The Grant Life

Introducing...

2010-12-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

Avery Levi Grant

November 15th 2010

7lbs 13 oz, 20 inches, 1:41 am

Proud Momma...

Proud Daddy...

First time outside...freedom from the hospital :)

Dad with all of his boys!!

Together at last. Welcome home Avery, we love you!!!

The Orange Month

2010-11-09T16:36:00.001-08:00

We got to go to Del Osso Farms with some friends. I love that Hayden is Tyler's big brother, they have such a special bond. Hayden has actually said to me, "Mom I'm so glad I have a brother... if I didn't I don't know what I would do by myself."

This is Hayden's true smile.. it also happens to be his first time on a horse all by himself!!

Bring on the orange...

Look Mom, I can lift this pumpkin with one hand!!

Tyler with all the orange pumpkins and a few rocks in his hand too!!

Hayden and his buddy Conner Thayer

Tyler and Mom

This is the train we got to go on after waiting for 1 hr. and 20 minutes, yikes!

Almost our turn boys... we promise.

Heath chillin'

Family Nite...pumpkin carving time... look at the insides.

The boys and their pumpkins

Glowing...

Hayden at his school costume parade

Tyler was not just a turtle... he was "Spike" the turtle (from preschool).

On our way to trunk or treat.. my "tummy" costume was so last minute, but the boys insisted!

Hayden, Mema, and Tyler

Hayden wanted to bobb for apples.. so Heath showed him how to do it, I think he got just a little wet, what do you think?

Yummy apples.. Hayden decided to go for the stem.. a little less water in the eyeballs!

Tyler had fun pumpkin bowling.

Tyler and "farmer" Grandpa Grant

Witchy Witchy Screamy Screamy Happy Happy Halloweeny!!!

September Excitement!!

2010-11-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

Happy 7th Birthday Hayden!!

Dad was in charge off all the fun "soccer" games!!

We had an amazing "soccer" team for the day!

Hayden loved his cake... and yes, Dad helped this year a lot!
Hayden and Thomas

Super fun new toys!!
Heath and Hayden

Hayden is always so eager to figure out new things...
Thanks Dad for showing Hayden some new moves...

...now be careful Hayden!!
As Hayden put it, "soda and pancakes for breakfast, yes!!"

For Uncle Derk's B-day he had a giant slip and slide at the park... weeee

Tyler and Melanie... from the side lines... we'll have to try the slip and slide another time!

Cold weather always scares me...Tyler seems to have trouble the first day a cold hits. And if I wait 'til the evening its too late to see a dr... so off to the ER for a breathing treatment. Luckily he didn't have to stay overnite... and he got better with each day!

Tyler and Dad have taken up a new hobby too!!

Just like brother...

Sadly our "green" car went bye-bye.. Tyler still asks about it.

Tyler's first day of preschool!! It took a few times and a few tears to get use to "Mom" leaving, but now Tyler askes almost everyday... "Mom, I have preschool today?" It almost breaks my heart to say, "no, not day." He is finally getting use to the schedule, and for me it feels so weird to have "me" time.. for a few hours. But then, I love picking Tyler up because he has so much to tell me. That and he he says, "you came back!"

Tyler is a "hoot" super funny and super special to us! We love him to pieces!

Lucky number 7... it only took us seven tries to get us all in the pictures!

Fall Happenings...

2010-11-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Hayden started 1st Grade in August 2010

Tyler had to find something to do while Hayden was at school all day, and what better to do than mow the lawn?

Thanks to our big helpers our vehicle finally got washed!!

Thanks boyz!!

We finally got pictures of Tyler taken in "the blue suit". This is the same suit Heath and now Hayden wore at age 2 for pictures.

Hayden started soccer, and his coach says he's a natural!

Hayden started practice on the hottest day of the summer... and we got really thirsty watching too!!

He is on the "Red Tail Hawkes" and having a blast this season!!

August trip to New Mexico

2010-11-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

This was our end of summer vacation and luckily we got to see almost all my family! Everyone except Ben.. bummer he had to work. The time we got to spend with my parents, Angela and Brandon and their family, Curt and Lisa, and Paul and Sarah was priceless. Here is our vacation through photos of the things we got to do with them!!

We got the times wrong for swimming at the pool, but "creative" Grandma found some fun for the kids!

They even found running throught the sprinkler can be way fun too! That and playing silly throwin games too!

Tennis time... even "girly-girls" can play tennis as long as they have a pink hat on! We love you Lizzy!!

Tyler found that playing tennis can be fun too... as long as he had his "blue" bike!!

