We left SL at 8:30 am and drove a long 11 hours to Anaheim, CA. We stopped in Mesquite for a run around a park and to eat lunch. Good thing, because we got stuck in traffic leaving Vegas. It took us 2 hours to go 15 miles. It was painful. The boys were sleeping through it, but we felt like we had totally wasted their naps sitting in stop and go traffic. We cannot believe how awesome Talmage was!! He hardly made a peep, except for his cute little cooing sounds. We also stopped at an Inn & Out in Barstow for dinner and arrived at the lovely Marriot - literally across the street from Disneyland. Our room was on the 6th floor and Andrew ran down the hall to our room yelling "hooray! hooray! hooray!" - just beyond him was an above view of Disneyland. It was priceless. We were SO excited to be there and couldn't wait for the next day!!

We got the boys down as soon as possible, and I just KNOW that they are dreaming about what Disneyland might be like.

A few days earlier I had a funny experience with Andrew. After Andrew is asleep, I go in and check on him and cover him. Sometimes I ask him questions while he's sleeping. He almost always nods his head yes when I ask him if he loves his mommy. Well, on this particular night, I asked him and there was no movement. I said, "wow, Andrew you must really be out, or are you just dreaming about Disneyland?" He did a big nod right after that, and I laughed out loud!

And then they woke up! And it was real, we were at Disneyland!!


Welcome to the magic kingdom of Disneyland! We got a lot to do today!

can you guess where we're going?

We're going to Disneyland!!!

Jerusalem to California

One time I played a trick on my dad. Here's the deal. He told me that I could go to Jerusalem on a study abroad through BYU OR a mission, but not both. When I was 20 I wasn't absolutely sure that I wanted to go on a mission yet, but I was sure that I wanted to visit the Holy Land. I applied for a summer session and was luckily accepted for their 8 week program to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. I had an amazing experience and feel so fortunate to have been able to travel and study there. I have a well used journal of my travels, I wrote every day. This experience was somewhat of a catalyst for my next decision to serve a mission. When I returned from Jerusalem, I lived at home for one semester to date a guy in Salt Lake. I was still going to BYU at the SL extension, but after fall semester I decided that I needed to go back to Provo. That time was super important because I then knew that my almost 4 yr. relationship with that wonderful young man should end. It was a hard decision, but I knew that it was the right one. Of course we've both married the "right person" for us since then. I returned back to Provo for another great semester and the thought of serving a mission was hugely on my mind- like all of the time. After a LOT of thought, and prayer, I decided that I should submit papers to serve an 18 month mission. I submitted my papers on May 31, 2000 and received my call 10 days later to report to the MTC on July 26th, 2000 to prepare to serve in the Santa Rosa, California English speaking mission. This was the best decision I had made up to that point in my life. This is where the trick came in- since I'd already taken my trip to Jerusalem, but now felt like it was right to go on a mission, my amazing parents paid for my entire mission- every month for me to be there. I often thought about how I didn't want to waste even ONE day of my mission while I was there because of this and because of my commitment to the Lord. What a life changing and motivating experience this was for me. Truly I was so blessed to experience this. I cherish my time in CA and recognize the great blessings that have come from serving a mission and teaching the gospel. These are the shoes that walked the streets of the old city, the garden tomb, the pyramids, the beaches of the red sea and dead sea, Gethsemane, the Jerusalem Center, Bethlehem, & many other places in the Holy Land.

These are the shoes that walked the streets of Santa Rosa, Eureka, St. Helena, Napa, Sebastopol, and Benecia, and entered many homes and churches. These shoes went with me through it all.

The picture doesn't show that well the worn and tired shoes. However, I thought they held up fantastically.

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God Reighneth!

This was one of the little knapsacks that I carried throughout Jerusalem and my mission on the light days. That thermometer broke while I was on the beach of the sea of Galilee, it only went to 120 degrees, and it must have been hotter than that!

