The Walston's

2011-05-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

I love this Girl!!! She is such a great example and leader. Our ward just split and I'm so sad that she's not going to be in my ward any longer or the YW President. It's a darn good thing we live within walking distance.....and we always have MOAB baby!!!

What we've been up to

2011-05-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to take the Oyler family with us to Moab during spring break. We had such a great time and the weather was great!
Our hike to Delicate Arch. Unfortunately Maylee couldn't come. Maybe next time.
What a ham!
Again....what a ham!

Go Bees!

2010-08-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our first week back from Denver, our neighbors invited us to go to the Salt Lake Bees Game with them and their family. How could we pass up free tickets and great company?! We have the best neighbors : ) FYI: the Bees won in the extra inning.
Go Bees!

Denver

2010-08-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

James had a 3 week conference in Denver (yes you read correctly). We, as a family, decided to join him and off we went to have an extended stay in Denver Colorado. We had a lot of fun and did so many things. Here are quite a few photos of what we were up to on our 3 week vacation:

The city was so beautiful! There were a lot of fun sculptures everywhere. The kids loved seeing the big blue bear looking through the window.

We were able to visit Jason, Kelly and little baby Graycen in Colorado Springs. They have the perfect location. We watched to office, went out to eat, played on the lake, and got to visit. Then they came to visit us in Denver. We went out to Maggiano's....it was soooo good. Thanks guys. You're the best!!

We went to the Denver Zoo...a lot. The kids loved seeing all the animals...especially the Polar Bear, Gorillas, Penguins, Sea Lions, Tiger, Lion, and Elephants. They had it all.

Everyday we went to 16th Street to have lunch with James. I heart 16th street.

The Dragon Boat Races at Sloan Lake were pretty cool. There were a lot of teams and A LOT of vendors. They were super fast and the kids had fun at the park.
City Park is humongous. It's home to the zoo, electric fountain, bridges, more fountains, and museums. We could have easily spent days just at this park.

We also spent a lot of time at Elitch Gardens (formerly known as Six Flags). Maylee was fearless and Talon just wanted to shoot people in the foam ball arena. We watched the laser show and saw some fireworks. It was great!

We had so much fun, but it was nice to come back home to all our wonderful friends and family. It felt like Christmas again when the kids rediscovered their toys at home. We would definately love to visit Denver again.

Las Vegas

2010-08-16T06:56:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to tag along with James at one of his conferences while our kids enjoyed a vacation in Moab at Grandma and Grandaddy's. We went to Las Vegas for a week and stayed at one of the newest resorts on the strip called the "Aria". I can say now that I will never get to stay somewhere so incredible. I was pampered and I couldn't believe how amazing the architecture is in a lot of the areas around Las Vegas. We took some pretty fun pictures.
This is City Center by the Aria

Photos of the Strip
My honey and I in front of the Bellagio. James has never seen the fountain show before. He was really impressed.
This is a view of the Aria. It is a beautiful thing to behold.
I loved this sculpture outside of city center. I don't even know what it's called or who made it, but it was pretty neat.

Celebrating the 4th

2010-08-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I haven't been very good about keeping up with my blog. We've been having way too much time and I'm feeling a little guilty about not sharing. So this is what we've been up to. The Fourth of July we went hiking over by Alta Ski Resort. It was beautiful. The kids did REALLY well and hiked a lot farther than I expected. Maylee fell alseep in James' arms on the way back. It was so cute. Where's the picture of such a sweet moment? I don't know either? One of many photo opportunities I missed. It was absolutely beautiful though. Happy 4th America.

Pride and Joy

2010-03-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

I finally got some good pictures of Maylee and Talon together. Simple, but cute.

The shirt says it all!

2010-03-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Kickin' It with the Hoelzer's

2010-02-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

After numberous attemps, I think there is a pic in there that we like. We had so much fun visiting with our crazy, awesome, and very cool friends. We're so blessed to be a part of the Hoelzer fan club. It's really hard not to ABSOLUTELY love these guys.

