The Dyer Family

It's been awhile...

2011-08-02T09:02:00.001-07:00

Austyn is getting so big and changing so much these days! She cut 3 new teeth this last week (for a grand total of 6), she is an expert walker and starting to climb (yikes), and she has quite the vocabulary for a 14 month old! Along with the walking has come numerous bumps, bruises, fat lips, and even some blood. Matt is having a hard time with this aspect of toddlerhood...I'm hoping he gets used to it soon because this is just the beginning of all the owies, right?!

This summer has flown by for our family. We spent some time in Crescent Bar and San Diego and are hanging out at home for the remainder of our break. We feel so lucky to have this time to spend together as a family...I am NOT looking forward to the start of the school year! Here are some pics of our summer so far...

The Whole Fam in SeaWorld

Swim Time

Some Tanning time
Turtle...one of Austyn's new words...

Breakfast on the Beach

Austyn LOVED meeting Grover and Elmo at SeaWorld

Best Buds...Lacey and Austyn

Scary Face!

Playin in the yard

Austyn's first hair cut!

She was such a good girl the whole time

Before the hair cut...a little wild and crazy looking

Mommy and Austyn on the 4th of July

4 months later...

2011-04-25T12:39:00.001-07:00

Seriously people...can I get a blog manager who updates for me? Here are some recent Austyn pics...she's pretty darn cute!

I am not good at this blogging thing!

2011-01-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

Another 2 months has come and gone, and with it Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and quite a few Austyn milestones!

Austyn has been growing and changing so quickly. I feel like every day she does something new. She's a little behind the eight ball when it comes to teething (and I'm okay with that). She still has a full blown gummy smile...not even the hint of a tooth. Apparently, Matt didn't get any teeth until 11 months, so I guess that could be where we are heading. Unfortunately, Austyn is under the impression that she doesn't need to take bottles any more...all she wants is her cereal and baby food. Every day is a fight to get an adequate amount of milk down her. She averages far fewer ounces in 24 hours than the typical 8 month old, but she is still growing and her doctor seems confident that she is doing just fine!

Austyn is sitting up really well, rolling over (she took a LONG time to develop this skill), and talking up a storm. She started becoming much more vocal mid December during our trip to Disneyland and now she always seems to have something to tell us! Her favorite story to tell is "Ah Dadadada" and "Nananana." Daddy is reveling in the fact that she is sounding out "Dada" frequently and rarely utters a "Mama." Whatever. :)

The holidays were so exciting this year. We started out Christmas break with a VERY wet trip to Disneyland. My parents bought into the Disney Vacation Club and are now proud timeshare owners at Disney's Grand Californian. Our condo was AMAZING with 2 giant bedrooms, 3 FULL bathrooms, a big kitchen and living room. It was wonderful to be so close to the parks and downtown Disney. We are all ready to go back soon! Wet as it was, we were troopers. We bundled up in our rain gear, put the plastic cover over the stroller, and hopped from ride to ride every day. Austyn was so well behaved. She loved her new stroller and was content for hours! She even got to ride a few rides herself, including Toy Story, Pirates of the Carribbean, and Small World.

We got home from Caliornia the 21st and before we knew it, we were celebrating Austyn's first Christmas. She went to church for Christmas Eve and got spoiled rotten by the family on Christmas day. It took me a week to figure out where all of her new toys would be stored!

We welcomed 2011 by celebrating with the Muehlenbruchs, Fosnicks, Schakels, and the Bellerives. With 9 little kiddos who need their sleep, we decided to celebrate with the east coast at 9pm. I don't think I would have made it to midnight if I tried! We ate a lot, laughed even more, and had a wonderful time. Matt and I are so blessed to have such an amazing group of friends.

We are enjoying every second with Austyn and looking forward to the next 4 months before her first birthday!

She was SO good on both our flights!

A little weirded out by the ears

Belle and "Sleeping Beauty"

A chilly ride on the Disneyland Express

A quick break in the rain

We had the most beautiful tree in the lobby of our hotel...Santa even came and visited every day

Austyn was Santa's very first visitor of the day

It's a Small World

The Castle couldn't have been more amazing

Family Pic next to the largest Christmas Tree I have EVER seen

Austyn's very first ride...Toy Story!

California Adventure

Austyn's first Santa Picture

Family Pics

Cousins

Austyn's first black Friday!

Sweet Girl

Austyn and Daddy

The whole Fam
A little Christmas Package

Help me mom!

Lacey and Austyn trying to figure out how to get the present open

Christmas Eve

6 months! Really?!

2010-11-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

Every time I turn around it seems like Austyn is doing something new and growing up just a little bit more. I am in complete shock that she is already 6 months old! Here's a little Austyn update.

She is laughing and smiling ALL the time and is developing quite the personality. She loves her Daddy and lights up whenever he enters the room. She loves to touch my face, play with my hair, and have face to face "conversations." She adores Lacey and reaches for her whenever she passes by. She spends loads of time in her "office" (the exersaucer) and has even picked out some favorite toys.

Austyn is still a little peanut. At 6 months she is still fitting comfortably in her 3 month clothes. I'm getting kind of bored with all of her 3 months outfits, so I might have to start dressing her in her 6 month clothes and roll up the sleeves and legs! I'm starting to wonder if she will fit into her 6 month Christmas dress! Let's hope so!

Austyn's reflux is getting better as she gets older. Soon her GI specialist, Dr. Yuwono, will be cutting back on her medication until we don't have to give it anymore! Hooray!!! Solid foods have really helped keep the reflux at bay...we're hoping to be totally off meds in the next few months!

