Gillespies

Woohoo!!!

2011-11-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for this all summer.

Bryan has been working hard outside: swimming pool filled, sprinkler system in, sod put in, trees planted, rock walls, sidewalk and porch, garage remodels, fences and a million other little projects. You'd think he would be excited for winter and a chance to relax and recoup. He's tried for a few days and he's stir crazy -so this morning the wall came down.

There still tons of work to do but I'm so excited.

Happy Birthday!

2011-08-25T20:29:00.000-06:00

Olivia is ONE!

Summer Vacation

2011-08-15T12:00:00.001-06:00

We've had a lot of fun this summer but something was missing. With moving to a new house, septic tank trouble, baby under 1, and never ending projects we hadn't taken a vacation. We found a little condo for rent at Eagle Point Ski Resort - just outside of Beaver, Utah.

After settling in we went for a walk and explored the resort. Then Bryan, Heather, and Megan took off on a bike ride. It didn't last long - they were back in 20 minutes. Megan was wiped out and Heather had a head ache and felt sick. 10,000 ft elevation was beginning to take it's toll. Bryan finished his ride and we hung out at the condo.

After dinner we went for a drive and found a fun lake to spend the evening.

The next day everyone was well rested and ready for adventure - except Olivia. She was awake every 30 minutes and done with the vacation. I think the altitude was affecting her. We drove out to Big John's Flat to go for a bike ride with fewer straight up and down trails. Beautiful place and fun trails for biking just needed a few more days to adjust to the elevation.

No hands on the tag-a-long!!

We didn't end up staying at the condo for the last night. Olivia wasn't doing well so we stayed until bed time and headed home. Olivia finally stopped fussing and fell asleep in Fillmore and slept all night! It was nice to be back in the morning with out the drive home ahead of us. Bryan still had the day off so we spent a good part of the day at Seven Peaks.

Snake Charmer

2011-06-05T18:03:00.000-06:00

Snakes creep me out. Once Bryan went out of town for work and I had to feed the birds for him. I ran out screaming when I saw a 2 foot garter snake. I even went as far as having Bryan's dad come over to scope out the shed before I would finish feeding the birds.

Today Megan was walking around the house and heard a snake hissing. She ran screaming (a chip off the old block) and Bryan came to the rescue. This one is close to 6 feet long.

We went for yet another drive up Provo Canyon. Tanner wanted to carry the snake to his new home. Hopefully this is our last snake encounter in the yard but I doubt it.

Sum Sum Summer Time

2011-05-31T20:19:00.001-06:00

Today was the first official day of Summer Vacation for the girls. Grandma Janie suggested we go to Rock Canyon Park and play in the water. The water is freezing cold but that didn't stop the kids from having a blast.

And to top off a fun day Bryan put on a show by wrestling a 4ft blow snake in the yard (I'm glad he found it and not me). It now has a happy home in Provo Canyon miles from our house.

Our Spring flew by but here are some highlights.

We moved!

Heather - Graduated from third grade. Halfway through the Harry Potter series. Cannonballed off the diving board.

Megan - Graduated from second grade. Read 15 chapter books in two weeks (rainbow magic series) Jumped off the diving board for the first time. Got a REAL mountain bike.

Paige - Learned to ride a bike without training wheels. Learned how to swim.

Tanner - Gave up his binky. Had a gash in his forehead super glued by dad.

It's Great To Be 8 - Baptized

2011-04-10T21:41:00.003-06:00

Eight years old and loving every minute of it.

Her donut cake crafted by Bryan

Yesterday was the big day. We love Megan.

UPDATE: Here is a picture Aunt Linda took THANKS - She wasn't in the picture so I added one with her.

Memory of Mom

2011-03-09T09:55:00.001-07:00

This isn't an announcement just a "memory picture" Paige drew for me.

Sittin' Pretty

2011-02-15T12:28:00.002-07:00

Olivia 5 1/2 months

Two Years Old

2010-12-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Doesn't every two year old get new underwear for their birthday or just my kids? In any case they were a big hit - in fact he insisted on wearing his choo choo undies to bed (over his diaper of course).

