Gardner Family

Catching up 2012

2012-01-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

So, things have been a little crazy lately and I have received some 'encouragement' to update my blog. Here is a quick update on how we are doing....

Last summer, Enoch got to go on his first Fathers and Sons camp out with Tom. Enoch has become quite the little man.

This summer I did my first mud run with some dear friends in my book club. It was a blast, especially the giant bubble slip n' slide at the end.

Over the summer Tom was working out in CA, so we just had to go out and visit him (and Mickey).

Here is Ruby enjoying her ice-cream while we waited for the parade.

Enoch love being able to 'drive' his own teacup. I think we went on that ride about 6 times.

Sweet summertime!! Grandpa and Grandma Gardner gave us a fabulous hammock. We enjoy many lazy giggles together lounging in the hammock.

Ruby, Silky and Cuddley are quite the trio--never apart. Ruby has started a collection of Teddy Bears.

Enoch loves all things 'gaming', i.e. Mario Kart, Angry Birds, Fancy Pants, ect. He earned this Angry Bird when he graduated to his big boy bed.

Enoch started preschool this year. It took a little getting used to. His favorite part of school is play time.

The girls are at Crescent elementary together this year (Ella in 1st and Ruby in Kindergarten). Ella loves math and Ruby loves art.

One highlight of the year was being able to go see "The Little Mermaid" at Tuachan outdoor theater down in St. George. It started as a girl's trip but we got rained out. So, we drove back down 2 days later with Dad to see the show.

Part of your world...

Poor unfortunate souls...

For her 7th birthday, Ella got her dream purple ipod. She lives with it and diligently charges it every night. She rocks out to Kidz Bop, primary songs, Wicked, and enjoys listening to her Treehouse books.

For Halloween we did a Mario Kart theme. Enoch was the devious Waluigi.

Ella was an elegant Princess Daisy.

Ruby was a perfect Princess Peach.

Ella started gymnastics and piano this fall and loves it. Ruby lives for Wednesdays when she has her art class at the community center. Enoch has been taking a swim/sports class, which helps to expend some of his endless energy.

Ella continues to loose teeth on a regular basis. She just gets cuter with every one.

Last week Ella went up to Primary Children's Hospital for an overnight stay to clean out her little system to try to get her feeling better. It was quite the process. She was a very good sport. Enoch came to have a Popsicle movie party.

The people at Primary's were very good to us. Ella enjoyed endless crafts, boardgames, movies, slushies and Popsicles. We are so glad that everything went well. She is feeling 100% better.

Life is busy and wonderful. I am consistently in awe of how lucky I am. I could not ask for more. This year Tom and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary. I love him more today than I did on our wedding day. I can't believe I got so lucky. I would not change a thing.

California 2010

2010-10-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

Fall 2010

2010-10-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Family!

2010-07-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

My talented, good friend, Lauren Ewing, took some family pictures for us. Here are some of our favorites...just to prove we are still alive :) .

Kids spring 2010

2010-07-04T21:32:00.001-07:00

Asia trip spring 2010

2010-07-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Japan

Seoul tower, South Korea

Thailand

Ulsan, South Korea

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disney

The Great Wall, China

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T20:02:00.001-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year. I am sorry, but I LOVE HALLOWEEN! Here we are off to the trunk or treat. The girls love the Wizard of Oz, so we thought it would be fun to do a family theme. I love this picture...Enoch's big smile, Ruby skipping along merrily, carrying Enoch's bucket for him...excitement.

The girls loved having Tom as the Tin Man. Enoch wasn't bothered by my green face or wig at all...I thought he would get a little freaked out. I had him in the bathroom with me while I was putting it all on, so maybe it gave him time to get use to the idea.
Ruby got a little overwhelmed by all the strange people and costumes. She didn't want her picture taken and only got 3 pieces of candy (while I was standing by her and when I said 'trick or treat'). She was clinging to her silky --'Lions and tigers and bears, oh, my'.

Ella looked so cute as Glinda. She had a fun halloween this year. For each different function, she would choose a different costume: a witch for school parade, Tinkerbell for ballet, and Glinda for trick or treating.

Pictures will never capture how ridiculously cute Enoch looked in this lion costume. The first time I tried it on him, he wanted nothing to do with the hood. The next time, I took him to a mirror so he could see himself. We practiced roaring and he got the idea. From then on he left his hood up and would walk around roaring at everyone.

Flash back

2009-11-01T19:41:00.001-08:00

I thought it would be fun to put Enoch's one month pictures up right next to his 15 month, so you can really see the difference. Everyday that passes I lose my baby just a little more. I know that I am supposed to just enjoy each moment but there is always a sadness for me, that my children will never be as they are right now. They change and grow, and my babies just slip away from me. Don't get me wrong, everyday is more fun and he only gets cuter...I don't know really how to explain it, but for me motherhood is so bitter sweet.

Fall...My 100th Post

2009-11-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

We went for a short hike up the mountain for family night. The leaves were so beautiful!
Here is Ella. She turned 5 this month. She is growing up way too fast...5 going on 20.

Ruby's latest phrase is 'you bobble-head', which she says with an impish grin to anyone who tries to talk to her. These girls are really something else.

One more picture...

2009-09-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

If I could freeze him/time I would. This is how I will remember him as a baby. Fat and happy. Right now he is lying in his crib singing the Elmo 'La-la's... cute, kid, now go to sleep.

My Baby is Growin' Up!

2009-09-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Enoch is officially walking, but is still working on the standing up on his own. So he crawl to something to help him stand (wall, couch, stairs, my leg, ect.), pulls himself up, walks until he loses his balance and then starts all over again. Everyday he is up for longer stretches. I am so happy. Now maybe his knees won't be callused and black.
So handsome! Honestly, this kid never stops smiling. It could be a problem how much I love this kid. I am pretty sure there are going to be days when I will have to close my eyes, focus on the fact that he was breech, just so I can say, "No". I am wrapped.
He loves to play guitar, just like Daddy. Rockin' the Rolls!

