The Rollo Crew

Silly Boys!

2011-09-09T15:07:00.001-07:00

Shad gets to stay home with the kids on Monday's and loves (most days) the time he gets to be with them. One Monday Shad thought it was getting too quiet, which usually means a big mess awaits us. Instead he found this... When Shad text me this picture I couldn't stop laughing. This has never happened to us... we have never found our kids asleep watching movies, eating dinner, playing - ever! They will fall asleep in their beds or car seat. That is it. Silly boys! My favorite part is Bo was sleeping with them.

XOXO Melanie

Preschool

2011-09-09T15:06:00.002-07:00

Kyson's 1st day of Preschool!! He looks so handsome... even with his fake smile that he is pulling lately and the pose to show his new back pack. I love this kid to pieces.Brox wanted his hair done and back pack on too!
Cute fake smile.

My good friend is his teacher and she is fantastic!!

XOXO Melanie

Kyson Turns FOUR!!

2011-09-09T15:06:00.001-07:00

I can't believe Kyson is 4 years old!! He is such a good boy and we are so blessed to have him in our home.

Kyson Loves:

*Playing all sports

*Reading books

*Saying prayers (always a fight of who's turn it is at our house)

*Going to Sunbeams

*Dancing to music

*Playing with his friends

*Beating up on his brother

*Star Wars (thanks to the Hendricks)

*Going to Preschool

*Chewing gum

*Going camping

*Riding motorcycles

*Cuddling with Mommy

*Playing his "Wii" (his hunting game he got for his birthday)

*Riding his bike

Annual decorated birthday door...

I let my boys pick their birthday dinner. Kyson decided on hot dogs with a bun, chips, peaches and root beer.

Mommy had to work on Kyson's birthday so Aunt Kenzie helped make the birthday cake. We used red frosting...Kyson's favorite color. Opening presents... Mommy and Daddy got Kyson clothes... he wasn't thrilled with the gift. LOL! The second gift however was a BIG hit!! Look how cute his face is. Shad & I finally gave in and got him a video game. He likes to call it his "Wii" and plays it all the time!!

Kyson got some cool shades too. I just noticed Brox holding the lighter... a proud mommy moment when your kids play with fire. Once the hunting game was set up, Kyson wouldn't focus on anything else. He wouldn't even eat his own birthday cake and ice cream.
Can you see that Brox and Shad's facial expressions are the exact same. LOL!
Happy Birthday Kyson! We love you the mostest mostest mostest!!

XOXO Melanie

Family Pictures!!!

2011-09-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

We had our family pictures done a couple of weeks ago and I loved how they turned out. Besides the fact that Brox chipped his tooth a few days before the pictures, I think the boys are so stinkin cute! Who would have known you could find this amazing spot in Vegas. Thanks Amy for being so patient with us!! These are just a few of my favorites... Handsome Boy!!When did my little baby get so BIG? Love you too Broxy!!PeekA
Boo!!
My Diva!

Thanks again Amy!

XOXO Melanie

Cousin Davis

2011-09-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

After almost three long months... my family finally got to meet Cousin Davis!!! August 7th Baby Davis was blessed. It was a beautiful day and we are so glad we were able to support Stephanie and Matt.Kyson gets to meet his 1st Whipple cousin!!!
Brox got to meet Sarge.

I don't think he was too scared of him... LOL!

The kids almost killed themselves on this. Oh the joys of raising two boys!!

The boys found a frog in the Scott's garden. Matt's Dad was helping Kyson hold the frog. The picture is a little blurry but you can see the frog in his hand. Isn't this picture so precious!!

Kyson decided he would rather carry the frog this way...

We love you baby Davis and are so happy you finally live closer to us!!

XOXO Melanie

Co-MVP

2011-09-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

If you are a follower of this blog, you already know my husband's obsession is softball. Although he doesn't play as much as he used to, he does get to play in a competitive police softball league on occasion. Las Vegas puts on the police and fire games (olympics for police and fire firefighters in all sports). Last year was the 1st time in 20 years Shad's team won the men's softball tournament. They of course wanted to take it two years in a row. Teams from all over the country come to play. I believe they had teams from Hawaii, Florida, Ohio, California etc. They had the tournament at Big League Dreams again and it is a fantastic facility.

The boys and I (with the help of McKenzie) were able to watch a few of the games. We had so much fun watching Daddy play!!

Sin City Combo pulled it out in a great championship game. Taking home the GOLD baby!! Congrats on winning two years in a row!!
Shad was also named Co-MVP of the tournament. The manager of the team said "when they have Shad playing they are a national championship team" ... too bad he can't play on Sunday's and most tournaments out of the State end on Sunday's. They asked him if he could just switch to being a Jehovah Witness. LOL!

Cute family!!

XOXO Melanie

Anniversary Gift

2011-09-02T17:16:00.001-07:00

I saw a Groupon come through for what I thought was a helicopter ride over Hoover Dam. It ended up being just a plane ride but it was still really cool. Shad was loving it because we got front row seats so we was able to watch the pilot fly. He misses flying and hopes to pick it back up soon. May be when we win the lottery. The bonus is I didn't get sick. Yeah!!

Love you Babe!! Happy Anniversary!

XOXO Melanie

Happy 4th of July

2011-09-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!

(A couple months late.) We were sad to miss the annual Baugh family BBQ but we did enjoy a yummy breakfast with our Ward. Later that day we were invited (or we invited ourselves... can't remember) to our friends house for a BBQ and a swim. We had a great time!! Thanks Hendricks!!

XOXO Melanie

Shoe Fetish

2011-09-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Have I ever told you that someone in our family has a shoe fetish? Well Joe (name has been changed to protect the innocent) does have a serious shoe fetish. There I said it. His favorite type of shoes to wear/steal are boots and my heels. I had a brilliant idea to start taking pictures of Joe in all his different shoes but only got as far as one picture. CAUTION: If Joe ever comes to your house lock your shoes up... I promise he will wear every last pair in your house... and most likely you will never be able to find the matching shoe to any pair again.

XOXO Joe's Mommy

Lake Powell

2011-09-02T16:04:00.001-07:00

For his first family vacation after returning home from his mission. Evan decided he wanted to spend a week in Lake Powell. Besides the fact that I was sick with a soar throat, sinus infection, eye infection... yes you name it I had it.... the vacation was a blast!!

Shad loves to slalom. The old man still has some skills. LOL!If I wasn't creating a shadow this picture would have blinded you. Two years without seeing sun is frightening. LOL!!!!
Brox was scared of the boat most until the last day. This is what Mommy did most of the time. But how can you complain when you get to cuddle with your handsome little boy!!
Evan trying his hand at knee boarding.
Natalie wake boarding.
My favorite part was one night my Dad and the boys decided to follow boils (many fish swim on the surface and the water looks like it is boiling) of fish. I got to drive the boat to try to catch up to each boil that popped up. We were catching fish left and right. It was a blast!
The girls got into the action too! And by action I mean I was driving the boat and Natalie was cutting the little fish in half that they used for bait as fast as she could. I think Shad broke about 10 lines that night.

Can you see how the beginning of the pictures it was light and by the last one with Shad it is almost dark. We were having so much fun we didn't want to leave... we almost couldn't see to get back to our camp site.

Before Shad had married me he had only gone fishing ONCE in his life when he was around 7 years old. My family had taken him out fishing (which I tied his poles for him) but he still had never caught a fish.

That changed on this trip!!

My Dad this summer got scuba certified so he decided to rent some tanks and take some of the boys out scuba diving. Shad said he will never go cold water scuba diving again.... but still had fun.
Thanks Mom and Dad for showing us such a great time!!

XOXO Melanie

Elder Whipple Comes HOME!!

2011-09-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

After two long years for my mother... Elder Whipple finally returned home from serving a two year mission in Fiji. Since Evan is the sole brother of the family we decided we should welcome him home in style! Plus the Whipple family motto is "Go Big or Go Home".... We decided to GO BIG!!!

My Sisters and Mom made us all shirts that either said "Bula Vanaka" or "Talufa" which I believe is Hello in two languages that Evan learned on his mission. We also wore the Sulu's that Evan gave to all of us the first Christmas he was gone. My family also had candy leis made for everyone who came to the airport. We also held up a bunch of signs welcoming him home.

Kyson was so excited to finally see his Uncle Evan again! He prayed for him every night.

Typical Whipple photo.

The supporting troops... Grandma and Grandpa Baugh and Grandma Whipple.
Someone got a hold of my camera!
We were sad Stephanie missed the welcome home bash but she had to of course take care of her cute new baby. Davis came home from the hospital the day before Evan came home from his mission. Always a competition with the Whipples.

After what seemed like another two years... or a two hour delay of his connecting flight from L.A. We finally started seeing people come down the elevator from his flight. They kept walking by the crowd asking if we were waiting for the guys in the "skirts". "Why yes we are and they better get down here IMMEDIATELY!!"

They were all so nervous (4 Elders came home from Fiji and 3 of them from Evan's mission) so Evan decided he would take the plunge and go down the elevator first.

Kyson was the first to greet him. He never let go. [Tears welling right now] Seriously the cutest moment EVER!!
Brox hadn't met Evan yet but he followed his brother and ran up to him too. I didn't get a picture of that moment but it was awesome!!

My Mom ordered that pretty flower lei too. We all sat and decorated him for a few minutes.

Proud parents!!

Uncle Evan is finally home!!

The Elders home from Fiji. The farthest Elder on the right didn't wear Sulus on his mission.
That night Evan wanted his first meal to be at Cafe Rio. A man after my own heart! We arrived in Ephraim around 1 a.m. and Evan wanted to hand out all of his gifts he brought back from Fiji. Everything was so beautiful!! He also decided to get all of the boys their own church Sulus. He even found some small enough for my boys.

Probably the only time you'll catch these three in "skirts". LOL! On the other hand Kyson kept telling me all day at church that he LOVED his skirt. Silly boy.

All the men in their Sulus.
Welcome Home Evan!! We sure did miss you!!

XOXO Melanie

Happy 60th & 31st Birthdays!!

2011-08-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Shad's family prepared a BIG surprise for their wonderful Dad, Steve. It was his 60th birthday and they wanted to do something great for him. They came up with surprising him this way... It first started by telling Steve to come to Vegas to go golfing with Doreen, Shad and Cory. They told him they set up a tee time in Boulder City. We all drove out there to drop them off and Shad "accidentally" passed the golf course and went to the airport, which is just passed the golf course. We pulled into a hanger and this is what greeted him.

Almost the entire family was there to surprise him!! He still wasn't sure what was going on until Shad told him to turn around and look at the sign behind him. It said "Sky Dive Las Vegas". Apparently, skydiving is something Steve has always wanted to do so they decided it was time to make this dream come true.

Doreen, Cami, Shad and Makenzi all decided to join him for this adventure. We counted the sky diving adventure as Shad's birthday present too. Since their birthdays are a day apart.

The first parachutes!

Shad landing... we have fantastic video of the jump too but I couldn't get it loaded.

On the ground safe and sound!!

Shad's friends and coworkers decided to join in on the fun. We got a group discount so it made it a great deal. Thanks guys for coming and supporting Shad and his Dad.

We then headed to Cami's house to swim and have a family BBQ. We also presented to Steve an awesome book of photos and letters that our family (The Rollo's) had made at the Shutterfly website. It was a collection of memories, thanks and love from all who care for Steve. He loved it! It was such a special day and we will definitely never forget it!

Happy 60th Birthday Grandpa!!

XOXO The Rollo's

Scandinavian Days

2011-08-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

We also attended Ephraim's annual Scandinavian Days while we were up for my class reunion. I couldn't resist posting this picture.

Kyson channeling is heritage I guess ... (or just wearing half of his mother's breast plate... LOL! Please tell me you have all seen "How to Train Your Dragon"?)

XOXO Melanie

10 Year Reunion

2011-08-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

I know what you are all thinking...there is no way I am that old right? LOL! It seems like it wasn't that long ago and then on the other hand it seems like it was forever ago. Does that make sense? We actually had a great turnout for how small our class was. Friday night we went to Fat Jacks (Roys Pizza now) with just the adults. I was sad that although we had a good turnout there was still a bunch of people that didn't get to come.

