The Bird House

Christmas in the Caribbean the final days

2010-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! All the kids got their own set of goggles. What was so incredible is that they are actually all posing for the picture. Seriously cute kids if I do say so myself.

The end of our trip was filled with some wake boarding, snorkeling, beaching and just hanging out with cousins. The kids loved the little inflatable pool the crew set up on the back of the boat. They seemed to prefer that over the salt water. Then when we were done with whatever water excursion swimsuits would come off and Shane would hose them down, one by one they'd get a towel and Amy or I would dress them. Great teamwork and very efficient assembly line. On a particularly sandy day we put them all in the tub for a scrub.

Christmas Day in the Caribbean

2010-01-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve I gave the chef a recipe for sugar cookies and frosting. We let the kids frost their own cookies and when I got on for myself I could see the consistency was not normal. Turns out they don't have plain old cream cheese so he substituted something that goes in meringue. I'll just say it was super sweet and not a favorite but I'm not much of a frosting person. The kids liked it.

We then had a Christmas caroling program put on by all the cousins. They stood on the back table of the boat and screamed...sang all their favorite chirstmas carols.

Christmas morning we woke to our first stormy weather. We had some rough seas and rain in the afternoon. The captain began moving the boat to Anguilla as we opened presents. I don't think the kids noticed we were moving at all, it was mostly the adults trying to pass out presents and the stewards bringing refreshments trying to maneuver around us. No one got sick so that was a bonus. Then as any normal christmas day the kids ran off with hoards of toys and the adults sat around and tried to decipher instruction manuals of misc. gadgets. Ah, Christmas.

The captain finally found us some calm waters (or the storm finally moved) just in time for Christmas dinner. It was still wet outside so the adults ate a table and the kids had a picnic on the floor, so as not to spill on the WHITE carpet. (I was nervous) The chef appeared to carve the turkey, which was delicious. We had all the standards, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, sweet potatoes & cranberry sauce. All with a little bit of a french twist. I think maybe the best part of the trip was that after the huge dinner I didn't have to do any dishes!!! I just got to veg out on the couch with everyone else.

Christmas in the Caribbean Day 4

2010-01-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

We decided to go to port and find a beach on the back side of St. Martin. I believe it was called Elsa Rock. It was gorgeous! Our favorite thing to do with kids is sit on the beach. They are old enough now or in life jackets that you can actually lay out and occasionally tell someone to stop throwing sand. Beach days were my favorite part of the trip. This beach had a restaurants a little ways down and Shane went to get us lunch to go. Nothing like sitting in the warm sun eating a smoking hot panini. Literally it was burning my fingers but still delicious. He did bring a Caprese salad that helped cool me off.

At the end of the day we took a taxi back to meet the tender. There is a covered area with lots of magazines to read. Most of the magazines are covered with lots of skin so we tried to pull out some Dr. Suess type books for the kids to look at.

Christmas in the Caribbean Day 2,3

2010-01-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

St. Barth's started out with testosterone building event. Shane decided to dive off the third level of the yacht and Robbie (owner) felt the need to prove his manhood and went next. The crew seemed a little nervous seeing someone flying off the boat but I think it was because no one was stationed at the back to have fresh towels when they climbed back on board.

The kids had fun watching the jest ski's cruise around. They were very good at waiting their turn and surprisingly they didn't push anyone off the boat. There was a huge inner tube with 3 seats in it. We pulled it behind on of the jet skis and they were having tons of fun until Shane submarined it on a corner and they freaked out a little.

Christmas in the Caribbean Day 1

2009-12-31T13:27:00.001-08:00

This year for Christmas Shane's sister invited us onto her boat, which is currently in the Caribbean. That was a no brainer, not to mention it was -5 when she called. Most trips in Shane's family are last minute or some call it spontaneous and this was no different. We booked our tickets, got my sister Amy to agree to come along and 3 days later we were on a plane to St. Martin. So, let me translate what that really means. Day 1 booked tickets, arranged people to cover teaching, dog-feeding etc. Day 2 All of the Christmas shopping, shipping it and lots of laundry. That evening just as we got the kids to bed there was a huge blackout (really there couldn't have been a worse time). That meant packing and wrapping all Christmas presents were done by flashlight and lanterns. Day 3 load car, clean house, head to SLC to catch a flight.

