Fairy Tales do come true...

Happy 9th Birthday Britain!!!

2011-12-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Britain's birthday decorations

Britain and Wesley played XBox 360 all day...

Britain's money from Grandpa and Grandma Paul

Britain's presents from Aunt Pat

Britain and his best friend Wesley

Pajamas and radio from Aunt Pat

Britain's Bronco Cup from Arby's. Arby's is where Britain chose to go to dinner.

His present from Ryan, Aspen and I (BYU tie and Cosmo the pillow pet)

Christmas

2011-12-25T18:23:00.000-08:00

Britain got and X box 360 from Santa

Aspen got an IPod Touch from Santa

Elbow Pad signed by Terrell Davis

Celebrating Britain's Birthday

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

Looking at Christmas Lights

Christmas Pajamas

Our Gingerbread House and Gingerbread Men

2011-12-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

JB=Justin Bieber

Britain's Receives His Wolf Badge

2011-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Wesley welcoming Britain to The Wolf Pack

Britain's Birdhouse

2011-12-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

Britain had to build something with wood so he could get his wolf badge for cub scouts this Tuesday. Ryan helped him build this birdhouse. Britain said he wants to paint it we will see if that ever happens.

BRITAIN'S THIRD GRADE CONCERT

2011-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T13:38:00.000-08:00

Lots of great family, Lots of food and LOTS OF FUN!!!

Ryan Our Basketball Ref

2011-11-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

Ryan passed is Basketball Officiating test and today was his first game. He is really looking forward to it. Good Luck Ryan you will need some thick skin!!!

Aspen's Middle School Concert

2011-11-17T18:45:00.000-08:00

Raking Leaves

2011-11-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Britain's Class Party

Heather (the tennis player) Aspen (the bronco fan) Britain (the mad scientist) Wesley (the rockies player)

The Loot

Aspen's 12th Birthday

2011-10-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

Locker decorations

Mashed potatoes

Aspen's cell phone and karaoke cds

Room decorations

Aspen and Mom

Aspen and Emily Kingsford

Aspen and Sierra Hawkins

Aspen and Reynna Moses

Aspen and Heather Marion

Aspen and Emily Coleman

Aspen and Madison Denzel

Aspen and Abby Laycock

Aspen and Aunt Roni

Aspen had a great 12th birthday. Aspen woke up to streamers and balloons. She went to school and her friends had decorated her locker and then I brought Taco Bell her meal of choice to school along with some cupcakes to share with her friends. When she got home she chose mashed potatoes for her birthday dinner, yes just mashed potatoes. She opened presents and then we had key lime pie. She is very excited to have a cell phone finally! Then she got to have friends over for a SURVIVOR PARTY. We started out by choosing buffs (bright pink or lime green) then they decided their team name and had to write it on a poster. So we had TEAM BLONDES AND TEAM MOST AWESOME EVER SERIOUSLY. Then they played a guessing and word scramble game (which was all of Aspen's favorite things) Aspen didn't participate in this. Then we had them do a puzzle and after we did our favorite game the food game. Everyone was pretty brave with the food but no one but Britain would eat the sardine hmmmm I wonder why. So then it was on to a scavenger hunt, they only had a certain amount of time to get things off their list and return home. Lastly we had a game where everyone was paired in twos, one was the caller and the other was blindfolded and had to listen for directions in picking up balls and placing them in a bucket. In the end TEAM BLONDES won by 1 point. They received a huge Hershey bar ($1,000,000) and the losing team received ($100,000). We ended the day with cake, ice cream and opening presents. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASPEN WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

General Conference in Salt Lake

2011-10-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

We drove through Alpine loop on the way to Salt Lake it was so beautiful with all the leaves changing. Then we headed to temple square to walk around and hear some of Saturday Conference. We went over to Deseret Book and met T.C. Christensen (producer) and the guy who played Levi Savage on the church movie 17 Miracles. Then Ryan went to The Priesthood Session while the kids and I ordered pizza and swam at the hotel. On Sunday we all got to go to the morning session of conference. Then it was time to head back to Greeley. It was a fast trip but lots of fun.

BYU vs. Utah State

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

We left early friday morning to get to Utah to see The Cougars play The Aggies. Ryan's Uncle got us tickets. When we got there we went to the BYU book store and got some BYU shirts, footballs, volleyballs and misc. stuff. Then we headed over to the tailgate party and got lots of free stuff. We headed into the game and waited by the locker room so Britain could high five all the players as they came out. He even got a wrist band from Riley Nelson one of the Quarterbacks who ended up winning the game for them. We ended up in the Aggie section and didn't get to sit together. Britain and I sat a few rows in front of Aspen and Ryan. It was a great game and kept us on our toes the whole game. We had fun and it was a great first BYU game for Britain.

