Here we go Loop-de-Loo!

~ * ~ Bella Katherine ~ * ~

2010-11-02T20:19:00.011-04:00

Utah May 2010

2010-06-10T14:14:00.011-04:00

Thanks to Jet Blue's great sale we were able to get to Utah in May for a last minute visit. We are really grateful because the tickets for this summer are super unaffordable for us and we wouldn't have made it out this year at all.

While in Utah we got to make the rounds, see everyone and have a good time. Here are some pictures of while we were there. (Mostly Dale, of course!)

We went to the zoo with some of my siblings and my mom: The only animal that Dale really knows is a dag and once he realized that anything was moving and living at the zoo he declared it to be a dog. Then he wanted to run away from us and play. We learned that this summer isn't maybe the best time for the zoo.

I think that the carousel was Dale's favorite part of the zoo. When it stopped he didn't want to let go or get off.

Dale ate not only his own ice cream cone, but he also stole Ryan's and ate it as well. Poor Ryan.

I know that no one but Geoffrey wants to hear this, but to Dale Geoffrey is magical. He is the one person that Dale doesn't ever seem to need to warm up to, he just loves him. It's a lot of fun to watch. And Geoffrey is a good sport about it too.

Dale loves to play in the water, but he kept getting too close the sprinkler and getting shot really hard. We really need to get something that we can plug onto a hose for his to play with here., but for now the beaches have been fine. Just a little too far away to go regularly.

And Rebekah, Oh Rebekah, continually teaching Dale new messy troublesome things. Good thing we love her.

Thanks for helping us have a great time while we were out there.

7 XW

2010-05-09T20:39:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we needed to get new shoes for Dale. We went to have them sized because we knew that most shoes were too narrow for him. What size did we get? A 7 extra wide. Not just wide, but extra wide. Goodness, this boy aught to be tall. But, on the other hand - he loves them, especially the fact that they give him an extra quarter-inch and more traction for climbing.

~ Easter and More Parks ~

2010-04-14T21:40:00.006-04:00

Well, my pictures got all scrambled when I put them up this time and it takes SO long to reorder them once they've been uploaded - so I'm not going to. We will take them as they come. This post is mostly pictures of Dale's first Easter Egg hunt - no cutesy dressed up picture of the family for Easter - we thank general conference for the opportunity to spend Easter at home, in our jammies.

Dale was pretty content to simply put something into each hand and then run towards the road.

So Daddy grabbed one of Dale's buckets (he loves to put stuff in them) and showed Dale how he could put all of the eggs into the bucket.

This was supposed to be the first picture. This is the extent of Dale's Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny was kind enough to leave Dale six small eggs, with a few jelly beans in each one and a few starbursts in some and five mini plastic cars from tonka - he even knew to bring the train set. Lucky Dale. This was Dale picking up his first egg. He didn't realize that they opened until we showed him much later, at which point he forgot. After a few days of coming across eggs that rattled (aka- jelly beans) (which, by the way, Dale does not like jelly beans we learned - he will chew them for a bit, intentionally spit them out and in the few cases that we didn't see this happen we had to pick them out of the carpet later. Maybe next year the Easter Bunny will give him chocolate instead. He loves chocolate.) Dale learned that there should be something in the egg - and when he comes across them now he will immediately bring them to me to check inside.

I am convinced that most of Dale's childhood photos will consist of two poses. In the first pose, he will not be paying attention to me at all and the photo will consist of his forehead and whatever he is playing with. The other picture will be when he notices that I do have the camera and it will be a picture of him, super close to the camera with his finger on the lens.

And this is how our Easter Egg Hunt ended, looking just about as it did when we started.

He then played in the planter boxes, bushes, dirt and tried to run into the road again (and again, and again, and again)

And now we are back at the park.

Toddler Bowling! Ryan wanted to roll Dale down the hill - Dale isn't quite old enough to understand. He was NOT pleased. He stopped and tried to stand up, at which time Ryan laid him back down and tried to roll him again. Dale expressed his opinion and Ryan did not try again.

This is the best swing that our park has - however you have to be VERY careful, as you might notice there is no strap between Dale's legs. If he squirms too much or you push too high Dale begins to slide out. This is always a two parent swing. And it never lasts long - which is too bad because Dale loves to swing.

He loves to play in the sand. He likes to eat it and pick it up and drop it. He also likes to get it in his shoes which we always forget to take off until he is sitting on the couch. Doh!

Dale dressed for chuch, playing with one of mommy's make-up brushes. (well, it's Dale's now - he has two of his own because I'm not a big fan of using spittled brushes)

And now... drumroll please... the waterville park! This park has age appropriate swings. Yeah!

~ Our Baby Boy is Growing Up ~

2010-04-03T20:44:00.006-04:00

It's amazing - we post pictures of Dale and people want to come visit. I can't blame them of course - Dale is wonderful. He loves to play, especially outside and has decided that running away from us is hilarious. In the park the past few days he's even decided that trying to fake out Ryan like you would in football is so funny. He starts to laugh each time that he changes directions and eventually ends up laughing so hard that he falls down. Silly boy.

Dale loves to play the piano. He will grab on of our thumbs and take us to the piano, so that we can set him on the bench. This works reasonably well, the biggest problem - if we turn our backs for even a moment he climbs up onto the piano and tries to crawl along the keys.

I was trying to get a picture of Dale's bedhead after his nap, but he wouldn't let me get a side picture. He often wakes up with a bedhead mohawk after his naps. His hair is pretty thin still, but in the back it is coarse enough that it sticks out almost all of the time and there is a slight curl in all of it, showing mostly after naps and baths.

I LOVE!!!! this picture!

As you can see above, we love the park - we are so fortunate to live within walking distance of the preschool/kindergarten building so that we can use their playground. Dale loves it. The past few days when we've gone there have been little boys just older than Dale and he had simply followed them around trying to do whatever they were doing. No pictures obviously, as that would be creepy.

Dale loves to pretend to help in the kitchen. Because Daddy wears an apron a lot when he works in the kitchen, Dale has decided to wear one as well. He knows where it is kept in the kitchen and he will grab it from the drawer and bring it to me to put it on him. Next time we are close to a fabric store I plan on picking up some fabric and making him his own apron. Then I can use mine.

Being cute is so tiring. Love you all!

< Miscellaneous Pictures >

2010-03-26T23:47:00.009-04:00

Here are some miscellaneous pictures that didn't really fit into any of the other catergories that I've posted recently. I'm pretty tired - it is way past my bedtime and words are hard, so here are some more pictures. They range from last fall through about a week and a half ago. (The most recent are at the end of this post, in the bathtub)
Here is Dale the Chemist. Specialty: Stinky explosions!
He loved playing in the leaves this fall.

This was Dale telling me that I should have moved my pantry. I ignored this warning.

Only to turn around two days later as we were late for church to find this: (which I covered with a towel and we changed quickly and left for church)

And we love the swings at the preschool...

Our little pole dancer...

We love to play Rockband at our friend's house. Dale loves the drums...

Our beautiful baby boy (and his teeth. he's got twelve now)

Getting ready for church...

A padawan now... a jedi later...

One of the families in the branch gave us this walker/riding toy and Dale loves it.

I told you that he loves his yogurt... however, he does not love it in his eyes (those pictures have been omitted)

And lastly, Dale loves bubbles! He loves the bathtub and the water. We are excited to get him to the swimming pool.

