June 27 and 28, 2009, : Happy Birthday Daddy!

So I'm a terrible wife and forgot to plan anything for Craig's birthday. I just had it set in my mind that we were getting him a new camera, so I didn't have to think about getting a gift. And since I didn't have to get him a gift I totally spaced doing anything else. And since the camping trip took a big chunk out of our week I didn't realize this until his actual birthday. Well I asked my mom if she would watch the twins so I could run to the store. i picked up what I needed and then came back to my parents. My mom helped me make Craig's cake/pie, and then Craig came over and we all went swimming. After swimming my family watched the boys and we went to the movies. We tried to get into "Transformers," but to no avail. So we chose to go to "Up" instead. Craig really enjoyed it though. We both love the Disney movies.



Then the next day we had Craig's birthday dinner. We cut up a watermelon and I served Craig some sushi that I got at the store. Then my mom and I made Spaghetti with meatballs, bread sticks and salad. We never have spaghetti because I'm not the biggest fan, so I thought it would be fun to have it on his birthday. Afterward we had the much awaited for desert. I made him a maple moose, ice cream pie with Oreo crust. Its a favorite in our family. And though Craig was convinced he would not like an ice cream type cake he ended up asking for seconds.



Even the boys got a little taste.




After Dinner and dessert the boys gave him a card telling him we can get his new camera.



As soon as we have the funds together.



Even though I was a day late, and almost forgot, I think Craig really enjoyed his special day. He deserves all of it and more. We love having him as a father and a husband. He's a wonderful man and I enjoyed this opportunity to try and show him just how special he is to all of us.



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June 26, 2009: Look Ma, I'm using a spoon!

Henry ate his first bowl of cereal on Friday. He seems to like it pretty well. Though I think he'd enjoy it more if it were sweeter. He also doesn't like that he has to wait while I get more food on the spoon. Looks like its time to get some high chairs!

June 25 and 26: Our Camp Granada

Hello all you who are bloggers
Welcome to our Camp Granada
Camp can be so entertaining
But I guess with twins you need some extra training



We all came here up to Manti
To see the Pageant and have good times
But the rain storms had their own plans
Now our clothes are wet and all our spirits dampened

Why’d we come
For just one night
Oh why’d we come
One night is not that long
We should have got a room a few miles out of town



Down came rain upon arriving
Which put halt to, plans of swimming
And our dinner, needed changing
When we saw there was one pit for all us camping

Now the babies, they kept crying
And mosquitoes, kept on biting
And the rain it, kept on raining
And my patience for this trip just kept on thinning

Why’d we come
For just one night
Oh why’d we come
Now our blankets are wet and gone
Oh, this camping trip is coming right along



We forgot our fluffy pillows
And some bug spray for the ‘squitoes
And our flashlight for when dark comes
Perhaps we should just pack it all up and just go home

Oh but look now, it stopped raining
But there’s still no hope of swimming
And the babies they’re still crying
Even after they both finished with their dining

Why’d we come
For just one night
Oh why’d we come
The work far out weighed the fun
Oh well, too bad, I guess were almost done



Too the pageant we are heading
And guess what it started raining
And you think it would blow over
But it kept on until the show was over



Now we’re sleeping and we’re soaking
We are freezing, Kaden’s kicking
And the babies they start crying
At exactly 5:30 in the morning

Why’d we come
For just one night
Oh why’d we come
I just can’t wait to go home
I can’t believe that it goes on and on

Now its morning
We are leaving
Kaden’s soul mate he is meeting
And the weather’s great for swimming
But our check out time is noon so we are packing



Time to head out Kaden’s crying
Our trips over and we’re sighing
Had we just planned to stay longer
Our faith in having fun would have been much stronger

June 24, 2009: They do like Swimming! They really do!

I finally got to give my boys a real swimming experience! On Wednesday a couple of my friends from work invited me to join them at the Veteran's Memorial Pool in Provo. So I got the boys all lathered up, put on all of the necessary swim diapers and off we went.



