Happy Turkey Week

Despite the cold and snow/rainy weather we made a trip to the park to show Quaid the ducks and geese. He thought it was pretty fun herding them around the park. We didnt' stay as long though given the terrible weather. Of course, two days earlier when it was 67 degrees, I was too busy to go.

Mikiya had her first Primary program today. She did very well. She even had her little part memorized and said it all by herself. Although, she did get a little uncomfortable with all those eyes on her and she got restless and started twirling during the songs. Quaid has never been so attentive in sacrament meeting. Personally, I think they should have youth on the program every week now. The only time he was squirmy was when I wouldn't let him get down to go sit with Mikiya on the stage.

Today after Church some friends invited over to their house for lunch. Typical meal with friends up until the point where Quaid and the host toddler decided to snack on the cat food. Suffice it to say I had gone downstairs to round up the kids to go home at a most opportune time. Megan did manage to keep her lunch down and I think Quaid got some extra calcium for strong teeth; so all and all a good afternoon.

Happy Thankgiving to all our friends and family! We consider ourselves blessed that many of our family are our best friends and many of our friends feel like family.

Whew, it has been awhiles since we have posted. The kids are growing and learning lots. Megan and Mikiya have their own pre-school now and Mikiya is making progress on her letter blends and handwriting. Quaid tries to do everything he sees Mikiya do. He has even started walking up the stairs by himself.

We had a fun visit last weekend from Grandma and Grandpa Walton for Megan's birthday. Although, Mikiya was sure that Kaelie was coming with them. This was a big one this year as Megan and Mom are now the same age. To celebrate Megan and Mom shopped together and Dad treated as all to a birthday dinner at Johnny Carino's.

Mikiya is really excited to go to Riley's house next week. The only time she has been to the place where Riley lives is when Heidi was blessed. So needless to say, she gave one of her now trademark "Really?!"'s when I told her that Riley does have a house and we get to go to it to see her new cousin, Maddie. She is also looking forward to going to Spencer's for Thanksgiving.

I hope they call me on a Mission

This week has been very busy. The kids both had their yearly check-up. Both are doing well. Mikiya is in the 50% weight, 90% height. Quaid is 15% weight 80% height, the dr said he has a "healthy brain" around the 95%. It's so funny how he always seemed so chubby and now is more on the skinny end. Quaid is getting so close with walking. He took a couple steps on his birthday and has continued. He hasn't just taken off, but he's getting better with balance and trying to walk, especially if he's playing with a ball. So cute!!! Both kids had to have immunizations and then Mikiya got the flu the next day so I had too fussy kids, but they are doing great now.

Sat Mikiya had her first primary activity day. They went on missions. She said she got to ride on a plane and had a drink and a snack. She came home with a little airline ticket and a passport. She also said they folded clothes and knocked on doors. I heard some shut doors in their faces and told them no. She also got a pass along card of the Salt Lake Temple, which she loves! Mike went to "pick her up from the mission" and said she was just all excited. she told me she can go on a mission when she gets big like Daddy.

Rudy and Deanna have a Christmas in July which they invited us to join in this year. It was fun, they had christmas music, a wreath on the door and rugs out. We even used christmas dishes. We had a dollar store gift exchange and all the kids had a blast. Then we had an elders quorum activity last night (it was a really busy day). It was a cook out and then played soft ball with the big plastic kids bat. Mikiya got to hit a couple times and seemed to be getting the hang of it. I think she hit it without help a couple times. I think her favorite part was talking to all the babies and toddlers.

Mike just received calling to be an assistant ward clerk, he will primarily handle the membership responsibilities. I think he's a excited about it. This week he had a follow up meeting with some senators that want to pass legislation to give more financial incentives to be people and businesses that want to install renewable energy solutions; so work is still keeping his summer interesting.

That about sums up our week. busy and seemingly crazy, but good. I love being a Mom and having wonderful kids, even when the house is a mess and they are cranky. The smiles and giggles and great big hugs are the best!!! Oh, in case I forgot to tell you, Mikiya knows how to spell her name, "apple" "cat", "Mom", and "red". Although, if you mention her going to preschool or college she gets a little upset. She just wants Mike and I to teach her at home, for now.

