It's Picture Time...Say Cheese!

 

 I can finally say we have some "official" family pictures.  I've been wanting them for a while now, and finally got around to taking them.  It was an interesting experience because I took all the pictures, yes even with me in them.  Last Christmas Zach got me a remote for my camera that lets me set up the shot and then take the picture from anywhere I want.  It's a lot nicer than trying to run back and forth from the camera to get into the shot.  Can I say I LOVE my Nikon! 



My Favorite Shot of Ted!

 

 It was a little tricky trying to get Stetzen to cooperate, though.  He does alright when there's someone behind the camera giving him funny faces and making him smile, but when we're all in front of the camera, it was hard to get him to even look in the right direction.  Finally, I got him to see the red light on my camera when I pushed my clicker and got a couple of him actually looking at the camera.  Needless to say, it only took about 20 tries.

 

 

All in all, I think they turned out pretty good.  The only regret I have okay, the only two regrets, are 1) I wish I would have picked a better coordinating outfit for Stetzen and Zach and 2) I was banking on the fact the leaves had turned in the area I wanted to go.  The leaves had changed around the area so I assumed that farther down the road, by farther I mean a 10-15 minute drive, they would be the same.  I should never assume anything!  I always tend to be wrong when I do.  To comment on the first regret...the groupings worked good between Zach and me and Stetzen and me, but there were too many plaids going on when you put the boys, yes I mean boys, together.  

This is my favorite group shot of us :)

 

By the time I took this shot, Ted was finished taking pictures.  His tolerance of the camera only lasts about 5 minutes, and I think by the time we got to this one, it'd been around 30.  Poor kid, he's always going to be trailed by a camera, lol.

My Favorite Couple Shot!



I'm hoping that one day in the future I'll be confident enough to take pictures professionally.  I like to do it, but I'm absolutely petrified of messing up and not getting the photos people want.  For now my poor family will have to be my test subjects.  As far as Zach goes, he'd rather be trampled by a horse than get his picture taken, but I managed to get him to say yes to this little adventure.  I guess that just shows who runs my household!

It's Birthday Time...Bring on the Tractors

 

I wanted Stetzen's first birthday to be a special one, so I invited close friends and family to come celebrate our little guy's big day.  Little did I know, the worlds were conspiring against me.  I had planned to have his party at Centennial Park in Evanston and then go swimming at the Evanston Rec Pool.  I called the Monday before the party to make sure the pool would be open, and they informed me that they were going to be doing maintenance on it and it would be closed.  So, the swimming got nixed.  That Monday, a man in my ward died, and as ward organist, I was asked to play for the funeral, which was the same day as Stetzen's party.  Now things were getting a little too stressful.  The time of the party would still work, but I would be cutting it VERY CLOSE to get there and set up before everyone came.  Well, the funeral did not run too long and I was able to squeeze in the time to get down there, but with little to no time to decorate.  When we got there, the wind was blowing 100 mph and it was starting to sprinkle.  So, at the last minute I had to ask Zach's sweet sister if we could move the party there.  I felt bad to intrude, bad that the great party ideas I had were essentially null and void, and disappointed that all my decorations didn't get set up.

 

Now for the GOOD!  As you can see, we went with a John Deere Tractor/Farm theme for the BIG 1st Birthday.  I made the cakes myself, and had a difficult time pulling off the tractor cake for Stetzen.  I think I tried 2-3 different times and finally settled with what he got.  It did it's purpose and he loved it!

 

We had a lunch planned with the party and order Subway sandwiches.  Each item on the menu tied in with the farm/John Deere theme.  We had a Veggie Garden (sandwich veggies), Pig Slop (jello), Feed Row (sandwiches), and the Water trough (drinks).  I thought it was fun to have and will probably try to do something like this for each special birthday!

When we gave Stetz his cake and candle to blow out, he really didn't know what to do or what was going on.  After a little coxing we got him to blow out the candle and his cousin Jake helped him dig into his cake.  I think Jake enjoyed it more than he did!  By the end of it, the cake was unrecognizable and frosting ended up in his hair, ears, and all over his face and hands.  I think that was the best moment to watch and enjoy with him.

 

When it came time for presents, he opened up Aunt Jen's gift first.  Once he saw the toy cars, he was done!  He loves pushing cars around and we had a hard time getting him to want to open the other gifts.  