The other day at Thanksgiving Point, I let Enoch have his own ice cream cone (they're free). He was in heaven. Of course, most of it ended up in his lap...I have really come a long way since Ella. I never would have let her do this in public. Poor 1st child.

Jealous?

The Cake

2009-08-01T15:56:00.001-07:00

As I was lighting the candle, I was worried about Enoch burning himself. But he was having so much fun having everyone sing to him that he didn't even notice the cake.
It took him a minute to figure out that the cake was for eatting but once he did, there was no stopping him. I will never have a cake with red frosting again. It was everywhere.
I took out of his high chair and took him directly to the bath tub.

I was worried that the red was going to turn his hair pink but luckily it all came out in a couple of washes.
All clean and snuggley in his pjs. I tried to take his picture with Daddy, but he had such a sugar high. He kept screaming and was very excited/hyper. Then he just crash and it was off to bed.

Happy 1st Birthday, Enoch!

2009-08-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

I keep looking at this picture and I can't believe how old Enoch is. I cannot get my mind around the fact that he is 1. Where did this year go? He is such a big boy now.
In the morning the girls and I gave Enoch his presents (Tom had school down in Provo at 7am and missed the wake-up party :( ). I liked this picture of Ella showing Enoch how his phone opens and closes.

Once he figured out what it was and how it worked, he was so excited!

Happy birthday, Enoch! I think Ruby is watching Scooby Doo in the other room...
When these 3 party, it usually ends with Enoch getting just a little too much love.

The Story of the Giggle Sisters

2009-07-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

I got them to stand still for a picture...
One click and then the are off chatting.

So, I quick get in front of them to snap a shot of this hilarious conversation.

Which of course, ends with them falling down, rolling on the ground laughing. These two are so close, that one of the greatest horrors I can imagine is if something happened to the other. Today at church the primary kids got chocolate chip cookies. I happened to be in there because I was subing. Ella walks back to me and hands me half of her cookie and tells me I have to take it to Ruby in nursery...she settled for me saving it for her after church. After her ballet classes, Ella's teacher gave them each 3 Skittles. Ella would always walk out to Ruby and give her first pick of the colors. These pictures really just make it all worth it. It's ok if I have love handles and my house is a mess and I haven't scrapbooked in 2 years. Life is good.

Sweet Summertime

2009-07-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Enoch loves the water. He could be out playing all day.
The girls took swim lessons together and had a lot of fun.

We hit the Thanksgiving Pt. splash park about once a week. It is probably my favorite water venue because Enoch can just crawl around and go crazy. And I promise I am not totally white trash--I was in the process of getting his swim gear on. I just wanted you to be able to feel the love from the rolls. The boy is in heaven. He turns one this week.

The thing I love about summer is the heat. Not just because I love sunshine but also for the way it completely exhausts my children. I take them out to swim and I am guaranteed a 2 hour break while they nap. I didn't get that in the winter.

Ruby turned 3. She has been dreaming of that day for months. She had a Scooby Doo themed swim party--the girl is obsessed. You can't see it buy she is even wearing a Scooby shirt.

2009-04-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Springtime Bliss!

2009-04-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is going to be short because I have 20 pages left in my book but I have been trying to take more pictures of the kids...so here are a few of my new favorites. We are having so much fun being outside again. We can't wait for Easter this weekend--we have already started into the candy!

Enoch, my little man, is 8 months old!

Can you see some of the pizzazz/drama I get to deal with with my girls? (Can I have 2 with's?) These 2 are 2 sides of the same coin--as different as night and day but inseparable. They wear all the same clothes...makes shopping easy, although it doesn't seem to make more room in their dresser...uhmmm.

I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Good Night

2009-03-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. It's a problem because I look at it and I want to have 5 more kids. I just have to remind myself of grocery shopping, bathtime, getting dressed and ready by 8:30am, and all the other moments of insanity. But here are my three buddies all ready for bed, so cute and happy and it is hard not to want this to last forever...

(Ruby has some chocolate on her face. She is my little mouse, it doesn't matter where I hide the treats she can always find them.)

It's Almost Spring!

2009-03-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year! The anticipation for the beautiful Utah spring. I cannot wait to play outside again. To get my garden started--my crocus and daffodils are already on their way. Here is my angel boy--he is 7 months. He continues to be the happiest, easiest kid. He loves sitting up and playing with anything he can get his hands on. His favorites are his cars, paper and plastic bags (well supervised of course).

Tom took Ella skiing for the 1st time a few weeks ago. She did quite well. I think Tom was excited to finally have a girl excited to go with him...I would rather spend my money on a massage. I just really don't like being cold...and paying for it?

Here's Froggy...Ruby didn't want her picture taken. This is her frog that she is obsessed with--he comes everywhere with us.

Finally...

2009-01-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

I guess I am going to be doing quarterly updates on my blog...no really, I will try to be better. I have come to a very liberating realization lately: I don't have to do all the little things that don't really matter unless I want to. I have let go of quite a few things that I felt like I had to be doing to be the ultra woman. I have tried to slow down and just enjoy my kids and just do the things that I really want to. Why is it so hard to be truly content with things just as they are? I want to be happy without changing a thing outside of myself. Happy 2009! (That is really hard to type and mean considering I am going to be 33---deep breaths, Cardon.)

Christmas morning: Ella and Ruby being distracted from the presents by Grandpa Gardner (just getting home from an all nighter at the ER), while Grandma is busy getting breakfast made.
Enoch and Mommy lounging in the massage chair--that's the way to wake-up.

