over-load

Today I did nothing. I went to Cassie's house and let the kids play. It was great to just stop and sit and relax. I don't think that I will ever move again. This has been the biggest pain and the most stressful situation. We sold our house in one week, but the closing process is a nightmare. I am so grateful that we went with Serge for our loan we have had such a easy time. The people who are buying our house have had such a run around which causes us to have a run around. We are living out of boxes in our own home because the closing date keeps changing. We are sleeping on the mattress on the floor, the kids think that it is great. And it actually hasn't been bad with sleeping it just that I have packed all the pots and pans and things like that. Anyway I hope that we close soon so our house we are buying doesn't get messed up.

SOLD!

Well, we listed our house on KSL last Friday and had an offer on our house this Friday. I guess we really are going to move. I have mixed emotions. Ten years is a long time to live in a house. We have had all our children here. Amy and Matt live down the street. But I do believe that this is the right thing for our family.

Daddy's helper

Dan took off two weeks to help out at home. I think that Abby has become part of his shadow. She has really missed him since he has gone back to work. And I have also. It was so nice having him home.

Soccer Saturdays!!!

We are a crazy soccer family. We have three teams this year. The boys are loving to play and doing a great job. Britton is playing so well, his first game he scored 2 goals and played great. He is very fast and also very aggressive. Bryson is also doing great. He scored 1 goal yesterday and is really getting into the game. This year the treats aren't Brysons main focus. And for Parker this is his first year. Dan is his coach and Ethan is on his team. Parker scored 3 goals yesterday and had a lot of fun. Abby is a really good sport. She yells for the boys and asks when is it her turn.

A few pictures

Brynlee sleeping the day away. She is an amazing baby. She looks so much different, every day her little face changes. She is getting her first bath in the sink. I love it when the belly button is healed. Abby wanted to help wash her and did a great job.

Brynlee is liking the binkie. And the last picture is her first day of church.

Brynlee Lyn Gardner

Brynlee Lyn is here. She was born on August 27th. She weighed 8lbs. 4oz. It was a great delivery, I wish the others would have come as quickly. I got to the hospital at 4:30pm and checked in and got up to labor and delivery at 5:00pm. She was born at 8:21pm and probably would have come an hour early if my doctor would have been there. We are so grateful she is here and is healthy and absolutely beautiful.

Thanksgiving Point!

We drive down to Thanksgiving Point to the Dinosaur Mesuem. It was the last two dollar Tuesday we could go to in August. And I think that everyone else in Utah thought the same thing. The line was so long. But it actually went pretty fast. We stood in line outside for an hour and once we got in it was all worth it. The kids had such a fun time. We went with Cassie and her kids and Amy and her kids. The kids were so excited to touch and exlpore. The kids loved the room that is completely black and it has stars in the background. It was so dark that you couldn't even see the person in front of you.

Nesting!

Cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. I think I've almost got everything done. I've made my checklist and I only have 5 to go. I have done walls, baseboards, ceilings, lights, blinds, windows, touch up painting all throughout the house, re-finished my kitchen cabinets, got the carpet clean, and organizing all the cupboards, drawers and closets. My house feels so much better. When you only have 1100 sq ft house with 7 people you have to find a place for everything. I love my little house.

Summer Fun!!!

We have had such a fun summer. We have gone camping to the most beautiful spot. It was North Fork campground and the stream ran through the back of the camp site. There was also a waterfall to hike up to. We had such a fun time. The Parkins and the Sandbergs came with us and all the kids had fun building a dam in the stream, making swords, exploring and just playing together. We been swimming a ton. We went to Bear Lake over Raspberry Days. That was a lot of fun. The kids loved floating in there tubes and playing in the sand. We've been to the movies, the park, and lots of play dates with the cousins.

