Utah Slade Family

Summer in Utah

2011-08-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is the busiest summer! We are having a great time and putting every moment to use. We just got back from this camping trip with our Friends Josh and Erin in Colorado. The weather was really nice, but the mosquitoes were horrible! Thankfully we had a great time to make up for all the bites! I know I have uploaded a lot of pics on this post! I haven't had a lick of time this summer because I have been so busy playing! Please take some time to go through these if you can! ~Lyla

This is a random snapshot on a rainy day!
Brian Head on a very very rainy day!

Mesquite with the Brown's
The girls singing as we are driving on a bumpy road! Goof balls!
Wolf Creek Golf Course

Driving through Fillmore
24th of July Fireworks

Natty's Birthday Party! She is 2!

Talking on her phone...

That's my girl!
Her new plasma car

Ha ha... The joke of the family this summer, pink flamingos... Thought they would be perfect on Natty's cupcakes!

Natty and Birdie's Birthday!
Carnival Week!

My beauties...

I look forward to summertime all year! When it is here I think I pack as much into it as possible! This summer has been a really good one. Lots of fun memories. Thanks for your time! ~Lyla

Summertime

2011-07-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

In the Summertime when the weather is fine...

Makayla looses her first tooth!

Natty is almost 2!
A visit with Josh and Erin!
Our hike to Stewart Falls...
Cabin Fever!
Tahoe Family!
Lake Tahoe Cutie...
Lake Tahoe Cuties in the sand...
Horsey Ride at the Cabin...
Patriotic Natty!
Little Cheeser!
State Flower!
A night out with good friends, the Brown's...
The gang's all here on the forth of July at Lake Tahoe!

Forth of July Cutie Pie!
My girlz...
A peaceful night at the Lake...
Future Tahoe BFF's!
The family BBQ at Tahoe...
The family waterfall hike at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe!

May and June events

2011-06-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Spring Came late this year, really late! But we have still managed to pack in the fun! Can't believe my birthday has passed for another year already! Sometimes the days ans months just blend together and fly by...

Makayla and her bestie Karlee at the park!
Makayla won a medal for finishing her gymnastics year and showing off her routine.
This is bucky the pet dear. He thinks he is a dog and lives at a cabin just up from Cody's family cabin. what an incredible experience!

Morning mist at the cabin
Makayla and her besties! Ashley left and Karlee middle
Happy Birthday to me! 29 this year! Crazy!
Some of the flooding going on near my in-laws house due to all the snow pack and crazy rain. No, this is not their yard!
My parents and Aunt Kit came to visit over my birthday!

Our walk to Bridal Vail
Very sweet...
Looking down on Utah Valley
Mom and Pop
A family celebration for my birthday! I always feel so special and loved!
Going to the Wild West Show in Spanish Fork!

2011-05-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

So at the beginning of our trip I had access to the internet and was able to post a few trip pictures of the first few days. When we changed hotels there was no access so alas, it all had to wait till we were home. Which of course includes a major lack of time with 2 little kiddos that are attached to moms leg and need constant attention! Anyways, here they are, as requested, the photos of paradise!

We just had the most amazing trip. What a beautiful destination. So many majestic sights to see, and fun to be had. Can't wait till our kiddos are a little older and can experience somewhere like Atlantis. Amazing!

Day 1: Fly forever to get there!

Day 2: Enjoy and explore our resort. Visit downtown and the pirate museum. Then go to Dolphin Cay!

Day3: Cody goes Scuba Diving. 3 Ship wrecks and 1 sunken plane, Amazing! I have a relax and enjoy the beach and scenery day. And of course people watch!

Day 4: After saying goodbye to our resort, we travel to our next adventure. Atlantis! It was nothing short of extravagant. We had a Sherwin Williams welcome dinner and then went to the Hypnotist. Cody was hypnotized and we had a great time!

Day 5: Explore the amazing waterpark and world of Atlantis. Aquariums, pools, slides, sunshine, and scenery. A group cocktail with Sherwin and then a fabulous dinner at an Italian Place! Great food!

Day 6: Another perfect beach pool day and massages. I know, poor us! Dinner at fantastic steak house, A majestic sunset with friends, an evening stroll in the perfect breeze, and ice cream. yummy!

