Newport beach 2011

My parents planned another amazing Beach trip and we had so much fun being with family. I was worried how crazy it would be with two kids this year but it went even better then last year. Bentley played for the most part on his own with his cousins doing things like digging holes, building sand castles, catching crabs, jumping off the lifeguard tower, playing on the jetties, playing in the waves and soaking up the sun. Jon was able to be there most the time and drove back and forth to San Diego for work. It was nice having him around and we just loved having him there. The boys, tiffany, mikenna, and heidi went boogie boarding and played football in the waves. The rest of us enjoyed staying warm, visiting, and soaking up the sun. We hit up all our favorite spots like, Huntington, Janes corn dogs, tutti frutti, crab cooker, chronic taco, Bjs pizza, and of course sea side donuts, and all the many ice cream shops. We played at the parks, had a fun bonfire, rode bikes, went for walks, people watched, and just relaxed. side note: the people watching can be very interesting! Bailey also loved the beach and did better than I thought. She would just lay in our shaded tent and play with toys or sit in the bumbo and watch the water and commotion. The kids escaped the patio a few times but I am glad to say everyone made it through the week safely. The kids played hard and had tons of fun sharing......not! haha, but hey thats just part of getting all the kids together. I love being around family and am so thankful for such a fun trip.
After a week in Newport I took the kids, and Heidi with me to San Diego. We stayed a few days and went to Sea World, the beach, and saw Cars 2. Needless to say with all that fun came exhaustion. The kids have both been sick and I hate when we have to leave Jon because I have noticed the kids get seperation anxiety. Its so sad but I hope our time apart wont have to last much longer.
Bentley is definitely experiencing terrible twos. It is a battle of patience in our house lately. Bentley has to be patient with me and I have to be patient with him. I am not winning and have been really upset with myself. I pray everyday to gain more patience and deal with his tantrums better. He really is a sweet loving boy but is in a stage thats all. He just gets frustrated when he cant do something or convey what he wants to me. I get frustrated when he gives up on me when I don't understand him right away. Anyway just some thoughts. Bentley loves loves loves little toy cars. He takes them with him everywhere and even sleeps with one in each hand. He likes to dance and sing when music he likes is on. He even sings the church hymns with me. He is having a hard time watching Bailey become interested in his toys but is slowly learning to share. He is tall and skinny and very handsome.
Bailey is 6months and she is getting very wiggly and vocal. She loves to be on the move whether its rolling, jumping in her exersaucer, or just kicking and waving her hands. People always comment on what a pretty big smile she has and how happy she always is. She is such a sweetheart and my heart just melts when she looks at me with those blueberry eyes. She has been teething and so that has disrupted her normally easy going nature but she is still handling things like a champ. Still no teeth. It seems as though my kids get really sick ( vomiting, diarrhea, painful gums, drooling, fevers) when they are teething. Bailey loves to gibber jabber and she does it very loud these days. She is so funny and will express how she feels by either laughing loudly or grunting loudly. We love her and she is our angel. She has tried many baby foods now and doesn't particularly like any of them but hopefully that will change.
I am still trying to get answers on my back. I get a steroid injection this week to see if that helps but if not I will probably end up getting surgery again which is not fun. I just want to be able to be active again and not so limited on what I can do with the kids and exercise ect.
Jon is working hard in San Diego. Nothing new there, just pounding out the sales and making sure everything is running smoothly on the behind the scenes end of things. His guys are doing really well which is good and the summer is already half over. yay!!!!!

The best smile he would give me. I guess I have to remember he has been sick all week and in a lot of pain from teething and an infection in his mouth that caused it to break out in cankers!

He pinched his finger in the train tracks. Poor boy:( He gets the biggest alligator tears instantly. Both my kids do.

Bentley loves playing with toy trains too! He has been really sick all week and it was good to see him playing again.

Having fun in her exersaucer. She just loves to jump and play with the toys.

Bentley likes to show Bailey how the toys work. He is a great big brother.

Her new favorite toy!

Haha Bentley. He is so funny and asked me to change him on the baby change table after I put Bailey in her PJ's.

Look at all that drool from my teething baby girl. Still no teeth though

Little sweetheart I tell ya!

Bentley doing what he loves best. Driving his toy cars all around. He likes to line them up everywhere. It is so cute to watch

Bailey giving up and just falling alseep instead.

Bailey bummed dad won't give her a bite of his donut


Bailey looking at Jons Seaside Donut wanting a bite. mmmmm those things are delicious. I think we had them just about once a day!

Kevin trying surfing out. Jon brought his board with him.

My happy little princess. I just love her!

Beach babes soaking up the sun. My mom and Heidi

Bentley is not having fun anymore now that Caleb put a Crab close to him. He is not as brave as Belle Belle


Bentley getting buried in the sand.

Looking back at the waves disgusted that they just drenched him. haha

Very mad that Jon dropped him in the waves. He likes to play in the waves knee deep, not chin deep!

