Phillips Family 2011

Grammy and Cindy's New Year's Eve Party!

2012-01-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

Our Rockin' Dude!

2011-11-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Aiden grabbed one of Daddy's guitar's and climbed up on a box and started singing!

I love this picture of Aiden- as you can see, he really got into his music here!

And below, Aiden looks like his waving to his fans! Love my goofy boy!

It's been FOREVER! Aiden and Lexxi in Showlow...

2011-11-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

Aiden getting ready to roast his marshmallow in the fireplace!

Lexxi with Aunt Meghan

Love this girl!! She chugged the rest of the milk! It was so funny!

Dino museum

2011-10-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Daddy went with Aiden on his school field trip to the Museum of Natural History (a.k.a the Dino Museum!!)

Aiden's First T-Ball Game!!!

2011-09-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

Where's Logan?...

... There he is!!

Daddy helping Aiden with his glove.

Aiden Robert getting ready for his first T-Ball Game!

Aiden with his team, the "T-Rex's!"

Daddy and Logan waiting for the game to start.

Aiden get's up to bat...

...swings... and the ball takes off!

Time to go out on the field.

Aiden going for the ball...

Aiden up to bat, again.

Aiden running for Home Base.

Aiden getting the ball! {Love these next few action shots!}

The huddle at the end of the game...

Aiden giving "High Fives" to his teammates.

Aiden in T- Ball!

2011-09-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

I took these four pictures of Aiden right after his first Tball game!

Silly boy! We're so proud of our Lil T- Ball player!! He had a great first game!!!

.... BOO!

2011-08-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

At Grammy and Cindy's, Aiden and Brooklyn kept running into the guest bedroom and closing the door. Well, I grabbed a camera and decided to follow. They heard me coming and hid under the covers... I yanked the blanket up and clicked the button... They're blurry pictures, but I love their faces!!!

Aiden and Brooklyn

Aiden and Daddy... and a coconut!

2011-08-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

At first, Aiden thought he'd try opening the coconut himself... with a fork!

...then he thought he'd better wait for Daddy to come home...

... so he waited...and waited...

Finally, Daddy came home and started working on Operation: crack open the coconut!

We tried many different tools...

.... and after about 5-10 minutes, Daddy had done it!!! (I love "Daddy's smug expression in the background... hee hee!)

Aiden got the first taste... and DID NOT like it! :)

We decided to let the coconut drain into a cup.

It had a good amount of milk inside, and plenty of meat, too!

Mommy and Logan in showlow.... long overdue!

2011-08-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

sunrise in Showlow

Logan didn't waste any time enjoying the morning weather!

Playing with Aunt Meghan's puppies!

Logan posing... hot stuff!

After that first picture, he decided he was done!

Mommy and Logan: We don't have many pictures of just Logan, and even fewer of me and Logan. I didn't have anyone with me to take them so this is the best I got...

Then the sun was starting to set, and it was time to go...

Our new favorite place.... (picture overload!)

2011-07-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

My handsome men at Reid Park Zoo

You don't need to see their faces to imagine the shocked look when they saw they could walk along side the peacocks!

Aiden teaching the peacocks how to be T Rex's.... Love my Dino-boy!

Aiden loved how close he was able to get to this one....

a CROCODILE!!! (actually it's a Caiman, but don't tell Aiden!)

Anteater

Figuring out which animals to see next. Dan tried to explain to Aiden that if we plan right, we can see all the animals in a big circle....

What?! A Llama?! He's SUPPOSED to be DEAD!!

Huge beaver

The "Crocodile" from up above!

The Splash area. Aiden loved pumping the water...

The otters

Got to get so close to the Giraffe's

The Peacocks would just follow us around the park!

Loggie's favorite part... The Elephants!

He watched it eat for a while, I think he was memorized!

The Peacock showing off to the Ostrich...

Beautiful white peacock

Daddy and Lowgs!

The POLAR BEAR!!

He was magnificent!

smiling for the camera!

Our goofy Family

Dan's old Missionary companion, Colby, and Mariah who we went to the park with! Thanks for showing us a good time! lol!

Carvin' Pumpkins in July....

2011-07-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Aiden being goofy...

Aiden guarding his pumpkin as a T. Rex...

Scooping out the seeds...

Aiden had too much fun disecting his pumpkin!

Fathers day...

2011-07-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day, Aiden wanted to paint a T-Rex for Daddy.... (It's currently on Aiden dresser in his bedroom... )

Knowing that that would be the outcome for the T.Rex idea, we decided to also make Daddy a plate!

Our Garden.....

2011-07-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

So, these are a few weeks out-dated but still wanted to share!

Aiden pointing at his favorite part of the garden... HIS Pumpkins!!!

Overview of our entire garden.

I love the way the Pumpkin vines are growing...

I planted Marigold flowers inside the cement blocks.

Our Eggplant plants

Love the colors of these plants.The deep purple of the stems and the light lavender blossoms!

Our Dill is growing like crazy!

Sage... planted WAY too much!

Cumcumbers... also planted WAY too much, but on purpose!!

The vines of our Greenbeans. (Unfortunetly, they didn't make it)

Memorial Day weekend cont....

2011-06-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Alexxis Paige Boyd

Logan has become obsessed with books with buttons to push!

Taiven James Boyd

It was still so cold in the afternoon, that Aiden decided he needed to acessorize!

Lexxi kept asking for her picture taken... so we moved outside before the sun went down...

Taiven was too precious!!

Memorial Day weekend cont...

