NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL CAMPING

We just returned from an amazing vacation. We drove to Boise and met up with Ben and Cadence and then headed up to Donnelly, Idaho. This is the cottage we stayed in at Tamarack Ski Resort. We thought we were going camping and then Cadence surprised us with this state of the art tent.

Little Buddies getting ready to go on a hike.

The babies first time wearing swim suits. I must say I had so much fun picking out a suit for Burklee. Kellan was able to wear an old suit of Ammon's. Both of them loved the hot tub.

6 HANDSOME BOYS!
We all went on a hike to explore the resort. We noticed we were about the only people staying there. It was kinda weird being the only people up there, but also kinda nice to have some peace and quiet. The water in the background is Cascade Lake. One day we all ventured down to the shore and the little boys decided they wanted to get in so they stripped down to their underwear and were having so much fun. Jeff got jealous so next thing we know he is stripping down too. Good thing nobody was around.

Taking a break, and taking in the scenery. It was absolutely beautiful.

We went to McCall one afternoon to eat at the Pancake House...which by the way is amazing. After we ate we went to Payette Lake...which by the way is freezing.

The twins basking in the sun at the beach.

We had a great time! My favorite part of the week was Mt. biking and sitting in the hot tub. WAIT...maybe my favorite part was the food. I didn't get a picture of all the great food because I was to busy shoveling it in. I did get some pictures of me and Cadence Mt. biking but because I was shoveling in the food it is not in my best interest to let people see what I look like in biking attire.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFFREY

This year Jeff requested a white cake with white frosting for his birthday. I decided I didn't want to eat a white cake with white frosting so by darn I was going to make something I wanted. I made a chocolate roll, which is a Granny Brown special. It turned out great and I sliced up a piece and got ready to eat and everybody said aren't you going to serve the birthday boy first. So I felt like and idiot and put down my chocolate roll and began to serve him some cake and he said "I think I will have some chocolate roll." Are you kidding me....

After cake and presents we went bowling. Ammon's celebration dance provided us with much entertainment; and by the way he did this each time he bowled.

THREE LUCKY KIDS

Our kids are so lucky to have such amazing aunt's and uncle's. We feel so fortunate and blessed to have great siblings. Thank you to all of you for being so terrific!!!

Aunt Cadence

When Sis first saw the twins they were in their car seats and she just kept saying..."which one do I pick up first." I guess when you can't decide, just hold them both. Sis is always so good to jump in and help out. We went to stay with Ben and Sis a few weeks ago and it was so funny because Cadence was making sure everything was perfect for the twins. She always goes out of her way to make everyone feel right at home.

Uncle Ben

Holding the twins so I could get ready for church. I just know Ben can't wait for the twins to get a little older so that he can start playing "rough and tumble" with them. Ammon loves to get thrown around by Ben.

Aunt Kristy & Uncle Kurt
We are so glad Kurt got to come visit for a while. I am sure it was a nice break for him because he has been working so hard at dental school. He is so great with the babies and Ammon.


Aunt Becky
We are so glad Becky could come all the way from New York to hang out with us and play with the kids. I love Becky's voice when she talks to kids and dogs...it's great!

Aunt Kristy & Aunt Becky

Kristy is a natural...she is the greatest nanny ever :) ! She does so much to help us out! Thanks for all your help Kris. You are amazing!

Uncle Brandon & Uncle Tanner

Hanging out after celebrating Grandma Tingey's Birthday. Tanner is having a great time getting to know the twins. Brandon's hand is about the same size as the babies. Ammon loves how big Uncle Brandon is. He woke up crying with growing pains the other night and said his leg hurt because he was getting big like Brandon.

Here is Ammon being spoiled by his aunt's and uncle's as a little tyke.

Aunt Buzz
Ammon and Buzz used to take naps all the time. No matter where they were together they were always sleeping.