Did I mention she STILL doesn't sleep?! Nope...not a sleeper! She wakes up multiple times during the night and cat naps during the day! I keep reminding myself that I won't have a teenager who doesn't like to sleep! Here's to hoping we survive until then!

Austyn is quite the blessing in our lives...I can't imagine what I would do without her! I miss her when I'm at work and I find myself speeding to daycare or home with anxious butterflies in my tummy because I'm so excited to see her. Being a mom is amazing...

At Ghost Bustin' Blowout on Halloween...with a fever...oops

Not quite sure about face paintloving all the lights at church

hanging out at Firgrove elementary
Lovin' the toes

Austyn's first mohawk
with her pumpkin

Austyn's first foods!

2010-10-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

On Monday of last week, Austyn and I headed to Mary Bridge for a check up with Dr. Yuwono, Austyn's GI specialist. After checking her over, Dr. Yuwono said that she thought it was time for us to start baby juices and rice cereal. So on Tuesday the 12th, we went for it! Austyn was a little trooper and did really well. She was unsure about the apple juice at first, but then cried when her first 2 oz bottle was gone! She's gonna love food, just like her mom! Grandma Byrd happened to be at our house and got in on all the action too...it was pretty fun for everyone!

This stuff is sour

Here we go...

More please!

Cade and Colby are 3!!

2010-10-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today we headed up to Buckley for some birthday fun at Maris Farms pumpkin patch. Cade and Colby were celebrating their 3rd birthday with some fall fun! Austyn can't exactly "enjoy" all that Maris Farms has to offer, so she spent her day in the front pack watching. I had a blast watching all the kiddos running around...they are all getting so big. It seems like not too long ago that we were going to the pumpkin patch without ANY kids and now we have a combined total of 9 kids and 1 on the way...5 girls and 4 boys with 1 more boy coming soon!! Next year we will have a little walker to chase after, so I enjoyed just watching and taking lot's of pictures this year!

On the hayride

Mommy and Austyn

Jen and the Blakester

The Bellerives

The Dyers

The Fosnicks

The Schakels

The kiddlets

We're tryin...if you could have heard the silly sounds or seen the adults jumping around trying to make this work...such a comedy show!

Brett and his cupcake

Birthday boy and girl!!

Cade and Colby

Smiley Ainsley

The husbands

Colby

Emme

Austyn and Daddy

Cameryn

Sleepin all the way home!

I'm titleing the next round of photos "The Muehlenbruch Family Photo Debacle 2010." Enjoy!

Almost!

The Little Nugget

2010-10-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time for an Austyn update. She is getting bigger by the second, although still not too big. She is right around the 50th percentile for height and weight. She's laughing, "talking," and exploring the world as best she can. She recently found her feet, so changing her diaper can be a bit challenging, but we're getting the hang of it. She never sleeps through the night...boo, but her reflux is way better...yay! We just feel so blessed to have such a happy, healthy, loveable little girl. We never imagined we could love her so much!

Austyn's hair is a bit of a household joke...she looks like Conan Obrian's love child from the front, with a little bit of a bald spot, covered up by wildly tangled, directional challenged patches in the back. I'm praying it improves with time.

Those big eyes are gonna get her out of some trouble one of these days

We can never have enough headbands

Happy Girl in her office

Summer Wish List

2010-09-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Matt and I are blessed to come from traveling families and every summer we are lucky enough to travel with them to some pretty cool destinations. Last summer, we went to Hawaii with Matt's family and road tripped through California with my family. We knew this summer would be a bit different with Austyn being in the picture, especially since we had to keep her out of the sun.

We decided to make a summer wish list of things we wanted to do around here. Matt's number one summer wish was a trip to the Redhook Brewery and mine was a day at Pike Place market. On July 14th, our 3 year anniversary, Matt and left Austyn at home with my mom and headed up north to the Ste Michelle Winery for the Steve Miller Band concert. It just so happens that the winery is right across the street from the Redhook Brewery. We were able to eat dinner and take a brewery tour before the concert. It was great fun and we are hoping to go back again soon. Excuse the blurry pics...my lens had something on it.

On the Redhook tour

I loved my little taster glass

It was a perfect night for an outdoor concert

The man in the red shirt danced the whole time...sooooo funny...I even video taped it

I finally got my summer wish Labor Day weekend. Sunday morning we headed to Seattle with Austyn and my parents. We started our day at Top Pot doughnuts (where Golden Tate of the Seahawks stole the doughnuts this spring), walked down to the market, stopped by the new Seattle Hardrock, the original Starbucks, the up to Pacific Place for a little shopping. For dinner, we drove a bit further north to the Phinney Ridge neighborhood for a stop at Red Mill Burgers. Matt and I first heard about Red Mill on Man Vs Food on the Food Network months ago. Apparently it is classified as one of the top 10 burgers you must have before you die and has been featured not only on the food network, but Oprah as well. Let me tell you...it was SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!! I love a good burger and I was NOT disappointed! After Red Mill, we started home, but not without stopping off at the troll under the Aurora Bridge. My mom and I had never seen it...not too exciting, but now I know what people are talking about!

It's been a LOOOONG summer!!

2010-09-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been over 3 months since I have updated our blog...I apologize to my blog fanatic friends. I actually found a post I had started when Austyn was 2 months old and I just never finished it...oops! It will never happen again!