Running as fast as he can away from the water.

Jon trying to calm Bentley down after a wave covered him.


Bentley enjoying playing in the waves with Jon

Brody, Corina, Collin, and Caleb roasting smores by the fire. What a relaxing fun night.

My mom with her little buddy Rex

Mikenna, heidi, Collin, and Caleb

Jess staying warm by the fire with her kiddos.


J enjoying the sunset

Jon and Bailey keeping warm by the fire

My Dad and brother Michael getting the bonfire going.

Bentley and Tate visiting while they make smores

Jon and the kids walking to the bonfire we had


gorgeous sunset

My beach babe!


The family hanging out visiting and boogie boarding.

Tyler and his girlfriend Tiffany


Bentley loved the beach this year

He would dig and build things in the sand and run at the waves and play in the water.

Kevin and Annabelle. Annabelle is the bravest little girl I have ever met. She just let the crabs, no matter the size, crawl all over her. She would put them in her pocket and say " no crab, stop trying to pinch me". She even got pinched a few times but that didn't deter her from being obsessed with them.

Brody and Tate searching for sea creatures to catch.

Bentley loved climbing on the jetties.


Bentley digging holes in the sand with his cousins. It's funny how this can keep kids entertained for hours:)

Chad and Jess brought their parachute and we started using it to toss some of the kids in the sky. They loooovvvved it.

It was so funny to watch them! Taters

Little J

Little J


My sweet angel.


Bentley and Jon. I interrupted their crab and starfish hunting.


All the boys looking for Crabs and starfish as the tide comes in and sun goes down.

My gorgeous mom. Thanks for planning such a fun trip!

Amber and her cute baby Colby! He and Bailey are four days apart.

My dad and Tyler putting the new tandem bike together.

My cute, mischievous two year old.

Enjoying the nice weather with my family.

Bailey Babe enjoying the sunshine

Kevin and Tyler hanging out. They rode the new tandem bike.

Bentley loved riding this little bike around all the people.

Bentley and Jon. Bentley loved his first Janes corn dog.

Collin proud of his corn dog:)

Chad and Jessica's cute family eating Janes goodies!

Michael helping his boys doctor up their corn dogs at Janes!

Jon and Bentley getting excited for their treats to come out!

Chad and his daughter Annabelle in beautiful Newport!

Rex definitely enjoyed his Balboa bar!

Heidi with cute little Juliette, chad and jess's girl.

Kyle and Kelsey enjoying Janes corn dogs!

Getting ready to go on a walk to the pier with our family.

Bailey all set in her sunglasses and sun hat. She loves going for walks! she even fell asleep on the way.

Bentley not so happy at first to be strapped in but once he realized all the other kids were going with, he cheered right up.

Disneyland and Seaworld!

We recently went to visit Jon in San Diego. The kids and I were so excited because it had been awhile since we had been together as a family. Bailey cried the whole trip out there because she had an upset stomach so that made our six hour trip into a nine hour trip. When we finally got there Jon knew we would be worn out and that I would be cranky:), so he had surprises for us. He got me a card with candy and Bentley a new pack of cars. That weekend we went to Seaworld to get some use out of our year passes. I am such a kid at heart because I have always loved sea animals and get so excited to go. It was a blast and both kids enjoyed being out. That week we also visited the park lots and went to the beach. Lets just say Jon and I both realized going to the beach isn't as relaxing as it used to be when we didn't have kids. Bailey cried most of the time and bentley kept running off chasing after birds. Oh well, what can ya do right. The following week Riley, Jons business partner and his wife arrived in town. They found us half price tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure so we got to go do Disneyland as well. The best part is that Leesa got an access pass so we got to go to the front of every line. We were definitely spoiled our first visit there and all of us had a blast at the most magical place in the world:) For Memorial Day we went to the beach again and had a bonfire. The boys surfed while the girls chatted and ate pizza. We had a wonderful visit with Jon! The bad part is I still have a bad back and it got worse while in San Diego. I am still trying to solve my pain issues. After I got back I was able to see my back surgeon Dr. Crandall. He is going to try epidural shots and if that doesn't work, I will be going in for back surgery Again! Jon is almost half way through another summer of sales work. He loves to work out, surf, and his the healthy eater in our family. Bentley is a trooper and has been pretty good since Jon has been away. He has started throwing more tantrums and acting like a two year old since coming back from this last trip. I pray every day to keep my patience with him. He is very particular and has to have something when he wants it. He loves playing with his cars still and is developing quite the imagination. I love him so much and my favorite time with him is when he will cuddle up to me and let me give him big hugs and kisses. He loves to read and draw his name. He also still loves bathtime but he doesn't like swimming in the big pool yet. I am thinking about potty training soon but I don't know if I have the energy right now:). Bailey is a perfect angel. She still brightens my days with her smiles and I love her so much. She is SIX months now. These pics will be of her when she is 5 months but I can't believe how fast time flies. She loves to watch her brother play and loves to visit. She can almost sit herself. She hates the Bumbo chair but loves her play mat and rolling around on the floor with her toys. She is teething right now, so she is always drooling. She eats rice cereal and Oatmeal. I am getting ready to try fruits and veggies. I am so thankful for my little family and I have really gained a strong testimony lately of the saviors strong love and support of my family. I am so thankful for church leaders, family, and friends who are so kind to us and have helped us through this difficult time of living apart.