A trip to Island Park

Today we went to Island Park. We went with Keith's family. We stayed in Sherrie's family cabin. We had such a fun time. The kids loved playing outside and exploring and playing on the dock. They made fishing poles and used candy fish as there bait. We went to the most beautiful waterfall, and went to see the movie The Bears at the IMAX movie theater in Yellowstone. We went to feed the fish, and the fish were huge. While standing on the brigde to look at the fish a little boy dropped his flip flop and it went down the river. The family just laughed and watched it float away, but then a muskrat swam out and got it and took it back to its home. I thought that that was pretty funny. We rafted down the river. I wish I could have had a sound piece with me to let people listen to the giggles that filled our raft. Parker and Abby giggled every time we hit the white water. We had such a wonderful time. It was very relaxing and the kids were able to just play, play, play. Thanks Keith and Sherrie for the great weekend.

Happy 4th Birthday PARKER!!!

Today is Parker's birthday and he is so excited. He has been planning his birthday for over a month. He woke up and saw the kitchen decorated and was so excited that this time it was for him. He picked to have cinnamon rolls for breakfast and watch transformers the cartoon while I set up the backyard. We filled up the swimming pools and filled 110 water balloons. We invited the cousins over for a party at 11:00. They swam and had a water balloon fight, potato sack races, and we made some goodie bags with water toys inside. We had hot dogs and cupcakes and then he got to open his presents. It was such a fun party and the kids all had so much fun. The kids swam until 3:00 and then we went inside and Parker wanted to play with some of his new toys so he played play doh and moon sand. Then when Dan got home from work we went to McDonald's for dinner. Little kids are so easy to please. After dinner we went on a bike ride on the new trail and then came back to open presents from mom and dad. Parker had such a fun day. We are so grateful he is apart of our family. We love you, Parker.

Britton's baptism day

Britton got baptized today. It was such a perfect day. Britton got baptized with Victoria. Britton and Victoria have always lived by each other. So today was great to be able to share it with each other. It was a Stake baptism so their were 4 kids to be baptized. A priest from our ward gave the talk on baptism and did a great job. Then Britton and Victoria sang a duet My Baptism Day. They did such a great job. It sounded so beautiful. Then one of the grandfathers gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Then the baptisms began. Britton was second. Britton had such a smile on his face. After he came up for the water he gave everyone a thumbs up. Then we waited and watched Victoria be baptized. She had to be baptized twice. Then it was time for Britton to receive the Holy Ghost. Britton asked all the priesthood holders himself if they would join the circle. We had so much support from our family. Britton's circle had Dan, Grandpa McCormack, Grandpa Gardner, Grandpa Anderson, Uncle Paul, Uncle Matt, Uncle Ben, Uncle Mike, Uncle Dave, Uncle Brent, Uncle Brant, Uncle Keith, Landon, and the Bishop. The blessing was beautiful. Then I was asked to bear my testimony which wasn't very easy because I was very emotional. The primary also took some time and organized a folder with the testimonies of all those who came to the baptism. After the baptism was over we went to the Bowery and had dinner. Victoria's family and our family joined together for dinner. We got pizza and had salads and desserts. The kids were able to play in the grass. Britton got lots of fun things from many different people. He got scriptures, a hymn book, scripture case, church games, a baptism pillow case, tie tacs, church games, books and a few other fun things. It was such a great day. Thanks to everyone who supported Britton in his great day. We love you Britton and are so proud of the choice that you made.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

Today we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. We haven't taken the kids to an open house before and they were so excited to go inside for the first time. We had tickets for the 11:30 session. We got to ride in a golf cart from the car to the tents. Parker thought that was really cool. Then we watched the movie and got to go inside. We were really lucky because all of the lines were really short. Once getting inside the boys were so excited. They loved the oxen around the font. Bryson and Parker asked if they could be baptized in the font. They also loved the star chandelier in the celestal room. The other favorites of the day were the mirrors in the sealing room and all the pictures of Christ. It was the best experience.
Later that night Dan and I got to go on a date with Britton. We decided that the day before the kids get baptized we would take them out on a special date. So Britton picked Tepanyaki. He loved the onion volcano and the chief did so many fun tricks. He enjoyed the food and they gave him some kids chop sticks that were rubber band together and he ate whole meal with the chop sticks. He wants to go back for his birthday next year. Then we took him to get a new outfit for the baptism. And then went to the batting cages. Britton and Dan did a great job hitting. Then we went and got some treats to take home. Once we got home Britton rode his bike for about an hour. It was such a fun day. Thanks Britton for being such a wonderful boy.