The kids played and slept and then we woke them when we arrived in St. Martin. Ah, the humidity and heat hit as we got of the plane. What a change from the snow we had just come from. I think my body was in a little bit of shock. My hair definitley was, it was growing in thickness by the minute. (refer to the Friends episode when Monica travels to the bahamas and ends up looking like Diana Ross)

Gunnar and Livy are making sure the captian doesn't hit anything as we leave the port. We headed out to St. Bart's which is beautiful and has some great beaches. This is our host Robert and Shane's sister Heather. It's a nice way to travel when the weather is good.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! My kids were so excited this year. I think they all grasp the concept of this holiday. CANDY, CANDY, CANDY! To start off, a week before Halloween, Gunnar had a school carnival were we saw a spook alley, took a hay ride, and played lots and lots of games. Izze doing the cake walk was pretty funny. The music would stop and she would keep walking and run into the person in front of her. She won a cupcake but then got mad because everyone else got a laffytaffy. Go figure!

Next was the Church Party. It was outside so Livy decided to be Mr. Incredible with a full sweat suit underneath. Izze decided she couldn't be Tinkerbell again and decided on a moonboot fairy. Lots of games and not so great food. Izze is learning though, during the cake walk she just walked right over to the cupcake table and took one for her and one for dad!

There were preschool parties, gym parties, a school Halloween parade, and our first snow fall. Shane let the girls out the door to taste the snow. Izze with no shoes. Way to go DAD!

Finally, time to trick or treat. Izze's alteration to the princess protection costume. She was the only one with warm hands at the end of the night.

I am kind of glad we are done with Halloween this year. I believe there were a total of 6 different costume parties in all. Livy and Izze did come up with some interesting costume variations.

Hope you all had fun. I sure did and now have a Halloween candy hangover. Good Times!

Gunnar's First Day of Kindergarten

2009-10-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

So this post is a few weeks late but here is a re-cap of my first child going to school experience.

Gunnar was so excited to start "Big School" as he refers to it. He is in afternoon kindergarten. He gets to ride the bus (if we were still living in phoenix there is no way I would put him on a bus.) Luckily in little town, USA I feel totally comfortable. Gunnar had his shoes and backpack on 30 min before the bus was suppose to come. The bus stop is right in front of our house. I sent Gunnar outside 10 minutes before pick up time and went to grab the camera. As I walked outside the bus was in front of our house and Gunnar was already on it. So my picture turned out to be just the bus. Shane was outside in the garage and informed me that Gunnar saw the bus, turned to Shane and said "bye dad!" and then ran up the stairs of the bus without ever looking back. At least I got a picture of the bus. Then I decided to drive to the school and get a picture of Gunnar getting off the bus. They have all the kids line up and then walk into their class. Gunnar saw us in the car across the street and gave us his famous (I'm not trying to smile) - Smile -

2nd Day of School I was going to get my picture of Gunnar getting on the bus. I sent Gunnar out 20 minutes before pick up time and went to get the camera and wouldn't you know it. I walked out the door to see Shane waving good -bye to Gunnar on the bus already. Just my luck.

3rd Day of School I got the camera walked out side with Gunnar 30 min before pick up time and 10 minutes later the bus came and I got my picture. Turns out the school gave me the wrong bus stop time and I just got lucky Gunnar didn't miss his bus on the first day of school.

He loves School. Hates the weekend when he doesn't get to go and panics when he fell asleep on the couch after lunch and woke up thinking he missed the bus. I spent 10 min trying to explain what an in-service day was and that there was no school that day.

Izze Fashion

2009-06-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Kids don't come cuter than this! She decided on a miniskirt and I suppose to be modest she added the leg warmers (aka Shane's motorcycle socks.) Somehow she was able to fit her crocs on too. I love it when she dresses herself.

A Tramp blew into our backyard.

