)

Dave and Enoch doing the slide thing-

The boys

Such happiness

We were lucky enough to have a nice camping neighbor that felt bad for us when she saw us pulling the kids on the tube with the houseboat- that offered for the kids to ride the BANANA!!!! They took 2 different trips of kids and then us adults were lucky enough to go too- I got clobbered!! I think one of the guys landed on me every time we crashed!

Taylor

More happiness

Dave and his amazing giant fish he caught! (lucky for him it was already dead!)

Me, Dustin, Justin and Karen getting ready to jump

The JUMP!

The splash!

The heron that took over our camp spot the minute we left-

Thank You Hildreth's for letting us come have fun with you guys!!

Taylor's 9!!!

2011-08-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Taylor's birthday on August 13th.

A few things about Tay: Favorite color- blue

favorite meal- SUSHI

she LOVES the water!!

On her birthday I asked what she wanted for her birthday dinner- she said Sushi!!! I told her that Dad could pick some up on the way home from work. She told me "No, that is a waste of money". She then said she would have meat- to be specific she said "Can I please have Buffalo?" I told Dustin about the conversation - so he went and got some Sushi for dinner. It was pretty good!We had some friends over for cake and ice cream later-

This is my AMAZING cake I made for her- It is supposed to be a swimming pool. Not the greatest but she was happy!

Happy Birthday to you!

I love you Taylor!!

Bear Lake

2011-08-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor Brooke invited us to Bear Lake with her family for July 24th. We went up Sunday and came back Monday- it was a lot of fun though! (These pictures got a little out of order)

Yep- this is me "trying" to wake board.

Camden, Brooke and Taylor

On our way to Bear Lake!

gorgeous view

The real fun begins!

kinda looks like Cam has a toupee'

Dustin showing off his skills

Taylor enjoyed a bit of this too

and some of this-

While others were out on the boat the boys built a car track

the awesome sunset...

Day 2-

Taylor and Brooke's Mom

I think my family LOVES the water!!

Thanks Brooke

Bryce Canyon Half Marathon

2011-07-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Kati and I went to Bryce Canyon to run the half marathon. It was VERY cold in the morning. (@ 4:30 it was 37 degrees) We started the race at 6 AM. We started at Ruby's Inn and went through Tropic and ended in Cannonville. The first 2 miles was kinda a gradual climb then we had about 4 miles of some pretty steep downhill. The rest was some rolling hills. Kati kicked some major butt! She knocked 8 minutes off her personal record! Me on the other hand just couldn't wait for it to be over. It was a really tough run for me. I have many excuses and they are all legit!! :) I did knock 1:40 off my personal record (since I only had one). It was a lot of fun though. I am excited to try to do it again next year! I hope I can get some others to join!

Us after the race (We could barely move)

Thanks to my Mom and Dad (again) for coming and supporting me and Kati :) You guys are great! I love you guys!!

The End.

OOPS

2011-07-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures that accidentally got deleted- Sorry Mom and Dad! They are great pictures!

Annual Chappell Family Campout

2011-07-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

This year it was Diantha's turn. We went up on Thousand Lake Mtn. It rained some and it shined some. We had fun though! We played a little Bocci Ball.

Tori (Jayden's half sister)

Jayden and Camden

Sean

Taylor

Anthony

Camden

Norah

Our giant umbrella (and kitchen)

A little baseball.....

Anthony (look at that form)

Mom and Mark (the injured list)

Curt and Maren

Cute Vinnie and Mari

Emiko got everyone color coordinated family shirts this year. It was kinda fun!

Cole, Mari, Vinnie and Bella

Tori, Jayden, Dakota, Nikki, Sadie, Rod, Sadie and Sean

Maren, Diantha, Norah, Curt and Alcy

Link, Taylor, Me, Camden, Dustin and Anthony

Judd, Twin B, Mark, Emiko, Twin A and April

(sorry Em I can't tell who is who)

(for those of you that don't know- they really aren't twins- they just look a lot alike)

The "Men"

Link, Dad, Mark, Dustin, Rod and Curt

(we missed you Joe)

The campfire......

A little volleyball.....

April

Sorry to all of those that I did not get a picture of- mostly the kids (they were all so busy running around it was hard to catch them)

I am sure thankful that I have the family that I have. I love them all so much. We have fun every time we are together. Thanks guys!!!

2011 Ogden Half Marathon

2011-05-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here are more pics of the half marathon. It felt good to finish.

Kati- Me- Pat(I promise she did get a medal-Camden had it)

Grandma Patty and CamdenAnthony, Me and Taylor! They ran across the finish line with me.

I will say this many times: "What a great accomplishment!"

Loving Running

2011-05-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 21st 2011, I accomplished one of my life long goals. I completed a Half Marathon!! This is the only picture Dustin was able to get before the camera battery died. I will get more pictures posted when I get them from my Mom and Emma. I ran it with Patti (my mother-in-law) and Kati (Emma's sister). It was mine and Patti's first half marathon. It felt so good to complete a goal I have always had. It feels good to run too (mentally and physically). Thanks to Patti and Kati for training with me and experiencing this with me. I will post about my official time when I get it. (in the pic- I am almost out of the picture- in all black)
April 30th was also a first- Me, my Dad, and Emiko ran a 5k together. It was a lot of fun. Richfield did a run for heroes and we thought it would be fun to do. I apparently still have some competitiveness in me- I ditched them in the run and just targeted one girl at a time to pass. I ended up coming in 5th out of the women. I was about 100 yds behind the 3rd place girl. It was a cold day but totally worth it! Thanks Dad and Emiko! I can't wait for the WORLDS FAIR!!!!