For once, our summer didn't fly by...mainly because we spent a lot of it home with a new baby. Austyn got so big, so fast...I couldn't believe it when I started packing up her newborn clothes and she started filling out her 3 month clothes. She is still pretty small, only in the 25th percentile for height and the 50th percentile for weight. She is a VERY smiley girl who LOVES to be naked and hearing herself talk. Her little life didn't exactly start out so smoothly though. We spent much of the first half of our summer trying to figure out why she was always screaming. Finally in July, we found out she had silent reflux...basically it's really bad heartburn, which is bad enough as an adult, but horrible for a tiny baby. She is now on Prilosec and sees a wonderful GI specialist at Mary Bridge. We are so happy she is feeling better and we can enjoy our beautiful baby girl!

Back in the good old days when she used to nap...1 week old

Sleepy girl...about 1 month old

Austyn's first week of smiling....6 weeks

She mastered the art of smiling pretty quickly...8 weeks

I looooooove headbands...a girl can never have too many

At Romy and Darren's wedding at my parents house...10 weeks

This was right around the time she started screaming for fun...12 weeks

Lacey loves her baby...13 weeks

a little bit of tummy time...13 weeks

We spread disposable pads out on the ottoman for nakey time when Austyn gets fussy...she absolutely loves it!

Another day, another headband

Bathtime in Beaverton...15 weeks

Mastering the Bumbo seat...16 weeks

And yet another headband, courtesy of Tu Tu Bella by Sarah Crea Designs

My Grandpa

2010-06-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

A week ago Saturday, my Grandpa Ellis passed away quietly at home. After a 10+ year struggle with Dementia and strokes that left him blind and incapacitated, God decided it was finally time to call him home. I was lucky enough to spend countless hours with my grandparents in the past few years. I have slowly watched my Grandpa deteriorate over the years and, although it has been extremely hard on my family to watch, we were blessed to have so much time with him. I was so thankful I was able to spend some time with him hours before he passed.

There have been so many events in my life that my grandparents have been a part of. They lived close by so they were always at my dance recitals, school musicals, choir concerts, graduation, and even events in college. As I got older, I found myself praying that they would be around to see me get married and even though my grandpa wasn't in good enough health to attend the wedding, I know he understood what was happening. In the past few years, I have prayed that they would be around to meet their first Great Grandchild. When I found out I was pregnant, I was so thrilled to tell them. When I found out I was having a baby girl, her middle name was an easy choice...Ashley...after my grandpa, Marvin Ashley Ellis.

On May 15th Austyn Ashley came into the world and a week later, I was able to take her to meet her Great Grandparents. We arrived just as my Grandpa's caregiver was getting him out of bed. Although my grandpa couldn't speak, or see, he could definitely still feel. As my mom held Austyn close to him, he leaned his face close to hers and just held it there. I thank God for that moment in time. The pictures I was able to take are priceless and I will cherish them forever.

I can't wait to tell Austyn all about her name sake. She is a lucky girl to be carrying on a part of her great grandpa...she certainly has big shoes to fill, but I know my little girl is up to the challenge.

I would like to think God allowed my grandpa to stay on earth for me, to meet Austyn, but that just sounds selfish. In any event, he was here and that's all I could ever ask for.

Where did all my time go?!

2010-05-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Oh yea...new baby!! Austyn FINALLY decided to make her debut on May 15th!! After a LONG, LONG, LOOOOOOONNNNGGG 18 hours of labor, and a very short delivery (lucky me) Austyn arrived! She was 19.5 inches long and 6 lbs 14 oz...one very cute and healthy little lady. After a short stay in the hospital, we brought Austyn home and have spent the past 2 weeks adjusting to life as new parents...and what an adjustment it has been! Austyn has been a pretty easy going little girl and we have had so much fun with her. We are so blessed to have her!

Tomorrow is Austyn's Due Date...

2010-05-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

...and I have absolutely zero faith that she will arrive on time! That's all I have to say. :)

Austyn FINALLY cooperated!!!

2010-03-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

My mom and I headed back to Bellevue to Baby Pictures yesterday with high hopes of getting some good pictures of Austyn. Our last 2 trips haven't exactly been too successful...apparently, Austyn was a bit shy (or stubborn). Finally, at our third visit, she decided to give us a good long look at her little face! She was rubbing her eyes and moving all over the place...it was great to finally get a good look at her! She has a really pouty bottom lip that is so stinking cute...I can't wait to see it in person!

Austyn Ashley update - 30 weeks

2010-02-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

On Friday Matt's parents, my parents, Matt and I drove up to Bellevue to Baby Pictures for a 4D ultrasound. Austyn was less than cooperative. She kept trying to lick her elbow (really?) or the umbilical cord (gross). Melissa (the ultrasound tech) said she's gonna always need something in her mouth. Interestingly enough, both Matt and I and our parents are nail biters and gum chewers! I guess the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree! Did I mention Austyn fell asleep after 10 minutes and WOULD NOT wake up?! We did get a few good pictures, but Melissa invited us back to try again in a few weeks. I am giving Austyn daily pep talks about behaving. I'm also praying this isn't a glimpse into our future. :)

She has a cute little turned up nose...not mine or Matt's. Hmmmmm...

Here's her little tongue trying to lick her elbow

I'm pretty sure she was sleeping at this point

Well...consider this your Christmas card!

2009-12-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

Apparently I am not going to get a Christmas Card out this year, soooooo...here ya go! Christmas came and went too quickly, but we enjoyed every moment of it. I especially liked opening presents for Baby Austyn...I think she's going to be one spoiled little girl! We can't wait to open gifts WITH her next Christmas!

Boomer, Tonka, and Lacey

Our attempt at Christmas photo

Lacey's favorite new gift

Opening presents

Christmas Eve at Calvary

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice...