 

His Aunt Rach got him a farm puzzle which was so cute!  He also loves animals, so it was perfect!



My cousin MicKenzie and her husband Trevor were able to come and got him cars and a car mat.  I remember driving cars with my brother over one of these when I was younger, so I'm sure he will love to do the same.  Again, once he saw the cars, he was hooked and we started all over on trying to get him to open up gifts.

 

My parents gave Stetz a barn and farm animals.  I know he'll love this too!  As I said earlier, he loves animals.  I guess it's a good thing we live on a ranch where he can see and play with them all growing up!  Zach had a barn and animals too growing up and that CONSUMED his time at home.  It's fun to see our interests showing in Stetz as early as this!  I love him!

 

Finally, Zach and I gave Stetzen a wagon.  He loves riding in his stroller and pushing things so we thought this would be a fun gift for him to have.  He and Jake both loved it!

 

I hope his birthday was one to remember!  I'm sure he won't remember it, but maybe looking back he'll enjoy the moments we did.  We love this little guy and can't believe it's already been a year since he first came to us!  We are truly blessed and enjoy everything he brings to our family.

My, My, a Year Gone By!

 

Has it really already been a year since this handsome little boy became mine?  I can't believe it!  The time has gone by so fast!  Before I know it, he'll be graduating high school and leaving home.  Let's hope that doesn't come too fast!

 

Growth Stats:

Weight:  21 lbs 11 oz

Height:  30 inches

 

Milestones:

Plays Peek-A-Boo

Walks!

 

World, watch out because Stetzen is cruising on two feet instead of his hands and knees!  It seemed to take him a little while to figure out the walking but once he did, he cruised right into 5th gear!  This little boy is on the move and he can't get there fast enough!  I am both excited and sad to see this day come.  Excited because he's progressing and sad because he is getting older and bigger.  Some days I wish that he could always just stay a little baby, but I know that can't happen.  I enjoy every milestone he reaches and all the new things he does and says now.  He learns so fast I don't think I'll be able to keep up with him!

 

 

I love this picture of Stetzen!  Every night (including nap time) Stetzen has to have his stuffed animals.  They are his safety nets as you will for going to bed.  When I put him down, I give him all his animals, but as of late, his favorite is his elephant.  When I went to check up on him during one of his naps, I saw him all cuddled up to his elephant.  It was so precious that I had to take this picture!  Priceless I think!

 

This boy is such a happy kid!  Everything is all smiles and laughs unless it's nap time.  In addition to all his toys, he LOVES playing on the computer.  I had to set up a play gate to keep him off of it when I was working on it.  If not, I would be missing a keyboard and mouse! 



And finally, I have to share one of Stetzen's all time obsessions...Diet Coke (or any pop for that matter)!  I have my wonderful husband to thank for my now one year old's love of pop.  We went to Browning's and got him his very own pop while we ate.  I'm sure he thought he was in heaven.  I know most people might think that we are horrible parents for allowing it, but I let him splurge on an already prevalent addiction.  One day I hope he will get sick of it, and be a water kid!  Here's to dreaming!

And for the last monthly photo...here is Stetzen at his 12 month photo!  I love this little guy!

Back Porch

After adding a storage/mud room onto the trailer, we were finally able to add some siding and steps.  It really makes the room more functional and hopefully all the muddy shoes will enter here from now on!  We bought some pine 2x4's and stained them a cedar color for the porch and steps.  It was a fast and easy project that we should have done ages ago!  I think they turned out pretty darn good.  We plan to re-stain our deck out the kitchen and our front steps using this we love it so much.  Here's to our bragging rights for the month, lol.

Fair



 

This year I decided it would be fun to go into and stay at the Sweetwater County Fair.  We got a camper space next to Zach's mom's and spent the week watching 4-H events and browsing the booths.  It was a nice break from the country life.  Zach had to work for half the week, so it was nice for him to be closer to work.

 





 

We took Stetzen up to a couple of the concerts and he seemed to love them.  He danced around to the music and fit in with all the funny drunks flailing their arms and dancing.  Too funny.



Stetzen also loved to go see the 4-H animals and Brands' steers were no exception.  His black steer was a little wild, but Big Red was as tame as an old dog.  This is a pic of Stetzen sitting on his back while Brands blow dries and styles Red's gorgeous ginger locks. 

When Brands was showing Red, a man that was sitting behind us made the comment that Brands and his steer looked good.  They both sported the red hair and nothing could be more stylish or cool.  it made me laugh.

