The Nielsen's

My Baby Is One!

2009-06-10T23:22:00.002-06:00

Today my little Ashie turned one. I still can't believe it's been a year already, where did the time go?!? It has been such a busy, fun and happy year with Ashton in our lives. He has been walking now since first part of May and digging through about every drawer in my house. He has been really trying to repeat a lot of the words we say: bubbles, love you, ouch, no, wow, baby. He has also been picking up on a lot of sign language like: bath, milk, eat, drink and more. His favorite foods are: grilled cheese and quesidllas. He loves to watch Baby Einstein 24/7 and have his "Bubbles" book read to him. He is such a funny little guy, who makes us smile and laugh everyday! Happy Birthday Ashton! We love you and couldn't imagine life without you in it!--Love, Mom

Funny Things

2009-05-13T12:55:00.002-06:00

On the way to school one morning, I was listening to Carter and Averie's conversation. Most of the time, they don't realize I am listening, so they are usually pretty funny! Anyway, they were talking about what they were going to be when they grow up. Carter said he was going to be Spiderman and Averie said she would probably be a mermaid. Right after the words came out of her mouth, Carter was quick to say, "Averie, MERMAIDS are NOT real!". I suppose Spiderman is in his little world!

At preschool this year Averie has been learning and memorizing all of the nursery rhymes. She has been doing really well with them and loves to hear herself say them. But I had to laugh when I heard her saying her version of "Little Miss Muffet" :
"Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet EATING her CURVES away". Wouldn't it be great if that's all you had to do for those curves!

BEWARE OF THE "SLIME" FLU!!!

2009-05-03T19:30:00.003-06:00

I just have to say that Carter cracks me up! He has always said the funniest things, even when he was so little. Well, since the recent news of the scary "Swin Flu" outbreak, Carter has overheard me talking a little too much I think! This last Saturday we were able to attend our cousin Keaton's baptism. When we were going to the dinner afterward Carter spoke up and said sniffing "Mom, I think I have the SLIME flu!" I didn't even know he knew anything about it. After the dinner Keaton's sister was passing out little handouts that said "It's Great To Be 8!". I watched Carter read his and then he walked over to Keaton and said "So Keaton is it really GREAT to be eight?!" He was very serious and really just wanted to find out. He really enjoyed being at Keaton's baptism to find out what it was all about. Carter and Keaton are good little buddies! Tonight we were cleaning up from dinner and as usual the house was pretty loud. All of a sudden Carter said "Hey everyone could we just be a little bit more quiet, my BRAIN is trying to tell me a story!" Wow! Who would have thought that one up!? Carter always makes life funny! What would we do without him and his little sayings!

Grass is GROSS!!!

2009-04-19T23:58:00.002-06:00

I had to post this picture of Ashton being grossed out by grass at Lori's house. It was so funny to see him try to keep his feet and legs from touching it and to see the look on his face. He even dropped his binky once and didn't think it was worth picking up.What a funny boy!

Ashton is 10 Months Old!

2009-04-19T23:37:00.003-06:00

I can't believe my little Ashie boy is already 10 months old! Where did the time go?! He has been a good baby and has the funniest personality. Ashton at 10 months is BUSY! Some of the things he loves are: his blue blanket, his binky, his snack foods, to crawl 100 mph, dumping the toy basket out, jumping in the jumperoo, patty cake, playing peek a boo, talking about things that go around and around, watching baby enstein. He has been trying to say things like: grandpa, cracker, mama, da da, and wow. He just got his sixth little tooth a couple of weeks ago.His new thing is to shake his bootie, it's so funny! We love him so much, he keeps us on our toes and laughing!

2009-04-19T23:36:00.001-06:00

The last day we were at my sister's we went to the children's museum downtown. The kids loved it! It had so many fun things for the kids. There was a noodle forest, a store where you could be the shopper or the checker, a pizza kitchen, a "ball" room, a place to race little cars, a bicycle wash, an art studio and tons of places to play. Ashton even had fun driving through the little bike wash. He made a motor sound with his mouth and it lasted through the whole wash, it was so funny! The kids are already saying " Can we go back again!".

Children's Museum

2009-04-19T23:11:00.005-06:00

More Anthem Park

2009-04-19T21:20:00.001-06:00

Anthem Park

2009-04-19T20:36:00.003-06:00

We love going to the Anthem Park when we visit Lori. It is the best park, it has a little train, duck ponds, a splash pad, tons of huge slides and sand boxes filled with dinosaur bones. The kids never want to leave,they have so much fun!