2009-12-15T06:52:00.001-08:00

That's what OUR little GIRL is made of! Yes, that's right...Matt and I found out yesterday that this baby is a GIRL!! I asked the ultrasound technician to verify the sex a few times...she assured me there was "no tescticles or penis." :)

I cannot even begin to tell you the sense of relief I felt the moment I saw her moving around...apparently she is quite the mover! The ultrasound tech was so nice. She explained everything we were seeing, waited for good pictures, and even called the baby's little belly "beautiful." She said everything looks good...I saw 2 hands, feet, 10 little toes, 10 little fingers, and a great heartbeat so, needless to say, Matt and I are thrilled!

This was when the ultrasound tech pointed out her "tiny labia." I was laughing so hard the whole screen was shaking!

This was Matt's favorite...her little hand came out of nowhere

She looks like Matt, right? :)

Pretty Pretty Princess

2009-11-28T21:37:00.001-08:00

Lacey REALLY wanted me to post some pictures of her Christmas photo shoot. I couldn't help it, she's my only child for the time being!

Baby Pics!!

2009-11-22T12:51:00.001-08:00

Here is the first of many I'm sure! This was our 9 week ultrasound. I am currently 16 weeks pregnant. Three and a half more weeks until we find out if it's a boy or girl, although I'm leaning toward boy because that's what everyone else says!!!

So You Think You Can Dance 2009

2009-11-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

By some crazy twist of fate, my friend Sara and I got front row seats and backstage passes to the Season 5 So You Think You Can Dance Tour. I have been to the past 3 tours and they are always incredible! This one was no exception. Meeting the dancers was a great experience and one I will never forget! I only took 118 pictures...I'm not obsessed or anything.

Sara, Evan, and I...he was so sweet and down to earth

Jason!!

Janette and Sara...Janette is one tiny girl!
Sara, Phillip, and I

Sara and Kayla...she was absolutely beautiful in person

Jeanine, the Season 5 winner and one incredible dancer

Randi and Sara

Kupono and I...I didn't like him much on the show, but he is a very humble and thankful person. My opinion has definitely changed!

Brandon and I...I think he might be about 5'2...couldn't believe how little he was

My hero Ade! He was GREAT to watch in person!

The whole crew after the last dance. This was their last show, so there were quite a few tears. Pretty cool to be there for that!Kayla and Kupono in the addiction dance

After the first dance

Our INCREDIBLE seats!!

Sara and I in front of the stage

Spooner Farms 09

2009-10-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday our group of friends met up for our fourth annual trip to Spooner Farms Pumpkin Patch. As usual, everyone had a great time. The weather was perfect, it hadn't rained so there wasn't any mud, the kids were all happy campers, and we went so early that the patch was completely full of pumpkins! I love fall and this is always one of my favorite days of the year...can't wait to do it again next year!

The whole gang...we have gained a new baby every year!

All the ladies

Most of the kids...Blake wasn't too interested at this point

Heavy Pumpkin

Colby, Cam, Emme, and Brian...so cute!

The Dyers

Jakey, Blake, and Brett

Colby...such a great pic

Cam and I driving the car

Us...again

The Fosnicks

The Schakels

The Muehlenbruchs

The Bellerives

Blake and I on our cow chair

California Vacation

2009-08-28T19:23:00.001-07:00

In August, Matt and I were fortunate enough to go on another vacation, but this time with my parents. I flew out a few days early and met my parents for some Disney fun (we're obsessed), then Matt joined us on our last morning in Anaheim. My mom gave Matt her ticket, so we were able to go into the parks together for a few hours. Matt has never been to California Adventure, so it was fun to take him there. After leaving Anaheim, we drove north to Solvang which is a little Danish town. We were hoping it was going to be like Leavenworth, but no such luck...it was a lot of little knick-knack stores and pretty uneventful. Good thing we were only there one night! The next day we drove north to San Jose to stop at the Winchester Mystery Mansion, then on to Monterey and Carmel. Matt got to see both Pebble Beach and Spyglass hill golf courses on the 17 mile drive...he really enjoyed walking the grounds and looking at the incredible greens. We spent a couple of nights in Monterey, enjoying the ocean and the great places to eat. Matt and I even took in an IMAX movie, Sharks in 3D! Fun times! We left Monterey and headed further north to San Francisco. We stayed in the most AMAZING hotel right in the middle of Union Square. We were a short walk to all the major shopping, the cable cars, the F-Line that took us to Fisherman's Warf, and Chinatown. We walked miles and miles and shopped until we dropped! I won't tell you how much I spent on jeans, but I was a patron at both the Seven for All Mankind store and the True Religion store...whoops! Needless to say, my husband was very generous and tolerant of my overindulgence! The highlight of the trip was our tour of Alcatraz Island. I have been there before, but not since they have added the audio tour with clips from former inmates and guards. I could have stayed there for hours. The best part was that we happened to be there for the 75th anniversary and the last guard to leave the island when Alcatraz closed as a Federal Penitentiary was there signing his book, "Last Guard Out." We got to talk to him for quite some time. He had some truly incredible stories about life on the island and what it was like to live and raise a family on Alcatraz. The trip was one for the memory books. We had a great time and loved seeing all the beautiful sights California has to offer.

The Family at the Golden Gate Bridge

The Last Guard Out

My Dad and I listening to the audio tour

On the boat to Alcatraz

Waiting in the FRIGID COLD for our cable car

We love the Hard Rock!

Matt and I in our hard hats on the Winchester Mystery Mansion tour

In front of our hotel in Monterey

Pebble Beach

A Veiwpoint on Highway 1

Bulldog Espresso...we missed Lacey

My Dad and I on California Screamin

The first time the whole family has seen our tile...I got to see it when we took the dance team to Disneyland

The tile!