Easter and other happenings!

Our sweet angel at 4 mos.

Bailey loves her grandma Curtis!

Bentley boy!

My little family with their easter baskets

Jon and the kids before church. I love this pic bc it shows how active they are now. I was unable to make it due to a hurt back:(

My two sweet angels

Peek a boo

Jon and our princess!

Bentley with his cousins gathering up their easter loot they found

Bailey even found an egg too!

Bentley searching high and low for the eggs

The three musketeers. These boys get so wild when they are together.

Sweet girly

Bailey and I getting ready to go to a bridal shower.

Grandma Curtis and Bailey

I love dressing her in little outfits.

My handsome boy!

Bentley loves his cousin Belle. She is so kind to him.

The two wild boys riding horses at the Adair property after taking family pics.

My two handsome boys!

All the girls

Bailey and Mommy!

My parents and all the grandkids

My good friend kelsee Brady-Bradshaw. She was so sweet to invite us out to her ward rodeo and we had so much fun!

Alot has happened since I last wrote. Jon has moved to San Diego to work for the summer. His business is doing well and they have a great team of guys working for them. It always bring lots of heartache, tantrums, and trips when he is away. He left beginning of april and came back for Easter and his Birthday. Unfortunately he also had to come back because I have thrown out my back again and needed extra help. We tried our best to enjoy him while he was here but he mostly just had to take on my responsibilities along with working long distance as much as possible. He took Bentley to see a movie and then he and I went to dinner and got pedicures since it was about the only thing I could do with my hurt back. I made him his favorite, angel food cake, and we sang happy birthday and opened gifts at my parents. We miss him so much and Bentley is so sad without his dad and hero here. Back to my back.... I was unable to get up or down, go to the bathroom on my own, or bend over to pick anything up. After a few weeks of Physical Therapy I am doing a little better and can do a lot more on my own which is good. The bad thing is that I have constant pain in my back and left leg due to nerve damage and sciatica. I am trying to remain optimistic but it is hard having Jon gone and relying solely on my family, ward members, and friends. My mom is my angel and has slept over with my kids and I, and taken care of us during the days at her home. She is a busy women and a saint for adding all of my family duties to her own. I love her more than words can describe and am so thankful for her. I am not sure what to do from here, but I hope another back surgery is not in my future. Bentley is growing so fast. He is turned into the cutest little boy. Sadly his manners have slipped and he is confused because dad is gone and I can't even pick him up or play with him like I used to. He even calls my dad "dad" even though I always say noooo thats grandpa. He just hears everyone else call him dad so I think he just follows suit. Nonetheless, I worry how Jon being gone will affect him long term. He loves to play with cars, and be outside. He also enjoys watching movies and interactive cartoons. He is talking a lot more as well. He loves to read books and blow bubbles. He is a very routined boy! That is saying it lightly. He has to do everything a certain way, like eating, going to sleep, putting on his shoes, or we have to start all over. I do like routines but he is OC big time. I have to kiss his lips nose and eyes in the right order before he goes to sleep or he freaks out. It is cute in some ways, but annoying in others. Overall he is very mannered and picks up toys if I ask him, and helps me with Bailey. I love him so much. Bailey is so active I feel she would walk if her legs could hold her. She loves to play with toys, be talked to, roll over, stare at herself in the mirror, gibber jabber, be outside, and watch her big brother play. These two will be such great friends! Bailey has started eating rice cereal. It is quite hilarious because sometimes without warning she will spit it back out at you. She has learned how to make noises with her tongue and she has really started being more vocal. It is so fun watching her grow but of course sad to see my tiny infant getting so chubby and tall. She is an angel and so much fun to visit with. I couldn't ask for a better baby. She practically sleeps through the night and only cries if she has a stomach ache or wants to be changed. She also loves to play with her toes. She will grab them and play with them for long periods of time. She is so entertained by them. Sadly after many breast infections, and then now my back going out on me, I can no longer feed my bailey girl. I will miss those quiet moments shared but I know its not the end of the world either.... even if it may feel like it for awhile:) Overall we are doing great but wish we could go visit Jon. I am unable to sit for long periods of time so I pray that my back will cure itself so we can make a visit out to see him. I also want to say how greatful I am for the gospel in my life. The knowledge that I have has really helped me get through some tough times and I am thankful for the growing that has occured. I only hope to be able to serve others as they have served me. Hope everyone is doing great!