The girls had fun playing in the snow and exploring the woods around Grandpa and Grandma's house.

Here is Enoch--he is 5 months old now and rolling around. He is 97% in height, 95% in weight--big and oh-so-happy. I am obsessed with this child.

Fun Day at Lagoon!

2008-09-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

Tom's company, Delta Valve, held their annual summer party at Lagoon. Ella has been so excited. The other day she asked, 'Mommy can we pleeease go to the swamp today?'. I had no idea what she was talking about. I don't make a habit of taking my kids to the swamp. So I asked her what the swamp was like--'what's at the swamp?' She said, 'You know...the place with the roller coasters'. Oh, Lagoon. How she knows that a Lagoon is kind of like a swamp, I have no idea. I've given up trying to understand how she is so stinkin' smart. Definately Tom's side of the family.
Needless to say, they were in heaven. There was no fear, and Ruby was tall enough to go on all the rides Ella did, so they were crazy happy together.
Here they are in one of there excited giggle hugs waiting for the ladybug ride.
My glamour girl in my new $3 sunglasses ( I know they're a little ridiculous but they were the perfect price for the way I (my girls) go through my sunglasses.)
I wish I would have taken this on video. I held up Enoch's monkey today for him to look at. He started cooing and smiling at him like they were old buddies. It was seriously the cutest thing. One of those mommy moments that I hope I don't forget (which is really asking a lot of my brain--thank goodness for journals).

Enoch's Blessing

2008-09-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Three Generations of Gardners! We were so excited to have Grandpa Gardner and Uncle Stew come out for Enoch's blessing. Grandma Gardner is still recovering from back surgery and was unable to come...we are excited to see her for the holidays in Kansas. The girls loved getting to know their Grandpa better. While he was here we worked and played. He helped us clean out our storage room and garage to get the house market-ready. Then we had a picnic at the park. Grandpa treated us to McDonald's--the girls were in heaven.
I love this picture.
It has become a tradition that Tom dresses the kids in their whites (I'm usually running like crazy trying to get to be on time for church). I love the way that E is looking up at his Daddy...ready for his big day.
Here is Enoch with his gorgeous Grandma Cardon. She was just call to be Relief Society President! So now instead of just busy, she is crazy busy. This week she leaves for a month in Italy with her dad. I can't think of many people who deserve it more--I am going to die without Grandma a phone call away...
Here is how Enoch enjoyed most of his special Sunday. It was so nice of him to sleep and let me eat all of Uncle Robert's delicious food! I LOVE THIS BOY!

Ella Lost Her Tooth

2008-09-03T16:47:00.001-07:00

Ella fell today and knocked out her front tooth. I don't know who cried more--Ella or me. I am suffering from a serious case of post-baby-cry-at-anything. I'm a disaster really. You know it's bad whenyour 3 year old says, 'it's ok, Mom. My tooth is all better'. She was a real trooper.

Park Daze with My Girls

2008-08-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

The girls live to go to the park, especially now as the weather is cooling off a little. We usually go in the morning--Enoch naps in the stroller and the girls run off some energy. Within a few minutes, Ella knows every child's name and is organizing games, while Ruby finds the biggest slide and tries to break the current speed record.
My little minnie...
My joy...Ruby has gotten pretty blonde this summer. I love it.
Here is Aunt Gen playing in the sprinklers with the girls (Mom isn't that fun and crazy).
Our park time always ends with a walk to the stream. The girls love to go on the bridge and throw leaves down to the water. It's perfect because the path wraps around and back to the parking lot (away from the slides...).

Enoch (little Tom) is 1 Month Old!

2008-08-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

My angel boy.
Clean and bright.

Here is Enoch on Aunt Michelle's quilt with the monkey that Ella and Ruby made for him. I am going to take this picture every month for the first year to watch him grow.

Bath time

2008-08-27T14:38:00.001-07:00

Enoch takes his bath very seriously--he always furrows his brow in the bright window light.

He is all clean and snuggled up...my favorite.

Sleepy.

Cutie.

Ella is in love with Enoch (Ruby is warming up to him...).

Enoch Cardon Gardner is Here!!!

2008-07-27T08:34:00.001-07:00

It's a boy. 8 lbs. 6 oz. 22 in. long. Good job mommy.

Ella so excited to visit baby brother in the hospital.

New Gardner family picture.

Little Bits of Summer

2008-06-25T13:18:00.001-07:00

Baby time is almost here!! I've gone into denial mode, although it's getting harder and harder to forget my huge belly. My mom and sisters threw me a wonderful shower with lots of yummy food.
I got talked into taking one belly picture (for the baby book)...here's baby.
The girls love to go to Costco because they can ride in the cart together (and because I usually just get lunch there...pizza and berry smoothie). This is a classic picture of their sisterly affection. I need to do an entire page of just the bear hugs over the last two years.
Summertime is backyard swimming picnic dinners with dad at the grill and all you can eat popsicles for dessert (then straight to the bath). Ruby is wearing Tom's shoes and Ella is just striking a pose--why not?
Here's Dad with his girls. He is fully loving how wet he is getting right now--hence the half smile.

Dinosaur Museum

2008-05-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

Here are the girls at the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. We went with Riley (center, one of Ella's favorite friends). Here they are sitting on the foot of a Supersaurus. They are each about the size of one of his toes. It boggles my mind.
One of Ella's favorite parts was dressing up like different dinos and roaring. She was pretty intimidating to some of the other little kids their. I was following her, explaining, "She's just pretending". She is all passion. Ruby on the flip side just enjoyed quietly playing with the dinosaur toys, arranging them just so.
The other favorite part was the sand excavation pit. They were able to find dinosaur bones and dust them off with paint brushes.
Bare foot in the sand...happiness.

