Kiss Kiss, Wedded Bliss

Brandt and I were able to attend the sealing of Jill and Chris in the Twin Falls Temple this past weekend. I am so so happy for this girl. She has found quite the catch for herself.

After the sealing, Brandt and I tagged along with Nada while the Bride and Groom took pictures. It was my first time really walking around the Twin Falls Temple grounds. The landscaping is simple compared to some of the larger temples, but so beautiful.

Little Jilly-Bug is all grown up and married!

Congrats to Jill and Chris! We're so happy for them. And not at all jealous that they are now soaking up the sun in the Bahamas. Nope, not one bit jealous. I was glad that we were able to be there on their special day. Even if I look like a fatty fat fat in the wedding pictures. On a positive note I did get TWO new skirts for the occasion (not to mention a third dress to wear once I'm skinny again - I couldn't help it- Dillards was having a sale). It made me feel better about myself. Who needs the Bahamas when you have dresses with stretchy waistbands?

Empathy

For the past four weeks, Brandt and I have been attending our Prenatal Education Class on Wednesday nights to help us prepare for everything that's coming our way. "Graduation" was this last week - not that there was a test or a formal ceremony or anything, I just like to make it sound cooler than it really was. We did play an informal game of Jeopardy as a review, and I knew about half the answers (apparently that's enough to pass the class). My favorite part of class were the treats; every week I would look forward to my little package (or two) of Oreos. You may mock, but Oreos are one of those things I can't bring myself to buy (at least not yet). I figure I eat enough crap as it is and a whole bag of Oreos for Brandt and I wouldn't help. So this was a special treat. Dumb, I know, but definitely a highlight to the class.

The classes were really helpful. Although we went over a lot of things I already knew about, the anatomy of what's actually going on and the whole birthing process was completely foreign to me (a part of me wishes it still was). We watched these animations that explained what's going on and it makes so much more sense to me now. Then we watched the real thing - a video of a woman giving birth; it was not pleasant and I did not sleep well that night :) However, I think I am for the most part recovered from it and pressing on.

Our teacher asked for volunteers from the dads in the class to try on the Empathy Belly. Brandt, no surprises here, immediately volunteered. He strutted around in that thing like no man really should. It was great fun. When he finally took it off, I asked him how it was. He said, "Would you slap me if I said it wasn't that bad?" Not much empathy there. Granted, he only had it on for five minutes. Plus he's huge. So obviously he didn't get the full experience. Whatever. 

 

Our Belly Bumps at 33 weeks - First Day of Class (9-7-2011)

I think his belly is bigger than mine. Of all the pregnant ladies in the class, I was the furthest along and yet still had the smallest belly. I was worried about it for awhile because I keep getting comments on how little I am, but my doctor doesn't seem concerned with it, so I think we're good. It's definitely shot out there in the last couple of weeks since the above photo was taken. Maybe I'll get brave and post a baby bump picture someday.

Baby Shower #2, Temple Trip, and a Homecoming

September 10-11

Brandt's mom and sisters hosted a baby shower for me in Burley with his side of the family as well as some close friends. They did such a good job putting it together. The decorations were beautiful, the food was great, and I definitely was spoiled again with tons of gifts for the little guy. Unfortunately, I put Brandt in charge of capturing the occasion and thus ended up with only two decent pictures. No pics of the cute food table, or the other decorations; no pics of the gift table, no usable pics of those who attended, etc. *Big Sigh* I'll have to yell at him later.

This is Brandt's cousin Mandy and one of her sweet little girls. We went to high school together as well as roomed together our first year of college. It had been too long since I'd seen her so it was great to catch up. (sidenote: I really like the shirt I'm wearing; doesn't it camouflage the prego belly nicely? I don't think I look half bad in this pic, if I do say so myself :) I won't mention the fact that I had to do the rubber band trick with my skirt - let it suffice to say that this shirt should be worn more often in the later months of pregnancy :)

After the shower, Brandt and I headed to Twin to do a temple session with my family. My cousin, Jill was receiving her endowment and we wanted to be there to support her (plus we usually go out to eat after these types of events, and we didn't want to miss out on that ;) It was a good session; we hadn't been to the temple in awhile (despite our New Year's Resolution - oh well, there's always next year) so it was good to go and it was fun being there with so many family members. 