My favorite part was reconnecting with one of my good friends that I danced with in high school. We hadn't seen or spoken to each other (since I boycott Facebook) in 8 years!! Surprising how easy the friendship comes back even when it has been that long. Our husbands got a long great too! Good times.
Saturday we had a BBQ at a park with all the families. It was crazy to see how many kids we all had. Kyson's favorite part was play fighting and wrestling with the other boys. He usually gets in trouble for doing that to his brother but he finally found boys that were tuff like him. We need to get those boys together more often.
That night Shad played basketball with guys from my class and he had a great time. Thanks to everyone who spent all the hours planning. We had a great time.

See you all in 10 years!!
XOXO Melanie
(P.S. Thanks Ashley for letting me steal your pics... for some reason I never took a single picture.)

St. Louis

2011-08-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

My sister Stephanie has lived out in St. Louis for the past few years while her husband Matt went to physical therapy school. We (Mom, Dad, Natalie, Me & Kyson) decided to make the 23 HOUR drive to see where they have lived and support Matt at his graduation. We had a blast!!

My trip started with Ky & I driving up to Ephraim. I couldn't help but throwing these two pics in.... memories with Grandpa.

We decided to stop and see Liberty Jail on the way there. It was amazing!

I had my 8 year Anniversary while out there. The very first one we have spent apart. While at Stephanie's house that day a knock came to the door and I got these beauties!! Love you babe! We went to a Cardinals game while there. It is one of the most beautiful stadiums I've been in.

We saw the St. Louis Riverfront.

The Gateway Arch was spectacular!!

The Expansion to the West displays were great. They briefly mentioned the Mormons. I felt like they deserved more recognition but who am I to say.

We went to the St. Louis Zoo. It is by far the best zoo I have ever been to and it was FREE!!

We walked through all the shops at Old St. Charles. The buildings were awesome!! The streets were brick instead of asphalt. It was really neat.

We decided to get pedicures...and talked my Dad into his first pedi. He wasn't that thrilled afterwards because they didn't massage his calfs enough. :)
Kyson's favorite stop was a tie between the Zoo and this place...."The Magic House". It was FANTASTIC!!

These chairs played different styles of music when you sat on them.

Um, yes the adults had fun too!
This made a big bubble.

Fishing in the pond.

This was Kyson's favorite...his very own pizza restaurant. He cooked, served, and managed the restaurant very well!
Dr. Rollo!!
Nice.
Mr. President!Matt's Graduation.

"Harry Potter" graduation gowns. Congrats Matt!!
Thanks Matt & Stephanie for showing us the city. We had a great time! Thanks Mom & Dad for putting up with us on such a long drive there and back. FYI - Books on CD are the BEST for long distance driving!!

XOXO Melanie

(P.S. Don't mind the spaces....I can't for the life of me figure out how to fix it!!!!)

Easter

2011-07-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

(Don't judge... I know we are in July.... where has the summer gone?)

Shad's parents and two of his sisters came to Vegas over Easter weekend. His parents put on an Easter egg hunt and a little family baseball game. We had so much fun!! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Rollo!!

Yes this is how Brox went Easter egg hunting. Pick up egg, open egg, eat candy in egg, proceed to next egg. He's a genius!

Grandma & Grandpa Rollo with grand kids (minus the Talbots). Can you tell Kyson didn't appreciate us leaving his hat at home. LOL!

Easter outfits... handsome boys I must say!

Our most awesome friends invited us over to their house for Easter dinner. We have had several Easter dinners together since both of our families live too far away for a quick weekend trip. We also got to do another egg hunt. I think our boys bounced off of the walls for weeks after this weekend.

One of Brox's many faces!!

XOXO Melanie

BIG SURPRISE

2011-06-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Natalie turned the BIG 30 this year and our family decided to surprise her. I drove all the way from Vegas, picked Kenzie and Dustin up in Cedar City, drove to Ephraim and picked up my parents and then drove to Tremonton to surprise Natalie at her school. My boys walked in holding balloons and it took her forever to recognize them.

We had so much fun surprising her and for some reason I didn't get any pictures of her at the school.... but here are a few of the boys helping Natalie with her chores at their land in Malad, ID.

Thanks for getting so old Natalie so we could come and celebrate it in style with you.

XOXO Melanie

Camping at Logandale

2011-06-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

My parents and our family went camping at the Logandale Trail System for the 2nd year in a row and we absolutely loved it!!

Campsite...

Brox's 1st motorcycle ride!!

Is there something wrong with this picture? My Dad would say NO. This is not how we camped when I was growing up.

Shad teaching Kyson how to shoot pop cans.

We did lots of bike riding....the boys love it!!

My Dad and Shad played on this "hill".

We went on a quick hike... thumbs up from Ky.

Sorry for all you viewers of this blog (all 4 of you) but I couldn't help myself. Ever since this day, Kyson wants to lay out in the sun and says he needs some "Vitamin D".

Kyson yells "Come find me Mommy!" Great spot Ky!

It's not camping unless you have a fire, right?

This picture depicts my boys personality's to a T.

Thanks again Mom & Dad! We always have so much fun when we are with you!!

XOXO Melanie

I'VE BEEN JIMMERED!!!

2011-03-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever had so much fun attending sporting events than I did the second week in March. My parents and Shad & I decided to buy tickets for the entire week of the Mountain West Conference. Although BYU ended up losing in the championship game, we were not disappointed with the awesome basketball games we saw throughout the week. We watched Jimmer score his record 52 points against New Mexico and finally got their first win against the Lobo's. Seriously that is a game we will NEVER forgot!! It was AWESOME!!!! My Grandpa Whipple and Uncle Belmont played basketball at BYU, both my parents graduated from BYU, my Uncle Steven teaches there, and my Grandma Whipple has season tickets to all football and basketball games.... so there is definitely COUGAR BLUE running through our family's veins. P.S. If don't already know the Cougars have made it to the Sweat 16 in the NCAA tournament so don't miss there game tonight when they play Florida Gators. GO COUGARS!!

We attempted to take the boys a girl's basketball game... Shad & I left about 15 minutes after arriving.

My Mom's sister and her husband - Uncle Leland and Aunt Beverly - love all four of these individuals!!

My Dad wouldn't put his Kindle down in between games... we had great chats by ourselves.

We had awesome weather that whole week in Vegas... we made a trip to the park with Grandma and Grandpa.

Thanks Mom and Dad for coming down. We had such a great time!

XOXO Melanie

February Happenings

2011-03-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

Many times I think Shad & I don't do enough fun things with our kids. After looking at February pictures, I see we have good intentions. LOL!

Shad decided one day after work that we would surprise the kids with setting up the tent and sleeping with Kyson overnight. I got the kids in the bath while he did the setting up.

I don't get many pics of Brox doing his "cheese" smile. Cute boy!!

Kyson pretending to sleep.

But then when it was time for bed, Shad decided it wasn't such a great idea because he was really tired and had work the next day. So the kids just played in it and then we took it down. Next time it will be spectacular I'm sure!

We decided to take the boys to the Outdoor World at Brass Pro Shop in Vegas. My kids loved this store!! We happened to be there when the Mermaid was playing with the fish in the big tank right outside the store and just inside the casino. It was actually pretty cool. Can you see her holding a sting ray?

Kyson loved it!! Can you tell?

We probably shouldn't have let our kids do this... but they had fun.

And then the fun was over ...at least for Brox. You always can tell when you hit nap time. LOL!

Shad & I decided that we weren't going to give gifts this year for Valentines. I decided to at least buy a Valentines card. Shad on the other hand decided to do this...

I was running late that day for work and so yes I took the van just the way it looks in these pictures. I was mortified. I ran upstairs and asked Shad if he would hurry and clean off the windows but he said, "Have a great day at work babe!"

I noticed this on the drive into work...

And when I got to work I noticed this... so you can imagine the hit to my self esteem when I realized not one single person honked at me on my way to work. Am I really getting that old?

May be next time I'll just let him buy a present for me.

We made a trip to St. George to celebrate Elsie's 1st Birthday. We went to an indoor pool and had lots of fun. Kyson was so excited to finally be back swimming again. My little fish!

She is so CUTE!!

An attempt at a fun FHE night was trying to make our own pizzas. They actually turned out pretty good.

My three children...

However Brox decided not to participate and just enjoy a bag of chips. This is the only way he will sit in his highchair now.

XOXO Melanie

The Lion King

2011-03-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Shad bought us tickets to The Lion King show in Vegas for one of my stocking stuffers for Christmas. I was so excited to go. I have been once before in L.A. when I went to California for a dance camp with Snow College Badgerettes and I absolutely loved it!! The show in Vegas did not disappoint. If you have not seen this show in Vegas, I highly recommend it!!

Thanks Babe! You are the best!!

XOXO Melanie

Christmas Day

2011-03-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do realize it is March... but I am doing it anyway. We had a fantastic Christmas but I only managed to take these three pictures. Christmas afternoon we drove down to Cedar City and spent a couple days with Shad's parents and sister... and we managed to not take a single picture. The boys had so much fun playing with their cousins and Ky would not leave Papa Rollo alone and asked him to play the Wii every minute of the day starting from sun up.

Thank you to all for the fun times and many memories we made in 2010.

Now I will let my blog officially welcome in 2011!!

XOXO Melanie

Christmas Eve

2011-02-04T15:44:00.001-08:00

I couldn't wait for Christmas Eve to come! Shad had to leave after the day after the Baugh Christmas party to get back to work. He was meeting up with us on Christmas Eve. YEAH!

Saying goodbye to Malad!

Broxy sharing a bowl of cereal with Aunt Z.

The kids can't get enough of Olin's rodeo stuff!

Our family tradition on the Whipple side is to eat lunch at Chuck-A-Rama on Christmas Eve. Always interesting.

Kyson with my cousin Brock.

The whole familia (minus Evan)!

We then make our way to Grandma Whipple's house. She always gives out books (she is a retired school teacher) and then one other present. The books are always a hit!!

Cheese!!!

Broxy is a present!

That night we made it to my parents house in Ephraim. We talked to Evan for almost 3 hours on Skype. It was so fun to see him and talk to him. I can't believe he is coming home in June!! He is working so hard in Fiji and we are so proud of him. He opened his Christmas presents in front of us and he gave us a package from Fiji. We all got Fiji snow hats... not sure why they need snow hats in Fiji?? We read the Christmas Story and played games all night. It was a great time!

This picture is by far my favorite!! Gotta love the Christmas Eve pajamas.

XOXO Melanie

Malad Idaho

2011-02-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

After Scrooge we stayed over at my Grandma and Grandpa Baugh's house. We woke up to the most fantastic breakfast. My most favorite memories of Grandma Baugh are her morning breakfasts! We also played a bunch of games with them and then we headed up to Natalie's school in Tremonton. We helped her kids make gingerbread houses before they were out for Christmas break. Kyson loved being in "school" and now he won't stop talking about when he gets big he gets to go to Aunt Natalie's school.

We then made our way to Malad Idaho to see Natalie & Olin's land and rental home. We helped her paint her kitchen and dining room, made cinnamon rolls for neighbors, boys went clay pigeon shooting and we also pulled Olin out of the snow three different times in two different vehicles. Good times!

We also got to eat at one of the few restaurants there (population 2,100). It was a small house turned into a Mexican restaurant and of course it was AWESOME!!

Kyson posing... can you tell where he picks this up from? Note: see pics above.

Lovely.

Thanks for the fun time Natalie and Olin!

XOXO Melanie

Holiday's Continued...

2011-02-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

After the Baugh Christmas Party we decided to go to a live Nativity. This was a first for our entire family and I would highly recommend it. We all LOVED it!

It was pretty cold and a little rainy but we were tuff.

Remember the sliding off the road incident and the Dad and teenage son who rescued us... he ended up being Caesar Augustus. Shad recognized him but couldn't say anything because it was a silent nativity. The world is so small... ok just Sanpete County is really small. LOL!