Here's to a few more months of living not so far away. We're going to take advantage of it for sure.

Artificial Snow

2009-11-27T11:01:00.001-08:00

After the Christmas party was wrapping up, I went to change Maylee's diaper and get her ready for bed. I had no sooner completed the diaper change, when I was called to say goodbye to some of our company. I had forgotten about putting the baby powder up and...

...Maylee and her room had become a winter wonderland. It really wasn't that bad, but it was funny to see and smelled really good : )

Christmas in November

2009-11-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

Due to the numberous activities that come this time of year, my family found that our calendars didn't leave much room for our annual family Christmas bash. As the time was approaching for our Thanksgiving Dinner together, we all decided to make it a two-in-one.

Thanksgiving Dinner and then kick off to the Christmas holiday with a Christmas party afterwards. It was "so simple, so easy, so perfectly perfect.*" Since Thanksgiving dinner was to be at our home this year, we prepped for the duo celebrations.

Christmas in November.

Everything turned out great. I apologize that I didn't take a picture of the food. It looked and smelled so good and we were so hungry that we couldn't help but give in to the temptation and eat right away. After dinner, the kids had a fun Pirate Christmas scavenger hunt (compliments to my sister-in-law for putting it all together). After the treasure had been found and the girls were Fancy Nancified, we opened presents. Like I said, it really felt like

Christmas in November.

We are so grateful for a loving family and wonderful holidays that make it possible to celebrate what is most important... Enjoying Time Together.

(*Quote from a children's book by Margie Palatini)

Crisp, Cool. Fall.

2009-11-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE fall. I love the yummy recipes that start creeping up in everyone's warm kitchens. I love walking outside and smelling wood burning fireplaces. I love the sound and colors of crunching leaves under my feet. I can't think of a season that is so enticing to all the senses. It's so fun to bundle the kids up, go for a walk, and return home to hot cocoa or a homemade goody.

I also love that my birthday falls around this time of year. I feel so spoiled. What more could a person ask for?! Here's wishing me a happy birthday and you a very....

...Happy Autumn!

(By the way, the photo above is a picture we captured of the Draper Temple while we were hiking. The photo turned out incredible but still didn't do the actual site justice. )

Western Day

2009-10-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

At Talon's preschool they have a celebration called "WESTERN DAY." I had heard Talon singing numberous songs around the house and even in the bathroom (I think that's every childs favorite singing room : ). I then received an invitation for Western Day. I asked Talon what Western Day was and he wasn't quite sure what to expect either. The children were requested to dress up in cowboy garb and Talon was super excited when Aunt Shannon showed up with boots, a shirt, and bandanda (thanks Shan: ). I let Talon wear my cowboy hat (which should actually be his because he wears it more) and off to school he went. When it was time for me to come, the school reps ushered the parents into an assembly room.
When Talon walked in, this is what I saw. I couldn't stop laughing!!! They had made vests and paper mustaches for the boys.
He made such a cute cowpoke.

He did have some issues keeping his mustache on. Thank goodness for super glue (just kidding ; )

The Western Day festivities included the kids singing and dancing and the principal telling stories. It was great. The kids were able to see a real horse that came to visit the school, roast marshmallows over an artificial fire, and eat flapjacks with syrup. On the way home, Talon informed me that "Western day is the coolest!" I agree.

Children's Garden

2009-10-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places to go this summer has been to Thanksgiving Points Children's Garden. It is beautiful and has an amazing sculpured Ark, complete with animals, Noah and his Wife. I could spend all day there just observing the ark. It's breathtaking. Talon and Maylee love splashing around in the water and then going on an expedition to the Bear Cave. If you haven't been there yet, I would recommend it. We always have so much fun there.

Just the Girls

2009-10-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

When Talon goes to preschool, it gives Maylee and I some one-on-one time. I look forward to this because it doesn't happen very often with two kids. On one particular day, I took Maylee to Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country. Living so close to Thanksgiving Point has its perks, so we bought a pass that allows us to go as often as we want...even for only a few minutes. Maylee loves this petting farm. She gets so excited to see the different animals and let them lick her hand. It is kind of gross, but cute at the same time.
I'm excited I captured this expression. She makes it all the time ad I have yet to capture it. : )
She absolutely LOVES riding the ponies.
I can get use to this one-on-one girl time.