The grandkids running in with Grandpa- PRICELESS!!

Me, Anthony, Taylor and Larry(?) running in with Emiko.

Kids-N-Sports

2011-05-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

This spring has kept us busy with sports.(when it wasn't raining)

Taylor played soccer in a Comp. League.

Anthony has been playing baseball. He is really enjoying it.

Camden played his first year in soccer. He did great when he wasn't busy rolling in the grass and being 3!

Washington DC

2011-05-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Dustin and I got the opportunity to go to Washington DC in April. It was AWESOME!! I went out 5 days before Dustin for a work conference and then he flew out Saturday and we played til Tuesday! We stayed in Bethesda, MD (Which is the cutest place ever!). We took the metro to DC everyday. We were lucky enough to have Jim, Jess, and Alice come hang with us too! (Dustin's bro) I was pretty disappointed that I did not get to see Mari and her family. Maybe next time?

The first day was a "little" rainy/windy. (The day the tornadoes hit). We didn't skip a beat and got out on the town. We walked ALOT!! We had ALOT of fun! We fell in LOVE with each other all over again.

We saw a lot of monuments and museums. They were all pretty amazing. I had to get a picture of these orchids in honor of my Grandma Mary (miss you)

Here are some pics from some museums-

Abe's hatThe original Muppets

We came out of the museum to this weather-

Escalators in Bethesda- I thought they were awesomeJim, Alice, and Jessica

Jim and Dust wearing Grandpa Lawrence's hats (Dust brought them out to Jim)

Robert E. Lee's home (just for you Rachel)

Escalator in Rosslyn- my Bro-Curt- said these are the 2nd longest/steepest escalators. They were pretty cool. Dustin and I rode them down twice and up once. We had to get the feel of both ways :)Of course we had to see the temple before we came home.

HELP!!

2010-11-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Okay so I need some ideas for dinners. I am drawing blanks when I try to come up with something quick and easy. Do any of you out there have any recipes you would love to share with me? If you do please feel free to leave a comment.

Apologies

2010-11-11T10:01:00.001-08:00

Sorry for all of the posts at once. Good news- I am caught up- for the most part. If you want to see them all you will have to just keep scrolling.

Wrestling

2010-11-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

Anthony is wrestling again this year. We decided to put him on the traveling team. It only has two extra tournaments and two extra practices. I think it has been good for him. His matches so far have been both easy and hard. He has his first tournament this weekend. I am excited and nervous. I decided I don't like to see him get hurt. These boys are tough. He does hold his own though. Here are some of his matches he has had. I tried to download some videos but it wouldn't work. So we get just still shots.

Halloween

2010-11-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween we were a Vampire family. It was Anthony's idea. It was pretty fun.Jenny was AWESOME!!!!

Matt and Millysa

Travis and Brittney(sp?)

They were cute- Their daughter was a bug so Travis was a can of Raid. Their son was a Spider so Brittney was a web. Very creative. It was fun to have them come trick or treat with Dustin's family.

Watch out for Camden

Justin and Karen

Carving Pumpkins.

This was my pumpkin! I thought it was kinda cute.

Dustin and his 75 lb pumpkin. He had to use a saw to cut it!

Camden could fit in the pumpkin

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Just Catching UP

2010-11-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Taylor is playing with the Bantam Soccer team this year. It definitely has kept us busy. I think she has improved on her skills though. Here are pictures of her last game until Spring.

We went to the pumpkin patch with he Clark's. It was fun to just walk and talk while the kids ran trying to find just the perfect pumpkin for them.

Ya, Camden thinks he is funny

Dustin baptized Taylor in October. It was a very special day. I think she was fully ready to be baptized. I find it interesting- ever since she got baptized she has been more willing to help out at home and with her brothers. Maybe it is just because she turned 8- who knows?

Thanks to our families that came to support Taylor in her decision.

Grandpa and Grandma Chappell

Grandma Johnson

Congratulations Taylor! We truly love and adore you. You are the sweetest daughter I could ever ask for. WE LOVE YOU!!

Camden also played soccer this year. It was quite a challenge but if you ask him- he kicked the ball way up in the sky and over the fence- EVERY TIME!!!!

The boys played with toy's at Grandpa Chappell's.

This was the first time Anthony rode without the training wheels. He did a great job and was very smart about it.

Yep, Camden is riding his "horse" Link!

The kids first day of school. Camden had to have a backpack too.

Anthony-1st grade Taylor-3rd grade

Lake Powell

2010-11-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

Our friends invited us to go to Lake Powell with them this summer. It was fun! We went the weekend before school started so it ended up being a great last blast of summer. Mari and her kids were here visiting from Jersey so they came along with us. It was good to spend time with her. There was 5 adults, 1 teenager, and 10 kids (all 8 and under).My kids loved the water.

