Walk... Ride down memory lane...

Over the river and through the woods, the Grandmother's house we go... Well, not exactly, but it did feel that way at times. We went to visit my Grandparents on Sunday for Conrad's birthday, and because we missed them while they were in Arizona.

My cute grandma organized for a carriage to pick us up, and drive us around Garland. It was SO fun to sit with them, and see the city. The carriage was cool, white, with blue velvet seats. The kids loved it. We had such a fun day.

Grandpa told us he remembers as a boy, they wouldn't plow the streets, and when it would snow, they would hook the horses up to a sleigh, and do, "donuts," on the streets! I have never done a donut like that before. What a different time it was!


Sophie got to sit by Grandma. What fun!

After the carriage, we visited the graves. Starting with Uncle Dustin's grave. Grandma was a bit teary. Grandpa brought water for the many flowers. I still miss Uncle Dustin. I am a year older than he was when he died. It was a life cut short.

In front of Dustin's grave.

Above is a photo of Conrad sitting on the tomb stone of his name sake, Alfred Conrad Toland. My Great Grandfather. He went by Conard, from what I understand.

This tomb stone shot is the names of the 16 children my Great Grandma Christina Hill had. Wow... I think 2 kids are a handful. My grandpa used to tell me that they used to take turns sleeping in the bed. 6 kids would sleep from 6pm to midnight, and then 6 others would sleep from midnight to 6 am. I used to believe him!

We visited the war memorial in the center of town, and
Grandpa pointed out his name on the WWII plaque.

He stood with Sophie and Conrad in front of the Korean was soldier statue. His name is not listed on the Korean war plaque, even though he served. I hope they will list it soon.

After all the site seeing, we went back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for my grandma's home cooked roast beef meal. Now I know where my mom learned to cook! It was great. After dinner, Sophie and I looked at her jewelry and beads, while the boys hung out. Before we left, Grandma and Grandma showered the kids with presents. They were entertained the whole ride home. All week the kids have been saying how nice Grandma Pam, and Grandpa Don are. I agree. It was such a fun day. We are so thankful for Grandparents. I see why people call them Grandparents.
They truly are GRAND!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONRAD!

My sweet, sweet baby boy is not a baby any more! I remember the day I took this photo of Conrad. We had 2 hours all to ourselves. He was such a good boy, and posed so well. This is him in his blessing outfit. What a handsome little man! What a cute little smile. What a lucky mommy.

Conrad Baker June, 2004

"Snakes and Snails, and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of." I always thought that was a rude thing to say. Now that I am the mother of a boy, I totally understand. Not a day goes by, that Conrad does not bring in some sort of living creature from outside. From bugs and caterpillars, to lizards and snakes. Always the question is, "Can we keep him?" Then he proceeds to name whatever it is he finds. Names range from Honolulu, to Cooper, to Dino, to Lightning McQueen. Many of these names are used multiple times.

See Conrad holding the garden snake, and Sophie in the background crying?

He caught this 2 weeks ago at my parents house. He was so proud of himself.

Every day is a new adventure with Conrad. We had to take Sophie to school yesterday, but before we left, he wanted his oatmeal to cool. So, he put eight ice cubes in it. When we returned, it was a watery mess. I dumped out the water, and he told me he needed a little sugar to make it taste better. I put a bit on, and walked in the other room. When I came back, he had helped himself to about 1 1/2 cups! I don't know how many trips it took, as I only had a 1/4 cup measuring cup in the the sugar. I let him take one bite, which he had a hard time swallowing, and then dumped it out. He then told me he was full. I never know what to expect with that boy :) He makes life fun, and keeps things interesting!


This is one of my favorite shots of the little guy! What a cute little face he has!

Some days I wish I could do this all over again. He is still sweet and snuggly. I love him so much!

Our little family.

Wayne is so happy to have a boy. They have so much fun together. Every time Conrad gets to spend time with Daddy, he comes back so happy, and feeling like such a big boy! Last night he helped Daddy mow the lawn. He has been looking forward to that ever since the sod was laid 3 weeks ago. It is like they have a special bonding time.

I love you sweet Conrad, and feel so lucky to be your mommy!
I look forward to many adventures in the future!

Sophie lost her first tooth today!