Swimming Pics

2009-04-19T20:29:00.001-06:00

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-19T20:07:00.001-06:00

2009-04-19T19:54:00.002-06:00

For Easter and Spring Break we decided to take one last trip to Arizona. My sister Lori's husband,will be finishing up Pharmacy school in June and moving back to Utah. So we thought we better go down one last time to enjoy some warm weather, especially since in Utah we don't know what that feels like! We spent the week going swimming, shopping (Yay for Mom!!), going to fun parks and visiting the local children's museum. I think everyone knew we were from Utah when we were the only ones swimming in 65 degree weather! We had a blast spending time with Lori and her family, we will be so glad when they are closer to us! Thanks for the fun vacation guys, it was great time had by all!

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-19T19:47:00.000-06:00

2009-03-28T19:51:00.002-06:00

Averie has been looking forward to her Aunt Maycee's Junior Prom. Where I am from, the Junior Prom is a huge town affair. A lot of people think it is kind off a strange thing, but it is actually really fun to have a reason to get all dressed up. Averie my little princess couldn't wait for the "Ball" to take place. When my sister asked her if she was going to come she said "Maycee I can't I don't have a gown!". I decided your only young once so why not make a big deal of it. She got to choose her dress out, wear some of my jewelry, a little makeup, and I got her a little corsage. She was excited for about two months and that is all she could talk about. When the night finally arrived, Aunt Lori gave her the royal treatment, with hair fit for a real princess. She made everyone close their eyes for the BIG reveal. I hope it will be something that she will always remember, because she felt really beautiful. I only wish we could all live in the same fairytale world that she does.

2009-03-28T19:49:00.000-06:00

Princess At The Ball

2009-03-28T19:46:00.002-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-23T21:08:00.003-06:00

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day with our 2nd annual " Green Dinner"! It was Carter's idea last year and it was so much fun, we decided to do it every year. Yeah, the food doesn't look that delicious, but it sure is fun to eat! On the menu this year was green pesto pasta, green salad, green ranch, green broccoli and for dessert, green pudding and green rice krispie's. We all had a lot of fun and can't wait to do it again next year!

2009-03-23T21:00:00.001-06:00

Green Cuisine

2009-03-23T20:55:00.000-06:00

2009-03-23T20:44:00.003-06:00

This picture is of Averie and her little friend Kylee. On Valentine's Day the girls could bring a stuffed animal to dance. Averie still loves dance and loves to play with friends anytime she gets the chance.

Mom's Little Helper

2009-03-23T20:33:00.003-06:00

Averie really is my best helper! She is constantly helping me with Ashton. She is good to take out the diapers and play with him when mom needs to get something done. She also loves to help in the kitchen with the cooking and the cleaning! She is always saying to me "Mom, what can I help do?". I don't know what we would do without her around!

Smart Baby!!!

2009-03-23T20:31:00.000-06:00

2009-03-23T20:08:00.002-06:00

At night we usually let Ashton wind down in his jumper. Well lately he jumps himself right to sleep. I will hear the jumper pause and look over to see him fast asleep. After the pause he always wakes up enough to realize what he's doing and starts jumping again! I guess it's one way to get him down for a nap!

Jumping Asleep

2009-03-23T20:04:00.001-06:00

2009-03-23T19:55:00.005-06:00

2009-02-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

Catching up on Ashie!

2009-02-22T19:44:00.002-07:00

Little Indy

2009-02-22T19:35:00.003-07:00

The Cake and Decor

2009-02-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

2009-02-22T19:11:00.002-07:00

I can't believe my little boy is seven! Where did the time go?! Well I do know that it has been a fun seven years, Carter always keeps me laughing! I don't know what I would do without me and I love him so much!
When Carter woke up the morning of his birthday, I asked him if he felt different being seven. He shook his head "Yes" and said " I feel bigger!". I honestly think he really believes it, he's always been so funny about being big and tough!
Carter is really into Indiana Jones, so that is what he picked for his party theme. It was alot of fun and crazy at the same time. We had a treasure hunt and the treasure was "marshmallow pistols". The kids had a blast on the front lawn with those! Next we did a pinata', ate pizza, dirt cups and opened gifts. Carter told me later that he "LOVED" that party!

7 Feels Different!

2009-02-22T18:58:00.002-07:00

Happy 7th Birthday Carter!