Ward Easter Activiy

2008-03-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Our ward had a fun Easter breakfast. Here are the girls sitting with the large bunny family. Ruby just loved these bunnies--she kept giving them hugs and kisses. Ella just wanted the egg hunt to get started.
These two are quite the combo...Ella the insatiable entertainer and Ruby the constant supporter. Ella loves having someone to always laugh at her silliness (i.e. a basket on her head).
Cheeeeese.
Once Ruby discovered that there was candy inside those plastic eggs, she became quite the enthusiast.
They both had a ball. This year we ended up having 4 egg hunts, so they are well stocked on candy . Except for the jelly beans, we can't quite figure out where they all went. I think a crazy pregnant lady got to them.

We hope you are having a perfect spring--it's my favorite time of year. I am feeling great at 22 weeks along. This is the nice time of pregnancy--not too big, not too sick, and not to tired. We are having a boy and are very excited. We are on the look-out for the perfect name, so if you have any suggestions... Ella is insistent that his name is Max (Max and Ruby--a T.V. show).

A Few Favorite Things

2008-01-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

Ella LOVES to cook. Sometimes, if I'm in a hurry, I have to sneak around the kitchen quietly, so she won't know I starting something. Here she is making Christmas sugar cookies. She is getting excited to make heart ones for Valentine's Day.
Here she is with a mouth so full of dough she couldn't even deny it.
I love this girl.
Another of Ella's favorite things is date night with Dad. Here they are off to the planetarium downtown. She got all pretty and was just beaming.
Ruby's two favorite things are phones and sunglasses. Once she sees either it's all over. She will climb any height, move any obstacle to get to them. We now keep the cell phones on top of the fridge and I've just kind of given up on my sunglasses.

Catch-up...

2008-01-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

Ella turned 3 and had a cute costume party with 3 of her best girls friend.
Happy Thanksgiving! Ruby made a little pilgrim hat with Grandma Cardon.
Of course, Ella wanted to be the native american--she was still on a roll from Halloween.
Snow, snow, snow. The girls have loved going out to play with Daddy in the snow. Yesterday, we got about 18 inches. A little too much for my taste.
My cutie snow bunny.

A Little Behind--

2007-11-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

I lived through the Primary program once again. So I thought I'd get back to life and put some pics up. Here we are at our ward trunk or treat party. Ruby had gotten an early start on the chocolate. This party was a good lesson. We let the girls eat candy and they were up until 10 p.m.--wild. Now they don't eat candy after 6 p.m.
Here is Ella eatting at her birthday party. She's finally 3 -- she thought this day would never come. For a few weeks after, she'd wake-up and ask me, "Mommy, am I still 3?"
'This is a hold-up.' Oh, the endless war of 'I want want she has'. And believe me this battle goes both ways. I think Ella is hiding some candy behind her back (notice Ruby is holding a full bag of candy in her hand).
Happy Halloween, partner!
Trick or Treeeeeat!

Pumpkin Patch at Engh Gardens

2007-10-10T13:53:00.001-07:00

Tom had work off on Monday, so we went over to walk around Engh Garden Center. They had lots of pumpkins, a hay bale maze, and lots of decorations. The girls had fun walking around. Note: Ruby is wearing the jeans that Ella wore last Halloween...
They each picked out their favorite pumkins for this picture. I think this might be the first picture ever where they are both sitting together, smiling and looking at the camera. There is hope for the Christmas pic...
They had this neat iron work Cinderella pumpkin carriage that the kids could go sit in. Ella thought it was the great. The maze was her favorite, though--I think Tom had it memorized by the time we left.

More Fall...

2007-10-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ella got pretty spooked by a cackling witch stirring her brew (a life size mechanical decoration).
Daddy taking the girls for a ride on one of the wagons.
Walking along, singing a song--side by side. Time to go home. 'Come on Ru-beh'
Now that it is fall, we are spending as much time outside before the weather changes. Here's Ruby eatting her snack on the front steps, waiting for Ella to get home from a playdate.
My little giggle box. Here is Ella playing in the leaves. Ruby will have nothing to do with the leaves. She cries and won't go near them.

More Pictures!

2007-08-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ruby is One!

2007-08-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

ruby Joy

Here is my beautiful angel baby. She is already one--it went too fast. She loves to be outside and doing everything Ella does. Including climbing all the way to the top of the slide. She is fearless and makes my heart stop a million times a day. She is the happiest, sweetest girl in the world. I wouldn't trade her for all the Nutella-covered Toblerone in the world.

Ella is excited to start joy school (a kinda of girlfriends-homeschool-preschool, where all the moms take a week...). She is incredibly smart and will strike up an intelligent, although random, conversation with anyone and everyone.

My Beauties.

Oahu & The Polynesian Cultural Center

2007-07-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Turtle Bay Resort, located up on the north shore of Oahu was so nice. It was the perfect place to stay.
Perfect
At the PCC, Tom was so jealous that the employees didn't have to wear shirts and got to have tattoos. Here I am getting a little 'culture'--ever the wild child.
Here we are at the big nightly Luau. Here are the men ( because men do the majority of the cooking in Hawaii...) pulling out the pig that had been cooking in the ground all day for us. Yummy!