Day 7: Beautiful fun day, I feel like a worry free kid again, hanging with my best friend like old times. Awards dinner with Sherwin and then awesome dance party! Good music and late hours filled with endless dancing! I love it!

Day 8: Last day at Atlantis! On to the next place. Hang out and do some reading. Try to come of the buzz from Atlantis. wow it was amazing!

Day 9: Went on a Booze Cruise: Mainly for the snorkeling and tour of the Islands. Peaceful dinner together and enjoyed the calm beautiful sunset.

Day 10: It took forever to get home! Boy did we miss our munch-kins!

~Thanks to everyone that made this possible! We owe you!~

Travel Bug

2011-04-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

So far the Bahamas are just as I imagined! Beautiful weather, crystal clear water, and soft white sand. We have seen some of the most amazing views just looking straight out to sea while sitting on the beach with our toes in the water. Yesterday we went to the Dolphin Encounter on a private island about 30 minutes away. This was one of the most amazing experiences. Our Dolphin's name was Andy, which we thought was just a little ironic(considering my dad's name). He had a good sense of humor just like my dad. I think I may have laughed the entire experience because it was such a unique and wonderful way to meet another mammal. What incredible creatures! It was so neat how you can relate to a very intellegent creature without using language.

Today was a me day! Cody went Scuba diving. Lets hope he doesn't come back looking like a lobster! I spent the day on the beach, reading, writing postcard's, enjoying the clear ocean water, and swinging in a hammock under the breezes of an amazing palm tree. Bird's chirping and sand between the toes went the extra mile to allowing me to fully relax. My morning massage didn't hurt either! =) It's amazing sometimes I forget that at home I don't really ever slow down. The girls, the dog, the house, and work ensure that there is never any free time. I love it all, don't get me wrong, but somewhere along the way I think I forgot what it was like to free! I also feel guilty if i'm not getting something accomplished! But here, there is no one calling my name, hanging on my leg, or needing something. Of corse, there is a tiny voice in my head, ok, 2 that is saying we miss you mommy! To which I respond, I MISS YOU TOO, my sweet little girls!

Off to the next adventure in this majestic land!

March Madness

2011-03-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

March is always a been time for our family! The weather is changing and we just want to go outside! we got the trampoline back up this month, we are starting to work out in the yard again and there are a few activities we have done outdoors. One is the color festival! The kids had a blast getting completely doused in color. Head to toe, literally! Makayla learned how to ride her bike which was a very special moment. Nadalynn is busy as ever roaming around the house and yard indulging in her naughtylynn activities. Cody and I just had our 9th Anniversary this month. Boy does time seem to fly by! I'm really starting to feel better after our car accident. Some days are better then others with my vision and headaches. I appreciate all the love from family and friends sending good thoughts my way! I just try to remind myself how fortunate we all our to have gotten away with really minor injuries in the grand scheme of things.

Cody and I are also getting ready for a big trip next week! we are headed to Atlantis, in the Bahamas. I just can't wait. Should be a trip of a lifetime. We always have a great time on vacation and make the best of every travel opportunity we have whether it is in our majestic Utah landscape or Hawaii's lush jungle like scenery. This trip to the Bahamas will be a new adventure in a part of the world I haven't yet had a lot of experience in. Can't wait! Camera, swimsuit, sunblock, and flip flops, I'm ready to go!

February Rewind

2011-02-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

February Rewind

Seems like since Christmas was here the world has been in hyper speed and I feel like I am trying to catch up with myself, my health, my kiddos, and my house work. In other words, crazy lovely life! Lots has been going on here. Trying to organize my life ans the house as best I can while my little ones especially Natty Noodle goes around behind me undoing all my hard work. Nadalynn has been a busy little bee potty training. She just seemed so interested and she is really doing a great job for a 19 month old. Makayla has been trying to learn how to ride her bike. Every day that it hasn't been snowing and raining Makayla has been out practicing riding her bike. She has been getting pretty close a few times but something about this brisk wintry evening gave her the confidence to really go for it! She did it!

I thank my crafty friends for their inspiration. My organized friends for their inspiration to get organized. My friends and family for their care and thoughts after my car accident in Honduras. Makayla for helping Nadalynn accomplish so much for a lil' tike. Makayla's little friends Karlee, Ashley, and Brianna for the encouragement to try and try again!

