April 30, 2012

Grandma Snyder and Aunt Camille come to visit

One of the many things I love about my in-laws in how incredibly supportive they are of family events.  Lances' cousin Danielle got married this past weekend so we had a lot of family in town. Lances' grandparents who are in their 90's still drive back and forth from Arizona to Idaho and Grandma S. wanted to make sure they would make the drive safely so she volunteered to drive with them.  We are so glad that she did too. My boys love having the Snyder's come to visit.  Aunt Camille who is studying at BYU-I came also.  They wanted to stay with us and we were thrilled. My boys were so excited to see them.  Lance took the boys to the wedding reception Friday evening while I stayed home with Ellie (she goes to bed around 6:30, so it makes it hard to go anywhere as a whole family).
They were gone the majority of Saturday since the wedding was 2 hours away in the Twin Falls temple. The temple is Boise is under construction and probably won't be done until the end of this year. So anytime we want to go to the temple, we drive 2 hours to go.  They got back Saturday evening and we just had a nice time visiting and playing games together.
Sunday afternoon was beautiful.  We went out back to play on the playground set.  Our boys literally LOVE this playgroud too.  They play on it just about every day.
Thanks for coming Grandma S. and Camille! We can't wait to see you again. Come back and see us soon!!!!!



April 28, 2012

The Red Sox

We enrolled Keaton in a little Ivy League baseball team.  We had always heard such good things about it so this year we decided he was ready for coach pitch baseball.  We are so thrilled for him this year.  He has a fantastic coach, fun little friends he has made and comptetion that he craves.  Today was their first game.  So we loaded up the family and headed out to the ball games.  Since today was the opening ceremony for the league they cut all the games short to just one inning so there would be time for the ceremony.
Keaton's first time up to bat and he hit it into out field. It was awesome! He is going to go pro, I just know it.  The weather was just right and we had a great time cheering him on.  Way to go Keaton! We can't wait for the season to start.
Andrew also had soccer games this afternoon.  Since Lance is the coach for Andrew's team, both of us had to be in two different places at the same time. So while Lance was coaching soccer, we were watching Keaton with team pictures. These pictures will explain the game.......




Balloons

Since Owen's birthday last week we have had his birthday balloons floating around the house.  Every time Ellie notices them she starts shaking and flicking her wrists (that is what she does when she gets excited about something).  So the other day I was busy doing dishes and she was sitting on the floor starring up into the ceiling watching the balloons move along.  She started talking and squealing and flicking her wrists. I was trying to figure out what she was so excited about and then noticed the balloons up by the fan.  So I grabbed the balloons and asked Owen if he would sit by her and let her play with the balloons.  They played so well for about a half hour just having the time of their lives. It was so cute to watch. I just had to grab  the camera.......

April 25, 2012

Look at that

I have been collecting little barretts for Ellie since we found out we were having a girl. I have been patiently waiting and now the waiting is over.  Look who has enough hair now to put in a barrett! Horray for little girls and cute hair. I can't get over how cute she looks now almost every day I get to do something cute with her  hair. Now, everyone will know when they see her that she is definetely a girl.
I am in love with her hair.  When she wakes up from naps, wow, her hair is everywhere. I love to run my hands through it and make it stick up straight. I will post some pictures of that later, but for now, isn't she just the sweetest?  I agree! Oh I love this little face of mine.

April 20, 2012

Look who's 3


My little Owen turned 3 today.  I can't believe how fast time has flown for this little guy. Seems just like yesterday we were welcoming him into the world and into our family.  We have never been the same since.  He is so full of energy, love and tantrums.  Owen was so excited for today to happen.  He kept reminding us throughout the week " My birthday's coming up."  He wanted to make sure everyone knew.  They did too!
We had a bounce house arrive this morning.  He wanted a monster wheels bounce house so we got it for him.  It was well worth the money too.  They bounced non-stop almost the entire day.  It arrived at 8:30 this morning and it is 9:15 p.m. right now and it is still inflated in our backyard.  It was a great investment for the day.  It made Owen happy and that is what counts.
We had a non-stop busy day today.  Andrew's little best friend/almost brother was over all day today to play too.  I consider Tyler one of my own almost.  He is adorable and the two boys get along so well.
All the family and friends from our neighborhood showed up for a BBQ, cake and ice cream.  They all were very entertained.
It was so warm today.  By far the warmest day we have had so far this year.  We couldn't have asked for better weather.  All the kids were so hot.  So we turned the sprinkler on.  That added to the excitement. From the sprinklers to the bounce house and cake, these kids had a busy time.  Now they should all sleep really well. The tradition in the Snyder family that I LOVE is making a display the week up to the birthday of pictures from their life. So here is the banner I made for Owen and the pictures we put up of him. Isn't he adorable? He hasn't changed since he was born. So in love with his cute face.






