Gardner 101

Christmas and New Year's

2010-01-13T04:47:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! Danny had some time off which was very nice. We went to several movies over the holiday break, spent time with our families, went sledding and even got some projects done around the house! I hope that Everyone else had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas as well.

ARRRRR!!!

2009-11-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween Owen and Grandpa Tracy were PIRATES!

We had a weekend full Of HaLLoween Adventures...

Halloween Party At G & G Tracy's

Aiden: Ironman, Andre: Thriller M.J. Jackson: Darth Vader, Whiteny: Biker chic,

Shay: cheerleader, Owen: Pirate

Owen loved the painting pumpkin project.

Trick or Treating at the Mall! I thought this was going to be a nightmare, but since we got there an hour before it was supposed to start, it was so much fun! We cruised through in an hour and just before the crowd hit.

We had to stop at the dinosaur playground and hit the slide a few times too.

Just as we were leaving we ran into our friend AVA! What a pretty princess

Reaping the benefits of hard work.

Party at G & G Gardner

Danny threw himself a costume together right when he got to his parents house. Thanks to his dad who still had his old Springville basketball attire.

Daisy: Angel, Jackson: Turtle, Annie: Genie, Ruby: Unicorn, Bode: ninja, Owen and Lane

Playing games

Ward Halloween

Cowboys and unicorns

Couponing!

2009-10-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else gotten in touch with their frugal side and tried couponing like I have? I must say at first, I felt like a cheap O! But now I absolutely LOVE it! My mom has always raised me as a "bargain shopper", but I never really thought about doing it with groceries. The deals that you can find, and free stuff you can get will definitely keep me couponing for life!! Some of my favorite sites to check out are www.pinchingyourpennies.com and www.savvyshopperdeals.com. If you are new to couponing it does take some time to figure out, but hang in there. You are basically combining your coupon with the item you want goes on sale in the ads. The more coupons you have the more stuff you can stockpile. I would love to help anyone with questions, and would love to hear some comments from anyone's deals.
If you are not into couponing and you get the Sunday paper, I would love to take your coupon inserts off of your hands!

Baby Girl Names

2009-10-24T15:50:00.001-07:00

I still have 3 months to think of a name for this baby girl. Currently she is nameless. I have come up with a few things, but nothing that I am just absolutely loving. Does anyone have any Fabulous, kindof Original names, but nothing too weird? Chances are if you do have a fabulous name, you are holding on to it for your future child. I understand. My husband is not a big fan of giving a girl a boys name. I on the other hand I don't mind. Here are a few of the names, please feel free to vote on your most favorite from my current selection.

Fire Station and Hee Haws

2009-10-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

My friends little boy Jaxon had a field trip for preschool to the fire station. His grandma is actually his teacher, and since they love us so much :) they invited us to tag along!

Here we are checking out the Helicopter.

Owen was so excited, but tried to contain it, when he got to help fire the hose!

They gave out cute little firemen hats, which Owen would not wear. They gave all of the kids stickers, whistles (ya), popcorn and cotton candy! Owen got his love for popcorn from his daddy!

Say Cheese!

HEE HAWS!

We went to Hee haws this past Monday night for family night, thanks to Danny's aunt Kathy who invited us! It was a lot of fun, but turned very cold. First we went on a trick or treat hay ride through a field. They had dressed up characters throw candy into our wagon.

Next Danny and Owen went on a farm animal train ride.

Then onto a freezing, but fun twirl/swing ride. Owen was so cute on it.

Then to the jumping haystack!

Then we went to pick out our pumpkin. Since Danny carried it all the way back to our car, it is now considered "daddy's pumpkin."

It was so cold we were done. As we went to get our hot chocolate and donuts Owen spotted the big slide on top of a huge hill that you have to wear a potato sack to go down. He wanted to go down so bad that he cried and screamed all the way to the car. Finally I said okay, daddy will take you one time, but you have to wear your hat. He said "ok, one time" wore his hat, went down the slide and was as happy as ever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN!

2009-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

My baby is 2! And so far it has been my favorite age. Yes he is a little terror, but he also says and does the funniest and sweetest things. I especially love how he is always saying "Thank you mommy", or "sorry mommy" followed by "Huggies" and he gives the biggest hugs. I love you Owen.