Summer Sunset

ahhhhh

While Steph was here, we helped her re-design Audrey's room. She's been wanting to do something different for awhile, but hesitated to see all of her "little girl" stuff fade away. However, she and Audrey found the perfect colors and duvet cover, so I hauled my sewing machine over to my mom's and Steph, Laura, and I sewed away. It took us several days to complete two roman shades, pillows, and pillow case. I think it turned out pretty stinkin cute and I'm still waiting for a 'finished' picture from Steph. Audrey really lucked out this birthday.

While the girls sewed, Kimball took Blake, Jackson, Benson and Andrew to a Bee's baseball game. They ran around and had a great time and allowed us girls to be productive.

Blue and White

Last Saturday (8/13) was the BYU Blue and White game where the team scrimage's for the public. It was a little crazy to fit the game in, but we figured, when else can we ALL go to the game together for free and have it last only about an hour. So we took off and the boys loved it. They've been playing "tackle football" at home every day since. We stopped by Jdawgs- per Kimball's craving- on the south east corner of campus for some really awesome dogs. Football season is just around the bend!

I have to mention that Benson is really begging for us to sign him up for football. That's a dillema.

Have some veggies...

...with your RANCH Hey at least he likes salads and vegetables- right?

Talmage-3 months

Talmage is THREE months old! He hit a major growth spurt just after two months and started drinking 5oz. per feeding (about 6-7 times a day). He is STILL sleeping through the night and wakes up pretty regularly at 6:30 am. for me to nurse him. This is by far my favorite feeding of the day! It's so quiet, and he is completely undistracted. When he's done, he falls back asleep and sleeps til about 8 or 8:30. When he wakes up, he doesn't really cry, he snorts and grunts, and it's so much less startling than a roar.

He is such a cuddler. He lets me hold him to sleep, or I can just lay him down when it's "time" and he sleeps on his own. By my standards, he is an exceptional baby. He is easy to console, and easy to read. Thus, making it easier for us to make him happy.

Baby Tage still likes his binky, but has really started to gnaw and suck on his little chubby fists and knuckles. This is his main method of self-soothing, especially in the car. We all love to hear the lip smacking sounds he can make by doing this.

He's really starting to pour on the charm. He has (of course) the cutest little coo's and smiles, and tries so hard to giggle, but always gets interrupted by the hiccoughs. He still manages a few giggles though. We love love love to just look at Tagers and make him smile and talk, in fact, Benson is already starting to "teach him how to say words."

He's getting long, and everyone is commenting on how "big" he's getting. He finally has the rolls, and lines on the thigh's. So loveable!!! He has still NEVER cried during a bath, and that is probably his favorite thing to do. I have to mention that everytime I place him in the bath, he pee's like clockwork! He's also liking to see new things. He's especially fascinated by my wedding ring (I am too) and likes to watch it as I move my hand for it to sparkle- Kimball is still getting bonus points for his choice!

Yep, he still spits up, but quite a bit less. We were giving him Zantec every am and pm, but have started to give it to him only once a day.

...and it's already time for the Bumbo! He really enjoys it for precisely 15 minutes, and then he fusses until I take him out. It is helping him with his neck control and of course he likes to be sitting up and able to see what's happening.
crazy clown hair
Those chubby little cheeks just make my life! He is so perfect for our family and blesses us every day.

Welcome Jake William

Introducing our newest cousin, Jake William Sorensen. He was born on Monday, August 8th, 2011 to Laura and Dan. He weighed 7 lbs. and 6oz. and was 19 inches long. We got to see him within 2o minutes of being born. Laura was amazing (again) and delivered him naturally at 7:44 pm at the University Hospital. This has been a long and laborious pregnancy and we are so glad that he has arrived healthy and safe. I think he looks nearly identical to his oldest brother Luke, but more time will tell.

Laura and Dan opted to be 'surprised' by not finding out the gender until birth. We however, meaning the rest of the family, were not surprised at all that it was a BOY! Jake is the 13th grandson on the Jones side, still leaving little Audrey a lonely only. I'm personally thrilled because now Talmage has his buddy cousin. Luke & Benson, Andrew & Connor, and now Talmage & Jake. He is a little sweetheart.