First day in the park...the traditional Mickey Garden picture

The Fam

My Dad was tired of the "boring" poses

Another Disney shot at California Adventure

With Tinkerbell...yes, of course Matt liked taking this picture

Fun in the Sun!

2009-07-29T00:12:00.000-07:00

Matt and I just returned from a relaxing, fun-filled trip to Maui with the Dyer family. We stayed 11 days in beautiful Kaanapali, which was an ideal place for both the kids and the adults. We spent our days bobbing in the waves, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and soaking up the sun by the pool. We went to bed early and woke up to the pleasant Maui mornings with a good cup of Kona coffee. The trip couldn't have been better...I can't wait until we can go back!

Matt picking out an oyster with a pearl in it...he apparently wanted to do this when he was really young and he finally got the chance!

Sunset in Lahaina

Matt and I in front of Cheeseburger in Paradise

self-timered pic...I recall doing this a lot on our honeymoon

Our new shades

The Banyon Tree in Lahaina

Family BBQ

The Spinner dolphins that swam with our snorkel boat

Going down the slide on the boat

Snorkel Cruise

Ellie's beach buns

Our dinnertime entertainment

I love when Matt glares at the camera

Rainiers Game and Firework EXTRAVAGANZA!

2009-07-04T14:42:00.001-07:00

This year, the whole Dyer crew headed out to Tacoma for the Independence Day Rainiers game and firework show. The game was pretty good (or so I was told...I spent most of my time talking to Amy or one of the kids), but the Rainiers ended up losing. After the game everyone is invited down to the infield to watch the fireworks. We brought our blankets and crowded in with hundreds of other people! The show was so pretty and everyone had a great time...especially Evan, Emma, and Ellie who got to stay up HOURS past their bedtimes!

Emma, Ellie, and I waiting for fireworks

Uncle Matt and Ellie

As usual, please ignore the look on Matt's face
Emma

Jerry and Ellie

The Mashell River with Dad!

2009-07-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

My parents live on an amazing piece of property in Eatonville...it's always fun to go and visit. The Mashell River runs below my parents property and there are a lot of areas to explore. My Dad has been telling me about the river for the past year and I finally got a chance to go down with him. It's a bit of a scramble to get down the river, but once you make it down there are some phenomenal sights including 3 sets of falls (one of which you can actually go behind), lots of good "swimming holes," and an old railroad trestle. The weather was beautiful and the surroundings were picturesque...I can't wait to go back!

In front of the upper falls

My Dad at the top of the middle falls

Behind the middle falls
The whole time I was thinking, "what will happen to me if there is an earthquake?"

Swimming in the ICE COLD glacier water...straight from Mt. Rainier!

The Railroad Trestle we had to cross over...if I wasn't such a chicken, I would have pulled out my camera and taken a picture of the 6 inch gaps between the boards...straight down to the river!

Lacey Bear

2009-05-24T14:14:00.001-07:00

Just thought these were cute pics...thought I would share them

M's Game

2009-05-24T14:07:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night Matt's parents took us to the Mariner's game. We went to the Pyramid Ale house for dinner then over to Safeco for the game. It was sunny and warm so the roof was open for the game. The Mariner's lost, but we still had a good time.

Griffey up to bat

We sat right behind Ichiro

At the Pyramid Ale House

Grease is the Word!

2009-05-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, the Dyer family and the Byrd family ventured to Seattle to see Grease at the Fifth Avenue. I have wanted to see the musical Grease for years, so I was very excited. The musical was fantastic and it was fun to see Taylor Hicks appearing as Teen Angel. He even performed a song at the end of the show and signed autographs in the lobby. We had a great night and I'm so excited about next year's show line up...Legally Blonde, South Pacific, Catch me if You Can...so many awesome shows!!!

Taylor Hicks!!!!

Matt and I at dinner

Matt's attempt at a smile

Spring Tea at Calvary

2009-05-17T07:41:00.001-07:00

Every year Calvary Community church puts on a Spring Tea for women. Over 1,000 women attend the tea over the course of 3 days. My mom and I usually host a table or two. This year, we decided to use a birdhouse theme for our table. It turned out really cute and we had a really good time.

March for Babies

2009-05-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

In April, the Bellerives, Muehlenbruchs, Katie, Matt and I walked in the March of Dimes' March for Babies. It was a cold morning, but the sun came out and the walk was really nice.

Girls trip to AZ!

2009-04-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

Katie, Kelly, Andi, and I just got back from a wonderful trip to Scottsdale, Arizona. We spent a lot of time by the pool and eating great meals, but we also got adventurous and hiked Camelback Mountain and a short trail in Fountain Hills. The trip was great...I always love spending time with my favorite girls, but spending time with them on vacation was even better! Thanks to our husbands for being so flexible!

At the saddle on Camelback...success!

Our rental car...the hearse

Poolside...our favorite spot!self timered picture on our hike

My new outfit from American Apparel

Kelly's photography skills catching our dunk hoops skills

Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory

Dessert at the Sugar Bowl

Salty Senorita

Spring Training '09

2009-03-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Every March, the Dyer family heads down to Mariner's Spring Training in Peoria, AZ. This year was so hot! Temps were up in the 90's during the hottest part of the day! Thank goodness for the hotel pool and the AC! We did a lot of eating, swimming, and watching baseball...it was a great time!

Matt and I on our super comfy pull out bed (no, wait...it was not comfy AT ALL)

Matt checking out Griffey warming up

Our spot in left field

Griffey!

