We made it to Rupert Idaho...and more!

After a long 3 months of waiting and a long day of traveling the Alsop's made it to Rupert, Idaho...a place I never knew I would ever visit in my life and now will take several trips there. My little sister married into the Duncan family and recently moved to Idaho. The 1st item of business was to meet darling little Peyton! We couldn't get enough of her. Kylee put her mothering skills into full action and helped everywhere she could, Lexi was often found saying, "I hold you", "I hold you" and I eagerly awaited my peaceful time with her in the evenings when my girls were in bed. It was so neat seeing my little sister as a Mother and am glad she had a daughter so I can relive moments and see some of my girls clothes on Peyton. Thanks Laura, for letting me steal her away on several occasions to rock her to sleep. She is absolutely precious!

But this wasn't all...Laura and Taylor had a ton of entertainment to offer (with a little help from Taylor's parent's...thanks by the way) since the closest mall is 40 min away! The second item of business was getting us out on the Snake River on the waverunners and boat! I love this little toy so much and have gotta get me one someday! (hint hint) The girls had a blast and even Lexi would ask to go again. I thought she'd be pretty timid especially with all the wind but as long as she was with her Mommy she was ready for the ride. Kylee was all about being in the driver seat and has always been one of Laura and Taylor's sidekicks.
The weather cooperated enough for Daddy to show off for his girls! It has been 4 years since Sky has been skiing and I wouldn't have ever known except for his tired body that just couldn't hold on any longer. Ky loved seeing him out there and got right into holding the flag up like I knew she would. We stayed warm on the boat and watched the boys have fun! Thank you Uncle Taylor for pulling this off !


Let's also not forget the heated indoor pool and hot tub which were the perfect temperature and had all the toys we needed including 2 basketball hoops to help keep Sky entertained. I think we swam almost everyday there.

Last but not least was getting acquainted with the Duncan farm. I have never seen so many COWs in my life! Once getting over the smell I was fascinated by the whole milking process and how trained a cow can be but also how scared they are as well. They ran away so fast if we even got close but Kylee was actually pretty patient and sure enough became friends with many of the baby cows who timidly let her pet and feed a few.
"Now that's a whole lot of Utters"

Our favorite were of course the "JERSEY COWS" These are the brown ones and Uncle Tay almost had Ky convinced that they make chocolate milk.

Oh, and a tractor ride on the biggest tractor ever!

A new baby wasn't enough to add to their family. We also met their puppy Dash who provided plenty of entertainment during our stay. Kylee was often found like this...stroller in one hand and Dash on the other. Ky and Lexi went out to check on him morning noon and night. Our hope that an energetic, jumpy and nipping puppy would turn her away from wanted one didn't work. It did cause Lexi to constantly say, "He get me" as she became a quick target since they were about the same size.

Thanks Laura and Tay for a great time. Seeing you guys really was our main goal but all the extra entertainment sure sweetens the trip. Don't worry we will be BACK!

We then moved on to Logan for a few days and as always had a great visit filled with non-stop activities. Keeping with tradition the boys got their golfing in, Kylee and Lexi got plenty of time with Nana and attended to her cats and dog, a little bowling, great meal at Cafe Rio, Jamba Juice, temple and plenty of games and laughs in the evening as a family!A few new events were celebrating Ryan's b-day2x, hitting Summer Fest, seeing Aunt Jenny pregnant and going to a new farm with Nana where the girls had an absolute blast. They enjoyed many pony rides, milking a cow for the first time, feeding the chickens, holding a baby duckling and hoping it would make it back to its mommy safely, searching for gold, feeding the goats and the highlight was the baby kittens one of which Kylee took under her wing and again was faced with the trauma of having a mother who is allergic. This child thinks she is so deprived and wants a pet kitten or puppy more than anything in the world....Her parents want nothing to do with one more than anything in the world!!! Any suggestions? She held this cat as long as she could and looked like she was in heaven.
No Utah trip is ever complete without a reunion with Kelly Mae (great-grandpa's horse) Kylee has now been visiting Kelly Mae since she was 2 and this time was given the nickname, "Queen of the Mae" by great-grandpa! Lexi eats these visits up as well and you all know what animal lovers my girls are.

We know we received help pulling this little ride off as it was our last day there and it had been pouring rain all morning. We headed down to SL just hoping and praying their would be a break in the rain for the girls to spend time with great grandpa and Kelly Mae. He goes to such efforts to pull this off and are pretty sure he won' t be bringing the horse up anymore. As we pulled in the rain began to let up and as soon as the horse was ready it stopped. Each girl got a nice little ride and as soon as the last thing was put away we had another down pour for most of the evening. We are truly grateful for the time we got in and these special memories.

