Huggies free is the way to be

Would you look at me....2 posts in 3 days, sometimes I amaze even myself. But this post will not be a travelog like most of my others, I really should branch out. This post is a Im-taking-the-plunge-and-keeping-myself-accountable-to-all-of-you post. I have officially purchased my last pack of diapers and my first pack of pretty pink princess underwear. There are blankets covering every inch of carpet in the house, and Im trying to confine Riley to whatever room is closest to the bathroom. I have fully accepted that nothing else will get done this weekend as we do our 20 min off 5 on routine, but lets hope this is a success and it will not be a weekend wasted. It may be wishful thinking that we get any progress done over the weekend, but can I say potty training my boys was an absolute dream. From beginning to end the process was one week, one week and we were RELATIVELY accident free (not totally because what kid ever is) but none the less, they were great. That, and I have never in my 2 kids potty trained ever purchased a pack of "pull ups". Like I said these boys were fantastic. So are there any of you out there who have potty trained both boys and girls and can give me any hopes that this girl will be as easy as my boys? Or am I in for the long haul and have my work cut out for me? 

The crazy thing is that when you have a 7 and a 5 year old and no newborn to remind you how little babies can be, a 2 year old still seems so young. But its time, Im ready, hopefully she's ready and seriously is there anything cuter than a tiny 2 year old butt in little pink underwear, I ask you?

Like a kid loves candy and fresh snow

I hesitated admitting to all you Utahans out there reading my blog (the two of you) that we were in town this month, because the odds are we didn't get a chance to see you this trip. But there is really no need to take it personal, it was a short trip much of which was spent in Park City, Darren had a conference up there to get his CME's, so we joined him for some fun in the snow. We spent the first day with my parents in Salem for some foosball, ping pong, sledding, and fort building. The ping pong win goes to me, but as you can clearly see by the pictures Dad wins the sledding match. Maybe even two points for this one.

Spencer and Mason had their first go at skiing that weekend as well. By the end of the day they were pro's thanks to their own personal ski instructor Dad. 

And just like that, they all out ski me.

After a day of skiing they were ready to try some of the ski jumps at the Olympic Park, or maybe just some bobsledding. Not a bad looking team, right? Vancouver 2010 here we come.

We got in some practice with the torch running too. 

Although Im not sure if Riley's holding the torch or its holding her?

We also got to celebrate my little baby's second birthday in Utah. How amazingly cute is she? I love this little girl so much, she is more fun that I could imagine, and keeps me laughing all day. She is a little chatter box these days and it is the cutest thing when you can figure out what she is saying. My personal favorite, when you tell her "no" to anything she gives you an "Oh man!", its hilarious and I end up giving her whatever she wants anyway. Mom's a sucker what can I say. But who wouldn't be for this sweet thing, she has such a personality and with two older brothers has learned how to fight for what she wants. And has also learned that she has all the men in this house wrapped around her finger tighter than most. They would do anything for her and she milks it for all its worth, (at least she's learning something from her mom). I love my little Riley girl, and it was fun to celebrate her birthday with some of my fam. Thanks guys!

Ok, and now, seriously, we are done with the vacations for a while. The kids have already missed too much school, Darren has missed too much work and I have missed too much bowling, and basketball. It was a sacrifice for all of us, but a fantastic trip to the old home state all the same. It was incredibly great to see those of you we did get to see, and the rest of you, sorry, next trip I promise. (or you could always come to Cali?!)

Uno Mas

Ok, maybe two. I had to share these pictures because this was one of the best things about our trip to Whistler.....

This is the view from the window of the living room in our suite. The lift on the right is to Whistler mountain, the one on the left is Blackcomb mountain. We were literally steps away, which was good because most of the time I was too tired after a long day to walk any farther. 

Out of the other window in the living room was this view of the village. We were steps away from that as well.  Lets just say this was the perfect location. 

This is the post that never ends

Well now, there are far too many things for me to cover over the last month and really the best I can do at this point is post pictures and if I feel so inclined caption them. Sorry there isn't more, but my excuses are useless.

The Family Christmas Pageant, after a fabulous Prime Rib, Salmon dinner. 

Who doesn't like a little angel with some color.

This wiseman is just happy to be here.

Mason: "If I smile for this, can we hurry and open presents?"

Apparently life for an Archangel like Gabriel is pretty tough, He had to take a second job as a painter. 

Now there's a legit smile out of Mason. Christmas Eve everyone gets to open a present from Grandma and Grandpa, the boys loved their race cars that night. 

Riley got a dog with a carrier that she loves, personally I think she's jealous of all that hair.

Christmas day was very low key and very fun. Everyone got spoiled, most of all me. I think I've fooled Darren into thinking I actually deserve it, either that or He is just too good to me. Probably the latter. Not that Im complaining mind you, its probably only a matter of time until he realizes Im really not worth it, so I'll enjoy it while I can.

On to New Years Eve......

Most years my least favorite holiday, this year it seems to be climbing the charts. We got together with some great friends, played games, ate food (me more than most), and rang in the new year with some serious laughs. Alcohol or not (don't worry there was not) when you keep me up that late at night you are sure to learn more about me than you really ever cared to.  Lets hope what happens in 2008 stays in 2008.