Aunt Kari
Kari is not really an aunt but we think of her as one. Ammon has always called her Aunt Kari so now we all refer to her as that. This picture was taken when Ammon was just one day old.
I was so grateful that Kari had just moved to Utah. She came to the hospital bring great treats for me. My favorites, swedish fish & reese's peanut butter cups.

Uncle Taylor

Tay is holding Ammon outside the Logan Temple on the day of Brandon & Becky's wedding.
Tay looks so young; I can't believe how much he has grown up. We are so grateful for Tay's awesome example because Ammon looks up to him so much.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. . .

. . . 9 years has flown by! We had a great Anniversary this year. We took the dirt bikes and went exploring. For part of the ride I was pretty sure Jeff was thinking nine years was long enough for him. He kept leading me up wicked steep trails. I am not going to lie, I had some scary moments. After our crazy ride we went and enjoyed a nice dinner where I ate too much, as usual. How hard is it to put the fork down. . . and why not top off the night with a giant piece of cheesecake!!! I still can't believe it's been 9 years. I think Jeff's the only guy in the world who could put up with my sassy attitude and still keep a smile on his face! He always says he loves me because I'm one scrappy, sassy girl. I am sure lucky I caught his eye in the weight room over 9 years ago. Thank goodness for bicep curls. I won him over when I put the 15's back and picked up some 20's! He was definitely impressed with my bulging biceps. All jokes aside I feel so blessed and fortunate to be married to my best friend! He allows me to be my crazy self...and most of the time he really enjoys it.

PROUD OF MY BOYS

A few weeks ago Ammon had his final soccer. He played very well and improved each game. We had such a good time watching his games. If you ever need a good laugh and some great entertainment go watch 4-year-olds play soccer. He was sure proud of his trophy.

A few weeks ago Ammon also graduated from preschool. I showed him this picture and asked him why he was making that face and he said " I just want to have a swim party with my friends." Ammon really did love school. He loves to learn and be with his friends. The other three in the picture are his buddies from our ward, so that made school extra fun.

Ammon has also learned to ride his bike without training wheels. He loves the freedom he has riding a two-wheeler. He is pretty speedy so it makes it fun to go on bike rides with him and I love to let him ride next to me when I attempt to run.

So awhile back our friend, and Jeff's former teammate at Weber State, Nate Hill, talked Jeff into running a 50 mile relay. The race was set up to run in teams of three over the mountain terrain in Pocatello. Jeff agreed and began his training. Meanwhile I kept thinking about the horrible timing of this race. I knew the last month prior to the race that Jeff was not going to be getting much sleep due to the arrival of the twins. Of course I was right but Jeff hung in there and stuck to his training program. He would even drag himself out the door at 5:30 am to go on 14 milers. Jeff ended up running the 1st leg of the relay running 17 miles and climbing 5600 feet elevation through rugged terrain. He had a 1.5 mile long stretch strait up a mountain with no trail. That mile and a half took him 1 hour. He said it was the toughest thing he has ever done.

I had the opportunity to make a fool of myself as we were waiting for him to finish. I was looking around for his teammate Jim. I couldn't really see over people and shrubs so I decided to step up on a big rock to give me some height when all of the sudden the rock rolled out from under me and down I went. To add to the awkwardness of the fall just picture me holding a camera unable to catch myself as I went down. I wanted to just lay there and hide in the tall grass but immediately panicked thinking a snake might have been under the rock so I jumped up like a crazy fool. Total embarrassment!

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The first of our special occasions was the twin's baby blessing. We had the blessings in our home because the twins need to stay away from public areas for a bit longer. We were blessed to have so many family member join us for this special day. It was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed everyone's company and support. Thank you all for coming.

Burklee is wearing my dress...29 years later it got to be in the spotlight again.

Girl twin holding girl twin.

Cousin Allie and Burklee.

We LOVE Our Grandma's!

Grandma Sorenson is holding Kellan and Granny Brown is holding Burklee.

Two Handsome Fellas!

Kellan's middle name is Evan after his Great Grandpa Evan Sorenson (Jeff's Hero).