ANOTHER PERFECT FAMILY TRIP!!!

PINKALICIOUS 5 Year Old

Kylee has anxiously waited for her PINKALICIOUS PARTY for months and loved every minute of it!


Required attire was Pink and every decoration and accessory followed even down to the strawberry cupcakes, pink wafers, pink lemonade, pink table cloth and utensils.

It was fun watching Kylee get involved with the planning as she organized each of the goody bags, hung the streamers, helped make the cupcakes, set up for the craft and sat by the front door eagerly awaiting her friends arrival!

Our home was filled with 12 energetic little girls who had a blast having there own dance party and attacking Kylee's Uncle Ryan (sky's family was in town and added to our exciting day) I hope to add a little video clip of this attack soon.
- Our craft was decorating pink crowns
- We had pink fruit roll-ups hanging from pink ribbon that the girls had to eat with their hands behind their backs.
- We played clean your room as socks were thrown back and forth between the divided room
-Cake walk where each girl received a pink gel filled princess ice pack
-Attack of the pink silly string
-Wrap Kylee's Dad in pink streamers as he forgot to wear pink to the party.
-Pink goody bags filled with pink contents
Even Lexi got into the party and kept up with the excitement ! I love their matching PINK dresses and continue to have a blast being their mother. Kylee has matured so much over the last year and we can't get over how old she is getting. She wasn't shy a bit at her party and we loved watching how polite she was to each of her friends as she eagerly greeted each one, said thank you and gave hugs after the presents and made an effort to thank each one for coming.

Days like this are sure rewarding and I'm truly blessed to have a daughter like Kylee.

I love this PINKALICIOUS girl to pieces and am glad we pulled off a memorable party!

Worth a millon bucks in more ways than one!!!!

Thank you thank you..... :)

Even though Skylar flew out the morning of my B-day for boards he made up for it BIG time! This little gift bag held numerous minutes of the most amazing relaxation. I was at the Hershey Spa from 9AM-4PM on Saturday soaking in every moment....60 min deep tissue massage, steam room, lounge chair by the pool, hot tub, 2 showers, chocolate, amazing views, multiple cat naps and I could go on and on! Thank you Sky, Thank you Sky, THANK YOU! Is it horrible to want this every month? Don't worry half the time he was out golfing with his Dad and brother and it was his Mother who had the girls most of the day so I owe a thank you to Linda as well.

Of course the day after receiving this gift was a lesson at church on Provident Living and the guilt set in. I've avoided splurging and just going earlier due to the cost and Sky knew I'd never go spend it on my own. My smart husband bought a non-refundable gift certificate and assured me it was a GIFT! However, I think for medical reasons (a mother's own sanity) I should get a doctor's note prescribing this therapy (ie: MASSAGE) as a mandatory once a month treatment. WHAT A DREAM....one day I tell you...one day this will happen!!!!!

I also need to give a shout out to the world's greatest Mom! Thanks Mom for showing up on my doorstep for a total birthday surprise and taking care of my breakfast, lunch, dinner and helping the girls with a great b-day cake. I will sure miss the 2 hour drive but know we've made the most of it while we've had it.

MY FIRST TROPHY!!!

Kylee recently finished her 1st year of gymnastics and has been excited for months to get her first trophy. After receiving it she told me, "Mom, I got a small trophy but that's ok cause I'm small too." I replied, "It isn't that small and it is really cool!" Kylee..."I do like it but when will I get a BIG trophy?" After discussing things I learned that she thought she would be getting one of those huge trophies that you see in display cases like the huge ones on display at the gymnastics center up where the parents watch. I laughed so hard inside and tried explaining that an entire team earned that and she will be a part of that one day I'm sure. Meanwhile, she now has her trophy on display in her room and now the collection time begins and I will be on the other side. The mother wondering where to put them and how to dust them. Oh, I love the little things that get our kids excited.

Sky and I were proud parents watching our little girl and are amazed at how far she has come throughout the year. She began with being shy and timid barely wanting to talk to her coaches and now each time she accomplishes something she is ready to show them her stuff. She was able to be in a class with her good friend Lindsey and anytime she has a friend in her class Ky comes out of her shell faster.
Her favorite station was bars and at the end of the video you will see her climbing the rope for me which she was determined to figure out. She could barely make it up a few steps at the beginning of the year. WAY TO GO KYLEE! The down side to all of this is that pre-school and gymnastics are now over and Kylee has way to much free time on her hands. She misses her organized activities and so does her Mother. We have been very pleased with each thing she has been involved in this year and hope they have helped prep her for kindergarten.