It was a big weekend for the Olsons because the next day was Kyler's homecoming. It was great to see him again. It seems like he just left; it's crazy how fast time flies. Afterwards we had lunch, hung out, and had a little impromptu bridal shower for Jill so I could watch her open her present from me since I wasn't going to make it to her actual shower (I don't think she was too crazy about her gift, but I'm sure Chris will like it ;)

Here's a pic of some of the family in attendance (courtesy of Jill's blog). Aren't we a good lookin' bunch? (sidenote: this shirt does NOT camouflage prego belly AT ALL. It looks like I have a basketball under my shirt. I totally should have had Taylee stand in front of me for this pic. Note to self: this shirt should NOT be worn in the later months of pregnancy :) Oh well.

Things We Do: Part 5

August 19-21

This was our final weekend in Bur-Town with the fam before Linds, Kate, and Henry headed home. It was Fair Week so on Friday Brandt and I enjoyed catching up with some friends at the fair, stuffing our faces with as much fair food as possible, watching the hypnotist show, etc. That night we headed over to visit with the Hines' for a bit.

Let me tell you a quick story: on Saturday morning, Brandt and I went back in to the fair to get some much-anticipated maple bars for us and the rest of the family. For those of you who have never experienced maple bars at the Cassia County Fair, just know that they are awesome, and I had been craving them for several months. However, this year was somewhat of a let-down. The lady running the register was really rude when we told her we wanted 2 1/2 dozen maple bars (don't judge us - there were a lot of people back at the house waiting for them, plus I'm eating for two ;) - and there was hardly anybody in line, so they hadn't set a limit for how many you could get - plenty of excuses - take your pick). Everyone else working there had no problem with it (well, maybe they did because they gave us a bunch of dinky-sized bars with hardly any frosting on them, but they handed them to us with a smile :), but this particular lady was so crabby about it. It totally ruined my maple bar experience this year. Next year I may boycott the whole booth. I have the recipe for them (thanks to my sister dating the right people in high school ;) so maybe I'll just make my own dang maple bars.

Wow, reliving that put me in a sour mood. Good thing the rest of the weekend was top-notch.

Saturday night we went back to the fair to see the sights, eat some dinner, and watch the rodeo. Kate and Henry looked so cute in their cowboy/cowgirl getup. It was fun to see the excitement on their faces at everything going on with the rodeo. Good times. I think they were completely worn out by the experience. On the way to the car, Kate was so tired she started cradling her ice cream cone like a baby and ended up with chocolate ice cream all over her shirt. And I mean ALL over her shirt. It was pretty funny - probably not for her mother, but as the aunt I found it pretty funny.

On Sunday, Zach was ordained an Elder after church so we had a big lunch that afternoon with all of the extended family. Another packed house, so it was a lot of fun. Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye.

We had so much fun hanging out with the family this summer. It was nice that Lindsay was able to stay for as long as she did; once the kids are older and life gets more hectic for everyone I'm sure the visits won't be quite so extended, so we cherish them while we can. It's hard to see everyone pack up and go home; however, this next time around we won't have to wait so long between visits since they'll be coming again when our baby makes his debut in October.

      

I love my family!

*This is the fifth and final post to document our summer adventures with the family. Good times were definitely had by all. And now, I think I'm somewhat caught up on the blog. Hallelulah!

Things We Do: Part 4

August 12-14

Brandt and I missed going home the first weekend in August (which apparently it was pretty traumatic - probably not so bad that we missed that particular weekend). Brandt had too much homework with finals with one university and assignments due with the other university (or something like that - I can't keep track anymore). So we stayed home so he could get caught up with that. But it worked out well because the following week he was gone with work so Mom, Syd, Linds, and the kids came up to I.F. for a few days during the week to keep me company. It was really fun having them here - I would have been really bored otherwise. 

So that Friday, we made yet another trek to Burley for more family bonding. Brandt and Zach babysat the kids while the girls went to see "The Help". GOOD movie!! I read the book last year and loved it. I was really impressed with how well the movie followed the book. Here are a couple of pics from that night.