I am tired. We are going to bed now. Nighty night!

... It's Not Marshmallow Creme, It's Fluff ...

2010-03-26T23:32:00.009-04:00

Dale loves to play in the snow. We actually haven't had very much snow this year. All of the outside pictures are from our front yard. Isn't Dale a gorgeous little man? We love him so much!

! Feliz Anniversario ! (otherwise known as hardly any baby left at all!)

2010-03-26T23:18:00.009-04:00

For Dale's first birthday we had a small cake for him (aka - two cupcakes) and let him at it. He loved playing with the icing and cake, but wasn't very interested in eating it. I think that would be different now - he LOVES yogurt and anything that resembles it texture-wise (such as lotion, blechy-yech!) I think that because of that icing might hold more of a draw to him now. But we had a good time playing, mommy enjoyed some of the cake and Dale loved the bath - and that the water changed colors. Yea for birfdays!

...Hello Flatlanders From Away Out West...

2010-03-26T22:12:00.010-04:00

I suppose that I aught to explain the title. It has three Maine colloquiolisms (Rebekah, please excuse my too laziness to check the spelling) in it. Anyone that isn't from the Maine coast they call a Flatlander (because the Maine coast has such extreme mountains... maybe hills... or perhaps bumps... slopes... anyone... Beuhler?) If you aren't from Maine at all you are 'from away' and when they talk about the western states they say 'out west' I guess like we say 'back east' (which they look at us like we're a bit bonkers when we say that - probably how we look at them when they tell us that we are flatlanders from out west).

So, for the holidays, we went out west to visit flatlanders from far away. And, we had a wonderful time.

Our first day in Heber, Dale had a tea party with some of his cousins. It was darling - however, his cousins are all faster than him and had run away by the time that I returned with the camera. But it is okay, I still love them.

Dale got to spend lots of quality time with Grandma JuLee, especially while mommy was sick. The next time we come to visit, do you think that you can keep your germs at bay? We hope so. (And please forgive us if your kid got the ickies as well)
My father tried to give Dale his first popsicle, and much to his dismay, Dale didn't much care for it. But Dale says not to despair Grandpa, because that's all been taken care of now. He now loves popsicles (but not the grape ones) and will eat as many as you want to share with him. He will even pay with sticky kisses and handprints.

At the early Christmas Eve Berg party, Dale was a sheperd in the nativity. He mostly crawled away and tried to correct Paul on the piano, a bit to Paul's dismay.

A family friend gave my mother this pig for Christmas, saying that it was something that all grandmothers need. You turn it on and it oinks, wiggles its nose and tail and walks. Dale loved/loves it. I say loves it because someone packed it into our bag without our knowledge and we found it when we unpacked at home. Mommy and daddy do not so much care for the pig, but Dale loves it. We owe Grandma a new one, especially since this pig has suffered an unfortunate leg-breaking incidient.

More of the Bradway Family Christmas get-together.

Dale loved being on David's shoulders, almost as much as he loves Rebekah's bird noises.

Dale's Berg cousins were playing a game (the rules of which I'm still not quite clear on) and he really wanted to play with them. Luckily, Traci let him have a candy to chew on - until he got the wrapper open and it was time to be mean mommy and take it away.

Visiting friends...

This is a house up by my parents house, and no one believes Ryan and I when we talk about how gaudy it can be. Here is a picture, although the picture doesn't leave you temporarily blind like the house does.

Finally a picture with Santa, whom we hate...

Every year as we grew up I remember going to Temple Square on Christmas Eve to see the temple lights before going home, acting out the nativity (before we all grew up, knew better and got attitudes) and getting new Christmas pajamas. (Then threatening Schmecks to not wake us all up too early - that girl... I love her, but I don't think I always liked her on Christmas mornings) But, we were able to get together with most of my siblings and go to Temple Square. It was wonderful. I love the memories of going when we were little and it was fun to do it again (this is why we own the Temple Square painting that we keep in our front room - because it reminds me of such good times)

Here are a few pictures from that night (and Geoffrey - I am still lusting after your camera, if you don't want it anymore I'll pay for the shipping...)

I LOVED how the Church simplified their nativity scene this year. I loved how there was one elegant scene set up and the temple stood in the background of Baby Jesus. it was a comforting reminder of the blessing of Christ and His Atonement.

A little dancing in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building as we debated where to go for dinner.

No, we didn't go to Crown BurgerS for dinner but if you know why this picture is here, you know why it needs to be. And we love you!

We had a wonderful time in the flatlands with our family and friends. Thank you. We love you!

...A Stop in NY...

2010-03-26T21:58:00.004-04:00

Before we headed to Utah for the holidays, we went to Buffalo for a few days to get to know Dale's cousin. On the way there we stopped in Albany and played with Auntie Dee, which is always a treat. Dale loved being pushed on the rolling ottoman. Thanks for letting us stop by Dee. We heart you!

While in Buffalo we went to a Christmas party thing and tried to see Santa - giant fail there, but Dale did get a new book and a freezing hay ride.

Dale loved playing with his cousin's toys - and beating his cousin with them. Thanks for letting us visit!

...Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater...

2010-03-26T21:43:00.007-04:00

This fall I really wanted to get a picture of Dale in a pumpkin. Thanks to some massive patience on Ryan's part we were able to do so. It was freezing outside and as I was intent on not letting Dale wear more than a diaper it didn't seem like outside was the right place for pictures. Hopefully next year it will work outside. (Or at least we'll have a bit more time and can iron our brown sheet, hmm...) Dale wasn't so sure what he thought about it - he was more excited about trying to rock and roll the pumpkins that he could reach. But, we had a good time and got some fun photos.

I guess I'll note - I resize all of the pictures that I post for posting easability, but if either of the Grandmas, or anyone else I suppose, would like a higher quality picture let me know and I'll e-mail the large photo. Loves!

Leaves, Leaves, Grandma Alice and More Leaves!

2010-03-26T21:07:00.008-04:00

Grandma Alice came to visit in early October and we had a great time. She really wanted to see the leaves and came at the perfect time. This post really does not do justice to all of the leaves that were subjected upon us.

Dale loves to go to the park. Luckily, we live about 2 blocks from the preschool in town and they have a pretty nice playground that has slides and such that are closer to Dale's size (and they aren't death traps like some of the larger play areas around).

I couldn't get this picture to load correctly, but I love it, so here it is anyways.

Dale really enjoys 'driving' the car. It used to work out really well to nurse him in the car, but as he became more mobile and aware he decided that he would rather play with the steering wheel, honk the horn, or lock and unlock the doors. Of course we headed to the Portland Head Light.

When we were in Portland with my mom, we went and checked out some lighthouses and old revolutionary war 'ruins'. There was a sandy beach right by one of the lighthouses and Dale had at it. We can't wait to take him to the beaches this summer.

Later that week we headed to Acadia National Park. You are able to drive to the highest peak on the Island, about 1500 ft, and here are some pictures. Unbeknownst to us, we picked the same day to go there that the Queen Victoria (Queen Mary?) cruise ship was docking in the harbor. The ship was giant, and made the harbor seem so small. On one hand it was a bit of a bummer to have so many other people around, but on the other hand it was nice because almost everything was open (past tourist season). (The place we went for lobster was closed for the season, but we did find an acceptable substitute for my mom to get her boiled lobster dinner - Ryan and I both had fish)

This was the day that Dale decided it was only acceptable to ride on mommy's shoulders if he was pulling her hair. Shortly after this picture was taken he started throwing himself backwards and laughing when he used my hair to catch himself. Ouchies!

