St George, Annie, and Zions

This last weekend we were able to go down to St George for a little weekend getaway! It was so nice to get some sunshine again and spend some time away with the fam. We left on Friday morning so we got there in time to eat our FAVORITE, In N Out. Then, that evening we were all able to go see Annie at Tuacahn. I thought Bostyn was a fan before, I KNOW she is a fan now! She, and the rest of us, have been singing all of the Annie songs since we left. It was really AWESOME!!!!! I am a sucker for live theatre as it is but they did such a great job re-creating the movie.

The next day we were able to go shopping and I got some really cute stuff for the kids. Then we made cookies and watched the Utes kick some butt! We were so close to Vegas, my dad, brother and Brad were tempted to go to the game but opted to hang out with us and the kiddos.

On Sunday on our drive home Brad got his way and we stopped and hiked at Zions. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!! There is just something for me about being with family outside in the nice weather that just gets to me. In the beginning Bostyn was against the whole hiking business. I am not sure where she gets that from, ;). After we got going, she was so fun! She sang the Annie songs with a mix of you are my sunshine to keep us and all of the other hikers entertained. She found lots of treasures along the way and even planted some of them, hoping to get a treat when we return. Thanks Brad for making me o things that I dont CHOOSE to do! I love my family so much and I am so happy we were able to make some fun memories!!!

lots to blog about BUT.......

our laptop is broken. Well, kind of. Bostyn decided she lieks to do "numbers" on it and I think that nanny must have decided to let her dance on it one day. Needless to say, I have been a horrible blogger. Once it is fixed there is going to be some major overload.
Brads birthday, Fynns 6 month pics, Bostyns preschool program, 4th of July in Oregon with Ar, Kenny Chesney, adn LOTS LOTS more!
Some of the things that have been going on in our lives...
1. The kids are still the cutest ever!
2. Bostyn is starting dance and preschool early September and is so excited.
3. We hired a new nanny, just last night! LONG STORY!
4. Fynn is a little monster and can get all over our house, yes even up the stairs!
5. Brad and I are almost officially ready to go through the temple. just set the date!
6. Life is just busy as ever!
7. Our transmission died on our Volvo, so the VW with 116K miles on it is now the old reliable.
-- cant wait to get it fixed, thanks dad!
8. Looking for a new car, any suggestions would be great. Looking for something SUVish with a 3rd row for our growing family! (no that isnt an announcement, too soon for that!)
9. We still LOVE our fun neighborhood and all of our fun new friends!
10. LOVING every moment that I get to spend with my beautiful little kiddos, and my WONDERFUL husband!
Hope everyone is well, and cant wait to get all caught up!

One of the most special days......

I know this has been a while ago, but I am going to post all of my old pics and get caught up, so stay with me, :)

On March 1, 2009 my wonderful husband, and Fynns outstanding father gave him a name and a blessing. It was one of the most touching things I have ever heard, and I have never been more overwhelmed at what a great companion I have to be with FOREVER! I knew that he was so nervous, and wanted everything to come out just right. This is something Brad believes strongly in and KNOWS that whatever blessings he and the Lord bestowed upon our son would be cemented into him forever. I know that Fynn will grow up to be all of those things and so much more. He is such a sweet little guy and is ALWAYS so happy. It doesnt matter who it is, Fynn can always get a smile out of anyone (even complete strangers). I am so grateful for the decision Brad has made to get him where he is today. I have loved him since the day I met him because of his strong personality and motivation to succeed in all things, once again he did it. This makes me even more excited to be sealed as a family and have him and my children with me always. Thanks for all of you who came and supported us. Thanks to my mom and sister who helped (took over) all of the stress for the day. It was GREAT! We love you Fynn, and are so thankful you are here in our family to enjoy all of the McDaniel adventures.

We're back!!!! And there is lots to post about. Where to start.....

I guess we'll start with Easter, and these will be all out of order! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Easter time. I love the changing weather, the happier attitudes people seem to get with it, and the all around reason we celebrate Easter. With Brad and I preparing to go to the temple this Easter meant alot more to me!
About 2 weeks before Easter, they had a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny at the Mall. We took the kids, and they had so much fun! They even had a little breakfast so we started our day off right!