July 13

I'm quite a bit behind on this so I'll just jump back in and hope it works.

I spent the week home. We went to the cabin for a couple days and the girls had a blast. I think they totally wore Mom out, but they had fun and were quite hilarious roasting hot dogs. Chels saw a bat while changing clothes and ran out the room, then Steve and I got to do the "bat dance" and got the bat to go out the window. We had a few screams and hollers, but then a lot of laughs. The next day Mikiya was afraid to go upstairs. Back at Mom's the kids had a blast in the pool. Quaid even got brave enough to walk along the edge and not have me hold him, although he did go under once.

We had a little b-day party for Quaid yesterday with Mike's siblings that live over here. I think Mikiya had more fun than Quaid, but it works. She sings happy birthday 80 times a day and finds all sorts of toys to put in bags to "give" him. He took two steps yesterday and three today. I think it's quite exciting. He was a little unsure about cake, but likes the frosting after some experimentation. However, he LOVES vanilla ice cream, as long as the bites are small enough he doesn't get an ice cream headache.

More Pictures

Mother's Day

I walk into the hall after church today, and Mikiya is grinning and holding something behind her back. When I get to her she excitedly pulls out a card and necklace she made in Primary, and hollers, "Happy Valentine's Day!" I thought it so cute and so sweet.

Mikiya is getting more and more excited about learning letters and how they work together. When we see something with words on it, she tells us all the letters. This morning she pointed out the letters on a cereal box to Mike, then ran her finger along the word and said, "box." She's definitely becoming an emergent reader.

Quiad no longer sits to do much of anything. I often find him pulling books and video cords off shelves, opening drawers, and pulling things out of cupboards. Even in the bath he prefers to stand and play with the facet and pull the shower thing. He is getting confident in standing while holding on with one hand, and has even braved letting go altogether. That results in falling, but it's another step in balance.

We are enjoying the warm weather and Mikiya loves getting to play outside every day. Quaid is even getting used to sitting on the slide, but still doesn't like to sit in the grass or bark.

We hope all you mother's have a happy day. We love you all.

Splish! Splash!

We're mostly settled into our new apartment. Thanks to Wayne for the help moving! It was fun to have Mom and Dad Walton out here shortly after. Mikiya loved the visit and to show off her new room. One of these days the last few boxes will disappear and it will really feel like home.

Last week was spring break. We enjoyed the week even though it got off to a rough start with Mikiya's flu bug and Quaid's RSV. Both seem to be doing better now, just a little cold.

The best part of the week was getting to go to the Temple with McKenzie. It was a great and busy few days. Mike was able to get our car fixed, yeah! We had a little birthday party for Mikiya. She wanted a lady bug cake, which I think was adorable. She loves the new wardrobe and sleeps with Lilo the lion every night. We enjoyed being there for Kason to bless Amelia.

It's nice and warm here and Mikiya is taking full advantage. She is also very into princesses. When asked to do something responded with a, "yes your majesty." Quaid loves to play! He is loving the bathtub more and more. First he loved splashing, then crawling around and draining the water, now he drinks the water and stands up. He's quite entertaining. He says mama, dada and mmmma for Mikiya.

Another Option

I posted the first video directly from the creator's website to make sure he was recognized and to get the purest version, but it doesn't appear to be replaying as well in the new format. So I am adding a copy from You Tube, to cover a wider range of player capabilities and connection speeds. If you are using dial-up, it will play best if you pause it when it first starts and then let it load halfway or so.

Seasons

As those of you living below 3,000 ft. know, spring is coming despite the fight old man winter is giving it. This type of weather always makes me think about the future and the changes I can make in my life. Yesterday I came across this video. Despite what your political views may be, I think this video and speech encapsulate the feelings all citizens of this country should have. If you don't like something, if you think something should be better, if your heart tells you that there is a better way; then raise your voice and be a proponent for positive change and progression. I think we can all learn from mom's example. Nothing gets done sitting around and wishing. It requires pro-activity, some risk, and a belief in the value you add as an individual.