JERSEY GIRL & CENTRAL PARK

Sure I've been to NYC plenty of times growing up for all the major site seeing, musicals, etc. but if you can believe it, I've never hung out in Central Park. Our weekends to visit my parents in Jersey are limited or maybe done and getting a trip to NY one more time with the girls was a must. So while we were there the 1st weekend in MAY I had to check a few more things off my list. Luckily the weather cooperated and we had an excellent taxi driver (MY DAD) and tour guide (MY MOM) that made it possible for us to get a ton done!

I still can't believe how huge this park is and that it's located in the middle of this crazy city. We began with eventually finding our way to the boat house and heading out as a little family in our own row boat. Sky assured me he could take care of the rowing if I could keep the girls seated. We quickly learned that he needed a beginners coarse and both discovered how tricky rowing can actually be. We only went around in a circle twice, with some hard laughs and were then on our way. We had an amazing time and felt like we were in our own movie. The scenery was gorgeous. Not many places where you are surrounded with trees, water, bridges, flowers and then skyscrapers behind you. We grabbed some great shots, all worked on our rowing skills, discovered turtles, fed ducks and even managed not to fall in.

Can you beat this perfect DOUBLE STROLLER?

I loved walking around spotting different scenes from so many movies, especially Enchanted as those songs are often heard on our radio.

My parents then showed us the gorgeous tulip gardens.

and I thought about how much I've loved only having them 2 hours away!

Sky and I were also able to get in another great visit to the NY temple and then with no thanks to the lovely New York traffic we all made it to the FAO Schwartz famous piano. Sky had a blast watching me make a fool of myself running around with the girls and with the HELP of my mom play a basic "Merry had a little lamb"why did I ever stop Piano lessons?

Can hanging out with family ever get old?!!!!!

HEART & DREAD

I HEART
1. Jumping back into a warm cozy bed knowing you still have a few hours to sleep after you had to get up to go the bathroom.
2. Rediscovering the world from a 2 year olds perspective.
3. A hot chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream on top
4. GARAGE SALE SEASON
5. How GREEN pennsylvania is and beautiful Spring days

Things I'm Dreading this week but HOPE go REALLY well and have an AWESOME outcome!
1. Preparing for and Taking family pictures
2. Leaving Sky alone while he continues to study for the Boards
3. Having our home immaculate for another Open House
4. Waking up early for Garage Sales
5. Saying Good-bye to some great friends

Watch out Ky...Tattle tale Lexi in the making...

I feel like I have to preface this by saying Kylee and Alexis have an amazing relationship and it is so much fun watching them on a daily basis interact with each other. It is special to see Kylee watch over her sister, listen to them laugh and watch Lexi being Kylee's little shadow. Lexi just lights up when she gets time with Kylee and is a whole other person on the mornings Kylee doesn't have preschool.

Now with all of this comes the beginning of the "love hate" relationship, the "I had it first" line over and over or Kylee giving Alexis stern instructions that she must follow or Kylee gives her a consequence...Why does she think she is the mother? (I can't wait to watch her be one down the road)

I've been worried about teaching certain gospel principles and the other day had this...

SCENE: Kylee and Alexis playing trains downstairs while I'm working on the computer. Ky's frustration rising as I hear Lexi constantly messing up the track.

Alexis: Hysterically crying as she comes up the stairs to me..."Mom Mom Mom"
Mom: "What happened sweetheart?"
Alexis: pointing to head "Kyie, Kyie"
Mom: Did Kylee hit you?
Alexis: "Yeah"
Mom: (yelling down the stairs) "Kylee what happened?!!!!!"
Kylee: "Be quiet, I'm saying a prayer for Heavenly Father to forgive me for hurting Lexi!"

What do you say next? Looks like all that Easter discussion maybe did pay off. Unfortunately we did have similar situations repeat over the last few days with not nearly the same reaction but hey it is in there somewhere and now Ky must beware of her tattle tailing sister who won't let her get away with anything.

Next scenario looking for some help on...

Today all of a sudden Kylee's eye begins stinging and hurting
Kylee: "Ouch, my eye is hurting really really bad!"
Mom: "Ok, I'll be there in a second"
Kylee: "Dear Heavenly Father please help my eye to stop hurting" (I'm impressed)

She proceeds to wash it out with water and I look inside and tell her to put a wet wash cloth on it.

Kylee: "Why isn't Heavenly Father answering my prayer?"
Mom: "Sometimes it doesn't happen right away"
Kylee: "But I thought he was magical and it is still hurting really bad"
Mom: SPEECHLESS

With a little bit of time I did explain that some answers come quickly and others may take awhile. Later that evening her eye was fine and we did point out that her prayer was answered. What do you do when it's not? I know some of mine are taking a LONG time. I just think the faith of a little child is amazing and love watching little pieces of the gospel come together for them.

