balesfamily

Las Vegas

2011-10-29T13:03:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning we drove to Las Vegas and I have to admit I just love Vegas. It is only my third time visiting but every time I've been I have had a blast! Here are some pictures of things we did.

Coke Factory

M&M Factory 3D show

M&M Factory

Hello Kitty

New York, New York where we had lunch

We stayed at the Circus Circus where they have an adventure dome full of rides. The girls had a lot of fun there.

I guess we were pictured out by evening because we did a lot on the strip and forgot to take pictures. We saw the Bellagio show, Mirage show, went to see the moving statues at Caesar's Palace but they weren't working, and we watched Circus Acts at our hotel. I think I love how much there is to do in Vegas. Monday we drove home. I was so impressed by how well the girls did while driving. We had an amazing trip I know I will never forget!

At the Beach

2011-10-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

After 3 busy days at Disneyland we wanted to go to the beach and relax. We chose Huntington beach because it was the closest. Unfortunately it was a little overcast that day, but we figure it was still warm and the girls would have fun.

Gwen didn't like the water but had fun chasing seagulls.

Elsie started out liking it but as soon as she got a little water in her mouth and almost threw up she was done and wanted to go to the hotel to swim. We didn't stay very long but we did get to swim in the ocean a little. And we had fun watching all the paddle boarders.

Disneyland part 3

2011-10-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

I failed to mention in Part 2 that another reason we had such a great day in California Adventures is because the park wasn't crowded! There was a little wait for some rides but mostly we were walking on rides. And when the park isn't very busy it seems like everyone was so much happier and more friendly.

Now having said that... We show up for Day 3 in DL and the place was PACKED! I mean, what the heck is going on kind of packed! There were people and huge lines everywhere. We found out that Cali schools were out on that Thurs but were back in school for Friday. It made me mad because if we knew this in advance we could have gone to DL on Fri and done a beach day on Thursday. Oh well. We had already done about everything we wanted to so it was kind of a pick your favorites to redo kind of day anyway.

I guess it was because of the crowds but for some reason I didn't take very many pictures on Thurs but here is what we did. Rode Monsters inc ride, Ariel ride, Toy Story Mania, we saw sailor Mickey Mouse, Grizzly Run, Sourin Over California, we went through Sleeping Beauty's Castle (which scared the girls), rode Pinocchio (which scared the girls), we saw Fairy God Mother, rode Big Thunder, train again, Winnie the Pooh ride and Splash Mountain.

Cute pumpkin entrance

Fairy God Mother

Sailor Mickey

We gave the girls the option of going to the parade again, going to world of color again or going to the hotel and swim. They chose swimming. I was a little relieved to be leaving such a crowded park. I am grateful for two wonderful days at Disneyland and now I know to check the California school schedules :)

Disneyland part 2

2011-10-13T20:45:00.001-07:00

We spent the whole second day at Disneyland in California Adventures. This was our favorite day! We woke up and gave the girls their princess stuff. They looked so cute.

All dolled up!

Divas!

First thing in the park was our meet and greet, meaning if you have a disney credit card you get to meet certain charaters at a certain spot.

Pluto

And Chip and Dale

We needed to kill some time before the princess lunch so we rode Monster's Inc ride and watched Muppets in 3D. Then we could finally go to the much anticipated princess lunch. Elsie and Gwen worked very hard to earn this lunch and we weren't disappointed at all!!! I am a little disappointed at how all the pictures turned out. There are windows all over in the dining room and there is a glare on almost all the pictures. :(

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel

Snow White

Sleeping Beauty

Belle

And Cinderella

The food was very good too and the girls were truly treated as princesses!

Next we rode Ariel's Underwater Adventure ride, Swings, Jumpin Jellyfish, Toy Story Mania,

We really liked Toy Story Mania it was a very fun ride!

Next we went into A Bugsland a very cute area designed for children all themed around A Bugs Life movie. We rode about every ride they had there.

Here we are on the ladybug ride.

Next was the Tower of Terror. Gwen and I didn't particiate on the ride but it really scared Elsie at the time. Now when you ask her about it she says it was fun. :)

Sully (Gwen was asleep)

Vern and Elsie rode Grizzly Run Gwen was too little for that ride and she was still asleep in the stroller. Nest was Soarin Over California twice, Talking to Crush, Bugs Life 3D, the Farris Wheel, Goofy's Flight School twice and last but not least...World of Color!