My career at it's finest!

Kyson loved the animals.

This room was of course the best part. They even had a real baby for baby Jesus. What a brave Mom to bring her newborn out in the freezing cold weather. They had a little heater behind them but that was it. I hope my kids could feel the Spirit there as much as I did.

You had to take a hay ride to get to the nativity... all part of the adventure.

A couple days later we woke up to this lovely snow storm. It dumped around 14 inches in 6 hours. The kids loved it!

Aunt Kenzie was nice enough to make a snowman with Kyson. He had been talking about this since before Thanksgiving! Thanks Aunt Z!

That day we drove to Orem for our annual Whipple play. My Grandma Whipple takes our entire family to a Christmas play every year. Every other year we go to Hale's Theater and watch The Christmas Carol. The older man that plays Scrooge is FANTASTIC and the other cast members are great too. It is a very small theater with the stage on the floor. This was my first time seeing it since we moved to Vegas. I was so excited that Kyson was old enough to see it with me. He didn't even get scared on the Bob Marley part.

That is my cousin behind me in the picture... all pictures taken had some form of this behavior behind us. That's why I love my family!!

Thanks again Grandma Whipple!!

XOXO Melanie

Annual Baugh Christmas Party

2011-01-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

We started the drive from Cedar City to Ephraim on Saturday, December 18th, morning and the weather was holding out for us. We get to Gunnison and we always take the "short-cut" which cuts about 15 to 20 minutes off our drive. We start to make the turn and I told Shad we shouldn't turn off because the back roads weren't plowed. He said we would be fine... yes this is one of those stories that turns out the WIFE was RIGHT and HUSBAND well should have listened to the wife!! LOL! We slid straight off the rode and into these lovely bushes...

Luckily this Dad and his teenage son (under our vehicle) drove buy and pulled us out. We pretended that we were naive drivers from Vegas that didn't know how to drive safely in the snow... however, both of us have had plenty of experience driving in snow. The knowledge apparently leaves so quickly. LOL! No one was injured and our van didn't even have a scratch on it. This is just another example of why being from a small town is so awesome!! We slid off the rode and were back in business within 20 minutes. So many stopped and asked to help, it was awesome!! P.S. You'll be seeing this charitable Dad later on in another post... so funny so stay tuned (to the 3 individuals that read my blog).

Once we finally arrived in Ephraim, my wonderful cousin took family pictures for us!! Thanks again Katy!

Finally... the Baugh Christmas Party has begun!!

Kyson loving the ping pong table!

Seriously my Mom is too cute!!

Great Grandma Baugh and Brox having a nice chat during lunch.

The annual pinata... Kyson loves this part!!

The most anticipated part of the Baugh Christmas party is the drawing of Grandma Baugh's homemade braided rug. Last year she had only GrandBOYS in the hat for the drawing so this year it was just GrandGIRLS... and I'm sure you can't tell by the picture below who one!?!?

That's right, I won the coveted hand braided rug!! I think I might have given my cousin's baby "shaking baby syndrome" because I was sooo excited! My Grandma is in her 90s and she apparently said later that this was her last rug she was going to make because she is having trouble seeing and her fingers can't work the needles anymore. I can't believe I might have gotten her very last rug she will ever make. It truly is AMAZING!! I LOVE YOU GRANDMA!!

My kisses always look so lame on pictures...LOL!

Bask in the beautifulness... my Grandma named this rug "Color Me Purple".

The End.

XOXO Melanie

Ugly Sweater Party

2011-01-14T15:26:00.001-08:00

Our Holiday 2-week Extravaganza started with some of our most favorite people in the world. We drove to Cedar City Friday, December 17th and attended the 1st Annual Ugly Sweater party with a bunch of our friends.

Josh, Ashley & Elsie showing off their ugly sweaters found at a hoarder's yard sale.

Shad found our lovely sweaters at the local Desert Industries in Vegas. You can't tell in this picture but Shad is wearing a lovely white turtle neck with pink snow flakes. I think it really accentuates the 80's pimp-style sweater.

No body ever told me that sweaters add about 20 LB's to your face. LOL!

We had a great time!

XOXO Melanie

AnoTHeR FuN PArtY!

2011-01-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

A guy that Shad works with put together a party for the families that work on his squad. They had great food and an even better surprise!! They had all the kids gather around the Christmas tree for a picture....

Then who do you think walked in? SANTA CLAUSE!

and Mrs. Clause too!

Kyson was loving every minute of it!

I have to say that I am pretty sure these two were the REAL Mr. & Mrs. Clause. They were both fantastic!!

Parent's could sneak a little gift in Santa's bag before he walked in.

So when Santa called out Kyson's name he was over the moon. You seriously should have seen his face... PRICELESS! He said, "Santa knows my name!"

I promise he really loved his gift - despite the awkward smile on his face.

Brox met Santa too - despite the look on his face I think he enjoyed it! LOL!

Love these two boys!!

XOXO Melanie

Terry Fator

2011-01-13T15:22:00.001-08:00

My work took all of us and our dates to dinner and the Terry Fator show. He was doing a Christmas show through December and it was amazing!! He is very talented.

Two of my cool bosses... I don't think Wendy knew she was in this picture, LOL!

My date was pretty cute!

Terry Fator... and one of his many puppets.

He liked to show her off a lot too... Shad started saying he cut his face shaving (you'll have to see the show to know what that means) LOL!

Thanks EGJS for an awesome holiday party!! I couldn't ask for a better place to work.

XOXO Melanie

Kyson's new favorite SPORT...

2011-01-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

BOWLING!!
When your 3 year old can beat you at bowling... that's when you know you should have taken bowling with Bob at Snow College.

Sticking out of the tongue always signifies great concentration.
This is look that Brox gave after he saw how terrible his Mommy was at bowling!

Nice form!

In case anyone wanted to know... Olin was the big winner that night!

XOXO Melanie

Santa Train

2011-01-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

We lucked out this year and snagged some tickets to the 9th Annual Santa Train aboard the Nevada Southern Railway in Boulder City. We went on Saturday, December 4th and the boys just loved it! Who am I kidding we all loved it! For $4 per ticket you can't beat this fun experience.

Really neat trains to look at and walk through.

Kyson's friend Boston.

SANTA CLAUSE!!

Big thanks to Shad's sister Cami, who gave us her tickets. Hopefully we can do it again next year.

XOXO Melanie

Christmas Tree Adventures

2011-01-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

It was definitely an adventure this year searching for our Christmas tree. Cole was so nice to take us up to his property in Cedar City to cut down a free Christmas tree... you can't beat that right?

Well after 3 different spots and 2 near death experiences, Kyson & I decided to stay home for the second trip out to look for a Christmas tree. It's a good thing we did because I don't think there would have been room for us on this...

What is this you ask? Well it's a four-wheeler, 2 grown men (Shad & Cole), and 5 Christmas trees!! They drove down off his property like this. The trucks couldn't make it up there so this was the next best thing. Seriously? So funny!!
(Sorry the picture is not the best it was taken with a cell phone.)

Thanks again Cole for really going the extra mile for our Christmas tree this year!

The final product...

XOXO Melanie

Aviation Nation

2011-01-05T07:07:00.001-08:00

If you have never been to Aviation Nation on Nellis Airforce Base, and you live in Vegas, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!! This was Shad & I second time going but the kids first. The boys LOVED it!!

Kyson I think loved the shuttle bus ride from the Speedway to the base more than he did the airplanes... can you see excitement! He couldn't believe he got to ride on an actual "school bus".

A lot of fun things to look at and walk through.

I love this picture... Kyson felt like he was actually flying the plane with being able to move the steering wheel.

And of course my favorite is watching the Thunderbirds do their show. So AMAZING!!

The pictures don't do it justice.

This might become a Rollo family tradition. Loved it!

XOXO Melanie

Teaching moment.... gone bad?

2010-12-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

This morning I wash rushing around trying to get my boys and myself ready. They were going to my cousins while I went to get my hair cut. Kyson only wears one pair of shoes daily (except on Sunday's). He really only has those one pair of shoes. Kyson found the right shoe in the living room.... the search was one for the left shoe. I swear we looked everywhere. We were already going to be late at this point... then it popped into my head, "You should pray." I thought to myself, this will be my first teaching experience about prayer and that there are many reasons to pray including when we need help (not just for blessing meals and our night prayers that he only blesses Uncle Olin in is rodeo and Uncle Evan on his mission and every once in while he'll thank Heavenly Father for the church and prophet) so GREAT opportunity right!

I explained to Kyson that we can pray and ask Heavenly Father for help and he will tell us where to look to find his shoe. Kyson says, "Heavenly Father is coming to our house!" I told him he tells us in our minds and heart (pretty sure my 3-year old didn't understand that) but he bought it. So he knelt down by my bed and started his prayer... "Dear Heavenly Father, please help me find my shoe. Thank you for my blessings. In the name Jesus Christ, Amen." I was so proud of him, it was like he really had understood what I was trying to teach him.

So we started to look for his shoe. He kept saying, Heavenly Father is helping us find my shoe. We kept looking, and looked and looked. No shoe. So I finally told him that Heavenly Father will help us find his shoe on His time, not ours. We left for my cousins house and put Kyson in his church shoes.

We still have not found the shoe.

To be honest, I am pretty disappointed that we didn't find the shoe. I know he really doesn't understand but how do you teach your child these principles when it doesn't come to fruition? Needless to say I think I am swallowing the humility pill today because I can't stop thinking about why this teaching moment turned out this way.

Where did I go wrong?

SYTYCD!!

2010-12-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

My husband came home one day in August from work, brought down our lap top, and starting playing the "So You Think You Can Dance" them song. I asked, "What the heck are you doing?" He asked, "Babe would you like to hear more of this theme song?" My response, "What??" "Sure!" "I guess." He said, "Well you'll be hearing more of it in November when you go to their 2010 tour performance in our home town... LAS VEGAS!!" I know my husband spoils me. :) I'm usually not a fan of sharing the things my husband does for me on the blog... but I couldn't help it with this one. As most of you know, I have had a love affair with dance since I was 2 years old. This is a big deal for me.

I loved every single moment of it!! I didn't get very many pictures, but it was a blast!!

Thanks babe. Love you to pieces!!

XOXO Melanie

Happy Halloween

2010-12-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

Mommy helped Kyson carve his pumpkin this year. He wouldn't show his face for the picture. Gotta love three year olds!

Daddy helped Brox with his pumpkin.

We had a week long of parties to celebrate Halloween this year. We also switched up the costumes a few times. Kyson was the Karate Kid for this party. Shad did a pretty good job on the makeup for the black eye. Seriously, it is not really... promise CPS.

Brotherly love! Brox is a monkey.

Mom is a rodeo clown... for the many of you have seen this costume before, sorry. We are not very creative in this household. :)

A monkey bum.

Another party... we were a family of rodeo clowns. Once again, please don't browse last year's Halloween costumes because they will be the same.

The final Halloween party... Shad & I decided not to put on the rodeo clown makeup for a 3rd night in a row.

Love Trunk-Or-Treat. Seriously our Stake was awesome in decorating their cars!!

This guy did not move for the 30 minutes we stood watching... talk about a workout.

Too much candy was given to my two boys... in fact we still have some in our pantry. They come in handy for potty treats. LOL!

XOXO Melanie

Calendar Weekend

2010-12-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

Once again trying to catch up on my blog :)

"Calendar Weekend" will eventually turn into "Sister Retreat" once our long lost sister moves closer to Utah... but for now we call it the calendar weekend. The weekend where we get together and create our family calendar for the new year with pictures from the past year. We digitally scrapbook the top portion of the calendar and then make the calendar portion in Word. It has become a favorite Christmas present to our family. We love looking at the pictures every month not to mention reminding us of every one's birthday and anniversary.

This calendar weekend we decided to get really crazy and take Kyson on his very first fishing trip. I haven't gone to Lake Hill up Ephraim canyon since I was little. I use to love coming up to this lake to fish... my favorite was when I got to come up with just my Dad & I. So what better place to take Kyson!!

Really I think this picture is PRICELESS!!