We Met up with G ma and G pa, Alyse and the babies for breakfast at one of Owen's favorite hang outs... Mickey D's.

Later we went and got owen his balloons for the party! It was fun getting them home.

Some of Owen's cousins, Aiden, Andre, Jackson and Shae!

Time for the pinata!

Owen

Bode

Shae

Time to blow the candles out on the cake! We had to keep relighting the candle because Owen kept blowing it out before we could finish the birthday song.

Owen got spoiled from all of the party guests with lots of toys! Thanks Everyone!

ST GEORGE

2009-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to St. George with Danny's family! They rented a house that had an air hockey table, that Jackson and Owen dominated while we were there. It was so cute to hear them say things to each other like "Nice, Jackson" and "Nice, Owen" as they hit the puck back and forth to each other.

We went swimming with the Callaway's on Monday since we all stayed an extra day. We found this mini water park that the kids played in for a while.

The house we stayed at had a pool with a small diving board. Owen was very adventurous on this trip!

Owen's cousins Annie, Daisy and Bode were jumping off of the rocks and into the water. Owen did not want to miss out so he made his dad do it with him.

Later at the pool Owen slammed his head on the concrete. We realized on the beginning of our drive home when he started vomiting and vomiting that he may have a concussion. His pediatrician told us to stop at the nearest ER, which was in Fillmore to get him checked out. He had a CT scan and luckily nothing serious had occurred. It was a rough rest of the ride home with Owen vomiting every so often, but we were definitely blessed that things weren't worse.

My friend Stacey and I took our boys to the farm at Thanksgiving Point. Surprisingly Owen was afraid of the cows, horses, sheep and most of the animals. I didn't even attempt to take him on the pony ride since he was being so funny. So maybe next year...

After a day of checking out the animals sure made us hungry. Yummy fry sauce! Who needs french fries, right Owen?

IT'S A GIRL!!

2009-08-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know we are pregnant, and we just found out the sex early, (I am almost 17 weeks) and we are having a baby Girl! I am really excited, but a little overwhelmed at all of the new stuff i am going to need. Furnishing/preparing a new bedroom, girly clothes, bows, bracelets, hats, shoes, tights and all the things that goes with being a girl. Of course we will need a double jogging stroller, and mall stroller as well. Kids are EXPENSIVE! Come to think of it, I should have stopped at one:)

Happy Birthdays and Independence Day!

2009-07-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again where we party for two weeks! First Happy Birthday to Danny/daddy! Party at the pool!

Owen loved the ice cream cones

Next was the Independence Day celebration. We decided at the last second to do the Freedom Festival Parade! Owen and Aiden got pirate hats from the new Pirate Island place that is coming soon.

After we went swimming to the new Lindon pool that Owen just loves. Then after we did the whole BBQ and fireworks. Owen loved the fireworks this year!

Here is Barbie 2009, sporting an orange dress this year! We celebrated with our sister birthday lunch, birthday breakfast, our spa day tradition, a date to dinner and a movie from my hubby and still to come, our birthday dinner that my parents take us and spouses out to every year!

Grandma Gardner made me a wonderful birthday dinner with yummy cupcakes for dessert! Thanks Gayle!

GG (grandma gardner) suprised us with some cute pictures that her neighbor took of the boys! How cute and innocent they look!

Utah Hogle Zoo

2009-06-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went with a few of my siblings and thier children to the Zoo! Owen loved seeing all of the animals and was happy his buds came!

By the end of our zoo visit it was extremly hot outside, Owen couldn't resist playing in the water, and I couldn't blame him.

WiCkEd!

2009-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

My mom got all of the girls in the family a ticket to go see Wicked! So last saturday we did our girls day out. We went to a yummy lunch at Cheesecake Factory followed by the show. It was a much better show than my previous experience in NYC, because we had great seats and I could actually see the cast! If you ever get the chance Wicked is a great musical to see.

RODAN AND FIELDS

2009-05-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

I just thought that I would put it out there, that I have become an independant distributor for Rodan and Fields! You may have heard of the #1 selling skin care line ProActive Solutions. Rodan and Fields have expanded and have now developed four new skin care solutions! Once found only in high end department stores Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Sax Fith Ave, etc. Now only available through independant consultants.

