My Kids?

Seriously, my kids? I wanted to laugh at the Kiddie Kandids girl who approached my husband and I this weekend at the mall asking if she could take some free pictures of our kids. Moments earlier, Anna had thrown one of those fits that we all want to believe only other parent's kids are capable of. As I left Aaron with two smiling girls in front of Victoria's Secret, I watched Anna's grins melt into a menacing scowl. Shortly thereafter, I shot judging glances toward the store entry with the other shoppers as if to say "honestly, control your kids!" I gladly let Aaron tackle this one on his own.

Anyway, these pictures document the moments after Aaron questioned his abilities as a father, and threatened Anna that he would leave mommy at the mall forever if she didn't stop...

So you can see my kids are tired, ornery, and look a little homeless. We definitely weren't prepared for this photo shoot... but somehow got some decent ones anyway.

Impromptu Photo Shoot and Easter

Enjoying the nice weather and modeling the cute spring dresses Grandma Ludwig gave them! It felt like SPRING!! Keep the warm weather coming! ( I guess I mean, bring it back!)

Anna pulls a mean Popeye face! Lately it's been hard to get her to give us her natural smile! Here she is dying Easter eggs. She loved it! Especially since we had princess stickers to go on them!

Anna loves being in dresses!! Any dress is a princess dress to her, but she especially loved this one! Her Aunt Heather spoiled us and bought these cute Easter dresses for the girls! Don't they look so cute? Thanks Heather!!

What a fun day! Thanks for the great dinner & game Grandma!

Come Ye Unto Zion! (Without the kids)

Aaron's amazing photography talent at work!

Again, Aaron! He is so good at getting unique pictures.

Here is White Feather playing her mystical flute deep inside Mother Earth's... Well, you'll have to ask Aaron. A crazy experience we'll never forget!

According to White Feather, fate brought us together in this holy cave. She gave us a very descriptive tour of the cave and it's symbols of creation.

How time flies...

Halle is six months old!! I can't believe how fast that went. She is such a smiley baby. You can usually get huge ear to ear smiles just by looking at her. Then you pick up the camera... and it's a little harder....

When we're trying to get a pic of that beautiful smile, she makes us work for it!

How would it feel to be smothered all day long with kisses from your mom, dad, and a hyper little two-year-old? Probably like this.

Halle lights up when she sees her daddy. She already knows that he's the fun one who plays games with her.

Wow! How time flies! I can't believe Halle is so big, and Anna is now old enough to be into the Disney Princesses!! We got this nightgown for her, and I think it made her life. She was looking down at all the Princesses, touching it, and spinning in circles until bedtime.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico!! Jan. '09

A BIG Thanks to Grandma!!

I just wanted to publicly announce to everyone how great my Mother-In-Law is!! Besides spending the holidays and a wonderful trip to California with her and the fam, she watched our kids for a week. Yes, a whole week! Aaron and I were able to spend a week in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, with the peace of mind that our kids were having more fun with Grandma than they would be with us! Thanks for all you do Barb!! Love you!

Doesn't this pic say it all? Cousin Aven, Anna, & Halle having a blast at Grandmas! Smiles all around!

Temple Square, Christmas Morning, and California...

Christmas lights at Temple Square

Random Pic: Girls night out!! Me, Carly, Madi, Paige, and Lindsay

Christmas morning... Anna would have been happy with just this box!

CALIFORNIA!! Warm weather, Sea world, and FUN!

After a dip in the pool... Anna and Aaron take a warm bath. Pool or tub, She loves playing with daddy!

After all the excitement of Shamu, Anna crashes during the dolphin show. What another fun year in California! More pics to come! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

Rudolph Trauma!

Kids and Christmas trees make for some great pictures, even if they are a little blurry.
Our Sweet Halle. She is such a good baby! Look at that cute face!

The other night we watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with Anna. We thought it would be a fun memory. Little did we know it would be traumatic. Anna understood they story way to much for someone of her age. She got very concerned when Rudolph returned home after being in misfit land only to find his mom and dad gone. Anna kept saying, " mom gone? dad gone?" The concern grew to panic when the next scene showed the abominable snow man ready to attack his parents. She started sobbing and yelling "Uh oh! Uh oh!" After much soothing and explaining to her that the monster became nice after he had his teeth pulled out she finally settled down. We got a little bit of it on film, and we couldn't help but laugh. I did have to vow not to let her watch it again until next year. What a sweet and tender little girl.

Technical Difficulties

So I've been trying for a few days to upload pictures of the girls and Halle's blessing, but due to poor Internet I haven't been successful. Please bare with me during these technical difficulties. I do have good news: Halle has started sleeping through the night, all the way until 7! Well, she did two nights then the past two nights she has woken up at 5ish. Still, I'm grateful that I'm gradually getting more sleep and It's just a matter of time til it's permanent.

Halloweenie!

My Lion and Lady Bug

















We took Anna trick-or-treating for the first time. We only hit a few houses, but couldn't believe how she caught on!! She loved it! After we put her to bed we could hear her saying "Tickerateet". It was a little breezy for Aaron in those shorts but completely worth it!!