Bye Bye Blue Wall

So, the for sale by owner thing wasn't really working out and after much thought and referrals we have moved forward with a realator. We have really begun getting our home ready to sell and even listened to our realators suggestion to get rid of our Aggie BLUE wall for viewing purposes. Skylar got right on it and of course had some fun with it as Kylee and her friend wanted to help! It became quite the creative painting job.We have spent multiple hours cleaning and recleaning for photo shoots and for realators to come see it. The showing process really hasn't begun yet and I'm not sure I can lift another finger in order to have this place imaculate. However, the carpets been stretched, are windows are sparkly clean, are walls are gorgeous, a massive sign is in our front yard and we are ready for YOU to send anyone you can think of our way! Check us out on the MLS listing and get your minds a thinkin of anyone you know that wants a gorgeous townhome in the "sweetest place on earth." This all becomes a lot harder when you love the place and home you live in and don't want to give it up let alone for a cheeper price than expected...come on ECONOMY!

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4

This is Kylee's SAD face for you

An up side to all of this is that the faux painting on our walls is considered a $1,500 up grade and each realator thought it was professionally done. You've heard me ramble about finding something to do when my girls are both in school and maybe I've discovered a new part-time business...

If all things in Life could come this easy...

Well, she did it. I thought the process may take at least a little while but I was definitely wrong. After spending all of about 10 minutes Kylee learned how to ride a two wheeler! About 2 weeks ago Sklar headed out with her on a windy afternoon so they only spent about 5 min outside but aparently that is all it took. I went out for a quick viewing and was shocked at how much balancing she already had. We pulled out the camera the next day so I could capture the learning process on tape but never really caught it. I thought you might see Skylar's hand still on the bike a little bit or a timid slightly nervous Kylee but take a look for yourself...she was already off.

I know I sound like a cheese ball!!! but what can I say? I was a proud Mom that just expected it to take a little time. Hey, we're supposed to be proud parents and at least there is no questioning on how proud I was. We thought grandparents would be teaching her this summer when she was 5 but I guess we can already check this off the list. I still can't get over how fast my little girl is growing up. Of course soon after learning she already rode down to the pond with Dad on his scooter...looks like we've got a good Father's Day gift in the making. Time for these two to head off on bike rides.

Thankful the celebration is more than 1 Day!

As you can see, the mobs of people didn't stop Kylee and Addy from still filling their baskets at the local egg hunt put on by Hershey. We couldn't believe how many people showed up, many of which were tourists here for Spring Time at Hershey Park. Our little town was hopping with excitement over the weekend and we are always amazed at the attraction Hershey gets. I was nervous that we weren't even going to make it as my normal 5 minute drive to the outlets took over 10 and there wasn't a single parking space available.......THANK YOU so much MOM! Grandma bailed us out as the girls and I jumped out and she hunted for a spot to park.

We had a good time! Lexi was more focused with eating the candy as she went than trying to collect it and had a grin from cheek to cheek with each bite. Some of her top words currently are open, chocolate and candy. Kylee and I were pleasantly surprised when we saw bags of mini cadberry eggs on the ground which are both hers and my FAVORITE! I of course encouraged her to collect as many of them as she could and she definitely obliged...I think we came home with at least 15 bags.
We are just glad there is Easter Celebration going on more than one day! Alexis woke up early Easter morning throwing up for the first time. The poor girl proceeded to do so at least 10 more times throughout the day and spent a lot of her time resting like this. We were thankful my parents were intown and helped with a church swap so Sky and I could still fulfill our callings. Our energetic Lexi tried to be a part of as much as should could and was sad to see me slip the candy out of her eggs during our egg hunt and later in the day even threw up right in the middle of their basket hunting. She slept most of the day yesterday and is sleeping today away as well. When she is finally better we hope to repeat Easter for her and Kylee said she would be the Easter Bunny and hide eggs for her.
The two of them didn't wear their Easter dresses together but they had fun with their new tutu's that "crafty" mom (always with grandma's encouragement) made for them as an Easter surprise! Lexi still had some energy and we made the most of it. They were spoiled like always between a care package in the mail from Nana with fun toys, new fancy dogs with their own carry cases from grandma & grandpa and still Easter baskets as well. We started a new tradition that we hope the Easter bunny will carry on and that is sending Ky on a scavenger hunt with clues to find her Easter basket. It was just great watching Kylee, Aunt Heather, and Lexi go from clue to clue. Thanks Mom & Dad for coming up 2 weekends in a row. We love having you and will sure miss it next year. Hope you all had an excellent Easter!