2011-06-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, Saturday night Logan woke up and threw up... and in the morning his tummy was still upset. So mommy stayed with Logan while Aunt Meghan took Aiden on a hike!!

Later on in the day, Logan was starting to feel better, So he and I went out for a walk of our own and snapped some pics...

I am so sorry Logan, that you had to be sick this weekend, but I'm glad we were still able to have some fun!

Memorial Day weekend...

2011-05-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

Well, we started the weekend off with a bang.... McDonalds for lunch and to burn some energy before heading up to Showlow!

Ready for a relaxing weekend in the mountains!

Baking brownies with Aunt Meghan

Logan LOVED climbing into the puppie's kenal... so funny!

Yep...this is a good spot!

Aiden with Peanut on the front porch

Aiden being a "puppy" with Ozzie!

More pics to come....

Summer Fun!!!

2011-05-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Aiden decided to finally conquer his fears and run through the shooting water, and what did he discover?.... It's SUPER fun!!

Logan, still afraid of the water, decided to stick with what he loves... the Swings!!!

Painting.... the fun kind!

2011-05-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Aiden painting with his (Color Wonder= no mess!!) paints and doodle pad! He LOVES art now, and I think it's great!!

I love how concentrated he gets....

and Logan drew with his Color Wonder crayons!!!

Our "Art time" lasted 2 whole hours!!! LOVED it!

My sweet boys...

2011-05-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I had my camera with me, such a tender moment. Logan asleep on his big brother, and Aiden's sweet expression- I love my precious boys....

Our 5th Anniversary....

2011-05-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday, the eighteenth of June,

Two Thousand Eleven

Samantha Joleen

and

Daniel Paul Phillips

invite you to join them in celebrating their

5th Wedding Anniversary.

Our Adventure last Friday....

2011-03-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

The original plan was to take Aiden, Brooklyn, Aubrey, and Colin (the boy I watch) to the Zoo {Logan stayed with Grammy since the Zoo makes him feel over stimulated.}

But 5 mins on the road, Aiden said he had to go to the bathroom....

So we stopped at QT...

But Aiden WILL NOT use public restrooms...

I told him he had to go there or at the Zoo, so he promised he'd go at the zoo...

Then when we got to the Zoo, it was super packed! The parking lot was full and the dirt lot was filling up fast...

So we asked if Aiden could hold it till we got to a resturant....

He couldn't.

So we went to Target to buy new bottoms.

Then we stopped by Chik Fil A for lunch and to come up with a new plan...

Aubrey with Colin

Aiden's funny face

Aidens.....ninja face?

Aiden now LOVES getting his picture taken. He'll show me the weirdest, silliest poses.... Such a goof!

Then after lunch at Chik Fil A, Kelsey had the idea of checking out The Bounz House....

Colin and Brooklyn

Aiden going down the slide

Aiden fell IN LOVE with the "Bouncy House," It's his new addiction!

"Ladies, first!"

Aiden, Logan, and Colin on the way home... what a day!!

Erin Ballard and Austin Hannan's reception...

2011-03-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

This picture was accidentally take as we were walking in the door to greet the Bride and Groom...

Logan and Manee on the dance floor.... too cute!

Unfortunetly, my camera's battery DIED after this photo.... ;(

Aiden's check up...

2011-03-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Aiden was so proud of his two shots that He had to show and tell everyone... He actually asked me to take a picture of them...

Looks worse than it was.... :)

Brianne's Baby Shower

2011-03-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is the diaper cake I made for Brianne's baby shower last week. It's such a fun idea- making a cake out of diapers- so I'm trying to get better at making them. I wish I had more time; I could make much bigger ones....

Rehearsals, rehearsals....

2011-03-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

Aiden and his friends playing pool at the Red Mountain Institute building, while waiting for their turn on stage during one of the rehearsals for EVMCO (East Valley Mormon Choral Organization.)

Aiden was so happy when he finally got one of the balls into the hole.

Aiden during a rehearsal. He is in front row, last one on the right. (Can't see him in this pic, actually!!)

Aiden had just said, " Thank you, Bro Stewart." (which was too cute, but they aren't supposed to talk as they exit the stage!!)

* Preview of the concerts:

Aiden was all-dressed-up and ready for the first concert!!

(Concerts were Saturday, March 5th)

Hangin out with the guys...

2011-03-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

I thought Aiden looked so cute working on his "car" with his tools...... well, actually, Papa's tools....

Papa came over to our house last weekend to help Daddy change the lightbulb on one of Dan's headlights, and help us change the oil in both cars.

So, while they did that, Aiden thought it was a perfect time to give his car a tune-up, too!

Love my manly-men!!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Suess...

2011-03-06T18:12:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Dr. Suess's birthday, Aiden and his preschool class got to wear their PJ's to school! (Aiden was very confused)

I took this picture cause I think it's so funny that every morning, while waiting for Ms. Amy to come out and get the kids out of their cars, The kids will all stick their heads out and socialize... :)

Mommy and Aiden's Adventure cont...

2011-02-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

There was a lot of debating going on in my mind Saturday morning, on whether or not I should make the drive up here, knowing the mountains were expecting a snowstorm. Fortunetly, we safely arrived before the snow hit. Unfortunetly for Aiden, the snow Mommy promised him was not here yet!

So I knelt down on the ground, and put together three little balls of snow, for my Aiden to have a snowman.

But the snow did come, and I was very grateful to be sleeping next to this thing of beauty!

The next morning, we woke up to this!!!

Aiden was so excited to see that everything was now covered in snow!

So we quickly got dressed, and played in the snow! I'm sure the neighbors won't miss us!