Morning Cartoon Sluthes!
I did it! I cleaned out all the endless boxes in my basement! Now they are labeled and stacked neatly in the storage room! yay me!
Makayla and Stayley
A sweet gift for a new baby joining one of my fav families!
Little Tokens of my appreciation for everyone I work with! Cd's of our cruise.
My big angel.

A winter play date with girl friends. Now we meet at McDonald's, some day they will meet at the mall, and before we know it they will rent a summer house and bring their friends up. I like to take time to enjoy life's little moments.
Makayla and Stayley playing dress up.
A busy night packed with fun and girlfriends turned out some really cute little barrette's.
Happy Valentines Day daddy.
Nice day for park play!
Makayla made this for me at daycare. What a sweetie.

Lil' Stinker

Paradise Vacation

2011-02-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

Vacation week always seems to go so quickly. This means two things; I always try to get as many pictures of it as possible ( Somewhere to go when you need to visualize a happy place), and learn to try new things! After all, you are on vacation, when else would you do it?

The Western Caribbean is an amazingly beautiful cruise. The weather is amazing, the views are spetacular, and having good company makes all the difference for great memories. Thanks to Dr. Nord we had an incredible vacation and got to make plenty of new memories and have lots of laughs with some wonderful people I work with. One or many inside jokes are now part of our daily routine. It is also nice to see all of our husbands bond, they are all quite entertaining together.

Our ports included: Cozumel, Grand Caymon, Roatan, and Costa Mya. We also had a little time on the day we got on the ship and the day we got off. Visiting FL was really fun. It made it hard to come home to the snowy weather. You might aldo notice a picture of our accident in Roatan in the pictures below. We are all currently recovering well from this accident. Thanks for your thoughts!

Makayla's 5th

2011-01-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

We had Makayla's 5th Birthday party today. We went to a placee called Image Works. It's always hard to have it on her birthday since most places are closed, so we keep the party going all week and wrap it up with a party that can only be described as for Princess Makayla. Makayla decided to be completely involved in this years planning! She is getting so big! We heard about this Salon party from a friend and it turned out to be so much fun! We had 9 little girls and Nadalynn too. She patiently watched all the girls get their hair, makeup, and nails done while she sat in a big chair swinging her legs and eating french fries. The 9 girls were so good for the salon gals. They loved all the attention and primping. When they were finished, we had a Hollywood photo shoot, cupcakes, and opened presents. They continued the party at home all day by playing Barbies, dancing to grandpa Andy's singing, making bracelets, and doing sparklers in the driveway in the peaceful snowfall at dark. Thanks to my hubby, I survived the day with two happy little girls, one of which is still up watching movies with a friend! Oh to have her energy again. My little fireball!

December to Remember

2011-01-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome January;

December we had a great time. The parties, the joy, and the peaceful snowfall. The wonderful time off with Cody and the girls, priceless. Spending time with our families and dear friends. Time together with my work and Cody's work.

We are so thankful to have our friends and family in our lives, and to have such great people to work with. These are just a few of the many pictures that capture our hearts and happiness in this season...

Holiday Craze

2010-12-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the holiday craziness! We have had such a great December so far! Party after party and lots of fun visiting with friends and realatives.

Fall Splendor

2010-10-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here we are on official Halloween! Seems odd that today is actually Halloween considering all the festivities were last night. Nadalynn was so funny trick or treating! She really surprised me by grasping the concept of picking one treat out of peoples bowls and putting it in her bag. She would smile at them and show me her pick very proudly!

There was a crazy rain and hail storm just as the trick or treaters headed out. Luckily it subsided and all was right in the trick or treat night world! The beauty of fall is all around us now, but fading fast. Winter is on fall's heals, ready to pounce. Jackets better be cleaned, fitted, and ready for the season!

