Oklahoma City

So Ryan and I got to go down to Oklahoma City last weekend...alone. It was so great! I have a friend who volunteered to take them for the night so we headed down and spent a night there. We had such a fun time, but still found ourselves exhausted by 10:30.
After Ryan got off work on Friday we drove down there, checked into our hotel downtown, and went to Cattleman's restaurant. It isn't the best looking place to eat, but it was dang good. It's been around for 100 years and has been featured in lots of magazines and food shows on TV. We've heard about it so we decided to check it out. We left there extremely full and completely satisfied. We also discovered while we were here that the camera I brought alot to take pictures had a dead batter...and of course I didn't bring the charger, so we took no pictures (I'm getting all these off the internet.)
We headed back into town and walked around bricktown for a little bit. We went to see if there was a movie we wanted to catch, but didn't see anything of interest so we picked up some ice cream and headed back to our hotel room.We spent the rest of the evening eating our ice cream, watching TV, and relaxing.
In the morning we decided to check out the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. It was a very sobering experience, to say the least. This photo shows the reflection pond where the road previously was that ran next to the Murrah Federal Building. The museum gives a detailed description of the happenings of that April day in 1995. I was only 11 years old when it happened, so I don't remember much about it. I only remember seeing stuff on the news-the pictures with the building half blown away. If you ever go to Oklahoma City I would definitely recommend going to this museum. I learned a lot, and felt a lot. It was a beautiful memorial and museum! I left there feeling physically and emotionally sick. It is hard to imagine all the lives that were changed in one day, one instant.
After the museum we looked around Bricktown a little bit more then headed over to the temple. The youth of our ward were going down there so we signed up to go help. It was so nice to be there especially after the museum. Isn't it so great that families can be together forever. We enjoyed our time at the temple. Afterward, we ate some dinner then headed back home. We really enjoyed the trip-it's the first time we've left our children...we'll have to do it more often than once every 5 years!

NYC

So our stay in New York City is over, but we are still vacationing. The kids and I are now in Georgia, and Ryan is currently in Idaho. He is having a family reunion all next week and I'm spending the week with most of my family here in Georgia-so we kinda have our own separate family reunions. Anyway...New York was AMAZING. We are already planning our next trip back (this time without the kids...although they did Great!). I'll talk all about our time there in an upcoming post, but I just wanted to share a short story...
So we stayed at this fancy hotel just off Central Park and the shower in the bathroom (shoot i should have taken a picture!) had glass covering half of the shower. So there was a big opening to get in, but no door to close up the shower. So the first night Ryan got the kids ready for the shower and put them in then thought where the heck is the door. So he called the front desk and said "my shower doesn't have a door." The receptionist informed him that it was the way it was designed. I laughed so hard when he told me that-I bet that wasn't the first time someone has called wondering where their shower door was.
It was a really cool shower though-the shower head was on the ceiling, and there were bamboo planks on the floor of the shower so you weren't standing in water - so there wasn't a ton a splash out the door. I'd like a shower like that in my house plus the other half of the door though so I didn't have to clean up a wet floor every day.

Busy Birthday week

Ryan celebrated his birthday last Tuesday (the 17th), and I had a busy time getting ready for it. I was running around cleaning the house, making the cake, a crown, a birthday sign, wrapping presents, and making sure the kids were happy and entertained. It was a busy day, but I had a fun time getting it all together. Ryan went to work then came home and was crowned king then opened his presents.

Afterwards, Ryan and I went out for dinner-without the kids-that was nice! I took him to Bonefish grill, and he loved it. I don't like fish so he never gets to eat it...I thought it would be ok for him to have something he loved for his birthday. I got a delicious steak. It was a wonderful place to eat, and I would definitely go back. The whole place didn't reek of fish so I didn't mind it at all! We returned home and had cake and ice cream with the kids then put them to bed, and we watched a movie. I think he had a pretty good birthday this year. (please pardon the blurriness of the photos. I apparently had a hard time taking pictures that day)

On another note, Carson slipped down the stairs yesterday, and broke his fall with a side table. His lip didn't take the beating too well. It was bleeding pretty good so I look him to the doctor. She prescribed popsicles. As you can imagine, Carson was thrilled! She also suggested he drink out of straws-another thing Carson loves to do anyway. The nurse gave Carson a coupon for a free frosty, and another one for a free kids meal at Applebee's. I guess it was worth the $20 co-pay! He is doing just fine today, but I can't help but laugh everytime I look at him. Here are some photos from this morning.

I laughed so hard when I looked at this picture I took...he makes such funny faces all day long.

Lastly, here is AC project #8. I'm late again getting it posted up here. I made one on Thursday to take to a "project exchange" activity thing we had at church. (You make something, bring it, then switch with people). I forgot to take a photo of the sign I made so I just whipped one up for me today and here is the result. I'm glad I decided to make one for me cause I really wanted one...although I don't want it to snow.