Then it was time to make a REAL snowman.....

Aiden put the carrot on, and the 10 pebbles for the mouth. And after I added the arms and the eyes, Aiden asked, "Where's the hair?" And I explained that you usually put a hat on his head, but that we didn't have one. But Aiden didn't want a hat, he wanted hair! So I placed the branch of pineneedles on top, and that did it! :)

Right when I took this picture, a huge gust of wind blew and knocked snow on us!

Aiden got his snowman!!

My handsome boys

2011-02-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

Aiden modeling his new pants.... hot stuff!

I love the way Logan is looking at Aiden in this picture!

love my handsome boys...

Mommy and Aiden's Adventure in Showlow!

2011-02-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

Aiden got a real kick out of Grandma's little boy. He thought it was him, so he ran up to it and jokingly said, "Aiden, we don't go pee-pee on the house!"

Aiden and "Peanut." Poor Peanut is begging for mercy in the pic, though!

Aiden was obsessed with Peanut the entire trip- the feeling was not mutual!

Aiden told the dogs that it was nap-time, I love their expressions in the pic. They are both like, "What is he doing?"

Aiden was blowing air on Ozzie's nose; Ozzie looks very concerned!

More pics to come.... ( our REAL snowman!)

"At The Carwash...'

2011-02-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, the boys and I decided Mommy's car was in need of a bath!

I love that Aiden's doing all the work....

... and Logan's just chillin'!

FHE at the Temple...

2011-02-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

Daniel and I love taking our boys to the Temple, it's a great way to spend time as a family with the Spirit. It calms us down, puts our worrys away, and allows us to focus on the right perspective.

Daddy and our love-bugs!

Aiden and Logan were so super sweet. We went in to "see Jesus." Logan went straight over to the Christus, and we told him "Jesus. This is Je-sus, Loggie." And Logan answered,"Heav'ly Fa der..." and was starting to pray!

Aiden went up and we started talking about Jesus and how he loves us and wants us to obey. little elderly missionary asked Aiden if he wanted a picture of Christ and he said yes. Then Aiden took his picture and gave it to Jesus and said, "Here you go, it's you Jesus!" I laughed to myself, and then asked if Aiden had anything else he wanted to say to Jesus, and He said yes, but that I had to go sit down while he spoke.

I'm grateful to have this tradition with my little family. That my boys can grow up around their visits to the Temple. That they can have testimonies of their own through the feeling they recieve from the Spirit.

Baby shower...

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

I had a blast both making this Diaper Cake and attending my friend, Kayla Lindholms' baby girl baby shower!!!!

And for those of you who know me well, no, I did not do this by myself (I'm not THAT crafty!) I rolled and tied every diaper and put the cake together, but then Kelsey helped me make it girly! :) Thnx Kels!

She even added pretty flower hair clips! It was too cute!! ...... I NEED A GIRL!! ;)

Hooray for Kids Night!!

2011-02-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

We have become huge fans of Kids Night at Chik Fil A! This past kids night, we made slime, and got balloons made for us! Aiden's is a green lizard...

... and Lowgs's was a Lion. (I say "was" because it was destroyed before we even got home!)

My little fireman...

2011-02-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

At preschool, Aiden's class took a tour of the nearby Firestation! Aiden was super excited for the fieldtrip, he couldn't wait! This is him posing with the hat he got there!!

Then, Aiden wanted me to take this picture.... I thought, " A fireman hold a hose..... policemen hold guns!" Silly boy!

The rest of maryland pics...

2011-02-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

The 2nd night I was there, It began to snow! I felt like a tourist; being the only person outside taking pictures of the snow.

The back porch after James and Joseph shoveled a path for us!

A friend of Becky and Dad's had told me of a little tradition she started. At the funeral of a loved one of hers, she would take a flower from the arrangement and keep it for a memory. I did the same. This is my bundle of flowers.

This is the arrangement made for my father. It has their wedding colors in it, white with lavender, and the casket was silver- the color of dad's wedding tux.

The Funeral...

2011-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

James Boyd, Meghan McDonald, Becky Boyd, Samantha Phillips, and Joseph Boyd.

Aunt Jackie (Mom's sister), Aunt Monica (Dad's sister), Alexandra, Samantha, Meghan.

The luncheon after the Memorial service.Our Aunt Monica, who we had never met before, shared her memories of dad. It was so incredible to hear about his childhood. That was very, very special. We really enjoyed having some laughs while sharing stories and our memories of Dad, I think we all needed it.

I didn't realize till later that everyone was watching me in the picture. I was sharing stories about my trip to China, back in high school, because Alexandra will be traveling there soon.

Aunt Jackie, Meghan, Samantha

The next day was the burial. It was on the next day because of the travel distance to St. Michael's ( about a two hour drive.) He was buried next to his brother, Edward H. Boyd III.

Mom placing three white roses.

Me placing my white rose.

Joseph placing his white rose.

Brenna placing her white rose.

Meghan placing her white rose.

James placing his white rose.

Two of my Dad's brothers:

George Boyd (with his wife, Janet) and William "Billy" Boyd.

(Whom we also had never before met!)

Uncle Edward and Uncle Billy Boyd

The burial site.

Being kids again....

2011-01-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

My parents' house in Maryland has three levels.... which means lots of stairs. To make it easier on Dad, they installed a gliding chair so he could ride up the stairs.

We thought we'd give it a try, too!!

I am grateful for the laughs. We were pretty much riding an emotional rollercoaster this week, but when we were up, there were some good laughs. Dad would have wanted that.

