Darin.Linsy.Tate.Beau

Pennsylvania Farm Show

2012-01-19T17:03:00.001-08:00

January means the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, PA- one of the highlights of the kids life. Farm animals, good food, cowboys, rodeo. Beau was so sad to leave, 'no leave a farm show!' (sob sob). It's been a couple weeks but when Beau gets tired or sad, he still starts crying about the rodeo and how he wants a turn!

Beau so sad to leave the Farm Show.

Sweet Baby Kaiya

2012-01-18T20:32:00.001-08:00

We were so happy to finally meet our niece baby Kaiya. She is 6 pounds 3 ounces today and has some seriously cute baby chin chub.

Beau's 2011 Nursery Class

2012-01-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

This past year, Darin and I were the nursery leaders for Beau's class. It was so much fun to be in nursery with Beau! He loved playing with all the kids, the toys, learning about Jesus, and singing time! Beau is very energetic and friendly!

Trip to Idaho in October - Around the Burg

2012-01-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Llama Chase! Helping corral the neighbors' escaped cows, horses, llamas is a regular occurrence!

Tate at Uncle Layne's office

Hanging with Grandma Deb

Yoga at Grandma's house

Chiz's! Best. Food. Ever.

Picking apples with Grandma Deb

Catching up with neighbor friends

James and Bea - fun in the leaves

Reagan and Vance at Grandma Deb's house

Peter Bridge as the life of the party. So much fun to catch up with dear cousins!

Grandma Jardine's Funeral

2012-01-05T08:19:00.001-08:00

I will miss Grandma Jardine. I will miss her kindness, love, welcoming spirit, humor, concern for me and all those she knew, and her all around sweetness. It is still hard to imagine visiting Rexburg and Grandma won't be there. I am so grateful to have her example of love in my life.

I am also very grateful that the boys and I were able to make it back to Rexburg for her funeral. Everything fell into place and all travel went smoothly. It was so comforting to be with family and to hear the beautiful words spoken at her funeral. Aunt Claudia, Uncle Wade and my mom paid such touching and beautiful tributes to her life and her spirit.

It was also a great blessing to see family members (cousins, aunts, uncles) I have not seen in many years. All I could think was how happy it would make Grandma Pauline to be there - together laughing, catching up and having so many good times together. I know she is smiling from heaven and she is happy to be with Grandpa Fred. I love you Grandma!

Idaho Trip in October - Jack's Birthday Party!

2012-01-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

October Trip to Idaho - Cousins!

2012-01-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

October Trip to ID - Whitney & Colton's Wedding

2012-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

We felt so lucky to be in Idaho for Whiney and Colton's wedding. They make a beautiful couple!!!

Stacey - best uncle ever!

Karee at the crepes bar - delish!

October trip to Idaho - Rupert continued

2012-01-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Orthopedic Surgeon & Skeleton w/ Grandma and Grandpa Jurgensmeier

Skeleton (anatomically incorrect) & Bone Doctor

games with Uncle Josh and Aunt Karee

Four wheelin with Grandpa

Art time with Grandma

October Trip to Idaho - Rupert

2012-01-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

The boys with Grandma and Grandpa Jurgensmeier for lunch at the Upper Crust in Burley, ID.

The boys and I traveled with Deb and Craig from Rexburg to Pocatello, where we met up with Dee and Karen and caught a ride to Rupert for more family fun. The boys were sad to leave the Heiners in Rexburg, but super excited for Jurgensmeier time in Rupert! As you can see from these posts, so many helped us travel to and fro different locations on this trip - thank you Dee and Karen!

Uncle Kevin's puppies!

October Trip to Idaho - En Route

2012-01-03T11:49:00.001-08:00

A picture of my mom, my dear friend Marie, and the kiddies at Marie's house in VA. We stayed with Marie both the night before our flight to UT, and the night after returning to VA from UT. (This picture was taken at the conclusion of our trip. I flew alone with the boys from VA to UT. And my mom flew back with me and the boys from UT to VA, which was a huge help. Thank you! It made leaving family in ID less difficult and we love having you in Hershey!!!)

We feel so blessed to have our great friend Marie. She always welcomes us into her home. This trip was very last minute - we were traveling home for my Grandma's funeral. Traveling across the country is time consuming and exhausting. So it was a life saver to be able to stay at Marie's house and an even bigger life saver for her to drive us to and from Dulles at all hours of the morning and night. Thank you!

Traveling by train between terminals, Dulles Airport.