Another highlight for him was the cake. Bryan makes it the night before so they can see it when they wake up. He was checking on his cake all day long. If someone walked in the kitchen he would open the fridge point out the cake and shout TA DA.

Happy Birthday Tanner!

The stockings were hung . . . . finally

2010-12-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Every year I plan on making stocking but too many other things get in the way. This year I finally started and FINISHED them.

Riverwood Lights

2010-12-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Heather here - - I was in charge of the activity for family home evening. I wanted to go see the lights at the Riverwoods Shopping Center. Here are some pictures.

2010-12-07T10:46:00.001-07:00

I just go back from a great weekend trip to see my parents. It was fun to see where they live, meet the people they write about in their letters and just spend time with them. It was hard to leave but nice to be back with Bryan and the kids. Next trip we will have to take the whole tribe.

The Savior's Gift To Me

2010-11-15T20:04:00.002-07:00

Heather, Megan, and Paige sang this song for the primary program Sunday. We recorded one of their practices so grandma Trudy and grandpa John could hear. We Love You!

It's a Girl

2010-08-27T15:36:00.006-06:00

OLIVIA GILLESPIE

August 25, 2010
7 lbs 1 oz
20 inches

Back to School

2010-08-24T09:19:00.009-06:00

Heather and Megan were both up before 7 and excited for school today. They made their beds before they came upstairs, ate breakfast, and were dressed and ready in record time (with an hour+ to spare).

Heather came into the laundry room 10 minutes before school started (where did that hour go?) and asked if I could take some pictures and put them on the blog before she was home for school. We were planning on walking so I hurried and snapped a few photos and we took off. They didn't want to be late and insisted on running - which for me right now is a waddle - not my proudest moment. Luckily we made it right as the bell was ringing.

I love taking pictures like this. They will fight in the car all the way to the trail and seconds later are holding hands and laughing.

2010-07-17T22:01:00.004-06:00

Friday Bryan had to go to Deer Valley for a work meeting so we decided to come along and spend some time in Park City. Megan has been trying to earn getting her ears pierced and was only a week away. We had some time to kill so decided to get it done while we were there. I wish I had a picture of her getting the first ear pierced - a little shell shocked.

Waiting to get ears pierced

Today the kids had two dress up parties. The first was was their primary Pioneer Day. They had wagon rides, horse rides, games, dancing, and several other fun activities. I think the covered wagon (pulled by the four wheeler) was definitely their favorite.

Later that evening we headed up to Salt Lake for their uncle's Hawaiian Luau. Rosie always puts on a great party.

Raspberry Jam

2010-07-09T15:48:00.000-06:00

It amazes me how many raspberries one patch can produce. The kids love to pick them. We've only picked a couple times but it was enough for 2 batches of jam. I remember my mom coming in once with a HUGE bowl of raspberries and saying how she always felt rich after picking raspberries. I thought it was pretty strange, but like many things parents teach you, the understanding and appreciation comes later.

Extended 4th of July Weekend

2010-07-05T13:46:00.001-06:00

DAY 1 Balloon Fest

We started out the long weekend Friday morning at 6 am. The girls love the Balloon Fest and start asking about it weeks in advance. This year they were a little disappointed because they canceled the launch (winds weren't right). Paige was definitely up to early to appreciate any of it. Luckily running into cousins and Smokey the Bear helped soften the blow.

Tanner fell asleep for an early nap as soon as we came home. I was sweeping the kitchen floor and he was rolling around in the living room. By the time I finished he was out cold.

DAY 2 - VanCott cousin swim party and fireworks.

For the last few years Shumways have hosted the Forth of July barbecue/swimming party. The kids love it. I didn't take many pictures this year but you can see some here http://rollinwithit.blogspot.com/.

