Way back in April, Vegas Baby!

A lot of these pictures I have been trying to get forever. I didn't have my camera in Vegas. Here is Eliza on the strip at night in front of Treasure Island. We didn't to much other than lay by the pool. I will say I am not ever going to take my kids back here. I was having a heart attack whenever we tried to go any where. There is porn plastered every where. It's just not a place for them, not really for me either. Erik, with the boys. It was a fun to see everyone again. My brothers and sisters all met up here and spent about 4 days together. The boys golfed, the girls were pool side.

Funniest Vegas story. I went to go and work out. I left Spencer with Uncle Erik, Uncle Matt and Dallin. Apparently Spencer had a poopy diaper and Dallin decided to check by undoing the diaper. When he got it undone and realized, yes he was indeed poopy. He went to get Uncle Erik in the other room. Erik came back to find, Spencer, up and crawling around on the bed, with a very poopy diaper almost all the way off. Spencer was nearly covered in poop and so was the bed. Erik who is a 28 year old man, PANICKED. Didn't know what to do, so he found something to pick him up. Then went and started banging on the bathroom door, where my little Brother Matt, age 16, was showering. Erik had Spencer pinned to the floor and was yelling at Matt to get out and get him. My Mom was coming down the hall and could here the boys yelling and the baby crying through the door. She had Matthew take Spencer into the shower with him and get him all cleaned off. The moral of this story, don't leave Men and Boys in charge.

Codner Boys vs. Speaker

This story is really for Steve, myself, and the Codner boys. Dallin and Spencer will get a kick out of it when they are older. I had these subwoofers in my car, before kids. Steve figured out how to hook them up to the TV with the surround sound, to give it a little something extra. As a baby Dallin had a hiding spot, where he loved to hide toys. I remember the first time we realized he was hiding things in the speaker. If you look at the top right of the speaker, you will see a hole. That is were Dallin put everything!!! EVERYTHING!!! So today I am in the kitchen and I see Spencer over by the socks. (I am going through all his clothes and getting rid of what is to small, which is were the pile of socks came from.) So he is throwing them up in the air and crawling after them. All of a sudden I realize he is not throwing them any more, he has squeezed behind the gate, that is up around the TV and is shoving all the socks into the speaker. Seriously, he had all but 4 pairs in there. I don't know what it is that makes this activity so fun. Not only do they look alike, but they are up to the same no good. Our little sweet Eliza, never touched the speakers. Even today while I was telling the kids the story, Eliza is sitting by me just looking at me like what are we going to do with them???

Spencer's Talking

I was doing P90X and Spencer pulled a book out of his bin, laid down on his tummy and started to look through it. It was to cute, to pass up getting a picture. I'm just glad, he looked at it long enough to get the picture.

In the last 2-3 days Spencer is starting to talk, A LOT! It kind of surprised me. I was thinking they starting talking around 18 months. Obviously I love Dallin and Eliza much more. I looked up the timeline for baby development with them. Also, isn't he supposed to walk first? Lazy boy! He is taking 3-4 steps, but then falls and he doesn't get back up. He just takes of crawling. His favorite word is more. He says it when he wants more to drink, and more to eat. If he sees a cup, he says more, implying he is thirsty and wants a drink. I am trying to switch him to drink, but that is much harder to say. He says Mama, when he crying and hurt or upset. Last night, when Steve walked in the door from work, Spencer was sitting in his highchair and reached for Steve and said, "Dada." It was so cute. He also says, "all done and ball." I am trying to teach him sign, but I have been bad at being consistent. I can't wait till he starts to say, Dallin and Eliza, it's going to make them so happy.

The Fair is in Town

Today I passed out Spencer's Thank You cards. Here is my thought process behind this card. I wanted Spencer to sign his thank you cards. My first thought, was I could stamp it with his thumb print. Then I thought, his hand print would be cute. Since, his party was under the sea theme, i decided to make his hand print into a fish, for the fins I used his thumb print. I made two different styles.