JK came to the game to visit

Griffey up to bat!

Our favorite hangout

Matt and I trying to cool off

Who's Your Laddy?!

2009-03-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today, the Bellerives, Muehlenbruchs, Schakels, Fosnicks, and Dyers braved the nasty weather and headed north to Seattle to participate in the annual St. Patty's Day Dash. The weather was awful, but we still had a lot of fun. Andi and Jenni worked hard to make us all "Who's Your Laddy" shirts for all of us. We even got matching knee socks, and visors. Of course we got absolutely drenched...luckily I was wearing 4 shirts and long underwear! In spite of the weather, we had a great time and can't wait to do it again next year!

Snowy I-5 on the way up to Seattle

The Starting Line...15,000 people in 4 waves!

Andi, Kelly, Katie, Jenni, and I...pre run...somewhat dry

Adam, Matt, Ben, Brian, and Jason pre run

All the girls, post race...SOAKED!

Ben and Jason came in last place out of our group...even pregnant Jenni passed them!

Andi and I gettin our free stuff
The whole gang...ready to be dry!

Vegas!

2009-03-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to Las Vegas in a few years so when my mom asked me to go with a group of girls, I jumped on the chance. We stayed at my parents time share right off the strip, which was perfect. We had so much fun eating out, shopping, and relaxing...not to mention trading 40 degree weather for the low 70's! My mom even surprised me and took me to see Le Reve...amazing!

The flowers that come out of the ceiling at the end of Le Reve

The La Reve "stage" (actually a pool of water)

The lion at the MGM playing with his ball

Mandi and I at Rok

Jen and I at Rok

Dancin at Rok...so much fun!

All the girls having a good time

Mom and I

Half the group

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

Petting a sting ray in the touch tank

Our Diva Dog!

2009-03-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

I swear Lacey poses for pictures...a couple of weeks ago I caught her sitting in "perfect lighting" for a photo session.

It's been a LONG TIME!

2009-03-05T14:00:00.001-08:00

Until recently, I haven't had a ton of pictures to add. Unfortunately, now I just haven't had the time to post them! I went on a field trip the other day to the Seattle Aquarium and I got a few really cute pictures of my class. I had a great time and I was definitely reminded just how much I love my job despite some of the rough patches!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T15:52:00.001-08:00

As usual, Christmas came and went so quickly. I love the holiday season and I'm always kind of bummed when its over! This year was no exception. It went by too fast, but I'm so happy I got to spend so much time with my family. Matt and I are blessed to have families who live close by. We spent the 23rd at Matt's parent's house, I spent Christmas Eve singing at 4 church services with my parents (Matt, Jerry, and Linda came to hear us sing), and then we spent Christmas day at both our parent's homes. We had a great couple of days...I can't wait to do it again next year!

Christmas Morning...pre-Starbucks

Matt and Lacey

Never any shortage of gifts at the Dyer house!

Ellie and Emma with Lacey...she always gets a lot of love from the kids

Matt playing with Evan's magnifying camera

Lacey and Molly...fighting over a toy

Lacey and Boomer...fighting over a toy...hmmmmm, there seems to be a pattern here!

Seattle shopping trip

2008-12-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

Every year my family takes a trip to Seattle to do a little Christmas shopping. It's more or less just an excuse to go out to eat, sleep in a hotel, and see all the lights. This year, we were lucky enough to be in Seattle during the big storm. The drive was awful, but the city looked beautiful! Shopping was great too because there was no one around! Here are a few pics from our trip.

The Macy's star and the Weslake tree...covered in SNOW!Dinner at the Icon Grill

Snowing like crazy

I-5 looked more like the pass...but we made it!

First snow of the year

2008-12-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Today we woke up to snow...not a lot, but enough! Lacey has never seen snow before, so it was fun to see her reaction. She loved sniffing and eating it. Last night, she was even snapping at the flakes that were falling. Here are a few pictures of her first couple of minutes outside this morning.

Family Pics...take 2!

2008-12-12T14:08:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of the pictures from "Family Picture night with Yeun Fewing!" Simon did a fantastic job and I'm so happy we finally got this done!

Happy Thanksgiving and early Christmas!

2008-11-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

Lacey wanted to say hi!

Happy Black Friday!!

2008-11-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

Apparently we are crazy, but Andi, Katie, Jenni, Kelly, and I met up at 4:30am on Black Friday to fight the crowds and shop to our hearts content. We hit Toys R Us at 5am and it was a TOTAL madhouse...people were scrambling around like crazy. We loaded up a cart and waited in a really long line, but it was so much fun. We then headed to Southcenter Mall and Ikea...the pics are of the vehicle, which could not have fit one more item! I separated from the girls around noon and headed to downtown Seattle with my mom until about 10pm. I was exhausted and broke, but it was a great day! I can't wait until next year!

The back of the car...holy cow!

Andi taking a rest in the IKEA bedding section

The front

The back

Our cart at Toys R Us

Family Picture Day!

2008-11-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday November 26th, our group of friends got together for a family picture day. Jenni's dad, Simon, takes great pictures and agreed to come over and snap a few photos of each family and then one big picture with all 10 adults and all 7 kidlets. The process was quite humorous...lot's of kids who didn't want their pictures taken and a bunch of adults who did just about anything to elicit smiles from them! Candy bribes, silly dances, a lot of loud noises...we stopped at nothing! We haven't gotten the CD's from Simon yet, but here are some pics from the rest of the evening.

Jakey and Blake

Colby couldn't get enough of Blake's nakedness...pretty funny

Cammi playin with Uncle Matt

Andi getting Colby all ready for her picture

Jason and Cade

Brian and Emme...she was totally out for the count

NKOTB!

