In case you were wondering

Back in school! Welcome to Mrs. Brown's University! 5 cases of Mono...yuck
4 missing pictures of kids on the first day...darn computer

streptococcus Tyler

Dear Bloggity Blog,

We have strep. A whole lot of strep going on at our house. First the mom, then the kids. Poor daddy has had to be Mr. Mom. I think he will be glad to go back to Mr. Dad. The crazy thing about this round of strep, Tyler once again didn't have any symptoms. The docotor said that sometimes in families one person will never have symptoms but will still have it. Thus never being treated and spreading the germs around again and again. WHAT! Who knew the reason we always had strep was because of tiny Tylers lovely kisses. If you have ever had the pleasure of experiencing one of his smooches you know what I am talking about! Can you say typhoid Mary?!

Break out the Avagard and clorox wipes

love,

the mommy

Sunday Evening Silence

One more Sunday down, thousands to go. Oh my. I am tired. In case you were wondering, school starts in two weeks. HALLELUJAH! Summer swim is over. The best part about it....Tyler's tiny swim trunks ( you would not believe how small they are!) You gotta love swim cap goggle smiles. SOOOOOO attractive!

When I lay in bed at night I think of really great posting ideas then when I sit down at the computer I forget them all. Oh well I will try again next time!

To the people in CANADA.

Dear tourists,

Puhlease bring us back our favorite candy bars...you know what they are! Don't disappoint. Oh yes, one more thing. Gracie is walking.

Toodles,

the bytes

We have always said she should have two birthdays!

July 6, 2009
We're home! Last NICU photo!

I walked in the door tonight carrying Gracie on my shoulder. Earlier that day my mom had reminded me that today was the one year anniversary for bringing Gracie home from the hospital. During some quiet moments that I had this afternoon (while my kids were at the pool with my neighbor.) I thought about last year. What was going on in my mind, and how we ever survived. I think about "last year" Andrea and wondered how I ever came home and took care of such a fragile infant. I know that I did it, but can't imagine how. My mom reminded me how in tune Ben was and still is to Gracie and her needs. If it wasn't for the spreadsheet he created I don't know how we would have kept track of everything. He always knew what she needed and when. What a difference a year makes. Just like all the other milestones we hit, I say again "we did it!" She is talking and getting ready to walk and looks like a string bean, there is no meat on her bones! What a lucky family we are to get her and be able to reflect on the greatest blessings we have been given. One year ago today I carried her through the door all snug in her car seat. Overjoyed and overwhelmed at the same time. What a great combination of senses to have to really make you aware of your surroundings. And perhaps the best coming home from the hospital birthday present I could receive...(besides Grace, my family, my health, you get the picture)...getting to teach school again! I received the official word today! Hallelujah!!!!!

26 activities/104 days of summer vacation

There's a hundred and four days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it,
So the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it, like maybe...

Getting Stitches
Playing superheros

Swimming for the first time

catching fish

Playing Rock Band

Watching outdoor movies

going to the zoo

Playing with cousins

wearing matching shirts

posing next to gigantic snakes

building new swingsets

having bird funerals (you were a good bird Jasper...for two days)

Playing at the water park

wearing sun hats and teeny tiny swimming suits

Posing with cousins

eating uncrustables at the pool

wearing goggles and a swim cap for the first time

tanning with shades

floating with momsplashing around

selling lemonade at 8:00 in the morning

having BBQ's with Idaho cousins

enjoying hotdogs

enjoying cousins

sleeping in back yard tents

watching movies

So as you can see, there's a whole lot of stuff to do before school starts this fall. So stick with us cause' the Brown's are going to do it all!

Postcards to Norway

Airmail:
Dear Mom and Dad,
We are having a good time in Utah here without you. Today we went on a hike, had a picnic, and played in the sandbox. When we got up this morning we sure liked playing with Tyler and Eliza outside. We hope you had a great flight and that your feet didn't fall asleep. We just finished dinner and get to watch a movie outside. Tell Grandma and Grandpa we love them.
We LOVE you...more tomorrow,
Caden and Ellie

Schools out!

Dear Summer,
We are ready for you! Schools out and we are ready to play. That is after the trip to the emergency room for stitches! Poor Em for falling off the stool. Poor sister missionaries for walking into the bloody mess. Poor me for telling them I am not less active (although I laughed to myself about it!) Bring on the flip flops, sunscreen, and 115 degree weather. We can take it. You can find us at the swim meets on Saturdays and the rec center every other day of the week. Well, as soon as the stitches come out!
love,
the bytes