The Stark Family

Kindergarten Graduation

2009-06-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Such a big day for Ellie, such a hard day for mom and dad. Ellie had her kindergarten graduation program and she did beautifully. She was so great at singing and performing for the parents. I wish I could say the same. It is a hard thing for a mom to see her "baby" growing up. I am so proud of you Ellie!! We love you little girl.

I remember learning this same song in grade school.

Ellie has made some really great friends in her class. She did such a good job of making new friends when she got separated from all her neighborhood girls. Ellie, Bostyn, Charly, Avery and Lucy.

Congratulations baby! Sorry I pulled your hair back and made you look bald, I had no idea you would be wearing a cap.

Neighborhood friends. All the girls are in the other class, which left just Bryson and Ellie. Thank heavens for recess so they could still see eachother and play. Bryson, Alesha, Ellie, Ellena, and Brynn.

Kindergarten Field Day

2009-06-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Field day was another first for Ellie. This year they had games outside followed by popsicles. Ellie loved it, and I loved being there with her.

Ellie with her class all lined up and ready to go.

Duck, duck, goose with a squirt bottle. It felt so good, it was a really hot day!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-06-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

This year for Memorial Day weekend we decided to go camping with Troy and Karrie and Jodie and Bryan's families. John was so great and went and purchased a new tent and a bunch of camping gear. He is now wondering if we will ever use it again. The jury is still out! Actually the trip was really fun despite the serious amount of rain we had. Plus, my kids loved it!!! We stayed in Manti and this was the sign we saw as we pulled up. Too funny!

It was a little rainy when we went fishing but it was still so much fun. Ellie and Samuel both had their own fishing pole. No fish this year!

I love this picture! Such a dad and son moment.

Not the best picture, but Sam couldn't walk because the mud on his shoes was so heavy! And yes, he had to get in the car with all that mud.

We went to Yern(?) Lake for some more fishing and paddle boats. It was a really beautiful day but still a little cold.

This is what makes it worth all the mud, rain, allergies and no sleep. Ellie and Sam absolutely loved the trip. Thank to my family for a really fun weekend and to Troy for playing cards in the rain with me!

Kindergarten Field Trip

2009-06-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Ellie's class went to the zoo for their year end field trip. I was so happy I was able to go...thank you Christine!

I loved my group: Ellie, Paige, Kenzie, Lucy!

Hmmm....

Love these girls! Ellie is so glad to have Lucy back in Utah.

Thank you Ellie for such a fun day! I love experiencing "firsts" with you.

Soccer Mania

2009-06-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Both Ellie and Samuel played soccer again this spring. Ellie is really getting good and usually scores at least 1 goal per game! I love to watch her on the field, it is truly a different side to her personality.

Ellie with her good friend Alesha. These two girls are so cute together!

GOAL! Way to go Ellie

This is the first season that Samuel has really got the idea of soccer. He actually played quite well and score a few goals himself! Good job buddy.

Samuel and Henry, such good friends!

California Here We Come!

2009-05-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

DAY 1

We love California! We started out our trip with Disneyland!

Samuel on the Jungle Cruise!

Tea Cups! We love this ride (except John, it makes him really sick)

The only "kid" ride we went on (winnie the pooh) and it broke down!

Highlight of Samuel's day - Jedi Training!!

I love this little Jedi!

Congratulations Samuel, it is official, you ARE a Jedi Master!

DAY 2 San Diego

The day started off really early. Samuel woke up at 5:00 am and couldn't breathe. Thank you Croupe! John had to rush him to the emergency room where he was given breathing treatments and steroids (2 shots in the leg). The crazy thing was he was just fine after that. He honestly acted like his normal self, who knows????

Here is the view of the resort we stayed in, it was beautiful!

We spent the morning swimming at our hotel. It was so fun and relaxing.

After swimming we headed to Coronado. I love this place! I could seriously live here. We ate at the cutest little pizza restaurant. All the shops and restaurants are so quaint and fun.

We love the beach. The kids are so happy to play in the sand and water.

Minus the rough start to the day, this was our favorite. Nothing like relaxing in the sand and sun!!!

DAY 3 Legoland!!

There was a building where you could build your own race car and then see how it worked. Samuel loved this, Ellie.... not so much!

Overall, Legoland was our least favorite outing of the trip. It is geared for pretty small kids. The rides seemed really young compared to Disneyland.

We had the best restaurant at our hotel that overlooked the ocean. It also had a natural "aquarium" surrounding it with sea rays and sharks.

Ellie was so funny at the restaurant, what happened to her being shy??

DAY 4

The San Diego Zoo is absolutely beautiful and amazing. Kind of makes me think twice about my season pass to Hogle Zoo, not quite the same!

What the??? Half zebra, giraffe, and horse maybe?

After the zoo, we went to La Jolla for dinner and fun. This place is so fun. It has a long board walk with the most amazing views.

Every year seals come to this beach between December and May to have their babies. The kids thought this was the greatest. It was a very small area for so many seals.

After La Jolla we went back to our hotel and the kids collected sea shells. Did mention we could walk to the beach from our room? It was a bay so there weren't any big waves.