Brox as cute as can be!!

It was a perfect day in mid October. Can you see how awesome this place is!! The leaves were changing colors and in the first picture a deer had come to take a drink. Awesome!!

Kyson thought every pole was his and so when anyone caught a fish he had to be the one to reel it in. This was his very first catch on his very first fishing trip. Again PRICELESS.

XOXO Melanie

Lake Powell

2010-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Our good friends invited our family to go on their last Lake Powell trip of the season (back in September). It was so much fun!! It has been many years since I have experienced Lake Powell without a house boat and it was a lot of fun. The kids actually did pretty well sleeping in tents. It was seriously PERFECT weather. It would get cool enough at night to be comfortable sleeping and the days were sunny with NO wind...let me repeat myself for any of you who have gone to Lake Powell. There was NO wind!! The vacation did have its share of "hiccups" including Cole's sister loosing her boat off her trailer on the way down to the lake. It was scary but everyone was ok and the boat was actually able to get on the lake the next day. Thanks Cole for inviting us to come. We had a blast!!

Yes my husband is a dare devil... can you see where he jumped from? Click on the picture to make it larger. YIKES! I jumped from where the few individuals are standing on the bottom right. Kyson actually jumped just a little lower than that... so my 3 year old son pretty much showed me up!

We climbed "Sand Mountain". Talk about a leg workout! Kyson also experienced this adventure with us. He was such a trooper.

Brox's girlfriend Elsie. Aren't they the cutest!!

Kyson also tried wake surfing. Can you believe Cole was able to do this?!?! Cole has many talents, and apparently so does Kyson!

I wish this picture was a little more in focus but it was so cute I couldn't resist. Brox loved being in the water too!

Feeding the ducks.

Cole's niece... too cute!

Ashley & Elsie... sun goddesses!!

Kyson & Mommy riding the jet ski.

Thanks again Cole! Don't forget us next year.

XOXO Melanie

Happy 80th Birthday!

2010-11-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

The Rollo's had a surprise party for Great Grandma Rollo for her big 80th birthday (in September...I'm a little behind in posting). She is such a great example for Shad & I and we absolutely adore her! We love you Grandma Great!!

XOXO Melanie

Quick Trip with Ma & Pa.

2010-11-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

My Mom invited me to come to St. George and stay with my parents while my Dad went to a conference for work. We had so much fun together. We played in a splash park, ate lunch with Kenzie in between her classes. We went to a movie, shopped and played in the hotel pool.

Kyson also got to have his very first experience sitting in a dental chair! Aunt Z got to clean his teeth and take some x-rays. He was a fantastic patient and received many prizes.

Then one of my friends said she had 4 extra tickets to a BYU game. I couldn't pass that up (even in a "rebuilding" year). So I continued to Ephraim and spent a couple days there too!

This is Natalie's best attempt at the "Y". Don't ask.

Yes we did enjoy ourselves on our mini vacation... almost as much as the kid in the row behind me in this picture. LOL!

XOXO Melanie

LOTOJA

2010-10-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

The weekend after Brox's birthday party my Dad participated in the LOTOJA. For those of you who don't know what that is.... This is the description from the LOTOJA website:

"LOTOJA is a European-style road classic that is unparalleled in distance and beauty. At 206 miles, LOTOJA is the longest one-day USCF-sanctioned bicycle race in the country. LOTOJA participants come from all over the United States to test their physical and mental stamina on a course that climbs and descends three mountain passes in the first 110 miles. The race starts in Logan, Utah and finishes in the shadows of the Teton Mountain Range at Jackson Hole, Wyoming."

Also read my Dad's account below: (Keep in mind my Dad had just turned 54 years old the day before!!)

Richard A., Rhett L., and I applied as “Team CUCC” for LOTOJA this year. There were 4,000 applications for 1,500 slots. This is all the riders that was allowed by DOT to be on the rode at any time. 1,110 slots went to the racers and 400 went to the relay teams and fun riders.

We registered as Citizen Men Category 35+ and were placed in the 2300 series. By registering as a team if one drew out then all the team went. 46 riders were placed in this series. I happened to be the oldest in this group. 41 finished out of the 46. Rhett finished 14th with a time of 11:00:15. Richard finished 21st with a time of 11:21:38. I finished 37th with a time of 12:34:42.

Of the total racers 970 finished and 130 DNF. Rhett was 546, Richard 653, and I was 915. The overall winner finished with a time of 9:01:44.

Data from my Garmin bike computer: Average Speed: 16.3 mph; Max Speed: 45.1 mph; Average Cadence 80 rpm; Total Calories Burned: 11,820.

Stories:

While riding in a pack of approximately 15 riders we passed a lone rider. His top tube on his bike frame was about at my eye level. I glanced over at his bike and thought that is the largest bike I have ever seen. After the race was over Richard asked me if I had seen Shawn Bradley riding?

I was hoping to make feed zone 6 (Alpine junction) by 6:00 pm. (That is when they stop riders from continuing on the race) I made it their before 5:00 pm. I had only been off the bike for a couple of rest room breaks. So this was basically 160 miles with no rest. My feet were numb not to mention other areas. My back and neck stiff from the constant forward bend. So I took off my shoes and lay down on the asphalt. I hoped no one would run over me but I was not moving. Words cannot describe how wonderful it felt to lay in the road. After a couple of minutes, (my wife said it was over 10 minutes) she began to encourage me to get up and finish the last 47 miles. With some reluctance I climbed back on the bike and headed for Jackson .

The next day on the trip home we stopped in Evanston for food and fuel. At the restaurant Julie went to the restroom while I got into line to order. A couple in front of me was placing their order when I noticed the LOTOJA stamp on his left calf. (All participants were stamped on their left calf when they registered and given their timing chip) I asked him if he had finished the race. He completed it in 12 hours. I told him I had done it in 12½ hours. As we were discussing the race Julie walked up to them and started hugging them. They were Orem High classmates and he grew up in her Ward. As we ate lunch together he gave the quote of the day. He has trained for several triathlons but in training for LOTOJA he said, “I have never trained so hard to be average.” After a good laugh I thought, well if 12 hours is average that means: I have never trained so hard to be “below” average.

We are all so proud of you Dad!! We all know we could not have done what you did that weekend. Love you lots!!

XOXO Melanie

BROX TURNS ONE!!

2010-10-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful little boy has turned ONE!!! I was going to do a combined party for my boys but some of my close friends said if I did a big party for my first I need to carry on the tradition for all of the rest...so they don't feel jipped (is that a word?). So I began to plan....and it was a success!! Thanks to all family and friends who supported Brox on his very first birthday party!

I stole the "DOTS" theme from my R.S. President. She let me borrow all of the table cloths and paper dots. It made planning the theme very easy not to mention inexpensive. BONUS! But if Brox is reading this post later in life...I spent many days and hours planning really hard for a perfect party. LOL!

The most amazing pool I have every seen in a backyard. Even the adults had a blast...who am I kidding I think the adults had more fun then the kids!!

We had sloppy joes, homemade root beer, chips, salads, veggies...the works!

The most adorable cake ever!! I just gave Sara Prince the fabric and she made the cake to match. Really have you ever seen anything cuter? The best cake for the best little boy!

His very first cake he has ever tasted... I thought he would dive right in, but he just dabbled. Little stinker!

Broxy loves:

* Doing anything his brother does.

* BUBBLES and BATHS.

* Loves to be tickled.

* Loves to get dirty.

* Loves to greet us at the door... When Shad or I come home from work he runs up to us puts his hands up to be held and then once you pick him up he immediately puts his head down on your shoulder. I love snuggle bugs!

* Loves our little John Deere scooter.

* Loves scrambled eggs with ketchup.

We love you Brox! Happy 1st Birthday!!

XOXO Mommy

Register to Vote

2010-09-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

I know there will be many of you that will cringe when I announce this...but this is for you Jenn Hendricks!

Melanie has officialy registered to vote for the first time in her life...we can pretend I just turned 18 years old last April.

XOXO Melanie

Kyson Turns 3!!

2010-09-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

My baby boy has turned 3 years old! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! A few days before he turned 3 he got his birthday gift from his babysitter. He wanted to try it out and help Mommy make his birthday cupcakes. He loves his apron!!

My boys babysitter also gave me the idea of decorating my kids doors for their birthdays. So I decided to do it for Kyson the first time. He woke up to this...

He was so cute and said half asleep "Is that for me?" I said "Yes, it's your birthday!!" Kyson said,"THAT'S MY K" meaning he new that his name was on his door. He was so excited...I was excited...and then I realized I had pushed pause on my video camera instead of record!!! I could have killed myself. He was so dang cute, and I missed it all!

His BIG cupcake he helped to make...this was on his actual birthday. He picked to have burgers, homemade french fries, and his favorite pasta salad. He got a bicycle from us and a play guitar from on of my friends at work. He also got his very first Lego set form his Aunt Stephanie.

Then when my parents came down the next weekend for Brox's birthday I had Sara Prince make this cake. Every time I asked Kyson what he wanted for his birthday cake he would always say a "COOKIE CAKE". So a cookie cake was what Mommy (or Sara Prince) delivered. Seriously the cutest thing ever!!

Can you tell he was a happy little boy!

For posterity sake....

KYSON'S LOVES AT 3 YEARS OLD:

*Ice Cream (he gets one every time he goes poo poo in the potty)

*Swimming...I could not keep him out of a pool this summer. He is my little fish!

*Sports...he loves playing baseball, football, basketball, and golf.

*Reading Books

*Cuddling with Mommy...before he goes to bed every night he comes and asks me if I will cuddle with him. I love it!

*Rodeo's...he wants to "rope" everyone and everything.

*His Papa's...he can't get enough of both of his Grandpa's.

*Bicycle or motorcycle rides.

*Animals...any kind loves them all.

*Looking through our family photo albums.

*Nursery...don't you just love great nursery leaders!!

*Dancing/Music...he's got some great moves.

I guess I could keep growing the list....but I'm sure that is sufficient. :)

LOVE YOU KYSON!!

XOXO Mommy

Lasik

2010-08-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting this post. We've been taught not to covet... so I am still working on this one.

All done!

The day after surgery he was seeing 20/15!!

XOXO A Jealous Wife :)

Springs Preserve

2010-08-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

I've got to catch up because it is a very special day today that I need to get to....

In July Shad & I went with the Hendricks family to the Springs Preserve. Our family had never been there before and it was a free day for the whole family. We soon realized why they make the free day in July...I'm just sayin' 120 degree weather is not so much fun with 2 little kids.

This flash flood display was one of Kyson's favorites.

Can you spot the creature?

Well we got 2 out of the 4 looking at the camera...batting 500 is always good.

The highlights for me was a free snow cone and kettle corn. Oh ya...and we got to see the youngest D.J. (per the Guinness Book of World Records) spin some music. This little guy was 6 years old. Ok to be honest it was a little anticlimactic. LOL!

XOXO Melanie

Princess

2010-08-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ky - "Mommy - you are a princess!!"

Me- "What?"

Kyson points to a picture of our wedding day in front of the temple...

Kids say the funniest things!

XOXO Melanie

Answer

2010-08-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a feeling you should do something and you follow that feeling and never get to see the outcome of your actions? For example I have feelings all of the time that I should lock my car door when I'm leaving some of my client's offices, but it's not like I have ever been attacked after I've locked my door.

Well you all know that I had feelings for probably close to a year that we should find a new home for Obi (our bull mastiff) and we finally gave in to those feelings and sent him Shad's Aunt & Uncle's house in Montana (see full story here and update here).

This is not like the same feeling as locking my door because we really feel like we have received our answer of why Obi was suppose to leave our family.

The story is recounted by Shad's Aunt:

"Hey! Yeah—my heart was totally pounding and my adrenaline was pumping! It happened while Phil and everyone was gone, and our other dog was at the vet--so it was just Obi and me at home hanging out in my bedroom/office, I bought him an extra bed so he can hang out with me in there.

