The Frandsens

Happy Birthday Ella Jane!

2009-11-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Ella,
Today is your birthday! I cannot believe that our chubby, angelic, first little bundle of joy is already 3! This year marks a milestone- you are now officially no longer a baby or toddler. Being 3 means you've graduated on to be a true big girl! My oh my you've grown and changed so much this year... I know a song that speaks the words of my heart- this is my wish for you sweet girl!

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat

But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small

When you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking

Loving might be a mistake, but it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out, reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you know how much your daddy and I love you Ella Bell! Happy Happy Birthday!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

I loved Ella and Gracie's costumes this year. El was a darling Dorothy and Gracie was the cutest Munchkin you've ever seen! Gracie's costume this year sort of dictated the direction I went with the whole "theme" because when I saw it online I DIED!! She was the perfect size and height to pull it off. Ella loved her ruby slippers and wears them around the house now all day. We started off by visiting grandma at work so she could see them in all their glory! Later we had a little Halloween dinner at our house with the other grandma and grandpa, and grandma Gigi too... the best part however was of course the trick-or-treating with Tate!

I wish she could be this again next year too! It was hilarious!

I told her pose. This is what I got. She's probably plotting a way to get back at me somehow down the road!

Which way to Oz again?

All the girls together at last...

Hope your night was equally amusing!

Happy Birthday Tyler!

2009-10-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

My little brother is now 25 years old. So weird. Makes me feel even older. I feel like it was only yesterday when we were playing in the backyard together or riding bikes... I remember the sometimes brutal fights and antagonizing too! Nowadays though he is one of my best friends. There are very few people I laugh harder with! Tyler, I love you! I hope this year brings you everything you wish! -Your Sis

p.s. Don't ask me why I failed to take no other pictures but the cake. Hmmm.

Halloween is almost here...

2009-10-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

We took the girls to Wheeler Farm for a little pre-Halloween gathering. This was the first official outting with Miss Tate and Chels since their return to the states! The girls had a blast! It was such a charming/fun little setting and made Ella and Gracie that much more excited for Halloween...

Grace and her prized Halloween egg?

In the hay stack maze...

Hooray! More pumpkins to bring home!

Ella and her beloved eye patch prize. Arrrrr!

Chels-I love this picture. The best part for me though was at Cafe Rio afterwards when you said in line, "Oh my gosh! I've been waiting for this! My mouth is literally watering!" So funny... Love you girls! Thanks for a fun day!

I'm no Martha...

2009-10-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Let's just be honest. I don't bake. In fact, I'm so terrible that I'm probably one of the only people on this planet that can't even produce a chocolate chip cookie that isn't flat and burned to a crisp. So...we do things the quick, cheap, and dirty way in the Frandsen household (at least when it comes to baking!) Here's a little re-cap of our Halloween cupcake making tonight...

The girls thought it was cool to line the pans. Look at that concentration!

Are they done yet?

The box says 10 more minutes. Sorry Grace.

Now the fun part! Decorating with sprinkles!

Not my child. She eats all the frosting and no cake!

Yum. Look at that mountain of sugar.

Thanks buddy! Couldn't have done it without ya!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

We took our first trip to a pumpkin patch last week. The air was crisp, the sun was setting, and I fell in love with Fall. Again. This little outing had it all- hayrides, donuts, cider. Did I mention that the pumpkins were $2 a piece? Won't be buying one from the grocery store ever again. I absolutely love creating new traditions! Walking through this dusty, dirty, farm had us all glowing (no pun intended) and I can't wait to do it again next year!

My immediate thought-"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!"

Ella and her "punkin"

Picking the first one they could get their hands on... who knew it could be so simple?

If she looks filthy, she is. The weight of her pumpkin literally tipped her over face first! Hilarious!

Tasting the pumpkin??

Looks like she's getting away with this one!

Happy Fall!

Sisters

2009-10-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

I think any woman with a sister should consider herself very lucky. Even though I never had one of my own growing up, I feel privileged to be able to witness this special bond everyday through Ella and Grace. It makes me really happy to know that they'll always have each other... through thick & thin, good & bad. My hope for them is that they cherish this relationship for the rest of their lives. Never take it for granted. I'm sure there will be plenty of times when they'll pretend to not know each other, fight, argue. I know as well that they'll make hilarious memories and be best friends. I know this because I'm blessed to be witnessing it everyday...and it's even better than I ever imagined it could be.

Dance parties in the living room- pretty much a nightly ritual

Gracie has been like a real-life baby doll for Ella. I love when I hear her "mothering" Grace. Every morning she goes into Gracie's nursery and their conversation usually goes a little something like this- Ella: "Hi, Gracie sister! Hi, Hon! Did you have a good nap? Need your bah (what Gracie calls her binkie) hon?" Gracie: "Hi I-ya (Ella)! Hi! (starts laughing or giggling) I yuv yo!" Ry and I just listen to their little dialog from our bed and it always starts our day with a smile.