The Hikes of Hikes on Hawaii

2007-07-12T18:08:00.001-07:00

Here is the trail head of the Kalalua trail that takes you up and along the Na Pali coast (west side of Kauai, which can only be reached on foot or by boat). It was amazing. We hiked down to a beach and then inland about 2 miles to a gorgeous waterfall (our favorite).
Here is a picture of Tom. Behind him you can see Ke'e beach is where the trail starts. After the hike we found water (because we ran out about half way) and then went snorkeling there.
This is the beach we hiked down to...
Here's a picture of the Na Pali coast.
And here is me with my favorite thing in Hawaii: MASUMOTO'S. Pure joy in the form of a snow cone with super fine ice, ice-cream at the bottom, and sweetened condensed milk on top. It was indescribably amazing. We were on Oahu for 2 days and we went twice (I made Tom stop on the way to the airport). We'd have to wait at least 1/2 each time because the line was out the door. I bought the t-shirt.

Mahalo

2007-07-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun kyaking up the Wialua River and then hiking to the Hidden Falls. The water was pretty cold but it felt good after the hike.
Bliss in Paradise.
This is Tunnels Beach, which ended up being our favorite place to snorkel in Kauai. We saw turtels, seals, and tons of fish. It also had that eerie point where the reef just drops off and the ocean fads to black.
This was my favorite part about vacation. The day after our crazy 8 mile hike, I just sat on the beach and read. Lazy. This was at Poipu Beach.
One night we went for a walk on a long bike path that ran along the beach.

More Tulips

2007-04-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

We went to see the tulips with Robert, Michelle, Reed, Amanda, and James. Ella had her own personal tour guide in Amanda, who chauffeured her around.
Here's we are by the water fountain in the secret garden.
The kids had fun splashing around--it turned out to be quite a warm day.
Giddy-up, Daddy. After quite a lot of walking, the girls took turns getting a ride from Dad.

Yipee!

Tulips at Thanksgiving Point

2007-04-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

When the adventure starts off with a pink sprinkled doughnut, you know it's going to be beautiful.
The flowers were amazing and the spring weather was perfectly warm.

The girls had so much fun running around and seeing all the different gardens.

Aquarium with Grandma Cardon

2007-04-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Grandma Cardon came to town to buy a condo (very nice in South Jordan). She'll be moving out here in June. We are soooo excited to have her close. While she was here we got to go to the Sandy Aquarium. (I didn't get the pink memo...)
Everyday Ruby is more fun. She is alway so happy and love to be out doing stuff--unless of course it nap time and then all she wants is her silky and bed.
Riley, Ella's best friend, came too. Riley is the girl that LaDonn takes care of. Look, Mommy, it's NEMO! Ruby liked the sharks the most. They kept swimming right by her--such a yummy morsel. In this picture, you can see the tiger shark on the other side of the glass right by her hands. Ruby got so excited.

Friends from Cali!!!

2007-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

We had such blast when some of our dear friends stopped in from California. First, the Farnsworths (Nate, Ashley, Hailey and Brook) came to stay. We all had a great time laughing and eatting yummy food.
It was too short but definately sweet to see the girls become best buddies again.
Then Lena and Lily Kubota came to stay. Timo was on a business trip, so the girls came to stay with us. Lily and Ella had some good chats.
Lily is a little doll--so cute and happy. The girls loved her. The morning after they left, Ella kept asking, "When came Lily come back to play?". Hopefully, we'll see her soon at the beach!

Grandpa and Nancy Came to Town!

2007-04-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

The girls loved spending time with their Great-Grandpa and Grandma! I don't know how Nancy didn't get caught by my camera--she's sneaky! She made her wonderful meatball sauce and stuffed mushrooms. We had quite the feast!
Grandpa serenaded Ella...
which won him a great big kiss!
She loves her Grandpa! It was great fun to have them stay with us.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ella was so excited this year for the big egg hunt. She loved to find an egg and then sit down to enjoy it's contents...
Here is Tom pointing out some of the hot spots before the race begins. There was also some coaching along the lines of "pick of the egg, put it in your basket and then quick try to find another one".
Now that Ruby is mobile and in to everything, Ella has become quite a concerned about her things. Here she is not so gently explaining to Ruby that this egg is 'minnnneh'. Ruby is such a good sport--she just smiles at the Ella, knowing that her time will come.

Here is Ruby going for the basket of eggs. She is pulling herself up and loves walking with help...won't be too long.

April showers bring May flowers...The Easter Bunny brought the girls some dress up flower headbands.

Dinosaurs!!!!

2007-03-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving point. Ella had a blast. Here she is on a giant scale--she weighs as much as a Eoraptor! (25lbs.)
Here's my own personal little raptor. Ruby loves to attack people's shoes.
They had a great big sand pit where the kids could use brushes to uncover their own dino bones. Ella stayed in there for quite a while with frequent breaks to let me dump out the sand in her boots.
The real reason dinosaurs went extinct...
Ella taking a rest on the foot of a supersaurus. These things were HUGE.

Happy Spring! a day at the park

2007-03-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here are my little sun sprites.
Ella's favorite thing to do at the park is to reorganize all the wood chips.
Wheeeeee!
Ruby loves getting to do all the big girl things.
Mini-me--Ruby is definately all Tom.

Ruby is 6 Months Old!

2007-02-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Here's my Ruby Joy! She's my big shot. She is long (and not too delicate) and has almost graduated to 12-18 mo. size clothes. She weighs just over 20lbs. (which Ella didn't hit until after she was 1 years old) and Ella is 25lbs. Watch out. She is getting quite mobile with her combination rolling and army crawl. When she sees something she wants, i.e. her daddy's toes or Ella's goldfish, there is no stopping her.
I love every roll on this little bit of love.
Here are the girls with Grandma and Grandpa Gardner over Christmas break. Ruby and Grandma are having a nice chat, while Grandpa and Ella are just chillin'.
Ella is enjoying the fact the Ruby is getting more playful and wrestling worthy. They are laughing in this picture because as soon as I'd take the picture Ella would fall back, bringing Ruby with her and then they'd both roll around laughing.
I love this face.