So, I was just working away on my computer when I think I see something out of the corner of my eye and all off a sudden obi starts growling this horrible low growl that I had never heard before. And the hair on his back was totally standing up straight! He runs for the front door and I follow, trying to keep up. As soon as I opened the door he lunged out and around the side of the house barking that scary, deep throated bark. By the time I got around the side I just caught a glimpse of a guy running like a bat out of hell and Obi closing in and then I couldn’t see them anymore. But then the guy started screaming! Not like he was being torn limb from limb—just wishing he could run faster. You have to understand, no one ever, in the 14 years we have lived here has EVER just walked up here. We are too far in the middle of nowhere. This guy had to be a creeper!

So, later, after Obi came back, and I got brave, we took the 4 wheeler and went and “peered” around” just to make sure Obi had left the guy for dead but there was nobody. Thank heavens. So I am not sure I tell it any better than your Mom but you should be proud of your boy—he is so brave! Not only that but every “good” person that meets him here falls in love with him immediately. My parents demand that we bring him with us for Sunday dinner and they have even babysat him when I have had to run into the big city. He is a wonderful dog and now it is so comforting to know that even though he is so mellow—when any of us are in danger—he has our backs!!----Lisa"

Lisa definitely has a way with words... I'm so glad Obi was there to protect her and even more relieved we listened to our promptings to let Obi go - even though it took us almost a year to do it!!

XOXO Melanie

4th of July - Part II

2010-08-18T06:03:00.001-07:00

After the Baugh family BBQ we headed down to Cedar City to enjoy the festivities at the park. It is always like a class reunion for Shad. For some reason we didn't get many pictures... we must have been having too much fun!!

Ky loved playing in all of the blow up bouncing things (whatever they are called). His favorite was a very tall slide. I thought he would be scared climbing that high, but it didn't phase him.

What more could a 2 year old ask for than cotton candy bigger than you!!

CUTE BOYS!

My FaVoRIte picture of the day. Brox with his favorite girlfriend from Cedar City. Mataya is like 4 months older but probably 15 lbs lighter. She is a keeper.

We love Cedar City!
XOXO Melanie

Baugh Family Tradition

2010-08-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I realized Shad wouldn't have to work on the weekend of the 4th of July. It has been a few years since we have been able to attend the Baugh Family 4th of July BBQ!!! This tradition has been going on many years before I was born. We have it at the same location every year. My Grandpa Baugh cooks the hamburgers and the rest of us bring salads and desserts. My Grandma also puts on races for the little kids every year. This would be Kyson's first time competing in Grandma Baugh's races so we were very excited... keep reading to find out the results. :)

Can you tell my kids were happy to see there Grandma & Grandpa Whipple?

Can you tell I was excited to see my Grandparents? Really I have the cutest Grandparents in the WORLD!!
Great Grandma & Grandpa Baugh with the boys!!

All those hours of working out and my face is still chubby... at least Shad is still the hottest thing since sliced bread (yup I just said that).
Less 1 sister and 1 brother. Natalie was supporting Olin during "Cowboy Christmas" and we'll forgive Elder Whipple for not being there (wink, wink).

Happy baby Broxy!

Bo came along for the ride to Utah ... but that is not why I posted this picture ;)

(P.S. Did you notice Shad wearing his glasses all of the time...big news to come in a future post)

The races are about to begin ... the competition for Kyson.

The start of the race...

(Please ignore the proud Mommy screaming in the background)

Is it sad when you are proud that your 2 year old killed the competition? I could be in trouble when my boys start into sports.

In summary, fun was had by all.

XOXO Melanie

San Diego Trip

2010-07-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

I know this is almost 2 months over due but I need to post about the awesome vacation Shad & I had for his birthday. This was the first time since our 2nd Anniversary that we were able to go on a vacation without our kids. We missed them like crazy but it reminded us that we need to do more things just the two of us. It felt like we were "dating" again. Anyway, Shad planned this vacation to San Diego for his 30th birthday, which kept him distracted from finding out about his surprise party. After his party, my parents took the kids back to Utah on Memorial Day and we left for San Diego on Tuesday morning and didn't pick up the kids until Sunday. (THANK YOU to both of our parents who took turns watching our kids for us.)

The view from our room at the Hyatt. We were on the 26th floor and the view was awesome! The hotel was great too (other than you have to pay to park at your own hotel every single night - was not expecting that one).

The first night in San Diego we went to a Padres game... the view from our seats that were in the nose bleeds. It was still fun to be there. Petco Park is really neat.

During this game we realized that our hotel offered 30% off anything at the hotel if the Padres win and 50% off anything if they hit a grand slam or a walk-off home run. The Padres lost that night game but we were planning on going to another game the next day... so we started to keep our fingers crossed that they would at least win so we could get 30% off a couple's massage. We had talked about getting one but when we saw the prices they were way too expensive. However, 30% would have been more in our price range.

We decided to go early to the game so we could watch batting practice. That was a lot of fun. Especially since Shad saved the life of one of the physical trainers when Shad saw a line drive heading straight for him and warned him to get out of the way. He then proceeded to almost jump over the wall to grab the line drive and ended up pinning the ball against the wall with his bare hands but dropped it at the last moment. One of the players gave it to Shad and said he deserved to have the ball for his "effort". That's my husband! LOL!

A lot better seats the second day...

The coveted baseball...

So here is play by play... bottom of the ninth - Mets 1 and Padres 0. Padres have two on base with two outs. Player hits ball down 3rd base line - one scores (yeah we're tied) and Padres decide to send the next runner home.... here comes the throw and is he safe or out??(remember if they win we get 30% off a couples massage).... and he gets called out. Extra innings here we go!! We get to the bottom of the 11th and Padres have the bases loaded... Adrian Gonzalez is up to bat.... that's right...GRAND SLAM BABY!!! SHAD & I GET 50% OFF A COUPLES MASSAGE. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!!

Um... we were a little excited... can you tell?

We went to Seaport Village. I loved walking around the little shops and the huge battle ships were awesome!!

Shad had 2 birthday dinners in San Diego. The day before his birthday he picked Lou & Mickey's. He got the fillet and crab legs. I am not a fan of fish but the crab legs were WONDERFUL!!

On Shad's actual birthday, we went to the San Diego temple for the first time. We wished it hadn't been under construction but it was still a great experience.

We went to the Lajolla Cove after the temple and saw the sea lions. Amazing again!!

We finished the day off by visiting Old Town San Diego. I love learning about history and looking at old artifacts. The Mormon Battalion exhibit was my favorite stop there...

And you get this lovely picture e-mailed to you too. BONUS!

Many friends had told me the best thing to do in Old Town is to eat Mexican food. Of course I wasn't going to pass that up since Mexican is my favorite. So for Shad's actual birthday dinner he let me have my favorite (spoiled right?).

And I repaid him with this...

Our last stop was in Downy, California to stay with Shad's Aunt & Uncle Boyd. Although I have not spent a lot of time with the Boyd's, they are very special to Shad & I both. We are the closest to them then any of Shad's extended family. We just love them to pieces!!

We decided to go to a Dodger's game and at the last minute Shad's cousin's boyfriend's uncle (still following) decided to give us his 4 season tickets. We had awesome seats and had such a FANTASTIC time.

Don't mind this next picture... it was pre-working out (plus the 8 lbs I gained on the vacation... not lying).

And of course it wouldn't have been the same experience without Shad catching a foul ball. This one was awesome because he jumped over our row of seats and ran down to another section to catch this one before anyone even realized it was coming towards them. Even better, 2 seconds after he sat down his sister Cami called and asked if he had just caught a foul ball.... the awesome catch made it on to TV. He is my All-Star!!

As you can tell we had a great time and can't wait until we can go on another amazing vacation together.

Thanks babe for everything babe!!

XOXO Melanie

Baptized

2010-07-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Our family was invited to a beautiful little girl's baptism tonight. Shad & I taught her in primary when she was 5 years old. She is such a sweet girl and it was a great night for her. This was Ky's first experience seeing a baptism. I wasn't sure how he would react to the whole night but for the most part he did great. Until it was time to leave....

Ky came up to me and said, "Mommy I wanna be baptized!"

(Teaching moment - right?)

Mommy - "When you turn 8 years old you can be baptized too. You are only 2 years old (and I proceeded to count on his fingers) and when you are 6 six years older you can be baptized - OK."

Ky - "No I be baptized now!"

And then the tears and whining started to flow...

Ky - "I be baptized, I be baptized, I be baptized!!"

All the way out of the church, through the parking lot, and continued until home. We thought it was because he loves the water so much, so Shad said that we were going to get in the "bubbles" (bath time) and he said no I don't want bubbles I want to be baptized.

This was definitely a night both Shad & I could put up with his crying and whining... what a cutie!!

XOXO Melanie

SuRprISe!!

2010-06-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

After 2 months of planning and lots of help from family and friends I pulled off a BIG SURPRISE PARTY for Shad's 30th Birthday!!

We had the party at my friend's house who had a huge backyard and an awesome pool! Shad definitely gave me a run for my money because at the last minute he wanted to play in a memorial flag football tournament and apparently "just going over to the Hendricks for a BBQ" was not important enough to miss the tournament. I pulled the "We haven't done anything fun with the family in a long time" card and luckily it worked.

The party was on the Saturday before Memorial Day, because we were going to be in San Diego for his actual birthday (more about that trip to come). Did I mention it was a day full of surprises?? My Mom decided to plan a little surprise for me too! She called my sister Stephanie, who lives in St. Louis, a few weeks before the party and said she would help pay for her plane ticket so her and her husband could be at the party too. How awesome is that!! After we all yelled surprise to Shad my sister's husband Matt caught my eye and I thought "that guy kind of looks familiar" but didn't think twice about it. Then all of a sudden my sister Stephanie was right in my face... she had to take off her sunglasses for it to really sink in. I FREAKED OUT!! I wish I knew how to edit the video of me freaking out because it is hilarious!! What a great day and weekend!!

Thanks to everyone who came and helped me plan the big surprise...and a very BIG THANK YOU to the Hendricks family that let us have the party at their house. How am I so lucky to have found such great friends?? Sorry to those who somehow I forgot to get invites to... it was not intentional.

I hope you had a FANTASTIC 3oth Birthday party Babe... love ya lots!!

Pictures will tell the rest of the story...

XOXO Melanie

P.S. I had one my good friends make an awesome poster with the "Top Thirty Interesting Facts about Shad Rollo" ... submitted by family and friends. I thought they were pretty funny. ENJOY!!

Top Thirty Interesting Facts About Shad Rollo
by family & friends

1- Grew up wanting to be the owner of SeaWorld and to be the trainer for the dolphins and whales.
2- Shad fell and bit his tongue when he was young. His parents were told that you couldn’t stitch a tongue and to just let it heal. He now has a small flap of skin on his tongue...which makes for a fun kiss!
3- Shad was his Dad’s shadow growing up. He learned everything from his dad- hard work, patience and a love for sports - just to name a few.
4- Shad’s nursery leaders had to take the balls out of the classroom because he had such a good arm that he frightened the nursery leaders that they thought he might hurt someone.
5- Shad swung the baseball bat so well at a very young age that Shad’s Dad had to pitch to him with some speed.
6- Shad was hit by a car while running away from a gas station after he “borrowed” a pack of gum. He just stood right back up and kept running back to elementary school.
7- When Shad was old enough to know better, he was caught peeing in the corner of his room.
8- Was voted Most Preferred by his high school - his talent- a roller skating routine while wearing a wrestling outfit made for a 10 year old.
9- Shad had two nicknames growing up - Shadrach & Boner - you’ll have to ask him how he got the second.
10- It wasn’t until close to the end of high school that Shad could finally beat his Dad in basketball.
11- He’s only been in one fight (until he became a police officer). It was in a baseball brawl. His only punch...was to the back of the head of a player that was already “preoccupied” with another one of his teammates.
12- Drove a 68 yellow and black Camero to high school.
13- Favorite Movie...Tommy Boy.
14- Shad is the BIGGEST tease you’ll meet.
15- Paid $500 to become a model while going through college.
16- Received a lewdness ticket for peeing off the side of the road...trying to make it back for my birthday that day...the month before we were married.
17- Proposed to me in front of more than 60 of my family members at a Christmas Party.
18- He has a great singing voice but won’t admit that out loud.
19- Loves all animals- including 2 sugar gliders he made us get when we were first married.
20- Gets hives all over his body when he gets stressed.
21- Has cut his own hair since his mission and now cuts the boy’s hair.
22- Shad would keep the TV on all day and night if I would let him.
23- Is a hopeless romantic...not kidding!
24- Still opens the door for me 100% of the time...thanks Steve and Doreen for teaching him chivalry is not out of style.
25- The “real” reason why Shad became a police officer was to beat the Whipple family at shooting contests when we go camping. We had a BB shooting contest one camping trip and Shad came in dead last. That November Shad entered the academy...he hasn’t lost a contest since! (He actually became a Master shooter in his academy,
which means he was in the top 10% of shooters.)
26- The first time Shad “let one go” in front of me was after we were married. We were fishing for the first time on a blow up raft and he said, “Melanie, what’s that? Shhh...Listen” then he let one rip that shook the boat and rippled the water.
27- My Dad took Shad for a “short” bicycle ride and just after climbing the first hill, Shad says he needs to stop. He rests and gets back on ...within seconds Shad stops and says “I think I’m going to be sick”...that’s right, my 50-something Father kicked the now 30 year old’s butt!
28- Shad will not let the kids out of the house unless their clothes are matching.
29- He does more loads of laundry and vacuums the house more than I do.
30-The one thing that can get Shad emotional at anytime is when someone talks about what a great person his Dad is...he is proud to be a Rollo!