1. Revese (to reverse sun damage, brown spots, uneven skin tone)
2. Unblemish (acne treatment)
3. Anti-Age (fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness)
4. Soothe (for sensitive skin, irritation and red skin)

There is also Essentials and Enhancements (like microdermabrasion for face and body)

the website is http://www.rodanandfields.com/

If anyone is interested in trying out some of these products, purchasing, or becoming an independant consultant yourself you can email me at alysengardner@comcast.net

They really are amazing!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

It was Owen's first official Easter that he recieved a visit from the Bunny. He was pleased to see a basket full of "cany" and "yucks" (trucks).

We went to three Easter parties and had a splendid time!

Owen loves the mini cadbury eggs. He kept asking for 'Mo"
On the hunt at Grandma Gardner's, he was a slow hunter. If he found a plastic egg he would immediately crack it open and eat the candy. If he found a hard boiled egg he would throw it up in the air and try to catch it, like a ball.

Daisy scored a ton of fruit leather!

Owen and Jackson got to cruise in the barbie jeep.

My what a talented son I have, he can bite a volleyball with no hands.

Blog Banner

2009-03-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of learning how to do digital scrapbooking right now. This is my first attempt at my "Blog Banner" so it will probably be changing a time or two.

Disney on Ice

2009-03-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Dad took all of the kids to Disney on Ice this past week. It was so much fun. Mainly because we actually got to watch it. Owen was so good. He was glued to all of the bright lights and characters. He was so happy to see "Donald."
He clapped with the crowd, and even sang along. Grandma and Grandpa spoiled the kids with a treat too, and Owen made sure to have a taste of everyones! Thanks G & G!

Anniversary Caribbean Cruise!

2009-03-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

This year was our 6 year Anniversary! Every year we like to go on some sort of vacation or getaway. So I can remember, our honeymoon was to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 1-year Australia, 2-year, Disneyland, 3-year Cabo San Lucas, 4-year Hawaii, 5-year Vegas, 6-year Cruise to Caribbean!

This was our cruise ship. We went on the Celebrity Century. It was a 5 night cruise to Jamaica (which we didn't love, because it was dirty, scary and a little expensive) and we were supposed to go to the Grand Cayman Islands, but it was so windy they closed the port down and wouldn't let us in, so we went to Key West.

These pictures are from Key West. It was a cute little island with cute shops and restaurants. It was a little cooler there and kinda windy. We didn't do any excursions since we were planning to do most of them on Grand Caymen, and it was too cold for me to go into the water on Key West.

Of course we had to try the Key Lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick, since key lime is what they are famous for.

We ate Conche fritters, that were okay, and fish and chips for lunch

The U.S. Navy Base

The water was so blue and clear on Key West

Life on the Boat

A shot of the pool deck from the bottom, it got pretty windy on the top. We lived on the pool deck. It was so nice to read our books and relax.

The band playing on stage

Jamaica

Here we are dressed up for our Formal Night on the cruise ship

Going Home, it's nice to come and nice to go! We were gone a whole week and missed our little Owen.

Nice Tan!!

Happy 6th Anniversary!!

2009-02-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we partly celebrated our 6 year Anniversary. It is crazy how time passes. Danny surprised me by getting off work early! (that's rare) We went to the new Harry Connick/ Rene Zellweger Flick. Then to a yummy dinner at Ruby River.
We will continue the celebration on a cruise to the Caribbean! I am so excited, hopefully I will get some good pix to post.

KINDERMUSIK !

2009-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

Today was Owen and Is first day of Kindermusik. My sister in law did this with her kids. You go to a "play group" once a week for ten weeks for a duration of 45min. Owen was awesome the first 15 min. and then he had a missed nap MELT DOWN. Our teacher had a scheduling conflict this week, which moved our class during nap time. Ouch! I hope he is not such a big distraction next week.

Merry Christmas and Happy '09

2009-01-04T18:38:00.001-08:00

New Year's Day, Chuck E Cheese's!
My Mom took all of the Grandchildren out to play at Chuck E's. It was Owen's first time and he loved it!

