New Blog

Hey everyone I just started a new blog. lenashouseofstyle.blogspot.com I know it is crazy because I can't even keep up with this blog but I just wanted to share some photos and to put the website on my new business cards.

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon

We went to southern Utah May 20-25. We just love it down there when it is not too hot. I took a lot of pictures of Bryce Canyon this time because I have already posted pics of Zions in an older post. Anyway, it was a ton of fun. The first thing we did when we got there was hike from the trail Sunrise to Sunset. Gwen wasn't feeling well and by the end she was miserable I wish I would have waited to take her hiking.

It was a beautiful hike. We stayed in a cabin this time in our same favorite camping resort Ponderosa Ranch. It was so fun.

Elsie did the zip cord this time and loved it! She was so brave, she didn't even hesitate off the four story balcony.

Elsie was so funny during the trip here are a few things she said and I wrote down.

We drove over those vibrator things of the side of the road. "Mom the van just tooted!"

A bunch of bugs splatted against the windshield. I said "gross bugs" She said "why are bugs squirting us?"

Outside at night. I said "wow the moon is bright" She said "No that is just my flashlight."

She was so good and funny the whole trip!

Too cute!

My friend Aubree came from Farmington for the day and stopped by for a couple of hours to visit. Her daughter, Clara, was TOO CUTE!!! Seriously, Clara was kissing Gwen and she wasn't quite sure what to think about it. I can't stop laughing at these pictures.

Awww, she is so affectionate.

She was giving Gwen Elsie's shoes. It was funny. They played really well together.

LOL Gwen looks like a deer in headlights.

She has no where to run.

Thanks for the visit Aubs! LYLAS

Accident Prone

Gwen is sweet and very passive. She is like a ray of sunshine after a long storm. She is a dream come true. My only complaint right now is that she is the MOST ACCIDENT PRONE PERSON I HAVE EVER MET!!!!! Here is a little example. Today we were getting ready for our 9 o'clock church and Vern has to leave to set up the chairs as part of his calling. So, it is just me and the girls. Gwen fell down 3 times while I was just doing Elsie's hair! Then at church I lost track but I think she fell, from tripping over her own feet, about 10 times and she fell off of chairs 3 times. Her feet are going faster then her brain can process and she loves to climb so of course we all know that climbing = falling with a 17 month old. Well we came home from church and have a nice picnic in my back yard. Elsie loves picnics. Gwen was just walking and did a cart-wheel off the deck smacking her face and leaving her with a big shiner. Vern and I are just exhausted today and if anyone is wondering why just spend one day with my sweet little angel and you will know. :)

Here's the shiner!

Oh, and one more thing. My new favorite! I taught Gwen to raise her hand and say "me" whenever I ask a question that starts with 'who.' Like, Who's cute? "Me" or Who's sweet, hungry, stinky, one, whatever she knows the right response.

Easter Pics

We had a great Easter! Here are the two matching summer dresses we got the girls.

Here is Gwen sitting on Grandpa's lap eating HORSERADISH! (not joking)

Elsie and Gwen were spoiled by the Easter Bunny at Grandma and Grandpa Bales.


The egg hunt at Grandpa Bill's.

Elsie trying to hit a pinata.

This year we made our pinata a pull pinata for the youngest to participate. It was a lot of fun and Elsie helped put it together. Here is Tayson pulling the string. It fell out on the third try.

I love Easter for many reason's. It is the largest family gathering at my dad's. It is the only time I get to see my extended family. Vern's family really gets into the spirit if things too. But most of all it reminds me that Christ was resurrected. That we will all live again like him. Nothing is more important. I love my family and I love the gospel. I am so blessed.

High school friends get together!

My friend Lyndzi was coming to town from Ohio and she wanted to have a get together at my house with all of our high school friends. I am so glad that she was able to squeeze us in because she has so much family and friends to visit. Anyway, it was really fun. Here's a few pics.

Clara (Aubree's daughter) was so sweet!

After we had lunch we just sat outside to visit and let the kiddies fun free.

Lyndzi and Jenny Wow they both look tired :)

Aubree pushing Clara on the swing.

Gwen and Tayson (Jenny's little guy) playing.

Mckay, Lyndzi's little guy found a fake carrot but he sure loved it :)
I am so mad at myself for not grabbing a pic of all of us together. But thanks for coming to see me Lyndzi and thanks for making the drive Aubree. I love my friends!

Thursday Tea Parties

Well, it has been about a month since I started my new work schedule and I LOVE IT! Part of a new work schedule is a new watching my niece and nephew schedule. I now watch them on Thursdays from 8 to 6. It can be a long day so for now I am having themed tea parties. Which gives the girls something to look forward to, get ready for and help prepare which also keeps them busy. So far it has worked great. Last week we had a Hawaiian themed Luau. First we watch the Barbie in a Mermaid's Tale. Then they helped me make the pom poms for hanging decorations and the small ones for table decorations. My friend Aubree showed me the site how to do it. It was very easy and easy for the girls to help. But it did take longer then I planned so we just had pineapple jello and animal crackers. I was going to make fruit kabob's.

They put on their own make up. It was so cute to see them all dressed up with grass skirts and lays.

Even Gwen and Tayson had fun.

Next week we are having a pirate theme complete with a treasure hunt.