Three of my favorite people

My mom brought this basket of clean towels up from the laundry room - Henry immediately sped-crawled over there, climbed inside, and made himself comfortable.

Saturday was a fun day. Brandt talked us all in to going to Lake Cleveland for the day. Since summer was so late getting here this year, the campgrounds around the lake didn't open until really late in the season, so the place was PACKED. But we were able to snag a spot to put some blankets down and play in the water.

Even Rex came along! He's so funny - he's terrified of the car. Brandt had to bribe him with a piece of pizza to get him into the car (which I don't think fits into the diet plan for World's Fattest Lab). But once he got there he had a great time! He has a hard time playing fetch on land, but something about the water made him go at it. He was a great fetcher! I think he got more exercise that day than in the last several years combined. You could just see him getting skinnier. It gave me hope that he may live to see his sixth birthday.

At one point Lindsay got stuck out on the lake (she couldn't figure out how to row herself back - she just kept going in circles) and had to be rescued. It was pretty funny. The Halfords joined us later in the day for lunch and some fishing.

Any day that includes fishing is a good day in Brandt's book. By late afternoon the fish were jumping all over the place so Brandt was able to catch a few and Rex was right there to help him reel them in. My mom even tried her hand at fly-fishing with Brandt's expertise to help her out.

Those are the highlights of the weekend. Another fun-filled extravaganza with the fam.

Things We Do: Part 3

July 29-31

The boys weren't able to make it up from Utah this weekend and Syd had to work quite a bit, but the rest of us sure had a good time. Brandt has been itching all summer to go fishing, but between work and school he hasn't had many opportunities. So on Saturday we humored him and went to Trapper Creek (just past the Oakley Reservoir). He said he went fishing there as a kid and it was about a twenty minute drive from Bur-town. He lied. An hour later we reached our destination. But it was still a good time. We enjoyed being out in the sun, our picnic of Subway sandwiches and chips, and watching Kate fishing for her first time.

On our way back we stopped at a gas station in Oakley for some treats. I had the best strawberry shake I think I've ever had. Once we got home, we pulled out the inflatable raft and filled it with water for the kids to play in. Apparently Burley is plum sold-out of kiddie pools, but the raft served its purpose well. It was so funny watching Henry in the water; that kid has no fear. Several times he tripped and his face would go under the water, sometimes for a few seconds, but he never cried - he loved it. And Kate was pretty comical too, as usual. Those kids are so much fun. 

 

On Sunday we had a BBQ with the Halfords and Olsons. Our house was packed, so it was a good time. Before we knew it, it was time to head back home. Time sure flies when you're having fun! 

Things We Do: Part 2

July 22-24 

This weekend was pretty low key as far as weekends with my family go. Just a lot of hanging out and family bonding. Sam and Zach made it up late Friday night, so we just hung out at the house and played "Five Crowns." Saturday we went to lunch at Taco B where I amazed everyone with my mad-eating skills; not only did I finish my meal, but a couple of other family members' meals as well - not to mention the tator tots I stole off Kate's plate when she wasn't looking (yeah, pretty sure I'm carrying Brandt's child inside me). That afternoon Sam introduced us to a new card game ("Wacky Six" - pretty fun) and he stomped us all, as he usually does. That night, mom and I stayed home and watched Kate and Henry while Linds, Sam, Zach, and Brandt went to see "Harry Potter 7". Brandt and I had just seen it last weekend, so I wasn't up for it again, but having to choose between the movie and babysitting, Brandt was totally up for a second showing! They had a good time, and Kate and I had fun at home watching "Finding Nemo" until she fell asleep. 

I got this toy from a girl I work with. It's a pretty neat little thing. Since our baby won't have much use of it for a little while, we took it to Burley figuring Hankles could play with it while he's here. He loved it! It was fun watching him dance to the music and figuring out all the buttons.
 

Swinging with Uncle Brandt

Kate and her favorite uncle

On Sunday we went over to my dad's house. He has a new baby horse which was fun to see. And a new puppy that has an interesting taste in beverages (i.e. the horses urine). Nasty. Anywho, Brandt and I then stopped by his parent's house for a quick visit before heading back to I.F. As I said, a low-key weekend, but fun nonetheless.