Skee Ball was definately his favorite. Steer clear, he throws a wild curve ball. We couldn't get him to walk away. Luckily we showed him that game last.

New Year's Eve Bash

We were only able to get through a few games before the Countdown began. I just discovered that Danny and I are NOT compatable with pictionary. The guys spanked us in Mad Gab.

We had such a fun night, and everyone brought amazing appetizers to share. The time just kept going by, and we didn't go to bed until 3am! I didn't know my body could physically stay awake that long.

The Polar Express P.J. Party

All aboard the Polar Express! My mom's family had a cute Polar Express Party this year. After we ate a French toast dinner, my uncle read the Polar Express book to all the kids. The train made a stop for Hot chocolate and winter Snow Cones. All of the kids got candy bags with different novelty christmas treats and a raffle for the Adults.

Christmas Morning!!!

We decided to sleep over at my parent's house, because we though Owen would love to be with some of his cousins that would be there.

Santa left Owen a basketball hoop...

and a musical guitar!

He loved playing in the wrapping paper.

A football from his Mom and Dad

Grandma got all of the kids Hoodies this year, and Owen's has a cute little mohawk.

My Twin is Having Twins!

2008-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

YEAH!! My sister is Having twins! It is all so surreal. These are her first babies so I guess it's good, because she won't know what's coming:) We are super Excited for these twin cousins and can't wait to find out the sexes, which is 8 long weeks away. Her due date isn't until May 31, but If she doesn't have them by the 10th, she will be induced! Go Mommy Alyse!

My New HAIR SALON Grand Opening!

2008-11-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I am EXTREAMLY excited about my new hair salon that I have opened in my House! New Salon, New Area, means I am looking for some New CLIENTS!! To Celebrate my Fabulous new SALON, I am offering some great specials!

Ladies and Gentlemen come on in and get a FREE, yes FREE haircut! New clients only. Offer expires 1/30/09. (located in the P.G./A.F. area). Book your appt. now, so you will look amazing for the Holiday's. Mention this blog post and any questions or comments to alysengardner@comcast.net

Calling all FRAGRANCE lovers!

2008-11-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for finding your holiday gifts, and why not save a little cash in the process? If anyone is interested, (even if you come across this blog and I don't know you) my mom sells fragrance for a living and can get most fragrances for half of the retail price. Men's and women's Burberry, Escada, Dolce and Gabana, Bulgari, Kenzo, Hanae Mori, Pink Sugar and much more. (Yes they are the real thing) If anyone is interested, you need to send in your requests to Deniece at deniece@comcast.net, by no later than November 24th, so she can ensure holiday delivery!

Happy Halloween Week!

2008-10-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Gardner's Halloween Party!

Grandma and Grandpa Gardner dressed up as Latinos, hence the Pinata.

We decorated sugar cookies. I didn't though because I already ate way too many at home when I was baking them.

Senor and Senortia Gardner

Jackson the Tiger and Jonny the Clown

Joan, Alisha, Jon, Jack, and Lane

The Callaway family, you might recognize them as the cast from the movie "Mama Mia"

The Keith fam staring from the movie Star Wars

Bobbing for Apples! Owen just walked right up and took him self an apple straight out of the bucket. It didn't matter how wet he would get, as long as he got that apple, which is his new obsession since I've had apples stocked in the house.

Jack and Owen running around the yard.

Grandma and Grandpa Tracy's Halloween Party! Here we all are in our lovely costumes!

First we have R.J. and Aiden (he was a serious Batman)

Next we have Posh and David Beckham, Dracula, a dead cheerleader, and a drama Gothic chic.

Then we have the Grim Reaper, the Super Nanny (who looks more like an Amish woman), and Rocky!

Hugh Hefner and his bunny made an appearance to the party

Also came the scary skeleton, the Pimp and his girl, the sweet little princess and a cheerleader (who was not dead)

Here we are back as Mickey Mouse, Napoleon and Deb!

My mom made brisket sandwiches with salad, chips and salsa, brains (crab cream cheese ball with cocktail sauce shaped like a brain) "Deviled" eggs and other stuff. We all got to keep our cool skeleton Goblets, which were filled with a skeleton Limeade drink that alyse made!