Fall Ball

2010-10-29T18:52:00.001-07:00

Fall Ball

Is there ever a better season to enjoy the outdoors, traveling, playing with your kids, and taking photos.This is an amazing season of colors, festivities, and little giggles. My office spends the whole week of Halloween dressing up. We have the best time getting into our costume characters. We have a few warm days here and there, like today, but it's been a cool Oct. so far. Halloween is forcasted to be pretty nice this year. Thank goodness since Makayla loves being a fairy and not a furry wool covered fairey! Makayla is a spunky giggly fairey who loves making her sissy laugh. Nadalynn is miss Pebbles and she is darn tootin' cute with the real milk bone dog biscuts I used for her barretts! This month she learned how to color with Crayons. She is so proud of herself and I love the proud feeling I get when she does something she is so proud of. Lovin' the warm fuzzies from my girls! We all keep Cody busy with our many girl needs! He is such a sweetheart, a loving dad, and really just goes with the flow!

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. My three loves in one blissfull happy moment. I go to sleep with this image in my head. I sit in traffic peacefully thinking of moments like these. I happily wake up each morning, go to work on work days, and know that these moments are what makes our lives complete, Happy, and know we are loved...

2010-08-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Nadalynn's 1st Birthday!

2010-07-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FAIR NATTY!

You are such a sweet girl! I love the way you always smile!

Your little personality is so cute. You are so blessed to have such a great big sister and I hope you 2 are the best of friends!

We love our angels!

Crunching July

2010-07-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well there went half of July! And where did June go? Well that friends and family I am not truly sure of. I do however have many pics showing that it did exist!

Here we are at Nadalynn's first birthday! A WHOLE YEAR! wow that was fast!

Enjoy my little CRUNCHES!

2010-06-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

We went to the cabin and had the best day! We are so lucky to have such wonderful fathers in our lives! To my dad, you are the best teacher, you are kind, and have always been a strong shoulder for me to lean on. To my Grandfathers who have passed, thanks for your kindness and guidance. To my father in law, my kids adore you and you are a wonderful asset to my life. To CODY: You make my life wonderful, you are my best friend and the best dad you can be! I love you!

2010-06-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

We are having a great trip in Cancun!

Lessons:

1. When you think you have enough sunscreen on, add more! SPF 1000 needs to be invented!

2. Only go into shops where the people don't hagle you to death!

3. When having a pool fight, don't forget to plug your nose!

4. Don't act like a cocky jerk and then flip your ATV ( No Foreighners were injured during this event and it was not us)

5. Don't pop your ballon unless they have fanta!

and finally...

6. Never trust a Sino Monkey!

So far we have gone to Tulum, rode the zip lines, ATV's, went to the Isla Mujieres, and drank a lot! The food here is excellent and the hotel is really awesome! Very fun!

2010-05-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Cancun:; The Moon Palace

A little fun in the sunshine is just what the doctor ordered! The weather here is perfect! We are having a great time here with our friends. Lots of cool excursions planned for later this week. Pool time today, tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY and it is spa day! Sweet! Thanks to Cody's parents for watching our sweet lil' gals while we are in Cancun! We miss you girls!

Napa Valley Trip

2010-05-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

Recently we returned from California. We flew to San Francisco and then spent the weekend with my family in Calistoga near Napa Valley. Makayla just loved the airplane; she wanted ti sit next to the window and have me tell her everything we were flying over.

Wine country is so beautiful. The endless acres of grape vines in their perfect rows bring a beautiful peacefulness to the landscape. everything is so green and the flowers everywhere are just amazing. The kids just ate up the attention they got from all their loving Aunt's, Grandma, and Great Grandma. We are so lucky to have such a fun family. Thanks for all the food, fun, and planning!

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2010-04-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Easter is always a fun time of year. Especially when you have lil' kiddos. There is nothing quit like a holiday to bring out the magic for young kids. I love seeing their little faces light up while dreamin of Easter bunnies, candy filled eggs, and twirling around in pretty dresses.

Pictures remind me to be thankful for life and the people I share it with. With only one life to live, I cherish the moments in each day.

Easter Lasses

2010-03-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

There are few things as cherished to me as my photos of my little ladies.

These are extra special to me since Nadalynn is getting so big. She is crawling and exploring the world around her and about to start walking any day now!

Sometimes I wish I could just freeze time so I could keep the two of them in this sweet harmony forever. They get along so well. Makayla plays the roll of big sister so well. She loves to help Natty explore and enjoy the world around her. Moments like these really make all the sleepless nights, rushed days, and crazy pregnancies all worthwhile!

Hope these make you smile too!

Spring Fever

2010-03-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

Granny Goose Turns 80!