The "Man" taking a break.. before he takes on his crazy good apponent!

The "B-Man" showing Heath how to win...

Heath showing us how to be prepared to hit anything coming his way...

Emily and Hayden taking on Grandma!!

Buddies and Coolness just run in the family!!

Luau Time... say cheese!

Grandma Fairbanks with her grandkids!

Show us how to "hoola"...Heath!!

Brandon and Angela

We got to visit Curt and Lisa at their home in Albquerque!

Thanks for the yummy cookies too!

Paul, Mom, and Drew... somehow all of my brothers outgrew all of us girls in the family.

Hayden doing a flip... sweet!

Bestest cousins: Tyler, Emily, Hayden, and Lizzy

We also got to visit Paul and Sarah at their home too!

I still have a hard time believing that my baby brother is married, crazy. It's been over a year now and we definitely like having Sarah in the family!

All of us, minus my older brother Ben, and Angela's hubby Brandon...

Off to the Albuquerque Zoo

The Coolest Dudes around!!

Say "roar"...

The two of us.. well actually "two and a half"!!

Hayden feeding "June" the giraffe!

Tyler, with a little security from Dad, feeding "June" the giraffe.

hen it rains in NM, it realy, really, really comes down! They had so much fun jumping in all of the puddles and laughing about it too!!

Rain can bring out smiles!!

Angela and Brandon brought their two dogs, Teddy, and Sheeba...I was in shock that Brandon actually took Sheeba out for a walk to help out!! Definitely a Kodak moment!

Tyler loved fluffball, Teddy!

I think we might have a little musician in the family...
taking after Grandma and Grandpa Fairbanks who now have two pianos in the living room so they can play together!!

Nothing like learning to pull weeds in NM... money is a good incentive too! Hayden said he got a whole $5 from Grandma! Thanks Grandma Fairbanks!!

Tyler was a big helper too!!

Grandma and Grandpa definitely know how to have fun with their grandkids!

Swing away Hayden...

...its' candy time!!

The "big" boys found a way to have fun together too!!
Luckily Brandon got a chance to hang out too.. after he finished "Mom's" project!

Hanging out with family is the best! We sure felt lucky having somewhere to stay, being fed, and being able to to do many fun things together! The drive was way long... but it was all worth it!!

We love and miss you Mom and Pops, thanks for everything!!

Camping at New Brighton July 2010

2010-10-25T20:35:00.001-07:00

Beautiful views, fun at the beach, and lots of family time...it was so nice to get away

Silly Faces!!

Yummy hot chocolate!!

Cream Cheese!!

The "WE" team!!

Do we have to go home?

Bummer...

Let Summer Begin 2010...

2010-10-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Swimming, Tennis, and Camping

Look what I can do?

Tyler had to double check to make sure he put his hand in the same place as Hayden... on his cheek! Buddies for life!!

Camping at Pinecrest... last minute reservation, we had so much fun spending the day at the Lake! Hayden made friends almost instantly with our neighbors, Tyler was a little unsure of sleeping in a tent, but survived, and Heath and I actually somehow survived with only two little $1.00 flashlights that we bought for the boys. The Lake was cold, but relaxing!

We really like pictures.. can you tell???

Hayden growing up...

2010-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

June 3,2010
Our little Hayden has officially graduated from Kindergarten. Every time I dropped him off for school he was so anxious to get out of the car but luckily he had time to squeeze in a hug and kiss for his Mommy and a big wave to his brother. Kindergarten Graduation was so special! Hayden was proud as ever to receive his certificate and had so much fun singing the songs. He sang a number of different songs in different languages English, Spanish, and Chinese. I still can't believe our "little" Hayden is so big. He sure has the kindest heart and is always thinking of others. He was the bestest friend to just about his whole class. Every day he would come home and tell me all the friends he played with. He somehow figures out how to include everyone. One of his favorite past times during recess was running. He got his class in shape by having them all line up and race just about every day. And of course being a "Grant" he came home from school all the time with love notes from a very special girl in his class. And I was told at one time or another that all the girls liked him. Most of all it's been so much fun seeing Hayden learn how to read. From sounding out to sight words he has really latched on to reading and now enjoys reading to us before bed instead of the other way around. Way to go Hayden kindergarten down first grade to come!!

Hayden and Mr. Stimson

Hayden's bestest buddy Thomas

We love you so much Hayden and are super proud of you!!
Bring on the Summer Freedom!!!

2009-01-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

This is a super long post from December 2008 just enjoy the pictures!!

Hayden's first time bowling... and he got a spare, yeah!!!