The New Year

2007-01-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

We had a very Merry Christmas in Kansas with the Gardners. It was fun this year because Ella was so excited about everything--leaving cookies for Santa, her stocking and of course the presents.
On Dec. 26th, Ruby had her first taste of solid foods. She wasn't that thrilled and is only now starting to enjoy them (a good month later).
The weather was pretty nice in Kansas--warm enough that we went to a park. Unlike Utah that has been fridig with tons of snow. (I'm not even going to bring up how I am missing California)Ruby is mastering sitting up. This was taken on New Year's Eve. She was 5 1/2 months old.
Here is Ella in her pink wig ("just like Stephanie" from LazyTown, her latest obsession--if you don't know, don't ask) that she got for Christmas in her dress up box. My little pixie/rock star.

The Lights at Temple Square

2006-12-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

Here's Ruby all bundled up and ready to go. She got in the stroller and fell asleep in her little cocoon.
Here's the beautiful temple at night. This is where Tom and I were married, so we always love coming back.
Here we are all bundled up--it was so cold. We walk straight to the Nativity, into the visitor's center to warm-up and then we were done.
Ella had a great time--she brought her doll, Sabrina, to see the lights.
Here's Tom navigating the stroller through the sea of people.

Ho Ho Ho

2006-12-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Ruby and Santa were instant friends--two jolly ol' souls with rosy cheeks. It took Ella a little longer to warm up to big guy but once they started chatting Ella had plenty to say. This year for Christmas she wants a new green balloon because hers popped. He's gonna see what he can do.
Big loves for Daddy.
twinkling lights
Ella loves holding Ruby. Ruby is not so sure.
Ella's first snowman of the season.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2006-11-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

Here's Ella and Ruby in the holiday overalls Michelle Gardner and I made over the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a little too much fun.
Two giggle boxes.

Kisses--Ella is so sweet and gentle with Ruby (most of the time).
Ruby's favorite part of her new outfit are the edible pom-poms...kind of a problem.

Thanksgiving Weekend with the Gardner Cousins!

2006-11-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

After Thanksgiving dinner with Jared and Sherry, we headed down to Springville to spend the weekend with Robert and Michelle. Ella and Ruby had a great time playing with their cousins. Here are the girls--Ella, Ruby, and Amanda.
Amanda is wearing Michelle's ice-skating outfit and James is just loving the camera. He kept posing for a picture.
Ella really didn't want to take this one but Reed looks so handsome I had to put this one up. I can't believe how big they are all getting.
Here's Ella's "cheese" smile. (She's also dressed in one of Michelle's costumes).

Jared and Sherry's Wedding!

2006-11-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

Jared and Sherry were married on October 14th, 2006. Talon was the ring bearer. It was a beautiful ceremony--outside at sunset. We love Sherry and are so happy that Jared found her.
Here's the Cardon Clan.
Ruby is pretty excited to be 4 months. She is one month closer to dancing with Ella.
Here's my littlest beauty.
"Shhhh--don't tell Mommy that I know how to roll over." I'll put Ruby on her tummy and while I'm not looking she'll flip over on to her back again. I know she can do it--I'm just waiting to see it.

Happy Halloween!

2006-11-22T15:37:00.000-08:00

Ruby is 3 months old.
Bath time is still her favorite (mine, too...).

The lucky black cats.
Ella was the cutest witch this year. This was my Ebay bidding for blood purchase (and I don't feel bad about it.).

Ruby is 10 weeks

2006-09-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Sisters, sisters. There were never such devoted sisters...
Ella is perfecting her head lock. (Tom, no more wrestling with her). I really am trying to keep this from being a portrait of Ruby's life.
Ruby is getting all chubby. I love it.

Here is Ruby and Aunt Gen on the day of her blessing back in August. I love this picture.

A Little Silliness

2006-09-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Ella helping Mom with the laundry. She sure is good at helping me empty the basket--folding the clothes is a different story. Ah, the life...fruit snacks, a See & Say and a laundry basket. She'd stay all day if she could.
Here's Ella making th 'squishy-chubby-fish' face that Aunt LaDonn taught her.
For play group this week, we learned about circles. This is Ella's circle colage.
She had more fun putting the masking tape on her face, than on her art project.
Here is Ruby lounging patiently outside, while Mommy and Ella swing. Ella just can't wait for the day that Ruby can run and play with her. She always wants Ruby to have a turn.

Ruby's Blessing

2006-08-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ruby was blessed on Aug. 13th. We were so lucky to have all of the Gardner family here and most of the Cardons. We had a wonderful dinner to celebrate Ruby's blessing and Tom's birthday. It was so fun to have everyone together in our home. It felt like Christmas.
Tom bless Ruby that she would be 'calming waters' in our home. And she truely is. She is pure bliss. She's either smiling, looking wide eyed, eatting or sleeping.
Here she is catching up with Daddy after scout camp (Doesn't he look hot all ruff and scruffy?).
Here's my new favorite picture of Ruby. Karissa, put the camera down and back away. I can't stop taking pictures of my girls.

Some Firsts...

2006-08-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

Our first family picture with Ruby. Ella couldn't take her eyes off Ruby.
Ruby's First Bath given by Grandma Cardon.
Ella's first time holding Ruby.
Ruby's first family hike was up at Alta.
One of Ruby's many smiles. She is the happiest, sweetest, most patient baby. She is three weeks in this picture.

Here's Ruby!!!

2006-08-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the hospital. We got checked in at about 8am and Ruby was born at exactly 2pm.
She wasn't to happy about being on the outside. I love this face.
Here Ruby is showing off her long legs and her big feet.
Here's the Gardner Girls. Ella came to visit that first night.
Here our beautiful new daughter.

