The girlies found one big and one little salamander.
I finally told them to let the poor things go. Breckyn had already attached herself to the thing named it and all. She was soon distracted by another creature shortly after and the process started all over again. 
If you notice there were a lot of empty plates and full tummies!
Emerson was very excited that it wasn't "yucky" spaghetti. 
Rugby said that it was so good he wanted to get the recipe. (That's no lie. He cracks me up!)
Z went on and on about how it was the best meal she has ever eaten. She was dragging it out so long she felt she needed to make me feel better by saying that my cooking wasn't bad, it was just "different." Thanks Z!
Three cute little butts working hard and having fun.
You can see the water marks in this picture. The dishwasher is right around the corner and exploded all over. We had to remove the appliances and take everything out of the closets. I'm pretty sure this is going to drive Dad insane that he is not here and in on all the demo. (Wish you were here Dad!) The floor came up pretty easily once we got it started. The kids thought destroying it was super cool.
We had a dumpster out front and they went to work taking everything up and out. I was amazed at how quickly it went with lots of help.
This is how the two rooms joined before. Goodbye carpet and laminate and hello wood. Yep, that's right, we ordered wood. Thanks for the votes. Now everyone needs to stop by and see the finished product. Installation to be started next weekend when all the orders are delivered.
We both like this wood because it is durable and warm. It has an antiquey look to it that makes it look aged and hand carved. I love the dark joints. 
This choice is a little out there but bare with me. I picked this glass mosaic tile because it looks so awesome. What you can't see in this picture is the iridescent gold and copper metallic patterns running through the tile. It is super shiny and looks different from all angles. It also doesn't show ANY fingerprints or feet prints. I've been trying my best to make it look dirty and it still looks great. I would go with a darker grout and it would look awesome. Tim is not on board with this one but could be persuaded. I think it would be totally unique and add a fun texture to our front area. (the squares are about 1/2 inch each-- this is a 1 ft square of them)
Jodi got him some monkey stuff. (He has a mad love for monkeys.)
Caleb made and painted this bird house for him. (It says, "Welcome birds" on the front.) Max also wrapped up three of his favorite cars to give to Em. (sooo sweet)
He also scored this awesome Star Wars outfit that he put on instantly.
He and I got to have a birthday date last night. He chose Chili's and a sports store. He picked a really fun scooter and we played tic-tac-toe all during dinner. All of his favorites in one night. I can't even remember life without my little goober. Em has been a sunshine in our family from day one. He has a way of saying the funniest things at the best times. I think his little lisp just makes everything funnier. This past year was an extra mommy bonus to have time with just him. He is amazing and I'm going to really miss him when school starts. Em is my little sweet heart and I just love him. Happy birthday little man!
The kids tried to entertain themselves for the 2 days it took us in the car.
B was running her usual schemes from the road.
Some moments were better than others. You notice I bought everyone neck pillows. That was a big hit with the little people.
At one point the natives got restless and started removing clothing.
They even turned the head pillows into punk hair.
Dude! It was a long trip. Did I mention how long that drive was? Cause it was-- loooooooong! We survived and had loads of fun in our travels. I'm sure we'll be back sooner than later. I'm already hearing it from the kids how much cooler Utah was than Wisconsin.
They followed Tim around like little ducks.
Here they are at the classic picture spot. Em was really into it...
Isn't this temple gorgeous? The grounds are kept so neat and tidy. The flowers were so perfect. I went from planter to planter just drooling over them.
The gang's all here and dying to jump into the water.
I just love Temple Square. There is no place like it on earth. We got culture, history, beauty and a rich spiritual feeling of love. We had a great time and I think we'll be back again.
The girls took turns giving us "make-overs." Oh my, lets just say Catherine was more than a good sport.
Z did Tim's... the beard really adds to the whole look, don't you think?
Now that is sexy (and all mine ladies!).
Breckyn was trying to match my shirt. I think she hit it square on!
This took major precision (and a lot of time).
Z was so proud of her work. (Thanks Catherine, they will be talking about this for a very long time.)
I think Catherine's took the longest to complete. She even got mascara and a few "erases" and do overs. Thanks for a great visit! We love the Gardners!
Sweet sweet baby Baden was so fun. He is starting to coo and smile. He was highly entertaining for me. I just love this baby!
Rex glommed onto Timmy for some lovin'. He was a good little snuggler for the night.
Breckyn enjoyed being a "mommy" to all of the little guys. Cam really loved having her around. You know you are in the cool club automatically for being older. B was loving the attention (it went both ways I think).
This was Coops reaction that we were leaving. This little man was so fun. He has a tendency to laugh at himself a lot. It's fun to see a little person do that. He was also dubbed the "human garbage disposal" by Tim and I. Man can that kid eat. His food of choice is usually fruit and he can put it away!
We are going to miss you Utah folks! Thanks for a great trip! We love you!
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