Temple Open House ...

We took the family to the Draper Open House. I remember going to the Jordan River Temple open house when I was Jaiden's age. It was a lasting impression and we hoped the same for our kids. Well we should have left Madison home. It was a Saturday evening and afterwards we found out it was the busiest day thus far. Madison gave us a run for our money as usual. She kept wading through the people waiting in line, throwing fits when we tried to hold her, climbing on the chairs, sprinting for the baptismal font to take a swim, etc., etc., etc. Hopefully even with Madison's antics, the 4 hours total trip with lines and transportation Jaiden and Carter will still have a memory with a lasting impression.

We have escaped - we are free to run around.

Birhday Party with Nana and PA

We had a small birthday celebration on her actual day with Nana, PA, Aunt Mel, Mariko, and Kaia. She loves Elmo and we gave into it. She was extremely concerned about her balloons flying away and made us tie them to a chair even though they had a weight attached to the strings. Even after tying them to a chair she would still get a look of panic and run over to the chair and hold onto the strings. She then would forget when she saw something interesting and would let go and play but then in about 5 minutes the routine would start over again. It was hilarious but a little sad because she was so stressed over the balloons flying away.

Jaiden and her friend Ellie wrapped Madison's presents for me and ran out of paper. They thought it would be funny to wrap her present with a lot of trash. She was a good sport.

New shoes - must wear immediately.

Strike a pose.

Sharing her glasses with cousin Kaia.

Holding all her loot.

Daddy did a great job by picking up a singing Elmo balloon.

Drink of choice. It is her birthday.

Happy Birthday Madison ...

Good morning birthday girl.
How old are you??? TWO.
Birthday bonus cousins were sleeping over.

Happy Birthday to Me...

Jason planned a trip to Las Vegas for my birthday. He tried to keep it a surprise but I called in November to use our sky miles and was concerned when I thought we had more. I was telling the rep that we had more available and she said, "no you have used some for a trip to Las Vegas in January." Oops!!! Poor guy never gets to surprise me but he makes a great effort. We went with two other couples. (Edmunds and Robison) We flew in Thursday, shopped, ate, slept, movie'd, spa'd, went to LOVE, danced, ate, shopped some more and flew back Sunday. It was soooo much fun!!!! THANKS for those who came and for Jason planning it - love you.

We started the trip off right by shopping, shopping, shopping. I loved these shoes but come on when would I really wear them???

The lovely couple before heading into the AMAZING show LOVE.

The crazy group ready to "PARTY."

"Let's DANCE" - our drink of choice, water.

Stayed at Trump Tower. Would recommend it. The spa was great, rooms nice and big, no smoking, only negative no casino but great location across the street from Nordstrom and mall - yes more shopping! The guys were great sports.

Walking with Dinosaurs ...

We took the kids to "Walking with Dinosaurs." Jaiden didn't enjoy it as much as Carter did but she was a good sport :) I think she did enjoy the history. Carter could not take his eyes of the dinosaurs. "Nana's-Pa" joined us at the show and Nana took Madison off our hands so we could enjoy the show. Of course my camera battery died before I could get a few pics of the family and kids.

Sexy Lady ...

This is an example of why we have decided to keep her - Love you Madison.

Laundry???

Every Sunday evening Jason takes this pile to the laundry room for the process to start over. I don't know how those with more than 5 in a family ever complete the laundry pattern.

Saturday Night Live ... Tripp Style

Trying to have a nice, calm, relaxing Saturday evening as a family.

Madison threw food all over and spilled drinks in kitchen while that was being cleaned up she decided to put her coat on and pulled it down while proceeded to rip the bolted hook off the wall. Before mom "lost it" dad decided to take Madison and Carter with him to pick up dinner.

While sitting in the drive-thru Jason started to smell smoke. Where would smoke be coming from? He got out of the car and walked behind it to find the hitch plug in flames. Tried to blow out the flames like birthday candles but didn't work - to big. Needed water. He was smart and started throwing snow on the plug until the flames went out. No worries he still got dinner and made it home safely but not before calling me and telling me I wouldn't believe what happened. Who does this happen too????? Good thing we like to laugh.

Jaiden awarded student of the month

Jaiden was awarded student of the month in January. The theme was self-discipline. Her teacher nominated her and we made a poster highlighting the things she enjoys.

The principle read a few thing about her at the assembly = She likes to play with friend, she likes to play in the snow and sledding, and likes to eat at the Cheesecake Restaurant. She is good at dancing and drawing. She likes to go camping and to the beach. When she grows up she wants to be an ice skater or vet. (really??)

Her teacher Mrs.Ellis wrote a paragraph explaining why she nominated Jaiden = Jaiden is a perfect example of self-discipline. She always knows what she is supposed to be doing. She follows classroom, rules and expectations. I have never had to remind her about how to behave. She stays on task and always gets her work finished. Jaiden is an excellent example to her classmates and is also a good influence on them. I really appreciate her positive attitude. I fell lucky to have her in my class.

The crew supporting Jaiden. Congrats Jaiden we all love you and are proud of you!!!

Proud moment!


Gold Medalist speed skater Derek Parra spoke at the assembly about self-discipline. It was an inspiring assembly. He has accomplished his goals through such adversity in his life.

Jaiden wearing Derek' gold metal from the Olympics.

This poster was hung in the front hall representing Jaiden's interests.

Random pics with new camera

I got a digital SLR for Christmas and final started using it. I love having clear shots with no worries. I am sure I am only using 3% of the camera's functions but I plan on taking some classes.Cowboy-up girl :) Madison love playing with Carter's toys.

No she is not potty trained but she loves to sit and try. Or maybe its just using toilet paper and flushing. I know the truth is the second but I like to tell myself it is the first.

"Happy New Year"

We had a pretty uneventful New Years Eve. We went to sushi and a movie with friends. (Robison and Ross) We had fun and then thought we would catch up with our kids for the ball to drop and celebrate with them at "Nana's New Year Bash" for all the cousins. We headed over to Nana's at 10:30pm, walked in and it was pitch black. All the kids were asleep. Nana got smart and told them it was midnight at 10pm. They celebrated by doing fireworks, popits, etc. then headed to bed. We left quietly and had a couples night at home. The next morning was a great New Years Day - we got new floors - tile in the bathrooms and kitchen. Love them!!!