The County Fair, always fun, and yet leaves you questioning??? Were do some of these people come from? I never see them around town, or at school. Funniest part of the fair was on the way home. Steve told me, "We smell." Since I have no sense of smell I asked, "like what?" Steve answered, "Smoke. No, I know, we smell like white trash." I hit him. Then about a minute later, he said, "It smells like puke." We went into Chili's had dinner and then we were heading home. Dallin pipes up from the back, "Eliza your feet stink." Steve and I put 2 and 2 together. It was a good laugh for a few minutes, while we all insisted Eliza put on her shoes. Anyways, back to the fair. As much fun as we had, of course, when we left there was tears. Tears, about all the things they didn't get to do, but wanted to. If only they could do one more ride, because it was going to be their favorite. They didn't get enough junk food. At least, by the time we got to the car, they had time to settle down and say thank you for the best night ever. Oh, good times. We went to see the animals first, and I have to tell you there was some excitement. When we got to the duck cages, one of the ducks was stuck in the fence. This MEAN big goose, on the other side, was biting the duck that was stuck. It was trying to pull it through the fence. Which was twisting the ducks head even more. I was in a total state, of motherly panic. I was looking very quickly for someone who worked there, and could save the duck. I finally got the girl, who was taking care of the pigs. I told her what was going on, that there was a bully, and pointed it out. She went into a state of panic. So much, that she couldn't figure out how to get out of her cage, or into the ducks cage. Right as I decided, she was just to far gone to help, and I was going to have to save this duck. That's right, I was going to face the Canadian geese, to save the poor little duck. The poor little thing broke free. This was going on for a good 5 minutes. I'm not going to lie I was a little upset. Enough, that when I was going to sleep, I was worrying that the stupid duck was OK. I guess I am a little sensitive. Steve wants me to add, that he doesn't care about ducks, and he thinks my idea of going into the cage was a stupid one. Anyways, enough from heartless Steve. After the life threatening incident, we decided to have some fun. The kids went on the swings,

the Fun House,

the Gravitron,

the Dizzy Dragons,

and the Slides. All which, Dallin and Eliza had a BLAST on.

Then we decided to put them on the Farris Wheel. Eliza was terrified. Overtime she spun down by the conductor she would say, " Can you please stop the ride, Can you please stop the ride." If you look at these "bad" pictures, you can see she is terrified.

Over all it was a really fun night. Can't wait to do it again, next year.

First 2 weeks of School

I am having a heck of a time switching from pool days to school days. This last week Dallin missed football practice (not my fault, they called 2 hours before practice to tell me there was practice that day. AND, they didn't even tell me. I got a message later that night.) Eliza missed dance, I hadn't done the calender yet. People had told me about her practice bu,t it was another long night with Spencer and I couldn't get myself out of bed that morning. Also, Dallin has been a little neglectful, as far as homework, and studying his spelling. He missed 3 words, on his test, which is not OK. They can either get 100% or miss one. Anything less and they are not studying hard enough. Eliza got a 100% on her test but, she doesn't have homework like Dallin does. Which is another thing I need to adjust to. There isn't lots of homework K-2, and now we have 3rd grade homework. Mornings, have been a little hectic, and lazy. However, these past few mornings they are getting the routine down again. Also, with all the sickness already, it's been hard to get on any routine. Dallin missed Wed-Friday last week, and this week Spencer has been sick. Last night he spiked a fever, again, so this morning I took him into the doctors. He now has an ear infection on top of, runny nose, fever, cough, and NO SLEEP. I might add no sleep for Spencer, Steve and, myself for about 2 weeks. I'm glad we finally have something to treat. He is now 1, so I can give him a little bit of Benadryl for runny nose, which hopefully helps with the cough, which hopefully helps with the sleep. Poor little guy.

When Aunt Rachel came out to visit she brought the kids Silly Bands. She was shocked we didn't know what they were. I reminded her that we live in a small town and they would soon enough make there way here. Well about 2 weeks after my kids were introduced to them they started to other kids with them and now that they are back in school there is some serious trading going on. One day after school we had to drive back up to the school, so Dallin could go in and trade Madison her helicopter, for his star. He needed the helicopter to trade Brody for his plane. Then with the plane, trade with Chase, for his tank. This was his original scheming and planning. However, Brody wouldn't trade the next day. So Dallin's next plan, was to bug me until I would take him to Target, to buy the Military pack. I finally caved today, but now he has a new favorite. It's the ipod on his chest. I wish I had thought of silly bands.