One last shot

Ryan wiped the hard drive to our computer last night for one last attempt at fixing the problem we've been having trying to upload photos. And....IT WORKED! I'm so so so so so happy. I can now blog with photos without waiting for Ryan to bring home his computer. Hopefully it stays fixed! Just had to share the happy news. I'll continue to post now on a regular basis.

Here is a funny photo of Halli from last week. We were enjoying ice cream, and I thought it was cute that she had her feet up on the table. I was very surprised to see the look on her face when I checked out the photo I had taken. I love it...makes me laugh so hard!

USA Volleyball

So a couple weeks ago Ryan and I got to go see the mens USA volleyball team play the Netherlands. They came here to Wichita Kansas...I thought it was pretty random, but Ryan said they are playing all over the US to get more interest in the sport. Well, we were just happy they came here and definitely had to go! The USA beat them in 3 games, so we were happy they won! We got front row tickets and had a great time. It reminded me of old times back at BYUI watching Ryan, Johnny, Bryce, Cache, Hyrum, Josh, and all the other guys play volleyball. I miss hanging out with Ashley and chatting while watching our husbands pound on the opposing team. Oh the good old days! Volleyball is such a fun sport to watch!

Here comes June

Not much has been happening this week with us. We spent a few days scrubbing our apartment and finally turned the keys over on Thursday so we are officially out of there! We went to clean it and realized how small it really was. We thought it was huge compared to any other apartment we had lived in, but compared to our house it is just tiny! It is nice to have a bigger place-our own place. Ryan has been doing a project a day out in the yard so it is looking better and better! Some day (probably next year) we'll have enough money to re-landscape the front yard and turn the hideousness it now is into something B-E-Autiful! No real progress with the rest of the house. Except I bought some candles today to make it smell better. I think the smoke smell is almost out!

Here are a couple photos from the week.

Ready for the day

Another hair style I tried with Halli...I know it's a mohawk, but I thought it was cute

Me and Carson waiting for a parade to come

Ryan and Halli waiting for the parade

Air Show & Park Party

Two weeks ago we were sitting at home on Saturday and we decided to go to the park to play. Lucky for us some church was putting on a carnival thing at the park and they had tons of fun stuff to do. We all had a fun time being outside doing something out of the ordinary. It was a nice surprise! Carson was a little bit hesitant to get his face painted, so I got mine painted first then he was excited for it! He was also really really excited to see the fire trucks that were right next to the park. He has been wanting to get a close look of the fire trucks for a long time!
Last Saturday there was an air show at this small airport by our apartment so Ryan took Carson over there and check it out. They had a fun time-Carson is still talking about it. He just loved seeing all the airplanes and helicopters. Ryan bought him a little toy airplane while they were there and it is his new favorite toy. He has also been telling me frequently that daddy works on airplanes-he seems proud of it somehow. It is just fun to see the things that mean so much to him. Carson just loved this little plane he got to sit in-too bad something like that would cost hundreds of dollars. It would be a way fun toy to get!

Ryan's Flashback Tunes: Mix #1

So a while back I decided that Tiff and I should dig up some of the memorable tunes that we remembered from high school. When we got searching, however, we found more and more songs. I decided that this would have to be done in numbered mixes of only a few songs at a time. Here are a few songs that brought back some memories... yeah, not necessarily good ones... just memories. Enjoy!

Crossroads-Bone Thugs

Jumper-Third Eye Blind

The Freshman-Verve Pipe

Champagne Supernova-Oasis

Good Riddance-Green Day

Sleepin Like a Cowboy

Ok, so these pictures are a little old but i have been meaning to post them. Since i am home all alone, i have plenty of time to do things like adding to the blog. So one day we were playing cowboy. I was the horse and he was the cowboy. All he really wanted to do was have me buck him off onto the floor or the bed. Then he decided that he was going to be the horse and i was to be the cowboy.... yeah, i guess we made it work. After crawling around for a while we decided to take a nap. A cowboy nap. I had to show Carson how cowboys sleep. He thought it was pretty cool. Unfortunately he didnt let me take a nap. I also threw on a picture of Carson holding Halli. She really didnt mind being held like that. Also a pic of me and Halli. I just miss my kids! Anywho, this post is kinda random, but whatever.

Filmstrip Fun

Tiffani, Carson, and Halli are all in Utah for the next couple weeks visiting family. I (RYAN) am at home by myself. I don't know what i'm going to do with myself for the next couple weeks. I havent been alone this long.... in a really really long time. I decided i needed to find projects or things to keep me busy. The Wii is only fun for so long. Tonight i decided to do a little filmstrip of pictures in Photoshop. The day before the fam left for Utah, i took a bunch of pictures of Carson. He is a cutie. Pictures of Halli were also taken, so i had to do another filmstrip. Anyways, i thought this turned out cute! Note: Click on the image to see the full size image!!