We started Easter out with a scavenger hunt. We had candy leading downstairs for Bostyn and then in Drews room the Easter Egg scavenger hunt began. At each stop there were gifts from the rabbit himself. Some of them included bikes, a wagon, toys, and of course candy! The kids had so much fun! By kids, that includes Brad! We stayed up until 2 am preparing for the festivities. I am glad we did, we laughed so hard coming up with the clues. One of my favorite parts about the holiday was having Arlee home from Oregon. I miss her so much!

Then we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Williams where there was an egg hunt and more baskets! My parents always go overboard. It is so fun for me to see what they prepare for the kids. My sister (from Vegas) sent her 2 kids up so they were there to join in the fun as well. The night before we dyed Easter eggs there as well! Good thing Brad, my mom and Arlee are so patient because well, I would have lost the Easter spirit!

Next, we headed to my cousins house (on a farm) for a MAJOR egg hunt! My aunt outs it together and it is better than any community hunt I have ever been to. She gives them all baskets and hides 15 dozen eggs. we got some fun pictures there as well!

After all of this we were pretty worn out! I am thankful that we have been so blessed! I am overwhelmed as I think about my family, husband, kids, religion, friends, and how much this all means to me especially during this season.

Happy Birthday to my SISTER!

My sister and best friend (next to Brad), turned 25 on March 22. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AR!!!!!!

We just love Arlee. I always tease Brad and tell him he got 2 wives for the price of 1, and boy has he been feeling the truth of that lately. Arlee moved up to Portland for work a few weeks ago. We miss her so much!!!! She used to help so much with the kids, and always joined us in the evenings for our favorite shows, dinner, and of course a good laugh. She got to come home this weekend for her birthday and it was SO much fun! Bostyn was so excited to see her, and Fynn surprisingly acted like he remembered her. She is such a good sister, and in her high maintenance way, still so giving. She came home with surprises for me. She got me this cute headband from nordstrom that I have wanted FOREVER, and took Bostyn to Build-A-Bear on her own birthday. Then, was forced to share her birthday song and celebration with Bostyn because she was convinced it was her birthday since Arlee had gotten her a present. Of course Arlee gave in and shared her special day with Bostyn.

Arlee, I just want to tell you how much we love and miss you! I know that it is hard to be away...... but now we have an excuse to go shop all day when you are home, and no one can complain! I cant wait for your next trip home. Until then, smile, shop, call me, and shop some more. Oh, and update your blog... you slacker!!!!

10 of my favorite memories with Arlee:

1. Our semi-annual shopping tip to Oregon (no taxes) :)

2. Pulling each others hair while driving 35 mph down Wendover Boulevard

3. You singing R E S P E C T to me after I told you that you should respect me because I was your older sister.

4. Sitting up late into the night with you when you had your halo on trying to make you comfortable.

5. Our late night talks and getting caught up on reality TV.

6. Crying on your shoulder when I had postpartum with BOTH kids.

7. Decorating both of our houses!

8. Vacationing to Florida, California, Oregon, San Francisco, and all the other fun places we have been together.

9. Saturday shopping!!!! There never has been enough time for that.

10. Sluffing to go get Burger King breakfast in High School!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARLEE!!!!! Thanks for being so great! I cant wait for your next trip home!

A Healthy Breakfast??!?

Lately Bostyn thinks that just because she is a BIG sister that she runs the McDaniel home. I constantly have to remind her that she is still a little girl who needs to use her manners. The other morning we were deciding what she was going to have for breakfast and she told me that she had it taken care of. Next thing I know, she has chocolate milk in one hand and spaghettio's in the other. She was dead set on having this as her first meal of the day. Arlee was there and encourages Bostyns already free-spirited mind. After much convincing she ended up with scrambled eggs. Oh what the world would be like if children were in charge.

How come....

My little Fynns breath smells like cream cheese. I LOVE it, but isnt it so weird? I love to just give him endless kisses, it just makes me want to eat him. My sister and mom used to just think I was weird but now they can smell it too! Does anyone else have a cream cheese breath child? I am sure it is just the formula. One more fun fact about this little boy. I just love him and his cream cheese breath so much!