This is outside of our house.

Here are some pictures of the fall as we drove around.

Up at Moosehead Lake we had lunch at the Black Frog (excellent and highly recommended). Dale didn't want to sit in the high chair but played around and talked to other patrons while we had lunch.

Oh Schmecks!

2010-03-20T12:40:00.013-04:00

In September and October we were lucky enough to twice be graced by the presence of 'the schmecks,' otherwise known as Auntie Schmeck-Wecks. It was wonderful to have her come and visit and we hope that she'll make her way out again this year. I understand that having to jumpseat can be so painful, but then again, so can paying...

We picked her up at the airport in Portland and took her to see some of the Portland sights. This is the Portland Head Light, the most well known lighthouse in Maine.

I had to include the next two pictures to show everyone what a beautiful place we live in. it is gorgeous, especially in the summer. It is finally warming up enough that we can start to make excursions again. Yea! The pictures were making me antsy.

Rebekah took about 15 pictures before we got one with all of us (aka Dale) looking at the camera.

Then we went to another lighthouse and walked through some old ruins. After that we headed to the race track and watched some cart racing. Rebekah acted like a 4 year old and would go stand at the fence and cheer. Silly gooberette.

Then it was off to the candy store. The moose behind us is made of solid chocolate.

On the drive up to our house we stopped at the DeLorme headquarters and went in to see Eartha, the world's largest rotating globe. Rebekah was showing Dale where she had been when he was born.

Later that week we drove up to Moosehead Lake and Dale got to play in the water. He enjoyed it even though it was brr-cold!

Since we live in 'Bean Country' we had Schmecks take a picture of us in front of the big boot.

And we took Dale in to see the fish tank. I think that everyone was more interested in looking at us than Dale was in looking at the fish.

We ended Schmeck's visit in Boston. She babysat Dale so that we could attend the temple together. (Thanks again little sister!) We went to the Boston Commons, walked part of the Freedom trail and ate well at Quincy Market. Then Rebekah ditched us to play with the cool kids (aka her friends from U-Mass) so we played with Dale in the Boston Commons. He loved the grass, the dirt and the duckling statues based on the book Make Way for Ducklings.

Ironically, he didn't care much for the live ducks. Why you ask? Because there was grass on the ground. Green grass.

We met back up with Rebekah in the Commons and played some more.

On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at the Boston Temple to take some pictures. It had been pouring when we went so we hadn't taken any then.

Back at the hotel, Dale modeled the shirt that Rebekah brought him from Australia for everyone. The shark's mouth opens and there is a happy go-lucky smiling octopus inside. I'm sure it's very realistic. Pretty soon Dale should be big enough to wear it.

The next morning we dropped her off at the Boston airport and drove back home. Thanks for coming to visit. We love you Schmeck-eroo!

Pirates and Birthdays and Lobsters, Oh My!

2009-08-24T22:07:00.010-04:00

Ryan's birthday was a bit ago and we had an awesome day to celebrate it. It was a beautiful day and we took advantage of it. We went to Mount Desert Island, on the eastern side of Maine. We started out with mini-golf at The Pirates Cove. It was one of the nicest mini-golf places I've ever been to. I had Dale in the baby carrier and we golfed together. It became harder as we went on because he wanted to be more involved and had learned that if he really reached out he could reach the club. And to really reach out I had to get kicked in the legs. Yea!

Dale and I danced after we scored, especially when our score beat Daddy's! Then we promptly went and watched Daddy putt from the shade.

Dale is so excited to be a pirate, can't you tell. He was really interested in trying to eat the wheel but this is the only pic we got of him holding onto it. "Yo ho, yo ho... a pirate's life for me!"

With a lilypad in their pond. I have been amazed at how many 'tropical' plants grow here in Maine, it must be the humidity - the yards out here are gorgeous!
And here goes Ryan, under the watchful eye of the pirates.

I finally figured out that if I put Dale's feet between my legs I had a better shot of hitting the ball.

Hmm... look who got in trouble!

Daddy was so pleased when mommy made him pose with the pirate flag they gave Dale. Yo ho!

We then proceeded to Bar harbor where we walked along the ocean shore path. Dale fell asleep in his stroller. It was beautiful, but pretty hot and muggy so we went onto ... ice cream.

A lobster boat.

Bar harbor on Frenchman Bay. It was beautiful and fun to see all of the boats.

After ice cream we played in the park for a bit. Dale crawled around some and then...

...attacked mommy.

and then turned his attention to the camera.

before falling off and being so sad - because it is my fault, you know.

We then walked around the town and went into some of the stores. We found a great children's toy store - practical toys, like hydraulic kits and other nerdy baby appropriate fare.Unfortunately this is when Dale decided to freak out and we had to leave to feed him. I suppose it's just as well though - we couldn't afford anything there anyway. But, back to the story - I was impressed with the lobster, so I made Ryan and Dale pose. So cute, right?

We then proceded to Acadia National Park (like 10 minutes away) and drove through part of it, Dale really needed a nap and it gave us a chance to see the park. Lucky for us it was a free day to enter. Yea for free things! Here are Daddy and Dale near the visitor's center.

While driving we came across some amazing views. I am excited to go back with my mom this fall, it should be awesome - hopefully the leaves will be changing then. I remember the fall that I was living in Mass my roomie and I would simply drive to higher ground to look at the leaves and it was just like a patchwork quilt of vibrant colors. The colors were more vibrant than I had ever seen previously, or perhaps since.

This is part of the view from Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the island (at a whopping 1550 feet). We didn't get to walk around the peak because Dale had finally fallen asleep- but it was beautiful. Another thing to look forward to this fall. It is looking toward Frenchman Bay and Bar Harbor is the tiny town to the left on the shoreline.

Here is a picture of some goobers that magically appeared on our camera.

Onto our next amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We went to a lobster pound and ordered... LOBSTER! Dale enjoyed the high chair. I definitely need a high chair/shopping cart cover things because he kept trying to eat the chair (and the table), and even though I 'anti-bac'ed it as much as possible I still felt dirty. After we added the blankie though he only really chewed on it.

We figured that Maine is famous for its Lobster and that if we were going to live here we had to have Maine lobster sometime. Here is Ryan after receiving his meal. (May I say I always thought the animated movies were making fun of people wearing lobster bibs. You have my permission to laugh at us. We certainly did!)

Here is a picture of the meal. Lobster, steamed clams, corn, potatoes. And some other stuff not shown. Might I say that this picture does not do my lobster justice. You can not see how hairily disgusting this creature looks from up close. And the antennae? Gross, gross, gross, gross, gross! And the beady eyes? Blechiness. Nor can you see the hairy legs. I obviously did not get the right pictures. The loster also came with a kit, visible in the upper right. It included a nut cracker thing, a pick to pull the meat out, a lobster bib, and INSTRUCTIONS! Yes, a page of instructions - which I saved to edumacate all of you, but am too lazy to load more pictures right now. Sorry all. But not too sorry.

As you can tell, I was less enthusiastic than Ryan - even from the very beginning.