Layton Surf N Swim

Each pay check we pay for Surf "N" Swim passes and we never use them. We were going to go for Abby's birthday but it rained so that got cancelled. The kids asked me to promise to take them this week and today was the last day I could. So we packed some snacks, sun block, and I hoped for the best. The kids were so good. I was really worried how hard it would be to watch four kids and have a good time while doing so(I'm not very fast these days with my big belly, 8 weeks left). The kids loved the wave pool and floating around on the tubes. Someone had an accident in the wave pool, so we went to swim in the small pools. Britton had a lot of fun jumping off the diving board. He did great, and practiced his swimming skills. Abby loved the little pool. Bryson and Parker swam around and Bryson swam without floaties. We had such a great day the kids can't wait to go back.

A day of running

Today we ran around like crazy people. We went to the dollar show at Tinseltown. On Tuesday and Wednesdays Tinseltown shows old movies for a dollar. So today we went and saw Horton Hears A Who. The kids love going to the movies. The movie started at 10:00, so we left at 9:30 to be sure to get a seat. Then we came home and made treats for activity days. Then we all went to activity days the boys don't really like to go but sometimes their is no way around it. Then Britton had Pack Meeting for scouts. They had a bar'b'que at the Stake Center and the whole family was invited. We roasted hot dogs over the fire and had a nice dinner. Then the boys got to fish for their awards. And last they had some bike races. Britton had a lot of fun with the scouts. Bryson, Parker and Abby had fun playing on their scooters and running around. It was a busy day but really fun.

Tuesday fun

Today we had a really fun day with Keith's family and Lisa's family. Sherrie and Lisa brought the kids over to swim. The kids swam in the pools and played water hop scotch. Then Mike, Gayle, Mom, and Dad came over so Mike could get a blessing for his treatment the next day. Lisa brought dinner with her and we had tacos. Thanks for the yummy dinner. Then we all went up to the Ogden Raptors baseball game. It was a fun game. The boys loved the game and had a lot of fun with their cousins.

Happy 34th Birthday Dan!

Today we celebrate the birthday of the greatest husband and father. We love our dad so much. He is such a wonderful example to his kids and they look so forward to dad's days off. We are grateful for all the hard work that he puts forth to bless and provide for our family. I'm grateful for the sacrifices he makes so I have the opportunity to stay home with the kids. Happy Birthday, Dan we love you.
Dan asked that him and I could go out to dinner alone. So my parents watched the kids. Thanks mom and dad. We went to Holy Smoke for dinner. Dan loved it. Then we went birthday shopping and Dan picked out what he wanted. So no surprises this year. Then we went back to my parents house and had peach coobler and ice cream and my dad put on a great firework show. The kids all had a blast.

Happy 4th of July

Wow, just thinking about the day makes my feet hurt. We had such a great day. The 4th is always fun but Dan always has to work from 8:30am - 11:30pm. He gets a break in the middle of the day but misses out on all the fun. We started the day by going to the Layton Parade. Dan is always in the parade so the kids think that its fun to see him in it. Then we have lunch at the Police Department. Then we went to my parents for a bar'b'que. My mom made it so fun. She had games for the kids to play and had prizes. She set up some swimming pools, had squirt guns, bubbles, and water balloons for the kids. We celebrated Abby and Dans birthdays and had ice cream cones. Then we went to the Layton fireworks. It was really a great show. All the kids fell asleep at one time during the show, but were awake for the grand finale and loved it. They had there glow necklaces and treats and loads of fun.

Happy Birthday Abby!!!