Hayden and his bestest bud Eli

I had a birthday... and I got something other than The Dark Night, that was released on my birthday... Roses, I love roses!!

Cheese or Cheeks?

We got a chance to visit with Santa at the ward Christmas party...as you can see no one was willing to sit on Santa's knee, but Hayden did whisper in Santa's ear what he wanted!

Let the holidays begin... first off to Modesto to spend a time with Heath's family...

And then off to my sisters we went for Christmas...in Utah. We got a chance to see Angela and Brandon, Emily, Lizzy, Mom and Pops, Ben, Andrew, and Paul... what an adventure all under one roof... hehehe, we had a blast!

Christmas morning...Merry Christmas boyz...

I love wheels...

YES...Santa remebered what I wanted!!!

"X" Marks the spot... Heath got his xbox... finally, at 6pm Christmas Day!

I'm in a box, X marks the spot, I'm in something cold... and green! Heath figured it out... and finally found his xbox in the truck out in the garage. He "moped" around all day wondering if he really only got a book for Christmas... to his surprise, I totally spoiled him. Needless to say... he was busy the rest of vacation.

Us..

Hayden has been praying that his Dad would take him to the snow... I think Dad did alright, what do you think?... Thanks to Utah!!

Look two Angels in the snow!!

Is it really cold outside? Maybe I'll just stay in and play...

Tubing Rules!
Tyler was learning all about the cold too... anything to stay warm... even if it is a pink!

Me and my favorite sista, Nanner... wahooo!!!

Lizzy, Uncle Andrew, Emily, and Hayden

Brandon and Angela

What a stylin hat Ben, where can I get one?

Mom and Pops know how to bundle up too!!

Mom, Pops, and Pauly too... they barely made it Christmas day at 6am.

Hayden with his cousins... silly faces and scooters!!

Us.. with Grandma and Grandpa Fairbanks before they had to leave to go back home to New Mexico.. good-byes are always hard, but we sure had fun being together for Christmas!!

Hayden, Emily, Tyler, and Lizzy... bestest cousins ever!!

The girls...Angela, Mom, and Me! We actually got to spend a little time together... without kids...a little shopping, and painting our toes!!

Thanks Angela and Brandon for letting as crash at your place for the holidays! We had so much fun, and can't wait to come visit again. Thanks everyone for making an effort to come, so we could see all of you. Love you all and miss you already.

Curt and Lisa couldn't make it this Christmas...We heard they had a very Merry Christmas without us.. We love you guys and hope you know you are loved
Let the New Year begin...good bye 2008... hello 2009!

Halloween Fun!

2008-10-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

A little fun at the ward Halloween Party...

Hayden with his bestest bud Eli!!

Scawwy Graveyard Ninja and Pumpkin...

I love that Hayden is always trying to figure out what day of the week it is... the best part is that he reminds us to have family night. "Mom, is tonight family night?" Yup it is Hayden... lets carve pumpkins!! (Dad even spared a few minutes to spend time with us and carve pumpkins in the middle of homework, thanks Dad!!)

Hayden's first time helping!!

Can you guess which spooky pumpkin belongs to Hayden?

Mom braved it alone with two boys...

2008-10-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

CAMPING!! Heath really wanted to go, but had to meet with a teacher Friday night. So, a little encouragement from some good friends and off to the ward camp out we went. We had so much fun hanging out with friends by the fire. Hayden had a blast riding his bike with his buddies and playing on all the trails outdoors. Tyler enjoyed himself too, a few sticks and rocks and he was set! It was a little tough finding the bathroom in the dark, we took the long road that's for sure. I ventured off with my two boys and a flashlight, it was so dark we walked right past them and had to back track. Hayden was a little afraid of the dark, I felt pretty good flashlight in hand until I heard a weird noise in the bushes. We were just fine, found the bathrooms and enjoyed the beautiful stars on our way. Most memorable moments of the trip... Hayden waking up early Saturday morning and jumping out of the tent to go ride bikes with his friends. He just wanted to keep up with the 7 year olds so bad... and of course then what did I hear, screaming like "end of the world" screaming. It's a little tough to be in two places at once, luckily while I was trying to get Tyler dressed for the day... a friend carried Hayden back to our campsite to me. I just have to say Hayden was wearing his helmet, but man oh man what an oweee on his forehead. I felt so bad and all I could do was hold him, a bandaid wouldn't do the trick this time around. Big old bump and all scraped up... of course that just means family pictures will have to wait for another couple weeks.

Lovin the outdoors!!