Running through Dulles Airport

Beau getting wiggles out on the flight

At Dulles with the dudes. Overall, they were great on the flights! Traveling alone with the boys is always super tricky. This was their best flight experience yet. Tate really wanted to see his cousins in Idaho so I talked with him about how - if we went to Idaho, he would need to help out during the trip. He really took this to heart and was a happy traveler and helped keep his brother happy too!

Road trip from SLC to Rexburg! The boys with their friends Vance and Reagan. Tiffany picked us up at the airport and drove us to Idaho. She is so thoughtful! A trip with Tiff is never boring. There is good food, fun for the kids, and lots of laughs! This time, Tiffany brought amazing monster cookies and we stopped at Maddox for takeout (delicious rolls, fried chicken, salad and fries) that we took to McDonalds to eat while the kiddies played at the play place. Good times!

I forgot to pack jeans, so Tiff took me on a search in Rexburg. After unsuccessful attempts at Maurices and Down East Outfitters, Tiffany found a lead on FB on her phone- the Clothing Outlet (only open one day a week). We found some sweet deals! Ah, that girl - she is a committed friend, and shopper!

Hershey Utilities

2012-01-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

I just love these pictures. I love that routine things - like utilities - are magical in Hershey. When I die, Hershey will be written on my heart. Or maybe London. Its a toss up.

Family Pictures 2011 - Harrisburg, PA

2012-01-01T17:20:00.001-08:00

Thank you Wendy Parrish for the great pictures! Here is her blog:

http://wendycparrishphotography.blogspot.com/

Ricketts Glen Summer Camping Trip

2011-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am way behind in blogging. These picts are from July or August, not sure. But it was a super fun family getaway. The boys love everything about camping.

Washington D.C. Temple

2011-10-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we had a great family trip to Virginia and the Washington D.C. Temple. It was wonderful to be with members of our ward at the beautiful D.C. Temple and to have Tate and Beau experience the beauty and spirit of the Temple and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints visitor center. Thanks Wendy Parrish for the great family photos! We also visited our amazing friends Adam and Marie in VA! It is always the best to visit them and their cute kiddies Spencer, Emma and John.

Life Lately

2011-10-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tropical Storm Lee filled up the kiddie pool. Fun for the boys!

I have not blogged in a long long time. There are many reasons – a busy summer, a lack of blogging (and computer time in general) motivation, etc. But I am resolved to catch up a bit because 1)the boys are growing and changing so much and I want to provide more updates for our family, 2) I believe our blog is a valuable record (with all the flooding/earthquake/hurricanes these days, photo albums and hard drives don’t seem so permanent).

Speaking of natural disasters. Almost every night I am dealing with one disaster or another in my dreams. House is flooding, must save kids. House is collapsing, must save kids, computer, clothes. One morning (5:30 AM) Darin said to me as he was leaving to work, “I love you” and I responded, “You’re not the one dealing with flooding all night.” I knew it was a strange thing to say but it made sense at that moment. Anyhow, watching Contagion in such a state is not a good idea. In the last three weeks our food storage has multiplied by leaps and bounds. Although, to be truthful, I believe this has far more to do with my new couponing obsession than anything. I can’t believe I have been so casual in the past about coupons. It’s a whole new world and it fantastic!

Turning 30 has been bizarre. Its almost like I am having out of body experiences, looking down watching myself say and do things I never would have thought were possible 6 months ago, such as: blogging about my love of coupons. But I just did it.

Tate's First Day of 4 Year Old Preschool

2011-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hershey Floods

2011-09-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to my iReport on the floods here in Hershey. Our family is doing fine. We have had no flooding and we are all safely at home. We feel very lucky. Many friends here have been affected. Please let me know if I can help anyone.

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-670689

Looking for Adventure

2011-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Wish I could have captured the shot right before this shot. Beau studied Tate's exact stance before striking the pose.

Looking all sorts of grown up.

Tate figured out the hose.... Beau's working on it

2011-07-17T19:39:00.001-07:00

Play Time

2011-07-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

Pirates!

2011-07-17T19:31:00.001-07:00

Don't you wish this picture were in focus?

2011-07-17T19:25:00.001-07:00

Night Time Routine

2011-07-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Uncle Drew!

2011-07-17T19:14:00.001-07:00

Drew, Monique and fam came out to visit us in June! It was soooo much fun to have them here! Tate was sooooo excited to have Nick here in Hershey - he always wanted to sit by him, walk by him, and imitate everything he did. Andrea, Sophia, Olivia and Nick were all so nice to Tate and Beau - we only wish they could have stayed longer. Here are some pictures (I only snapped a few - whoops!)