World of Color was our second favorite part of the trip, (after the princess lunch). It was a water show at night with lots of color and fountains to disney music. There was also fire and a cartoon scene showing on a solid spray of water behind the fountains. It was amazing!

Waiting for World of Color to start

I took a lot of video but not a lot of pictures. It kind of gives you the idea.

Disneyland Part 1

2011-10-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, where to start? I guess the beginning is about right. Hi my name is Lena and I am a Disneyland virgin. My husband is one too. Most people's mouths drop about now. But it's true we had NEVER been to DL!! Deprived, right? Anyway, I think because I had never been there I honestly never thought too much about it until my friend April kept post pics and comments about how much she loved it and I guess it got me thinking. About 6 months ago Vern and I were trying to figure out what to do with our credit card rewards which was about $700 dollars and instead of being responsible adults and saving this money WE SPENT IT! It paid for all of our hotel stay. AWESOME I know! Vern also got some other cc incentives which paid for our gas and groceries. My husband is amazing!

Ok Ok, getting on with the trip.

Day 1: We drove to Mesquite and stayed at the Casablanca. Which was about a 7 hour drive, we weren't sure how the kids were going to be so we decided to take our time and break up the drive. The girls did great by the way:) The Casablanca had a great outdoor pool with a slide and waterfall we really enjoyed. When you stay at this hotel you get a free round of golf for a 50 min massage. Vern is so sweet he scheduled me a message.

Day 2: We drove to Anaheim about 5 hours. We ate at Fire and Ice (Mongolian BBQ) we ate at the one at Lake Tahoe over 6 years ago. It was YUMMY!

I took this picture with my pnone sorry it's blurry.

Day 3: Disneyland! Which was so fun. It wasn't too crowded, like 30min waits for the big rides and almost no wait for the little rides. Gwen was tall enough so we just took her on the big rides. She did great! I loved that we weren't separated very much and were able to ride a lot of the rides as a family.

Every morning we were at the park the girls got presents. The first day they got these cute shirts and sun glasses.

The second day they got princess accessories for their princess lunch. The third day they got little Minny mouse dolls. They just loved waking up to opening presents :)

Here is the list of what we did that day:

Space Mountain,

Buzz Blasters,

Astro Orbitor, Nemo's underwater ride, Pixie Hollow,

Mater horn bobsleds,

Alice in Wonderland, Small World, Train (that goes around the park), Toontown,

more Toontown,

Big Thunder, (a favorite)

Winnie the Pooh ride,

Pooh ride again,

Splash Mountain,

Train again (Gwen really liked the dinosaurs we see on there) while Vern went to the haunted house, Tarzan, Tiki room while Vern and Elsie went on Indiana Jones, and then the Parade. I videoed a lot of the parade but the pictures I took really didn't turn out very well.

It was a great first day!

First Day of School!

2011-10-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

I am a little late but I wanted to post Elsie's first day of school picture. Back at the beginning of Sept. she started Kindergarten! Her teacher is Mrs Petersen at Greenville Elementary and Elsie just really loves her. I am going into her class to volunteer every other Thurs. So far I really like it. Elsie is doing very well in school so far and I hope she continues to love it!

Milestones!

2011-07-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

My girls are growing up WAY TOO FAST!! My little family hit two milestones this week. Well, the first one may not be a true 'milestone' but I am going to call it one. Friday morning I got out two bowls of cereal for the girls, then told them I was getting in the shower. When I got out of the shower every single bite was gone (not uncommon) and the bowls were IN THE SINK!!! No asking, telling, begging...I am getting really sick of telling the girls over and over and over to do certain things so I was pretty excited to see that I was getting through to them. ~Milestone~

The second thing is Elsie learning to ride a bike. She has been ready for a while but we have been so busy this summer. Finally Vern took her out this evening and she just took right off. ~Milestone~

She already needs a bandaid :)

No-poo!

2011-04-18T12:36:00.001-07:00

I have been wondering about this whole "no-poo" thing since I heard about it a couple of months ago. I was wondering if any of my readers have actually tried it or know of someone personally that has tried it. I think I am going to try it. I also think it will take a little while to get some of the products but I'll keep you updated :) http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2010/07/no-poo-your-hair-she-kate-p.html

Gwen turns 2

2010-11-18T20:29:00.001-08:00

Wow, I cannot believe my Gwen is 2. It feels like I was just posting her one year old birthday party. Well, I hope she had as much fun as I did. We started out at the Fun Park. The kids played in the soft play for a while then we played lots of video games.