Rachel and her kids also came down for a day.  Alyah and Caige both loved the animals and had to have a ride on the ponies.  Grandma got a good kick out of it. 

 

After each of the concerts over the weekend, they had fireworks.  This time, Stetzen seemed to enjoy them and even was entertained.  Overall, it was a fun week and a nice break from the country livin.





11 Months & Counting!

 

I can't believe how fast my little man is growing up!  Everyday I wish he could just stay my cuddly little baby, but then I enjoy the new things that comes with him getting yet another month older.  Today Ted is 11 months!  Crazy! 

 

 

Growth Stats:

Weight:  20 lb 5 oz

Height:   29.5 inches

 

Milestones:

New Word:  Uh-Oh!

 

This month has been fun and exciting.  It seems like my little guy has hit the toddler stage already.  I don't know if I am ready for that or not, but every day he gets more comical and I love him even more than you can imagine. 

 

For the especially great highlights, I would like to introduce two of Stetzen's favorite things, one 1) the kitchen oven and two 2) the couch.  If you ever try looking for him, these are the places to go.  It seems a little random that he loves playing with the rags hanging from the stove, but if that's what he likes, then that is cheap  entertainment for me to provide!  He also loves to sit on the couch.  He is my best cuddle buddy for movies or just any time.  Watch out ladies, cuz this little guy will melt your heart! 

 

Stetzen's new favorite word to say is "Uh-Oh!"  It is so cute!  He'll say it at the most random times and in reply to just about anything.  It's so cute to see him learning to interact with adults in an "adult" way.  I can't wait to hear what my little guy has to say!

And for a funny little story, I turn your attention to a sacrament meeting experience.  I will preface the story by saying that Stetzen loves a good bottle.  I take one to church for him to have during sacrament meeting because it falls in line with his daily bottle and nap.  Well, this particular Sunday, he was extremely excited to get his bottle.  As I was mixing it up for him, he began shouting, "Ya! Ya! Ya!" with the speed of a China man that they all blurred into one word.  It was extremely funny.  And to add to that, Tracie Westerberg thought it was so cool that she tried imitating him.  We all had a good chuckle over it. 

 

We also got to go swimming over the 4th.  Stetz is still a little undecided about the pool, but he loves a good hot tub!  I guess the cold water is for the birds, lol.

 

And once again, here is the official 11 month photo of Stetzen brought to you by grandpa's John Deere Tractor.

 

Fourth Firework Fun, Oh My!

 

This year we spent the 4th in Rupert.  I have many great memories of the parade and family festivities and wanted Stetzen to experience some of that.  We made it to the parade just before it started and Stetzen was the kid of the hour.  He had his Great Grandma Bessire, Grandma & Grandpa Bessire, Kate, Jake, Kurt & Melissa, his Great Aunt & Uncle Bessire, Great Cousins Kenz & Trevor, Ashley & Trent, and Brody & Hanni all to dote upon him.  He loved all the attention.  About half way through the parade, he tanked out.  Poor boy had too much fun!

After the parade, we went back to my mom's house and had lunch with the Bessire's and the Poz's.  As is tradition, we had a BBQ with hamburgers, hot dogs, and plenty of salads, fruit, and desserts! 

After the filling meal, we played Ping-Pong and volleyball.  Stetzen also took full advantage of Kate's tramp and loved every minute of it.  Later that afternoon, all the cousins went out to the old Jackson Bridge and floated down the Snake River.  I t was nice and relaxing and a great way to cool off from the hot summer sun.  I knew that I would be a fried tomato if I didn't put sunscreen on so I plastered it all over.  It still amazes me that I still came home with a pretty good sunburn.  I tried!

 



Not long after we got back, it started to get dark, so we brought out the pyro fun!  Zach and I brought a few fireworks from home to shoot off.  It was a good show and can I say I love the smell of fireworks!  I get made fun of for it, but it's true.  It's much like the smell of a gun after you shoot and even car exhaust.  It's amazing I don't have lung disease, lol.  I wish I would have gotten some pictures of the fireworks, but Stetzen did not like the sound of them and pretty much cried through them.  Poor boy. 

My Grandma Bessire also demanded that I get a generation shot of all the men (boys) in the family.  Even though Zach is not blood, needed it.  I'm glad I got a pic of all of them.  It turned out pretty good.