Best Buddies!

Beau trying to copy Olivia's style

So Sci Fi

2011-07-02T21:29:00.001-07:00

Darin and Linsy's 8th Wedding Anniversary - May 31, 2011

Once in a lifetime opportunity. I know, I know. That phrase is kind of a running joke in the Heiner family. My dad uses it to describe many-a-things, but usually a sheep hunt. "Criminy, he drew a once in a lifetime sheep tag."

But this is FOR REALS.

The Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for liftoff on July 8 (this Friday people!) marking the final flight for NASA's shuttle program. After that, America will send astronauts to space only in Russian spacecraft.

The rollout of the Shuttle Atlantis to the Kennedy Space Center happened on May 31! (our anniversary.) We had the opportunity to be at the rollout and it was a life highlight!

Darin's bro Erik's wife Dawn's sis Laura works for NASA and scored tickets (after much office negotiation). Thank you Laura! And thank you Darin's bro Kevin for letting me go. The Jurgensmeier fam drew straws and Kevin gave me his spot so I could be with Darin on our anniversary. Kevin has always always been so thoughtful and considerate. And this was a big deal. So thank you Kevin!

Here we go.........

From the VAB to the Crawler.......

Pure 'Independence Day' 'Armegeddon' 'Men in Black' action.

Approaching the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

The crowds assemble.

Shuttle Atlantis emerges from the VAB.

Turn on the spotlight!

And the Toby Keith music over the loudspeakers.

Laura, Dawn, Erik, Dee, Cory, Linsy

Oh yeah!

The Crawler is functioning office space, equipped with bathrooms and all!

Brotherly Moment

Erik, Darin, Cory, Dee

Astronauts.

Taking this picture goes down as just another moment that I should be embarrassed about but I'm just not. So, yes - I am thirty. And yes - I spotted the astronauts striding quickly down a pathway away from me and I grabbed my camera, chased them down as fast as I could, stopped to take the picture while yelling out something like, "You guys are amazing. True heros! Good job, great job!" I didn't have time to think about it. I just yelled what was in my soul. But come on, in the era of lamo reality television stars, these guys really are cool.

The whole thing, so sci fi. So fantastic.

One happy girl.

Sea World

2011-07-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

First stop on Jurgensmeier Florida Family Adventure - Sea World!

Family fun = tired dudes. Tate with Uncle Bryce.

Beau cooling off

With cousin Elizabeth

Such massive animals - fascinating

A day for firsts - including Beau's first cotton candy

I can't lie - thats just impressive.

Baby Logan with Grandma. Seriously, can we get over how cute this little guy is?

Cousin Josh, Aunt Alyssa, Nemo

This is a sea horse!

Stingrays above!

Tate's Preschool Graduation

2011-07-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

As soon as he saw an opportunity, Beau made his move - bolting from the audience to get in on the preschool action. I think this picture was taken during their prayer song, which Tate continues to use to this day when we ask him to say the prayer. He says, " I will say the song part first (the preschool prayer) following by the talking one. Oh, the Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord...for giving me the things I need, the sun and the rain and the apple seeds....ooooh, the Lord is good to me!"

Miss Colleen, Tate, Miss Robin, Beau Beau

More awesome actions. I can't get enough. Apparently Tate can. He wasn't that into it compared with the Thanksgiving and Christmas productions. Ummm, every performer must have an off day now and again.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2011-05-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

These are super tasty!

Red velvet cake is a staple in PA.

Just one more reason PA is fantastic!

Cast Practice

2011-05-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

Easter

2011-05-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Turning 30

2011-05-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

My 30th birthday was spent with Darin, Tate and Beau! On an airplane - returning back to Hershey from a fun filled Idaho/Utah trip. As much as I love visiting family out West and as much as I love being with D, Tate and Beau - a cross country flight can be.....exhausting.

D, Tate and Beau after landing at Dulles in Virginia. Darin is holding up his leg to show signs of battle, Beau's vomit from five minutes into our first of two flights. After 12 hours of travel - Idaho to Salt Lake, SLC to Denver, and Denver to Virginia, we were glad to finally be back on the East Coast! Sadly, it was still 2 more hours to Hershey from Virginia. Boo! But, what came next was fantastic! Some of our best friends, Marie and Adam in Virginia, were nice enough to drop us off and pick us up at the airport. And if that wasn't nice enough, Adam showed up with a birthday balloon and card!