Vinnie, Justin and Dustin just chillin'

Dustin found a scorpion. He thought it was pretty cool.

We went on hikes. Wrote names in rocks

Made mud baths

Cam and Vin

Cam the mud monster

Kambry and Taylor

Taylor(Justin's bro)

The "Kalua Kruizer"

Yep, Taylor was buried and didn't see me coming with a bucket of water!

Mari and Vin

Drew

Bella

Camden

Great naps were definitely needed.

My lover and I!!

Cole jumping off top of boat

Anthony

Yep, me talking myself into going off the slide.

Dustin

Justin

KarenThe boys

Vinnie

We had a lot of fun. The last night we put kids to bed and the rest of us played on the slide and just swam in the dark. It was a great time and I hope go every year. Thanks to the Hildreths for inviting us and putting up with us. :)

Athol Graham

2010-11-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Dustin's great grandpa, Athol Graham, built and raced this car a long time ago. He broke the land speed record back then on the salt flats. He died doing so. His son (guy with suspenders) rebuilt the car and they did a revealing back in July. This is Dustin, his Dad an his brothers(except David). They went to the guys house and looked at the car.

Matt, John, Jim, Mike, suspender guy(sorry don't know name) and Dustin

2010-11-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

We went to the Dinosaur Park with Jim and Jess. It was cool.

Camden and Alice did not know what to think with the noise making dinosaurs.

Taylor wouldn't get any closer.

Things to see in Ogden

2010-11-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

So, while Jim, Jessica, and Alice were visiting Utah we all went to the Ogden Train Station. It was a lot of fun and pretty cool.

Jenny, Taylor, April, and Anthony

Jenny

They have the Browning Museum there too.

This would be April pretending to shoot the mini gun.

Guns!

Whoa April! Talk about big guns!

There was also the Car museum.

I thought this was cool. It holds your golf clubs!

Yep, April matched the bathroom!!

We were "waiting for a train

Cute little poser Alice

Anthony, Camden, and Taylor

Jessica, Alice, and Jimmy

April!

Summer Camping

2010-10-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

This year it was Nikki and Rod's turn for the family camp out. We went on Monroe Mountain. It was different. Fun but different. I went without my hubby- so it was just me and my 3 kids. I actually survived and I didn't even get scared! (probably cause he wasn't there to scare me) It was also different because Mari wasn't there. :( It was weird without her and her kids.

(pictures are in reverse)
Diantha handing out glow sticks.

Curt and Rod

Taylor ( i think her neck was sore from shaking her head fast)
A-train

It must be genetic!

Alcy

Ayden

April

Don't mess with Curt at night!

Maren

Nikki

Mark and Emiko

Sadie, Larry, Camden, Norah

The boys

Camden our little baseball player.

Sean

Alcy and her allergies- Poor girl :(

My Dad gave Mark an "award".

Dad and Mom

Norah and Camden chillin' on Dad's 4-wheeler

Jayden, Anthony, April

Sadie and Camden

Me and Camden

(and yes I look that lovely when I camp- especially without my hubby!)

April

The kids and April at the Hogle Zoo (one of the times April came to visit)

2010-09-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while- again. Things have gotten a little hectic around here. It seems as once school starts EVERYTHING starts. Taylor is now in 3rd grade, Anthony is in 1st grade and Camden, well, he is still at home. Unfortunately I couldn't get him into preschool just yet, I tried but no one will take him until he is out of diapers (that could be a while), so that leaves him at home with me! He is quite a funny kid.

Taylor has decided she wants to play on a more competitive soccer league. That seems to occupy a lot of her time after school (and mine). She is liking the games though, so far they are 2-0. I think it is good for her because she is now learning the rules of the game and actually how play a little more intense. Her game schedule is a little crazy- she has games from Centerville all the way up the North Ogden. If they were on my days off it wouldn't be so difficult but ALL of her games are the days I work. I think it will all work out though.

Anthony is just waiting for basketball and wrestling to start this fall. He is really excited to do baseball in the spring. He opted out from soccer just so he can play baseball. He is liking school and is doing really well. He has a great group of friends that are all very athletic. They were all best friends in Kindergarten and have now continued it to first grade.

Camden, well, he is just a 3 year old having fun. Everyday I am home he asks if he can invite his friends over. It is amazing how already he thinks it is a necessity. We are hoping to start getting him out of his diapers and hopefully dry in underwear. We met with the Urologist in August and it was suggested that we start using a catheter to empty his bladder so he doesn't leak. I am really nervous and worried about how it will all work out but it would be great to get him out of diapers. He will be cathing himself the rest of his life. (that's what the doc says) We do count our blessings everyday with him though. We have to remind ourselves how much worse it could've been.

We love our kids very much and are so greatful for them. I can't imagine life without them. I hope to get some pictures up (once I get my camera from my parents house). I hope to be back soon on the blogging world.

The Last Supper

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

Saturday night before Mari, Joe and kids left for New Jersey we went to dinner at Robintino's. It was a lot of fun. We will miss them alot! I know they will back to visit but that's not the same. There will be a lot of changes around here without them here.

Me and my little Bella princess.