Abby turned 2 today. I can't believe a whole year has pasted so quickly. She is such a sweet little girl. She loves to play with dolls, bubbles, her play jewelry, read books, singing songs, pushing her baby in the stroller, ride Parker's scooter, watch the movie Bolt, play dinner time, color or do stickers. She is a great blessing in our home and we all love her so much.
Today for Abby's birthday we decorated the kitchen with a happy birthday sign and hung up balloons and streamers. She watched Bolt right when she woke up. For breakfast we went to the Donut Shop, then we got two loaves of bread and fed the ducks at the park. Then we played at the park. Then we came home and blew bubbles and filled up water balloons. Abby loved the water balloons. Then it was naptime and we were suppose to go swimming at Surf and Swim but it started raining so we went to dinner instead. Then the family all came over because Kevin got his mission call. She we sat around the phone to listen to him read the letter. He was called to serve in the St. Petersburg, Russia Mission. We were so excited for him and happy to be able to listen to his reaction and be apart of his special day. Then we had cake and ice cream. I made a Bolt cake and Abby loved it. Then Abby finally got to open her presents. She got a princess scooter, and a baby bed, a snow white dress up outfit, and a little princess cd player. She had a fun day. I am so grateful I get to be her mom.

A perfect summer day

We had a great summer day. We bought two swimming pools for the kids and filled them up with water at 7:30am so they had a little time to warm up. Then we called the cousins to come play for a day of fun. The kids played so good together and ran around played in the pools, we set up a water hop scotch pad and they had popcicles. Then after those cousins left Dillion a different cousin came over for a few hours and he brought crafts with him for the kids to make. They made airplanes and masks and had a great time. Then that night Dan was gone at Young Men's so we all cuddled in my bed and watched a movie. It was a perfect summer day. I hope the sunshine stays so we can have a lot more days like this.

Family Night with the Parkins

Matt and Amy invited us for family home evening tonight. It was such a great night. The kids had a blast. Matt started with the lesson and gave a great object lesson on repentance and the Atonement. He showed the clear glass of liquid and then you add food coloring to represent sin and then add bleach to represent to Atonement. The kids loved the lesson and really understood the meaning. Then we roasted marshmallows on their new fire pit and the kids played in a tent that was set up in the yard. It was a great night. Thanks Matt and Amy for the invite.

Hometown Heros

Every year we have the opportunity to go to the park and listen to the different choirs and bands salute the armed forces. It is a great night to help remind us what the 4th of July is really about and remember all those who have served and those who are currently serving. This year Dan dropped me off and took the kids to Spencer's birthday so I was able to just sit and relax and enjoy the night. The city also salutes 5 hometown heros. But the best part of the night is the last group. It is the Men of Song. Grandpa Anderson is in the group and has been for years. They always do such a great job. This year after they sang the Salute to the Armed Forces the audience gave them a standing ovation. It was the best part of the entire night. I am so proud of my Grandfather, my Father, and my brother Brian for they dedication and sacrifice they have made, when serving our country. I am so proud to be an American and feel blessed to live in a land with so many opportunities.

Camping

We had such a great weekend. We went camping in North Fork. We left during the crazy rain strom and couldn't find a camping site at Anderson Cove or South Fork so we went a little further to North Fork. It was so beautiful, the rain had stopped and the ground was dry. The boys were able to play and explore and be the little adventures they always desire, and Abby was right along side of them. We went to Pine View for the afternoon on Saturday and the kids played in the sand and loved splashing in the water. Dan made some great food in the dutch ovens and we made about a million marshmellows. It was a perfect weekend.

A weekend of Gardner Events!

This past weekend was so much fun. We were so busy. Dan's parents celebrated 50 years of marriage. So the nine brothers and sisters planned an anniversary reception in their honor. On Thursday night the families from out of the state flew in. On Friday night we went to Barnes Park and had dinner and the kids played and we were all able to visit and have a wonderful night. On Saturday we met at the church at 4:30 to decorated for the reception. It was really nice. The tables had cowboy boots with mixed flowers and a lasso around the toe of the boot. The table cloths were bandanas red and blue with berlap underneath and a white table cloth. It was really fun. They blew up 8 wedding pictures and put them around the room. They had some re-create their wedding cake and made a back drop just like when they got married. Dan made a picture video with music and pictures. They had a lot of people come and it was such a great night to honor them. On Sunday it was Father's Day and we had Mexican Night at Robin's house. It was so nice to let the kids play again and enjoy some great food. Monday night was an attempt at Family pictures and a Bar 'b'que. I hope the pictures turn out. That is a lot of people to try and sit still and smile.
It was a great weekend of events. I love spending time with Dan's family. The kids play so well together. They got to ride the horse(even Britton). Eat homemade ice cream and play, play, play.