With the fam at Dulles.

When we got back to Adam and Marie's house, Marie and the kiddies had decorated for a surprise birthday party!

Marie made amazing Egyptian food. This is very significant - because since 2000, Marie and I have planned to go to Egypt at 30. For various reasons, a girl trip to Egypt is not in the cards right now - so she made an Egyptian feast!!!

Thanks Wride fam! You guys are amazing! And you made my 30th awesome!!!

More Idaho Pictures

2011-05-08T17:21:00.001-07:00

Birthday cake with sweet nieces and nephews!

Tate and Grandpa

Darin, Beau and Evelyn

Kate

Liv

Jack, Liv, Uncle Layne

Uncle Dallin, Claire, Aunt Mindy

Cheese!

Grandma, Kevin, Stacey

Kevin, Darin, Tate, Beau

(note: Darin is 6' 2")

Tate's Projects

2011-05-08T14:02:00.001-07:00

Tate LOVES making 'projects'! He loves to draw, cut, glue, tape, design, craft it up, and invent! One morning, he came up with this blueprint for this machine to smash balls and shoot them out the side. He designed and drew it, explained how it worked to me, and we built it together.

Of course Beau wanted to get in on the action. So we built one for him too!

Spring Time

2011-05-08T05:17:00.001-07:00

Bikes!

Matching Buddies

Tate waiting to give a talk at church. He did a great job!

London is Calling

2011-04-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to my video on CNN - a contest to win a trip to London to report on the royal wedding. Check it out.....

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-587379

Thank you Darin for being the husband of the year - video and edit hero.

Thank you Wendy Parrish for being an amazing photographer!

Trip to Idaho and Utah Preview

2011-03-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Those crazy Idaho nights........

What was the first word I heard when stepping off the plane in Boise, ID?

JIMMER.

In fact, I think it was also the first word I heard when returning to the East Coast landing at Dulles. And the hype is warranted.

BYU plays Thursday night - can't wait!

Um, another athlete that warrants all the hype. This guy here - the KMVT Idaho Athlete of the Season.......6 foot 10 inches.....Kevin Jurgensmeier. (Above: Tate with a life size picture of Kev hung on the gym wall at the state tournament!)

http://www.kmvt.com/sports/Athlete-of-the-Week---Kevin-Jurgensmeier-118344894.html

More to Kev to come! We had tons of fun watching him at State.... his dunk at the end of the first quarter against Rigby made that cross country flight with 2 children worth it... big time!

More Jimmer suspense. Oh wait, I think this might be watching E.T.

So much fun with Heiner cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Rexburg, ID Temple

Jurgensmeier clan in Rupert, ID

Jurgensmeier siblings in Utah

Uncle Stacey is handy, and therefore hero

Fun with Grandpa Jurgensmeier

Beau in Idaho

Orthopedists in Training

2011-02-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

Tate always has something to teach Beau.

This bone here....

Surgery Practice

As we were walking through the halls at the hospital, Tate said to someone passing, "Excuse me, I'm going to go do surgery."

Bear Ride

2011-02-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T22:09:00.000-08:00

Tate's preschool valentines. He wanted to write a personalized message in each one - anything from, "You are my best friend" to "Screw drivers are for fixing things".

Date Night - heading to the Hotel Hershey Iberian Lounge.....Spanish flava.

Live music, cozy atmosphere, great company, and an 80 year old couple on the dance floor with the most amazing moves I have ever seen from any dancers. Period. You would have to see it to believe it, and you can. (Every Saturday night they dance away.) I'm guessing they were Milton's favorites too.

Big Red Dress

Girl Weekend in Hershey

2011-02-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

With Tiffany and Rachel by the Hershey Theater

Picking up Tiff at the Elizabethtown train station

One of my favorite restaurants on earth with some of my favorite people on earth - The Hershey Pantry, Tiff and Danielle

Reading Stories with Tate

Chocolate World - Tiff and Rach

The Chocolate World Chocolate Tour - Tiff, Rach and my guys

Lunchish Dinner at Trevi 5 - Hotel Hershey

Hotel Hershey

Overall - a big hit!

Oh yeah, and we got pedicures. :)

So much fun.

Thanks Tiff and Rach for visiting. Thanks Danielle for venturing out with us!

Thanks Darin for being a star and watching the kiddies.

Always, always recruiting more visitors! Anyone?