Here are a few fun things about Owen.....

- Owen LOVES riding lawn mowers, tractors and trains.  I shouldn't say love, I should say OBSESSED
- Owen still sleeps in his crib.  We turned it into the toddler bed, but he threw a fit and so we changed it
   back to his crib.  I am not ready for him to get out when he wants to. But it is coming soon.
- Owen isn't potty trained yet.  He knows he's ready and so do I. I just need to committ to do it.  That is
   coming soon too.
- Owen loves being outside.  If I can't find him inside, he is outside spying on our neighbors garage door
    hoping that it will open so he can ride their 4-wheeler power wheel.
- Owen loves to play with his brothers.  He tries so hard to keep up with them.
- He is the echo in the house.  Anytime you hear someone talking, he is there to repeat the last word
   that is being said.
- He is giving up his naps. I am not ready for that. We battle that almost every day. So far he is winning.
- He is going to start pre-school in the fall.  He goes with me to take the boys to school each morning
   and just cries everytime we drop them off.  He wants to go with them so bad. He doesn't want to stay
   home with me anymore. He is ready to get out and explore.
-  He has a lisp.  I am hoping it is just a phase. Most moms tell me they grow out of it but he seriously
   sounds like Sid the Sloth from Ice Age.  So adorable right now but when he grows up it won't be.
- He is a picky eater. But he is getting better.
- He loves it when I sing him to sleep. He always requests the Hello Song. You know the one they sing
  to the new kids each Sunday in primary. Love that song!


Happy Birthday Owen! We really love having you in our family! You make everything so much fun.

Snyder reunion

Last week Lance had the opportunity to go back home to Arizona for a fun-filled family weekend.  Lance comes from a family of 10 siblings.  The  youngest, Preston, recieved his mission call to Singapore and he reports next week to the MTC.  So last weekend was a fun get together for all of the siblings.  He was excited to go home and visit with everyone.  About half the siblings came by themselves and some of them brought their families.  Those who brought their families had spring break.  Too bad ours has come and gone.  The family had a lot planned.  Lance's brother John and his wife Carrie recently had a baby girl the end of March.  They blessed her and Lance was so happy to be a part of it.  Preston also gave his farewell in sacrament and all the brothers sang the musical number.  I heard a recording of it and it was beautiful. I am only sorry I missed it all.  I would get phone calls from Lance telling me of all the fun they were having.  Next time, we will be there.  It has been too long since we went to Arizona.  My children don't even know or remember Grandma and Grandpa S's  house.  It is time to pay them a visit.
Lance's mom also set up a time for family pictures.  Here they are.........

The entire family

All the siblings
(left to right: Paul, Lance, John, Camille, Sharlene, Shauna, Rashelle, Lee, Eldon & Preston)

Rashell, Dave, Brayden and Devin (Rashelle, is the oldest snyder sibling)

Preston, the missionary

My neices : Heidi, Kaylee, Emma and Janea

The parents

Paul, Lesa and girls

Lance's sister Shauna and her family
(Clint, Shauna, Dallin, Daniel, Kimball, Aubrey, Joel, Jacob and little Elizabeth)



John, Carrie, Brantley, and Evelyn

I belong to probably the world's greatest family. They are amazing!

April 15, 2012

Soccer season has begun

Last year we signed the boys up to play T-ball together.  We decided to put them on the same team so it would be fun for them and easy for us.  Keaton and Andrew are on two completely different levels of competition and skills.  So this year we decided to split them up. Keaton is with a Little League for baseball, coach pitch, which is what he wanted, and Andrew is is soccer right now.  Saturday was the first game of the season.  Lance is the coach and he was our of town. He was sad to be gone for the first game too. We sure missed you coach!  So another father, or I should say multiple fathers were helping out. 
Andrew was so excited for his game. When he woke up he went right to his room and put his soccer outfit on. He was ready and the entire morning he kept asking " Is it time to go?" I felt bad telling him no, no, no, not yet. His game wasn't until 1 p.m. so we found some fun things to do in the morning to make up for it.  We made a ton of banana bread and they we ate it all.  Every time I bake it, all 4 loaves were gone by the end of the day. Crazy!


