Saturday, December 17, 2011
First Snow
The night before we went to pick up our rental truck for the move it snowed! It was absolutely beautiful the next morning! And Enoch's first snow!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Birthday Boy
Enoch turned 1 on November 7th and we had a last minute belated party about a week later. It was quite the gathering complete with my Dad's famous bbq ribs and a big pot of Trent's favorite baked beans.
Going from two kids to three kids couldn't have felt anymore natural, this little guy was such a perfect little addition to our family that he may as well have been with us since the time Ethan arrived. Enoch is so sweet and so loving. He absolutely adores his big sister and gets so excited when he sees his big brother. Just days before the party he was officially walking on his own. He still has no teeth.... well.... ONE has finally started to at least make a bit of an appearance.... but loves food. Anything that slightly resembles a phone is treated as such and real phones seems to be the reason for his existence. If you let him play with yours just be prepared for the devastation that follows when you take it away.
We love our Enoch the Peanut!!!!
Going from two kids to three kids couldn't have felt anymore natural, this little guy was such a perfect little addition to our family that he may as well have been with us since the time Ethan arrived. Enoch is so sweet and so loving. He absolutely adores his big sister and gets so excited when he sees his big brother. Just days before the party he was officially walking on his own. He still has no teeth.... well.... ONE has finally started to at least make a bit of an appearance.... but loves food. Anything that slightly resembles a phone is treated as such and real phones seems to be the reason for his existence. If you let him play with yours just be prepared for the devastation that follows when you take it away.
We love our Enoch the Peanut!!!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Kiari turns 3!!!!
December 12th was Kiari's 3rd birthday!
Kiari and Trent's mom Kathy share the same birthday. Obviously I had a hard time getting her to smile for this picture.
Earlier in the day Kiari had said, "but I don't know how to blow out the candle!" and I told her that she could ask Ethan for help. These next two pictures are of the "how to blow out the candle" lesson that took place.
Grandma gave Kiari a super cute doll and we gave her a princess dress up trunk. Both were big hits.
I can't remember what they were talking about when I snapped this pic but I love the look on Ethan's face.
Over all it was a pretty low key day. After dinner we had a little party with just the 5 of us. Kiari seemed pretty excited to not be two anymore and everyday since then she has wanted to play dress up.
We absolutely love our Kiari Bel..... even during her Jekyl and Hyde moments. :o)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Kiari and Trent's mom Kathy share the same birthday. Obviously I had a hard time getting her to smile for this picture.
Earlier in the day Kiari had said, "but I don't know how to blow out the candle!" and I told her that she could ask Ethan for help. These next two pictures are of the "how to blow out the candle" lesson that took place.
Grandma gave Kiari a super cute doll and we gave her a princess dress up trunk. Both were big hits.
I can't remember what they were talking about when I snapped this pic but I love the look on Ethan's face.
Over all it was a pretty low key day. After dinner we had a little party with just the 5 of us. Kiari seemed pretty excited to not be two anymore and everyday since then she has wanted to play dress up.
We absolutely love our Kiari Bel..... even during her Jekyl and Hyde moments. :o)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Thanksgiving 2011
On Thanksgiving my camera was being totally dumb and these are the only pictures I was able to took. And two of them were borrowed from my sister-in-law's blog. :o)
As is tradition for Trent's family, the day before Thanksgiving we made our way to the cabin in Island Park. No words to describe how much I love it up there.
A lot of family. A lot of noise. A lot of great food. It was really healing for a lot of people to be surrounds by so much family.
There are a lot of us.
Turkey cooking trio: Jason, Cheri, and Dad.
Another fun tradition is that Trent's dad will lead the boys on a snowmobile ride up through the mountains before dinner. But before they took off this year, the guys gave all the kids a ride. Trent took me for a ride and it was awesome!
Typically we'll have a second dinner at Trent's mom's house but this year I thought it would be fun to do it at our place. (again, dumb camera, not many pictures) I cooked my first turkey ever and it turned out great! It was so fun having everyone here and getting to play the hosts. Looking forward to our Christmas get together here this weekend.
As is tradition for Trent's family, the day before Thanksgiving we made our way to the cabin in Island Park. No words to describe how much I love it up there.