Here is Gwen at the soft play.

Elsie coming down the slide.

Of course Kaylix and Tayson were there. (Gwen's cousins)

Gwen and Tayson were playing with the little air hockey. They were so cute. Tayson really got into it.

Vern and I playing while Kaylix and Elsie played each other.

Gwen and Tayson really loved the balls too. I think Tayson is going to be a basketball player or a baseball player.

Then we came home for some cake and ice cream and presents.

Say cheese.

Make a wish. With some help from Elsie she got the candles out.

Thanks grandpa for the McDonald's bucks!

Gwen got a new bed spread, a big play dough kit, a big box of safari animals, a barbie from Elsie and her very favorite present was from Jenny a little package of 6 lip glosses. She is finally starting to call it lips stick but for the longest time Gwen has LOVED lip gloss and called it "lips."

She didn't touch her cake and ice cream because she wouldn't stop putting on lip gloss.

She was excited about her new princess bed.

But she STILL didn't take a break from putting on the gloss.

She was willing to share with everything.

But Tayson seemed to like it.

We also played with the Safari animals that night, Tayzilla was knocking everything down before we could even set it up. The next day we had a play dough party with her new play dough. We had such a fun day. Gwen has been such a blessing in my life and I couldn't have asked for a sweeter child. I hope the terrible twos by pass and we have a great year.

What is a word for non-photogenic?

2010-11-18T20:06:00.001-08:00

I can not get a good pic of Gwen just looking at the camera and smiling. Why? I don't know every time I pull out the camera she just looks like she is in a trance (deer in headlights) or if she is actually trying to smile for me it always just looks goofy. I am not an obsessive person but for some reason it bothered me that there wasn't a good "smiling" picture of my sweet Gwen. So I took the girls, did their hair, put them in matching colors and tried my hardest to get just one pic of Gwen looking at the camera and smiling. This is the best I could do.

Seriously what is up with this kid?

I have a million of Elsie smiling, she LOVES the camera.

This is cute, Gwen was copying everything Elsie was doing, even her arms.

Finally I just told them to run around the coffee table and I got one of her smiling, but she wasn't looking at the camera. Still unsuccessful!

Here they are at Halloween, Gwen is not assuming her character as Winnie the Pooh she is just in her trance. I can't think of a better word then trance.

Family Photos

2010-11-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to get a few Fall family photos and I asked my client and great friend, Kylie, to take some and I think they turned out great. Here are a few with the family.

Gwen looked like a deer in headlights for most of the photos.

I love my sweet family. My husband and girls are so precious to me. It was a great day playing in the park and taking photos.

New Blog

2010-10-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone I just started a new blog. lenashouseofstyle.blogspot.com I know it is crazy because I can't even keep up with this blog but I just wanted to share some photos and to put the website on my new business cards.

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon

2010-07-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

We went to southern Utah May 20-25. We just love it down there when it is not too hot. I took a lot of pictures of Bryce Canyon this time because I have already posted pics of Zions in an older post. Anyway, it was a ton of fun. The first thing we did when we got there was hike from the trail Sunrise to Sunset. Gwen wasn't feeling well and by the end she was miserable I wish I would have waited to take her hiking.

It was a beautiful hike. We stayed in a cabin this time in our same favorite camping resort Ponderosa Ranch. It was so fun.

Elsie did the zip cord this time and loved it! She was so brave, she didn't even hesitate off the four story balcony.

Elsie was so funny during the trip here are a few things she said and I wrote down.

We drove over those vibrator things of the side of the road. "Mom the van just tooted!"

A bunch of bugs splatted against the windshield. I said "gross bugs" She said "why are bugs squirting us?"

Outside at night. I said "wow the moon is bright" She said "No that is just my flashlight."

She was so good and funny the whole trip!

Too cute!

2010-05-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

My friend Aubree came from Farmington for the day and stopped by for a couple of hours to visit. Her daughter, Clara, was TOO CUTE!!! Seriously, Clara was kissing Gwen and she wasn't quite sure what to think about it. I can't stop laughing at these pictures.

Awww, she is so affectionate.

She was giving Gwen Elsie's shoes. It was funny. They played really well together.

LOL Gwen looks like a deer in headlights.

She has no where to run.