He's a Good Helper

2011-02-05T16:56:00.001-08:00

Holy Snow Man

2011-01-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Beau's Tools

2011-01-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

Beau always has a tool in his hand. I am not exaggerating. At any moment in the day he is holding at least one tool, often up to three. He sleeps with them and is standing in his crib in the morning holding his arms up to me with tools in his hands. He says, "tool! tool!" and pretends to fix things.... lamps, tables, dressers. This kid cracks me up. He can do this for hours, so low maintenance. And quite good at maintenance. he he.

When Darin comes home Beau squeals in delight and it only gets better if Darin has something to fix, caulk, etc. Beau walks right behind Darin with a big grin on his face, happiest kid ever.

Lighting Maintenance

This dude needs a tool belt!

Sometimes he substitutes utensils for tools. But they can still be used to fix things.

Where are the Royals right now?

2011-01-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sandringham

With all the excitement in the air about the upcoming royal wedding, I am posting some picts of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England - the Queen's residence December through mid-February each year. William, Harry, and other royals (Zara, Princess Anne, etc.) join the Queen at Christmas, so this will be the setting for William and Kate's future Christmases together. We visited Sandringham in spring, 09.

Luxe grounds

Acres of manicured gardens

Queen Victoria purchased Sandringham for her son Edward (later King Edward VII) and his new bride, Alexandra.

Rear Entrance

This is where we entered to tour the home. No pictures were allowed inside. It is a magnificent residence of course, but has quite an intimate feel compared with other more grand palaces (Buckingham, Windsor, Kensington). There are family pictures through out of the current royal family and prior monarchs. There is an extensive gun collection (and sword collection). There is a drawing room where the royals meet each day for afternoon tea, and then again after dinner.

Formal gardens

Wouldn't this be the perfect spot to read a book?

I felt like Alice in Wonderland touring the grounds.

The Sandringham Estate belongs to the Sovereign, so William will inheret it when he becomes King.

Darin and Tate relax on a bench

The Sandringham Estate is over 20,000 acres in total.

Sandringham is absolutely beautiful, serene and peaceful.

Located within view of the Sandringham Estate is Park House, the birthplace of Princess Diana.

Park House

When we visited Norfolk, we stayed here - at Park House. It is the childhood home of Diana, Princess of Wales. The staff were lovely and liked to gush about how kind the royal family is. Our server, Anne, said the royals are all very lovely, the Duke of Edinburgh 'is very sweet'. Anne's husband is the manager of the grounds at Sandringham. The Queen gives her and her husband a turkey every Christmas.

Mary Magdalene Church

Mary Magdalene Church is located just off the Sandringham grounds. This is the church the royals attend while staying at Sandringham. Our server Anne says the royals attend church each Sunday and it is tradition for them to greet local residents outside this church each Christmas.

Snow

2011-01-16T20:51:00.001-08:00

Basement

2011-01-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Darin had some time off in December, so he transformed our dirty/cluttered/unfinished/not useable basement into the perfect kid playing zone.

He scored some super cheap industrial carpet. Also, in this pict you can see the white bench he built to cover a water pipe. We can store toys under the bench.

He built a wall and gate to close off the play area from the water heater/ laundry area.

The wall is built out of dry erase board. Tate drew this picture 'with eyebrows and everything!'

Let the play begin!

Christmas Morning

2011-01-16T20:28:00.001-08:00

Soccer

2011-01-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

Tate started soccer this month. Here are a few pictures from his first day.

Beau trying to get in on the action.

'Control!'

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T13:36:00.001-08:00

Tate's Preschool Christmas Program. He loves the singing and actions!

Beau wondering the aisles at the Christmas program.

Family Christmas love.

Ah yes, more building time. Always lots of building time around here.

These dudes were sitting like this watching TV.

Hershey Pantry cupcakes.....tasty!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas with their families!

Hershey Gardens Winter Walk

2010-12-12T22:26:00.001-08:00

I can't get enough of the Hershey Gardens. Set on a hill, it has great views of Hershey, it is always unbelievably uncrowded, and there are really cool events! On Saturday, we hit the Winter Walk complete with ice sculptures, world class carolers (seriously, we are talking Broadway stock, and we are the only ones there listening), free cookies, lots of fun decorated Christmas trees and more!

Ice Sculpture of Hershey Kiss

Beau and Darin in the musical gardens.

Tate playing hide and seek in the shrubbery. Caught!

Kids

2010-12-12T22:22:00.001-08:00

Just uploaded some picts from Darin's phone. Here is Tate in one of many Halloween getups. This one is werewolf.