The verdict: DISGUSTING. I didn't mind tearing the claws off or breaking the shell and such, but the meat and I didn't get along. I only made it a few bites through the lobster before definitively declaring to Ryan that "If I try to eat another bite I am going to throw up." So, I stopped. But, because I am so grown up, that did not stop me from turning my head and gagging when Ryan cracked open the body of his lobster to reveal the arm muscle thingies and the green liver that had to be removed. Seriously, I don't get it. We were told that lobster used to be food for convicts. I just don't understand.

So, I turned my time and attention to a better cause, trying to get a great picture of Dale wearing my bib. (Did I mention that when you crack and take the lobster apart that water flies out at you. Like as if the lobster is spitting up at you for executing it.) But, cute pictures...

So adorable!

(Then, at the end of the meal you are supposed to SUCK the little bits of meat out of the nasty little claws.) Man, we had an awesome laugh at dinner. Between Ryan eating dramatically, and me gagging dramatically we were quite the pair. But Dale is so cute that I don't think anyone cared. Well, that and the fact that everyone else ate outside in the sun - but not my baby!

After dinner the sun was setting and we went and walked on the dock by the restaurant. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day. It was gorgeous!

And there were some amazing ships sailing around. It was so gorgeous!

I got to spend a marvelous day with my best friend and our beautiful joyful baby. I couldn't have asked for more... and it wasn't even my birthday. Happy Birthday Sweetheart - we love you!

And now for some more Dale pictures, not from Ryan's birthday. He loves to eat his baby moniter.

And check out those teeth, they are quite a bit bigger now. Today he cut his first top tooth. The right one, but not the front right one, the next right one. And his left front one isn't far behind. Our sweet little baby is growing up. Faster that I ever imagined he would. And we love him. More than I think we ever imagined we could.

One of his favorite toys is my silicone whisk. Along with my mixing bowls and wooden spoons.

He loves to pull himself up onto anything. He started out with small bumps - me, Ryan, towels and toys and can now pull himself up to standing and cruise along. Slowly, but getting faster everyday. There is a window seat in our front room and he loves to stand there, clutching the seat and watching the cars pass by.

Pics in March

2009-08-20T21:14:00.002-04:00

I just posted some pictures that I uploaded in March, but don't know how to change the date for August. If you are interested, go to March 2009, post titled *never never land*.

Picture Post 3 of 3

2009-08-20T16:52:00.007-04:00

Monster Jammies:

Drums, whisks and spoons - oh my! Also, note that I am sitting all by myself. w00t for me!

A few weeks ago we went to "The Central Maine Egg Festival" and yes, you read that right. It was in the park about two blocks from our house. Dale got to wear his awesome hat and we went out.

My favorite sign - the gone to Walmart one. Ha!

Being pushed in the stroller is apparently exhausting. However Dale ALWAYS falls asleep in the stroller if we go for an extended walk (not including the grocery store).

Awake again!

This is how his hair looks after he naps. I LOVE IT! It is long enough but still fine enough to curl slightly - I wonder if there will be some curl like Ryan has or if it will be straight as can be like mine?

Dale was playing in the laundry basket and tried to climb out and it tipped over and he bruised his nose pretty good. Sweet little baby!

Dale is growing like a weed, and mobile. In the last week or so he has started to crawl and can pull himself up to standing. He isn't cruising quite yet but is getting closer everyday. He has become impatient with sitting and rolling and we spend a lot of time each day with him holding my hands as he stands. He's got his two front bottom teeth and one on top is coming in (not one of the two front teeth, but the right one just off from that). We estimate that he's about 22 pounds and just over 28 inches long. Goodness golly our baby is growing up!

And, as a side note - the deer in the headlights look is what we get in most pictures - he loves the camera that much!

Picture Post 2 of 3

2009-08-20T16:38:00.008-04:00

Peas... they are yucky and give me gas. Blech!

Reading the newspaper:

And I love to play with and eat electronics...

I refuse to sit in my bumbo anymore, I can sit on my own! But one of the last times mommy and daddy thought it would be silly to put me on my tummy. Look at me - Dale the snail!

Picture Post 1of 3

2009-08-20T16:23:00.011-04:00

I know, I'm uber behind. Here is the first of three posts with pictures, perhaps with commentary - it will depend on if I get bored, or Dale needs to eat or blah, blah, blah...

I honestly don't remember what was going on here:

On my birthday we went to the head light lighthouse in Portland. We didn't know that it was family day there. We got Dale out and we were going to picnic, but there weren't any shady spots left. So, we picniced in the car and left. Hmm..

Reading Goodnight Moon from Grandma. Dale loves his books, sometimes they are food for thought, sometimes- simply food.

Sunday naps for the boys...

Probably one of Dale's favorite toys is this bunny. He LOVES to chew on it, especially when teething and tired.

This picture is for my dad. We love you!

Our first meal of solids - yummy rice cereal.

!!!CONGRATULATIONS DADDY!!!

2009-07-27T13:25:00.002-04:00

We just got word that Ryan PASSED the PE exam.
CONGRATULATIONS SWEETHEART!!

~~ picturepalooza ~~

2009-06-08T21:33:00.008-04:00

And for picture palooza we have.... pictures! Hope everyone is doing well!

~~ Mommy's Day ~~

2009-05-10T22:21:00.013-04:00

Well. We've arrived. Obviously. And there is lots to say. But, it is late on Mother's Day and we are hoping to get to bed shortly. We are tired. I am at least. Dale is sleeping. Ryan looks tired too. And a bit scraggly. He needs another haircut. But, as a special treat for our mommies on mommies day, we are downloading videos below. So, as long as they are downloading I shall type. And then, I shall go to bed. Quickly, quietly and I shall enjoy it. There to remain in blissful slumber until the bloody birds begin to sing around 4:30 (yes 4 friggin 30) at which point in time I shall moan and roll over until our sweet little gooberman wakes us. So, let's go through some pictures. (Videos will be noted for clarity this time around)

Dale has been getting a lot stronger, and has been tolerating tummy time for longer than previously. He has begun to push his chest up using his arms and when he tires of the indignity of tummy time he starts to push and kick even harder. He isn't far from rolling from his tummy to his back. He has no desire, however, to roll from his back to his tummy. In fact, he prefers to spend as much time in vertical, rather than horizontal, positions as possible. He loves to sit up and stand - both while supported, but sitting alone should be coming quickly.

This is what the birdies should be doing at 4:30 - perhaps Ryan will let them know with his slingshot sometime soon, although I doubt it. Dale still loves his burpcloths, though as he continues to become more enamored with colors, shapes and other contrasts he spends more time looking at them and trying to eat them - though I suppose that comes from more hand control and interest in gumming everything.

Dale has recently become very interested in toys and toes. This is a toy that my cousin sent him and it has been his favorite toy. He loves to watch the lights and listen to the music and has recently discovered the joys of eating it. Yummy yummy - different textures! He has also started to grab his rattles, though I don't think he realizes that he is the one making noise when he does that. And the other day he grabbed Ryan's glasses and quickly threw them across the room. (I did find it funnier than Ryan)

We haven't picked a new pediatrician yet, so we haven't had our 4 month check-up yet. However when we measured our little chunk of a man last week he came in at 26 inches and 18 lbs 5 ounces. "My, my... what yummy thighs you have..."