Fun in the sun

2006-05-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

It has been almost 90 degrees here the last few days so we went and bought a wadding pool. Ella has been in heaven.
Bubbles!

Splash, splash.

Back to Cali!

2006-05-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the beach, loving life.
Ella had fun playing tag with the surf. Mom got her work out trying to keep her within grab reach.

Disneyland is getting so much fun now that Ella is getting older. We had to go back and use our annual pass one more time before it expired. I'm so glad the carousel never has too long of a line because it is Ella's favorite. The best part of the entire trip was seeing our all friends. I'm going through withdrawl all over again.

Sleeping Beauty

2006-04-28T23:04:00.000-07:00

The other day Ella fell asleep in her swing--her new favorite thing that the Easter Bunny brought her.
Here she is knocked out in the car.
All cuddly and ready for ni-night. I love the 'post-hairdo' do.
Here's Princess Ella all dressed up in her princess apparel that Grandma Cardon sent her.
Last weekend we all went up to Sundance for dinner. Ella wanted in that water so badly. I think she made my heart stop at least 6 times with her attempts.

Spring Time in Utah

2006-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!
Ella got her very own watering can to help Mommy in the garden.
She is the happiest outside in the dirt.
We had Reed, James and Amanda over to help us clean up the yard.
Ella loves to scoop the dirt onto the pavement and then put it back in.

Getting Dressed.

2006-03-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

This morning Ella decided that she wanted to wear Mommy's clothes. This red shirt was the first thing to be tugged off the hanger, followed by an insistant "On!". About 5 shirts later (all left heaped on the floor), Mom was ready for a new game.

Ella's New Backpack

2006-03-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

Ella was so excited today because Grandma Cardon sent her a Care Bear backpack.
She kept walking around in circles, enjoying the swing of it on her back and trying to catch a glimpse of it. She looks like such a big girl.
Thank-you, Grandma!
Needless to say, she didn't take it off all day. Here she is watching video games while Blake and Braydon were over hanging out.

LaDonn's 20th Birthday!

2006-03-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

This cake is a tribute to my amazing cake decorating mentor, Summer Perry.

LaDonn, Kendra, Krista and Brett.

Kilene, Jeff, Jared and LaDonn.

LaDonn, Ella, Karissa, and Tom. We miss you, Mom and Brett!!!

Is it spring yet?

2006-03-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here we are out for a walk. Aunt LaDonn took these cute pictures of Ella.

Our little tree hugger.

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

All dressed for church--three soon to be four.
Here is Ella all dolled up in Grandma Cardon's Valentine's Day dress.
Here is Ella enjoying some roaming freedom out in the foyer of the church.
2 1/2 months until nursery. Oh, happy day!

Snow Shoeing

2006-02-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

Here we are up at Solitude snow shoeing. It was a clear, warm day. We had a lot of fun--Ella learned to say 'snow'.

"Just going along, singing a song-- side by side"
Ella lasted as long as she could and then decided to take her morning nap. Our little snow angel.

We Love McDonalds!

2006-01-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Here's the Cardon Clan at McDonald's one day over the Christmas break--the perfect place to let the kids run wild and let the old people talk.
Ella loved the ice-cream--her aunts and uncles love to introduce her to all sorts of new yummy things.
Ladonn went up into the playland with Ella and brought her down the slide.
Grandma loved playing with Krista and Ella on the toddler slide.
The crazies up in the tower. This look out was fun because it looked right over where we were eatting so Ella could wave at all of us.

Some of Ella's Firsts...

2006-01-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ella's first electric mixer beater with whipped cream.
Yummy. She's all smiles now but it was quite the opposite when it came time to let the beaters go. She's really getting the tantrum thing down. Ah, joy.
After the suggestion from Aunt Kilene, Mom put in Ella's first full pigtails. She was really happy about it...
Freedom, sweet freedom. This is later that night when we took them out. It was a good fro.

And this is my favortie bed head yet. It really isn't fair that this hair adorns the head of someone who at this point could really care less. I wish I could borrow her hair for a few years. Is that wrong?

Some of Ella's Utah Favorites

2006-01-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

One of her favorite Christmas presents was a little rocking bug. It plays 'You Are My Sunshine'. She goes crazy on this thing. She gives it loves and kisses.

Here she is out in our backyard playing in the snow. She is still getting used to having things covering her hands. It drives her crazy not being able to touch everything.

Tom decided to it was time that Ella started learning how to shovel the driveway. "Who needs a snow blower when you have kids?" So he put her in the Bjorn and out they went. (Can you see me just silently shaking my head?)

She loved it!

Home

2006-01-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here is the entry way and front closet. It's amazing how different it all looks now that is painted. I'll work on getting some newer pics up.

Stairs to upstairs (3 bedroom, 2 bath). There is also a basement with a large storage room and guest bedroom and bath.

I love the hardwood floors in the kitchen/dining area. It's kinda funny to look at pictures of our house with someone elses furniture in it.

Step down family room. I love how open it is and we always feel together. The door on the right leads to the laundry, garage, and basement. To the left are the doors to the backyard.

We were so excited to inherit this awesome playset. Ella loves the swings. It is fun having a yard. I can't wait for spring--to get out and plant my garden.

Home Sweet Home

2006-01-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Here is the front of our new home. All these pictures are back from November before we moved in. I'll have to do a serious clean/decorate job before I put up new pictures.

Here is lovely Apple Tree Dr.

This is the front living room. The front door is too the right of the picture, right behind that chair. The picture was taken from up on the stairs looking down. I love the all the windows and the tile windowsill for plants.

Same front living room. The high ceiling goes up and over to the kitchen.