Beau loves nothing more than putting on Darin's glasses.

Our Family at the Star Barn

2010-11-23T17:27:00.001-08:00

Thank you to our friend Annie - she is a fantastic photographer!

http://anniereynoldsphotography.blogspot.com/

BYU Roommates

2010-11-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

Leesburg, VA - August, 2010

Cort, Katie, Linsy, Hanne, Marie

Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

(sleepy Tate)

10 years later - Marie and I with our kiddies.

Swimming at Marie's pool.

Trip to DC Zoo - Tate pretty much made this face during the outing. Thought he may be hot/tired/over vacationed/not impressed with exotic animals/traumatized from never seeing his dad. Maybe, but the next day he vomited all over Marie's white carpet (sorry!) - so poor little guy was sick.

He did have fun with his buddies - in matching shirts with a 'B' (for bear hunter) written on the back.

Cort looking on. Thats a lot of strollers for our kiddies!

FDR Monument

Katie and her sweet girl.

Reminiscing about the golden days that were King Henry.

Hanne and her babe.

Marie and her babe.

Sweet little ones.

My Robin Hoods - Trick or Treating Night 2010

2010-10-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat Night is always Thursday in Hershey. Tonight there was fantastic weather and our neighborhood was in festive spirits (decor, costumes, scare antics)- so it was a P-A-R-T-Y!

The Pope approaching.

Notice the ninja in the tree. Kinda creepy!

Even the pets dressed up!

Lots of candy and lots of fun!

Hershey Halloween Parade

2010-10-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

creative jelly fish costumes

the Kiss Mobile

Yeah! Parade! (Tate wore a robot costume he made.)

Its almost here.....

2010-10-22T21:44:00.001-07:00

Let the Halloween festivities begin!

Because Hershey has Candy

2010-10-22T21:31:00.001-07:00

Hershey knows how to do Halloween. 'Hershey Park in the Dark' opens up on the weekends with lots of free candy and Halloween fun. Then, more candy on Friday nights at Hershey Gardens' Pumpkin Glow. If thats not enough, you'll have to wait for many-a-Halloween parades, trick or treating at Chocolate World, Hershey's designated trick or treat day (always the Thursday before Halloween) or trick or treating in surrounding towns on the 31st. Festivities Galore!

At Hershey Park 'Hershey Park in the Dark' - although not quite dark yet in this pict.

Trick or Treating at Hershey Park

A duel!

Leaving, time for bed

Pumpkin Hunt

2010-10-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Finding the pumpkins
Pumpkin painting
Pumkin carving

First Hair Cut

2010-10-22T21:00:00.001-07:00

Before

Scissors

Buzzer

After

More Birthday Pictures!

2010-10-19T16:51:00.001-07:00

My friend Wendy is an amazing photographer and she took these shots at Beau's party. Thanks Wendy!

So, here come more bday picts!

Check out Wendy's website: http://wendycparrishphotography.blogspot.com/

Birthday Boy

2010-09-25T18:24:00.001-07:00

On the Eve of Beau's Birthday

2010-09-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

Our precious Beau Craig was born on September 25, 2009. When I first saw Beau I said, "Oh, he's so beautiful" and I knew the name Beau fit him perfectly. His middle name is after my father - who has always been the best example to me of kindness and love. Beau has such joy in life - always smiling at others, watching the world with curiosity and excitement. And he laughs. Oh, how he laughs. Its like he wants to let everyone in on the secret of how great life is. He laughs at my smiles, he laughs at Tate's actions and faces, and he laughs when others are laughing at a story or joke (pleased that they are happy too). I think Beau has his father's undying optimism, calmness, and pure sweetness.

Dear Beau,

Tonight on the eve of your birthday, when I hesitatingly have to say goodbye to your babyhood - I want to tell you how much you have made my world - and I love you. Don't grow too fast. (tears)

Love,

Mom

Little League World Series

2010-09-17T20:42:00.001-07:00

Late August we drove through South Williamsport, PA on the way back to Hershey from Rochester. And we totally lucked out.

South Williamsport is home to the Little League World Series. (I didn't know that)
The Little League World Series was happening then. (We were not aware until we spotted packed parking lots and excessive porta-potties.)
The games are free. (Hello, that even beats spaving.)
We watched one game - Hawaii vs. Georgia. (Later found out Hawaii won the American title)

Beau learned to point.
I was super impressed with the team from Hawaii. When each player's name from the Team Hawaii was announced at the beginning of the game, he ran over to a player from Team Georgia and presented him with a lei around his neck. The Hawaii pitcher also ran over and apologized when he tagged a batter. Thats a lot of class for a 9 year old.
We are going to have to return - with cardboard boxes for sliding down the hill next time.