The good times! Sharing yummy treats together!

Some not-so-good-times...

Who knew bathtime could be so entertaining? I love how they are both so little they can enjoy it together with plenty of room to play. Sometimes I wish they'd stay this size...

Funny to see Gracie finally getting the upper hand on Ella!

So do me a favor... tell that sister of yours you love her.

Australian Pink Floyd...

2009-09-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was kind of a long day... the good news is that Ryan's studying payed off and he passed his licensing test! He's now a licensed appraiser. Good job Ry! With that stress out of the way, we were able to go to the concert and really have some fun. Brooke offered to watch the girls, so Nicole and Jon picked us up and off we went. So sad Justin and Rachael couldn't make it (she was sick) because we'd been anticipating this show for months. Anyone who nows me can tell you I'm a bit of a classic rock addict! Ever since I met Ryan I've constantly tried to "educate" him on this genre-ha! This show- right up my alley. In fact, we've seen them once before and it's still one of the best live concerts I've ever attended! Ok, I could blog all day about music but I'll spare you...

Hooray! He was sooo embarassed to pose like this. Look how red he is!

Nicole and Jon

Yes, Dirt is wearing a Pink Floyd shirt. I made him.

Whit's friend Thor (his real name I swear) was holding an imaginary spot for our friend Chelsea. She lives/works on an organic farm in California.

The girls. This was kind of a belated birthday gathering for Whitney too. Love you Whit ma! Sorry we missed the real deal...

My cute friends Sam and Jill
Good times!!

Dumbo at the zoo...

2009-09-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

There is a darling new baby elephant at the zoo...who happened to make it's debut the day we decided to make an impromptu visist. After Gracie's p.t. appointment at the U, we stopped by for a little family time. To our delight we got to see the cutest and tiniest baby elephant I've ever seen!

Looking for Dumbo

Look how small she is!! So cute... she didn't leave the mom's side the entire time she was out.

I let Ry pick out Gracie's new glove this time. Any guesses on what he chose? Yep, bright red with a black "U". At least it will be festive for the holidays! (and she can sport her "U" football pride.)

El was feeling a little camera shy..

Till next time...

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend proved to be pretty fun this year. We kicked it off with a Greek wedding in Park City and had tons of fun with our good friends Justin and Rachael Rich. It was so nice to enjoy the day with them! We all spent the night at the Newpark Hotel which is totally gorgeous...The wedding was for Ryan's Beta brother Joey Pantone and Ashley Laurella. Their reception was outside at her parent's home, or should I say their estate? (this was more than one house on the most beautiful piece of property I've ever seen, complete with a lake and guest "cottage" which was probably 3x the size of our house.) Needless to say it was a lot of fun! We NEVER get a chance to get all dressed up! I think I may have enjoyed that part more than Ry though...

Rachael and Justin
Yes, that's the "cottage" in the background. Seriously?!

I know this is cheesy. What is it about weddings that make you feel all gushy inside? Look at Ryan! It even got to him! The lanterns and lights inside the tents were so beautiful..

Dirt and his buddies...

J and Ray cutting a rug!

**Thanks Deb and Antone for watching the girls and giving us a night off! We love you..

This is the Place Park

This was our first visit there and I have to say that we'll be going back. We didn't really know what to expect, but it's huge and there's so much to see and do! The girls thought it was pretty cool too. Imagine Gardner Village, just bigger and more authentic to pioneer times. The kids can do crafts and activities, there are places to eat, animals, pony rides, and a train. They're having events scheduled for Fall/Halloween and even Christmas. Anyone want to go with us next time?

Posing by the wagon

Ella washing the clothes. Thank god for washing machines is all I have to say!

Gracie in her own covered wagon!

Riding the train

Posing with me at this point became a little difficult!

What a great weekend!

Third time's a charm...

2009-08-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well we're giving this another try. My motivation this time? Staying in touch with the Horsley's while they are in Dominica and keeping the Perera's in the loop too (since you guys are probably the only ones who will read this blog). We love and miss you guys! So, here's a re-cap of some of the fun things we've done so far this summer...

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Let's start with Little Gym. This was Tate and Ella's last class there together (sniff) and the day became a little emotional for me! I think I may have even brought Chels to tears too (sorry!) because I realized how big they were since first starting these classes and that with Tate moving our hopes of pre-school and first ballet classes together weren't going to happen the way we may have planned... in many ways it was saying goodbye to more than just the class. (I promise this to be the only Nicholas Sparks moment in this post).

Tate and Ella posing on the mat

Inside the big blue circle- if I had the room for one of these I'd buy one! Hours of entertainment.