Aspen's Volleyball Team 2011

2011-09-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am a MORMON

2011-09-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Our church is doing a big commercial campaign and they have a wonderful site for everyone to go to so they can get answers to questions about our church. On this website mormon.org members can write down their testimonies so Ryan had all the youth in our ward do this. It is a wonderful site and the testimonies are awesome.

Britain's Broken Arm

2011-09-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

On September 2nd Friday night Britain was playing with a couple of neighborhood boys on our trampoline and one of the boys decided to pick Brit up and throw him down on the tramp. Britain put his right arm down to try and catch himself and his hand bent all the way back and touched his arm. He started screaming and crying so the fun ended and I brought him in, it didn't look like anything was broken so I iced it and gave him some advil. He slept through the night when he woke up it was a little swollen and he said it was still sore but he could go outside and play. He said it hurt to ride a scooter but he was still playing finally we made him come in and he rested it on Sunday and Monday (which was labor day). Then on Tuesday which was his first day back to school I got him a Dr. appointment sure enough it was broken but too swollen to get a cast (probably because he played football at recess). So we had to wait until Friday to get a cast on. Did you know they are water proof now? I didn't but here he is with his cast on for 6 weeks. I hope this is the last broken bone we have in this house.

Britain's First Day of 3rd Grade

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Britain didn't start school until September 6th almost a whole month after Aspen started. His elementary school was having some remodeling done so they started later this year. He has Mrs. Fowler as his teacher and his best friend Dyllin is in his class. So we are on to a new school year. I can't believe he is in 3rd grade it feels like yesterday I was taking him to Kindergarten.

Britain's Neighbor Buddies

2011-09-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

This summer was really nice because Britain made some neighborhood buddies. It was nice to not be asked every other second if he could have a play date. Seth and Paul Hatch go to church with us and live a couple blocks away and Erik Brink lives on the same block so they all had a lot of fun playing with each other.

Aspen is shaving!!!

2011-08-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Don't tell her I posted this. I turn my blog into a family album every year so I have to document this. I can't believe she is shaving. All of her friends have been doing it for awhile but she was holding out. She finally did it, they grow up sooooooo fast.

Britain as a Seattle Seahawk

2011-08-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is Britain's first year in tackle football. He is in the 75 lb. and under league and he weighs 56.50 lbs. So lets just say he is one of the smallest on his team and is a little intimidated to get tackled. We will see how this all goes.

Britain's new braces

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Britain went today and got his braces on with Dr. Murray at Skyview Orthodontics. He hasn't complained about them hurting yet but he has also had a friend over all day so we will see what happens later. It is a new experience for all of us at this household since no one else has had braces. I am glad he only has them on the top for now so we can get used to them.

Aspen's First Day of Middle School

2011-08-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

She was a mixture of nerves and excitement. She was excited to have a more lenient dress code and wear flip flops but nervous about finding her way around to all her classes. She has a lock on her locker for the first time and is nervous she will forget the combo but she has been practicing for the last week so I think she will be fine. She also has some girl drama going on so we hope to get that all figured out. She is also excited to have every Friday off that will hopefully make up for the long day 7:30 am to 3:30pm and only 20 minutes of lunch. Oh wonderful 6th grade!!!

Fun with The Rothe's at their lake

2011-08-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Ryan at Youth Conference

2011-08-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Summer Camps

2011-08-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Both of the kids were able to do a sport camp this year Aspen chose Volleyball and Britain chose football. They both had a lot of fun and learned lots.

Crazy Family Pics

2011-07-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

My brother Matt brought his Macbook and was showing us different things it could do and we all had a good laugh at these pictures.

Hammonds Candy Tour and Rockies Game

2011-07-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Celestial Seasonings, Casa Bonita and Lakeside

2011-07-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

My 40th birthday present

2011-07-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was not excited about turning 40 but my gift from Ryan really made me happy! I have been wanting some good pots and pans that will last me a lifetime and these are the best. I love using them and see I really am old when what I wanted for my birthday is pots and pans!

Britain's Swimteam summer 2011

2011-07-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

We joined the Bittersweet Pool this summer and with that Britain signed up for their swim team. He was nervous because swimming really isn't his thing. He learned a lot and even won some ribbons. He also did their swim-a-thon which he ended up doing 103 laps in a 2 hour period. He had a good time hanging out with friends and working on his tan.