After the kids went on a treasure hunt, they did a Cake Walk that Owen Loved! He followed the kids around in a circle clapping and dancing to the music!

Owen is becoming spoiled with his bottles topped with Egg Nog, dad's drink of choice for his little guy.

FRIDAY NIGHT PARTY

My cute neighbor who lives down the street from us, invited us to their Halloween Party. She loves, loves, loves Halloween! She was such a great host! She baked all kinds of cute "themed" foods, like blood (chicken), Fingers (bread sticks) a mummy (cheese shaped mummy), someones ribs (ribs), Brains (pile of shrimp) and other stuff. Someone brought this sick looking, (yet very creative) kitty litter cake.

Hey Napoleon and Deb are there! We won the "funniest costume" award.

Marianne and Clint, the hosts of the party!

We played "Fear Factor", there were some pretty interesting food items on the menu. The Incredibles weren't so incredible at this game. They ate a lot of strange things. We only had to eat scabs and brains on the last round. Not bad for eight rounds.

BiG SeXy HaIR ShOw!

2008-10-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

My really good friend from hair school, Nicole, and I went to the Big Sexy Hair cutting class today! There were lots and lots of hair products! (the best, was our take home bag of hair product goodies) We learned a new sixties inspired "Twiggy" cropped hair-cut. It was a fun day!

Thanks Auntie Alyse!!!

2008-10-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from Owen's recent photo shoot! When I went away to Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend, my twin sis Alyse, stole Owen for a few hours and took him to get his 1 year old birthday pictures taken! Thanks Autie Alyse! We Love You, You ROCK!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!

2008-09-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Owen! I can't believe my baby is already a year old. Time goes by too fast. We had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday party! I dressed him up as Mickey, he was so adorable!

My Mom and I made the cakes, which took forever.

Grandpa T. and Ow

Daddy and Owen

The Party People, dining on pizza, salad and breadsticks

Alisha & Jack, Joan, Bode

Brooke, Ruby, Lonnie and Grandma G.

Lane and O

Cousins: Braxton, Jackson, Bailee, Baby Jackson, Whitney, Shae, Brinlee

Owen, Daisy, Ruby at top, Andre, Aiden and Bode. We were so sad that cousin Annie had a soccer game that night.

Time for Presents! Thanks everyone, we love everything! Toys, Clothes, and auntie Alyse took him to get his 1 year old pictures taken which turned out awesome! (will post later)

Shaurelle, shae and whit

Time to have your cake and throw it too.

I think he took one bite.

Stop Eating DIRT!!!

2008-09-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am a dumb first time mom who didn't think about having plants in the house with a baby. Now that he is walking he is in the dirt every chance he can get. When I shout "NO, NO" to him, he knows, and he starts throwing the dirt out of the pot even faster. What a punk.

The worst part is he always has a ring of dirt around his mouth every time I catch him. He actually likes it I think.

Weekend Fun

2008-09-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

September...a time of birthdays. So we celebrated my two niece's birthdays(Whitney on the left and Bailee right) at Red Lobster up in Salt Lake (that's where Bailee lives)

Owen looking so sweet and innocent, just moments before he decides to knock my tall glass of lemon ice water, on his cousin Shae, sitting right next to him. That was fun.

Pix on Sunday at the Visitor Center. We went to see the Joseph Smith Movie. We were only able to watch 20 minutes or so before Owen decided that It was time to go walking...again.

Owen made it up the long inclined ramp to the Christos all by himself .

Owen and Grandpa Gardner

Condo life in Park City with the Fam. Full House.

Early to bed...Early to rise. We got up early (because we had no choice) and went for a morning walk on Sat. and Sun., which Owen loves.

Owen is Walking!

2008-09-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Owen got over all of his insecurities and is finally walking all by himself! I thought I was going to be a hunch back for the rest of my life, two and a half months of that felt like an eternity.

For Labor Day we went to Las Vegas! It was a lot of fun in the sun! We read by the pool, went to the V show, went to breakfast, lunch and dinner and of course shopping! We missed Owen, but it was definately a much needed break.