This is about how I feel right now... because the bloody video hasn't finished loading. And we were planning on posting two. Hmmm.... Apparently I will be posting this tomorrow. Maybe the video will load while I slumber, that sounds pleasant. Sleepy sleepy time.

Another picture of Dale's mighty muscularity. Muscularity?!? Ha! However, who noticed that the size 2 diapers are getting mighty tiny - almost string bikini-esque. Poor kid. And poor mommy who is trying to use the last few that we have - she is usually fast enough when she hears a poopsplosion, but not always.

And this is what Dale will look like with hair. But, if he's lucky his hairline won't be so low. But, considering baldness genes from both grandpas maybe he'd like a really low hairline to begin with. Keep his hair until maybe his mid-twenties at least. Long enough to snag a pretty girl. (Hmm, maybe I shouldn't type while I am tired. But I would really like at least the first video to load, then I can sleep while the second one does and just click on publish in the morning. I should be so lucky)

GAH! I already forgot that this picture was on here. Such sweet slumber. And I really, really think that I should head to bed. I know that I shouldn't type everything that I think about and there are lots of those things that float around while I am only kinda sorta with it. (And while I ramble - Rebekah, I apologize for my wicked awesome grammar, spelling and made-up words in this post. Only truly - I'm not really sorry at all. But, I am really excited for you to be back and for you to meet my darling baby boy. Just watch out or he will try to eat you (video below (but not right below) for verification of that comment)

Bloody heavens. Goodnight. Happy Mother's Day. Better luck with this tomorrow I suppose. And adieu (tight like unto a dish!)

This is a VIDEO. Dale and I were brawling on the couch. As noted in the video, I lose. (Also as noted above Dale's interest in gumming everything.)

This next VIDEO is the first time that we have really captured the elusive giggle on camera. We love to hear it and hope that you will too.

And, as a final note - 5:07 is just as early as 4:30.

* Happy Easter *

2009-04-13T20:38:00.006-04:00

I know that this is a day late, but we've been "borrowing" the internet from we don't know whom until ours is set up - however because of that it isn't very reliable. And of course last night it wouldn't work. But, Happy Easter anyways...

Besides, me figuring out how to put videos onto the blog should get me some forgiveness as well. More to come later.

2009-04-05T22:01:00.003-04:00

Today I'm 3 months old...

... and it's EXHAUSTING!

* never never land *

2009-03-29T18:33:00.022-04:00

Here are some pictures that I uploaded in March but never posted. They are out of order, but still something for the grandmas. Newer pics coming soon.

2009-03-05T19:20:00.006-05:00

age: 2 months

weight: 13 pounds 2 ounces

length: 22 3/4 inches

head circ: 15 3/4 inches

~~ pacification ~~

2009-03-03T20:20:00.013-05:00

Yes, I do know that it has been awhile since we posted any pictures. However, both grandmas this weekend politely pointed out that they had been checking, but there were no new pictures up. Maybe after this post they will begin magically appearing and I won't have to do it. Wouldn't that be nice? Ha, right.

How about an update first, then some pictures? Or, as I suppose the grandmas will do, flip through all of the pictures first, then perhaps read through everything. Well - here we go: the movers are coming on Monday to pack and then on Tuesday to load the truck and take our things away. Said things will meet us on an undisclosed date at an undisclosed location. Are we ready? Of course not. Are we leaving anyway? Of course we are. Are we excited? Absolutely!

I mention an undisclosed date and location because we don't have anywhere to live yet. Ryan went out last weekend to look for housing and though not completely useless the objective was not met. Not for lack of trying however. When he got back it looked like our best option might be to rent the second story of someone's remodeled barn. And when we do make our decision this still might be the best option. On Monday after he got back a new posting had been put in the local paper, regarding renting part of a duplex. Ryan called on it and it seems very promising - we need to talk someone in the company to go over with their spouse and check it out. It would be nice if it worked out, but hey - there's always the barn. We will keep our eyes our for other options and hope to have a place to live by the time that we arrive. If not, Ryan will work and Dale and I will hunt for somewhere to live. Whoopee!

So, the plan is to leave Phoenix on Tuesday and head to Utah to spend some time with the families - someone has to deliver Dale, right? The following Saturday we will plan on heading to Maine. Information for those wondering what Ryan will be doing in Maine: He will be working for Kleinschmidt, a company based in Pittsfield ME that does a lot of work with dams utilizing hydroelectric power. He is excited. We both are.

Now onto Dale, the real reason that anyone actually checks this anymore. (And why I post like once a month instead of semi-annually) He is perfect and wonderful! He is a very happy baby and has started to smile on a more consistent basis. It is the most wonderful sight in the world right now. I even captured a few on camera - he is very suspicious of the camera and usually just eyes it in wonderment. He has started to raise just one eyebrow at a time, but I haven't quite figured out a trigger for it and it is so fleeting that there are no pictures of it. He is very observant and thinks that being outside rocks (that may change when it is brrr..cold outside). Today we took him out in the carrier with his face forward for the first time - he loved it. He moved his head back and forth and his eyes were so big as he looked at all of the contrast and colors. And he licked his lips - something he does when he is happy, or to entertain himself. He's also decided that sucking on the knuckle of his thumb rocks - but only when he's hungry, playing in his bassinet or doing tummy time. Our scale says that he is about thirteen and a half pounds already - we can't wait to see what all of his measurements are at his two month appointment, albeit I assume that he will not be pleased with the vaccinations. I can't believe that he is already two months old. It amazes me how much more quickly these two months have gone than the two months before he arrived.

And now for a whole bunch of pictures - they are from oldest to newest, as you scroll through them just watch him grow!

Dale loves to eat his blankies, burpcloths and clothing. ~num num~

He also likes to hold his burpcloths and the necklines of our shirts.

Here is one of the few pictures that I think may ever exist with Dale and a binkie - he does not like them for anything beyond about 3 seconds

Ryan with Dale in the carrier the first time that we used it. Dale does NOT care for having his face smashed into our chests - but he loved it today when he could see what was going on.

Ryan is absolutely wonderful with Dale.

The sight of them playing together couldn't make me happier.

At this point in time tummy time went much better and Dale worked his neck muscles much longer if we propped his upper body just a tad.

Dale LOVES bathtime! He loves to be in the big tub with one of us propping him up, he likes to flail and kick around in the tub and loves water being dripped and poured onto his belly. He doesn't even mind having water dripped onto his face.

Dale loves to be burped softly. He loves it so much that it often puts him to sleep - a great way for us to get him down for a nap, even if he doesn't need to be burped.

This is Ryan giving Dale his first bottle. Dale approved.

Playing hide and seek?

And here is one of the first pictures of Dale smiling that we ever got!

Such a wonderful, happy, beautiful baby!

*more bathtime*

Dale has really enjoyed this chair (THANKS Lindsie!!) He doesn't really like to spend time on his back when he is awake - he wants to know what is going on and likes to be in the chair, especially when we actually strap him in and set it on the bed or table. (But he does prefer sitting slanted as shown)

*Mmmm*

He likes to be propped up on this little pillow for tummy time - however he has recently discoverd how to roll off of it back onto his back. He can't roll over unless propped, but I don't think it will take him too long to figure out.

* Mr. Sleepyhead *

Mommy must be so mean...

~another smile, yeah! ~

I think it is so cute how Dale holds Ryan's thumb!

Oh, How Praying Rests the Weary!