We knew this was coming for a while now. Her tooth had been loose for a few weeks, but much more loose over the past two days. She played with it, and played with it, and nothing happened. Last night, I could see her new tooth behind the baby tooth. We sent her to school today, and when she came through the door after getting off the bus, the first thing she said was that she lost her tooth at school. Wayne was home today, and we were both very excited. She showed us her cute smile, and we hugged her, then she proceeded to look for her tooth in her backpack. I figured the teacher had given her a bag for it, but no, it was floating free in the back pack! It took her a few minutes to find it, as Wayne and I exchanged worried glances. Finally she dug it out. It is so cute and small. I remember when that tooth came in. She was 4 months old. It was adorable, and the gap where it used to be is adorable now. I can't believe how time flies, and how she has grown, and what a big girl she is. Now she is excited about the tooth fairy. She says the kids at school get, "a five dollar." I guess that's the going rate now. I don't know. We will see what happens tonight... She makes being a mom fun.

A MOM AM I

I wouldn't be a mom if it wasn't for my kids. I love you kids.
I am lucky to get to be your mommy! I love it when I hear your cute little voices call my name. Will you do it forever? Some days I wish I could freeze you, so you would never change, but I know that's not the way. I have loved you both at every stage of your lives. I am looking forward to all the stages to come, and the memories we will make.
I love you.

To the Mothers in my life

Mother's day is tomorrow, and I have been thinking about some of the mothers in my life, who have directly influenced me. Of course my mother is the one I think of first, but I wanted to add some others. I am so happy I get to be a mother, and am thankful for my saintly mother, and her patience, time, and the way she always made things special for me, weather it was staying up all night to make me a prom dress, or waiting for me after dates. And then in later, helping me with my own babies, and staying up all night with my colicky new born so I could get a few hours of sleep. What would we ever do without moms?


This is my mom, I love her so much, and am so happy that I was able to be raised by her. She is a wonderful example to me in so many ways. I cherish our friendship, and the things she has taught me. I don't know what I would ever do without her. I want to thank her for being a fantastic Yaiyia to my kids. They love her too. She always makes things so fun. You are the best mom ever! I love you.

This is my dear sweet mother-in-law, Margaret. She raised such a wonderful son. He is a wonderful husband to me, and Father to my children. She has done a terrific job with him, and made him into the man he is. Thank you Margaret for your kindness to me, and welcoming me into the family. I love you very much, and am lucky to have you as a mother-in-law.

This is my grandma. She is the only Grandma ever in my life. I love her so much. I am always excited for her to come home from Arizona. Every time we chat on the phone she makes me giggle. I want to thank her for doing such a great job with my mom, and loving me and my family. I love you grandma!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAYNE!

My dear sweet Wayne,

Happy Birthday! I love you so much. You have brought so much happiness and joy into my life. You are a great friend for me, and I love the way you parent our children. You are the best husband I could ask for. I am thankful for you every day of my life. I miss you when you are gone, and am happy to see you when you come home. You are a great example to me of the way a person should live their life. You are patient, kind, gentle, loving, hard working, fun, happy, smart, and the list goes on and on. Thank you for all you do, and all you are. I knew I loved you form the day you sweetly handed me my tent in Moab ten years ago.
You make my life complete.
I love you today, and always.
Your loving wife,
Risa

Handsome Happy Wayne

How many dads do you know that would dress like their 2 year old son for Halloween??? Especially in that tight Spiderman suit!

Thanks for teaching our kids to love the outdoors.

Thanks for supporting our kids in all they do

Thank you for working so hard for us, and winning fabulous trips for us, and spending time with me.
Thank you for all the memories.
I love you!

Moab

Climbing to the top of double arch.

We reached the top!

Cute little Evia.

Moab has this great park, and we practically had it to ourselves.

Wayne and his cute Dad.

Our awesome camp site. The kids loved climbing all the rocks.

Wayne brilliantly thought of bringing Conrad's sand toys. He was in Heaven!

Sophie built Wayne a sand birthday cake.

Wayne getting ready for Amassa Back. He LOVED it, but lost his seat the next day on Slick Rock.

The kids love their Aunt Heidi!
She lives there now, so we got to see her a few times.
We love and miss her.