Cousin Time

2011-07-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Aspen and Sierra in their Justin Beiber Shirts

Family Game Night

Riverside Park

Fourth of July

Bittersweet Pool

Dress Up

Aspen and Britain had so much fun with their cousins for two weeks. I hope this gave them all some good memories.

Martin's Cove

2011-06-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Sweetwater Crossing

The Necklaces are prizes for doing all the different

things at Martin's Cove

Sacajawea's Grave

Chief Washakie a good friend to

Brigham Young and later joined
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Swimming down the irrigation ditch at

The Kitchen's Home in Lander Wyoming

John and Kay Kitchen

We had a wonderful time going to all these places. So much sacrifice was made by these pioneers. John was in the Stake Presidency at the time that the church was really making sure Martin's Cove and The Willie Handcart Rescue Site were a great place to visit. So he had a lot of special experiences with church leaders that were shared with us.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day Ryan got some new basketball shorts and new belt. We had his favorite dinner which is Lasagna. Happy Father's Day Ryan!

Warrior of Light Day Camp

2011-06-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Warriors of Light

Receiving badges and belt loops

Boat Regatta

This was Britain's first cub scout day camp. He had so much fun with all of his friends. They got lots of badges completed and did service the last day, planting trees.

Field Day 2011

2011-05-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Britain's football cards

2011-05-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

Britain started collecting football cards this year. He had fun trading with his classmates. He has two binders full of these cards. His favorite are the ones that have a piece of the uniform on it, he calls them "Leathers". His Uncle Matt told them they are worth money so he has been getting as many of those as he can.

Primary Temple Trip 2011

2011-05-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

President Hinckley's Tree

President Monson said "By touching the temple,

the temple touches you"

Britain's 2nd Grade Field Trip to Terry Bison Ranch

2011-05-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Aspen's 5th Grade Balloon Ceremony

2011-05-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

The 5th grade class each year writes down their hopes and dreams then ties them to a balloon and releases them all at the same time. I must say I shed a few tears thinking of my little girl growing up and going to middle school. She has grown so much and is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life. It is hard to let your children go. You have to stand by and let them have their own experiences and guide them from the sidelines. It has been a hard year with all her changes for both her and I, even though she has to go and have the experience I feel the sorrow and the happiness as much as she does. All I can do is love her and pray that Heavenly Father will handle the rest.

Soccer Spring 2011

2011-05-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Another great soccer season. We didn't win very many games but Brit did great scoring 75% of the goals for the season. Our Soccer Dude!!!

School Art and Projects 2010-2011

2011-05-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was wonderful! I got love notes and wonderful gifts. Roni gave me the beautiful Roses. I feel very blessed to be so loved!

Britain as Abraham Lincoln

2011-05-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

Britain's big project for 2nd grade was doing a report on an American Hero. He got to be Abraham Lincoln. He did a great job doing the report in front of his class and their parents. I recorded it and for some reason I can't get it to come up, too bad. All the kids did great, Britain was so cute!

Volleyball Diva

2011-04-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Aspen's coaches called her the Diva of the team. She won MVP in the second game and won volleyball socks. Her game improved so much this season. She really got her bumps and sets down. She has an amazing underhand serve. She is working on her overhand serve, maybe next season she will get it down. Her team was undefeated it was a great season!

Easter 2011

2011-04-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

Aspen, Britain and Abby dyeing Easter Eggs

Easter Baskets

Easter Morning

Camp Fire Cookout at Grandpa and Grandma Paul's

2011-04-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Our 13th year Anniversary

2011-04-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ryan surprised me with a 4 day weekend in Kansas City, MO. Why Kansas City??? Because that is where the Princess Diana exhibit is. Yes I am a Princess Di obsessed fan, have been for years. I have read all her biographies and find her fascinating. I even bought her engagement ring replica. We not only went to the Princess Diana exhibit which was fantastic but we went to a Royals game. We went to go get Subway before heading to the game and Ryan overheard the gentleman behind us talking about tickets to the Royals so Ryan asked him about it and we ended up buying tickets from him. About 14 rows from the Royals dugout. We had a great time and the Royals won against the Mariners.

I loved the Princess Di exhibit especially seeing her wedding gown in person. We saw family artifacts, dresses, jewelry and then they had all the condolence books everyone sent to her family it took up two walls. It was amazing! I loved It!!!

