You Likey?

The beautiful new blog update is dedicated to my Kyle. Red is his all time favorite color and the basketball was his choice for the picture. Not sure how long I can live with it though... :)

Kodachrome Part II

We went to Kodachrome for the second time this summer but it was a totally unique experience both times. We had close to 100 degree temps this time around and we were with my family for the Coggle Family Reunion. It was a lot of fun despite the heat. In the middle of the day during the extreme heat we would make sure we were doing a slot canyon or go to Tropic for ice cream and a little AC. Its been years since I had been to Southern Utah in the middle of the summer. Phew!

The Coggle reunion was not the only reunion that occurred. The Kyle and Will reunion was one the highlights of the trip. The two "best friends ever" haven't seen each other since the Schroeder's moved 6 weeks ago. They were so happy to see each other and even sadder to say goodbye. (Will cried while reaching out to Kyle. Isn't that just sad and tender?) They had a blast while it lasted and are anxious for their next visit in September.


I made my very first dutch oven dinner- potatoes with bacon and mushrooms. As you can see Noah thuroughly enjoyed. It turned out pretty well. I think I'll give it another try but not when its 95 degrees outside. The heat and burning charcoals just do not mix. *pant, pant*

Anyone up for coming with me to make it a 3rd trip down to

Kodachrome? It might be some kind of record.

Girly Time for Erin

It was rough leaving my two little boys for 3 days but it was worth it for some time without any diapers, whining, crying....okay, there might have been a little of the last two but it was great anyway. I was in desperate need of some girly time with out my babies. So where do I go? Girls camp, of course! We have wonderful YW in our ward and I am seriously not just saying that. We had NONE of the catty nonsense and lots smiles and fun. I am the Personal Progress advisor in my ward and thoroughly enjoy it. Our camp was held at Granite Flat up American Fork Canyon and let me tell you it is gorgeous and 15-20 degrees cooler. I highly recommend it.

We had a really good time and let me tell you, I left that camp feeling younger (I kept being told I was only one step from being a YW myself. Should I take that as a compliment?:) ), more energetic about mommyhood, with a strengthened testimony and greasy hair (no shower for 3 days'll do that to ya) and just a better person. Think I'm exaggerating? You go to girls camp and decide.

Rock Springs + the 4th = Good Times!

We had a great time up at Tracey and Emily's house this Independence Day. They were great hosts always making sure there was plenty to do. From playing horse shoes to roasting hot dogs to hiking up scary, windy buttes. The fireworks were abundant as was the great company. We went to Flaming Gorge which was a first for me at least in my memory. Emily and I competed against each other in a rock skipping contest where I smashed her although I think she won in the sexiness category. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in our quest to find wild horsies but I look forward to our next visit to fulfill this mission. I really wasn't ready to go home but alas... We had a great time!

Noah also had his first haircut during this trip. He was a good boy and didn't even seem to care that we were chopping off his long, luxurious locks which was good. I don't know if I could have gone through with it otherwise especially since I played the barber. He looks dang cute if I do say so myself.

WhAt'S uP wItH tHe ShIfLeTt'S?

...This has been a great week for firsts for my Noah.

-He got his first much needed hair cut and I did it myself. He acted as if he was completely oblivious as to what we were doing to him. It took a lot of convincing on my part but we did it and I'm glad we did. He looks SO sweet but no more Static or Cockatoo boy. I'll sure miss him.

-Noah also took his first steps on Sunday. He's been doing a lot of showing off standing on his own so we weren't too surprised that we got him to take a few steps. I am relieved because I was worried we were going to have another Kyle on our hands. (He didn't walk until 16 months.)

...Adam and Erin saw "Curious Savage" at Hale with Christian and Nichole and thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

...We went to Rock Springs the last half of the week to celebrate the 4th and had a total blast. More info and pics to follow...

ProcrastinaTION!

I have been tagged a bunch of times in the last few weeks and have not taken care of business. SO I now make an effort. I actually don't mind tags too much because they will be a great read years or even days from now.

Here are some QUIRKS and facts about me: (This tag was hard because believe it or not I am not that interesting of a person...)