Update on Obi

2010-06-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

If anyone cares to see this face more and get an update on how Obi is doing in Montana click on the link below...

http://lisalouwho.blogspot.com/2010/05/even-noah-had-his-critter-limits.html

I can't believe how much we miss him!!!

XOXO Melanie

Brox's 7 month pics

2010-05-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a little late on this post...but they are adorable none the less. My awesome cousin took these pics and they turned out so great! If anyone is interested let me know and I'll give you her contact info. Thanks again Katy!!!

Just a few of my favorites!!

I think she captured every single one of his facial expressions.... what do you think?

What happened to my baby boy... he is all grown up!!!!!

XOXO A PROUD MOMMA

Youth Pioneer Trek

2010-05-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Shad & I were asked to be a Ma and Pa for our ward youth pioneer trek. Summary - It was one of the hardest things I've done in a very long time...but the most rewarding.

We told Shad it wasn't the wild wild west...but he didn't care.

This is the start of the trek. Our family (below) was so awesome!! They worked so hard and never complained. We couldn't have asked for better kids or a better experience.

Getting to our campsite for the night. We had such a great time learning about the pioneers were were walking for and also fun dancing to good old country and square dance music. Our family cart was "Be Thankful".

We ran in to many surprises the second day. This water was suppose to be to our knees.

This was suppose to be a dry river bed... the mud came over my knees at the deepest parts. The mud was so sticky it ripped your shoes right off your feet. I did this part barefoot.

Right before lunch (around 2 p.m.) we came around the bend and saw this lovely "hill". Our family is the one half way up the hill. I couldn't help push the cart because I could barely make it walking. When we got to the top Sister Green was playing "Come Come Ye Saints" on her violin. It was an awesome experience. For lunch we had to pick one child from our family to shoot the "turkey". They got three shots... if you hit a turkey you got a 6 huge turkey legs with your lunch... if you missed you only got PBJs and fruit. Kayden was nominated from our family and he got the turkey on the 1st shot!!! I was still so tired from climbing the hill that I forgot to take a picture of our food. It was like the huge turkey legs you can get a Disneyland...if that helps. :)

We are almost to Zion!

My girls!

Our cute family close to the end of the trek!

What a great experience... if you ever get asked to participate I would highly recommend it!!

XOXO Melanie

Kyson's 1st Movie Theater Experience

2010-05-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

We decided that Kyson was old enough to experience the movie theater for the first time... so what better movie to start him off on then How to Train Your Dragon... in 3D. We got a big tub off popcorn and a sprite to share. When the show first started he kept trying to reach out and grab the objects coming at him. It was so funny. He only wanted to get out of his seat once in the middle of the movie but quickly sat down next to Mommy when the scary part came. My friend watched Brox for us so we could enjoy this experience just with Ky (Thanks Lindsey). He absolutely loved it!! Shad & I really enjoyed the movie too. Since going to the movies in Vegas costs as much as going to Disney Land we will probably hold off taking him back for a little while...but we definitely won't forget his first experience.

LOVE YOU KYSON!!

XOXO Melanie

This is what happens...

2010-05-21T16:45:00.001-07:00

When you leave your 2 year old unattended with your 8 month old...

XOXO Melanie

Birthday & Anniversary

2010-05-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

My birthday was last month and of course Shad spoiled me rotten. He gave me new clothes for work in the morning, brought the boys to work with my favorite flowers, 2 DVDs I've been wanting forever, and my absolute favorite...CAFE RIO! That night we went to BJ's and had one of my favorite desserts - a pazookie and we topped it all off with going to see the Carrot Top show - VIP seats. It was such a great day! Thanks babe!!!

May 16th comes around (after a grueling youth pioneer trek that Shad & I went on - post to come) and we began our Sunday like usual. Then I get a text message from my older sister "Happy Anniversary Melanie" ... I had forgotten my own 7th wedding anniversary!! How could that happen? By the time I could even wish Shad a happy anniversary I had already gotten a call from my younger sister to wish me a happy anniversary too.

Luckily for me, Shad had forgotten too. Has that happened to anyone else out there? Anyway, my Mom was down (she watched the kids while we were on the trek) and so she helped me make a FANTASTIC dinner. It ended up being an awesome and very relaxing day.

Thanks Shad for all that you do for our family. The boys adore you and I could not survive without you. You are my everything!!

XOXO Melanie

P.S. A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU MOM. WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS PAST WEEKEND WITHOUT YOU!!

Kyson's Idol

2010-05-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

We've been to a couple of rodeo's these past few months and I think Kyson already knows who he wants to be like when he grows up...OLIN!!

Ky won't wear his cowboy hat right... he turns it so he can see better. Silly boy! He looks like a little rodeo clown.

At the Logandale rodeo we got to watch baby pigs race and see a talking parrot. So FUN!

Kyson made us find him a rope so he could lasso the practice calf. He also roped the chairs in front of us... he would lasso, try to tie them up, and then throw his hands up in the air to call for time. He has the calf roping down! Watch out NFR.

Cute baby Brox lovin the rodeo!

XOXO Melanie

Perfect Moments

2010-05-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Last night while I was bathing the kids I told Ky to close his eyes shut like Mommy (I was squeezing them shut real tight) and he followed exactly what I did. I told him that this is how we shut our eyes when we are saying prayers (Side note-Ky has never once shut his eyes during the prayer, he'll fold his arms, but will not shut his eyes - no matter how many times we have told him).

That brings us to this morning...Ky woke up later than normal at a reasonable hour of 8 a.m. and came into my room (yes I was still in bed-don't judge). Conversation followed...

Ky - "Mommy get dressed. I want to eat."

Mom - "What do you want to eat?"

Ky - "Bacon, eggs and toast!" (Which is adorable to me because that is what I have been making him every Friday morning for the past few weeks...so he actually remembers.)

I was just loving my Friday morning already! Ky helped me crack the eggs, make the bacon, and butter the toast. I brought his plate to the table and told him to go and sit in his chair. I go back to the kitchen to get my plate and come back and sit down next to Ky. He is sitting there with his arms folded and his eyes squeezed shut! Not one bite gone from his most favorite breakfast!!

All those times of frustration trying to teach your 2 year old something...flew out of the window at that moment. He proceeded to copy Mommy on a great prayer and we had a great breakfast, just the two of us.

These moments are why being a Mother is so special!!

Love you Ky!!

XOXO Melanie

I heart L.V.

2010-04-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons why I love living in L.V.

This was taken two weeks ago...when it was in the high 70's!!

XOXO Melanie

A Moment of Silence for Obi...

2010-04-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

After much debate, we have decided that it would be better to find another home for our Bull Mastiff - Obi. He has been with us since he was 8 weeks old and we got him just after we moved to Vegas. He became a playmate for our first dog Bo and they got along so well. He is now 4 years old and weighs over 120 pounds.

He has a very different personality than most dogs - he is scared of children. He is such a good dog with Shad & I and is so fun and playful...but when Ky gets within two feet of him he gets scared and runs away. He is very playful, but because of his size and strength does not understand he can do some serious damage when he bites.

Shad's parents drove him to Utah today and they'll meet up with Shad's Uncle next week. He lives in Montana, which of course is a very different climate than he is accustomed to. I hope he will have a great home up there with lots of room to play. It is a very sad day in the Rollo household, but it is not worth the risk of him getting too scared and/or cornered that he bites one of our children.

We love you Obi... I can't believe how much we already miss you!

XOXO Melanie

Where Daddy go?

2010-04-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Right now I work 4 days a week and I have Fridays off. This morning Ky comes into my bed around 6 a.m. when Shad was leaving to work. This is how the conversation went...

Ky - "Dad go to work?"

Mom - "Yup, Dad is going to work."

Ky - "And to play baseball!"

Pause...

Ky - "It's a BIG game!"

At only 2 years old Ky already knows how Dad feels about playing sports...

I couldn't stop smiling.

I guess the love of sports started young with Kyson...his first word after "Da Da" was "futball"...this is Ky at 10 months old.

XOXO Melanie

No...not my child!

2010-04-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone thinks there child is innocent and sweat all of the time, right? We were invited to a friends house for dinner and to play games. Jamie told me her daughter Lexie was looking forward to having my boys over so she could play with them. I taught her in primary for a year so I just adore her. Long story short - Lex and Ky were laying on the couch on their belly's watching Finding Nemo when Lex starts out with a slow and quiet ow which turns into a loud crying OW very quick. Ky just leaned over and bit her in the back of the arm! She was pinned because her arms were behind her on the couch so she couldn't move to get him off of her. Seriously!! What provokes a 2 year old to bite someone when he has never done that before and they were just laying down watching a movie? How embarrassed were Shad & I? I can't even begin to describe the feeling.

The picture below was taken a couple of hours after the "incident"... bit her hard enough to leave marks and a bruise.

He has not done that before or since so I hope it was a one time thing. Sorry Lex...hopefully you will let your parents invite us over again. We love you!!

XOXO Melanie

Traditions

2010-04-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

It is a Whipple family tradition to go camping over Easter/Spring Break. I thought it would be fun to try out camping around Las Vegas for many reasons 1- There is not two feet of snow here, 2- We would like to get to know the area a little more so we can start camping with our little family, and 3- The temperatures were in the 70s. A couple of weeks before Easter weekend, my parents came to visit and checked out one of the site's that was recommended to us (thanks Shelley). We decided on Logandale Trails Systems and it was AWESOME!!

My sister Kenzie was the first to arrive and snagged us a perfect camping site. There were a lot of people but we didn't let that stop us. Our adventures in pics....

Our campsite...like camping at Lake Powell without the water! Grandpa & Grandma Whipple enjoying some awesome food.

Shad showing off the dutch oven breakfast...my first time and it was yummo! I love this picture of Kyson...he couldn't wait to go camping and he had a blast! He pretty much rode the motorcycles all day long. He even fell asleep on the gas tank while on one trip and my dad had to balance him with his knees. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of that. LOL!

Typical picture of Kenz...gotta love sisters!

Kenz and Dust...they made dutch oven pizza and bread sticks. It was so fantastic!

Redneck bath time!

Broxy & Mommy!

We colored Easter Eggs and this one is of course for Elder Whipple...he was the best camper in our family so we can't wait to show him our new camping spot! We then had an Easter Egg run down a tall sand dunes hill.

Video of what occurred after the egg roll and watch Kys thumbs up...hilarious!...(ignore my loud voice)

How awesome is this...the Easter Bunny found us camping...which was the first for all of us to actually see the Easter Bunny in person. Can you tell Ky was just a little nervous? LOL!