Thanks for the visit Aubs! LYLAS

Accident Prone

2010-05-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

Gwen is sweet and very passive. She is like a ray of sunshine after a long storm. She is a dream come true. My only complaint right now is that she is the MOST ACCIDENT PRONE PERSON I HAVE EVER MET!!!!! Here is a little example. Today we were getting ready for our 9 o'clock church and Vern has to leave to set up the chairs as part of his calling. So, it is just me and the girls. Gwen fell down 3 times while I was just doing Elsie's hair! Then at church I lost track but I think she fell, from tripping over her own feet, about 10 times and she fell off of chairs 3 times. Her feet are going faster then her brain can process and she loves to climb so of course we all know that climbing = falling with a 17 month old. Well we came home from church and have a nice picnic in my back yard. Elsie loves picnics. Gwen was just walking and did a cart-wheel off the deck smacking her face and leaving her with a big shiner. Vern and I are just exhausted today and if anyone is wondering why just spend one day with my sweet little angel and you will know. :)

Here's the shiner!

Oh, and one more thing. My new favorite! I taught Gwen to raise her hand and say "me" whenever I ask a question that starts with 'who.' Like, Who's cute? "Me" or Who's sweet, hungry, stinky, one, whatever she knows the right response.

Easter Pics

2010-04-12T11:04:00.001-07:00

We had a great Easter! Here are the two matching summer dresses we got the girls.

Here is Gwen sitting on Grandpa's lap eating HORSERADISH! (not joking)

Elsie and Gwen were spoiled by the Easter Bunny at Grandma and Grandpa Bales.

The egg hunt at Grandpa Bill's.

Elsie trying to hit a pinata.

This year we made our pinata a pull pinata for the youngest to participate. It was a lot of fun and Elsie helped put it together. Here is Tayson pulling the string. It fell out on the third try.

I love Easter for many reason's. It is the largest family gathering at my dad's. It is the only time I get to see my extended family. Vern's family really gets into the spirit if things too. But most of all it reminds me that Christ was resurrected. That we will all live again like him. Nothing is more important. I love my family and I love the gospel. I am so blessed.

High school friends get together!

2010-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Lyndzi was coming to town from Ohio and she wanted to have a get together at my house with all of our high school friends. I am so glad that she was able to squeeze us in because she has so much family and friends to visit. Anyway, it was really fun. Here's a few pics.

Clara (Aubree's daughter) was so sweet!

After we had lunch we just sat outside to visit and let the kiddies fun free.

Lyndzi and Jenny Wow they both look tired :)

Aubree pushing Clara on the swing.

Gwen and Tayson (Jenny's little guy) playing.

Mckay, Lyndzi's little guy found a fake carrot but he sure loved it :)
I am so mad at myself for not grabbing a pic of all of us together. But thanks for coming to see me Lyndzi and thanks for making the drive Aubree. I love my friends!

Thursday Tea Parties

2010-03-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been about a month since I started my new work schedule and I LOVE IT! Part of a new work schedule is a new watching my niece and nephew schedule. I now watch them on Thursdays from 8 to 6. It can be a long day so for now I am having themed tea parties. Which gives the girls something to look forward to, get ready for and help prepare which also keeps them busy. So far it has worked great. Last week we had a Hawaiian themed Luau. First we watch the Barbie in a Mermaid's Tale. Then they helped me make the pom poms for hanging decorations and the small ones for table decorations. My friend Aubree showed me the site how to do it. It was very easy and easy for the girls to help. But it did take longer then I planned so we just had pineapple jello and animal crackers. I was going to make fruit kabob's.

They put on their own make up. It was so cute to see them all dressed up with grass skirts and lays.

Even Gwen and Tayson had fun.

Next week we are having a pirate theme complete with a treasure hunt.

Winter Pics

2010-02-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

We've gone sledding a couple of times so far and here are some pictures to share.

Elsie put on Vern's gear. She is so cute.

This time we went to Old Main. This is also where Vern works. It is a hill on campus.

Even Gwen got in on the action.

I love my family.

More Birthday Party

2010-02-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry about that. I am still trying to figure out all of this blogging stuff.
Anyway, back to the party...

We played pin the heart on the Tinman.

Lion Limbo.

The Horse of a Different Color race. Which was kind of like musical chairs. I found these little horses at the dollar store and they worked perfect.

And cake and ice cream at the Emerald City.

It was the first time I had ever made a cake that actually had a theme. I didn't get a picture of it but the cake inside was also rainbow colors. It was fun to make.

We all had a blast. Happy 4th Birthday to my Sweet Elsie.

Elsie's Birthday!