1: I like cleaning the bathroom. Well, I don't like the thought of doing it but when I finally talk myself into it I enjoy shining, polishing, sanitizing etc. I think I find more satisfaction with the finish product than with any other chore.
2: I can never just dry one wet hand. I have to get BOTH hands wet and then dry both hands even if only one is dirty.
3: I have always been a very shy person. So shy that I once sluffed KINDERGARTEN! I have learned how to deal with my shyness so that many people don't believe me when I tell them I am shy.
4: Adam is the only guy I've ever kissed. Of course he is FAR from saying that about me. :)
5: I love saving money but sometimes I wish I was one of those big spenders who can go out and spend money and not even care. When it comes down to though I guess I'll keep things as they are. I've got too much of my father in me. :)
6: I used to prefer salty over sweet but after having two children I think the sweet is beginning to take over. I get a major sweet tooth when I am pregnant and Adam loves it. We've always been opposites. When he wants a treat he gets cookies. I get (or used to get) chips. Things are a changin'.
7: I've always had a crazy dream of being a motorcycle cop. Ya know. Something that you think would be cool but you'd never really do. There aren't many female cops driving hogs which is where the appeal comes from, I think.


Here's another tag that I thought was fun.

Three Joys
1. Noah
2. Kyle
3. Adam
So obvious, I know, but I couldn't think of anything else that brings me the amount of joy that these three guys do.

Three Fears- this one is easy for me.
1. dying and not being there to raise my children.
2. Anyone in my family dying. It can keep me awake at night.
3. Snakes. The scene in the new Indiana Jones movie with the python *shudder, shudder* just about killed me.

Three Current goals
1. Running and doing it consistently. Adam and I are training for a 10k race but I want to get to the point where I'm not always "training".
2. Ever since Kyle turned three he has added some trying routines to our day and not being used to them I get irritated easily. So I'm trying to be more patient with him. I mean the kid's just 3 for Pete's sake.
3. Saving money and becoming more financially secure.

Three current obsessions/collections/preoccupations
1. Reading but this is nothing new. Current read is "Wild Swans" about early communism in China. Sad but interesting
2. Thinking about taking Kyle and Noah to Disneyland.
3. Getting my yard into shape. It is driving me Crazy and is oh so embarrassing!

Three random surprising facts about me:
(See my tag above)

WhAt'S uP wItH tHe ShIfLeTt'S?

...Went swimming for the first time this season. Noah loved it. Kyle finally warmed up to it. Last year we really didn't go much since we had a newborn and a case of the crypto. We will try to make up for that this year. It just isn't summer without taken a dip.

...Adam and Erin ran a 5k sponsored by the Hunter West Stake. I guess I should say Adam ran- Erin ran/walked. We even had the kiddies in the jogging stroller which my buff husband pushed pretty much the whole way. Good experience but I need a whole MORE experience....

We planted some flowers...finally.

Basketball John

Forgot all about ol' Johnny did ya? Well, here at the Shiflett home he is alive and well. I have always been a big John Stockton and still must be because my 3 year old has started singing an old tribute to him. There is a song by Robert Lund called "Basketball John" and if you are any sort of fan you will know which song I am referring to. Anyhoo, the other day Kyle in his sweet monotone way starts singing "Basketball John, Basketball John, Basketball John..." over and over. Well, after only a few moments Adam and I realize that he is singing, well, "Basketball John". Adam and I have always sung that song randomly whenever and where ever but we never realized that Kyle had picked it up and that we sang it so dang often. The funny thing here is that Kyle RARELY sings and if he does it is "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and that is it. So we were thrown a little off guard when he started singing this old favorite. I guess it helps that the kid is a bit of a sport nut so any song about basketball must be worth singing. We miss you, John.

Oh Boys!

My sister Mary and I recently got both our boys pics taken since they were both due for 1 year pictures. They turned out so gorgeous! I can't believe I haven't posted them until now. We got them at Target where you can opt to pay a littel more to view them on-line but it didn't occur to me that I could post them on my blog as well. Sweet! I love the big one of Noah. What an angel. I'll let Mary post all the pics of Coleman on her blog and she better because they are precious!

Coleman wouldn't wear his flat cap. The little stinker. :)

WhAt'S uP wItH tHe ShIfLeTt'S?

I can't resist my sweet gappy-toothed boy!

...We went to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point with Grandma and Grandpa Shiflett. (It was for Cheryl's Birthday) It was really fun and both Kyle and Noah really enjoyed it. There are a lot of "hands on" exhibits for the kids. BTW- did ya'll know that it costs 10 BUCKS to walk the through the gardens at TP!! I'll just go to Temple Square where its FREE thank you very much...which is exactly what we did.....

...We went to Temple Square since we haven't been there for a long time and as usual it was gorgeous. Both the boys got nice and wet splashing in the reflection pool. We made the trip up to see the Christus where Kyle said referring to Jesus, "I like him." Sweet boy.

...Erin had a Discovery Toys party where just two beautiful people showed up. :) It was just nice for me to be boy free and chill with the girlys.