2009-02-08T17:16:00.004-05:00

The other night was kinda rough with Dale, he simply did not want to sleep. Ryan had been up with him for quite awhile and Dale needed to eat so we switched spots - I took Dale and Ryan went to the bedroom to sleep. However, he fell asleep on his knees at the side of the bed while praying. Apparently he slept like that for four hours. Praying really does rest the weary.

~Our Tiny Dictator Turns One Month Old~

2009-02-05T15:01:00.021-05:00

Hip hip hooray! Dale turned one month old today. He is a wonderful little boy. Using our very calibrated home measurement systems we think that he is just under nine and a half pounds and is about twenty inches long. He is generally a very calm, content and attentive baby - he likes to be held upright so that he can see what is going on. He is getting much stronger - he is able to lift his head up and hold it steady but still doesn't have enough control to put it down slowly so when he gets tired his head just flops down. While playing on the floor he kicks so much that he moves all around - he doesn't know which way he is headed, nor does he care - but he is a very active baby. When he is on his tummy this means that he mostly scoots around in a circle, pivoting around his head. Dale is willing to tolerate tummy time - to humor his parents - for about ten minutes before beginning to cry. He is amazing and we love him.

On the flip side, there are things that Dale does that seem to be planned (I'm sure they aren't) and done to humor him. He seems to know that the best time to pee is just as the diapers are being switched, the best time to play happily is between 11 pm and 2 am and the best time to spit up is when mommy is burping him without a burpcloth. And still - we love him.

Here are a few (okay, lots of) pictures of our little man, I've tried to include some of the funny faces that we see. Enjoy-
This is a common face that we see when he wakes up - he makes slight kissy faces and shifts his eyes back and forth - at least he doesn't shift his eyes at Ryan and I any more.

Still waking up: we are grateful that he awakes happily (until he realizes that his diaper is dirty)

Opa - a big stretch:

The day that Dale was born one of his eyes was so goopy that he could only open one of them until I asked a nurse to clean it off. As he wakes up now, Dale often will open one eye - as if he is checking out what's going on, if it is worth it to wake up fully.

I love it when Dale arches his head back, it makes him look so differently - his little neck rolls actually turn into a neck and it is so adorable.

Hey look - my boys are sleeping again! (Ryan did get some pretty bad pictures of me sleeping with him, but since I post to the blog I escape again, ha ha)

Dale does not like sponge baths, but he did enjoy his first real bath. He loved sitting in the warm water and having it dripped over him. He also loves being wrapped and warmed up in his fish towel (thanks Grandma) after the bath. And the color is beautiful on him, it really accentuates his eyes - which are turning blue like his daddy's. (And while we are on that note our baby boy is not blonde, he has medium brown hair, the flash from the camera simply makes it look blondish) Our beautiful baby boy!

Dale loves to suck on things. If he can he will stick his fingers (or his whole fist if he is hungry enough) into his mouth.

I just thought that Dale looked silly:

More of Dale munching on himself...

With Grandma Alice:

Here Dale is in his carseat, one of the few pictures that I have been able to get with a semblance of a smile. (He smiles a lot, but always knows when I turn the camera on to capture it- one day...)

My boys are so cute!!!

Dale loves his fuzzy blankets

This is the best picture that I have been able to get of left ear. He has little folds at the top of his ear, just like his daddy. One of Ryan's ears is rigid at the top, with little folds and Dale has it too.

And when we get frustrated for being left on our belly for too long...

Contemplating, with the touch of a smile:

Absolutely perfect...

and aware...

Mommy should be picking me up instead of taking pictures, and I'm going to let her know-

Beautiful, and fuzzy...

Chillin on my favorite blankie...

This is the first time that we really tried to give him a toy to play with, and they wrestled and the little froggie ended up getting the best of Dale. Dale however began to gum the frog and seemed quite pleased with himself.

Going for those fingers again, and if the fingers don't do it I will munch on my wrist.

And check out my tongue...

I make the silliest faces when I am waking up...

~Tummy Time~

*Sleeping Soundly*

*a profile view*

Dale does not like to be burped, he arches his head back and kicks both legs like a frog instead

When Dale sleeps on our laps he likes to stretch out and lower his head, then fall soundly asleep again.

~being burped~

*Once again Daddy has rescued me from a spongebath, I love my Daddy*

Here's another shot from Rebekah - Dale is tiny, Ryan is not

Groggy Dale

Happy Dale - he loves to be propped up using the Boppy (thanks Tonya!)

Chilling in the stroller before our first walk around the complex

Outside with Grandma JuLee (who I think was almost as excited about the warm sunny weather as she was to see us - I think the rankings went 1 - Dale, 2 - Sunshine, 3 - Ryan and Katherine)

More sitting in the boppy

Look at me lift my head on my tummy. I am SO buff!

Aunt Brittany thinks I'm cute! And it's true, I am.

Look Tonya, I can suck my thumb just like my cousin Josh! (Should my mom be making a blankie friend as well???)

Check out all that hair (aka - peach fuzz), at least in this picture it doesn't look blonde

My boys again. I love them!

-more tummy time-

-and more tummy time-

-I'm hungry mommy - feed me!

*Yawn and stretch*

~and and even bigger yawn~

And one last thumb-sucking picture...

We love you Dale! We are grateful for the blessings, joy and love that you have brought to our family!

And I suppose that we shall reward those that have stuck through this whole post with a tidbit of information... we are moving to Maine in March! Ta da!

~ Our Beautiful Baby Boy ~

2009-01-11T19:07:00.025-05:00

This is what is happening at our house right now (or when I started this post anyway):

I thought that it would provide me a good opportunity to post some more pictures and give a short update on everything.

Dale had some jaundice and on Wednesday morning we found out that I would be discharged but that he would need to stay at least one more night in the nursery under phototherapy lights. They brought the lights into our room and let him stay with us for the remainder of Wednesday and just into Thursday morning after my discharge. Then he was moved to the nursery and placed into an incubator under the phototherapy lights. To make sure that he wouldn't hurt his eyes he had to wear black foam goggles (my previous swim coach experience came in very helpful when we needed to put them on).

I know that jaundice is a very small complication in the grand scheme of things but I didn't want my baby to have to leave the room and stay in the nursery. I wanted so badly to be able to take Dale home with us. While trying not to cry about him going to the nursery the thought that popped into my mind and made me laugh was "Dale wears his sunglasses inside" and so here is a picture with "Dale's sunglasses."

(And yes, I do realize that we were still very fortunate that everything else went so well and that he is healthy and home now. On one hand I feel a little bit guilty for being so upset - I know many people that have had babies in much more precarious situations. But - Dale is my baby - and I love him and wanted him in my arms)

Dale quickly lost 10% of his body weight but because he needed to be under the lights most of the time there wasn't a lot of time to feed him and we were encouraged to supplement with formula to ensure that he was getting enough calories and could hopefully gain some weight back. Ryan and I had already decided not to introduce artificial nipples (either binkies or bottles) for at least about four weeks and after discussing this with the pediatrician it was decided that the best option was to supplement by cup-feeding. I tried to feed him the first time but had some trouble and became frustrated that not only could I not feed Dale the way that I wanted to but that I couldn't even supplement him the way that we wanted to. Ryan was wonderful, and he cup-fed Dale each time that Dale needed supplementation.