First Day of Preschool

2009-09-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

It's finally happened! The first day of preschool. Talon wouldn't let me take a normal "first day of school" photo. He thinks he has to pose. He's hysterical. He had such a great time and has forgotten all about dreading school. I love how much he's grown.

Pictures from Moab

2009-09-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting for the 10 year reunion, we thought it would be a great time to take some pictures. Some are from my camera and some are from our friend, Alysia (who takes some amazing pictures might I add).

Finally....a new Haircut!

2009-09-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

My cousin Staci is absolutely amazing! In preparation for James' 10 year reunion (which was fantastic), I decided to get a makeover (with James' incouragement of course). I called Staci and knew she would be able to do exactly what I wanted. We had so much fun and I wish I would have taken more pictures of everything. It's so much fun being a girl (most of the time).

A New House...A New Life

2009-08-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

Since my last post, we have moved into a house...our very own house. We are thrilled and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to live in a wonderful area, with wonderful neighbors, and (Talon would add) "Close to Cabelas". We are so grateful to all of our friends and family who have helped us during all of our many moves, and who have helped us through hard times. We view ourselves as very fortunate to know so many wonderful people in this world.

Just recently all of my old roommates were able to get together for a reunion (everyone except Michelle because she was moving into a home of her own : ( We had such a great time visiting and seeing everyone's families. We're so excited for Jamie and Neal whose family is going to have a new addition this week! Congratulations...we wish you the very best.

We had so much fun with all of our wonderful friends and will hopefully post some pictures of our home shortly. Until then, we hope you're enjoying your summer time : )

More Practice Pics

2009-04-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

He's so awesome. The coach was impressed how often he would hit the ball during Coach-pitch. It was a proud moment.

T-ball Practice

2009-04-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

Our Little Cheerleader doing what she does best. Check out her finger! : )

Talon was so excited when he would catch the ball.

Our Little T-Ball Player

2009-04-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

We are SO excited. Talon started T-ball this week and he's become our little sports star.

Easter Festivities

2009-04-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

This Easter brought some new and fund traditions our way.

In our neighborhood, there is a special Easter Egg Hunt in memory of a wonderful man, father, husband, and friend.

I don't quite know how it began, but the whole neighborhood is invited to celebrate the life and memory of their old neighbor and share a wonderful time with his sweet wife and family. It is held in one of the cul-de-sacs in the neighborhood, which makes it easy to barricade and safe for the kids. We felt honored to be invited to this special hunt. I didn't know quite what to expect, but it was one of the BEST Easter hunts EVER.
Everyone was to bring a bag full of candy to stash before the hunt began. Putting candy in plastic eggs was an option, but not mandatory. I left early to hide our contribution and thought I walked into candyland.

There were eggs on every nook and cranny, on mailboxes, in flower beds, on door knobs, in holes in the dirt. Not to mention the candy scattered on the grass the covered almost every inch of every yard. It was amazing!

When it was time for the kids to come, I was overcome with the mass of people that were there. What a great way to celebrate and remember a wonderful man!After the hunt began, I gave Talon a moment to get ahead of me so I didn't get bulldozed by kids. When I caught up to him, his basket was ALREADY FULL! So I gave him Maylee's and he quickly filled that one up too (this time being a little more selective). It was so much fun and definately memorable.

I can see where this is going! Check out the candy in the other hand! : )

New Year, New Blog

2009-04-05T15:19:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone. This will be our new blog. There are too many boring details about why I needed to make a new one, but here it is and I hope you have the address. The following slide show is of things we've been doing between now and Christmas (when I lost my camera cord). Please keep in touch and I hope to do the same. We hope you enjoy these memories of ours as much as we love sharing them with you.

What We've Been Up To

2009-04-05T15:11:00.001-07:00