A note in the mail!!!

I received the cutest note in the mail. It said Lisa Gardner, please join me for a night of celebration honoring 11 years of marriage. Thursday, June 18th 2009 @ 3:00pm. Please plan on returning on June 19th in the afternoon. Children are taken care of until your return. Love Dan. I have not been away with my husband for 6 years. I was so excited. You know that feel you get in your stomach when your dating, thats how I felt for weeks. We dropped our kids off at Cassie's and went to a Bed and Breakfast in Huntsville. We had reservations at Ricken Backers at the Ogden Airport. It was really yummy. The Bed and Breakfast was really cute and it was nice to have some time just the two of us. On Friday we went to the Gateway and spent the day. I am so blessed to have found such a wonderful man. I love my life and the family that we have created together.

Britton is 8!!!

Britton turned 8 today. Wow, time goes by so fast. He is so much fun. He loves every sport he can try and is really good at just about everything. He is a great big brother and always concerned about me and the baby. His spirit is growing at such a young age and he already has such a hunger for the scriptures and the reasons for life. He trys to make the right choice but is already realizing the need for repentance. I love him so much and I am so proud of the boy he is.
Britton decided this year he wanted an Olympic Party. So we went to the church(it was raining of course)and played in the gym. We had a tug of war contest, a long jump, a relay race, soccer bowling, a bean bag toss, a balloon popping contest, a pinuta, and a flag making craft. I made an ice cream cake for dessert and decorated the gym in red, white and blue. It was a great party. We bought him a new soccer ball, a pitching ball thing, a pirate lego set, twister and a new outfit. He was so excited for all the events of the day. We love you Britton.

What Britton's ready for scouts?

So Britton got to go to scouts for the first time. They invited him to go because it was the day before his birthday. It was a day at Camp Keisel. He had a blast. He got to go shooting, canoeing, run through an obstacle course, make a leather craft, bow and arrows, had a picnic lunch, played tug of war and many other events. He had such a fun time and is looking forward to years of scouting ahead.

BIG Boys Weekend Away!!!

Dan took Britton and Bryson to the Rodeo this weekend. Parker and Abby stayed home with me. Every year Dan's parents and some of his brothers and sisters families go to the Idaho Rodeo. I would love to go but Parker and Abby just won't sit still long enough to enjoy the Rodeo. Dan split a hotel room with Keith and Spencer and the boys had a lot of fun being with their cousins. Britton loved the Rodeo and watched the entire thing start to finish, Bryson on the other hand sat restless through the first half and fell asleep during the second half. Dan really got to enjoy the second half(especially with Bryson asleep). Parker, Abby and I went exploring on the trail and had a nice spaghetti dinner and then Papa came and got us for a sleepover. We watched movies and played and had a wonderful time with Papa and Mama Mack. Papa made a great breakfast and Parker felt like the big helper all weekend. Thanks Mom and Dad.

It's a GIRL!!!

We had an ultrasound last week and the doctor says its a girl. We are really excited for Abby to have a sister. Parker on the other hand says it could still turn into a boy, and Britton says he will just cut all her hair off. Bryson is happy for another sister, and I'm sure Abby will be too someday.

I have returned!!!

Life has been a bit crazy the past few months. I am sixteen weeks pregnant. Surprise!!! We are so excited for this new baby to come. I have finally overcome the morning sickness. Dan has been the most patient and wonderful husband with me, I am very grateful for him and all that he does at home and work. Britton has strep and feels terrible. Bryson is trying to learn anything and everything. Parker and Abby are becoming the best playmates. Life is wonderful.

New Years Day Sledding

We finally went sledding for the first time this season. We went with the Parkin Family and had a blast. Everyone had a great time.
Britton wiping out on the snow board.

Parker, Abby and Mom

Bryson climbing the hill for another run.

Dan pulling Parker and Abby around on the sled.

Matt and Ethan

Dan and Bryson vs. Matt and Ethan

Parker having so much fun. Look at the smile.

Britton trying to reach the sidewalk.

Abby wasn't so sure about sledding, but she liked to be pulled on it.