Talmage, although just 3 1/2 months old looks like a giant compared to little Jake. This picture is a repeat of one we took of Luke and Benson 4 1/2 years ago. Those two are also three and a half months apart, but Benson being a preemie was even smaller.
Don't worry Jake- Talmage looks like he might eat you, or could eat you, but he only wants his fists.

Laura, another mom of 3 boys!

Benson washed his hands and wanted to hold his new cousin. I think he was surprised at how light he is.

Father's and Son's Campout

Benson and Andrew went on their very first father's and son's campout last week. They LOVED it to say the least. Grandpa Pops joined them which was an added bonus. The boys loved spending some one on one time with dad. I, was pathetic and although I got to hold Talmage all evening and morning, I missed the boys so much.

Andrew fell asleep on the way home and after Kimball carried him inside, he went straight to the couch and laid down- um, he never does that, but he was exhausted.

Gotta have boots when camping.

I had to laugh at how cute their two little faces were, covered in dirt. Their shirts were much worse and were sure evidence that they actually did go camping. The boys said they loved the fire, got "freezing" in their tent, (they made that well known to Kimball several times throughout the night.) went on a boat, and had so much fun that they are asking when the next Father's and Son's campout is scheduled. Thanks Kimball and Grandpa for being awesome and taking the boys on an adventure. Oh, and Grandpa at age 63 ate his very, very, first corndog!!

Talmage's Blessing

Isn't he an angel?! He was perfect for his blessing day. Talmage wore a blessing outfit that was hand knit by his great grandmother Mary Jane Knights, and it happened to have been worn 31 years ago by his father, Kimball. I crocheted some little booties for his feet, and he was the little vintage baby.

Talmage Jones High was blessed on June 26th, 2011 by his father in the Lee ward of the Granite Stake, Salt Lake City, UT.

Our little family of 5! We are so blessed.

This is what Talmage actually looked like during his blessing. We thought this was the best way to ensure he was not fussy during his blessing. It worked like a charm.

Kimball is such a giant of an example to his boys. I love how dedicated he is to loving them, providing for them, and teaching them righteousness. He wants the best life possible for them and even though Talmage is so new in our family, his love is profound for him.

Grandma Weezer and baby Tage

The whole entire High clan! Talmage is the 8th grandchild on this side of the family. We are very lucky to have this picture with the Ellingsons included.

FOUR GENERATIONS

Andrea, Nate and Carter

Jenn was such a big help- carrying loads of stuff back and forth from the condo to the clubhouse and doing lots of dishes!

Sam and Marshall Clark

Jeffrey and Carlie (carrying Talmage's soon to be buddy cousin)

Connor, Luke, and Benson

Sam, Aaron, and Kimball- all right in the thick of raising families, and so happy about it!

Liam and Jess Sorensen. Liam was born just days apart from Talmage.

Sam, James, and Allison Clark

The Lovelands- so glad they could come.

Tiffany, Taylor, and Brian Fedderson came to help us celebrate. Also, my good friend Dagny joined us for the blessing.

Owen, mom, Jodi, Jenn, Laura, Katherine

We all got the chance to write down what stood out to us about Talmage's blessing and write a note to him to welcome him into our family.

Mark, Donna, Pollux, Katherine, Branic, Connor and Laura

Sweet Emily was my extra pair of hands. Any peep from Talmage and she was on it. We were so lucky that they were able to join us.

Louise, Lorraine, and Mary Jane. Lorraine has moved here for the next year to be with us.

Cute little Lexie

Me and Clark

Jodi, Jenn and Laura. Laura, even at 33 weeks pregnant was an all star and helped me so much. Kimball had to leave soon after to get back to church and Laura stuck it out with me with all the clean up.

He can't believe his eyes- there are so many people- all for him. It was a beautiful and memorable day filled with lots of friends and family.