We haven't really been able to tell if the boys like the pool since its been too cold to take them in my parents' pool. But Wednesday was perfect swimming weather and the boys enjoyed hanging out by the poolside. They're little baby floats- compliments of my sister in law- worked beautifully. I'm so happy we finally got a good swim experience in. Maybe those swimsuits won't be a waste of money after all ;)



http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112762&id=765058202&l=edd43910d6

June 23, 2009: OUCH!

Our poor little boys got their first shots today. Well, I don't think it was a first for them, but it was a first for us. I'm pretty sure they gave them shots right after they were born, but we weren't really present for those.

Both boys did wonderfully! They cried a little, but they were easy to calm down- as always. They fussed a little off and on all night, but all in all they were quite the little troopers. They were also the talk of the town at the Health Building. I think the nurses might have played odds and evens or rock, paper, scissors to see who got to take the twins. The nurse that gave them their shots was ecstatic that she got to see them up close.

On another note, I keep forgetting to mention that Craig got a new calling at church. He is the 2nd counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. He's very excited! I think he enjoys the excuse to socialize. We're in need of good reasons to meet new people.

We're also waiting to hear back on a job interview Craig went to last Thursday. This job would work out really well for us, and Craig says its something he would enjoy doing, so keep us in your prayers :)

June 20 and 21: Happy Father's Day Weekend!

Well we had to postpone our Father's Day plans until a later date- when we can actually decide what to do- but we had a pretty good weekend.



We went and visited my Grandpa Andreason's Grave on Saturday. I was really glad we were able to do that. It was pouring rain but we got some quick snap shots of the boys.



On Sunday I got up and helped the boys sign their card for daddy, then I made Craig breakfast in bed and then we got ready and went to church.



We took some family pictures and then we kind of relaxed all day.



Later in the day we went to visit my Grandpa Guthrie. Then we headed to my parents house for some dinner. It was a very nice weekend. I think Craig enjoyed his first Father's Day!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=111536&id=765058202&l=74e2aadf95

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=121046&id=765058202&l=254945ceeb

June 17 and 19: Babies and Campouts

We've had a fun week. We went up to Salt Lake to meet my cousins beautiful little girl. She was adorable, and it was fun to have all those babies together in one room. Mommy looked tired but happy, and the older brother seemed very excited to have a new little sister. He was even jealous of the present I brought for the new baby ;)






Tonight we headed up Hobble Creek Canyon to attend my family's old ward's campout. Yes I know its kind of confusing. My family likes to work that way. I grew up in this ward for the most part- they've changed the boundaries a couple of times, so its not exactly the same- and I've been waiting for them to get together so I could go show off our boys. Well we ran into an old neighbor at the grocery store and he told us to head on up to the campout tonight. So we did. It was so wonderful to introduce my boys to all these people who have been such an important part of my life.



http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=121046&id=765058202&l=254945ceeb

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To My Boys

You and I are brothers
Always through and through
We came to Earth together
But just who followed who

Well, while we were in Heaven
We never were a part
We worked and played together
Two minds but just one heart

Of you I kept watch over
Kept you safe from harm
But then one day it happened
I was to leave you all alone

I turned to our dear Father
I begged to let me stay
I cannot leave my brother
And go so far away

“But my dear child
You have no need to fear
Just give it awhile
You’ll be brothers within years”

“No,” I cried
“I simply cannot go
Not without my brother
He simply needs me so”

Our Father smiled
Then he sat and thought
He turned to me and whispered
“Here is what I’ve got

“I was only planning to send one
But now there must be two
So in order for that to happen
Here is what you need do

“Share with your dear brother
Give him part of you
Share with him all you have
Split it all in two

“You’ll share with him forever
Your looks, your laughs, your smile
He’ll be a special part of you
Another Heavenly child

“And when you look upon his face
You will always know
That he is the dear brother
That you could not let go

He’ll hold that piece forever
Forever, that one part
Two minds to live together
But always just one heart”

June 11 and 13: It's Time for Some New Adventures!