Eliza doesn't get quite as obsessed about, who has what, and which one she NEEEEDS! She just loves to stack them up her arm and wants to get enough to stack the other arm. Thanks Rach for the introduction and keeping my kids up on the "Cool Thing!"

Spencer's B-Day Party

We finally got to have Spencer's birthday party. He has been sick for a while now. He came home from UT with a cold (I will post the month of August eventually, our last trip to UT I left the camera charger, so all my pictures are on Rachel's camera) Then Steve brought home this cold, cough and fever. Dallin got it last Tuesday and missed the 1st week of school. Then, Spencer came down with it. He was supposed to have his party on Saturday, then Sunday, and finally on Monday he was feeling well enough to have it. I had so much fun planning it. We invited (by the way Steve didn't want me to have a party and invite people, but I ignored him and through one anyways) So I invited only people who were close to Spencer. That was the Moore Family, they love Spencer. Hallie and Spencer are boyfriend, girlfriend, and they have been babysitting Spencer since he was born. We love the Moore Family, all great kids. We also invited the Graham's (they are our Flagstaff family), we also love this family. There girls come over a lot and spend a lot of time with Spencer. Last but not least, we invited the Mickelson's. Tanner is Dallin's buddy and is over a lot, Cassidy loves to steal Spencer as well when we are at the pool. Love them also. I was glad everyone could come and celebrate with us.

Now, lets get one thing straight. While I was stressing out, over Spencer's party, Steve was reminding me that Spencer is never going to remember this!!! I just want to state it now, "the first year party is not for the baby. It's for the Mother. It still is about Spencer, BUT my BABY is turning 1!!!

So, here is all that I stressed over for a while and put in about 3 days of work, baking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, cleaning and decorating, and baking. Then last minute decided to serve dinner, so more shopping, and cooking, and cleaning. It was all worth it everything was so cute and so fun for our family.

Below, is how I decorated the front door.

I found these lifesavers, below, at Micheal's I was planning on some how working them into the party. I also wanted to put up some pictures of Spencer. I was going to get a picture of him at every month, up to a year, and put together a collage. However, that was just way to much work. Anyways, this is what I came up with. It fit perfect into the "Under the Sea" theme, and I think they turned out so cute.

I put tables out on the deck, and decorated with balloons, lots of cup cakes, sea shells, and fish. I really had a lot of fun doing all this.

OK, there is a problem decorating with fish. We did have a casualty. If you look in the fish bowl, there is a fish "sleeping" at the bottom. Thank goodness he/she was the only one.

Spencer's whale cake. (second attempt at the caption)

At first this is what I wrote, and then after I finished, I second guessed myself. I looked at the picture again and thought, "Emily you are crazy, no one is going to look at that cake and think there is a problem with it. You are pointing it out." So, then I decided to write the caption over. Then, when I went to delete the bottom part, I thought, "Just leave it, let people know your crazy thoughts, it's all for history. Someday my kids will get to read this and really know there Mom was a little questionable. Aren't we all???

(First attempt at caption) This is kind of a funny angle of Spencer's whale cake, but you get the idea. I am probably the only one who can tell the mouth doesn't look right in the picture, but if you look over it straight, I promise it's centered. Just had to say! For my piece of mind! Because I'm kind of a perfectionist, (I 'm sure this is a surprise to some of you) when it comes to stuff like this and I don't want people thinking it doesn't look centered. Just had to say! :))

I used these during dinner. They held the plates, napkins, and chips.

I had jars of gum balls, sixletts and swedish fish around for the kids to grab handfuls.

This was the center piece at the adult table. I got a huge fish bowl and a Betta fish, then put sea shells around the bottom of it.

At the kids tables I did the same thing, just used smaller fish bowls. I had 3 tables total. At the end of the party, as the guests party favor, each family got to take a fish bowl with them. I also put together a bag with fish food and water conditioner..