Roasting marshmellows on the beach!!!

DAY 5

Today we drove up from San Diego to Newport Beach and had lunch at Tommy Bahama's grill. The food was really good and they even had live entertainment. Thank you Crayola for saving me in restaurants!

After Newport we went to our "new" hotel. They had a really incredible water area for kids. Plus, it was all shallow so John and I could relax and just read our books!

This big bucket would fill up and just dump all over the water area. The kids loved it!!

After we got done swimming it was time to go to Downtown Disney. I love this place! John took Samuel and Ellie to pick out some Lego's at their huge store so I got a little me time. It is Mother's Day afterall! Hello Sephora!

Ellie went to Build A Bear in Downtown Disney and her dog Lizzy was born! After we were all done shopping we went to MiMi's to eat. It was right by our hotel (which also happened to be right by Disney) we could even see all the fireworks that night!

DAY 6

California Adventure and back to Disneyland! My kids have always loved California Adventure. It is perfect for little kids. However, this time they are older and can ride bigger rides, so Disneyland is more appealing. Ellie was finally big enough to ride California Screamin'! We did Soarin' over California and a few small rides for Sam (Tower of Terror is his favorite) and then went back over to Disney.

C is for California, we love it here!

Perfect Disney treat! Pretty much anything chocolate is a perfect treat for Ellie.

Ellie was such a good sport to ride on the "smaller rides" with Sam.

Space Mountain was one of Samuel's favorites! Anything that has to do with space, rockets, star wars.... you get the picture.

It was such a fun vacation, we loved it and I am sure we will be doing this one again!

School Dance/Song Recital

2009-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ellie had a school dance and song recital. For some reason the dance would not download to my computer but the song would??? Anyway, they have this really great dance teacher that has taught them rhythmic dance. They each had a color coordinated t-shirt and each group did different moves to the music. It was really cool. After the performance I took the kids to Robintino's to celebrate and then up to my mom's house to visit Pa and to see Kira. Overall, a really fun day! Thanks kids.

Ellie and Samuel in front of Pa and Grammy's house.

I love when she looks right at me (and the camera) and just sings!

Happy Easter!

2009-05-16T08:55:00.001-07:00

My kids were so excited for the Easter Bunny. He came!!

Happy kiddos!

Hmmm.....

Happy Hunting! I love you kiddos.

Egg Decorating, Here comes Easter!!

2009-05-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's Tradition!

My kids absolutely love to decorate eggs. They are still pretty little, so we haven't started any "high tech" decorating yet, maybe next year. For now, they are still entertained by the basics (hooray!).

Getting started....

Samuel really got into it this year. I love his concentration!

Ellie, as always, paying close attention to detail!

Goofy kids!

Some of the finished products. I love traditions with my family!

11 Years...

2009-05-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

11 years and counting....

Happy Anniversary Babe! This year John and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary.

11 reason I love being married to John....

11. He is my best friend

10. He is the best dad to our kids

9. I love to hear him tell "stories" to to Ellie and Samuel

8. He is very, very funny

7. He is very handy. He can fix or build most any project

6. He is very sensitive to me and my feelings

5. We love to vacation together (well except Disneyworld)

4. The family comes first with him, no matter what

3. We both love the Utes, Hires, and family traditions

2. He is always nice to others

1. He is my soulmate

I love you John, thanks for the best 11 years and more to come!

Zinn Bistro

2009-03-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Zinn Bistro....

Need I say more? Today I went to lunch with my girlfriends (except Tiff... we missed you!) for my birthday. It was so much fun and they completely spoiled me. Thank you both for the fabulous gifts but most of all for your friendship, you're the best!

Christie and I with her sassy new bangs...too cute!

Olivia looking as beautiful as ever and not at all looking pregnant (she is due in 6 weeks)!

Tiff, this is for you! By the time I thought to take a picture, it was almost gone...sorry. Nice presentation Vanna, I mean Christie.

Just Another Monday?

2009-03-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Just another Monday?....

Not this Monday! Samuel and I met Grammy and Pa, Kobe and Jonny for lunch yesterday at Iggy's. It was so yummy and so much fun. It was Jeni's birthday so the boys got to come with us while she did some shopping. Happy Birthday Jeni! The boys suggested playing basketball at the rec center and all Samuel heard was rec center.... which lead to swimming at the rec center. So we picked Ellie up from school and headed over. I have to admit, I was not that excited. First of all it was snowing and freezing cold. Second, John wasn't there which meant I would have to go down the slide with Samuel. Turns out the water was really warm and the day was really fun!

Oh mom, I love that you are reading Eclipse!

Such a fun place for kids (and moms)!

Climbing the rock wall on the way out. I loved this day, thank you mom and dad.

Movie Night

2009-03-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Movie Night...

On Saturday we took the kids to see Monsters vs. Aliens. It was a really cute and funny movie. However, I have

been told by some kids (Auernigs) that I remind them of "ginormica". seriously??

At the end of the movie Samuel quoted a line and said "Let's get out of here, who's with me?" That little boy makes me laugh.

Celebrations...

2009-03-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

Birthday celebration.....