Joe and Mari

Cole and Anthony

Bella, Jayden, Taylor and April

The kids played Red light Green light before they left.

Dang he is cute!!

Mari- thank you so much for your friendship and love you have given me. I consider you to be more than just my sister. You are my best friend! You are always there for me and I hope I have been able to do the same for you. You and your kids will definitely be missed around here. I hope you enjoy your time in New Jersey but don't forget you have to come back to Utah. I just want you to know how much I love you and look up to you.

LOVE YOU!!

Getting out

2010-07-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Mari and I were able to go to the zoo one more time before they moved to New Jersey. It was fun.

Mari's little model

We took the kids(and Dustin) to the Bountiful Car Show. Even though it was windy it was pretty fun to look at the cars. This picture is for Jimmy(Dustin's bro).Face painting!!!

Enjoying the Outdoors

2010-06-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

We all played and hiked at Capitol Reef over Memorial Weekend. It was fun to be down there again.

Dustin's mom needed some walking sticks for their pioneer trek they are going on as a stake, so we got to be the lucky ones to go help her. I didn't get very many pictures. (Because I was working so hard)

My cute little Vinster!

Thank You Rachel!

2010-05-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Since you were so generous Rachel, I now have a piece of Grandma in my front yard. ( a little of you too!)
Thank you! I will always think of Grandma whenever I look at these beautiful flowers.

Happy Birthday

2010-05-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

To my Mom, Dustin, and Camden! You all share a special day! (Don't worry Mom your celebration is coming this weekend)

Crazy how they can go from this

to this.

Yes, I actually made this. It was my first. Promise it was harder than it looks.

and yes, I made this too (with a lot of Mari's help). It is a dual grill. One side is a gas grill and the other is a smoker. It is Dustin's birthday present.

We had lots of family and friends over. BBQ'd, ate cake and opened presents. Thanks to all who came. It was fun.

Yes, Camden got Dustin a pink glitter ball for his bday.

Camden sang Happy Birthday to himself.

What a fun day. Too bad everyone couldn't be here.

Just catching up!

2010-05-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

I got the privilege to be the proud parent of 6 kids for 2 days. That reminded me as to why I stopped at 3. I watched Maris kids while her and Joe flew to New Jersey to find a house. It was actually better than I thought it would be. I just had to get my kids and Cole to school at the same time (on two different sides of two cities), Bella to preschool right after. Pick her up at 11 get Anthony at 1130 and then turn around and try to get both Taylor and Cole at 3:25 (may I remind you- on two different sides of town). It was all worth it! Especially when I start thinking that they won't be by me anymore.Camden and Vin got to take their bath together. They loved it!

On the spur of the moment Emiko decided to get us girls (we missed you Diantha) together for lunch. We met in AF and had a nice lunch. It was a lot of fun. Thanks Em.
Thanks to Sadie for picking Olive Garden (always).

We took the opportunity to go to MotoCross at the Rice Eccles Center. In the pouring rain!!! It was way fun. It was just Mari, myself, Dustin, Camden, Anthony, and Cole.

Sorry no pictures of Mari or myself.

I also celebrated my 30th birthday!

We have been busy with soccer once again. The kids did really good this season.

The End.

Easter Weekend

2010-05-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yep, a little slow, but hey at least its here!! Dustin forgot his belt that weekend so my Dad being the leather guy that he is took Dustin out and they built him one.

I helped the kids color eggs.

Grandpa and Vin

Easter morning my Dad did an egg hunt for the kids. It is scary that we actually have to split them up in age groups now. (considering when they are all there-we have 18)

My kids and Dakota

The first age group- 5 and under

The next age group- notice Taylor was the only girl. I am afraid that is just the story of her life.

After the kids hunt my Dad had us girls do one and then the guys. I didn't get any pictures because I was to busy trying to win my sisters! :)

We also went to Sunglow and rolled eggs and went on a hike. It was tons of fun.

Rod catching his breath after climbing the hill.

Taylor

The girls sun tanning??

Most of the grand kids there

Dustin, Anthony and Camden

Camden and his walking stick Grandpa got for him.(by the way we still have to this day) He just loves his Grandpa

Mari getting herself and Vin around the rock without stepping in the water.

My beautiful Tay

Grandpa showing the grand kids how to drink out of the stream.

My kids following after- Anthony

Camden

Judd

Taylor

After that we went to my parents and ate lots of good food with my Mom- who we always miss playing with every Easter. Maybe next year we will get her!!!!

Happenings

2010-05-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of what has been going on with us.

The end of March we got a new baby niece. Nikki had her baby- Graison. We took a trip down just to see her. Taylor enjoyed holding her and spending time with her Grandpa.

We took the kids to a Grizzly Hockey game. It was way fun. We sat three rows behind the visiting team.

Dustin took the kids to the Hill Air Force Museum(while I was working). The kids enjoyed it very much.

More to come

2010-04-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long posts. All I have to say is .... Just keep scrolling, just keep scrolling, just keep scrolling!

6 yrs old

2010-04-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Anthony had a great birthday. Dustin came to the school to pick him up in a new Camaro! (The video of it is at the bottom) He was so excited.