So we showed up and the team was out practicing.  Andrew kept telling me, that he needed to bring his soccer ball to practice with and I kept telling him that there would be plenty of balls to practice with, well, I should listen to my children more.  Everyone brought their own ball to practice with so Andrew just stood by and watched. I felt so bad, and I am also terrible, I should have remembered to buy shinn guards for his poor legs. Now he has multiple bruises from all the kicks he recieved. Next game he will be well armed.
I had all 4 of my children.  It was during Owen and Ellie's nap and it was freezing cold and the wind was blowing like crazy.  Talk about a rough afternoon. I had two screaming kids who wanted to go to bed and wanted to go home. Imagine me, with a huge stroller covered with stuff, a screaming, tired baby and two other boys at my legs crying telling me they were cold and that they wanted to go home.  All the while I am trying to cheer Andrew and his little team on.  I was quite the sight.  But we survived and I hope that was the last time I have to do that alone.
Andrew's little team is called Blue Thunder. The kids were so thrilled with the name.  Now mind you this team consists of 7 little 4-5 year olds who have not a clue as to what they are doing. Lance, you have a lot f work cut out for you at practice.  Andrew's team is full of sweet, little kids who were terrified of the green team who had players who were aggressive and not afraid to kick the ball.
Watching little kids play is so much fun and so frustrating.  We have a few parents who are way too involved and are too serious.  Really?  These are 4-5 year olds playing. Let them have fun! This season should be interesting.
I am so excited for my boys to have opportunities to find out for themselves what they like and what they don't like.  Here's to happy sports season that is upon us.  Our Saturdays will now consist of soccer and baseball games.  Bring it on!!!!

April 9, 2012

Easter

We had a great Easter this year. The weather was at its finest and it was just what we needed.  The boys still believe in the Easter bunny.  I guess it is okay. I still love that they still get all excited and worked up about these simple holidays.  They were excited to go to bed and when they woke up they went in search of their Easter baskets.  They were thrilled to see new pajamas and other fun things.
Church was nice from what I hear. I did get to attend Sunday School. The other two hours were spent roaming the halls and sitting outside with Ellie, while she talked the day away.  She does that alot now and it is hard to stay sitting and in class without people giving you the eye to take my baby out. So out we go!
Then it was dinner at my family's house.  It was a great dinner and everyone was over.  My father hid several eggs for all the kids to find. Candy, more candy and some coins. It was quite the year. They loved it! I loved it! I loved the weather.  Happy Easter!



April 8, 2012

The tire swing

This weekend was a busy one for the Snyder family.  Seemed like it was non-stop since Friday morning.  But we did some fun, productive things.  Saturday afternoon Lance and the boys went to work on their tree fort they have been slowing putting together.  My boys are in little boy heaven back there. It is right behind our home so I can see and hear them from all the windows to the back of our home.  All their little friends come over and then their imaginations run wild. I LOVE it! It has been a fun back yard to explore for them.
Well Lance found a huge tractor tire in the field and hooked it up with a huge chain onto the tree. I was alitte worried that it would break with the kids playing on it but Lance and our friend Jason across the street proved me wrong when both of them went swinging at the same time. So it is pretty safe. They were so excited to show me.  Here is our newest addition......

I am so in love with this sweet little face. He was having so much fun with the big boys!

The boys even got me to go for a swing with them. 

Now you are just going to have to come over and play! 

April 2, 2012

8 months


This little girl of mine is growing waaaayyyy to fast.  I wish time would just freeze right now because she is just so stinkin fun.  I love waking up to see her happy smile each and almost every morning and after naps.  She is sunshine!



Look at her teeth in this one. I just love the gap between them. They are so cute!!!!
Here are a few fun things about Ellie.....

- She still wakes up every 4 hours at night to eat.  Seriously???  You would think I had a newborn in the house.
- Ellie LOVES to watch her brothers play.  She is always very entertained watching them.
- She doesn't have to be swaddled anymore!!!! Horray!!!!! Well I take that back, her arms don't have to be wrapped up anymore, just her underarms and down. I can deal with that.
- She loves finger foods. The little yogart bites are her favorites
- She enjoys being outside.
- She still HATES tummy time.  I think it will be a while before she crawls. I am okay with that too because there is a whole new level of cleaning when that happens.
- She rolls over quite easily
- She LOVES bathtime.  Each night at 6 p.m. we usually bathe her.  When she hears the water, she starts to kick her legs and she starts flicking her wrists like crazy.
- She has 7 teeth and two more coming through
- She has some crazy bed hair in the mornings. Takes after me I guess. Hair everywhere and the cowlicks- love those too.
- The fact that she is adorable- I am in love with that!
- She loves to pull my hair if I have it down.
- She likes to cuddle sometimes. When she is tired.
- She likes to be read too before bedtime. That is one of my most favorite times with her.
- She drinks pretty well from a sippy cup.
- She doesn't like to be left alone. She likes to be included with the crowd.
- She has the funniest laugh
- She doesn't sit well at church, so we are experts at roaming the halls during sacrament. Sometimes I sneek into the mother's lounge to sit and listen and she can be her loudest and it doesn't matter. I love that room!

There is so much more I could write about but the list would go on and on. I can't believe 8 months ago she joined our family.  It has been perfect ever since.  We LOVE this little girl of ours!!!!!!