Anyway, no matter what your persuasion is, I hope you all take a part in making your little corners of the globe a better place. And remember to knowledgeably vote.

Growing Up

Quaid is growing up. He now eats vegetables, mush, juice (ironically out of a bottle), and baby snacks. He is also learning mobility as you can see in the video. He is getting tired of not being able to follow Mikiya when she leaves the room or seeing a toy or other crumply looking object just out of his reach.

Mikiya is excited to move to her new house that has a slide in a month. Megan and I are also hoping that Quaid having his own room will help him learn to go to sleep on his own better. And we can let him cry it out a little.

Mikiya and I came to school today to use the high speed internet. The local car wash digital sign said it was 53 degrees, but with the breeze it feels like only 47 or 48. :) I love sunshine, can you tell? After the winter we have had so far though, I am not holding my breath that the snow is entirely done yet.

We'll let you all know our new address when we have it for sure. Our phone number will stay the same, as we are just moving to the south end of town.

Winter

Well, winter is still here. It snows then mostly melts and then snows again. I actually had two classes canelled last week due the weather and road condidtions. A lady on the bus the other day said that our average snowfall is 14 in. and so far we have had 20 in. The news said we are at about 14 in. just for January. I have only had to ride my bike home in one snowstorm thus far. That has been nice.

We had a good time two weeks ago traveling to eastern Idaho with Wayne and the two older boys. The main objective of the trip was to hear Jenna talk before she leaves. With having Monday off from work and school, we thought it would be fun to cruise over. And it was. Good luck Jenna! We will try to be good writers.

We also visited Kason and Alyce while there. As luck would have it, Alyce had their baby the day before we arrived, so we were able to meet Amelia while she was still brand new. We all were very excited about that.

Mikiya gave her first scripture today in Primay. She was very excited to be able to sit on the special chairs and then get up on the stool and talk in the microphone. As you might imagine, I about burst. "My little girl all grown up and saving China". Quaid is growing fast too. His Sunday shirt is now wears short sleeves to church, but he is wearing the same shirt he wore during the fall. We have finally found a couple of places that sell baby boy dress clothes, so hopefully he will get some new clothes soon. Fortunately, Riley hooked him up with some good play clothes. So the rest of the week he is still quite comfortable and stylish to boot.

Mikiya wants to write now. chonyfg tcnhhngrggggn Well, Quaid is ready for his squash, so we better sign off for now. Until next time, for Beltran cousins, we will see you Wednesday.

Christmas was delightful and it was sooooooo fun to see much of the family!!! Mikiya loved having snow to play in and I was amazed that a 3 year old could stand the freezing cold for a couple hours at a time.

Highlights of the trip

Mike - seeing family, playing games with family, also with Rudy in their rooms when the family room closed down. Painting, ripping up carpet, moving furniture and playing Mario Kart.

Megan - threw my back out and spent much of the time needing help walking, standing,etc. I really enjoyed getting to visit with everyone.

Mikiya - loved the snow!!!! helped Daddy and Grandma Walton paint, had a blast sleeping on the hide-a-bed, getting to play with all the cousins and getting to stay up past her bedtime. She is still having Kaelie withdrawals and also thinks she needs to go to Grandma Gallubitts to see Lauren and Megan. Both grandmas have playrooms which gives her fun and privacy.

Quaid - Just growing so much we can't believe it! He loves to sit up, but needs a little help or he falls over before long. He got spoiled having so many hugs and kisses and just being held all the time he thinks it proper protocol. His hair is coming in a reddish blond and his smile is still sparkling. He had fun laughing and cackling as often as possible.

Our favorite highlight was getting to go to the open house for the Rexburg Temple. It was wondering to be there with our children. While in the celestial room, Mikiya whispered, "I want to see Jesus in the Temple Mom."