Beau is learning how to work

2010-09-17T20:26:00.001-07:00

By watching Tate.............

By watching daddy..............

Strong National Museum of Play

2010-09-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

In the last couple weeks we have been on the go - including a trip up to Rochester, NY. Darin's bro and wife had a cute new baby boy Logan! Congrats Cory and Alyssa (and brother Josh)! Tate had tons of fun playing with his cousin Josh. We also met up with good friends who live in Rochester - Katie, Eric and fam!

If you are ever in Rochester, NY with kiddies - go to this place! It is by far the most amazing Children's Museum I have ever seen!

My BYU college roomie and her cute kids. Thanks for showing us around Katie!

A whole world of Sesame Street to explore!............

Adventureland............

The world of Berenstain Bears..........

Super Kids Market............

Cousins in Rochester

2010-08-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Beau and MaMa

2010-07-20T21:16:00.001-07:00

I swear Beau says, "MaMa" and means it. It could just be babbling, but I think its more. This baby is so sweet. To describe Beau, I say he is - 100% pure love. (queue song from the 90’s). He smiles big, watches Tate and friends with interest, tries to join in the fun, beams at perfect strangers, reaches out to be held by our 85 year old neighbor lady, wrestles Darin, and hugs me lots.

And not to leave out commentary on our Super Tate. He is so much fun. He is creative, inquisitive, funny, independent and daring. Right now he likes to play make believe – he acts as Tate or Diego. I have to be Baby Jaguar, Dora, Giant Teddy Bear, Baby Teddy Bear, Woody, or a pirate. If I slip on the accent he says, “No, that’s talking Linsy. Talk Baby Jaguar.” Today I was mostly a pirate, so in the car he asked if we were going to the grub store.

These kiddies are so sweet – I am convinced this is the prime of life. However, at each new phase (with the exception of living in HOA communism 07-08) I have thought it was the prime of life. But I really think I’m right this time.

Someone's Loosin the Chubbs

2010-07-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Now that he is on the move - chasing Tate, climbing stairs, cruisin along furniture - our chubba Beau is not so chubba. Oh, so sad.

Like Mother Like Son

2010-07-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

Black bear, Alaska 1994

Penn State Nittany Lion, Hershey 2010

Summa Time in Hershey

2010-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

cheeks. cheeks. and blue drinks.

Hershey Park Boardwalk waterpark.

Beau loves a swing. Especially this one.

Memorial Day

2010-07-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Tate and his friend Luke

paying tribute to the man

who created a dream company

and a dream town

in the middle of Pennsylvania farm lands.

iphone picts from Charleston, South Carolina

2010-06-10T21:06:00.001-07:00

One snappy city.

The Month of May = Not So Much Luck

2010-06-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

This one is for Karee - because she likes to read blogs. (For me its usually just pictures - but I'll give ya somethin to read about.)

We just moved to downtown Hershey to be closer to the chocolate making action. On May 1st, a week after moving in, our basement flooded. Darin was working and there was a radical thunderstorm. Truly out of this world. I ran downstairs for the video camera to capture the storm - it was around midnight. Coming down the stairs I was blown away to find about 2 inches of rushing water. Since we had just moved we had lots of junk piled in our basement (including a sectional couch that was upside down because Darin and fellow surgical resident had cut it apart to get it down the stairs.) With a soaking couch and a plethora of wet boxes, I thought to myself, “what would Marie Dalling do?”. And so for the next 2 hours I lifted everything up on stools, tupperware, etc. to get it out of the water. CRAZY. Lesson – sell your furniture on Craig’s list when you move so it doesn’t end up cut apart with water stains.

Mid May we went to South Carolina. Totally fun trip. Totally bad luck. Heading home we wrecked our car. Note: We had just got our car back from the shop from an April accident. We have had our car for less than two years and it has been in four/five (one pretty minor) accidents. For two of these accidents, we weren't even in our car when it was hit. So, I blame it on the car – it just has bad luck. Also, in South Carolina our camera broke and I lost my favorite sunglasses surfing. Lesson learned: wear crap glasses when surfing and stop trying to save money by driving vs. flying.

Lastly, the month wrapped up with an announcement from Hershey that it intended to shut down the original Hershey chocolate factory at 19 Chocolate Ave, blocks from our house. The deal was approved today. Ah, so much for getting closer to the chocolate making. I think it’s sad. When you live in Hershey, there’s something so authentic about being outside and smelling chocolate.