Remembering Maryland...

2011-01-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

Driving to St. Michael's, to the cemetery where my father would be buried with his older brother, Edward, we were able to visit some of the places my father had been while growing up here. It was a really great experience.

This is the Episcopal Church where my father was baptised as an infant. (He was later converted and joined the LDS church in his thirty's. )

There was something so captivating about Maryland in the wintertime. For such a very sad day, it was refreshing to see such beauty around me.

Oyster shells

Waterman's Wharf

This is the "Rollyston" house, the house my dad grew up in. It's a little bit of a drive from off the road, but so beautiful. This is the end of that trail, just before the house.

Rollyston

I have definitely enjoyed the million's of trees here in Maryland.

It was great, and very real to see where my Dad grew up. I am grateful for the opportunity.

Update

2011-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

For those who do not know, I am currently in Elkridge, Maryland. By a miracle I was able to arrive here in time to share last words with my father. He was only able to open his eyes, and express the occasional smile. I truly feel that my Heavenly Father gave me the strength to be strong enough. I was able to share everything I wanted with my father, and in turn, he was given the strength to squeeze my hand; it was a very tender moment.
It was such a blessing and a miracle that my siblings are here; that we can endure this trial as a whole. My father passed away, surrounded by those most precious to him, at 9:00pm Tuesday, January 11th, 2011. I am blessed with the sweet knowledge that I will see him again. That he feels no more pain; and has been relieved of all the heavy burdens of this world. I thank all of those who have kept us, and our father, in their thoughts and prayers. We feel so blessed.

2011-01-12T01:27:00.001-08:00

Our Heavenly Father has welcomed home another angel

Logan's 1st day of Preschool!

2011-01-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

It's official: our baby is now in school!

Tuesday morning, Daniel dropped Logan off for his first day of preschool! ( Dan of course, stayed behind for a few minutes to make sure everything was fine!)

But before they left I had some fun snapping pics of my 2nd big boy!

Logan - I'm sure- praying that his first day not be so scary!

Daddy even took Logan to pick out his first backpack!

Logan's 3rd Birthday Dinner!

2011-01-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

Daniel and I had bought a 21 pound turkey when they were super cheap (around thanksgiving) and planned to cook it for Logan's family birthday dinner (we haven't thrown an kiddie party yet* cause he still gets overstimulated) *but we're gonna try next year!

Anyway, couple of days before his birthday dinner, we were really getting nervous about cooking this huge turkey all by ourselves...

But we found a recipe online on Food Network and followed instructions.

Our church time is at 10am, and the birthday dinner was at 5pm, So we put it in the oven (after soaking it in the brine, and stufing it with yummyness!) and then left for church.

As soon as we came home from church, we took it out to baste it!

halfway done, and lookin good!

... done, and super delish!

Logan's cake!

"Hurry up with the card, Mom, I want the present!

This is a very special present, which Logan loves just as much as we thought he would!

In an earlier post, I showed Logan in a red spandex blanket during his Therapy session. Now he has one for himself at home!! It's a huge comfort to him!

.... and of course, Aiden thinks it's a super hero cape!!

Aiden kept sticking his finger in the frosting!!

So,.... it came time to light the candle and sing "Happy Birthday." Well we could not find our matches anywhere! So Julie and Daniel "cooked up" the idea to turn on the stove and place a paper towel on it to make fire!... and it worked!!

Aiden's adventures in his Jeep...

2011-01-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

Aiden has a blast in his new "car!" Thank you "Santa!!"

Happy 3rd Birthday, Logan!!!

2011-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

A peek inside Logan's therapy....

2011-01-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday's Logan has Occupational Therapy at Banner Cardon Children's Medical Center in Mesa. Daddy had the day off, so he got to see what we do in therapy; and I got to sit back and take pictures.

Logan loves swinging on the table-swing. This technique helps Logan find his balance.

This activity was introduced to Logan and our last visit, and he LOVES it! It's a blanket made of spandex, and Logan lays in it like a hammock. The we slide him across the mat, back and forth and side to side. It's a comfort to Logan to be in such a snug place.

The blue bin is Logan's absolute favorite, so he does a lot of his "games" while inside the bin.

I am very grateful and thankful that Logan has the opportunity to receive the therapy he needs. We have learned so much, and I know he has, too. We have a lot of fun!

Two peas in a pod

2010-12-31T13:22:00.000-08:00

Daddy and Logan watching Elmo..... only Logan's decided he'd be warmer if he shared daddy's shirt!

It was so cute to walk in and see Loggie so comfortable nestled inside daddy's pajama top.

Such a goofball!

Logan's Elmo Surprise!

2010-12-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday Logan has therapy at the Banner Cardon Children's Medical Center in Mesa. And look who was waiting for Logan when we arrived for therapy last thursday ...... Elmo!! Logan was shy at first, but then decided he was ok, and ran up to give a hug!!

Chillin' with Elmo

.... then we couldn't get Logan off of him!

I love how content Logan looks!

It was a really great surprise!

Aiden's present from santa....

2010-12-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Santa thought Aiden was good this year.... really good! Beause this big machine came rolling into our living room on Christmas morning! Aiden face was priceless, just as we thought it would be!

This picture reminds me of the pictures the Phillips boys would take when they'd look off in the distance! Too cute!

Aiden is obsessed with "checking the gas" underneath the hood! It's good that he's taking good care of his Jeep!

mErRy ChRiStMaS!!!

2010-12-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

Our Family - Christmas 2010
Hope everyone had a holly jolly Christmas!