He had a birthday party with a bunch of friends. (Wow- remind me next year what it is like with this many boys!!) Luckily the weather worked out just perfectly. They spent the whole time outside except for presents and the last twenty minutes. It started raining as the last kid was getting picked up.

They ate pizza and cupcakes.

I made him some cupcakes for his birthday party. He sorta had a multi-theme going on. Star Wars for table/plates and Camouflage cupcakes. I think the cupcakes worked out pretty good. The boys all loved them.

They did look cooler in person.
Anthony and his crazy friends.

That night we had family over too. He wanted an Indiana Jones cake this time.

We just sang happy birthday, ate cake and opened presents.

Anthony was watching Camden because he sang the whole song with everyone. Way cute!!

Cousin Vinny

Thanks to Mari- she is always there for me.

Watch his eyes at the very beginning. They get very big!

Sorry about the blurriness- my lens was smudged(I found out later)

Happy Green Day!

2010-04-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

I made green waffles and green milk and we ate dinner on green plates for St. Patricks Day. The kids were a little weirded out by it at first but they thought it was fun.

Monster Truck Show

2010-04-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Monster Truck Show this year. We met up with John and Emma. Once Camden relaxed from the noise he LOVED it. In fact all the kids LOVED it. They play monster trucks together all the time. It is so cute to hear them make the noise.

Don't mind my goofy Taylor!

John looking good with his stache and grave digger hat!

During the intermission they brought out the motorcycles. This was (I think) all of our favorite part.

Goodbyes

2010-04-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

We had to say goodbye two times this month. Dustin and all of his brothers all put their old fashions in storage. It was a bitter sweet goodbye for me. I LOVE his old fashion but I actually get to park in the carport now. David, Dustin's brother, went back out into the mission field. This time he went to Jackson, Mississippi. He loves it out there. We all miss him.

(not the best family picture- sorry)

Family Time

2010-04-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

This was when we were down for my Dad's birthday. It was a lot of fun (as always). It is so beautiful down there.

We had a game night.

Camden and Sadie played Grandma Mary's keyboard.Camden had to wear his cowboy boots ALL weekend.We went sledding in the field. The kids had a lot of fun. Jayden and I rode together (only once) and my Dad would purposely take you over the gopher mounds and I somehow hit it just right and either broke my tailbone or bruised it really bad. We laughed the whole time though. Love playing with you J.

Judd, Camden, and Dakota

My handsome hubby!

Camden, Anthony and Grandpa

Dustin, Judd, and Taylor

Family time means Fun times!! :)

Happy Birthday!!

2010-01-29T08:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Dad! Thank you for always being there for all of us-no matter what. You are an amazing man. You can do anything!! We are all so lucky to have a Dad like you. I hope you have a really good day. Such a wonderful Grandpa too!!

We love you!

It will come

2010-01-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

Well, thanks for your concerns. I will be blogging but you will have to wait about two weeks or so unfortunately. I do have some Physics to be studied so until then..... Love ya!!!

Blogging Strike

2010-01-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well, apparently I have not blogged for quite some time now. There are good reasons for this- it is called "blogging strike". Yes, it is true! I have been on strike. I got tired of posting stuff but getting no response. Maybe I am just plain boring- that is fine- but please just tell me so I can find better things to do with my time than blog- like study Physics!! Well, if you so desire to keep me blogging than please feel free to make a comment or two. You know who you are who just peek with no comments (MOM!!) and there are plenty of others.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! I hope you all have a wonderful day and be thankful for all that you have.

DELIVERY!

2009-11-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

Happy new 4-wheeler day to my dad!! He bought a 4-wheeler while he was in "Utah" and we(really I) offered to deliver it for him. Good reason to get down there. It was a nice trip.

Anthony, Cole, Grandpa and Camden

Taylor, Grandpa, and Camden
Dad made dinner that night and it was definitely the first for most of us.

Yep, that is a buffalo heart. I wanted to dissect it but Dad wouldn't let me. He cooked it instead. It wasn't that bad actually. I can't believe how big a buffalo heart really is.

you guessed it- that IS a 20 oz DP bottle. AMAZING!!The final product

So you know those bears people have that have been carved out of a log?? Well, my brother-in-law (John) is amazing and carved one just for fun (without being told how). He was wanting some logs because he already has people lined up wanting to buy some from him. I offered my Dad's amazing logging skills to provide him with some logs. While I was down we went and got some (8 in fact) and I hauled them back up and delivered them to John. I absolutely miss being on the mountains with my Dad. It was just my Dad, me, my niece (Jayden), Nikki and 6(I guess 7 (Jayden)) of the 17 grand kids that went up. Since my Dad was cutting that left just Jayden and myself to haul (or drag/roll) them down the hill. Nikki was the photographer since she is pregnant. The grand kids were alot of help. I was impressed with the boys, they worked hard and didn't quit until the logs were all down.

My beautiful niece JaydenThe amazing man himself (my Dad)

Jay and I being the oxen (my Dad made a yoke(sorry if spelled wrong)so Jay and I could drag them down).

Bella and Cole

Taylor- my helper

This log took the most effort/muscles to get it down.

Anthony, Sean and Taylor

Lumber jacks by nature!

