Gardiner Family 2013

 What a year 2013 has been. Life has had some unexpected turns, some more life-alternating than others, but we know, now more than ever, that all things are bearable with God, family, and friends at our side. 
The beginning of the year started out as any other, but early spring brought a job change and move for us. We were excited about both because it was a job Greg was hoping for, and it was in our hometown where both our parents lived. We moved into Becky's parent's basement apartment, and the boys were SO excited to live close to their grandma's and grandpa's. 
In June, we took a trip with the Erskine family. All 23 of us stayed in a beach house in Oceanside, CA that Grandma and Grandpa had rented as our Christmas gift. We had a an amazing week together, and will forever cherish the memories made. On the last day of the vacation, Becky's dad drowned while body surfing, and sustained too much brain damage to live. 
It truly was a tragic time, but thru the spirit of God and the love of our family, we were able to find peace and comfort during that difficult time. It has been six months since then, and not a day goes by that our family doesn't speak of Papa Ivan. He was our angel on Earth, and is our guardian angel today. He is a man of honor, integrity, hard-work, service, patience, and left us a beautiful legacy to carry on. 
We can think of no better way to move that legacy forward than to welcome another beautiful spirit into our home. We know Papa Ivan is with our little one right now, and will care for him/her until the time arrives for he/she to join our family here. We miss Papa Ivan more than words can describe, but we believe families are forever. We know we will not only see him again, but we will be with him forever, and we are excited to welcome another child into our forever family. 

Love, 
Greg & Becky

GARDINER FAMILY 2012

HOLIDAYS- 2012

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Valentine's Day in our house begins with a piece of red yarn...let me explain. I attach one end of the yarn to the boys' valentine, then string it through the house, with it ending up at their bedroom. When they wake up, they follow the yarn to their valentines. We then have pink pancakes, eggs, and orange juice!

HAPPY EASTER!

For us, Easter is not only about that cute bunny that brings treats. It is a celebration of the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. To honor that belief, we asked the Easter Bunny to make a special delivery the Saturday before Easter Sunday. That way, we can still enjoy his treats, and focus on our Savior on Easter morning.

This last Easter, we rented a home in St. George with the Erskine Family and celebrated together. We had a blast! It was so much fun to be together and enjoy the beautiful weather. 

    

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Our 4th of July usually consist of a barbeque, parade, sometimes boating, and fireworks...pretty standard. This year we skipped the parade and went to a ski resort called SnowBird. We went on a hike, rode an alpine slide, and mined for crystals. Then we went swimming at my sister's clubhouse, had a BBQ, and then watched fireworks. It was a fun-filled day!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

Halloween was fun this year. Dauson choose to be a police man and Camrie was Indiana Jones! It was fun to see them march in the school parades. Trick or treating was fun in our little neighborhood....kids were EVERYWHERE, and because the houses are so close, the boys had so much candy. I love Halloween!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We spent Christmas in Vernal with family. It was so fun to be together at Grandma Kathy and Papa Ivan's house. It snowed four days straight and the kids were sledding non-stop. Grandma Rosemary was there (Becky's grandma) to celebrate with us. It was very special to share this time with her. 

We also spent time with the Gardiner family (both sets of grandparents live in Vernal, UT where Greg and me are from). The boys had fun riding the rhino with their papa and it was fun to see everyone at the annual Gardiner Christmas party. 

The boys had a great Christmas and are getting older and able to begin to understand the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. It is a magical time of year of believing, not only in Santa Claus, but in the birth and life of our Savior. We enjoyed that time as a family. 

 

Everyday Gardiner Livin'

Life with two energetic boys buzzing around never seems dull. There is always something happening from Dauson writing and illustrating books, building racetracks, or playing animals to Camrie building marbel runs, fighting dragons, or finger painting. They are always on the move and enjoy each other very much...well, most of the time! They make our house a home with their energy, laughter, love, and inquisitive minds. I wanted to share what a typical day is like in our home...I hope you enjoy!

Our mornings usually start with Greg or myself waking up at 6 to exercise (we alternate days). Then Dauson usually wanders into our room saying, "mom,  is it time to wake up yet?" (We tell the boys it isn't time to wake up until after 7!). We then give the green light for him to watch a small t.v. show while we get ready for the day. After his show, he will go wake Camrie up if he isn't already and sit down for breakfast. After which, it is time for them to get ready for the day, do their chores, and head off to school. Greg then heads to work as well.
While the boys are both at school (Cam has preschool T/TH only), I fly solo and do things like grocery shopping and running errands. Those 2 hours go by SO fast! Before I know it, they are home and ready for lunch. Then comes homework time which is followed by play, play, play. Lately, they have been playing in the snow and sledding on a fun hill by the park in our neighborhood. 
We usually sit down to dinner as a family after daddy gets home. We have a great time talking about the day, learning manners (in progress), trying not to laugh when they don't use their manners, and eating good wholesome food. 

Finally, it is about time for the bedtime routine which usually starts around 7:00. It is about an hour long process of brushing teeth, reading scriptures, family prayer, and individual reading time with the boys. This is one of my favorite times because I get one on one time with the boys. I have had some of my best conversations just before I tickle their backs, and tuck them in. I know Greg enjoys this time as well as usually winds his time up by singing a song to them.
 

 

We live a simple life...for now. They are getting older and expressing a desire to get involved in extracurricular activities like soccer. I am excited for that busier part of life to start too because we get to watch them develop their talents and grow. However, I am trying to soak up right now as much as possible. They grow so fast and I wish there was a pause button! 

It has been fun sharing what our daily life is like and I am so excited to add another little person to the mix. He or she will just add more love and excitement to daily life in the Gardiner home.