2010-02-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I am finally getting around to updating my blog. We threw Elsie a little birthday party on her birthday, December 11th. It turned out pretty good. She is the biggest fan of the Wizard of Oz, so she chose that to be the theme of the party. We invited everyone to dress up as their favorite character. Elsie, of course was Dorothy, we had a lion, witch, farmer, cowboy and a princess, I was Glinda and Vern was the scarecrow. It was really cute having the kids dress up. We start out in Munchkinland and ended at the Emerald City for cake and ice cream. Along the way we played some games.

First all the children found a hiding munchkin and got a lollipop.

Then Glinda gave everyone bubbles.

Then we followed the yellow brick road downstairs were we played games.

The first was a bean bag toss (apples into a tree cut out)

Gwen's First Birthday!!

2009-11-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

Baby Gwen is ONE!!! I seriously can't believe it!! We had such a fun day celebrating it. Kaylix and Elsie helped me decorate and wrap the presents and bake the cake. They were so cute being perfect little helpers. They were so excited for the party to start which made for a long day. I heard "is it party time yet?" all day. But it was so fun to see them excited.

Gwen was also getting impatient about getting started. She could not wait to eat her cake.

I am so mad at myself because we videoed her eating the cake but I forgot to take pictures. :( Maybe I will have to figure out a way to upload the video. She was so funny, she kept trying to get the cake and trying to get the cake and then finally I put a piece in front of her and she wouldn't touch it. She kept looking around at all of the adults like we had poisoned it or something. Once we helped her get started she loved it and of course got real messy.
She didn't get much chance to open her gift because her older sister was "helping" too much. But she received a clock radio (so I don't have to keep getting Elsie's) and shoes from mom and dad. Elsie picked out mini mermaids to give her, so she can share them. :) Jenny my sister gave her a barn toy with shapes that she loves. My best friend Jenni Partington came too and gave her homemade hairbows, which were super cute. Grandpa Bill gave her McDonald's bucks which she will love to use up. I think she did pretty good for a one year old.

I love this picture. She is just so CUTE!!!

Tea Party!

2009-11-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

We had a tea party on Nov 19. Elsie and Kaylix had so much fun! Oh who am I kidding I had so much fun with them. We first set the table, then got dressed up with featherboas and all, then put make up on. We went over our Tea Party manners which was cute. I didn't mean to but I kept talking in a Southern accent. The girls kept acting out The Island Barbie tea scene, over and over and over. It was cute Elsie was Lucianna and Kay was Rocella and I was the mom.

We made hot chocolate and dipped strips of toast in it and orange slices and cheese and goldfish crackers. A very fun Tea Party!

Into the river we go!

2009-11-17T17:45:00.001-08:00

On Sat Nov 14 we decided to go up Logan Canyon to get Vern and Elsie's ski rentals for the year. We only made it about half way to Beaver when we hit a patch of ice, lost control and slid off the road and into the river. Luckily, no one was hurt, in fact, when we came to a stop Elsie said "that was fun." It was pretty scary, but we were very fortunate to have walked away without a scratch. I am grateful that Vern was driving, I would have tried to avoid the river and over corrected and probably flipped the van. We were very blessed!
Here are some pics of the van sitting in the river waiting to be towed.

and the van being towed. I think it looks like a toy car that broke.

Zion's National Park

2009-10-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

We went down to southern Utah for a small family trip and we had a blast. I recommend everyone going down there. We stayed our first night in Panguitch were we stayed in a hotel. Elsie runs in, very excited and asks "is this our new home? Where is the kitchen?" 10 minutes later she finds the phone books and says "this is what we will read for a good night story." She is so funny!

The next morning we went into the park, which is truly awe-inspiring! It was just so beautiful. We did a couple of hikes and visited the visitors center. Then we set up camp, which was at a camping resort. It was very cool. They had a big swimming pool and rock wall and zip line and Frisbee golf and pool and ping pong and a buffet...you name it they had it. We loved it and would go there again. Elsie loved the swimming pool.

We went on a couple of hikes. It was so beautiful. Elsie did really well. Some hikes were paved and we could take the double stroller but we needed to take the baby backpack on others hikes. We saw a lot of wildlife right along the path. The closest I have ever been to a deer family, wild turkeys, tarantula, desert lizards and a lot of little squirrels. We will have to go for longer next time. We are definitely going back.

Elsie was such a cute pirate.

2009-09-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Labor Day's Pirate Party

2009-09-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

2009-09-08T20:25:00.001-07:00

I don't know how to blog!!