Wow. . . it took us a while to get one decent picture.

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The next special occasion was a big Tingey family dinner for Taylor (Mission), Kristy (Graduation), and Mothers day. It was really nice to get together with everyone and catch up. Grandma and Grandpa Tingey were able to come all the way from Washington. It was good to see them. They both really enjoyed holding the babies.

One last game of basketball before Taylor headed to the MTC.

Three Handsome Fellas!

We are sure grateful that Grandma Tingey got the opportunity to hold the babies.

It was also nice that Becky came all the way from New York City to see both the babies for their blessing, and Taylor for his farewell!

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We were able to travel down to Provo to drop Taylor off at the MTC.

Tay lookin' good and ready to serve!

Elder Tingey...We Love You!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITES

Buzz took some pictures of the twins and then created this announcement for us. I think it turned out great!

I love this picture of Burklee...she is so cute!
Buzz, thanks for the picture.

Granny Brown gave the twins these adorable outfits. There is a reason we call her classy granny.

They look so cute in these outfits and they were having so much fun posing for the camera. My Mom's visiting teacher made these cute booties, and I absolutely love them.

Ammon and Bryson taking good care of the twins.

All three kiddos fell asleep during the movie

April 4th - WHAT A GREAT DAY!

We started out the day by celebrating Ammon's Birthday

Later we surprised Ammon with his new brother and sister. They were able to leave the NICU and come home just in time for Ammon's birthday...what a great gift.

We are so excited to have them home!

I didn't know if they would like to be together after being apart for almost two weeks but given the chance to be together they rolled toward each other and rested their heads together.

They also like to hold hands or hold each others p.j.'s

Here is Grandma playing dress-up with her first granddaughter.

My mom was able to stay with us for almost 3 weeks. It was nice to have her help so we could go back and forth between home and the NICU and not have to worry about Ammon. We didn't have to worry about cleaning, laundry, taking care of Ammon, getting groceries, well you get the point. Thanks for all your hard work Mom. Meanwhile Dad was stuck at home starving.

Ammon has been a big help. While I was feeding Burklee, Kellan started screaming for food. Ammon was so concerned and got upset with me because Kellan was so hungry, so I decided to let Ammon try to feed him and it worked out great.

We are so grateful for all the help we have recieved. We are so lucky to have such great friends and wonderful family so close to us.

BURKLEE & KELLAN HAVE ARRIVED!

My first look at Burklee
Jeff keeping on eye on Burklee in the NICU

Keeping busy watching both kids.

Ammon got me some beautiful flowers. He wanted to put the flowers next to the the babies footprints. Grandma Cellan got Burklee a cute brown hat.

The twins first photo together.

Ammon got to hold Kellan for the first time. He is not allowed in the NICU so we got a chance to take Kellan out in the hall so that Ammon could interact with him. Ammon sang him some songs and tried to teach him his name. Burklee still can't go out because she is hooked up to a lot of monitors. Ammon can't wait for the babies to come home.

Just about 1 week old and doing great!

They are finally here and we couldn't be happier. We have two beautiful babies that have already brought us much happiness. We are grateful to be blessed with two special new additions to our little family. It all began Sunday March 22nd. I started having contractions Sunday evening around 8:30 p.m. I thought they would go away so I didn't pay much attention. At 9:30 p.m. I finally decided to take the contractions seriously; we got to the hospital at 11:00 p.m.; Burklee was born at 12:33 a.m.; Kellan was born one minute later. It all happened so fast. Burklee weighed 5lbs. 2 oz. and Kellan weighed 5 lbs. 4 oz. The twins were taken to the NICU immediately. Burklee was having problems breathing because her lungs had fluid in them and they were a bit under-developed. Kellan was struggling to keep his temperature and eat so he has had to stay in the NICU as well. Both babies are still in the NICU a week later and they are both doing great. Each day we see improvements thanks to wonderful nurses who are absolutely amazing, and a lot of love and prayers.