2009-06-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

The other night we had a little more than just a storm blow in. Our neighbors trampoline (2 houses down from us) caught by a gust of wind, took flight and flew over our 6 foot fence and landed in our backyard right next to our trampoline. Luckily Shane had just moved ours while mowing the lawn so there was space for a 2nd. The next day, contrary to advice received that we should just keep the extra tramp, the men stood around trying to figure out how to evacuate the trespassing tramp:) They decided to just lift it back over the fence. I really really wanted a picture, but unfortunately I was called upon to help lift it. Therefore you are left with only getting a description. 3 of us lifting the tramp overhead and passing it to 2 men on the outside of the fence. When the tramp was halfway across the fence the 3rd man from our side ran around the help the receiving team. I (being the shortest) was left holding 1/4 the tramp by myself and on tippy toes trying to hoist it over the fence. The fence wasn't injured at all but the tramp sadly has seen better days. They tried to bend it back into position and it looks functional. Ah, you gotta love the wind in this town!

Gunnar's Birthday

2009-06-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Gunnar's 5th Birthday Party!! It was suppose to be an outside swim party but the weather wasn't cooperating. At the last minute Shane came up with some relay's inside. We moved all the furniture in the basement and had some races, Indian leg wrestling and a crazy tug-of-war. Aunt Lizzie and Amy came up for the festivities and brought baby Asher (aka lil mike). Gunnar decided on no girls allowed at this party but was willing to share cupcakes with his sisters. Izze devoured hers and left half the chocolate frosting on her face. Shane was most excited for the gifts. He gave Gunnar a fully automatic nerf gun. It's been shot on every wall in the house. The gun slept in Gunnar's bed, had it's own pillow and at 2am this morning I had to threaten to take in away if it was ever fired before the sun comes up again. All-in-all a fun day!!

A saturday of birthday parties

2009-03-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday we had three different birthday parties for the kids. I admit the princess party for the girls was the most fun for me. Aunt Amy was here visiting so she curled Livy's hair and loaded it with hairspray so it would stay. It is still cold outside so I decided to make them wear long sleeves, they were both resistant to this idea but I won in the end with "because I said so." It was fun to see so many little princesses. They played for a while and then out came a Tinkerbell pinata. All these dainty little girls swinging a bat couldn't break it open. Izze was so cute, half her hits were with the proper end of the bat and the rest were with the handle. Livy has a good swing but her aim needs a little help. No one was blindfolded and they pretty much put the pinata right in front of them. Still the girls couldn't break Tinker Bell so big brother came in with a good strong whack! Livy had no idea there was candy inside but started gathering up everything in front of her and making Aunt Amy hold whatever she couldn't. Izze I don't think realized where the candy was coming from, she just saw it appearing on the floor and wanted to eat every piece she found right then and there. Then time for pizza, cake and presents. My girls left with pinata candy, goody bag candy and a serious sugar high. What fun!

At this same time Shane was taking Gunnar to a party at the gymnastic center with many running and jumping boys. There was a huge foam pit to jump in and a coach leading them through an obstacle course that really wore him out. Then he was loaded up with candy, cake and ice cream. All 3 kids came home and crashed on the couch. We had to wake Gunnar up for he 2nd party that afternoon. A spider man party with painting and games.

All in all it was a fun and busy day. I realized I'm probably going to wait a few more years before I start the huge birthday events. For now small family parties seem so easy.

A little bit about Isabel

2009-02-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Isabel is almost 2. She is the happiest little girl ever. She has recently figured out how to climb onto the counters. She loves to pull all the dishes and glasses out of the cupboards and try to stack them on the counter. I thought it was cute at first, when she was using the plastic dishes, but recently she has started pulling out all the real dishes which freaks me out a little. So far nothing has fallen off the counter (including Isabel) but I'm over the cuteness now and would just prefer if she stayed on the ground.

She loves to play hide-n-go seek. She stands right next to Shane and tries to count. Every number sounds like two. Then she follows behind looking for the Hiders. As soon as she sees them she yells "rrrraaaa" as loud as she can. When it's her turn to hide she likes to jump out and try to scare whoever is looking for her (before they actually find her.)

As a side note to all those who knew me growing up: The ponytail on top of her head is in remembrance of the whale spout hairdo I had in junior high:-) Like mother Like daughter.