I've Been Tagged

2008-08-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm back on the blogger wagon! I was tagged a couple of weeks ago so here it is:

Random Facts

I see/talk to Alyse (my twin sister) every single day!
I hate going to sleep alone. Hey, I've had a buddy since the womb.
I went to Vegas two years in a row for new years eve (99' and 2000') with my friend Jamie and her family. We went to go hang out with Harry Connick Jr. and his fam. It was a blast! VIP service anyone?

Obsessions

getting up at 5:30. If I don't start my day with exercise, then I'm thrown off. I love, love, love it.
Diet Dr. Pepper. Yes, sad but true, I love it too!
Wish I could say some t.v. show, but not a huge t.v. guru. I was kind of getting obsessed with Hereos. I'll start back up.
JCW milkshakes. Plain ole' strawberry is my fav right now, but they are all good.
nothing really right now.

Goals

Right now the big scary/exciting step of putting a hair Salon in my house!
Getting OUT OF DEBT. I hate money. (and love it)
To get Owen walking. He is almost there. For sure it will happen before his first birthday next month. He's already into everything, I don't think it can get much worse.
To decorate my house. This one will take time. Gotta get rid of that debt first, or simultaneously.

Fears

I'm afraid of swimming in the ocean.
Definately someone close to my dying.
Owen growing up too fast.

Joys

Both of our families
Doing nothing but being together
Refer back to obsessions
Reading a good book/magazine if I have time to.
My job as a mother and hair stylist
Growing up in the church, and having the gospel to keep me on track. My life would probably be utter mayhem without it. I am truley blessed.
Sleep.

I Tag
Tara, Alisha, Jamie J, Heidi, Tanica, Lindsey

JULY SUMMER FUN

2008-07-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy and fun past two weeks! Happy late Independance Day and Happy Birthday to us! Yes we both turned another year older within the past two weeks. It has been nothing but fun. Here are a few pics.

Owen and His cousins got their pictures taken at grandma's house

Our traditional Barbie doll cakes, yum, yum!
Celebrating a birthday dinner
Picnic at the park, owen loved the swing.

...and the slide

We Love Boating!

2008-06-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

We've been out boating twice this year! (so far) Once with the Callaway's and once with the Shepard crew. It was a lot of fun and we are so thankful to have family with boats! Thanks for taking us guys!

Owen loves to kiss the girls, even if they are his cousins!

Owen Hates wearing his life jacket

All of the bumping around makes Owen sleepy.

Summer Fest Weekend!

2008-06-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here we go! On our way to the Orem Summer Fest parade! Owen's first parade. Of course he wasn't paying any attention to it, but oh well.

The parade wiped him out big time. No fire works for us, dang it.

Okay yes I did the baby contest. I got succored into it by my two lovely sisters. No he did not win, but was the cutest baby there! Of course all of us moms feel this way about our own. He didn't want to have anything to do with the judges. He was staring at them like, Who are you?
Our cousin Jackson did the contest with us! Every time Owen is next to him, he just can't help but touch him. I know Owen, he has cute chubby checks! Sorry Jack.

My friend's mom does flowers for weddings. Alyse has always wanted to learn about flower arranging, so we called on Julie to teach us! I went on Friday to kind of help out for a wedding and learned a thing or two about flower arranging. Here is my first arrangement. It definitely helps to have the flowers already picked out for you to arrange though. That was fun when can I come again?? What to see some of the other Weddings they have done chick... OUR PERFECT ARRANGEMENT

Swimming

2008-06-12T08:24:00.001-07:00

We finally got to go swimming last week! It really wasn't that warm, but anything above 60 degrees and the kids think it's paradise. (although they spent a fair share of the time in the hot tub.) We really hope that the hot sunny weather returns soon. We're starting to look really pasty.
At first Owen didn't know what to think of the water. It was a lot cooler than his bath tubs are. But after a few minutes of warming up to the water, he couldn't stop splashing himself. He also loved drinking the water. yeah, what a treat.

Kansas City and Nauvoo

2008-05-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

I'm originally from Kansas City, Mo and we just recently went out to my cousin's wedding which happened to be in Nauvoo. It is such an amazing and beautiful temple! We did all of the sites on the way back to Kansas City, where we visited with my extended family and attended the reception. It was Owen's first time on a plane and I was worried that he was going to be a wreck, but lucky we were prepared with Baby Einstein and he was a peach!