Our Christmas started at 4:20am when Logan had opened his bedroom door and started knocking on our bedroom door. We took him back to his room, told him "night night" and went back to bed!

Then at 5:30am I went downstairs to start the Cinnamon Rolls I was making for breakfast! Then, right on time, Bob, Julie, and Lizzy came over so we could open our Christmas presents together!
Santa brought Aiden a very nice present ( a Hot Wheels Jeep!!) [We'll post pics later]
Then at 1:00pm, we went over to Bob and Julie's to eat lunch with the rest of the Phillips/ Frary family, and open more presents!!! It was a really great Christmas.
We are very grateful for everything our Heavenly Father has blessed us with; and are truly very lucky to have each other, and also extended family so close to us. I am so grateful to have spent this very special holiday with so many people who love us! And for those family members who we could not see this Christmas, We are so grateful for the phone calls, cards, presents, and love we received! Thank you so much for making our Christmas so special; we couldn't ask for a more perfect family!

Manee's Baking Day!!

2010-12-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Aiden now LOVES to help anyone and everyone in the kitchen..... even if all I'm doing is refilling our pitcher with more crystal light mix! :)

Aiden was helping Manee make MY FAVORITE: Cherry chocolate cookies!! or "black and red berry cookies" as Aiden calls them!

I had just asked Aiden to "look-up" so I could get a picture of him smiling as he was baking.... this is all he gave me!

As you can see... Aiden's job was simple, but vitally important! He was incharge of placing the cherries in the center of the balls. He would take a cherry and place it carefully in the cookie, then get another cherry and place it...in his mouth! he did this every time! We didn't realize he was eating a cherry every other cookie until we ran out of cherries!!!! :)

zOo LiGhTs!!

2010-12-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

I used my camcorder to record most of the time we were there, and then later realized how few pics I actually took....

none of Daniel, or Lowgs, or Manee, or Papa....

... but here's Aiden and Brooklyn at the "Water falls" part of the Zoo that Aiden loves to play!

Aiden looks so goofy in this picture! He loved the lights and the music! It was super crowded and kinda crazy getting in and out of, but so much fun!!

At the Farm...

2010-11-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

The boys riding the cow train!

Aiden looks so confident, like he's the one steering the train!

Aiden and Brookie looking at the ducks!

Logan liked the piggies!

I love this picture of all three of the looking at the pigs!

"Aiden the Scarecrow"

.... and "Logan the Flower!"

Logan LOVED the Teeter-Totter!

Grammy Frary's birthday picnic!

2010-11-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, we celebrated our Grammy's birthday with a fun picnic in the park! I absolutely loved her "Park hat!" ( as she called it)

Logan 9we didn't know at the time) had an ear infection and was feeling sick. :(

Daddy and Aiden enjoyed a little game of soccer ( or "football"!)

Aiden and Laney

Laney, Brooklyn, and Aiden playing in the sand.

Uncle Dan with Aubrey

Dan put his hat on Aubrey- it covers her entire head!!

Aiden and Brookie

Then we all came back to Bob and Julie's for delicious Red Velvet cake!! Yum!

Kara and Kasey's Halloween Party

2010-11-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

This was our 3rd or 4th time dressing up, so dan decided to be more laid-back and go as a Cardinals Fan!

Aiden ( as a Vampire ) was flirting with a fairy princess!

The Halloween party at Kara's house ( our cousin)

Aunt Sammy with Aubrey!

Mommy and Baby!

Loggie and Me ( Logan went as Ming Ming Duckling from the Wonder Pets!) I'll post a pic with his entire costume on...

Manee's Halloween Party...

2010-11-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Aiden being his normal Goofy self!

Lowgs kickin' back with his juice box!

My husband thinking it would be funny to wear Brookie's pirate hat!

You can't really see it, but Aiden's giving Brookie a kiss!

Aubrey's clown costume was so cute!

And of course, it isn't a party without a pinata!

Aiden and Brookie gathering their goodies... Lowgs was busy watching Elmo.

Thank you Manee for inviting us to your awesome Halloween party!

Sleeping beauty....

2010-11-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

We were all watching a movie downstairs when Logan decided he wanted to go upstairs and play. We could still hear him, and he was playing for a while, then we realized it was quiet. Daniel went to go check on him and started calling my name quietly for me to "bring the camera." { I love those moments!} So I grab the camera and start up the stairs... Logan had fallen asleep on the stairs!

Can I just say how impressed I am with his ability to hold his balance while asleep?

We love our little Goofball!!

Not just a peanut allergy.....

2010-11-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Logan and I went with Papa on a surveying roadtrip to Showlow!

On the way, I gave logan a small bite of a breakfast bar (which had no peanuts or walnuts!) and within 30 seconds he was covered in hives and struggling to breath. We gave him Benadryl, and thought that was the end. He threw that up, and threw up 4 more times!

We finally made it to the hospital in Lakeside, and he was treated right away ( by none other than my grandmothers Bishop Williams!)

I felt horrible that whole day, and the following as well. I guess you live and learn...I still can't believe my son is officially allergic to every kind of nut!

He is back to normal and staying far away from nuts, foods that "may" contain nuts, and foods processed in factory's that process nuts!...Whew!

Preschool Picture Day....

2010-10-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.pictage.com/client/eventPhotos.do?event=918354&folder=2515407

I love how Aiden's pictures turned out!!!

Goin' to the Rodeo...

2010-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, our stake had a rodeo! Aiden and Logan riding the pony cart! I absolutely love that Aiden has his arm around Lowgs!