Dale was a cup-feeding champion and quickly began to regain his lost weight. Thursday morning Dale was discharged with a Bili-Blanket. It is basically a wide plastic belt that has the ultraviolet phototherapy lights on one side. It is wrapped around his body and allows for home use and limited portability. Ryan and I were grateful to be able to hold him again, even with the large cord connected. In this first picture the lights aren't on, in the second one they are.

When we wrapped Dale up to sleep at night with the Bili-Blanket it would glow through all of the blankets. He reminded me of the gloworm toys that were really cool when we were little. Our little gloworm:

Here is a picture of us in the nursery just after Dale was discharged.

Then on Saturday we drove to Sedona to go to my brother's wedding (CONGRATULATIONS JAMES!!!). Dale was so good in the car and at the wedding. He slept through the ceremony and the dinner. I am so grateful that we were able to attend the wedding - it was a beautiful ceremony and I am so excited for James. It was wonderful to see him so happy and to be able to celebrate with him.

We also figured that since we were semi dressed-up that it would be a good time to take a few pictures of the three of us. As you can tell mommy and daddy are tired (especially daddy - check out that second picture : mommy was a little hopped up on goofballs and still very adrenaline filled) but very happy. We are enjoying this time with Dale immensely.

The next few pictures are for you Rebekah - who specifically requested a few pictures that would show how small Dale is relative to "big people." We will take some more for you (it's just been really busy this week).

The next picture not only makes Dale appear tiny, but it makes my shoes look big.

In the hospital that we delivered at each baby is given an electronic ankle moniter. While it is activated the baby can only be in certain areas and if the baby is taken from the specified area then an alarm activates and the portion of the hospital connected to the maternity section locks down - doors, elevators, etc. This picture was taken at Ryan's insistence so that he can tell Dale later that he has already needed an ankle moniter, his very own lo-jack.And here are some more pictures simply because Dale is adorable and perfect (and JuLee NEEDS more pictures):
Dale is a wonderful baby. He is very mellow and peaceful, only squawking when he needs a diaper change, wants to eat or is uncomfortable (ie - when I don't swaddle him tightly enough or he is first put into his carseat). We have only heard him cry a few times and even then he calms down very quickly. He is a very content baby and we consider ourselves very blessed to have such a peaceful presence in our home. We love you baby Dale!

* Dale Ryan Berg * 01~05~2009 *

2009-01-06T16:47:00.005-05:00

We are excited to welcome this little blessing into our family and wanted to show off how perfect he is.

~ The Blankie ~

2009-01-04T19:01:00.003-05:00

Well, Lindsie's sewing machine has been very busy the past little while. Here is what it has been up to:

We bought a little bassinett to go right by our bed for the first few months and because I gave Ryan very little (mostly zero) say on what our crib decor was going to look like he got to pick out the fabric for the bassinett sheets. Hence: basketball, construction, justice league superheroes and dinosaurs. Then I used scrap fabric to decorate some burp cloths.

Here is the blankie. I think that it turned out very well. No rick-rack, but beautiful and bright nonetheless. And here is the back of the blanket - a little boring, but fuzzy and warm.

Now if this little boy would simply come we are all ready - or as ready as I think that we can be.

T-1 (month, that is)

2008-12-21T21:10:00.003-05:00

Just a little update: We are one month from our due date... Scary, neh? I suppose that depends on who you talk to though. My mother is convinced that the baby won't come until February while it seems that some of the Bergs are surprised that we haven't already met this little fellow. (We did finally buy our carseat yesterday, but we aren't ready for his arrival yet - at least a few more weeks)

Here is my latest rotund picture:

Ryan says "Look what Kafrin did!"

2008-11-18T22:33:00.007-05:00

Traci keeps pestering me (very lovingly however) to post pictures of our crib.

ACK!!! A CRIB!!

- Don't you cage babies in there? I don't know if I'm ready to cage a baby!! - Though I guess that as he grows he keeps getting further into my ribcage, so by the time he comes I bet I'd rather cage him in a crib than in my ribs)

We bought our crib almost two months ago and I made our crib skirt and all of the sheets (slowly - this is why no pictures until now). After looking at many options and poking around I decided that we didn't want a crib bumper or quilt, but did want a crib skirt and a plethora of matching sheets (at the suggestion of my sisters-in-law). However, all of the bright crib stuff was only available in sets (way too expensive, especially to toss the bumper and quilt) and all of the ala carte things that I could find were so pastel-ly, simply not bright enough. And one day I realized that these are all simple and that I could make them. And that is what I did - I even got to use rick rack, one of my favorites!

(check out that rick-rack)

I will be making a blanket that matches the sheets and skirt but I haven't decided on the exact pattern. When I finish that (after I start it) I will post something on it as well - hopefully it will be chique.

(Yes, we did buy the whole crib but haven't put the fourth side on yet - I wanted to be able to measure and fit things easily and thought that it would be easier without the last side on.)

We are excited to see everyone this next week and hope that it snows!

* Side note - a big thanks to Lindsie Luke who has been sewing-machine-less for the past month. I really appreciate her willingness to lend it to me. When she's lucky I will even return it.

Incubation = 75% Complete

2008-11-13T23:09:00.004-05:00

Well, we reached 30 weeks yesterday - it's a bit intimidating to think that we can now countdown on just our fingers. Here is a picture that we took a few days ago - my rotundness seems to be increasing quite nicely. But, everything looks good and ready or not here he comes.

(This is the humiliating pose that Ryan makes me do everytime - he thinks it's funny)

~ Tag, You're It ~

2008-10-28T00:10:00.005-04:00

Well, Lindsie tagged me, I made a promise, and now I am obligated to post, so - here we go:

4 things I love about my husband: Ryan has been so patient and concerned throughout the pregnancy - I am constantly surprised at how thoughtful he is with me. I love how he always puts family first - he always finds a way to bless me first then take care of other priorities. I love that when we go to the grocery store he walks beside me and puts his hand across the small of my back. He is wonderful, and wonderful to me, and I love him!

4 movies I could watch over and over: A Few a Good Men, Mulan, The Princess Bride, and Legally Blonde

4 TV shows that I watch: The Price is Right, CSI, Law and Order, and the best of whatever is on when I feel like junk

4 places I have been: The Basketball Hall of Fame, The Pergamon Museum, Carhenge, and Dairy Keen

4 places I would love to go: Montanha Sugarloaf, a warm honeymoon, Paris and Egypt

4 things I look forward to this next year: The arrival of our baby boy, diapers, breastfeeding and sleep depravation

4 people I tag: me, myself, I and eu - which means I'm all done.

Absolutely Enamored

2008-04-10T17:15:00.004-04:00

Lately I have been absolutely enamored by how beautiful brightly colored flowers are. Hence, when opportunities have presented themselves I have taken pictures. In the slideshow posted below some of the pictures are of desert wildflowers that we stopped to take pictures of. The orchids and some of the more tropical flowers are from the Botannical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego (we went to California with some of my family for their Spring Break). My family was so patient to let me walk around like a camera happy fool, which to clarify - I was.

I've been trying to figure out what exactly it is that draws me to their beauty:

For some of the flowers it is the fact that they are growing out of rock, all by themselves and it reminds me of the parable of the sower, in Matthew, in which we are always reminded of the importance of good ground and nurturing. The resiliance of the desert flowers, and their astounding beauty has impressed me this spring.