2009-02-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

2008-12-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

2008-12-30T20:56:00.002-07:00

2008-12-30T20:32:00.001-07:00

Santa Came!!!

2008-12-30T20:18:00.003-07:00

The kids were so excited to leave Santa a little treat with their final letters. Carter was busy tracking Santa's progress on the internet, he kept saying" We have to hurry and get in bed, he's almost here!". The next morning they were both so happy that the cookies and carrots were gone, but were laughing about how Santa made such a mess!

Christmas Dress

2008-12-30T20:02:00.003-07:00

Averie was so excited to wear her new Christmas dress! She loves it because it is silver and has sparkles, just like Sharpay would wear. She is so funny, she really loves clothes and shopping! That is good for me and bad for her daddy! I am sure we will have many great shopping trips together! Carter could pretty much care less about new clothes or shopping. A new shirt feels the same as wearing an old shirt to him!

Ashton's First Christmas

2008-12-30T19:55:00.001-07:00

2008-12-30T19:41:00.002-07:00

We went to see Santa and stood in line for about 30 minutes or so, but the kids made it worth it. Averie told Santa she wanted a "BIG" Sharpay doll, Carter told him that he would like a Star Wars light sabre kit. Ashton did nothing but drool all over Santa's leg- Poor Santa! It was good that Ashie wasn't afraid of him, it made it all a little easier! Hopefully we've all been good this year so he'll bring us what we've asked for!

Carter's Toothless!

2008-12-07T21:30:00.002-07:00

This last November Carter lost both of his front teeth. It took forever because he really didn't want them to fall out, so he just let them hang there! One of them I had to finally twist out and the other Ashie accidentally kicked out, when they were playing! He wanted to write to the tooth fairy to leave his tooth because he wanted to take it to school to show his teacher. Miss Reid gave him a necklace to keep his teeth in, he is so proud of it. He is also very happy that his teeth are finally out because it is easier to eat now, which surprises me! I was trying to get a toothless smile from Carter, and Averie really thought she needed to be in the picture. She kept saying " I can smile good, take a picture of me!", so I couldn't say "No" to that. She loves her picture taken and Carter I have to bribe to get anything!

Our New BIG Brother

2008-11-16T22:21:00.002-07:00

Right now my brother Randy is living with us and my kids couldn't be happier. They love having him here, it's like a new BIG brother around the house. Carter will always say " Where is Randy? I want him to come home, I miss him!" Randy is really good with both of the kids and they (especially Carter) want to be just like him. Averie is relieved because now Randy FINALLY has a family! (she didn't think that he actually had one before, it was funny.)

Funny Zipper!

2008-11-16T22:06:00.003-07:00

Ashton is so funny, he thinks zippers are hilarious! I didn't realize it until one night getting him ready for bed, I unzipped his pajamas, and he laughed so hard. It was really strange, who knew zippers could be so funny!

A Visit From Great Grandma & Grandpa

2008-11-16T21:51:00.003-07:00

We were so excited to have Great Grandma & Grandpa Barton to our house for a visit. They came up to go to a session of general conference and were able to stay a couple of nights. Grandpa Great has always had a way with the babies, he put Ashton right asleep! I am so grateful to have my grandparents around for my children to get to know. They have always been such a wonderful support and good example for me. I love you both more than you'll ever know.

Hat & More Hats!

2008-11-16T19:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween

2008-11-09T22:57:00.002-07:00

The kids had a great time dressing up for Halloween, especially Carter! He was so excited to be Indiana Jones and was so proud of the costume that Grandma Shanna made just for him! He really loved the painted on facial and chest hair and didn't want to wash it off for days after. Fact, I looked at him in church and I could still see what looked to be a five o'clock shadow! Averie well she loved it too but she loved the candy the very most. Ashton boy was just along for the ride and was a good sport about wearing his costume. It also made it more fun to have cousins here to share Halloween with- Gavyn and Peyton!

2008-11-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Mommy's Lil' Pumpkin

2008-11-09T22:40:00.001-07:00

Poor little Ashie, I just couldn't resist! He wasn't so sure he liked it at first, but then he decided it was a pretty fun place to play and it actually didn't taste half bad either.

Carving Pumkins!

2008-11-09T22:35:00.001-07:00

Ashton's First Ride

2008-11-09T22:22:00.002-07:00

Grandpa Brant can hardly wait for his grand kids to get old enough, so that he can give them a ride on his motorcycle! It's one of his favorite things to do and the grand kids love it! Ashton loved his first ride around Grandpa's yard and was thinking of all the things to touch on the motorcycle. Oh he could help Grandpa so much! Thanks for all of the fun rides Grandpa Brant, we love you lots!