A lot of family. A lot of noise. A lot of great food. It was really healing for a lot of people to be surrounds by so much family.
There are a lot of us.
Turkey cooking trio: Jason, Cheri, and Dad.
Another fun tradition is that Trent's dad will lead the boys on a snowmobile ride up through the mountains before dinner. But before they took off this year, the guys gave all the kids a ride. Trent took me for a ride and it was awesome!
Typically we'll have a second dinner at Trent's mom's house but this year I thought it would be fun to do it at our place. (again, dumb camera, not many pictures) I cooked my first turkey ever and it turned out great! It was so fun having everyone here and getting to play the hosts. Looking forward to our Christmas get together here this weekend.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Halloween in Idaho
Just a few short days after arriving in Idaho it was Halloween. My kids LOVE Halloween. This year we were able to take them trick-or-treating to the Melaleuca home office and let me tell you, the employees go ALL OUT decorating their individual areas of the office. We're talking themes, costumes, sound effects and music, the works.
That night, because we live in the country now AND because it was FREEZING cold outside, we loaded up the kids and drove them around to go trick-or-treating. In the past we've always just taken them to the Trunk or Treat at the church so this was their very first experience knocking doors. We hit a good handful before before heading home to get ready for bed. Enoch was pretty excited about his very piece of candy.
*the pictures are a little out of order but quite frankly I'm too tired to do anything about it. Enjoy.
That night, because we live in the country now AND because it was FREEZING cold outside, we loaded up the kids and drove them around to go trick-or-treating. In the past we've always just taken them to the Trunk or Treat at the church so this was their very first experience knocking doors. We hit a good handful before before heading home to get ready for bed. Enoch was pretty excited about his very piece of candy.
*the pictures are a little out of order but quite frankly I'm too tired to do anything about it. Enjoy.
Initially I felt good about moving back to Idaho. As we made the drive I was excited to finally be there. Then once we were back the good feelings were almost overwhelming and I KNEW that we were where we needed to be. At one point I even wondered, "maybe something's going to happen down the road and Trent and I will need to have our parents close." But that's all it was, a thought.
Then just one week after we had moved back we received the tragic news.
Trent's older brother Brian was no longer with us.
It was not mere chance that we were home to stay.
There are so many things about that day and the days that would follow that I'll remember forever.
What a tender mercy that we arrived back home when we did. Amazing.
I'm so grateful for an eternal perspective. For the knowledge that we have, that we WILL be with Brian again. But until that day we will strive to live as our Savior would have us live so as to be worthy of the blessings of eternity.
Something that my father-in-law expressed again and again was, "love each other. Forgive each other." Love is so important. Make sure those around you KNOW how much you love them. Don't just assume they know. Tell them.
We love you Brian. And we miss you.
Trent and Brian at our wedding reception, December 2005.
At Brian's wedding, April 2011.
Brian Frank VanderSloot returned home to his loving Heavenly Father on Thursday, November 3, 2011.
Brian was born to Frank VanderSloot and Kathleen Zundel on June 28, 1974 in Seattle, Washington. Brian lived in a variety of places including Oregon, Minnesota, Singapore, and Idaho, where he resided most of his life. He was the third oldest of five siblings. After Frank married Belinda Boyack and Kathleen married Wayne Walden, he enjoyed an even larger family of 18 brothers and sisters. His family remembers the honorable way he led his life, the promises he always kept, and his selfless humility. Brian graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls. Brian was self-taught in computers at a very young age. He never had formal training for computers but he was a whiz. He loved music and teaching himself to play the guitar which talent he eventually used to sing to his children at bedtime. Starting at age 14, Brian began lifting weights and kept himself in top shape for the rest of his life. He was known for his enviable and large biceps and loved to show them off at any opportunity he could.
Brian received his bachelor’s degree in Business from Brigham Young University. He served an honorable mission from 1993-1995 in the Porte Alegre South Mission in Brazil for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the Brazilians and served them with all his heart. He developed a love of the Portuguese language, which he taught to his boys. Brian served in various positions in his church faithfully and lovingly. He also was a founding member and Chairman of the board at White Pine Charter School. He volunteered hundreds of hours to serve the children there.