Just watching a demo on how to make bricks in Nauvoo!
There were a lot of turtles hanging out on logs in the Mississipi River. It was still a little too cold to see them crawling around in Kansas City.

The Famous window that Joseph Smith fell out of when he was shot at Carthage.

Mother's DAY

2008-05-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Mom's request was for a family brunch at the Zermatt Resort in Midway.

7 months

2008-04-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Owen turns 7 months! A few weeks ago Owen mastered the art of sitting up. What a BIG BOY!

Shae and Owen, smile for the camera!

Owen's tall mohawk was growing like a weed, so dad gave him his first haircut! They both did so well

Spa Day

2008-04-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

This past wednesday I finally got Alyse to take a half day from work, so that we could have a nice relaxing day at the spa!

Easter

2008-03-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! Like everyone else, we spent Easter hunting for eggs and stuffing our faces with food, chocolate and candy. What more could you ask for?

Mom, sister shaurelle and little shae

We just recently did everyone's favorite thing in the whole world...Moving. Yes what a pain it was, but that's what's great about family, always there to lighten the burden. The Hyde's stopped by our new place and visited with us for a while. We are pushing for them to be our new neighbors!

Owen just turned 6 months! Wow that went by kind of fast, and kind of slow. He now has his two bottom teeth and loves to chew on anything and everything.

We put Owen in this walker and he loves it. He's pretty good at navigating where he wants to go and getting himself out of corners as well.

We just introduced solids a few weeks ago. So far he loves sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas. Not a huge fan of the fruit yet, but he will.

Just hangin'. He goes crazy in his jumper. Sometimes when you're holding him, he tries to jump up and down as if he's in him jumper.

HIGHLIGHTS of 2007

2008-01-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

On September 24th at 8:43 we welcomed Owen Daniel Gardner into the world! There was a lot of support and his cousins were there anticipating his arrival. He was 5 lbs 15 oz and 18" long.

In 06' Alyse did the mini tri-athalon by herself. Last year she tried to con anybody and everybody that she could, to do it with her and Danny took the challenge. They did so awesome! First swimming followed by biking and then running. Way to go!

In March Lauren and Rene got Married!! They had their dinner at Los Hermanos. The ceremony was held at a neighbor's house of my parents, and the reception was held at another neighbor's house.

On July 8th Alyse and Alysen turned 24! We celebrated with our family by going to Sunday brunch up at Zermott resort in Midway. Of course our mom made us our "Barbie doll" cakes that she has made for us every year since we were little girls. They are always wearing a new creative dress every year!

On June 30th Danny turned 26! We had our annual baseball game at the park. Tracy's vs Gardners. Gardners won! This year the Tracy's need a come back.

In May we got to go to Hawaii for Danny's Christmas present from work. His work sent us earlier than his co-workers since I was going to be delivering Owen when they went in September.

We went with my parents and stayed a week on Kauai and a few days on Ouahu. It was a lot of fun!!!

Christmas 2007

2008-01-13T17:06:00.000-08:00

We spent the week before Christmas up at a condo near Powder Mountain with the Gardners. We went snowboarding and sledding one day, but mainly just lounged around. As you can see below, we also reinacted the Christmas Story, starring Owen as baby Jesus.

Once we got home from the condo, we spent Christmas morning with Alysen's family, then met up at the Gardners to do presents with them.

Below are a few videos of Owen playing with his first Christmas presents.

Owen's Baby Blessing

2008-01-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

We had Owen blessed on December 3rd, 2007! Our families joined us afterwards for an awesome breakfast!

Deniece is 50!!!!!!!

2008-01-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

My dad, my sisters, and I planned a big surprise party for my mom on her 50th b-day! She knew that something was being planned, but my dad and some friends of theirs did a great job of throwing her off. About 50 friends and family surprised her for a dinner at Carrabas. We all love my mom and cannot believe she is getting so old:) She still looks as hot as ever.

Halloween '07

2007-11-22T16:17:00.001-08:00

Owen's first weeks

2007-11-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome Baby Owen

2007-11-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

September 24th at 6:45 pm, Owen Daniel Gardner finally arrived! We were all so excited