Harvest Time

2005-11-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is a picture that Jen Profitt, our good friend in CA, took of Ella at the pumpkin patch. I love this picture of Ella--she was so happy that day, out in the sunshine with all the pumpkins.

Yeah, I'm One!

2005-11-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Oops, we forgot this one.

One Year Old

2005-11-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Ella is one. She is taking about 8 steps before she gets nervous and sits down. Instead of picking her up all the time, I'll hold out my finger, she'll grab it and walk around the house with me. She has mastered the stairs with the occassional humbling review of gravity.

We are enjoying Utah, trying to get used to the colder weather. We are in escrow for a great house in Sandy, UT. It has a guest room and bath downstairs, so you are always invited. You know I love to play hostess.

Today, Tom and Ella flew to Kansas to visit Grandpa and Grandma. Tom has a free ticket. I stayed because our airline budget is being put into the 'fridge, washer, dryer, paint, tile, ect.' budget. Plus, it means 4 mornings of sleeping in. Maybe I'll get over this cold. We Love You!!

Sunday Best

2005-10-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

DADDY, WE MISS YOU!!!!!

Here's Ella all ready for church last Sunday. It was our last time in Rancho Santa Margarita

Our Last Weekly Trip to Disneyland

2005-10-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Since it was our last day, we were sure to hit our favorites: Small World (that Ella is enjoying in the above picture), the Sleeping Beauty Carousel (below), and Dumbo. There is a certain glaze of wonder that comes over little kids when they go on Small World--as they try to take it all in.

She just laughs when the carousel starts turning and points as the kids next to her go up and down.
While waiting in line this last time, she did not want to be held. She'd hold onto the bars (we love hand santizer) while we waited and then I'd help her walk along further up the line. Then she'd grap on to the railing again and watch Dumbo fly around. I am really going to miss watching her watch the wonder of this place. She makes it the happiest place on earth.

A Day at the Getty Museum

2005-10-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here's Dad and Ella riding the tram up to the museum.

Ella loved walking around and looking at everything. I think her favorite part of the museum was the way that her voice echoed in the quiet, large rooms. She definately thought the place was too quiet.

The gardens and buildings were so beautiful. Here we are by one of the fountains near the entrance. This was towards the end of our visit. It was a hot, bright day and Ella was all partied out. She had a nice long nap on the drive back down from L.A. (after we stopped at Dee Dee Reese for cookies and ice-cream).

Our Last Day at the Beach

2005-10-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ella would crawl straight out to Catalina if we didn't stop her.

Tom isn't working this week, so we made a list of all the things we want to do one last time before we move. The beach was number one. We spent the day splashing, digging up crabs, eatting sand and grabbing Ella as she tried to crawl into every incoming wave.

Happy Birthday, Mommy

2005-10-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Happy 29th birthday to me. As my cousin Tara said, "If 30 is the new 20, then you're only 19!"

Look deeeeep into my eyes.

This is my current Ella favorite: She scrunches up her face so tight and then breathes in and out really fast through her nose.

The Happiest Place on Earth

2005-10-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

We've had fun going to Disneyland every Thursdays for the last few weeks--trying to get our fill before we leave California.

One guess who the leader of our band is...

I'm pretty proud of this picture.

Ella favorite rides are the carousel, the Dumbo ride and of course Small World.

Wild Animal Park

2005-08-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ella and I had so much fun at the Wild Animal Park. We saw lions, rhinos, giraffes, and lots more safari animals. They have this great tram ride that goes around the entire park and you see all the animals out roaming. This is a really great place--quite different from a zoo. My favorite were all the baby animals. I want a baby giraffe.

Just hatched! Here's Ella sitting in an ostrich egg.

Ella's favorite part was holding on to this railing on the tram ride and then rocking out.

Sheer happiness--it's always the little things.

They had a petting zoo. These deer were so gentle. I had never been so close to one before.

Take me out to the ball game.

2005-08-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

On Friday, August 5th, 2005 we went to see an Angels game. We got to the game at about 8pm, when Ella usually goes to bed. She sat there in all the lights and noise, trying to figure out what was going on.

Ward Beach Party

2005-08-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Our church group had a beach bonfire last Friday night at the San Clemente Pier. Ella and Andrew prepping for the sandcastle building contest. Ella dipping her toes in the water for the first time.
Daddy teaching Ella how to read the waves...which ones to catch and which ones to let go.
Daddy's little surf girl.
Dinner Time! The sun was so low in the evening sky that we had to just lay the umbrellas on the sand to get some shade for the babies.

Ella and Mommy enjoying the sunset.
Bliss is a blue swing on the beach.
Higher, Mommy!
All tired out.

2005-07-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

We spent the 4th of July this year up in Santa Barbara at the home of Sheryl Marquis. It was like staying in a fancy resort, private beach and all. This picture was taken in her backyard.

2005-07-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ella means 'beautiful fairy'. It suit her. She is magical in her sweet pixie way.

This is mommy's favorite picture of Ella.

Here is Ella on Father's Day, wearing the pretty outfit that Grandma Cardon sent her.

2005-07-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ella hanging with Dad

2005-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ella at the beach

Do-si-do

2005-05-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ella and Mommy went to a country picnic at church. Yee-Haw!

Yummy

2005-05-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ella had her first rice cereal on March 6th, 2005. She's the new Gerber baby.

Happy Easter

2005-03-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

the Ella Bunny

2005-02-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Valentines Ella

2005-02-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

Valentines pictures of Ella

2005-02-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

Valentines pictures of Ella

First Laugh

2005-02-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

Today Ella and Karissa went to visit Kim, Chad and new baby Briggs Marquis at Mission Hospital. Chad was holding and tickling Ella and she had her first official laugh! Sheer happiness. She gets cuter and cuter everyday.

2005-01-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Karissa and Tom