After graduating and starting his new career at Melaleuca, he married Jennifer Coburn of Sugar City, Idaho in July 19, 2002. They were blessed with two special boys — Connor and Isaac “Rocky.” He was dedicated completely to those two little boys. He was their hero. He was passionate about their educational development in all areas. The boys loved waking up early in the morning, crawling in bed with him and cuddling. They were so affectionate with each other: cuddling, hugging, and kisses.
Brian was a hard working, talented, and innovative thinker for Melaleuca. Over the last 11 years he has worked in several management positions at Melaleuca. Most recently, Brian served as the company’s director of web marketing. He has also overseen Melaleuca’s operations in Singapore and served as regional director of south Central and Northwest regions as director of call center operations. His colleagues describe Brian as extremely hard working, exceptionally talented and consummately professional. He was loved by thousands of Melaleuca employees and marketing executives around the world.
On April 7, 2011 Brian married the love of his life, Paige (Bentley Mortensen) VanderSloot, who added five wonderful children — Laurie, Megan, Rachel, Hannah, and Michael. This new family was a dream come true for Brian. Brian was an affectionate and loving husband to his sweetheart. He was very hardworking and driven to be the best husband and father he could be. He put the needs of others before his own continually. As a dad he was so hands on, so passionate about teaching and educating his children—whether it was teaching them how to ride a bike, or teaching them about exotic fruits.
Brian loved adventure in whatever form he could find it. He loved racing the car fast to get a reaction out of the kids—and his wife, building dry ice bombs for family viewing on the 4th of July, taking seven children on so many adventures. They explored the Grand Canyon, the Redwood forest, the Oregon Coast, Yellowstone Park, and many more places.
Brian constantly reached out to fill the needs of others. He served so many and never expected anything back. He was all you could hope for and ever want in a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a colleague. He is loved by so many and we will miss him so very much.
Brian is survived by his wife, Paige; his precious boys, Connor, 8, Rocky, 6; his new blessed children; Laurie, 11, Megan, 9, Rachel, 7, Hannah, 5, and Michael, 2; his parents Frank and Belinda VanderSloot, Kathleen and Wayne Walden; LaurieKae Banks (Sam), Cheri Lima (Antonio), Tiffany Smith, Matthew Trent VanderSloot (Charisa), and Cassie VanderSloot, Sara Schofield (Chris), Emily Smith (Jesse), Aaron Robinson, Eliza Ruys (Jason), Rachel Belnap (Devin), Jairus Robinson, Sadie Sabin (Jeff), Caleb Robinson, Michael Walden (Michelle), Jeff Walden (Susan), Melanie Dale (Jon), Joel Walden (Sarah), Jason Walden, and many other beloved family members.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at the Ammon LDS Foothills Stake Center (3934 East 49 South) with Bishop Jake Dustin, of the Ammon 27th Ward, officiating. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon) and on Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. A private family burial will be held.
Then just one week after we had moved back we received the tragic news.
Trent's older brother Brian was no longer with us.
It was not mere chance that we were home to stay.
There are so many things about that day and the days that would follow that I'll remember forever.
What a tender mercy that we arrived back home when we did. Amazing.
I'm so grateful for an eternal perspective. For the knowledge that we have, that we WILL be with Brian again. But until that day we will strive to live as our Savior would have us live so as to be worthy of the blessings of eternity.
Something that my father-in-law expressed again and again was, "love each other. Forgive each other." Love is so important. Make sure those around you KNOW how much you love them. Don't just assume they know. Tell them.
We love you Brian. And we miss you.
Trent and Brian at our wedding reception, December 2005.
At Brian's wedding, April 2011.
Brian Frank VanderSloot returned home to his loving Heavenly Father on Thursday, November 3, 2011.