Nana took our kids overnight, so John and I celebrated my birthday a little early. Thank you Nana!!! He started the night by taking me to one of my favorite boutiques (The Chic Boutique) to do a little shopping. The night could have ended right there, but John planned more!

Next stop..... Madeline's. This place has the best raspberry cheesecake, not to mention the steaks!

After dinner we bought the new James Bond DVD (we never saw it in theaters). It was such a great night. Thank you babe for making my birthday so great!

Bouncin' off the walls

2009-03-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Bouncing, Jumping, and Giggling!

My kids were bouncin' off the walls.... literally. It's alright as long as they are not my walls! We love Kangaroo Zoo. It is the perfect place to go when it's snowing outside. Wait, snowing in spring?? Yes snowing and freezing cold!

Ellie and her good friend Alesha.

Samuel and Rocky, hanging out! A rare "still" photo.

Before.......

After!

A new game of jumping down. Luckily no bones were broken. All in all a successful day. Thank you Sherry for planning a fun afternoon with the kids.

Twilight DVD...Yes

2009-03-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's time....

Lastnight the Twilight DVD was released. Only problem... it was at midnight. So, we kicked off the night with dinner at IHOP. Nothing like pancakes and hot chocolate right before midnight. Next we went over to WalMart. What a joke! Apparently, you needed a special ticket in order to get the 2-disc special. Somehow, 300 people (no joke) knew this and were in line but we did not. So it was over to Blockbuster. No line, no wait, only a 2-disc movie and very happy girls!!! John was impressed I made it this late considering he thinks my legs are broken after 9:00 p.m. Explanation: I had an adrenaline rush, it's very common, you can google it!

Dinner with the girls, nice glasses Mary!

Oh Henry, what a trooper!

Success!! It even came with a free poster.

Tempting!

Thank you girls for such a fun night. Thanks Angie for planning it and for being a true fan.

Windy Day

2009-03-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Windy Day + Costco = Fun Day At The Park

My kids had never flown a kite before so, today was the day. While at Costco (aka favorite store) Samuel found some kites. What timing, it happened to be incredibly windy today. So, after we picked up Ellie from school it was off to the park for some fun!

Samuel with his spiderman kite!

Ellie and her friend Rachel, trying to hold on.

Flying Solo

2009-03-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

John went on a boys weekend to Vegas with his dad and brothers to see the Utes. So.... we had to party without him. A full weekend of playing with cousins, dinner, dinner, dinner, a movie, and a day at the park. Thank you mom and dad for entertaining us all weekend. We love you!

Jason's Deli...yummy!

And they're off.... Sam decided that he wanted his training wheels off. Most of the boys his age are riding without training wheels, but Samuel is very cautious. He was such a good sport and tried really hard but needless to say.... they're back on. This is definitely a job for daddy!!!

Aloha...

2009-03-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Not quite feeling the Hawaiian heat, but Aloha. It was Hawaii day at school, so the kindergarten class dressed up and had a luau!

Ellie would only let me get one picture of her today. She also requested that I not take her picture with Mrs. Corbridge. I think she gets embarrassed by me already....sad day for mom.

Birthday Wishes

2009-03-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Nana!

Nana and Papa came over to our house to celebrate her birthday. She was going to be out of town on her birthday so we did it a little early. A night of dinner, cake, and of course...UNO. We hope you had a great birthday. We love you!

John and Spence being good sports and humoring Ellie and Samuel.

Happy Birthday!

Pajama Day

2009-03-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Dr. Seuss Day

It was Dr. Seuss Day at school for Ellie, which basically means party. She got to wear her pajamas, bring a pillow, blanket and favorite stuffed animal to school. They read Dr. Seuss stories all day. It was so much fun!!

Ellie with her teacher, Mrs. Corbridge. She is a wonderful teacher and so good to my little girl.

St. George Spring Fever

2009-03-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Can you say SPRING FEVER. . . .

We took the kids to St. George this weekend. It was so warm (compared to Salt Lake). We tried out a new hotel with an indoor swimming pool. It was a hit! The only complaint. . . fire alarm going off at 10:00 p.m. The scariest thing was my kids didn't even budge. I had heard that kids will sleep through alarms but I didn't think that was possible. Well it is. Ellie is such a great little swimmer and pretty good on her own. Sam is learning still but is an absolute little fish. He never wanted to stop.

Classic picture in the rocking chair outside Chevron in Beaver.

It's rare to get a picture of Ellie when she is not pulling a funny face. I love this goofy girl!

We went and explored some lava caves in Snow Canyon. The caves were so cool, they went completely underground. However, it was a little scary how dark and cold it got the further you went in. Also scary.... the "mouse/rat" the size of a small cat I saw while in there. Needless to say Ellie and I were outta there!

Samuel brought his "bone" and arrow to scare off any animals. He is such a boy.

My sweet little boy!

Classic Samuel "pout" face!

You know when you have those parenting moments of looking back and thinking "I can't believe I did that", yeah this is one of those. We climbed the top of this mountain that had huge drops. Going up was fine. Looking from the top...scary!!

This is the back side of the mountain. I know it doesn't look that scary or impressive. Believe me it was huge!!