We biked to the fireworks this year to avoid all the traffic coming home. Last year we didn't make it home til around midnight. Heather and Megan had their glow-in-the dark bracelets strapped on for their night ride. Tired and late but they did great - Tanner and Paige slept all the way home.

DAY3 Patriotic Cookies

For the actual Forth of July we made cookies - Paige's favorite activity.

DAY 4 - Gillepsie Family Party

The first activity of the day was a big group bike ride up Provo Canyon. We stopped at Canyon Glen and let the kids climb the rocks and play around for a while and headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

As usual grandma Janie went all out and the kids had a blast at the pirate party. After swimming they made pirate hats, had a treasure hunt, dug for treasures, ate good food, and had a lot of fun.

Our Latest Summer Project

2010-07-02T10:45:00.000-06:00

We have hand fed a lot of baby birds over the years. Cockatiels, parakeets, senegals, plumheads, and several others. This time around - Indian ringnecks. For the last few years we've avoided the work and taken our baby birds to a pet shop that does the handfeeding. Unfortunately they are over stocked and we're back in business.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3 (they look greenish but they're actually a pretty teal blue)

Moab

2010-06-14T12:41:00.000-06:00

I had big plans to keep our blog updated this summer for my parents sake. They have been on their mission for a month+ now and . . . . . . nothing.

So I'm recommitted. In April we started off the summer with a trip to Moab. The first day we were there we hiked to Corona Arch. I LOVE this hike. The kids had a blast scaling the rocks and the traffic is no where near what it is in Arches National Park.

The next day we went into Arches and did Delicate Arch. Fun but it was soooo windy by the time we were done our eyes were full of dirt and everyone was tired.

On Memorial Day we went for a bike ride and had a picnic. My favorite part was The Race on the way back. Heather and Megan were fighting over who got to be in front and they were pedaling as fast as they could trying to pass each other. Since they are still figuring out how their gears work, their legs are going a million miles an hour but their speed isn't increasing much. They were frustrated - but I was laughing.

IT`S A . . . . . . . . .

2010-04-05T17:02:00.000-06:00

TANNER IS GOING TO BE THE LONE RANGER FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER......BECAUSE MY MOM'S HAVEING A BABY GIRL TO ADD TO THE COLLLECTION OF CRAZY KIDS!

I GOT MY EARS PIERCED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-25T19:01:00.000-06:00

I finally got my ears pierced!It took over a month but I did it!I picked white crystal earings .That were flowers.

Milestone for Tanner

2009-12-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Tanner is WALKING. Sorry the light is so terrible but you get the idea.

A new tradition is born

2009-12-12T14:53:00.001-07:00

I couple of weeks ago we started a new tradition. We packed all our pumpkins up to the orchard and sent them rolling. We had such a fun time doing it we collected a couple more pumpkins from Aunt Lizzy took our last two biggies and loaded up the sled. After at least 20 minutes of wrestling kids into the snow gear and listening to the complaints about how it fit or bunched or scratched we almost bagged the whole thing, but I'm glad we didn't. Once we were on our way it was a lot of fun.

The snow made the trip down a lot easier and definitely funner this time around.

HAPPY ST. NICHOLAS DAY

2009-12-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

memories

2009-12-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Paige took this BIUTIFUL photo!

He is so cute!!!!!!

And so funny!!!!!!

Paige is so happy walking on the beach.

She's a sandy mess.

Swiming in the water.

Heather Is Taking Over. . . the blog

2009-11-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hi this is Heather. My mom isn't doing a very good job updating the blog so I am taking over. I also think we should change the name. I need ideas. I got BAPTIZED...it was a lot of fun. I just met my moms friend Hannah she's funny!

Back To School

2009-08-20T11:06:00.001-06:00

Summer has flown by. Heather has been getting after me for not updating our blog. I will have to do a recap of our summer - but first our back to school photos. They were up and pretty much got themselves ready and bags packed. I had Tanner and Paige in the stroller ready to walk with them to school (while they biked) like we did last year. This year they wouldn't here of it. I had to wave from in front of our house and they rode to school on their own.