Sleding Trip

2009-02-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

We tried to take the kids sledding since we have so much snow. I thought it would last maybe a half hour since the kids are so young. Gunnar marched right up the hill with Shane, jumped on the sled and took off down the hill. He continued this pattern for over 30 minutes and never did he look were he was going before he got on the sled. For the most part he had a clear path but randomly he would cause a stranger to dive out of the way. Once while Shane was getting him on video he came straight at Shane (good for video, bad for Shane and Isabel standing in front of Shane) At the last second, realizing Isabel was in some danger, Shane grabbed her out of the way and Gunnar slid right under Shane's left leg.

Livy and Isabel turned out not to be big fans of sledding. I waited in the car with them after about 15 minutes when they got cold.

Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

The Superbowl is always a favorite holiday for our family. The thing I enjoy the most is seeing how many times Shane makes a comment BEFORE (this year) John Madden makes the same exact comment. I lost count it happened so many times.

This year was especially exciting because we actually had a home team to cheer for. Since lived in Phoenix for the last 6/7 years (I lose count) we were forced to watch all Cardinals games. The networks usually play the best match up in the area but we would always end up with the Cardinals. So we suffered through awful games, huge blow outs and depressing games. So we've watched them slowly build this team. We've been to a few games and great to see them make it to the Superbowl. To bad it wasn't last year though. Then they could've had home field advantage. We were sad they didn't win but as a football fan I couldn't have asked for a better game.

The kids don't know what's going on but Gunnar loves to yell touchdown. They were especially hyper during the first half (probably a result of all the sugar) and then slept through the second half so we just put them to bed. All in all a great Superbowl this year.

The Cookie Game

2009-01-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

Shane made up this game for Family Home Evening one night. Mostly because Shane loves cookies. The rules of the game are simple. Everyone has to sit reverently for the time is takes to bake the cookies, about 7 minutes. If they talk to loud of get out of their chair (NO COOKIE FOR YOU!) yes, I get to be the cookie Nazi. It feels like an eternity for the kids, but they watch the timer and are usually reverent. For me it's quiet and peaceful. Even Shane is reverent. I think he's worried he won't get a cookie either.

The human jungle gym

2009-01-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

It's cold outside and the kids aren't used to being in the house all day long. They have come up with their own way to keep their climbing skills up. Izze is the most daring of them all. She always wants to be the highest up. She has found an alternative when Dads not around. We have a 1/2 bath with a pedestal sink. She likes to hang upsidedown from it. It makes me a little nervous but she seems to be quite the little acrobat.

Shane the master negotiator

2009-01-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

As many of our friends know first hand, Shane is a master negotiator. He has a crazy way of getting his friends to buy quads, rc vehicles, paintball guns, 5th wheels, cars, computer upgrades, etc...Whatever he's interested in. He loves to research his hobbies, thank you internet. Personally I think he just gets so excited about something you can't help but be sucked into his vortex. Not to mention he can justify anything to his advantage. So for all those that have been sucked into this vortex, I thought I'd give you an inside glimps at how this goes down on my side. I actually enjoy this, but I've had 14 years to develope counter measures.

Background: Shane has been waiting for this new Yamaha quad to be released and it finally did. There is only one at our local motor sports dealer and he just went to go test drive it. The following conversation happened a few hours after he got home.

Beki: Hey do you like this swimsuit? I think it's pretty cute...oh never mind it's $190.
Shane: It's great! and it gives me an idea.
Beki: I know that look...
Shane: Why don't you buy that swimsuit now even though you won't be able to use it until summer and I'll get the new 450R(quad) now even though I won't be able to ride it until summer?
Beki: hahaha...how is that even fair?
Shane: They are both things that we really want. And I think you'll look great in it!
Beki: How much is the quad?
Shane: Oh I worked them down to the best price. It's an amazing deal.
Beki: Don't you already have FIVE OTHER QUADS?
Shane: Yes but this is a NEED. It has fuel injection so I don't have to re-jet (yada yada yada)
Beki: What color is it?
Shane: White and Red, it's beautiful
Beki: Ummm...no deal I like it better in blue.
Shane: .........blank stare.......
Beki: (can't stop laughing)

The playful banter will continue for weeks or even months depending on how long I can hold out for. Some people don't believe me when I tell them Shane & I have never had a argument. How can I when I end up laughing at the end of most conversations. Shane's the cutest guy I know:)

France cont..start at the bottom

2009-01-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

Last is the night life. You can sit around and try to watch a movie with the kids. A favorite is playing Rock Band and getting the chef to make chocolate chip cookies, or visiting one of the many parties going on. I do love the fact that you get dressed up to go out then you have to take your shoes off because no one is allowed to wear shoes on the boats. That's okay though because the supermodels they fly in are tall enough without their stilettos on.