I love Aiden's face- he really loved the ride!

Aiden and Daddy roundin' up some sheep!

Aiden got his face painted! he originally wanted a butterfly..... we agreed on a witch! lol!

He was very proud of his witch!

Aiden LOVED racing with the stick-horses!

It was a lot of fun!!

My handsome boys....

2010-10-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Julie had the idea of having all three of her grandsons in matching tee's for her grandchildren "shrine" she has in their livingroom intitled, "Angels From Heaven."

Here are a few of the pics I took of two of her three grandsons in their tee's:

Watching Kelsey, and seeing her finished works, inspired me to give it a shot, and try to do it myself! (no, this will not be a hobby I pursue; too difficult! Besides... I can just ask her to... :::wink, wink::: :) )

This is Aiden being, "Harry Potter!"

My handsome 4 year old!!

I love this one cause he looks so goofy doing his lil dance!

My Loggie Lowgs!

Aiden so handsome!

I think this could've been really cute but his face is so dark! :(

Logws struttin his stuff!

Aiden turns 4!!

2010-10-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my oldest turned FOUR years old!!! :)

For Aiden's birthday party I made these icecream-cone party favors!

Miss Brooklyn Lydia

Aiden blowing bubbles

Lowgs resting in the stroller!

It was a lot of fun, Aiden had a great time.... but now we have 34 balloons on our livingroom floor!

Boyd Family

2010-10-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

Uncle Joseph and Grandpa Boyd were able to fly out and visit with us a couple of weeks ago!

Aiden with Grandpa Boyd

Aiden and Uncle Joseph looking at....Dinosaurs!

Aiden and Uncle Joseph!

Me and Dad

Grandpa Boyd with Alexxis and Taiven

Me with Taiven, Joseph, Dad, James, and Meghan with Alexxis

Dad with "the big kids."

Alexxis and Taien with their balloons!

An update from us:

2010-09-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no pics, yet! But wanted to let everyone know how we're doing, and super proud we are of our boys!

Aiden:
Today was Aiden's first day of Preschool! He was so excited about going to "school,"and when it came time to pick him up, he couldn't wait to tell me everything he did! They finger-painted, colored pictures, sang songs, read stories, AND played with dinosaurs (this being from Aiden's perspective!)
My favorite part was the poem he gave me:

"My first day at school, I was scared and a little shy.

But because of what you said, I was brave and I got by.

All through the year, I'll make more things for you,

so as I change and as I learn, you can see my growth, too!"

We are excited for the many "things" to come, and to see him shine!

Aiden is still completely obsessed with Dinosaurs- and reminds me everyday what each of their names are ( the ones he knows so far, about 15-20!) His birthday is coming up in October and has requested that he have a "SpongeBob Squarepants" birthday......yeah, we'll see! We can't believe how fast he's grown.

Logan:

After being diagnosed with Autism, we started researching and learning all we can about it. Daniel and I really enjoyed Jenny McCarthy's book, and have found relief after reading about the struggles she overcame with her son. Logan has been on the recommended Gluten-free and Casein-free Diet, and has shown remarkable results! He has been seen three times so far by his in-home therapists, and has done great! Logan is really in to reciting Dr. Seuss books, and still loves watching Elmo and KungFu Panda! We are so proud of our little Logan, and love how much he's growing! We are so proud of how well he's working and improving.

Daniel:

Is working super hard, as always, then comes home and works hard being the wonderful father and husband that he is. We are so proud of our daddy for always being there and working so hard to give us the the beautifully sweet life we have! Daniel still loves rootin' for his Cardinals, enjoys going Golfing, and plays his video games.

Samantha:

I stay busy chasing our boys Aiden and Logan.... and now Colin, too! Colin Glackin is the 8th month old baby boy that I watch from 8-5, M-F. I love trying new recipes off of Food net, reading when I get the chance, and trying to scrapbook! lol!

Our Logan Tanner

2010-06-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

This morning Daniel and I took Logan to the MelMed Center in Scottsdale for an evaluation, nessesary for a final diagnosis. For a while, pediatricians have thought Logan qualified under either"Aspergers Syndrom," "PDD," and/or "Autism." We were referred to the MelMed Center for further testing and evalations to properly diagnose Logan, to then seek further therapy. Today was the first of two sessions. The therapist evaluated Logan by observing his "playing," and interaction, both with Daniel and I and with herself.
She cannot "diagnose" him on the spot, but in her opinion from what she observed today, Logan runs a very high risk of mild Autism.
Daniel and I are both so grateful for our family, and the wonderful children our Heavenly Father has given us. We are also very grateful that, of all the trials children are given, our child has a very small, mild condition that is completely treatable through therapy, support, and lots of love.
We are so grateful and thankful for our friends, and our family, for the love and support given to us and to Logan.
Logan's final evaluation is August 25th, then 8-10 weeks from then, we will know the final diagnosis.

"Goin' to the Temple..."

2010-06-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

Daniel and I have really enjoyed taking our boys to the Temple grounds. We've just had really good experiences with it.

Mommy and Logan.

My boys...

Aiden Robert

... and Logan Tanner!

Swimming with cousins!!!

2010-06-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Aiden- who has been terrified of water- did amazing at the pool!!! I'm so proud of him! ( Brooklyn must have rubbed off on him, so thanks, Brookie!)

The whole gang!

Logan jumping in! He really liked that "game." (I love how WHITE he is!!)

Updated pics of the boys....

2010-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Aiden playing in the sand!

Loggie Lowgs running towards me! He always does when he sees a camera, just comes running towards it! lol!