Richard Simmons and his project Wendy. We look pretty silly but we had alot of fun. Thanks for a great party Grandma!

Anna with hair. What do you think?

AARON TAG!

Alright my friend Amy tagged me, so here I go!

What is your husbands full name? Aaron Mark Ludwig

How long have you been married? 5 Years, 5 Months & 5 Days. Glad those aren't 6s.

How long did you date before getting engaged? About 5 months.

How old is he? 28

Who eats more sweets? Thats me for sure. If they're in the house I eat them till they're gone. My theory is to hurry and get rid of them so I won't eat them anymore!

Who said "I love you" first? Aaron did, on the door step of his parents house. He quickly followed it with... "I don't want you to say anything!!" So I didn't, though I was going to. Probably should have. I declared my love a couple days later!

Who is taller? I think Aaron is slightly taller. About 5'9. I'm 5'8. Makes buying shoes kinda tough.

Who can sing best? Probably Aaron. Neither of us sing well, but I sing pretty badly.

Who is smarter? Aaron has an amazing talent of knowing EVERYTHING! Most the time he's not even sure why he knows it! He's also great with numbers. I can study and learn something for a test, but I forget it shortly thereafter. I'm good at math while I'm taking the class.... but now I don't remember much!

Who does the laundry? I do. It's amazing how everyday seems like laundry day! Can't seem to keep up with it. I used to do the ironing too... which consisted of all of Aaron's work clothes... but gave up on that feat. Aaron does it now... the pile on the dryer is getting huge!

Who pays the bills? We both have our assigned bills to pay... I pay all of the house/ utility bills... He pays the CC and Car payments. Works out pretty well.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do. We've tried to switch it up but just can't make the change.

Who mows the lawn? Aaron does, it's his baby.

Who cooks dinner? Neither of us do most the time. We just starve or scrounge. Occasionally one of us will be courageous and venture into the kitchen...

Who drives? Aaron does most the time, especially in his new truck. I have to really beg to drive it when we're together.

Who kissed who first? Warning: some might consider this kinda cheesy. Fun story. Aaron kissed me first. He'd made a wish in a pond on a previous date, so while sitting by a campfire outside a cabin in Montana he asked if he could make his wish come true and then leaned in for a kiss. It was very romantic. The best part is we go back to the same cabin & fire pit every year on a family vacation with his family! It's great to relive the memory!

Who asked who out first? Aaron asked me out after months of me hoping and waiting. I worked with his sister, who became my best friend. We passed the hours by talking about how I needed to date her brother, writing my first name with his last.... finally after tons of flirting and eventually hand holding on a family vacation Aaron asked me out for the coming Friday. The next night he called and we went out then, and every night there after until we were married.

Who wears the pants? That depends on the way you look at it. Aaron is good at getting his way... but I like to make him happy. He would do anything for me if I really wanted it!

I tag: Heather, Carly, Lisa S., Tiff B,and Mel!

Pics of our Halle

Thanks for the cute pics Grandma Ludwig!

Happy Birthday Anna!!

Anna Dawn, I can't believe you are two! What an amazing little girl you are. You are so smart, you're always leaving us speechless! We love your big hugs and lion kisses! What a blessing you are to our family. We love you so much!

Oh, she's my dear my darlin' one, her eyes so sparklin' full of fun,

No other, no other, can match the likes of her!

She is my dear my darlin' one, my smilin' and beguilin' one,

I love the ground she walks upon... my little Anna Dawn!

Anna's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Doesn't that smile say it all? Thanks, Brant, for making her laugh so hard by getting on the tiny carousel with her!

She's not letting go of those balloons! She loved watching the Chuck E band from a distance, but didn't like getting too close!

Notice the frosting already on her chin... what can I say? She has her mom's sweet tooth.

Anna loves her Dad and always wants him to be by her side! Luckily he fit in the car okay!

Halle just slept through the excitement!

Doesn't that kiss say it all?

What beautiful women! Grandma Ludwig and Grandma Campbell. Anna get's so excited when both of her Grandma's are there to see her. Thanks for all you do! We love you!

Brant, Aaron, and Brian playing ski-ball. What dorks! They had just as much fun as Anna at Chuck E Cheese, if not more! Thanks for coming guys!

Our families are so supportive, thanks for spending your Friday night with us! We love you all and had so much fun!

SEPTEMBER HARVEST

Announcing.... Halle Vie Ludwig!

In the hospital at 6:00 am waiting to be induced...

And our Halle is here!! She was born Sep. 3rd, weighing in at 6lbs 12 oz, and 19 inches long!

Anna already loves her baby sister!! She is so soft with her, and will occasionally say "Halle...Halle... Halle... as if waiting for Halle to answer "What?"

Isn't this picture priceless? Anna's first peek at Halle. I love these three. We're all doing great, just trying to adjust to the lack of sleep again. It's amazing how Halle has always been a part of us. It feels so right.

An amazing person...