2008-11-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Jenni and I love going to concerts, so of course we had to include New Kids on the Block in our concert line up. The concert was great. We had so much fun singing along to all the songs and laughing at how surreal the whole experience was! I couldn't stop smiling...I'm so glad we went! Did I mention that I'm still in love with Donnie Wahlberg? Hmmmm....I thought that went away when I was 10.

All the boys (well, men now...since they're roughly 40)

A great end to an endlessly long day!

Dirty Dancing...great song

Oh Donnie

These outfits were priceless...I have never seen so many side ponnies in one room!

Andi rocked the Tee...wish I still had mine!

Matt's 32nd Birthday!

2008-11-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

On November 14th, our friends and family got together to celebrate Matt's 32nd birthday. We started out at our house for pizza and then headed to the Chalet bowling alley for rock n bowl! We had so much fun...it's been a long time since the whole group has gotten out of the house together. It reminded me how blessed we are to have such great friends! I didn't do very well taking pictures this time, but here are a few.

Matt and his bowling pin

signing the pin

Tucking in your shirt to your pants is "in"

Katie, Jen, and Mandy

Our first dance competition of the year!

2008-11-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Jenni and I just got back from our very first competition of the year. It was a long day, but the girls did a good job and we all had a pretty good day. I thought I would share a couple of pics because they are just too dang cute!

Halloween

2008-11-02T15:44:00.001-08:00

Matt and I decided to have a laid back Halloween this year...we carved a pumpkin...scratch that, I carved a pumpkin. Matt sat on the couch and took the occasional picture. But I have to say, my pumpkin carving skills are stellar and I'm glad he can't claim any part of my carving spectacular! Okay, moving on...on the night of Halloween, our neighborhood was so BUSY! We spent about 3 hours constantly answering the door. Most of the kids were cute, only one little girl pushed past me into my house and demanded she pick her own peice of candy. Meanwhile, her brother was telling me he didn't like what I gave him...what is the world coming to?! Other than that, the night was fun and we can't wait until we can actually take our own kids trick or treating!

Lacey and our pumpkin

the skull...yes, it's real...my dad has had it since he was 20

diggin in!

totally posed picture

my beautiful pumpkin

ohhhhhh scaaary

our porch, all lit up!

Lacey graduates...about dang time!

2008-10-12T11:12:00.001-07:00

Lacey finally finished her last week of puppy class...she got to wear the graduation cap and everything! In the words of a fellow classmate..."thanks to No Child Left Behind, we all get to pass!"

Spooner Farms 08

2008-10-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Every year for the past few years, a group of us has gotten together and gone to the pumpkin patch. We started out in 05 with NO KIDS and here we are in 2008 with 8 kiddos! We always have such a great time...all the girls are running around trying to capture every moment on camera. We seriously look like a herd of paparazzi! This year, for the first time, we even bought a pumpkin!

All the husbands...

...and the wives...

...and most of the kiddos!
Ridin a horse!

Cade and Colby...almost 1 years old!
The Dyer family

So You Think You Can Dance at the T-Dome!

2008-10-12T10:50:00.001-07:00

Anyone who knows me understands that watching So You Think You Can Dance is almost like a religious experience for me. I love it so much that the finale is still on my DVR...which annoys Matt just a bit. So, in September when the tour kicked off in Tacoma, a couple of girlfriends and I got tickets to go. Our seat were so good, we could see every little detail of the dances. It was AMAZING! I loved every minute of the show...I was hoping it wouldn't ever end!

The opening routine

This dance was so good live!

Nina, myself, Sarah, and Erin

Happy Birthday Jerry!

2008-09-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

In honor of Matt's dad's 60th birthday, the whole family made the trek down to Long Beach Washington. We stayed in some condos a couple of blocks from the beach and it was so much fun. We took some time to wander around downtown, ate a great dinner at Doogers, and topped things off with birthday cake and ice cream!

The Girls and I

Lacey and I in front of the boardwalk entrance

Matt apparently doesn't smile...

...unless he is making this face!

Ellie and her "polkadot" bruise

I love the giant frying pan

Marsh's free museum...Matt REALLY wanted me to take this pic

Matt and Lacey

On the road again...

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Crea!

2008-09-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

My good friend Sarah FINALLY tied the knot last weekend! Her new husband, Rocco, is such a sweetheart and we were all so happy for them! The wedding was absolutely beautiful...it was exactly what Sarah has always dreamed about! The Museum of Glass was a perfect venue, complete with great food and a lot of fun times on the dance floor!

The happy couple during their first dance

Matty and Mom

Baby Got Back...gotta do it EVERY TIME!!

The beautiful bride and I

The girls

Two of my best friends

The hubbies

The Byrds

Mr. and Mrs.

SUNRIVER, OR!!

2008-08-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Our last vacation of the summer was a trip with Matt's family to Sunriver. We had so much fun biking, swimming, exploring the lava caves, and just relaxing!

Ellie giving Uncle Matt a smooch!

Matt and I at dinner in the village

Grandpa Jerry, Ellie, and Emma waiting for their ice cream

Matt and his pink bike with a basket!

Sarah's Bachelorette Party!

2008-08-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was Sarah Swanson's bachelorette party in Tacoma. We started out at Sarah Borden's house and then hopped in our hummer limo for a night out on the town! I don't think I have stayed up that late in a VERY long time, but we had a blast!

Al-Swan and I with our HOT DOGS!!

Dancin!

The whole gang!