Few! Now on to 2009.

Surprise, surprise we've already made a trip to Disneyland this year. My parents came down for a weekend and we joined them for a day at the Happiest Place on Earth. The kids loved being down there with their Grandparents, it was a very fun day.

The following week we headed up to Seattle, where we were dropping the kids with Patty, on our way to meet Craig and Becky in Whistler for Craig's 60th Birthday weekend. Craig's always wanted to ski Whistler so for his 60th this year Becky decided to surprise him with a trip. He is a pretty hard core skier and she would rather not spend all of her day on the slopes stuck in the terrain park. So as Darren would be more than happy to spend all day in the terrain park or cruising the double black diamonds and you couldn't pay me enough to do more than a green run, together we were the perfect foursome. The guys went off and tried to kill themselves on jumps and ramps while we women cruised the easy runs again and again, just the way we like it. Our last day however we did decide to mix it up a bit, I really wanted to try some snowboarding so I had a lesson while Darren grabbed a board and headed out on his own. It was so much fun!! I loved snowboarding! Skiing is something that for me is a means to an end. I am at the top of the hill so I guess I'll have to get down somehow, better ski it to save time. Snowboarding however I might enjoy for the sake of enjoyment, just think. I am excited to try it again! Soon! 

And most of all how lucky were we that my sister was nice enough to take the kids? Isnt she the best?! Its possible that I will owe her for life or longer!

Wow, that really was the never ending blog post!! But for now, I'm done, and lets all hope I don't let life run away with me like that again. 

Quote of the Day

Mason singing his day's of the week song: "Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Hey Mom! There isn't even a yesterday!"

Good thing someone had a camera

Thanksgiving post preface

I must give a huge thank you to Eva for taking a few pictures of our Thanksgiving this year, then posting them on Facebook so I could steal them to post here on my blog. Your the best Eva, for without you where would our Thanksgiving post be? Picture-less, thats where, and no one likes a picture-less blog post. 

So the Payne's Thanksgiving this year was very low key. The kids were out of school on Wednesday so my friend Shauna and I decided to take the kids to see a movie, Bolt was the overwhelming winner. I didn't actually see much of it, our 19 & 22 month old baby girls thought there were far too many other things to do than sit and watch a movie. So me and the girls went out and walked the mall, it was pretty fun to watch those two explore together. I dont think I told Shauna this but I took the girls into a Brighton Store and two stores later I notice Cambria used a little five fingered discount to score herself a $45 Brighton lipstick case. Don't worry we brought it back, but afterwards Cambria tried and tried to get herself back into that store. She's not only a very smart girl, but has impeccable taste, can't blame her for that. That night the boys got to have one of their best buddies Tanner spend the night, I think I can safely say that was probably their highlight. We love having Tanner over. 

After a Wednesday like that Thursday was extremely quiet. Darren went to our ward's Turkey Bowl, (have to get pictures of that next year!) while I made apple and cherry pies and sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes people, not canned yams with marshmallows, real sweet potatoes with pecans and yumminess. Then after cooking and hanging at home for most of the day we headed over to Darren's parents around 3:30, where we started your typical Thanksgiving revelry of talking, eating, hanging, eating, repeat. It was fun to see everyone and the kids always have a blast with their cousins.  

Mmmmmmm, looks tasty guys. Just save some for the rest of us. Chad and Travis going carnivorous.
Friday morning Shauna and I got up early to do a little black Friday shopping at Target. We got some good deals but mostly had a good time doing a little Christmas kid-less shopping. 

The rest of our long weekend was spend just hanging out with the kids, and enjoying time off. And here we are a week later already decking the halls and looking forward to our Christmas vacation. T minus 11 days and counting.

You've just one the Super Bowl, what are you going to do now?

Oh you know what I'm going to do! I'm going to Disneyland. Here are a few things I learned this weekend with my mom, sisters, aunts, and cousin.... #1-The land of Disney is a whole new world when not one of the screaming, crying, or sleeping kids around is yours, when you don't have to stand in the mass line for Dumbo, again, and you realize there are such things as "thrill" rides out there for the taking, and I'm not talking about Mr. Toads Wild Ride. #2-sisters who get together and are loud, giggly, obnoxious, silly, gabby, and maybe just a bit inappropriate, come by it hereditarily (its a word). And its quite comforting to see these lovely traits in those who have conferred them on to you. #3-When you cram three sisters into one hotel room, there will not be much sleeping going on. At 1:00a.m. there seem to be all new philosophies that are vital to discuss. #4-Staying up to discuss philosophies seriously takes its toll, we are none of us 17 anymore. And possibly the most important #5-Girls weekends with the family are good for the soul! Thanks all you girls for a very enjoyable weekend, it was so great to spend time with my sisters, my mom and her sisters and our wonderful cousin, Meredith. I hate that we don't get to see each other more often, it certainly is fun when we do. Enjoy some of the shots from the our Watkins girls gone wild weekend.