I've been blessed to have so many amazing people and amazing examples in my life. Being the youngest, I've watched all of my siblings through their lives... going on missions, getting married, raising kids... It's been a great learning and wonderful experience. One of these amazing people is my sister Heather. I'm always in awe at the fantastic woman, wife, and mother she is. She never fails to amaze me with her multiple talents. She is such a generous, loving, and selfless person. I love you Heather!

Summer Days

Camping with Paige and Garret. Anna has so much fun with them! They showed her the amazing power of dandelions. She still had a little trouble blowing.... Thanks for the pics Paige!

We spent the fourth of July camping up near Yellowstone. It was quite the exciting trip! Here is a bear that spent the week at the campground, and yes, that is our tent trailer that it is under. Besides that bear, Aar and I saw a big Black bear about 2 miles away up a small canyon. As if that's not enough, while picnicing in Yellowstone a Buffalo came out of nowhere through the trees & ran us off. We all ran for our vehicles while it marched through the picnic area. Lots of fun memories! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

Aaron flying on the rope swing!! He was able to time it perfectly in order to get maximum height! Looks like fun! I actually think I would have given it a try if I wasn't pregnant!

Aaron, Anna, me & baby girl #2 at Grandma Campbells


Aven & Anna

Kind of a blury pic of Anna playing on the swingset, but I couldn't help it. She looks so grown up to me here. (Besides the lack of hair)

Anna has a natural love of water! She loves to run through the sprinklers, swim, and play in the rain. She can't get enough! She also loves her cousin Aven and is always giving her kisses.

Check out that pic! Water droplets landing right on her tongue! Good job daddy!

Look at the pure joy on that face!

Family Fun Day at LAGOON!!

Last weekend we had a chance to join the whole Ludwig clan for O.C. Tanner Lagoon day! So much fun!! We had a great time being with the family, and Anna couldn't have loved it more. Thanks Grandpa!! We love you!

Anna waiting anxiously to get on a horse. This was her first time on a carousel. She was making some grunts we could only translate as her being unable to hold in her excitement!

A smile wasn't enough... Most the time she had this face on. She just couldn't believe what was happening!!

Always sad when it ends. She didn't understand why we had to get off and get back in line again. She would have stayed on all night!

Anna & her cousin Aven chillin' while everyone else went on a ride. Such easy cute kids!

Daddy and Anna looking at the animals while on the train. My two favorite people.

The Ludwig Clan: Madi, Kelsey, Brant, Lindsay, Brian, Carly, Baby Aven, Me, Anna, Aaron, Garret, Paige, Grandma & Grandpa

Anna is our Life!

Over Memorial Day weekend we bought Anna the coolest retro Tricycle! She was excited just looking at the picture on the box, so we couldn't wait to see her reaction riding it. Here it was....

Not sure what to think..... Then she's getting off! That was it?! She was much happier just walking in front of the bike, and every few steps turning around to make sure dad was pushing the bike behind her. Well, hopefully in a couple months she'll be ready to show us all the excitement we were hoping for. Thats usually how it goes, isn't it?

Anna is trying to explain to us that she wants to find a potato bug. First she squats and points to the ground, then to her hand as you can see here. She'll also point to her arm (becuase that's where it crawls). It's amazing how she can communicate with us, and how we've learned to understand her!

She LOVES water!! Any chance she gets she'll get soaked. She never has been one to hold back...

After playing in the sprinkler.... ready for dinner. She was a little cold.

Hmm... don't ask me.

Anna loves animals. Here she is studying her stray cat that always comes around. We have to be careful, she's not hesitant around animals at all. She had this one by the tail right before we took this pic.

She has so many different faces that show her personality! From the serious "mom would you stop..."

To smiling brightly for the camera...

And then she joins the action!! She couldn't quite figure out what she was supposed to look through...

Anna loves to sit with her Cheerios and juice and watch Elmo. I don't know how she first got to know Elmo, maybe grandma's chicken dancing Elmo, but she is infatuated! It was one of her first words!

My little Diva.

Visiting cousins in Arizona...

Anna and her cousin Ty at the zoo in Arizona. They are such actors!! Ty went in for the kiss just for the pic, but once we got our shot he backed out! Anna loves being with all of her cousins!

She gave this cheesy smile when her cousin Austin came up to play with her. She loves to put on the cheese!

She looks a little unsure here, but Anna loved playing in the fountain at the zoo. She would make me hold her hand and walk up with her, we'd get sprayed and run away. Soon she was going up by herself and would then run back and hug my legs. I can't believe how big she is getting!

California and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!!

Cali-for-n-ia....

Anna's first time at the beach was so much fun!! She loves being outside and in the sun, and the sand just adds to all of the fun!

Splashing in the water was a hit, as long as it was me doing the splashing! She wanted to be in the waves but wouldn't leave my arms.

Aaron loves to take pictures and is so good at it! He's always able to capture Anna's personality.

Anna loves her dad. She is like him in so many ways!! She loves to discover new things and then study them. Watch out, another engineer in the family!!

Cabo San Lucas Mexico!! Our Escape from January!

Aaron & I in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!!

Land's End Arch

Aaron got a chance to go fishing for Marlin and Sail Fish, and he caught both!

Aaron's 7ft sail fish!