Jayden, Dad and Cole

Yep, still working on it

grand kids: Sean, Taylor, Anthony, Bella, Sadie, Cole, and Dakota

There it is again! That thing was heavy

Cole after all the hard work (I almost had to wake him up for the picture)

We stopped and got three more pieces to top the load off on our way down.

THANK YOU DAD!!!! THANK YOU MOM!!!

Thanks Mom, Mari, and Emiko that were at the house making a yummy early Thanksgiving dinner! It was delicious!

It's in the blood

2009-11-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

What a week! Anthony and Cole had their wrestling tournament last Wednesday at Viewmont High School. They did awesome!! They both got 2nd place in their weight group/ages.

(Sorry for the dark picture- they didn't stay on long enough to get a better one)Thursday the volleyball team I play with won the championship!! Yay us!! It was so much fun.
I love playing with these ladies!! Thanks to everyone that came and supported our family last week.

2009-11-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

The boys

This is how Camden wrestles himself-

It has started

2009-11-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Anthony is wrestling with Viewmont this year. It is different but very educational for him. He is loving it already. Too bad there are only two match nights and one tournament night but oh well it a good experience for him. I tried to get the videos on here but I ran out of patients so here are just some pictures.

More to come next time......

Dentist or School

2009-11-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to the dentist today. I checked Taylor out of school when I picked Anthony up from kindergarten. We did the whole dentist thing and then on our way back this was mine and Taylor's conversation:

Me: Taylor sorry that I made you miss one of your recess's.
Taylor: It's OK
Me: Really?
Taylor: Yes- I would rather go to the dentist than recess. Can we go to the dentist every Tuesday?

WOW!!

Halloween Fun

2009-11-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

The kids really enjoyed Halloween this year. I think they got to get dressed in their costumes three different times. I got to do Taylor's hair three different ways (and she let me). Anthony was a Ninja, Camden was a Race Car Driver and Tay was a Funky Punk Fairy!! We did the kids parades at school (I had to go to two separate one since Anthony is in AM kindergarten), the ward party and then of course the big night!!!Dustin's brother David was the Caveman- it was kinda creepy looking Matt and Millysa

Anthony after trick-or-treating checking out the goodies

Yes- I actually did that to her hair. (I was surprised too)

Dustin sat in the car at the trunk or treat and threw candy at kids- they loved it!!

Ninja boy

The school parade

Camden joined Anthony on the rug in his classroom

and at his desk

Anthony, Camden and his Anthony's friend with some fun green Mohawks

Taylor's parade

Camden joined her too!

Time Well Spent

2009-10-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Taylor made cupcakes (with a little assistance) and Anthony iced them (sorry-no pic- couldn't find the camera- thought we may have baked it in the cupcakes!:0) (No worries! We found the camera- but the cupcakes were almost gone)

CARVING PUMPKINS!!

Fun Times

2009-10-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Anthony got to carve pumpkins in school. I was lucky enough to help him. It was a lot of fun. He learned how to measure circumference, height, count the lines and feel the goo inside.

We had a fun little last minute photo op with a giant spider!!! It was fun.

What happens in Vegas.........

2009-10-19T16:18:00.001-07:00

You come home and tell everyone!!! Dustin and I went to Las Vegas this weekend with his brother John and Emma for the Utah game. It was fun. My parents watched our kids and we got a weekend away. We walked the strip, ate, watched all the crazies walk by, and rode the roller coaster at Buffalo Bills. Dustin, Emma, and I rode the roller coaster. It drops 225 ft down-oh yes I could not let go and I barely had my eyes open long enough to see if we were done yet. It was fun though. Something totally different than I would have done even 5 years ago. I thought the older you get the less you want to do that crazy stuff? I guess not in my case.

Of course the boys saw this car and had to check it out.

Dustin before we left for the Utes game. We forgot our camera so I will post pics later from Emma. We had awesome seats (row 1 behind the field goal) and great people to hang with. Thanks John and Emma!!!!

This was at midnight- we finally sat down to eat dinner.

and then we walked some more!

Thanks John and Emma- it was fun!! Thanks to my mom and dad for watching the kids and teaching Taylor to ride a horse all by herself :)

What we have been up to!

2009-10-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Had fun at the zoo with the kids during fall break. It was a chilly day but the animals were all out enjoying it so it was totally worth it.

Enjoyed some nice sunsetsWe have been enjoying the kids soccer games. They are doing a good job. Camden can't wait until he is out there too!!

We, as a family, did the Hydrocephalus Walk at Sugar house Park. We figured it would be a good thing to support, especially since that is what Camden has his shunt for! It was a perfect day. Taylor and Anthony rode their scooters and Camden rode in the stroller. They had a couple different bands, face painting, breakfast, and crafts. We had fun while supporting a good cause.

Dustin and I went to a Utah Utes football game. What a great date!!

Utah Jazz?? Dodgeball??

2009-09-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

Dustin got the chance to play in a dodge ball tournament that Korver and Williams from the Jazz put on as a charity event. They put a team together with employees from the GM Guy. He had a lot of fun. Some of the Jazz players actually played.