We also went to see Jamison and his family we had a great time catching up with them. I am so sad I didn't take pictures of them....

It was a great time and a great way to spend our 13th anniversary. Thanks Ryan

Aspen in Aladdin

2011-03-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Aspen had the part as the Lamp Vendor more or less the Narrator. She really wanted to be Jasmine and was very disappointed. She gave it her all and is looking forward to doing more plays. Grandma Paul made her outfit and Aspen really enjoyed wearing it. The play was really good and we are proud of Aspen for working hard on memorizing all her lines.

Our First Pinewood Derby

2011-03-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

So as you can tell Britain didn't do so hot. Ryan has a lot to learn and many years to try and figure it out. Ryan cut and shaped the car and Britain got to paint and decorate it. Britain loves Jimmer from BYU Basketball so he had to put the Y and #32. His car received most Awe-Inspiring. Another fun Cub Scout event.

Grandma Chris turns 92

2011-03-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

My Mom and my Aunt threw my Grandma Chris a birthday party. It was fun to visit with family and play with Beau and Vanessa's beautiful baby!!!

2011 Superbowl

2011-02-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

SUPERBOWL Steeler vs. Green Bay! This year Britain has really been into watching sports so he was so excited to watch this game. He has been collecting football cards this whole year and knows all about the NFL. He loves the Broncos but since they weren't in it he was going for the Steelers. So we had Grandma and Grandpa Paul over for a little party. They brought the cake and the blimp (which Grandpa got off a display from Walmart with permission). We had a fun time even though the Steelers lost.

Random Pics

2011-02-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Britain face when he has to do homework
My handsome Ryan

Girls Basketball 2011

2011-01-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

Aspen had a great basketball season. They had a great team they won some and lost some. The best part for Aspen was having her Dad as Assistant Coach and her two best friends on her team (Abby and Heather).

BYU vs. CSU Game

2011-01-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Britain, Wesley and Ryan

Wesley and Britain with their signs!!! So Cute!

Jackson Emery

Jimmer Fredette #32

Ryan said he would be #20 on the list

for NBA Draft pick right now. He is known

for his great 3 point shot.

Joel getting his awesome sign signed by Jimmer!

Ryan got tickets for our family to go to the BYU basketball game in Fort Collins but Aspen really didn't want to go and we found out that Wesley Marion would really like to go. Aspen stayed with The Marions and we took Wesley. Joel and Jake decided to come and see if they could get some tickets to this sold out game and were lucky enough to get two. We all had a great time especially since BYU won. I think the best part was getting autographs!!! It is funny how all boys (including men) get so excited about getting autographs even if the players are only in college. It was a great night and I had fun hanging out with the boys and being the photographer.

Aspen and Britain's New Pets

2011-01-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Britain's Beta Fish

"Tebow"

Aspen's three Goldfish

Macey, Bling and Jewel

Aspen had to get two goldfish for a school project. She got the gold one "Macey" and the silver one "Bling". Later when Britain wanted a fish "Tebow", Aspen got the white one with the red on its head "Jewel". So now The Paul children can say they have a pet. Ryan can't say he is allergic!!!

My New Camera

2011-01-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

I just got a new camera so I have been trying it out and I got this great picture of Britain. I had to post it because I thought it was so cute! Britain hates getting his picture taken and so I get all kinds of weird pictures...

Our new TV and Entertainment Center

2011-01-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

We have had a box T.V. and a very used entertainment center in our nice living room for awhile. It was given to us by Breanna to use for our Wii and ended up being used as our main TV upstairs. It started having problems so it was time for a new one. We went to go get a 32" or maybe 36" and ended up with a 42". That is what happens when Ryan takes me shopping. The new entertainment center looks really nice in our living room.

Cubs Blue and Gold Banquet

2011-01-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Fiesta Begins

"Celebrating Cub Scouts Birthday"

The Cakes
Pilar telling about Bolivia
Singing Happy Birthday in Spanish

The Presents

"Derby Cars"

The Pinata

The Daddy and Son Cake Off

Britain said "We made a football cake because

it is my favorite sport"

He won the award for "Most Team Spirit"

Britain receiving his award for:

Video Game Management (Belt Loop)

Bobcat Badge

Britain My Little Cub Scout

2011-01-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

Britain just started Cub Scouts so I had to get some pictures of him in his uniform...