We all got into the hunt for the lucky egg...filled with a whopping $10. Sadly, Kenzie found the egg...dang!

It's so hard to say goodbye!!

XOXO Melanie

Could they be any cuter?

2010-04-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

If I would have know that grandkids were going to be so much fun... I would have had them FIRST!!

We took a trip to Cedar to visit Shad's parents and we snapped these cute pictures. Look how cute Shad's parents are... Grandma Rollo is always so cute and trendy and can always get the kids laughing with her great "tickle fingers" and Grandpa Rollo is always so willing to play ball and wrestle with Kyson (Shad & I can always use a break from getting beat up from a 2 yr old). Did you notice how cute the nursery gift was for Easter (it's around Ky's neck). Another reason why I love this church. It's hard to explain, it is just awesome to feel right at home no matter what chapel you walk into on Sunday. It doesn't matter where you go, there are individuals magnifying their callings.

These pictures were taken after 3 hours of church...and they are all happy and smiling.

The picture below has to be my favorite. Brox could not be happier!! And look how cute Grandma is... what a fun moment and a great trip.

XOXO Melanie

Kys First Hunt!

2010-04-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Easter egg hunt that is...

Ky had so much fun...and there wasn't a lot of kids so he was able to get a nice stash of eggs and candy.

P.S. He insists on wearing that hat all the time. At lease it keeps his face out of the sun. What a cute boy!!

Brox was there too (I did let him out of his car seat too...)

XOXO Melanie

KY-ISMS

2010-03-26T21:54:00.001-07:00

I decided to move "KY-isms" to the main feed instead of off to the side...for those Google readers out there. I've re-posted the old "isms" and have added two new...for posterity sake. ENJOY!

*Ky - "I have gum?"

Mom - "No, you've already had 10 pieces today."

Ky- "You're mean Mom!"

*Mom - "Please don't hit Bo (our cocker spaniel) with the sword."

Ky - "It's my yife (life) Mom!"

REALLY where does a 2 year old get this from??

OLD KY-ISMS

*Ky will now hide (under blankets, behind doors, inside toy bins) and will say "where did Kyson go?" and I respond "I don't know, where did Kyson go?" and he says "I dun know" silly boy is giving away his hiding spot without even knowing it. -12/28/09

*When Ky wants to be picked up he says "hold you mom" and of course I say "I want to hold you too Ky". - 12/20/09

*Kyson is always asking to hold Baby Brox and once he gets him in his arms he says ... "Ohh cute" and then two seconds later he says "all done". - 9/12/09

*Kys has been saying this for awhile but I wanted to document his first phrase. "I Yuv You" is what melts my heart every time he says it. - 8/3/09

*I thought I was being creative and taught Kyson how to say please and thank you instead of him just pointing at something and saying ah ah ah (pretty much whining at me)...but now all he does is whine by using "pease". It's so dang cute I have a hard time saying no. Especially when he follows up with a "tank tou". - 2/24/09

*I don't know where Kyson picked this one up from but everywhere we go and someone passes us he has to say HI. We'll be walking down the isle in the grocery store making him laugh and then he'll stop whatever he's doing and turn to the individual walking past us and say HI. He even says HI to the cars that pass us. I guess that stranger danger hasn't kicked in for this little boy. - 2/5/09

*Kyson is starting to say more and more words...he picked up our dog Bo's name really quick but still can't seem to get our second dog's name down. So instead of calling him Obi he says..."O-bo"...it is so funny! - 1/9/09

Grandma & Grandpa Whipple

2010-03-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

Our family anticipated the arrival of Grandma & Grandpa Whipple for over a month! Let's just say they didn't disappoint. We had so much fun while they were here for a few days. My Dad got 140 miles of bike riding in just a 3 day span. My Mom watched my kids on Thursday and had so much fun just playing. Temperatures got up to 79 degrees while they were here, which is a great break from the 3 feet of snow in my parents front yard. My mom taught me how to make her famous cinnamon rolls...yummy! We also drove to the Logandale Trail System and picked out spots for camping over Easter weekend. I can' wait!! The only thing I didn't get to do is play card games, you can't play too many games with just two people (my Dad doesn't play and Shad was working). Here are some pictures from our wonderful weekend.

Grandpa and his "sexy" bike riding outfit!

Grandma and Broxy time.

Logandale has this street sign... and how awesome are those redrocks!!

Brox getting ready for my ward's 5K walk/run. Yes, my parents and I pushed 2 strollers and came in dead last... but at least I was able to shed some calories to prepare for the 8 yummy cinnamon rolls I ate later that day.

Thanks for coming to visit us Grandma & Grandpa! Please come back soon!!

XOXO Melanie, Kyson & Brox

P.S. Shad had to work the whole time they were here but he did get to enjoy all of the yummy food my Mom made. LOL!

ALL THINGS KYSON

2010-03-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

#1 - Kyson asked me today where his ball was...here is how the conversation went:

Ky - "Where did the ball go?"

Mom - "I don't know, where did the ball go?"

Ky - "Ball went to work."

I laughed but then realized how much it effects our kids when we have to leave them at a babysitter to go to work. Break my heart!

#2 - I told my Mom that I had just taught Kyson a couple of days ago how to fast forward through the commercials in his shows that are recorded on DVR. He pushes the yellow button until it gets him to his show and then he says "I did it" and is so proud of himself. My Mom says "Don't you think you should teach him his ABCs before you teach him how to use the remote?"

Duh Mom...who needs to know their ABCs when you've mastered the art of remote control technology...get with the times. LOL! On second thought, may be I should redirect my energy to something more productive.

#3 - Kyson was trying to lasso his toys and came running to me upset...

Mom - "What's wrong Kyson?"

Kyson - "My rope is broken"

I guess those stuffed animals weren't cooperating?

#4 - I would classify "WHY" and "BECAUSE" as the two most hated words of parents used by their children. Example...

Mom - "Why did you hit your brother Kyson?"

Kyson - "Because"

Mom - "Kyson you need to put your shoes on to go outside."

Kyson - "Why"

You get the picture...well Kyson has added a new word which encompasses both.

Mom - "Kyson it's time for your nap"

Kyson - "whycause"

Mom - "Kyson will you please eat your dinner"

Kyson - "whycause"

I guess he likes to ask and answer his own question all at once??

XOXO Melanie

Brox is SIX months old!!

2010-03-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby is already 6 months old!! Some things about Brox...

- He just cut his first tooth this week.

- He tried his first bottle of baby food yesterday...and gagged.

- Can not be left on a bed anymore...he rolls all over the place.

- He loves feeding the bottle to himself.

- Hates antibiotics...first ear infections this week.

- Hates to have his nose sucked out...I don't blame him.

- LOVES bath time with his big brother.

- Loves his DADDY...will not stop "wiggling" when he walks into the room (see "wiggling" movie).

- Is seriously the happiest baby you will ever meet.

LOVE YOU BROXY!!!!

XOXO Mommy

The first 11 seconds are the best...sorry it is facing the wrong way??

Tender Moment

2010-02-28T12:46:00.001-08:00

Kyson threw a fit today because we told him he couldn't go to church. He has two ear infections, a fever, running nose, and won't stop coughing... do you think the nursery leaders will still let him come? He just whimpers "I go church, see Jesus" ...even with his running nose I don't think he could be any cuter!!

XOXO Melanie

Good Old Days

2010-02-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Found this picture of Kyson when he was 8 months old (taken May 3, 2008) ... he is with his good friend Jack J. Can you believe how chubby he is??? Brox doesn't have a chance!!

XOXO Melanie

Valentine's Present

2010-02-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

I surprised Shad with new pictures of the boys. I saw an idea online and on last minute notice a good friend in my ward took the pictures for me.

Shad taught Kyson that every time we told him we loved him he would scream back at us "I LOVE YOU MORE!!" Hence the pictures.

Shad you are my everything! Happy V-Day!!

XOXO Melanie

I'm concerned on a number of levels...

2010-02-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

I was putting another load in the laundry and walk into my living room to find this.... (It's Kyson's blow up baseball tee that has water in the base to anchor it down)

1 - Kyson is already beating up on his little brother...really!

2 - Brox actually enjoyed the "abuse" AND

3 - Mommy grabbed the camera to take pictures instead of rescuing her 5 month old.

Has blogging become more important than my child's safety?? TBD But by the looks of this picture... Brox doesn't seem to mind.

XOXO Melanie

IS THIS WEEK OVER YET!

2010-02-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

I'll spare everyone the details about this week but this is what topped it off...and it was only Wednesday night!! Last night Kyson was running around happy for us to be home. We got him to stop to say the dinner prayer (at 8:00 p.m. - yes please don't judge that I feed my kids dinner at 8 when they should already be in bed) and he went back to running into the family room...trips...comes running back into the kitchen crying. Dad - "We told you to stop running" Mom - "There is blood coming out of his mouth....it's everywhere" Kyson - "I sorry". Once we got the bleeding stopped this is what we found...

Can you see the flap of skin? Seriously...I apologize if I just made someone sick to their stomach because when I saw it I about died. We end up calling my Mom who ends up calling a family friend who is a dentist who ends up telling us it could be stitched. So we call the ER at the hospital close to us and they told us to come in. Two different nurses look at him and tell Shad it is definitely going to need stitches. Then the doctor comes in to do the stitches and he says that because the mouth heals so quick, he would prefer not to stitch because it is a traumatic experience for little children...they would have had to strap him down to a board. What! So Ky and Shad get home after 10 p.m. with no stitches and still a flap of skin. This morning he tells me he has an owie and won't stop playing with the flap...how is it suppose to heal if a 2 year old won't leave it alone??

I know this is only the beginning of owies and possible stitches for us.... two boys - two years apart... you do the math.

P.S. Did you see those adorable eyes!!! Man he is the cutest little two year old I've ever seen!

XOXO Melanie

You heard it here first!

2010-02-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_14368846?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

See other (non-bias) individuals thinks Olin is a SUPERSTAR!

XOXO Melanie

My Brother-In Law is a SUPERSTAR!

2010-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that my brother-in law rodeos. This year Olin is rodeoing full-time to try to make it where every cowboy dreams to go --- the NFR. I've posted about going and watching him steer wrestle in the past and it is so much fun to see him kick butt! He has been doing very well so far this year and just had a great rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas!! Well folks the standings were just updated and Olin is NUMBER ONE in the WORLD right now in steer wrestling!! I can hear Olin right now telling me it's not a big deal because what matters is your rankings at the end of the year and it is so early... BUT I think it is pretty cool... and definitely blog worthy. CONGRATULATIONS OLIN!! We are cheering you on and can't wait until you come to our "hometown" for the finals!!

See his official ranking here http://www.prorodeo.com/Standings.aspx?xu=1&year=2010 . (Click on steer wrestling)

XOXO Melanie

You know it's sad when...

2010-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

You try to work out for the first time in probably a year and a half and you ...

1- Can't even make it through the short 20 min workout (Jillian's new workout DVD)
2- The 10 min you did make it through, you cheated most of the moves, AND
3- You can't lift your arms to blow dry your hair after the "workout"

The GOOD news ...there is definitely room for improvement. LOL!!

XOXO Melanie

Crazy drive to work...

2010-01-24T21:09:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I was driving to work like every other day. It usually takes me 20 min to drive from our house to my office, and appx 95% of that is on a highway going 65 miles per hour. This is good information for you all because you will now appreciate this picture more fully ...

I get out of my car and walk around the front to start going into my office and I saw this lovely hitch hiker. Yes, it is our Christmas Ribbon box and yes we pulled in a little too far into the garage and it got hooked onto our license plate. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw it and was grateful that I had parked the direction I did... otherwise the individuals I work with would have seen it attached to my car and I know I wouldn't have heard the end of it.