Apparently dodge ball is quite a workout- Dustin and Ryan were pretty beat towards the end of the day:)

Ryan

During one of the breaks the Jazz team (notice the ghost buster shirts) played against the mascots of the teams in Utah and some others just for fun.

Notice Ronnie Price (the guy with the wig) hiding the ball in his shirt

I would not want to be on the other end of their throws- they sounded like they hurt!

I was able to get some pictures with the three Jazz players that were there.

Sorry about the blurriness but hey we got some great pics and some fun memories!!

RMR

2009-09-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

We got the opportunity to go to the Rocky Mountain Raceway and get some free food and watch the races.
Camden held his hands over his mouth for the whole race. He was in awe!

The last race of the night was the train car race. They have three cars chained together. The first car is the driver (with no control of brakes), the middle car is empty and the last car is the person running the brakes. It was pretty fun to watch.

Thanks to Semi Service for the fun night out!

Baby Vincent

2009-09-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Baby Vince arrived Sept 9, 2009 at 12:45. Weighing in at 7#10oz and 20.5 inches long. Way to go Mari!!

Joe and Mari dropped Bella and Cole off at our house around 10:30 pm and we were lucky enough to see Mari have some really good contractions. I know it looks like she is smiling but I think she was trying to be tough.

This contraction was strong enough that she had to hold on to something to get herself through it. We told her she needed to go straight to the hospital and NOT go home to get her laptop and movies!! She did not believe us and therefore when she got to the hospital she was already a 7 and not long after baby Vincent Samuel arrived.

Mari -about an hour after the delivery- the nurses put Vincent's footprints on Joe's arm- I thought that was pretty cool

Diantha and I were able to go to the hospital right after she had the baby. We arrived there at 1:30 AM- It is so great to be able to see babies right after they are born. Mari did a good job and Joe survived the delivery.

Grandpa and Grandma Chappell were able to come up that same day and Grandpa was able to give his kisses on the baby (which he has done with almost every grandkid-he trys to make sure he sees them in the hospital before they go home- not bad for 17 grandkids).

Camden and I were lucky enough to stop by the hospital right as they were getting ready to go home. We got to help walk them to the car where Joe was waiting.

Congratulations Mari and Joe!! Congratulations Cole and Bella on being a big brother and big sister to this cute little guy!! We love you guys!!

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

We had our annual Chappell family reunion this weekend. It is labor day weekend every year therefore we ALL know when it is and we can ALL plan on making it. I mean you have 12 months to plan for it!! We had a volleyball tournament which was way fun- especially because my team won!!! Thanks to my Dad, Curt, Rachel, Jared, and April. We ROCKED!!

Dustin and my niece Jayden Rachel, my Dad, and Jared

Camden even joined in- well he played soccer with the volleyball.

My cousin Tori's little boy- Brogan

For the Saturday dinner my uncle (who was in charge this year) had people bring Buffalo wings for dinner. They could make them any way- there was a contest to see who makes the best wings. Of course my Dad won!! He smoked them. Pretty Delicious!! The kids even enjoyed the wings- in their tummies and all over their faces!!

Mom and Dad

Cute Norah enjoying her wings

The kids all enjoyed the tire swing

A little campfire cuddling

Tori and Brogan

The kids all had a treasure hunt. Thanks to Jayden and April for taking care of that.

silly string and water gun fights

more treasure hunts

My aunt Buttons playing with Camden and her grandson- Brogan. Apparently Camden saw the fun and decided to join by sitting with my aunt.

A little horseshoe action- Camden tried to help my niece. I played with my cousin James- yeah maybe I ought to stick with volleyball:)

Jayden (my niece)

April (my niece)

Thanks to George and Linda! It turned out great.

Kicks and Blood

2009-08-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Anthony had his first soccer game yesterday. It is amazing at how much they can change over just a few months. He drop-kicked the ball in and did awesome!

He was doing awesome during the first quarter! Until...........

he got a bloody nose! He was going for the ball and hit a kids head on the way. Then it was a blood flood! Good thing his uniform is a similar color:)

He did get back into the game eventually- but he was a little timid. At least he went back in!! Sure hope he is back next week!!! Good job buddy!!

Back to School

2009-08-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today Taylor and Anthony had their first day of school. Crazy!! I can't believe I have a 2nd grader and a Kindergartner. Taylor was very excited to be back. She missed her friends. From what I have heard she has a really good teacher. So, I hope the best for her this year. Anthony was excited yet nervous. The closer we got to his classroom the tighter he gripped my hand. I think he will love it though. We already know at least 4 other kids in his class so that should be good for him.

BUBBLES!!!

2009-08-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

WHAT MORE SHOULD I SAY.......

Going Home

2009-08-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

While we were home for the fair we did some family time. I ALWAYS love going home.

There was deck building....

lined up rocks on the back of Grandpa's truck

did some relaxing puppy time

more deck building...

some city boy time at the farm... notice the boots with the board shorts

looking through the horse trailer-

some boy and machinery bonding time.....

lovin' life at the farm

memories... remember the days when we used to play on all of this equipment??

Taylor saying goodbye to the horse, donkey, and goat

Those were the days.......

Wayne County Fair

2009-08-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

We went home for the fair. It was pretty fun. We watched the parade with family and friends.