My little Logan

Aiden helping Logan

Old Mc"papa" had a farm...

2010-04-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

Papa took the boys, Brookie, Kelsey and me to see animals on a farm nearby. We loved feeding the "mules" some carrots.

Loggie watching the "horse-y's" from a distance....

and Aiden watching from an even further distance! He felt it nessesary to stay in the truck!

Loggie really liked the dog that followed us around!!

The Zoo

2010-04-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

These are some of the pictures Kelsey took at the Zoo on Thursday. The Zoo was great! The boys have been asking to go back everyday since!

So grateful for Kelsey to let Loggie sit in back, his legs were getting tired!

I was suprised to find that Aiden only liked the water from-a-distance! He's so good in our pool at home; I think it was the element of suprise. But Kelsey did a great job with this pic of Aiden!

Loggie snuggled with Grammy during the water works, it was getting close to nap time!

Love this one of Brookie and Aiden! too cute!

San Antonio part 3

2010-03-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Alamo. "Remember the Alamo!" You can't go to San Antonio and not visit the Alamo.

The boys, obviously, really appreciated the visit!

Then, Cody invited us to the USAA grounds park. We were SO suprised to see deer grazing SO CLOSE to us!! Aiden kept running towards them!

Aiden and Chandler

Loggie in a tree!

Aiden with Chandler, "Hey buddy, what's up!"

Aiden posing on a hill!

We took this picture right as we were leaving the park!

Aiden on the balcony at.....PAPPASITO'S!!! Yummy, Yummy food!!!

My favorite of Chandler, posing at the stairs of Pappasito's! Too cute, buddy!

Logan, (a.k.a mini Dan,) holding on for dear life at the top of the stairs!!

Chandler's park! It was awesome!

I love this one of Lowgs.....-"There's something wrong with you, really.." (- Marlin, "Finding Nemo")

Nothin like kicking back in a swing!

Aiden just sat in the middle as it went round, and round, and round for like 10 mins.!

Cody and Chandler. (I cropped out his boot! :( )

2010-03-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

Yay! I finally painted the chalkboard! This is just Phase 1 of this wall. I want to frame the chalkboard, Paint the rest of the wall, and add decor.

I also painted chalkboard onto the boys's doors. I'll have to use REALLY small pieces to frame them!

The pics aren't so good- just cellphone pics! But, we're having fun- very slowly- decorating the playroom!

San Antonio part 2

2010-03-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

Aiden meeting Mike Wazowski!

Uncle Dan and Chan Man!!

Aiden posing in Cody and Amber's backyard.

Chandler with his ball.

Lowgs pondering life...

I asked Aiden if I could take his picture, so he turned around and made this face!

Aiden picking flowers!

Chandler was so good at sharing his toys!

The San Antonio ZOO!!

Aiden loved the Hippo's!!

He was posing for us!

Aiden with the Alligators.

Daddy and Lowgs

I love my boys!!

Brotherly Love.

More pics to come in Part 3!

San Antonio (part one)

2010-02-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

So because we didn't leave AZ till like 6:30 at night we stopped in Van Horn and stayed the night.

So Daniel let me drive some of the way.....

....He was totally cool about my swerving and speeding.....

And all of a sudden we hit complete fog! It was right outside of Balmorhea (like Lip balm and Diarhea!) Yeah, we had some laughs with that- I think sleep deprivation had something to do with it, too!

The boys were actually really good- well, better than we anticipated!

Loggie slept most of the way!:)

and about 14 hours later (not including our stay at the Hampton) We finally reached our hotel/condo in San Antonio!!

It was so nice, we loved the home-y feel it had; it was easy for the boys to adjust and get on their sleep schedule.

This is the livingroom. Can you tell what we were watching?? (Elmo)

This was the kitchen...

Aiden and Logans room...

Their bathroom...

And our bedroom. We loved it there, especially our little friend that would visit...

The squirrels would come right up onto our porch!!

More pics to come.....

Daddys "on my hair..."

2010-02-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

Aiden Loves getting into Daddys "lotion" (aka his Axe hair puddy) He calls it lotion cause it's white like well lotion! lol! So I let him use some and we did Funky hair do's!!

Lowgs can totally pull off this look!! :)

Really belated Birthday pics....

2010-02-20T15:07:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures from Logans (one and a half) birthday parties! We had a small celebration at Manee and Papa's while Cody Amber and Chandler were still in town, then we had a birthday dinner at our house for him!

This is my attempt at making a fondant cake. It's the character: Ming Ming from Wonder Pets! Logan LOVES her!!!

Whether it looked good or not didn't matter to these boys...it tasted great!!

Super Siked for San Antonio!!!

2010-02-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, Daniel and I have been saving and planning our first family vacation together to San Antonio, Texas! We're "super siked" amd ready to go! I'll post pics ASAP! (sorry, Aunt Cindy!!)
Lots of Love,
The Phillips

Logans Check-up

2010-02-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Logan had his "belated" 2 year old checkup- (He turned 2 on January 4th.) And fortunetly for me, Daniel had the day off from work, so he was able to come with. Logan had the last two of his normal vaccines along with the H1N1 vaccine- that's what I needed Daniel to be there for. :( And then also to speak with his pediatrition about where Logan is in his developement. We were assured and re-assured numerous times that Logan is where he should be. Logan's just a man of few words. :) And we couldn't be happier with him.

Logan at 24 months- (two years old):

Height: 36.2 inches (97%)

Weight: 33.12 pounds (90%)

Head circumference: 20 inches (90%)

We love our little Loggie!!