Brian was born to Frank VanderSloot and Kathleen Zundel on June 28, 1974 in Seattle, Washington. Brian lived in a variety of places including Oregon, Minnesota, Singapore, and Idaho, where he resided most of his life. He was the third oldest of five siblings. After Frank married Belinda Boyack and Kathleen married Wayne Walden, he enjoyed an even larger family of 18 brothers and sisters. His family remembers the honorable way he led his life, the promises he always kept, and his selfless humility. Brian graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls. Brian was self-taught in computers at a very young age. He never had formal training for computers but he was a whiz. He loved music and teaching himself to play the guitar which talent he eventually used to sing to his children at bedtime. Starting at age 14, Brian began lifting weights and kept himself in top shape for the rest of his life. He was known for his enviable and large biceps and loved to show them off at any opportunity he could.
Brian received his bachelor’s degree in Business from Brigham Young University. He served an honorable mission from 1993-1995 in the Porte Alegre South Mission in Brazil for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the Brazilians and served them with all his heart. He developed a love of the Portuguese language, which he taught to his boys. Brian served in various positions in his church faithfully and lovingly. He also was a founding member and Chairman of the board at White Pine Charter School. He volunteered hundreds of hours to serve the children there.
After graduating and starting his new career at Melaleuca, he married Jennifer Coburn of Sugar City, Idaho in July 19, 2002. They were blessed with two special boys — Connor and Isaac “Rocky.” He was dedicated completely to those two little boys. He was their hero. He was passionate about their educational development in all areas. The boys loved waking up early in the morning, crawling in bed with him and cuddling. They were so affectionate with each other: cuddling, hugging, and kisses.
Brian was a hard working, talented, and innovative thinker for Melaleuca. Over the last 11 years he has worked in several management positions at Melaleuca. Most recently, Brian served as the company’s director of web marketing. He has also overseen Melaleuca’s operations in Singapore and served as regional director of south Central and Northwest regions as director of call center operations. His colleagues describe Brian as extremely hard working, exceptionally talented and consummately professional. He was loved by thousands of Melaleuca employees and marketing executives around the world.
On April 7, 2011 Brian married the love of his life, Paige (Bentley Mortensen) VanderSloot, who added five wonderful children — Laurie, Megan, Rachel, Hannah, and Michael. This new family was a dream come true for Brian. Brian was an affectionate and loving husband to his sweetheart. He was very hardworking and driven to be the best husband and father he could be. He put the needs of others before his own continually. As a dad he was so hands on, so passionate about teaching and educating his children—whether it was teaching them how to ride a bike, or teaching them about exotic fruits.
Brian loved adventure in whatever form he could find it. He loved racing the car fast to get a reaction out of the kids—and his wife, building dry ice bombs for family viewing on the 4th of July, taking seven children on so many adventures. They explored the Grand Canyon, the Redwood forest, the Oregon Coast, Yellowstone Park, and many more places.
Brian constantly reached out to fill the needs of others. He served so many and never expected anything back. He was all you could hope for and ever want in a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a colleague. He is loved by so many and we will miss him so very much.
Brian is survived by his wife, Paige; his precious boys, Connor, 8, Rocky, 6; his new blessed children; Laurie, 11, Megan, 9, Rachel, 7, Hannah, 5, and Michael, 2; his parents Frank and Belinda VanderSloot, Kathleen and Wayne Walden; LaurieKae Banks (Sam), Cheri Lima (Antonio), Tiffany Smith, Matthew Trent VanderSloot (Charisa), and Cassie VanderSloot, Sara Schofield (Chris), Emily Smith (Jesse), Aaron Robinson, Eliza Ruys (Jason), Rachel Belnap (Devin), Jairus Robinson, Sadie Sabin (Jeff), Caleb Robinson, Michael Walden (Michelle), Jeff Walden (Susan), Melanie Dale (Jon), Joel Walden (Sarah), Jason Walden, and many other beloved family members.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at the Ammon LDS Foothills Stake Center (3934 East 49 South) with Bishop Jake Dustin, of the Ammon 27th Ward, officiating. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon) and on Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. A private family burial will be held.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
One last Family Day in Denver
The Monday before we left we took the kids to the Children's Museum.... which wasn't much of a museum at all, just a bunch of different activity centers. The bubbleology room was the coolest but even after trying a few of the activities all the kids really wanted to do was play on the indoor playground that looked like a mini forest. *sigh* if I wanted to take my kids to a playground I could do that for free. It was still a fun couple of hours.
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