Lacey's First Trip to the Ocean

2008-07-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Lacey is now 25 pounds and crazier than ever. This past week, we headed down to the Oregon Coast with the Dyer family for a little beach vacation. We had a really cute house about 100 feet from the ocean. This kids kept Lacey entertained and everyone had a GREAT time!

Playing with the kiddos on the beach

Ellie, Emma, and Evan playing in the surf

Lacey eats sand...seriously
It was FREEZING out there!

Lacey's first real swim

Bundled up in the wind

All ready to go!

Europe!

2008-07-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Matt was nice enough to let me travel to Europe with my parents this summer while he stayed home with Lacey (although, he DID get asked to go with us and he said NO). The trip was AMAZING...we visted the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Croatia, and England. We saw so many amazing places, ate some great food, and just had an all-around good time! I can't wait for the next trip!

Flying over the iceburgs near Greenland

Riding the Tube in London

A beer in every port!
Our hotel pool in Dubrovnik, Croatia...AMAZING!

Dubrovnik...quite possibly the most BEAUTIFUL place I have ever visited!

The moon over the harbor in Dubrovnik

Riding "Fun Bob" in Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled

Tunnel into the Bavarian Alps...leads to an elevator taking us up to Eagle's Nest, one of Hitler's Base camps

Bertesgaden, Germany

Mozart's house, Salzburg, Austria

Mirabel Gardens, Salzburg...parts of Sound of Music were filmed here

Castle in Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town Sqare, Prague

Lacey...coming home on June 14th!

2008-06-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to bring Lacey home next weekend! I just got this picture, so I thought I would share it! Isn't she the cutest?!

She's finally here!!!

2008-05-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Emerson Aynn Fosnick has arrived! She made her debut early Saturday morning! She is absolutely adorable and has the cutest fuzzy-duckling hair! Congrats Brian, Katie, and Cami-pants! I have some great pics, but I'll let Mom and Dad post some of their own first!

Puppy Update!

2008-05-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

The puppy, officially named Lacey Bear ("LB" as Matt says), is now 4 weeks old! We won't get to bring her home for another 4-6 weeks, but we did get some news pics!

"Hey Mickey, you're so fine..."

2008-05-08T11:14:00.001-07:00

You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Jenni and I had the best time taking our fabulous dance team to Disneyland. The trip couldn't have gone better! The girls did a GREAT job performing and we had so much fun hanging out with them! It was also a lot of fun celebrating my birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth! I got a birthday pin, birthday ears, and TONS of birthday wishes!

Our sign at the Carnation Plaza Stage

Dancin' Away!

We love Pluto!!

Awwww Jen!!! I love you too!

So cute! We always have a good funny face pic!

Our new puppy!!

2008-04-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Matt and I have been wanting a bulldog puppy for awhile now. About 3 months ago, I finally got in contact with a great local breeder. She Bred her dog, Corky, 9 weeks ago...apparently that is the full length of gestation for dogs! So last Friday, 6 puppies were born and we get to take home one of the 2 girls in the litter. I'm not sure which one she is yet, but the breeder has been sending me pictures, so I thought I would give everyone a look! So cute!!

Spring BBQ!

2008-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Matt and I had seen the weather forecast and we decided to jump on the opportunity and have a big BBQ. We had also just purchased a new BBQ and Matt was dying to show it off to all the boys. We had 14 adults and a whole bunch of kiddos over. It was a great time and we can't wait until good weather returns and we can do it again!

Cameryn's "cheese" face! Seriously hilarious!

Cami and Ella LOVED the big toy...they would pat the swings and yell for their dads to come and help them.

A BBQ is not complete without Red Neck Horseshoes

A couple of the babies...I believe this is moments before Cade puked on my shirt!

Too Cute...Brett, Colby, and Cade (the peacefulness didn't last too long)

Daffodil Parade

2008-04-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thank God for the sun! The parade just isn't the same in the rain. Jenni and I walked with our team in the Tacoma, Puyallup, and Sumner parades. Of course, we couldn't just walk...we had to steal the poms at the end and put on a little show of our own! We might have added a few Zumba moves in for flavor too!

Jenni and I pre-parade, pre sweat...still looking pretty cute!

We got a little carried away by the Sumner parade!

Spring Training, Peoria AZ

2008-03-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

This past week Matt's parents, Jerry and Linda, took Matt and I to Peoria, AZ for a relaxing trip to the Mariner's Spring training. We went to 3 games, ate a lot, and spent four days in the sun!

On Friday night, our friend JK drove over from north Pheonix to have dinner with us.

And of course, we made PLENTY of time for soaking up the rays!

The Beach

2008-02-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

Matt and I had the chance to attend a friend's birthday at The Beach Tavern on Titlow beach. It definitely brought back good college memories of little dive bars and too much beer! We had a lot of fun with Mike and Tori and discovered the BEST cookies. They are called "Doho's" and they're made of Bisquick, pudding mix, and chocolate chips.

First Snow Day of the Year!

2008-01-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

Gotta love a good snow day! I will probably be kicking myself when we are making it up in May! Oh well...it has been nice to hang out in my sweats all day and get all the extra things done that I haven't been able to do!

Testing the waters...

2008-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

Okay...we're not sure about this whole website thing, but everyone else is doing it! I guess we can jump on the bandwagon! Matt and I moved into a new house a couple months ago and we have been busy, busy, busy unpacking, painting, and organizing! I'll be so happy when I can use my weekends for more than just a home improvement project!

Christmas came and went too quicly this year. Matt and I spent a lot of time with friends and family and even more time watching movies and just relaxing! Needless to say, we weren't ready to go back to work!