Marshmallow Roast!!!

2008-11-09T21:43:00.005-07:00

When my Grandparents came up to go to conference they were able to stay with us for a couple of nights. While they were here Carter came up with a wonderful idea to have a marshmallow on a stick. So he went outside and came back in with a piece of decorative bark with his marshmallow on it. He then preceded to tell us how much more delicious it tasted on the stick. So my Grandpa said "When you guys come down for UEA, I'm going to show him how a real marshmallow on a stick tastes!" So when we went to Tropic Carter's Great Grandpa did exactly that and Carter to say the least was completely thrilled! He ate over 4 or 5 marshmallow's and loved the fire and smoke that came with them!! Thanks Grandpa Great for a wonderful time!

2008-10-05T21:48:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures of my little man. He is growing so fast I can hardly believe it. He has been making funny little growling noises and laughing a lot more this last week. I just love when their personality starts to show, it makes it more fun!
This last weekend we had Grandpa and Grandma Barton come up for Grandparent's Day and then Grandma and Grandpa Great came up for conference. It was fun to have everyone up for a little visit. We also got some work done on the basement bathroom- which was nice, thanks to Grandpa Brant! I will post some pictures later in the week of Carter's program, it was so cute, I got to see the rehearsal!

Liberty Land

2008-09-21T18:37:00.007-06:00

The Friday before school started we decided to try out "Liberty Land" in Lehi. It turned out to be a fun little place, the kids loved it. They had a blast shooting their dad with water on the bumper boats. But it wasn't so fun when they had a problem steering their boat and got stuck under the waterfall- although it was a laugh for mom watching on the side! Averie says "Mom this is better than Disneyland!". Jordan was happy to hear that since it would be a cheaper way to have a family vacation. Obviously, Averie has forgotten what Disneyland is really like or she wouldn't say that!

Last Summer Days

2008-09-21T18:31:00.003-06:00

Big Sis!

2008-09-21T18:11:00.003-06:00

Boys Day With Mom!

2008-09-21T17:41:00.006-06:00

Averie decided to go to Grandma's house for the week so it was just Mom and the boys! We went school shopping at the mall one day and the boys wore their matching outfits! We tried to make shopping fun since it isn't usually what Carter likes to do. We got ice cream, pretzels and even got our pictures taken in one of those photo booth's. Carter was super happy because he found a Ben 10 backpack and heely's for school! I had to take this picture at the end of the day of my two boys!

2008-09-21T17:28:00.003-06:00

On August 3, 2008 we blessed Ashton in our ward here in Saratoga. We were lucky to have alot of our family there with us. Jordan gave "Ashie" a really nice blessing he is a great Daddy! We feel so blessed to have Ashton in our home, he has such a sweet little personality already. We love him so much!

Our Little Dancer

2008-09-07T22:03:00.003-06:00

Averie started dance classes for the first time this last March. She loved going every week and loved her dance teacher Miss Brooks. She had her first recital in June and performed her cute little dance "Always Look On The Bright Side". She was so excited to wear her yellow costume and wear a little of mom's make up! Averie did such a good job and felt so beautiful! It really made me realize how much she is growing up! It was such a special night for her.

Soccer Star

2008-09-07T20:17:00.011-06:00

Carter did soccer again this year and Dad was able to be his coach! He did alot better and really followed the ball. He must of wore himself out with all of the running back and forth. For the last game they pass out medals and Carter looks forward to it all season. I think that was Carter's best game, he actually had his first block, although not on purpose!In the bottom picture Carter stopped in the middle of the game for a "sweet picture",but didn't realize the game ball behind him!

Ashton Brant Nielsen

2008-09-07T19:24:00.000-06:00

On June 10, 2008 we welcomed our third child- little "Ashie Boy"! It's been a long time since we had a baby in our house and the change has been great. Ashton is such a sweet baby and hardly ever cries, I feel so lucky! Carter and Averie waited a long time for their little brother and were very excited when he arrived. Carter told me he remembers the day Ashton was born because he was shopping with Maycee and it was taking forever! But he said " I was just looking at toys and the phone rang and I knew my brother was here!" . While he was telling me the story he was holding Ashton and he then looked down at him and said " This is a special baby!". It almost made me cry! I'm so lucky to have so much help, they love him so much!