Spencer opening his birthday present. He got 2 of his favorite things. He loves cars, and with this car, he pushes a button on the top and off it goes. He chases the car all day. He also got a ball. Which he also chases all day. He picks up the ball, throughs it, and then crawls after it. Repeat!

CAKE TIME!!! he is not going to start until he gets that hat off.

I gave all the kids those party blowers, mistake. He cared more about getting a hold of one of those, than eating cake. So he decided to show off and take a few steps, to try and get one.

When he reached for it he fell over, and almost fell in the cake. It put him close enough to it, that he decided to check it out, and see what it was.

First bite.

Who knew that he was trying to watch his figure, because this is how he ate the cake. He stayed pretty darn clean, and cared more about working the crowd to get some laughs, than eating cake.

There he is at the end, like I said, not much of a mess. He then decided, to crawl off and get into the kitchen drawers.

After all this blogging, I am sad I didn't get one picture. There isn't one of Spencer and his guests. I really wish I had one of those!!! Over all fun party, and... MY BABY IS ONE!!!

Glam Girls, Gross Guys

Isn't Spencer cute?!?! He loves to play the piano and dance. So Saturday was a bit hectic for me. Spencer's party was supposed to be today, Sunday. However, yesterday his cold took a turn for the worst and he spiked a fever. (I know on his B-Day, it was so sad) I really didn't have time for him to be sick, I was trying to get ready for his party. I still had to make his cake and about 30 cupcakes, but all he wanted me to do was hold him. So I called Steve and said, "When are you coming home??? Because I am going to lose it!!!" I still had to clean the house and make all the food. Well Steve got home late and then he went to his friends to watch the UFC fight. I'm really not complaining about Steve, he is always a huge help. It was just the situation that day. So finally at around 12:30am Spencer went to sleep and I did get most of the party ready. I even got an extra day to work on the party,we postponed the party to Monday. Spencer still had a low fever today and I don't want to get everyone sick.

So, Thank Goodness, I had the camera out yesterday, because Girls really are GLAM. I love Tabby and Eliza. These girls are just the best of friends. The other day we, as in Tabitha's G-parents and myself,were waiting for the girls to walk down to the pick up spot. All the other kids had made it down about 10 minutes ago. Well sure enough,they come strolling down holding hands, just looking at each other. Once they spotted us,they come running asking for a play date at the pool. Once we tell them yes, they both start to scream and hug while jumping up and down. i just rolled my eyes and smiled. So on Saturday while I am feeling overwhelmed about all that I have to do, (get ready for a party, a scout meeting, and still do sharing time) the girls come to me begging to dress up in my clothes and wear my jewelry. Finally I got a second to help them. We turned my shirts into dresses and they each put on some of my jewelry and then went to the play room to accessorize. They are so stunning. They then went for a walk around the lake with Spencer. However,they didn't come home with Spencer. I guess the boys came with there guns and stole Spencer. They tried to get him back, but the boys (Dallin and Taige) were running away with him,and they couldn't keep up in there heels. They continued to tell me that,Madison,was still out chasing the boys trying to get Spencer back. Sure enough,about 5-10 minutes later,I hear a baby crying. Madison is carrying Spencer home. Dallin had tipped the stroller over and the gun hit Spencer in the face. BOYS!!! Here are the girls in there dress up.

So the boys did disappear for a while. They went out to the woods and built a fort. They were gone for about 3 hours. They showed back up around 6:00, to go fishing. They stopped by for plastic bags. I guess that is all you need to catch fish. About 4 days earlier, Dallin and Tanner caught 3 fish. They were about an inch long and put them in my nice glass pitcher. So when they went out fishing, in my head I thought, how fun they are going to catch cute little minnows. Well I was in the kitchen decorating cupcakes, and in they walk, with there plastic sandwich bags full. I look up and my first question was, "Are those real?" They were all proudly holding up there bags with these huge fish. They assured me they were. I then said, "Well we need to get them in water, quick, before they die." They then told me, and yes, I through up in my mouth, "No,they don't need water they are already dead." I told them to get out of my house, and to wait on the deck for a picture. As soon as the picture was over, I made the burn their hands in the hottest water, while I soaked them with soap. BOYS are GROSS, and look at them they are so PROUD!!!