A trip over the Falls

While David was in town last weekend, we spent an afternoon in downtown. Spokane revamped their historic gondola ride and we took a cruise over the raging Spokane River. There has been so much flooding that they have have the dams open all the way. It was a beautiful sight to see. The gondola stopped when we were right over the water. It was cool to see them up close, but a little freaky because there were 6 adults and 2 kids crammed into a tiny gondola over a raging river. Gavin asked if we could throw someone's keys in the river to see what would happen.... needless to say we didn't give in to his suggestion.

All and all it was a fun ride. The gondola stops a lot to let people off and on. It felt like a 100 degrees with all of us crammed inside. (I know that's chilly for you southwestern readers!) Thanks Mom and Dad for the fun afternoon out!

The Yellow Stone National Park

No, the title is not a typo. When we told Gavin that we were going to Yellowstone National park, he would ask, "When are we going to see the yellow rock, um, I mean the yellow stone?" In his mind he thought that we were going to a playground to see a yellow rock. Even though he never saw any play equipment at Yellowstone, Gavin still had a great time.

We saw a lot of Bison on our trip. We saw a couple of them really close. It was pretty fun to see such a large animal at such a close distance.
Here we are at Yellowstone Lake. I didn't realize that the water would still be completely frozen over still. Gavin was so excited to see the "frozen lake."
Just to show that Grace was with us on the trip, here's a shot of her in the stroller. It was really cold the day that we went to the park. The high was in the mid 40's. Yikes! I had Grace bundled up in a hooded sweater, fleece jacket and three blankets. She sure made a fashion statement by wearing purple, orange, pink and green all in the same outift

This is the family at Yellowstone Canyon and the upper falls. It was an amazing site to see. With all the times that Brent and I went to the park while living in Rexburg, this was a the first time we had been to the falls. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Thanks Brent for his great idea to go to Yellowstone on our way home from Utah. We all had a great time!

Happy birthday Grandma Mac!

Surprise! Happy birthday Grandma Mac. We went to SLC to surprise Grandma for her birthday. She was totally excited (and she cried a little too) when we showed up at Julia's house. We had a wonderful weekend being with family and having the cousins enjoy being together. It was a handful of kids, but we all had an AMAZING time!
In this picture, the grandkids are giving Grandma a flower and telling her what they love about her. The moment was really special. Gavin said that he loved it when Grandma read books to him. Grandma and the little G's.
This is a shot of kids coloring at the museum. They had so much fun together.
We spent one morning at the church history museum. Yeah, you read that right, we took 6 kids, the oldest being four to a history museum. They had a great kids place, where the theme was "I am a child of God." It had activities, coloring, building and dress up. The cousins reinacted the nativity. If you are in SLC, it was a great, fun, free thing to do with the kids. Then afterward we went to temple square.
The McAllister gang (minus Bryan and Joanna's family). I can't believe that everyone is looking at the camera. Well, Grace isn't looking but what can you expect from a 5 months old. At least she isn't crying!

Random Cute Pics!

Brent took this picture a couple of days before Mother's day. I think the kids look so cute together and the fact that they are both smiling at looking at the camera is a total treat!
Every year we have a bird build a nest on our deck. At least this year, the bird built the nest under the deck so it is not so bothersome to us.

I found Gavin under the stairs one day with no clothes on. When asked why he does have any clothes on, he said, "But Mom, I'm still wearing socks!" Yes, this is really under the stairs. I have a lack of storage space so my highchair and portable crib are kept behind the staircase.

Gavin, the anti picture taker

Gavin DOES NOT like getting his picture taken. He usually makes a funny face, scowls and he definately won't smile. Grace on the other hand is such a smiley girl, and very photogenic. Gavin has since started getting into the picture taking mood whenever we are doing a photo shoot with Grace. Here are some classic Gavin poses.
This is his pirate pose in which he is trying to perfect before his pirate birthday in June.
This one is the classic Gavin pose. It is totally obvious that he wants nothing to do with the camera. Oh, what's not to love about this sweet boy???

I thought that since this post is about Gavin, I thought I would throw in a couple of his funny sayings. Last week I lost my voice from being sick. Gavin asked me what happened to my voice and I told him that I lost it. He then replies, "Well Mom, you should go to the place where you last had it and look for it!" Another time we are near the mall and Gavin asked if we could go play on the playlamb (he really calls it that) and I said, "maybe." Gavin then replies, "Mom, I know that maybe really means NO." Oh, too funny!

Fire Station Field Trip

Gavin and Lacey (my 1st choice for his future wife) on our way home from the field trip. When asked what was your favorite part of the whole thing, they both said the stickers, hat and pencils they were given at the end of the tour. I guess it doesn't take much to impress a 3 year old!
Gavin didn't like the loud noises from shutting the fire truck doors and spent most of the tour with his hands over his ears. He's such a character!
Here is Gavin's preschool class. They had so much fun at the fire station. Gavin stood right next the to fireman the whole time, but when it was time to actually sit in the fire truck he chickened out and wouldn't do it.

The BEST husband in the world!

Gavin and Grace are sitting on our beautiful and soft NEW carpet in front of one of the NEWLY replaced doors! Everything looks so great. I have such a hard working and wonderful husband!Brent surprised me while I was in Utah by replacing our doors and having the carpet put in. We had decided to get new carpet, but I didn't think we could have it installed until June. Brent called the carpet installers and had it done early to surprise me! Thank you to Sam, Mike, Brady and Jeremy for all of your help! Brent couldn't have done it without you!

Brent is starting his big suprise of replacing the doors

One door finished, only 10 more to go!