El-probably looking for Tate. Or thinking...and I quote, "Tate you're the best kid ever!!"

Peas in a pod..

Sharing a secret hug in the corner

I think Ella was sad to see it come to an end!

We've had lots of time at the park this summer!
I just had to put this in because it makes me laugh! We were at my cousin's wedding and there was a playground at the Cottonwood Club. Ella loves the slide and couldn't resist- even in her dress. The face she's pulling is because the slide was hot, but the hair standing on end is hilarious!

Playdate with Aunt Heather and Lucca...
Can't you just hear her saying "Cheeeese"?

Darling Lucca. Party beads and all. Did I forget to mention it was a dress-up playdate? Whoops! Sorry Shan!

"Hey Lucca, I know I'm supposed to share, but your beads totally go with my outfit!"

"Whatever!! Just cause you live in a cool city doesn't make you a fashionista!"
"I'm telling your dad."

Oakley Rodeo- a 4th of July tradition. Yee haw!
Gracie's first rodeo. I'm sure it won't be her last seeing how we're such big cowboys and all. Can't you tell by my hat? No? Just kidding. We loved it! Can't wait to go next year!

Thank goodness for candy and coffee! I think their faces say it all...

Ride 'em cowboy!

Ella and Grandma

The girls love to be outside! I took these pictures at Wheeler Farm. Minus the duck/goose poop all over the ground and the smell of farm animals, it's actually kinda fun.

Gracie Lou

Ella Bug

I love how Gracie has reached the point of idolizing and adoring Ella! She watches her every move and now trys to mimic whatever Ella says and does. For example- if Ella is feeling frustrated and comes over to pinch or hit me (like if she gets in trouble), She'll usually refrain and just pretend to do it while saying the action outloud ("piiiinch!" or "hiiiiit!"). I usually have to do everything I can to keep from laughing- but then here comes Gracie (who's been quietly observing) to follow through and actually act out the action for her! So funny!

Lazy summer days...

Looking for bugs (even though she's secretly terrified). Especially of snails! ???

Liberty Park

We've gone to Liberty a couple times this summer. If you haven't been- you should go! The playground is new with cool water features (side note- these are fountains made for playing, not like Gateway. I think it's really weird and totally hilarious how Utahns take a shopping mall fountain and turn it into an amusement park! Bringing chairs, coolers, a picnic lunch, etc.. No wonder they'll only build us one outdoor mall!! And they say that Utahns are rednecks.. ) Anyways, this park also has the Aviary, rides, and food. It's always a battle getting the girls to leave cause they have so much fun!

Sporting the hawk.

Riding the planes... "waaay cooool!"

Camping at Starvation Reservoir

Dirt and Gracie. Total daddy's girl.

Sand, Ella's favorite treat.

Chillin'

Jesse and Ella. I think he's trying to hug her but she was a little busy playing in the sand and water.

Lagoon! Make sure you wear your hazmat suits, gloves and Sars masks.. wait, better add a tetanus shot to the list too. All four of us were sick for two weeks afterwards!

Ella on the spaceships. I think this ride was a little big for her but being the safety-minded parents we are, we put her on because as Ryan said, "She's tall enough. The sign says so!"

Me and Grace on the train. Or maybe you can call it our one-way ticket to meltdown town.

Ry and Ella

Love the Merry-go-round!

Last ride of the day... half an hour of screaming and tears in line- for 30 seconds of joy. Ring that bell Ella! Ring your little heart out!!

This summer has been so fun! I can't believe fall is just around the corner.. where does the time go??

Back to reality...

2008-10-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

So we've been a little out of touch the past few weeks. We just got back from St. Croix for my dad's wedding and it was bliss... It is so beautiful there! I think I could ship the girls down and live quite content in that place. We went for an entire week, but it only felt like 3 days. Stay tuned for pics (my dad borrowed our camera because his broke while we were there) and funny stories. It was a blast! Thanks dad for having us down to share your day!

Fall is Here...

2008-09-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love Fall! It's probably our favorite time of year. How could you not love the weather, the beautiful scenery, the clothes, football, and Halloween (followed promptly by Thanksgiving- yum!)? I took Ella and Gracie to Gardener Village with my mom to take some pictures. Even with her assistance it was still a little challenging... Some of the participants (cough, Ella) didn't want to participate. None-the-less, I think I still managed to snap a few keepers.

Gracie, our smiley girl!

Sweet Ella Jane

Good Job...

2008-09-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

I get that I'm a slacker for not seeing this whole blogging thing through the first time (almost a year ago!). What with two kids under 2, a new house to take care of, Ryan working two jobs, a dog, and trying to have somewhat of a social life- we've been a little pre-occupied... So with a small dose of ambition, 2 cups of coffee, and a little luck, my goal is to make this a journal of our life together. With that said, I'd like to introduce you to our new blog.