Then after breakfast someone suggested a little hike to the old tire swing. I was thinking a hike sounds fun and a tire swing for the kids, great! Well, the tire swing was a blast for all. Hayden was a little scared at first, we just learned that we couldn't push the kids to high. The hillside was slanted so it was easy to get on the swing and then you swing way out over the slope, I was going to sit back and let everyone enjoy this moment. But, someone offered to hold Tyler for me and so me being me a little timid sometimes finally gave in. Wow, what a rush!! It was so worth it, I even got a little tickle in my stomach... so awesome. Hayden couldn't get enough either he was patient and took his turn about 5 times probably!! Tyler even got a chance to sit in the swing too! We sure missed having Dad with us, but we took a few pictures so we could share our fun moments!

Boys and sticks!

Wahoo!!!

Can I go a little higher? Please??

We missed you Dad...

What have we been up to lately?

2008-09-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

GOOD-BYE HOME DEPOT...

Well, Heath started a new job. Thanks to his way good buddy Kevin, Heath went from working for Home Depot for 4.5 yrs to a VWR International employee working on site at CPI. He is considered an inventory coordinator. What does that mean exactly? Well, that means he has an inbetween job. He will finish school in December, and this job will get us by until he finds his "career" job. He needs to finish his senior project and then time will tell. Here is a link to Heath's blog heathgrant.blogspot.com, so you can see how his project his coming along...

Next, our car oh, our car... over heated or something... and decided to have lots and lots of problems. It is now in the shop and we are driving a convertible, PT Cruiser. Yes, the kids love it! (and secretly we are loving it too, not too thrilled about all the $$$ problems, but we are finding that a little sun can make you smile!)

We are surviving, somedays are easier than others, some days we just make it. I love my boys, Hayden is so sweet and can tell when I'm really frustrated. He is so good about just giving me a hug. And Tyler is learning to laugh at the weirdest things. He likes it when we change our voices to sound like animals. And he loves to sing... lalala

I think they love being brothers...

..thanks for kisses Hayden!!

the birthday boy

2008-09-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Hayden!!!

Yes, we now have a five year old. Hayden is such a joy to have in our family. Happy, compassionate, giving, and so ambitious. He wants to be able to do everything now... and of course on his own. Hayden has been counting down all week to his birthday... and when it arrived the hardest part was that his party wasn't until dinner time 6pm. That was a tough one. It was great though. We started off the evening with Pizza, then had a fun airplane tossing game, which led to cake, and then presents. Thanks to all who could come, and for helping set up our party! I would have to say it was a success. We had lots of friends and family that made it, and we missed those that couldn't be there! Here are a few favorite moments from his party!

Thanks again to all those who helped make this day so special for our Hayden!! Special thanks to Derk, Angi, Seth, and Mema who came from Mo-town!!

more fun moments to share!!

2008-09-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hayden's new creature... he is so creative... gets that from Dad for sure!!

I finally got Tyler to smile for me... how did I do it? I had to bark for him woof woof woof... he thinks it's so funny when I change my voice and bark so that his little dog 'ralph' makes noise.

just hangin out... in sunny hot california on the porch...

This is Heath's new favorite shirt!! Thanks mom and pops... he loves it and gets tonz of compliments too!

Lookin' good dude!!

Buttons

2008-09-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Our boys are finding they like to push buttons. Tyler has found a few recently that are just the right height for him to reach. On, off, on, off...some are noisy others are just fun!!

Hayden too, has found that he can get his way when he pushes our buttons, but mostly he enjoys pushing buttons that keep him entertained as well!

Hayden's First Talk

2008-09-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hayden was asked to give a talk in Primary on baptism. Being 4 and the first time ever he was asked to get in front of so many kids, we weren't sure how he'd react. We practiced a few times the night before with a makeshift microphone, and of course is Dad by his side to tell him what to say. Sunday came, and Hayden did it! At first he was a little scared, and was covering his mouth with his hands, but he actually opened up and did his very best. Way to go Hayden, we are so proud of you!

Summer's Ending

2008-08-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

So, we are back to the "we miss dad" days. Dad started school again, his last semester, and then... change is in store. To enjoy our last weekend before school started, we went to Seacliff Beach with some friends. We had a ton of fun. Hayden, played in the ocean. He loves chasing the waves, or should I say running from them! Tyler, is all boy... he found his sticks and enjoyed playing in the sand. I got a chance to "chat" with the girls, and Heath got his moves on with the frisbee wars, and "boy" bat ball game! All in all a fun, fun, fun day... and a yummy bbq in the evening thanks to our friends.