What we are up to

Well, we have been in Wichita for about 3 weeks now. I have started my new job and we are finally all unpacked. I am in the program working on the Boeing 747-8 passenger airliner. I am pretty bored at work since I don't go through my software training until the second week in June. I also have to get about 8 accounts set up just so i can do simple tasks. I am however able to go walk around the plant and see how each little part of the airplanes are manufactured. I think I could spend all day watching people work and not get bored. Also, it took me about an hour just to make a loop around the plant. The place is huge and I am just waiting to get lost down there. I am anxious to start some real work.

Back at home, we are finally getting settled. We actually have a couch and a washer and dryer. I think we are ready for our baby girl to come... well, as ready as we can be i guess. It will be interesting to see how Carson reacts to the new addition to the family. For the first time in his life he won't be the center of attention. We finally got our health insurance figured out and Tiffani was able to go to the doctor. The baby could come any time! Yikes!

Also, since we have been in Wichita, we have been able to go to the Zoo and go camping. Camping isnt quite the same as in Idaho, but Carson and I still had fun. I bought Carson a Batman fishing pole, but we were unsuccessful during the campout. I actually missed Idaho for a little while there. Anywho, here are a few pictures we have taken... I also got around to taking the pictures off my camera of my last Idaho fishing trip.

Fishing Trip

Yesterday morning Spencer Buie and I went fishing. We went to a spot that we had been to a number of times, except this time we decided to head down stream a little bit. It ended up being the most successful fishing trip yet. With our powers combined, Spencer and I caught over 70 fish!! Seriously. About 2 hours into fishing Spencer was like, "My arm is getting tired from pulling in fish." So yeah, it was a good day. We ended up bringing a couple fish home. I took Carson over to see what we caught. I think he was a little freaked out at first but it wasn't long before he wanted to stick his hands in get all fishy. The fish were delicious by the way. I'm gonna miss fly fishing when i leave Idaho. Don't get me wrong, i am way excited to get out of Idaho... the fishing is what i will miss.

Rexburg Temple

Well, last week was the Rexburg Temple dedication. We were blessed to be able to get tickets to be in the temple for the dedication! It was an awesome experience to see President Monson acting in his new calling. Elder Bednar and Elder Nelson were also there for the dedication. Aside from looking beautiful up on the hill, the temple will be a great addition to the growth of BYU-Idaho and will provide opportunities for us to attend the temple more. I have realized what a blessing it is to have a temple so close and hope that we can attend more often. Besides the temple dedication last week, we have just been working as we try and find a more permanent job. I have started to adjust to working full time and it has been great to get some real work experience. Tiffani has been keeping busy with Carson at home and has been so great at teaching him. Kids just grow up too fast! Well, this post has been kinda random but i thought i should work on our blog a little bit more often. I will hopefully get Tiffani to start posting soon which will make our blog much more exciting than it has been!

January Happenings

Well, it has been a while since I have posted anything, but here goes. Where do I start... Tiffani and I graduated! We spent Christmas break at Tuckers and now we are back in Rexburg. Yeah, i know... still in Rexburg. I am currently working in Idaho Falls at a company called Sentient Corp. They do advanced diagnostics and prognostics on bearings for military aircraft. Yeah, i'm not going to explain what that means. Anyways, Tiffani is still working a few nights a week at Melaleuca and is getting to spend lots of time with Carson. He is getting so big! Also, we found out this week that we are expecting a little baby girl in june! Tiffani and I are way excited! So that is about all I can think of right now... life is good. We just wish it wasnt so dang cold outside.

Down to the Wire

So this semester has been flying by and I (RYAN) am almost done with school...like all done with school. I have had a few interviews and am waiting to hear back on one job in particular. We will see what happens. I realize that i don't know very many people who have connections that could help me get into an interview. If any of you have contacts that i could get in touch with, let me know! Thanks! Anywho, we are doing well and Carson is growing up so fast! He has finally got his counting figured out... well, sort of. The video will help explain. I am also still learning how to use this blog editor thing... so that is why our blog doesnt appear to be awesome. It will get better... i promise. Ok bye!

We Now Have a Blog

Yeah, so i guess we broke down and decided to do the blog thing. We figured it would be the best way for everyone to see what we are up to. For those of you who don't already know, we are still here in Rexburg, and I (Ryan) am finishing my last semester and will be don't in December. I have started the interview process with a couple companies so hopefully we will know in the next month or so where we will end up. We are excited to move on! Carson is well and is talking more and more every day. He will 2 years old this December. He loves going to the "college" to watch volleyball and football games. Tiffani graduated last August and is glad to be all done. Tiff and I are both working right now in addition to school and watching Carson, so we are pretty busy. That is about all that is going on with us. I will start to post pictures and videos once i get a spare second. I hope this will be a good way to keep in touch with everybody!