Fifth, Back to another merry-go-round or the only park in the town. Notice there is no grass and only one piece of equipment. I thought I'd add the security protecting the strollers and diaper bags for fun. Poor guys. Shane loves to play practical jokes. He can keep a straight face through the most blatant lie, its amazing. One evening our 2 Israeli security men were going to watch a movie in one of their rooms together. Shane suggested that they would love Broke back Mountain. They had no idea what it was about and Shane explained it had won a lot of awards, it was a western. I couldn't stop laughing after they left and was still laughing 15 minutes later when they came storming up the stairs demanding to know "is this movie about homosexuals!!!??" Ah, I love Shane.

Then it's time for dinner. I love that my sister Lizzie was the first to the table and always knew what time dinner was being served. She was pregnant though, so she has a good excuse.

Fourth, We sit on the beach!! This is my favorite part. We get all the kids into the tender and the crew does everything else...Heaven. They gather and load/unload all the toys, masks, boogie boards, towels, snacks, water, sunscreen and a walky talky so you can call when you're done and they'll come get you. When the water is rough or a little deep they will even carry you to shore. I only did it once because I was in clothes and had medicine for Livy that I didn't want to get wet. I admit it was a little embarrassing. Then you just relax and let the kids run around and burn off all that energy. The little islands we went to were the best. Not very crowded and the water was shallow so the kids can play pretty far out there.

Third, time to eat lunch. Everyone loads into the tender. (small transport boat) They take you to a restaurant with a dock and I pray they have a kids menu or at least plastic cups which they never do. Then you try really hard to remember the french you learned in high school so you kinda know what you are ordering. The french like to take their time, so in other words they are slow. That's why if the kids want to eat their lunch under the table, it's fine with me. If they aren't bothering anyone, no harm done. Occasionally you see a celebrity. I tried to get a shot of Bono behind Isabel at Club 55 but some lady walked by. Then you load into the tender and go back to the big boat.

All in a day....St. Tropez, France

2009-01-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

Second, you go to the market and ride the merry-go-round. Randomly you shop while the kids go round and round. The men look for a chair while the wives, nannies and security protect the strollers and diaper bags. (Could that be why the men are the only ones smiling in these pictures? just a thought)

First, you sit around while they try to park/wedge the $10 million yacht, in place. The French Sailboat was pretty cool. There are crowds of people watching and taking pictures hoping to see a celebrity so you put on your sunglasses and try not to disappoint them. The first year we went the port thrusters went out on another boat during some high winds and crashed into a bunch of smaller boats. On guy even abandoned ship it was good entertainment. Then the french sent a little dingy to help the 150+ ft yacht in high winds, gotta love the french.

The Christmas of Vehicles

2009-01-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas has taken on new meaning for Shane as the kids get older. Gunnar got an Radio Controlled tank that actually shoots air soft bullets 50ft. Luckily Gunnar has no idea of this capability but Shane is waiting anxiously for the snow to melt and see what it can do. Livy got her favorite Little Einsteins rocket and characters. She quotes the little cartoons as she plays with the people and sings at the top of her lungs. (she has one of those voices that carries really well) Shane got a big kid RC rock crawler that is able to drive all over the house, couches, overruns legs and he's working on getting up the entire flight of stairs. I ended up with a new purse and a sexy pair of stilettos. I guess Shane is as excited as I am to be done with living in sweats for the last 5 years. Yeah I finally lost the baby weight!

2009-01-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years resolution, I started a blog.

The snow is all new to us so we think this is great! (now that we're prepared) After shoveling for 2 days Shane went out and bought a plow for the 4-wheeler. We've had a lot of entertainment from watching cars get stuck in front of our house. It may have a little to do with Shane leaving snow speed bumps from the plow in the middle of the street that turn to ice, get covered with more snow and people have no idea they are there but I'm merely speculating. So far the snow has only inconvenienced me once when I didn't think I could make it to the gym. My solution was simple, I made Shane come get me and the kids and drive us to the gym.