Taiven James Boyd.... so familiar...

2010-01-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

In Showlow I finally met my newest nephew, Taiven! He was adorable and so well behaved! I absolutley love his cheeks.... couldn't help but notice how familiar they were to me!

For comparison I'm posting a pic of Aiden- unfortunetly, this is the oldest picture I could find of Aiden, in this computer.

Back when Aiden still had his chubby cheeks! Too cute!

Mommy's Weekend Get-away!!

2010-01-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

Daniel is the greatest husband in the whole world! He arranged for me to "get-away" to Showlow for the whole weekend! It was a blast hangin' with my sister and also seeing Lexxi and finally meeting my nephew, Taiven!! I'l have more pics to post later!

Loggie's Tent!!

2010-01-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

For Logan's birthday (he turned 2 on Jan. 4th) Manee and Papa got him a tent (to share with Aiden :)) just like Chandler's tent!

If you can't tell, the boys decided to make it a " Phillips men fort"!

Aiden up-close and personal!

Aiden playing "peek-a-boo" with the zipper door! They love thier tent! Thanks Manee and Papa!!

Aiden helping plan our food storage....

2010-01-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Julie bought me a "Cansolidator" for our pantry! It's so awesome! It holds like 40 cans and saves so much room in our pantry!! Aiden loved putting all our cans in it! Thanks, Julie!!

Our handsome boys....

2010-01-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

Here are our boys in their cute "argyle" sweaters! These were taken Christmas Eve. I absolutley love these sweaters!!

Aiden making a shout out!

"You talkin' to me?" - Logan looking incredibly handsome, as always!

Aiden "High On A Mountain Top"

Logan.... showing me his knee??"

Logan by the "Volcano"!!

Our boys during Christmas...

2010-01-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Aiden and Logan all dressed up at Manee and Papa's. As you all may know, since it was the first Christmas in a while that we were all together, "Christmas" was a week long celebration!

Julie (amongst other relatives- you know who you are) were complaining that I didn't have any updated pictures of the boys. So during Christams I tried to capture as many as I could!!.....more to come!

Pictures, finally!

2010-01-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

The boys in their "Car cart" at Frys. It was just so cute cause they're homking their horns at the same time!

Then we went to the park!

"I see you!" ( have you noticed a certain Football team they're representing on their shirts??)

Lowgs going down backwards!

I love my boys!

My poor, neglected blog!

2010-01-07T19:00:00.001-08:00

I have SO many picture on my camera, I just need to find time and download them! I'll do it soon, sorry!

Our Little Chef!!

2009-12-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Aiden helping me with Sunday dinner by boiling the pasta.

He's mastering stirring the noodles with our spatula!

We're so proud of him!

2009-12-04T11:44:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I'll be posting more soon. Thanks!

HaPpY hAlLoWeEn!!!

2009-11-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

We had a mini Halloween party at Bob and Julie's before going to our ward's Trunk or Treat. It was so fun! Here's Aiden wearing Lizzys Witch hat.

Aiden and Logan's goodie bags from Manee and Papa!! Thank you so much!!

Aiden was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Leonardo. It wasn't my first choice for him but he LOVED that he was a "turtle!" And of course, Daniel loved the costume too! :)

And Logan was a Pumpkin!!!! He was so cute in his fluffy, orange costume!! He hated his hat, though!

And Daddy was "Beast" from X-MEN! Logan wasn't sure what to think of it, but Aiden thought it was so funny that daddy was blue! Dan had been dressed up since 9AM that morning so by 6:30PM the blue paint didn't quite have the same look! lol!

And I was an Angel! There's only so many options these days, lol!

My boys at the Trunk or Treat! They had a ton of fun, which was such a relief! It was going to be either a "hit or miss" - I didn't know how the boys would do, but they loved it!!

Sushi!

2009-10-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

I made Sushi for Daniel on Thursday....OK I know sushi doesn't involve that much "cooking" but it was still delicious!

Happy Temple Anniversary

2009-10-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, the 27th was our second anniversary of being sealed in the Temple as a family! I surprized Daniel by decorating his car! He thought it was funny!

My New Hobby...

2009-10-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't my attempt to copy "Julie/Julia", I'm just discovering a hobby. I had always hated cooking because I didn't know how. But since I've been married, both: having to cook everyday, and having Daniel teach me the basics, has shown me that cooking can be very fun!

Kelsey was having a Ladies Night at her house for the ladies in her ward and invited me. So I decided to try Paula Deans: Mini Banana Chocolate Creme Pie's. They turned out better than I thought. The whipped cream was melted by the time I took them over, though! :)

And for dinner two nights ago, I made Giada's: Salmon with Mint and Garlic Pea puree with Chicken Lemon Potatos. It was actually really fun to make! So I'm excited to try more recipies and have a ton of support from my husband! :)

Last chance for water fun!

2009-10-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm disappointed that it's still hot outside, so we decided to have some water fun in the backyard!

Our trip to Florence!

2009-10-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

Daniel had this Wednesday off, so we decided to call up Kelsey and Brookie, and go to a park together. Kelsey suggested this community park in Anthem- she was already heading there with her two niece's.

My little "mini-daniel" completley afraid of heights!!

Daddy and Logan!!

We were playing "follow the leader" with Aiden! He led us around the ENTIRE park!

It was a ton of fun!! Thanks for introducing us to this park, Aunt Kelsey! We'll have to make this a weekly trip!

TIME OUT FOR WOMEN!!!!!

2009-10-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

What an amazing and inspirational experience!.....more pics to come!