Some I feel are so brilliant that they could not be reproduced, like the bill of a Tucan. They can be photographed and admired but any further atttempt would only end up looking cartoonish.

I love the Lord and I love how I remember Him and can feel His love when I am admiring the beauty that he has created. This is probably the greatest reason; when I can see all of the works and how uniquely beautiful they all are I have a hard time separating the beauty from the Lord - contemplating on one causes me to contemplate on the other. And for this ...

I am grateful.

Here is a poem that I remembered as I wrote. I've always enjoyed it.

Daffodils

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed--and gazed--but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

~ William Wordsworth ~

Beautiful Flower Pictures

2008-04-10T17:12:00.001-04:00

2008-03-07T00:20:00.001-05:00

... look who came to visit ...

~ Cowboy McGregor ~

~ Exploration of the Southside ~

2008-02-22T19:08:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday we decided to explore some more of Phoenix. Specifically, we opted to explore the parts that we were told not to. (And the camera was not in my purse, so no pictures) We have been looking for a good Mexican store, to buy some hispanic food. We haven't been able to find them so we asked around at a little mexican restaurant and were told which area of the city to check out. So, on Saturday afternoon, while it was still light outside, we decided to go hispanic market hunting. And (drumroll) we were very successful. I suppose. We found a large flea market, reminding both of us of our missions. Pirated CDs and DVDs, along with cowboy boots, skanky clothing and beautiful dresses for little girls parties were abundant. They also had appliances, furniture and cars (can you believe that??). It was a lot of fun to walk around this flea market. It was pretty big, but not as big as some in Brazil. Everyone there kept looking at us like we were a bit out of place. We were the only Caucasians there, so I guess that we were out of place. But we had a great time. (I should have been less of a food snob - they had some candy that looked Brazilian, but I didn't try any. Next time I will, who knows - maybe I will enjoy it)

Then we went to one of the grocery stores in the area and they had a pretty good hispanic selection. When we left there we had some key limes and a whole lot of soda. We picked up flavors that reminded us of our missions but are hard to find generally. We laughed at ourselves when we looked at what we had bought. What we have had so far we really have enjoyed though. Yummers!

After that, we drove down VanBuren Avenue. Apparently this street is where the hookers hang out at night. It was still too light outside for them to be out, but we did drive past a couple of rescue missions that were beginning to draw large crowds. Hence, we kept on driving.

Then we saw a large, domed building and thought that it might be the capital building. It was. The dome has an angel on the top, it was pretty interesting. Next to the capital there was a large green beltway area with a lot of memorials. And at the other end was a large museum for mining. Ryan was so excited because they had HUGE mining equipment outside. It was too late to get into the museum, but we will be going back (I will read the information and Ryan will likely run around looking at the "big boy toys"). We will get some fun pictures, but it will be awhile, there are so many things that we want to do. We did park and go walk around some of the memorials. They have a memorial for everything and it is very tastefully done. One of the memorials is actually the anchor from the U.S.S. Arizona. They even have a big stone display of tablets with the ten commandments on it. It has been fun to be in a state where religion isn't such a big political factor (for instance we were on a college campus this weekend and there were advertisements about praying, that would never have flown at USU. And there are all sorts of anti-smoking laws, because here it is a health issue, not a religion issue). However, it was getting dark and some vagrants began to wander onsite, paper bags and all. So... we opted to bee-line it to the car and continue on our way.

Continuing our drive, we drove around downtown and checked out the area. Did you know that Phoenix has like 3 downtown prisons? We didn't. They are on corners surrounding the federal courthouse. They are pretty big too. However, we also found a whole bunch of arenas, theatres and museums. So... overall... worth it. And a good story besides, right?

When we finally got hungry we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. The 45 minute wait that they projected actually turned into a 1.5 hour wait. But, the food was predictable and good. (Predictable is a great thing here, it seems that when we go out on a limb for new places to eat we lose, losE, loSE, lOSE, LOSE!!!) Then, fed and happy, we returned to our apartment.

What a day!

Superbowl Saturday

2008-02-13T23:34:00.002-05:00

The Superbowl (...sadness for the Patriots...) was held in Glendale Arizona this year at the University of Phoenix Stadium (which looks like it could take off at a moments notice), about 15 minutes from our apartment. The whole week before the game there were tons of activities going on, all over the valley. We couldn't afford to go to most of the activities, but the night before the game there was a free block party in Tempe, about 45 minutes away. We decided that we could afford to go to that. After a $5 parking fee, a short walk, a stop at the porta-potties and a 10 minute security line we found ourselves at one of the best free concerts I've ever been at. The band Boys Like Girls played and I must say that I was impressed. While they played we walked around and checked out some of the vendors and the Superbowl hot air balloon (I have seen more hot air balloons here than in a long time). We then were treated to a free concert by the Counting Crows, it was wonderful. At the end of the night there was a GREAT fireworks show. The fireworks were set off from the bridge leaving the park, it was so close that we could feel the rumble as the fireworks went into the sky, and we loved it.
I love how many neighborhood activities are hosted here, it seems that if we research a bit we can always find something to do. And it's warm... what more could we ask for...

Superbowl Saturday

2008-02-13T23:33:00.001-05:00

Some Happy Thoughts

2008-02-13T23:19:00.001-05:00

Family and Friends in February

2008-02-13T22:39:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we had the opportunity to return to Utah for a few days. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to visit with some of our family and friends. It was a blast to have so much free time to visit and talk - it seemed kind of odd. It has been a long time since we have been able to visit without having to worry about homework, primary lessons and work. We had a great time visiting with family in Heber, Logan and Salt Lake. Thank you to everyone that cleared portions of their busy schedules to make time for us. We love you!

(P.S. - Don't we have some of the cutest nieces ever?)

Family and Friends in February

2008-02-13T22:37:00.001-05:00

Here we go Loop-de-Loo!

~ * ~ Bella Katherine ~ * ~

Utah May 2010

7 XW

~ Easter and More Parks ~

~ Our Baby Boy is Growing Up ~

< Miscellaneous Pictures >

... It's Not Marshmallow Creme, It's Fluff ...

! Feliz Anniversario ! (otherwise known as hardly any baby left at all!)

...Hello Flatlanders From Away Out West...

...A Stop in NY...

...Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater...

Leaves, Leaves, Grandma Alice and More Leaves!

Oh Schmecks!

Pirates and Birthdays and Lobsters, Oh My!

Pics in March

Picture Post 3 of 3

Picture Post 2 of 3

Picture Post 1of 3

!!!CONGRATULATIONS DADDY!!!

~*~ picturepalooza ~*~

~*~ Mommy's Day ~*~

* Happy Easter *

* never never land *

~*~ pacification ~*~

Oh, How Praying Rests the Weary!

~Our Tiny Dictator Turns One Month Old~

~ Our Beautiful Baby Boy ~

* Dale Ryan Berg * 01~05~2009 *

~ The Blankie ~

T-1 (month, that is)

Ryan says "Look what Kafrin did!"

Incubation = 75% Complete

~ Tag, You're It ~

Absolutely Enamored

Beautiful Flower Pictures

~ Exploration of the Southside ~

Superbowl Saturday

Superbowl Saturday

Some Happy Thoughts

Family and Friends in February

Family and Friends in February

~~ picturepalooza ~~

~~ Mommy's Day ~~

~~ pacification ~~