Britain's Baptism

2011-01-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Family Photos

Ryan and Britain in white

Our nice blurry family photo with our boys in white

Wesley Marion, Jayden Rush, Britain and Christopher Moses

Brother and Sister Steiber

Britain's Primary Teachers

Britain and Barak Bertoch

Britain with his family

Grandpa Paul and Britain

1-1-11 what a day to get baptized. After Ryan got over the baptism being on the best day of college football he realized what a neat day that is to get baptized. Britain was very excited but a little nervous. He looked so handsome in his suit. He kept on saying I am John the Baptized. He said the water was a little cold and Daddy agreed (Ryan almost fell getting into the baptismal font because he was shocked that it was a little cold). The witnesses were: Gardell Paul (Grandpa) and Bishop Brian Coleman. The confirmation was done by: Ryan, Grandpa Paul, Bishop Coleman, Brother Rowe and President Marion. It was a great day and we appreciated everyone who came and showed their support. We all felt so loved and blessed!

New Years Eve Party

2010-12-31T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Pauls

New Years Eve

Britain and Jayden Rush playing Air Hockey

Jake playing Band Hero

Noah Rush and Jake Marion

Aspen, Heather Marion, Kaleigh Williams and Abby Laycock

Jake, Joel and Wesley Marion

Ashleigh Williams and Abby MarionDiane, Rachel and Mark Marion

Devin Moses and Toby Rush

Andrea and Sophie Rush

Alanna and Shannon

Brandon and Mia Williams

Alanna and Devin Moses

Ringing in the New Year

Aspen and Abby's Paper House

2010-12-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Paper House

T.V. Room playing Spongebob Squarepants

Shed

Bedroom with Beads hanging between the bedrooms

Basketball Court and Flag

Play Room with Wii and Ping Pong Table

Outside living room

Pool and Playground

Park and shed

Doggy Run

Pond and Bridge

Playground

Aspen and Abby took a long time to make this and it has been sitting in her bedroom for months now. I thought it was Abby's turn to take it home. So we took pictures of it so we could remember all the hard work that went into all these little details.

Britain's 8th Birthday

2010-12-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

Britain had a great 8th birthday. He had already had his big friend party so we saved our presents and Aunt Pat's presents for his real Birthday. He was a happy boy this year and received more gifts than he could have hoped for. We love Britain soooooooo much and we are so glad he came to our family!

Britain's favorite things:

Sports: Football and Soccer

Football Team: Broncos

Food: Cashew Chicken and Candy

Friends: Jacob Fooshee and Wesley Marion

Color: Red

Hobby: Collecting Football Cards

Subject at school: Math

Pastimes: Throwing the football to himself he always has a ball!!! Playing Madden NFL!

What he wants to be when he grows up: Professional Football Player

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Pajamas

Christmas morning before opening presents

Ornament Britain made for Ryan and I at school

Aspen and all her gifts from Santa and parents

Britain and all his gifts from Santa and Parents

Christmas dinner at Mom's house

Opening gifts at Mom's

Ryan's BYU shirts from Matt

Britain's favorite gift wide receiver gloves from a real Denver Bronco

along with signed football cards! From Matt and Jennifer

Uncle Matt is awesome according to Britain!!!

Gift card to Justice Aspen's favorite store!

Thanks Matt and Jennifer

I gave Gary some cologne Cool Waters

Aspen opening Grandad and Grammy's gift

Britain's blanket from Grandad and Grammy

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of Christmas Eve at Gardell and Leann's. We had lots of food trays provided by Gardell yum yum and tales of clean up of Meth and Suicide homes from a friend of Gardells. Interesting stories even more interesting on Christmas Eve. Then came home opened pajamas then went to bed to wait for Santa. Christmas day was a wonderful day at Mom's. It always goes by sooooo fast.

Britain Winter Basketball 2010

2010-12-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

This was Britain's second season of Basketball. We loved his coach, he taught Britain some new things. Britain loves sports and is very competitive. He has a special walk he does when he scores, kind of a soldier walking very fast with a skip to it. He gets very into it even when he is on the sidelines. He doesn't like to lose and sometimes shows that too. He is learning about being a good sport and a team player. He would always do what the coach wanted him to do even if that meant passing to someone he knew would not make the shot. It was great to watch him and can't wait to see him play next year.

Aspen in The Christmas Carol

2010-12-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

This is Aspen's second time in The Christmas Carol. This year she played Christmas Present. She was suppose to be a jolly big man. She came off as a beautiful jolly girl. She did great with her voice but they didn't do good at hiding her beauty. She did wonderful and we were so proud of her. I am so glad she has fun acting!!!