On the 11th Craig and I decided to be totally crazy and take a long hike up a steep trail- the trail to Timp Caves that is. We have been trying to go on this hike all week, but the rain had other plans. So finally on Thursday- after waiting out a rainstorm- we were able to hike up the Timpanogos Cave Trail. The Timpanogos Caves are one of the hardest caves to hike to in the country. It may be hard but you do get to see some beautiful scenery along the way. Combine that with a great workout and a feeling of accomplishment and you have an outing that is totally worth all the effort.

The hike was a little harder with the boys, but doable. And still enjoyable.



After recovering from our hiking expedition Craig and I finished up the boys costumes for the baby contest. We had a little Indian and a little cowboy. And I just have to say, "They were so DANG cute!" The contest was on the 13th. No word yet on the results. That probably means we lost, but oh well.




Our Saturday was not yet quite fulfilled, so we headed to Springville for Art City Days- where we saw some fancy cars- and then onward to Lagoon! My parents and my nephew came to Lagoon with us. It was quite a treat to take my nephew there. He's fearless and we'll ride any ride you take him on. It makes for an enjoyable experience. He's the child my parents always wished they had.







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June 7, 2009: The Baby Boy's get Blessed

Today was the boy's big day. They looked so sweet in all there little blessing clothes. Craig and I were able to get their outfits, and my mom bought their socks and shoes. She also made their afghans.

We blessed them in the Relief Society Room at our church since it was Stake Conference this Sunday. I was upset at first that we weren't going to be able to bless them during Sacrament meeting, but I ended up really enjoying the small setting. It was nice to be surrounded by close family and friends.



A lot of people came out to show their support, and I'm grateful to everyone. I loved having all these people, who have been so special to me, be there for this big event.

We had a luncheon at my brother and sister-in-law's house and I'm grateful to them, and to everyone who helped with that.



Our two boys are such special little spirits and I was so happy I could share them with all of you. We got a ton of pictures. As always there's a link to the facebook album. It was wonderful day for our little family. Thank you to all of those who made it so special.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118319&id=765058202&l=251c406931

June 06. 2009: A weekend of Fun, Family and Cleaning

Well we've had an eventful weekend-and its not even over yet. Yesterday I helped my sister-in-law clean her house for the luncheon on Sunday, and then my mom and I went shopping for the luncheon. Craig met some of his family, that came up for the blessing, at Trafalga. He took the boys with him because I was still cleaning and shopping. Then today we went to my friends baby girl's blessing. Her son also got baptized and confirmed. It was a neat little experience. I enjoyed it a lot.
After the blessing we traded our twins for one four year old- our adopted nephew- and went to Seven Peaks with Craig's family. It was a lot of fun! I haven't been there for a while, and Craig has never been. I was surprised with our little nephew. He's a brave little boy. He rode the big waterslides with us, and he wanted to ride the even bigger water slides but he's not quite old enough-or tall enough-yet.
After Seven Peaks we traded the four year old back for the twins, and met Craig's family at Olive Garden for dinner- we took showers first of course.



Tomorrow's the twins big day. Yay!

June 1, 2009: Adventures of the Stratton Family Part II: Hike to Stewart Falls

Today we took the boys on their very first hike, and they did fantastic!
They pretty much slept the whole way. I'm not sure how.
Those carriers look awfully uncomfortable to me. Don't worry both babies are still alive even though they don't look it in the pictures.
We hiked up to Stewart Falls- a local favorite. The hike is about 2 miles in and 2 miles out. Craig and I did pretty good. We really had no choice but to keep going since the only way in and out is by walking- and apparently horseback riding judging by some of the droppings we saw.
The hike was beautiful and a good work out. The pictures make it look kind of stormy, but the weather was pretty decent. A little windy, but what can you expect. We had to take my camera on this hike. Craig's camera seemed to recover from the bathtub drop, but after a few photo downloads it quit entirely. At least we were still able to capture the memories of the boys first hike.

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