XOXO Melanie

Brox's Stats

2010-01-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

This chubby boy went to the doctor's on Friday (he is 4 months and 3 weeks) and here are his stats (picture was taken while waiting for the doc):

Weight: 17 lbs and 7 oz (75 - 90 percentile)

Height: 25 1/2 inches (50 -75 percentile)

Head: 42 1/2 cm (25 - 50 percentile)

Other than what other normal 4 month old babies do, Brox loves to stick out his tongue all of the time ... especially when you go in for a kiss. He loves his swing and is just starting to eat rice cereal. At nights he starts kicking, wiggling, and moving his whole body back and forth because he gets so excited to get in the bath with his big brother. I can't believe how big he is getting. It is so fun to see his personality start to come out. He is always happy and such a good baby. Love ya tons Broxy!!!

XOXO Melanie

Christmas Night

2010-01-04T19:49:00.001-08:00

We drove to Cedar City to be with Shad's family on Christmas evening and we had such a great time. We always get spoiled when we go to The Rollo's.

How happy is Ky in this pic?

He loves to see his Pa Pa Rollo!!

XOXO Melanie

Brox 4 months old!!

2010-01-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

Today Brox turns 4 months old and tonight he rolled from his belly to his back for the very first time. I'm so excited I got to see this first because I feel like I miss so much while I'm at work. He is the chubbiest but cutest 4 month old you'll ever see!!

LOVE YOU CHUBBY!

P.S. The pic is from our New Year's Eve party. The bib says "feed me" ... how fitting.

XOXO Melanie

Christmas Day

2010-01-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Our family tradition is to look over my parent's banister before coming down the stairs. You should have seen Kyson's face when he spotted all of his toys from Santa. Oh Christmas is so fun with kids of your own!!

The loot from Santa!

Kyson's favorite gift from Santa.

Brox was content with this stuffed animal most of the day...little kids are so easy to please.

XOXO Melanie

Christmas Eve

2010-01-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

We were able to go to the annual Whipple Christmas Eve lunch at Chuck-A-Rama. I know you are all thinking we are crazy but this tradition has been a part of the Whipple Christmas Eve since Chuck-A-Rama was established (I might be exaggerating, but as long as I can remember). We then go to my Grandma Whipple's house and open our presents from her. We always get a book (because my Grandma was a school teacher her whole life and enjoys sharing her love for books with her Grandchildren) and I love this tradition now that I have children of my own because that is one of my favorite things to do with my kids is read to them.

Chuck-A-Rama...

Books from Great Grandma Whipple...

Thanks Grandma Whipple! We love you so much!!!

Christmas Eve PJ's

We had a great Christmas Eve program and I always love listening to my Mom read the Christmas story told by the many prophets in the Bible and Book of Mormon. Kyson is starting to understand Christ's birth and it is so neat watching him learn the true meaning of Christmas.

XOXO Melanie

White Christmas

2010-01-01T15:08:00.001-08:00

My favorite part of being in Utah for Christmas is we get to enjoy all of the snow...and then drive back to our 55 degree weather in Vegas.

XOXO Melanie

Christmas in Utah

2010-01-01T14:50:00.001-08:00

We were able to spend almost 2 weeks in Utah over the holidays. We enjoyed our time with family and friends. The highlight of my family's Christmas was being able to speak with my brother Evan on Christmas Eve who is serving a mission in Fiji. We were able to speak to him for about an hour and a half. He sounded great!! We asked him to bare his testimony in Fijian and he sounded awesome!! He also said he received the most Christmas cards out of any missionary in his district. He was definitely spoiled. He is growing so much and we are so very proud of him.

Kyson loves spending time in E-town.

The very first meeting with Santa Clause for both Kyson and Brox. Kyson was the only small child that didn't start crying when he was picked up by Santa. :)

Brox is starting to grab on to everything!! His favorite thing to do is pull out his binki immediately after Mommy puts it in his mouth. Silly boy!!

XOXO Melanie

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

I made Shad promise me we would always get a real Christmas tree since that was my family's tradition. Of course we have had some very scary Christmas trees but that is all part of the experience...the tree's "character". Here are a few pictures of the adventure.

Before we could go and cut one down up Ephraim canyon, Kyson had to go on his motorcycle ride with Pa Pa (He really was excited to go but wasn't excited for the picture...can you tell?).

Christmas tree hunting... (notice Shad & Brox's matching overalls, Shad thinks he's funny)

The final product...we think it's our best Christmas tree ever!!

MEMORIES:

Our first Christmas tree... see what I mean about "character".

XOXO Melanie

The cutest letter ever!

2009-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is a letter that Kyson got from my babysitter's daughter, Brooke. Kyson and Brooke have a very special relationship because he has been watched by Lindsay since he was around 7 months old. They are like brother and sister. I had to share her cute letter she wrote for him during a primary activity. I wish I had a color scanner so you could see the cute crayons she used. Thanks Brooke for always loving Ky!!

XOXO Melanie

My Thoughts

2009-12-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

I know it has been awhile since I've updated my blog but I wanted to share some thoughts with you all. As most of you know Shad is a police officer in Las Vegas. Of course after people find that out the first question follows..."does that make you nervous"...which I always respond "not really". I saw the training Shad received and I know all of the safety precautions the police officers take to protect the community and each other. I also truly believe that yes everyone has their free agency and terrible things happen in this world but I also believe that there is a reason for everything in this life and if it is your time to go then the one's left behind can rely on Heavenly Father's love to keep us going through the hard times. This belief has helped me not worry and agonize over Shad's profession.

The day before Thanksgiving I sat at my office after we had closed at noon and watched a police officer's funeral live on the Internet. I started to understand what the scriptures mean when it says we need to "mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort". I have never been affected by what Shad does for a living as much as I did that day. The officer who died graduated with Shad in his academy, he is Shad's age, and his two children are almost the exact ages as our two. Although I was completely devastated by watching the funeral and trying to understand what that wife and mother was going through I was also amazed at the honor, respect, and love that poured out to this family. Our prayers are continually with this family.

If you want to read more about this police officer click on these two links.

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11536030

http://photos.lasvegasnow.com/thumbnails.php?album=266&page=1

A quick thank you to my very close friend who has a husband that works for the FBI (you know who you are) who let me cry my eyes out to her and walked me through the emotions of that day. I LOVE YOU!!

XOXO Melanie

Brox's Stats

2009-11-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Brox had a check up (a couple of weeks ago) and he was 10 weeks old. These are his stats in case anyone is interested...

Weight: 13 lbs 5 oz

Length: 23 in

Yes we have a very HEALTHY baby! Kyson heard us call him chubby so now he walks up to the baby and says "Hi Chubby Bock". Crack me up!!

The picture was taken from Shad's cell right after he got weighed.

XOXO Melanie

Just when you think you want to give up...

2009-11-13T22:39:00.000-08:00

Today is what I like to call "one of those days" and it goes like this. Yesterday my babysitter had an emergency so I stayed home with the boys and by 9 a.m. I was starting to feel sick and so by the end of the day I could barely keep my eyes open...which takes us into today. Ky wakes up earlier then normal and wants "shocolate milk" then Brox wakes up and needs to be fed and is fussier than normal. No big deal right? I proceed the morning like usual and Ky even walks into the bathroom, gets on the stool, pulls down his pants and pees all by himself. YEAH! My day starts to get better. Then he decides to pee all over the carpet. Then he goes to the bathroom again all by himself. Then he decides to pee all over the couch (that Shad & I just cleaned the night before). Ky goes to sleep but wakes up crying and fussy. I look at the clock ...it is only 3 p.m. ... I have 3 1/2 more hours to go before Shad gets home. Will I survive? My friend unexpectedly shows up to my house with cookie dough ... what!... I get my favorite snack and I didn't even have to make it (or clean it up). My day is getting better. Then Ky decides to pee on the stairs (while he is sitting in time out for hitting Brox).

Shad gets home at 6:30...

Melanie: "I have to get out of the house!"
Shad: "Ok"
Melanie: "Let's go out to eat."
Shad: "With both kids?"
Melanie: "No we can leave Ky home... Obi can babysit."

We ended up eating at a sit down restaurant (yes we did take both kids...was I asking for more trouble). We sit down and Brox immediately woke up from a deep sleep and started screaming...Mom can't find the binki...water is cold to make a bottle...baby won't take the cold bottle...strangers starring. Why didn't I just stay at home?

On literally the 4th trip to the potty with Ky, Shad was coming back and an older couple stopped Shad and said that they had been watching our table and wanted to let us know that they were "impressed with our children" she said they wouldn't have even known we had two small children because they were so quiet and well behaved... WHAT!!!! Shad & I think they couldn't hear us because the music was so loud but still ...they made my day!

It goes to show how a simple comment can help a struggling Mom want to keep going and stay positive. I hope I will notice that person that needs a little encouragement the next time I'm out and I can "Pay It Forward".

XOXO Melanie

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

Our family was invited to a Halloween party last Saturday. It was so much fun!!! The family that had the party is in our ward and they decorated their entire property. They had a haunted mansion, kids games, spooky treat and costume contests. The Rollo family won a prize for our costumes. We would like to thank our fans, everyone who voted, and friends for all of their love and support .... LOL! Seriously...it was a great time with probably a couple hundred people. SO AWESOME!!! A big thanks to the Clay family for all the work they put into such a great party.

The Rollo Rodeo Clowns... Ky wouldn't put the cowboy hat on the right way but I think it just added to the costume. Brox wanted to sport the hawaiian shirt under his overalls... cute as a button. Shad & I are proud clown parents.

XOXO Melanie

Brox's Blessing

2009-10-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

On October 11 many family and friends came to watch Shad bless Brox. He gave a beautiful blessing and Brox looked absolutely handsome in his white tux. Shad always gives very specific and inspired blessings and I love that about him. A very special part of the day was my Grandpa Baugh was in town and was able to be apart of the circle. Because we live so far away from Great Grandparents they were unable to make it to Kyson's blessing and I don't think they will be able to make it down to very many of our family's other blessings, baptisms, etc., so that was extra special. Thank you to everyone who traveled to Vegas to be apart of that great day.

Milestone - Kyson

2009-10-27T13:47:00.001-07:00

Kyson finally went poo poo in the potty today!!! I was so excited, we couldn't stop celebrating. I thought of the Jon & Kate Plus 8 episode when Kate took a picture of the girls poops....may be I should take a picture of this milestone....and then I respectively declined. You can all thank me later for that decision. Yeah for Kyson!! You are such a big boy and I love you so much.

XOXO A Proud Mommy

Professional Pics

2009-10-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Brox

4 Weeks Old

Thanks again Katy!!

XOXO Melanie

Brox is 6 weeks old...

2009-10-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Quick Update...

Brox went to his one month check up (at almost six weeks old... may be on the next child we'll actually make it in to the doctors office at four weeks old) and here are his stats.

Weight: 10 lbs 15 oz (reminder he weighed 7 lbs 10 oz at birth). The doctor said the average baby gains one pound in the first month so my little tank is triple the average.

Length: 22 inches (19 inches at birth).

This past week Brox started smiling and so most of his wake time is consumed by all of us trying to get him to smile and cooh at us. :) I love newborns!!!

P.S. Kyson is doing better at "pee" training but he is not doing the "poo" training at all... any advice?? Also, he doesn't tell us when he needs to go the bathroom yet. We just have to remember to take him to the potty. Any suggestions??

P.S.S. Kyson went to church for all three hours for the first time since potty training and he did not have one accident!!! YEAH for Ky!!

P.S.S.S. The picture of Brox is one of many adorable photos taken by my cousin Katy Anderson. I will post more of those pics soon. Thanks again Katy!!!

XOXO Melanie

Potty training nightmares...

2009-10-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

We started potty training Kyson last Monday. The first few days we thought we were crazy. After doing literally 20 loads of laundry from going through underwear and shorts a million times a day, I wanted to throw in the towel and give up. The last couple of days we thought Kyson had taken a turn for the better and had only a couple accidents all day. This morning I bragged to my Mom and told her Ky was doing great and we had even taken him out of the house last night to play on the playground. Well let's just say I should have knocked on wood after that statement...because it is only 12:30 and he has already had 5 accidents!!!! In three short hours he has peed and leaked on our couch, cushions, pillows, carpet, and tile. Seriously, what were Shad & I thinking???

XOXO Melanie