But, it’s all good. Like my dad always says, 15% of life is waste. There’s nothing you can do about it and you might as well not get all worked up. He’s right. (Although I might still picket at the factory.)

Plus, how can I feel bad when I have this sweet little baby? I can’t.

This is Just Halarious

2010-05-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

Almost Crawling

2010-05-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

Road Trip to Our Nation's Capital

2010-05-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

Smithsonian Natural History Museum

Arlington Cemetery

Jefferson Monument

Gettysburg

2010-05-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Amish Country and Roller Coasters

2010-05-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

The manure spreader. Mindy can't take it.

Sistas in Hershey

2010-05-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Breakfast at Tiffany's

2010-04-17T21:07:00.001-07:00

Ladies night out at the Hershey Theater for the showing of the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Channeling our inner Audrey.

It was a matching day

2010-04-17T21:03:00.001-07:00

Brothers

2010-04-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

Beau and his Daddy .....it's hard to compete

2010-04-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Tate is definitely a daddy's boy. He has been since day one. But somehow I thought maybe, just maybe Beau would be a mamma's boy. It was looking good for a while, but I think the tide may be changing. That Darin, he's good.

Sweet sweet.

Learning time.

Chill time.

We think Beau looks a lot like his cousin Elizabeth!

Oh how we love the hunt

2010-04-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt - Shank Park. So many kids from all over Herhey. So many eggs filled with Hershey treats. Ready. Set. Go!

Got one!

Cute Kiddies

2010-03-23T19:37:00.001-07:00

Tate as Superman (cape from Darin's childhood)

Beau learning to jump. (swing from Darin's childhood)

Reading time.

Sweet sweet Beau.

Beau sits up all by himself. He smiles most of the day. If he is not smiling, he has his tongue out like Michael Jordan.

Sweet froggie. (Thanks Katie for the cute hat!)

Cool Old Pennsylvania House

2010-03-17T15:19:00.001-07:00

Tate's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-03-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

He's a builder...... I wonder where he gets it?

2010-03-02T21:27:00.001-08:00

Tate built this one with a little help from his Dad.

(Thanks Erik and Dawn for the great building blocks!)

Enough to make Grandpa Jurgensmeier proud!

Beau doesn't know about starting construction lessons so soon.

These Boys Are Getting Bigger and Bigger

2010-03-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

Um, kinda chubba.

Tate is lookin pretty beefy here too. But it could be the five - yes five - pairs of pajamas.

All 3 years old with a back pack and stuff.

Um, did I mention chubba?

(note: Yes, Beau has leg warmers. But its ALL good, they have trucks on them. :) )

A Snowy Day

2010-02-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Beau staying warm inside with Daddy.

Tate digging out his sand box.

Tate helping his dad shovel.

Laughing, laughing, maybe about to cry.... nope, still laughing!

Cousins Tate & Josh on the Mic

2010-01-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

Good Times with the Fam

2010-01-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

Tate exploring Hotel Hershey

Linsy and Tate at the zoo, Hershey's cocoa bean storage in background

Our sweet boys - Tate and Beau

Young Physicians And Their Families

2010-01-24T18:58:00.001-08:00

Meeting with Congressman Tim Holden - Health Care Reform

Meeting at Senator Casey's Office - Health Care Reform

.........still celebrating Scott Brown

..........................................freedom 2010

Blessed Beau

2010-01-24T18:50:00.001-08:00

Family Picts - Out and About in Hershey

2010-01-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

Beau Knows ... his name!

2010-01-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

Candy Lane at Hershey Park

2009-12-13T19:24:00.001-08:00

My great BYU roomie Marie and her fam visited this weekend from Virginia. We hit Candy Lane at Hershey Park! Tate loved playing with/ following every move of Spencer. Emma loved helping out with Baby Beau (getting blankets, watching for spit up, giving kisses). Darin had the day off too - and had a great time catching up with Ad. Horray for East Coast friends!

2009-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Beau laying on a beautiful blanket made by my sister Nancy, in a cute onsie from my friend Chenae. At Beau's 2 month doctor appointment today, he weighed 13 1/2 pounds.

We love the chin!

And Tate loves apples!

Sweet Baby

2009-11-21T19:54:00.000-08:00

We can't get enough of this sweet baby. We had to quickly post another pict because we are far away from our family and many of our friends - and Beau is getting big so fast!