What a busy spring it has been so far! Granny turned 80! Lots of work for me and the girls are growing liek weeds. Natty is crawling and standing up, she will be walking before I know what to do with myself! Can't wait for a little spring in the air!

January Fun!

2010-01-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Concidering I have always disliked the month of January, I find it funny how life finds a way to change your mind about things. This has been the funnest January on record. Makayla had 2 birthday parties and we had Cody's 30th Birthday last weekend. I went to Brighton ressort in Utah to "Ski Utah" for the first time in 11 years with work. I won't lie, I fell down a lot, but I haven't laughed that hard in a while! We had the greatest day; It snowed the night before but the day was crystal clear and warm for skiing standards! Loved it! You won't find me on double diamond anytime soon though!

Lyla, Michele, Mikaela, Dr Nord, and Brittny

Hanging out at our amazing cabin in Brighton, Utah

Brace Faces at Cody's 30th!

Cody and his mom on his 30th!

My little angels!

Oh Baby!

Makayla's Birthday

Cody's family party at Birdies!

Me and the gals!

Cody finally got his birthday wish after 30 years! A real shettland pony showed up on the neighbors lawnjust for Cody's birthday. Talk about a coincidence!

Bowling fundraiser for the Provo District Dental Society. Dr Nord, Me, Janel, and Brittny!

New Years and Makayla's Birthday!

2010-01-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKAYLA AND HAPPY NEW YEAR WORLD!

New Years Eve is always extra special around the Slade house since Makayla's birthday is Jan 1st! Sometimes it is hard to believe that time goes by so fast! Happy 4th Makayla! Your a wonderful big sister and the kind of daughter anyone would be lucky to have! Thanks for always making me laugh and telling us how much you love us!

*Hope you find this videos entertaining and not disturbing! Makayla is always singing songs she

hears on the radio. The other day I caught her in the bathtub singing this song. Keep in mind she has no idea what the lyrics mean which will make this video great for when she is older! The song is called "I Wanna" by the "All American Rejects". Hope you get a laugh!

*This other video is of Nadalynn rolling over. She is getting to be really good at it! Watch out World here she comes!

A Little Christmas with the Slades

2009-12-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

This time of year is both a curse and a joy! I feel like I get so busy I can't breath some days in December. I really dislike the cold and the shorter days of light; However, there is something about the magic a crisp December night carries with it that is so fun. It could definetely be the visions of sugar plums dancing in Nadalynn and Makayla's heads!

A rare moment we caught everyone together for a picture!

Makayla thought it was the funniest thing ever that santa stepped in the mud and traked it into the house. A family friend of ours told Makayla he works for Santa this time or year and she promptly put her hand on her hip and said "did you leave those footprints all over my entry? Now I have to clean them all up!"

Makayla asked Santa for just 1 specific item this year. I guess she was overall good cause sure enough thats what Santa brought! A pink and purple Toyota F J Cruiser Princess Additon. Apparently "Santa bought it at Walmart, because Christmas costs less at Walmart!"

We stopped by Cody's dads house for a visit Christmas day.

Santa Baby!

Granny Goose holding Grinny Goose!

And here's Silly Goose!

We spent one evening freezing our rumps off at temple square in SLC. It is so beautiful and peaceful there all lit up.

Some of my handy work at my office! I love watching as people look UP in amazement as they walk in! I love bringing the spirit of Christmas into our office!

Temple Square

Nadalynn is getting so close to sitting up on her own! Where does the time go? She is just the funnest baby to be around. She loves to smile and giggle and adores her big sister!

We attempted to build a snowman one evening. All we accomplished was rosey cheeks and cold nosies!

Makayla's turning 4 next week!

It's Holiday Time!

2009-11-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

Is there anything better then the spirit in the air this time of year?

Perhaps the look on the girls faces when Cody plugged in the lights on the house tonight. Little Natty thought it was amazing and Makayla kept saying "thanks daddy!"

Makayla being daddy's helper and of corse our little princess in her new dress! She loves her new dress she just got as an early Christmas gift from her great Auntie's and Great Grandma! And yes, it had matching red glitter shoes from them too! Who doesn't have matching red glitter shoes!

Natty was the star of the Thanksgiving party giving out smiles for everyone and trying all the "trimmings" for the first time!