The next day, we went down to Lagoon and spent the day riding the rides while the parentals enjoyed Pioneer Village and ice cream.  We had a great 4th and loved spending it with family and friends!

10 Months & Loving It!

 

 

Growth Stats:

Weight:  20 lbs 0 oz

Height:  29 inches

 

Stetz loves play time!  He has found where all his toys are stashed and dumps them out on a daily basis.  He is getting so smart and figures a lot of things out on his own.  Just a few days ago, he decided there was no need to dump them when he can just sit and play with them all surrounding him!  It was so cute I just had to take a picture of it! 

 

 

He also loves to wave good bye to everyone!  Brands can't leave our house without having Stetz wave him good bye.  He thinks it's the best trick Stetz knows. 

 

Stetz also loves his new little puppies!  He loves to hold and play with them, but I don't know how much they like it.  He gets a little rough with them, but we try to show him what being soft and gentle is.  Hopefully he figures it out, but if not they will be tough little dogs.

And yet again, here is Stezten's monthly photo (which also is doubling as his 4th of July outfut!)

 

A Camping We Will Go

 

After all the trauma of the dogs, we decided to go on a short little camping trip up to Long’s Park.  By far this is my favorite place to stay and fish, not only because someone is almost guaranteed to catch something, but there seems to be fewer mosquitoes around.

 

 

We dropped our puppies off at Nancy’s house (which she thoroughly enjoyed) and headed up the mountain Sunday afternoon.  We took our horse trailer with living quarters to stay in and set up camp rather quickly.  We were bums and didn’t build a fire that night, but it was all fun anyway.  We went for a twilight drive and saw a herd of elk about a mile from our camp.  I've seen a couple of elk here and there but never that many up there.  It was neat to see, but Stetzen started screeching at them and the took off.  When we got back we made some sandwhiches and headed to bed.  

 

Stetzen's lovely hairdo after the sunscreen was applied by Dad.

 

Side note:  I was one that said campers were a big waste of money when tents are just as good.  But, having a baby changes your opinions.  I loved being able to have something to stay in that I knew he wouldn’t freeze or get nasty bugs everywhere. 

 

Waitin for some fishies...

 

Back to camping…The next morning we got up and made breakfast burritos and then headed to the reservoir to do some fishing.  As tradition goes with us, we have a competition when we fish of who will catch the first fish and the most.  I will preface this by saying we tied!  But, if you ask Zach he’ll say he won.  Anyways, we headed towards our usual place, but some little boys were there.  We debated whether or not to stay, but ended up sticking it out until they left.  Once they did, the real fishing began!  I think I had my line out for about 15 minutes when I caught THE first fish.  It wasn’t too bad on size, so I decided to keep it.  Sadly, though, I wasn’t quick enough to get Zach the camera to document it.  A few minutes later Zach caught one, and the race was on. 

 

My Second Fish...

 

In between all of this we were constantly wrestling Stetzen to keep him entertained.  If you didn’t keep an eye on him, he’d be playing with the worms or trying to eat the fish bait or even reeling in your line.  It was a little bit of a struggle to keep him excited about sitting in the chair with you.  As I was holding Stetzen, I felt a tug on my line and frantically asked Zach to reel it in for me, but by the time he got a hold of it, it got away.  Zach threw my line back in for me and recast his.  Not even two seconds after he did, he had a fish on the line.  I would like to think he caught the one I lost, hence beating me in his eyes.  After that, we didn’t have much luck in the fishing department so we went back to camp.

 

The fishing haul

 

 We sat around camp and ate some lunch, and then decided to go for a drive around the mountain.  I guess Zach got bored of having nothing to do, so we ended up driving down to his mom’s house and chilling there for a couple of hours.  When we headed back up, Brands wanted to go fishing so we took him with us and headed back to Long’s Park.  When we got up there the boys were back, so primo fishing spot was taken.  This time the battle was all won by Brands.  He was the first and only person to catch a fish that night. 

 

Here I am looking super stylish...lol

 

When all was said and done, we headed back to camp, started a fire, rambled on about funny nothings, cooked a delish dutch oven dinner, and headed to bed.  The next morning we packed up and headed home.  It was a nice little get away, but I wish we could have stayed a couple more days.  Last summer we didn’t go camping at all, so I wanted to get my fill this summer.  Hopefully we make it back again before the summer’s over.