My nieces April and Jayden with Taylor

on a candy hunt...

Dad decided to join the parade.....

what a good lookin' man

did some rock wall climbing...... Jayden

Judd

Dakota

April

Cute Ayden- he was too light when it came time to come down he didn't. He just hung out for a little bit.

Taylor

A little Wayne County Derby action..... up close and personal....

a little bit of creativity while we waited....

a little bit of snoozing as well......

FUN TIMES!!!

Birthday Fun!!

2009-08-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Taylor wanted to go to Applebee's for dinner on her birthday so all of us and Mari's family all went to Applebee's. We went early enough to miss the rush. It was fun. Taylor loved being sung(is that the right way?) too. She got a yummy dessert that she ate all gone.
Dustin and Camden

Taylor and Cole

Joe and Mari ( I promise they were more excited to be there)

Princess Bella

Anthony and Camden

Me and my baby girl

Taylor's cake(sorry about the sideways picture- just turn your head sideways- it makes it more exciting that way:))

All Taylor wanted for her birthday was a dog. She passed up other presents from us and a friend birthday party so she could have a dog. We made a deal with her four months ago that if she would feed and water Duke (our other dog) she could possible get a dog. She did a really good job. I am proud of her.

So...... this is Link!! A mini schnauzer. Taylor came up with the name and does a pretty good job so far taking care of him. He is only 9 wks in this picture.

We had family over for cake. It was good times.

We sang Happy Birthday.......... while Bella covered her face and tried to hide from Dustin's brother David. (We won't tell her that he could still see her)

PRESENTS!!!

Link in a bag:)

Anthony picked out a necklace for her.

Thanks to everyone that joined us for Taylor's birthday. She had a fun day! Thanks to Matt for bringing the usual snow shack!!

Happy Birthday Taylor

2009-08-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today is our little girls birthday. She was born on 8/13 and 8:13PM. Wow- I can't believe she is 7. Time goes by so fast. I am learning that I need to cherish the moments. Taylor we hope you have the best birthday ever! WE LOVE YOU!!

There will be more pics to come from her birthday fun!!

Lagoon Day

2009-08-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Every summer Dustin's work has a lagoon day for the employee's. The kid's look forward to it all year long. This year was a little more fun cause our kids are getting tall enough to ride some more rides. We took them to kiddie land and let them ride what they wanted. They were loving it- even Camden once we got him on one he wanted all of them.

Taylor and Anthony on the Mushroom Drop

Camden just watching

Camden loved the car!

Waiting for the train

After we ate lunch Mari came and picked up Camden and Anthony for us. Taylor stayed with us and we got ride the big rides. Taylor loved them!! Her favorite ride was the Bat. She also rode the Dragon ride, the Samurai, Tidal Wave, the big swings, Rattlesnake Rapids. Yes, I rode all of them too. I couldn't let me almost 7 year old show me up!! The rides were actually alot of fun. We got the kids some monkeys like this one- and brought Cole and Bella some toys too.

Thanks Jerry Seiner for the FREE day at Lagoon!!!

Tri-tip anyone??

2009-08-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to MeriAnn and Art for having us over for dinner Saturday. Art makes the BEST tri-tip ever!! It is so yummy! We had a lot of fun. Thanks for the fun game.

Art eating dinner at the "COOL" table MeriAnn and her CUTE belly
Cam eating a Popsicle- although he kinda looks like a vampire that just sucked some blood- wa a a a a!!

Anthony's blue tongue

The girls and the flower- we discovered that the camera can do fun color accents so we decided to play

Camden making faces with a little help from his daddy

He thought this was so funny

Tay and Anthony with their silly faces

Thanks MeriAnn and Art for the fun night. It was great to see you guys

Together Forever

2009-08-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

John and Emily (Emma) were married in the Salt Lake Temple July 27, 2009.
Camden was so excited to see them when they walked out that he ran up to them.

Alice -our niece

The groomsmen- Daniel(best friend), Dustin, David, Matt, John(the groom), Jim, and Riley(Emma's bro)

The fam
The siblings- Dustin, Matt, David, Jenny, Jim, and JohnEmma and the niecesKnocking on heavens door??
The wedding breakfast was at the Lion House- YUMMY rolls!!

The bride and groom

The reception was at The Woods on Ninth.

you can tell it is the end of the day- notice Camden's bow tie- not straight anymore:)

After the reception every time I turned around Camden was on the tables playing with the flowers.

Congratulation John and Emma!!

Once Again

2009-08-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

We got the chance to go boating once again with our friends. It was fun. Anthony rode the tube this time. We were so proud of him. Thanks again Ryan and Emily!!

Taylor and Vanessa

Anthony and Anabel

Emily and the girls

The guys crashing as always:)

Dustin and Anthony

Fun with Family

2009-08-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us met up at Farmington Pond once again. It was a lot of fun. It is always more fun with more people. My kids are definitely braver than I was at their age. Thanks everyone it was fun!!

Cute Camden

Alice and Jimmy

Dave and Grace

Ethan, Angie, Jimmy, Alice, Seth, and Me

Andrew and Camden

Thad

Taylor

Jessica and Josie

Jake

Dave

Dustin

Thad

Jimmy