Yep! My first Turkey! I guess I'd have to admit it turned out pretty good thanks to some last minute advice from a patient at work the other day and my mother-in-law's magic roaster! ha ha

Natty and Granny Goose

Makayla's own personal baby doll!

My girls!

My buddies! Carrie (holding Natty), Bonnie, and Camile at the Phillips Chili Cookoff last weekend! Love the holiday parties!

Brianna and Makayla's shinning faces!

Our new house! Loving it!

Oh Natty! Your so sweet!

The Brown's: We love you guys!

Natty and Daddy, they sure do look alike!

Fun at Disney Princesses on ICE!

Yes, bouncing is hard work!

Ashley and Makayla ready for the princesses on ice to start skating already! so cute!

Pirate Island Pizza

2009-11-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

Fun with the kids at Pirate Island Pizza!
It was nice to aee my friends too and let the kids all have a fun time.
Thanks for joining us!

Unforgettable Fall

2009-11-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

The Happiest Halloween!

After the summer from outer space! It is nice to be having such a great fall! Makayla is such a great big sister and I just love watching the two interact. I think they will have a great relationship as they grow up together. Nadalynn gives most of her smiles to Makayla, but she saved one for my camera! I call it Pumpkin Q-T! It will most certainly go down as a favorite! The other photos are of all things fall... trick or treating.. halloween partys... beautiful fall colors... family... and my girls!

My New Ride!

2009-08-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

My New Ride!

This is my first brand new vehicle! Sure we have gotten a few new cars, but they were primarily Cody's. So this is my first one! Yes, Cody can drive it too!

It is a Ford Flex. Seats 7 people jut in case I need to haul an Army of kids somewhere! So excited!

Watermelon Cuties!

2009-07-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

Watermelon Cuties!

There's magic in little girls,

In thier shining eyes and tossing curls,

In winsome smiles and dimpled cheeks,

And music when they laugh and speak,

There's magic in little girls, its true,

They're as precious as a pearl to me and you.

My girls are as SWEET as fresh summer watermelon

Precious Princess

Welcome Nadalynn Nils Slade!

2009-07-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes,

she will have people to love her where ever she goes!

Nadalynn Nils Slade

July 23rd 2009

6 lbs 4 ozs

20 1/2 inches

7:43 AM

Happy 4th of July and summer from the "growing" Slade family!

2009-07-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

What a summer it has been! We have had a crazy summer with mommy being down till baby comes, but we managed to squeeze in some fun!

We just celebrated Cody's Cousin Libby's Bridal Shower! Charlie and Makayla were so cute together. They colored together, caught bubbles together, and popped bubble wrap together, while laughing histarically.

Lyla, Libby, and Shelby at Libby's Shower.

Celebrating Bertie's 70th Birthday!

Brody, Bertie, and Makayla celebrate 70 yrs!

Makayla and Grandma Mary having a blast at the water park in Payson!

My Baby Shower! Thanks Melanie, Deanna, and Carrie!

Camille and Wendy pose with the twins, Lizzy and Addy at my shower.

Amanda, Alisa, and Jackson say cheese at my shower.

Makayla showed us just how to sparkle on the 4th of July.

Could our rug rats be any cuter? Ashley and Makayla thought they were having dessert instead of veggies. They ate 3 corn cobbs each and then we talked the boys into having them as a treat also. Not sure how that worked out so well!

A few rounds of water ballon toss left everyone laughing since the ballons just wouldn't POP!

Ashley, Mary, and Makayla filled up ballons for the girls team!

Brody, Makayla, Ashley, and David had a blast on the slip and slide in the perfect 4th of July weather!

Go speed racer David!

Here comes Ashley!

Makayla catching bubbles in her butterfly net!

Brody and Makayla enjoying Granny Goose's homemade Vanilla ice cream.

Our corn shuckers in action!

Makayla being silly!

Happy 4th of July from the "growing" Slade family!

Makayla, sometimes you are too cute for words!

It has been quite the summer! This summer I have learned life may not always go according to planned. In fact sometimes things can go way off the beaten path and we just have to follow them down the road they take us.
My birthday may not have been the best one, or even close to it, but I did learn how much my family and friends care for me.

I love being a mom!

2009-05-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

I love being a mom!