Colorado

2009-06-22T07:59:00.001-06:00

Day One: The drive into Colorado

I have to admit I was a little worried about this trip. I wasn't sure how well Tanner would travel for hours in the car. It turned out great. We set up camp outside of Delores the first night right next to some great single track bike trails. Around 8:00 Bryan decided to go for a "quick" 1/2 hour or so spin on his bike. We read stories in the tent and I tucked everyone in their sleeping bags. 9:00 rolls around and it's getting dark. Heather and Megan can't sleep they are worried that dad is lost. 9:20 he finally pulls in and Megan and Heather quickly yell out, "Dad you are in trouble". Pay back was the fact that it was too dark to see all the cow pies and he was splatted with a fresh one.

Day Two: Mesa Verde

The next morning we went to Mesa Verde - fascinating. We toured the Cliff Palace and the Spruce Tree House. It took a good portion of the day and with four tired kids we didn't try any more.

When we got back to camp Bryan took Heather and Megan out on the trails. The trails were just right for their skill level and they had a blast. Paige and I had fun playing in the dirt.

Day Three: Silverton Mines

We packed up camp and started the climb up to Silverton. We toured a mine named Old Hundred. It's a wonder miners had any hearing left at all. Some of the tools they use are so loud you can't hear yourself talk, and they had several running at the same time. This was one of Heather and Megan's favorite parts of the trip. Paige and Tanner weren't as intrigued but tolerated it.

After the tour we did the long ride back down the mountain. There are hundreds of old abandoned mines and waterfalls. The road is steep and twisty will huge drop offs. It was beautiful but I was glad to finally get to Montrose. We checked into a hotel and finally had a shower. It was nice after a couple nights of camp fires and wet wipe baths. Then of course we headed to the pool.

The Other Side of the Mountain

2009-06-04T18:11:00.000-06:00

Emily said its about my turn so, here goes....

RG (my dad) had something eating at him to climb cascade from the north side, a route he scouted last year sometime, anyway he talked me into taking the day off work and off we went. (thanks Emily) Well after 4-5 hours strait up on our hands and feet we made it to the top. Good route only had to climb up a couple minor cliffs but nothing too scary. Doubt too many have gone this route before. Anyway, after a quick lunch and a thousand lady bugs at the top (not sure what they were doing up there) we jumped a cornice and slide half-way down the back side of the mountain, on what's left of the snow. Had to take a couple breaks from sliding to let the behinds thaw a bit, but boy was it fun. Great for the knees too. Couple more hours trying to stay upright as we walked down a slippery rock and wood filled river into South Fork and we were done. All in all it was good times. Thanks for the invite Rog. Now if I could just get my legs to stop buzing from all the stinging nettle I'll be good.

Pictures sure don't do inclines justice. It was steeeeep.

2009-05-27T18:26:00.000-06:00

School is almost out and we're excited. Heather had an art show at school. She did nine different projects and is very proud of her work.

Megan had a parent program yesterday. She had to recite two poems and sang LOTS of songs. We also saw her parrot picture she painted for the habitat wall. She also insisted on taking a picture by Cole's lion.

Here are some pictures from our latest outing.

Spring Break - Part 2

2009-04-18T20:21:00.000-06:00

Day 3:

Earth Science Museum and Bean Museum.

Our first stop was the Earth Science Museum. Megan came prepared with her note book and pen. After 10 minutes at the same window, writing down the name of every rock, I had to cut her documentation short and move on.

Heather loved the hands on displays where she could touch real fossils and was fascinated by the size of the bones. Paige was nervous around the dinosaurs and I was a little worried that our next stop would be a disaster. I was right. Fear wasn't the issue but it was still a disaster. Paige was climbing over and going around the ropes, knocking down sign blocking her from petting animals, and throwing a tantrum on the floor when I intervened. Two museums close to nap time is not recommended.

Day 4:

Rock border and outdoor fun.