...Chillin' in our new hammock has become a daily ritual on theses fine summer evenings. Ahhhhhhhhh. Thanks Cheryl and Ellsworth!

...Erin and Adam are still trying to get ready for our Swiss Days 10k....I'm tired.

People, Cherry Coke, On-line Old Navy Clearance...

...are my guilty pleasures (among others). Yes, yes contrary to popular belief I have them and they make me happy. I rarely however indulge them because then they wouldn't exactly be guilty pleasures now would they and therefore not as much fun.

I finally broke down and bought a People magazine the other day even though I've put them in my shopping cart numerous times but ended up putting them back. However, this weeks issue has Elizabeth Smart on the cover so I've finally found me excuse. She's local and Mormon. There you have it- my excuse.

Cherry Coke is just plain not good for you but I love it. I don't really like Classic Coke though.

Have you shopped the Old Navy Clearance on-line or really any other clearance? When I feel the urge to spend money and inevitably I have little of it, I turn to Old Navy on-line. Once I press the "purchase" button there is a burst ,albeit short, of happiness along with the anticipation of the arrival of new clothes at my door.

Okay now that I've fessed up, I want to hear your "guilty pleasures". C'mon, get it off you chest. You'll feel better. :)

WhAt'S uP wItH tHe ShIfLeTt'S?

...Erin, Kyle and Noah celebrated having a such a wonderful

daddy/hubby yesterday. We are truly the luckiest of all the game!

...For the first time this season we went to Julia's (niece) game which was the last one as well. And wouldn't you know it, she scored three, count them, 3 GOALS. The most she has scored in a game. We felt very privileged to have witnessed it.

...We saw "Kung Fu Panda". Let me just say, Jack Black as the voice of a fat panda named Po= pretty darn funny!

...Noah is getting even more mobile and I'm so NOT used to it! Thank you Kyle for being Noah's guardian angel especially when it comes to the dreaded stairs.

...Adam and I went on a date. 'Nuff said....well except WOO HOO!!! :) Thanks Mom and Dad.

Kodachrome

I told you I'd post pics of Kodachrome and so I shall...even if they are a few weeks late.

We had a great time with our friends, the Walls and Adam's parents. We hiked, partook of Cheryl's fabulous eats, worked out bethrothal's between the Shiflett boys and the Wall girls, let Whit win the game "Fat Chinese Man Squatting Over Rice" (Probably not the most PC name for a game. :) ), rode bikes with our chilins' in tow in the their brand new bike trailers, endured some wet and cold (think snow) weather but did it stop us? NO, and enjoyed some togetherness and breathtaking scenery. Anyone up for more?



These are some of my fav pics from the trip.

My Ky-ky

My first born is a whopping 3 years old today. He has been patiently anticipating this day for a long time as have I. However, now that the presents have been opened, the candles have been blown out, and my baby is in bed, I am left feeling exhausted, nostalgic and sentimental. At the risk of sounding trite I ask, where has the time gone? In just a matter of three years, Kyle has gone from the tiny guy you see above to a great big, little man that walks and talks, has a passion for fruit snacks, pushes my buttons with great zeal, says the alphabet, sings "Twinkle Star", tells me he loves me, has a little brother, loves the color red, knows how to operate a mouse, uses the potty, knows how to put on his own shoes, doesn't dislike his daddy anymore :) and in fact loves him, wants world peace...I could just go on. Just THREE years I tell you. What are the next three going to bring? Sheesh! I love my boy. I just wish he would chill out on the getting big stuff. Beautiful boy. Cuddling with Woody, one of his birthday presents.

***I would love it if you all would share anything about Kyle that comes to mind- memories, things you love about him (I'm sure there are many), whatever. I expect all you flies on the wall to contribute as well! It'll be fun for Kyle to read them when he gets older. (Use "anonymous" if you aren't registered.)

What's Up With the Shiflett's?

...Erin was sick with nastiness all day Saturday. Bummer!

...While Erin was languishing in bed, Adam replaced the water pump in the Jeep AND he's never done it before AND even better, the Jeep seems to be running fine! I'm proud of my macho man.

...Kyle is still doing well with the potty training...mostly... (Sorry, Whit.)

...Went to my niece Anna's dance concert. She is in ballroom dance and she was a lot of fun to watch. She's good. The dance with the dad's was sooo cute. I wish I could post it here!

...Noah CRAWLED...but he hasn't done it since. Heh. He da sweet lazy boy. I always knew he could crawl but just didn't feel the need. Why would he when he's got his mama to haul his big self around? :)

The proof