Makayla loves to ride her bike. Now that the weather is so nice out she wants to be outside practically all day long. It takes bribes such as "lunch" just to coax her inside for 5 minutes!

Oh to be a carefree kid again! This time of year was always the best when I was a kid. My birthday was just around the corner, school was getting out any day now, and I would ride my bike all the way until bedtime since the sun goes down so late.
On the flip side I would love to have a talk with Mr. Sun about his timing this time of year! I would tell him to try to go to bed a little earlier on work nights. Makayla gets so confused why we are putting her to bed when it is still light outside. I'm glad Mac still has energy at 9pm, cause I am plum tuckered out!

There is something magical and revitalizing about watching kids run through the streaks of warm sunlight. They use their arms as airplane wings and the world is truely thier oyster.

2009-04-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2009-03-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

2009-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2009-02-22T16:24:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the most amazing day we have had in a long time. The weather was so nice, still cool, but NO JACKETS necessary! On Friday Makayla learned how to ride her trike! I was so proud of her! I can't believe how fast she is growing up sometimes! We will be such a great big sister!

2009-02-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hola! Wekcome to our pictures of the Mexican Rivera Cruise trip! We had such a great time with all the people from my work. There were 14 of us all together including my boss and his twin brother. We had so many fun adventures and lots and lots of sunshine! It was nice to see the sun since we have not had much of any this time of year back in Utah.
The Zip lines were the greatest part of our whole trip. It was so much fun to go flying through the trees and over the river. I can't believe how beautiful it was. I can't wait to go do it again.

Janel Mikaela and I had a great time out on the dance floor on the ship!

Yep, that is a long way across. 1200 ft across and 800 down!

I am aware that my helmet is sideways! No I am not retarded.

Here is the whole gang!

These two pics crack me up because Janel and I look so drunk and we were just having juice! haha the hats are so big we could not see out from under them!

We got to see so many amazing whales! At least 7 total,

including 3 babies.

Cabo Wabo!

During a fiesta on the ship, Cody jumped into the freezing ocean water pool fully clothed!

2009-02-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Today I appreciate my daughter for all she is to me and

my husband. I can't imagine a world without her smile.

Cancun January 2009

2009-01-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

Cody and I just returned from Playa Del Carmen. It is 35 miles South of Cancun. The weather was less then perfect since it rained almost everyday. We still managed to enjoy our wonderful vacation. It would be hard not to be thankful for our vacation since it is so cold back here in Utah. We accepted the rain very easily since it was snowy back at home. We went to Xel-Ha which is a natural water park about 60 miles South of Cancun. Xel-Ha (Shell-Ha) was so much fun! We got to go snorkeling and ride down thier natural lazy river. The natural inlet is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. We also got to take a ferry over to the Island of Cozumel and take a private scooter tour of the Island. We got to snorkel along a natural reef that was filled with fish! We got to stop a lot along the way and visit some mayan ruins, a light house, the Bob Marley bar, a natural lagoon with Croc's, and see some amazing blow holes! We had such a great time and it is always so nice to get away; However, it was really NICE to come home and see Makayla!

Christmas

2009-01-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas... it may have some of the best moments of our year all summed up into one day. Watching Makalyla open all of her presents and enjoy them was so much fun. The "my size barbie doll" was probably the funniest thing of all time. She was dancing and singing to it. Of corse all this was happening at 6 am which could have made anything funny! The the barbie's leg came flying up and both barbie and Makayla went down.

Barbie kisses

Playing House

Tracking Santa

A twinkle in her eye

2008-12-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

... A bundle of toys

she had flung on her back,

and she was so adorable

as she opened her pack.

Her eyes how they twinkled!

Her dimples how merry!

Her cheeks were like roses!

Her nose like a cherry!

Her cute lil' lips

were drawn up bow,

and her porcelien skin
is as white as the snow.

She wished not for presents,

but went to straight to her work,
and filling our hearts up,

she turned with a jerk,

And laying finger

aside of her nose,

and giving a giggle,

up the stairs she arose.

She sprang to her bed,

to her dolls gave a whistle,

and away they went to dream land,

like the down of a thistle.

But I heard her exclaim

as I turned out her light,

"Merry Christmas to all,

and to all a Good Night!"