What a difference a day makes. The snow is all gone and are cheeks are all sunburned. Heather and Megan invited friends over to play while Bryan and I worked on the rock wall in our front yard. This year is our yard year. Hopefully our projects we've been planning will get finished this summer.

Spring Break?

2009-04-16T15:48:00.000-06:00

Day One :

Snow, snow, and new garage doors.

DAY TWO :

More snow and bowling.

Paige couldn't get enough of the hand dryer.

I've been tagged - Bryan this one's for you

2009-04-14T19:36:00.001-06:00

1. Where did you meet your husband? Rebekah's house for about half an hour. He occasionally made appearances when I was with friends but left about 8:00 because he wanted to go to bed early.

2.How long did you date before you got married? 1 year.

3.How long have you been married? 11 years next week - this is your reminder Bryan.

4.What does he do that surprises you? Collects birds. Borderline obsessive compulsive behavior.

5.What is your favorite feature of his? His farmer's (biker's) tan. Does that count as a feature?

6.What is his best quality? Hard worker.

7.Does he have a nickname for you? BOSS

8.What is his favorite food? If I ask what he wants for dinner he says cornbread and anything that goes with it.

9.What is his favorite sport? Does anyone not know - Cycling

10.When and where did you first kiss? Walking me to my car - His driveway.

11.What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Go for a hike or walk. I'd say bike ride but we're seldom together then. He periodically doubles back, rides circles around me, and takes off again.

12. Do you have any children? Four: Heather, Megan, Paige, and Tanner.

13.Does he have any hidden talents? He loves to bake - breads, cookies, cakes, dessert concoctions.

14. How old is he? 33

15.Who said I love you first? Hmmmmm - I have no idea .

16.What is his favorite music?Not a real music person but I did catch him singing Barney's "7 days in a week" song the other day.

17.What do you admire most about him? His patience with everything except noise (especially high pitched girl screaming).

18. What is his favorite color? I don't think he has a preference.

19. Will he read this? If I tell him about it.

20 Who do you tag? Any volunteers? Amy Volunteered azdesertsunshine.blogspot.com

Bird Watching

2009-04-06T14:17:00.000-06:00

We headed down to Utah Lake to do some bird watching.

The Pelicans held their attention for a while but they haven't quite mastered the key elements of bird watching.

1 Stay quiet.

2 Stay still.

In the end running up and down spreading cattail seeds won out.

Pay Up Tooth Fairy

2009-02-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Megan not only lost her first tooth today but also her second. Lucky for her show and tell is today. She insists on taking her teeth before the tooth fairy gets them - sorry Mrs. Smith.

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty good valentines for the Gillespie Girls. It started a couple days earlier when they came home from school with their cards. Megan dumped out her bag and started grabbing cards, looking at the names, and throwing them aside. Eventually she found the card she was looking for, pressed it to hear heart and says, "He's soooo sweet. He's sooooo charming." Her kindergarted crush on Cole is getting out of hand.

Today KSL Radio was at Macey's. They were providing free pancakes and muffins from Lehi Roller Mills. After Bryan came home from Church Ball we headed out. Bryan ate pancakes with the girls while Tanner and I did the shopping. They also entered the drawing they had. When we came home there was a message on the answering machine for Heather. She won a year supply of Pancake, Muffin, and Cookie mixes. After calming down the ones that didn't win we loaded up the car and picked up Heathers loot. Tanner stays pretty mild through all the drama.

TANNER

2009-01-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tanner Bryan Gillespie

December 30, 2008

6 lbs 11 oz

2008-10-01T14:49:00.001-06:00

Bryan with the girls at the look out.

Bryan loves to race the Onion Days Race in Payson. He got in a practice run with Heather and Megan before his race.

Slip sliding away

2008-07-28T11:49:00.000-06:00

Bryan made a slip and slide out of the tarp he was cleaning.

Eva joined in a few days later.

Oregon Trip

2008-07-28T11:32:00.001-06:00

Packed up and on our way.

The girls loved the water, sand and tidepools.