Christmas is in the air! All the houses have strung up there lights and put there raindeer out to graze. In the hustle and bustle of all the shopping, holiday parties, and decorating... I noticed something today. As the sky grew darker and the orange sunset sank over the western mountains, we drove around looking at Christmas lights. I left all the world behind me and went to a place in time we all love to visit, childhood. I did not see visions of sugerplums, but I felt the feeling of happiness and warmth come over me. As I took in all the yards stretched out before us, I noticed just how much Makayla was enjoying every detail. She pointed out every house whether it had a fully animated yard or just one single strand of lights. To her they each spoke a silent message, "magic is in the air." Each house stood out to her, they gave her a feeling of happiness and joy no toy could ever deliever. I truely saw... a twinkle in her eye!

I love work!

2008-12-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

Who said work can't be fun?

So... it's going to sound really strange... but I seriously love my work! The people at my work are so awesome and we are always having a good time. We like to laugh all day which is my favorite part of everyday! We have had so much fun this fall. We went on a staff retreat courtesy of Dr. Nord (best boss ever) to Sundance. We all had awesome pedicures done and then we took a ride to the top of the moutain in the fall air! Halloween was really really fun! Mikaela and I made toothfairy costumes and we wore them all week long. We has so much fun dancing around the office! Of corse what Halloween would be complete without vampires... yep we got to be vamps one day! Dr. Nord even made us cool vamp teeth that looked so real! One of the greatest parts of living in Utah is I am not the only obsessed Twilight fan! Our whole office loves it too! Well maybe not Dr. Nord, but it is hard to live up to Edward after all! Sorry Doc! Dr. Nord did get us Twilight premeir night tickets! We had so much fun, minus the crazy natzi security! haha We did really miss Mikaela who had to go to class and give a report! I hope her teacher feels terrible! ; )

If you read this girls... just know how much I love having such a great team to work with! You all rock!

Spooky Halloween Party!

2008-10-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Spooky Halloween Party!

"Hold on man! We don't go anywhere with "scary" 'spooky" "haunted" or "forbidden" in the title."~Shaggy from Scooby Doo

Cody and Lyla

scaring up some fun as Jack and Sally

from Nightmare before Christmas

Deb and Stan

clowning around

Jordan's butterfly blessings!

The Picture Perfect Smith Family!

Good thing Miley is only 3 weeks old or Cody would be a little too scary.

Brody and Jackie enjoying the party

Looking very scary BOB! The pipe is a nice touch!

Watch out for that spooky spider lil' ladies!

SAY CHEESE!

What's up Megan?

Jordan and Brennan enjoying the party.

Excellent and realistic costume Brennan!

Brianna and Makayla Best Buddies full of lil' giggles. Could they be any cuter?

Hey Moaning Lisa! Nice cutstume! You card reading was spookingly accurate. Thanks for helping haunt our party.

Cody and Emily playing make beleive. Cody better watch where those 6 arms and 6 legs land on sexy Alice!

The Cutest Family on the block! The Allen Family. Brandon, your rock star jeans keep producing girls; Maybe it's that hair!

Christy and Ryan ghouling rasta on us. Margartita and Jason looking gastly!

Makayla beat up Joel again! Maybe it's the BYU shirt?

The Leading Man and his temptress!

Posing outside their Haunted Masion.

Where are those bite marks again Mary?

NEWS BREAK!

Pat and Camille being framed!

Are those two cutie pie's real?

2008-10-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Fashionably Fall!

We have had so much fun this fall. So far we have had a lot of mixed weather here and lots and lots of pretty colors. We got to watch some of the fall flair in action at our family cabin. Makayla really enjoyed rolling in all the leaves and carrying them around in her little red wagon.

I personally love this time of year because I fell like life slows down even if it is just for a moment and I take a deep breath of fresh air and reflect on the wonderful season. As leaves blow across the streets and the trees empty themselves of their golden covers, I am reminded of the special family moments we have had this year. Recently we went to Disneyland.

We had so much fun at Disneyland. Makayla was a little concerned when she saw all her favorite characters were larger then life. She enjoyed meeting Mickey, Minnie, Handy Manny, and especially Goofy. Cody and I were like little kids with stars in are eyes. I guess it is true what they say about the magic there.

"Micky Mouse! I visited your club house!"