The Edwards Family

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Hayden!

Here is a picture of 5 of the 11 cousins. Hayden came to visit a couple weeks ago and the twins have only seen Hayden once and they were only 6 months old. Hayden is my oldest sister Brenda's youngest son. All of the kids had such a great time together and we are looking forward to spending more time with Hayden!

This is almost like Mom and Dad's 2nd generation of grandkids. The older 6 range in age from 24 to 15

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

8 Years!!!

Today marks eight years that Ryan and I have been married and nine years total that we've been together. We have had quite the adventurous eight years of marriage with many ups and unfortunately, some downs. What is so comforting is that finally, after many years, we have both arrived at the same place in our faith in God and we understand that he carried us through it all and will continue to carry us through what is to come. So far we have survived four moves between two states, job changes, infertility, loss of loved ones, estrangement from some family members, and a job that would take Ryan away from the kids and myself for weeks at a time. But, we're still here! I wouldn't say we've conquered all of our issues but we just continue to pray everyday that somehow they get worked out.

On the PLUS side, we have experienced:

1. A move to Texas for a job that took us away from all of our family, yet led us to the best friendships we have made so far!

2. Although we struggled with infertility for over 3 years, had I not endured endless shots and tears, we wouldn't have the most precious twins, Hunter & Reagan!!!!

3. A move back to Colorado that brought us closer to our family. Now the twins can grow up with their cousins and Grandma's and Grandpa's.

4. The move also brought us to find the most amazing church with the most amazing congregation. We are very involved with the church and I am so happy the twins will witness that and will be part of a great church family.

It's still early so I know I'm missing more but I can always add on once I drink more coffee:-)

So.. here's to everyone who has supported us along the way and given us awesome memories to remember. Thank you! We are so grateful to have you in our lives!!

A small glimpse into our lives so far....

June 9th, 2002

Our honeymoon in Crested Butte, CO

Doesn't everyone go white-water rafting on their honeymoon??

Lake Powell - July 2002

Cabo San Lucas - November 2005

5th Anniversary
Puerto Rico - June 2007. 4 months pregnant

Our BIGGEST blessing! Hunter & Reagan November 28th, 2007

7th Anniversary
Orlando - June 2009

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Potty Trained!!

I finally feel safe to blog about it. Hunter and Reagan are potty trained!! I started a week ago Monday. It was mainly because I had run out of Size 5 diapers for Hunter and I didn't want to go spend $40 on another box. So I just went for it. Oh man was it a nightmare the first couple of days. Pee EVERYWHERE! I didn't use diapers or pullups at all. I just went straight for the undies. Reagan picked it up on about the 3rd day and has been awesome ever since. Hunter on the other hand, well.. he has just kept it interesting. He would only poop outside and I had come to terms with the fact that he would probably figure out to poop in the potty when winter rolled around. I was sure he wouldn't want to poop in 2 feet of snow! He surprised me though yesterday when I went around the corner to the bathroom and there he was! Pooping!! Huge success!! Ahhh....

Memorial Day Camping!!

After much, much thought and consideration, Ryan and I finally decided to buy a camper. Last year, we thought we only wanted a popup. Then we rented one and that was the end of that idea. It was miserable and just a glorified tent elevated off the ground. After that, I swore off camping altogether (because me and tents went byebye a loooong time ago!) and was perfectly fine with hotels wherever we might end up. Well after staying in my brother's camper during the weekend of Cody's graduation, I completely changed my mind. The kids did so good and all I kept thinking about is all the places we could go! We could be true travelers of the country. That is only due to the fact that Ryan can truly work from anywhere there is an internet connection. He doesn't travel much anymore since taking the new position with his company. Who would have thought I would just want to live in KOA's? :-)

We brought the camper home last Wednesday and couldn't stand not using it Memorial Day weekend. Normally we would NEVER go anywhere over that weekend because the traffic is ridiculous and it is nearly impossible to find a campsite. Luckily for us, the handy dandy KOA outside of Fort Collins had a site available! Ronda and Gary ended up coming up for the 2nd night we were there with their popup. Don't worry, it's a NICE popup;-)

There she is! It really needs a name.. you know, like a boat! The best part is that it also has a door straight from the outside into the bathroom. You have NO idea how handy that was while potty training Hunter & Reagan!

Tyler applied her own sunscreen. Phenomenal job!
On the way to the pool! I just love Trevor & Hunter's matching trunks.
Wouldn't be complete without squirtguns!
This is how Hunter looked all weekend. Well.. for the last 2 weeks really. Skivvies ONLY!
Trevor
I am so darn jealous of his complexion!

She actually went for the dive rings! I guess it only being a foot deep helped;-)

Hunter is still a freak for water. Closest thing to a fish really!
I just love that belly!

The camper has 3 bunks and this is their favorite because it has the fun ladder! Tyler stayed the night with us both nights. It was so nice to have the kids all in one place (with a door!) and us on the opposite end (with 2 doors!)
I wish you could hear him because this is his new face.. especially when you ask him a question and he answers "YEA-A" in a super excited little voice.
I think this may be my most fave pic of Reagan so far. I'm gonna frame it!
Hunter found Tyler's goods.
I don't know if I'm including this pic to show you the decor of the camper or my frightening face. Regardless, enjoy!! HA!
My 2 boys!
Mom & Dad drove up for all of 1.5 hours to visit us. Hey, I won't complain. At least they showed up!
Gary & Ronda (with the old man in the back)
This is what I would call "catch & release gone bad"
We went on paddle boats! This was coolest KOA ever! This is the Lentz fam on their dragon.
And the Edwards fam on the duck. We turned them into bumper boats out in the middle of the lake and I'm pretty sure we won!
My cuddlebug
Daddy & his little fisherman (or watergun squirter..)
No camper is complete without flamingo & palm tree awning lights!!!

I can't wait to blog about the next camping trip!!

Reagan's Preschool "Continuation"

As you most likely know, Reagan was in a little preschool this past spring. There was only one opening in January and Reagan was definitely the one more "ready" for it. It's called Tiny Tots & Tumblers. It's a preschool that is also a gymnastics gym so while she got to learn in a classroom, she also got a full hour of gym time to learn gymnastics and all that good stuff. Her last day for the year was May 18th which happened to be the day we drove back from Fruita from Cody's graduation. I so wish I could figure out how to get the video of her performances on here because you could see JUST how worn out she was:-) Here are a few pictures from it though and her class picture!

Next year Hunter will join her as will their cousin Trevor! That should be quite the class!!

Reagan and her teacher Ms. Melissa.

I'm thinking Ryan was a bit worn out too??

Her class picture. Nothing is wrong with her right eye. Something just scanned in with the picture.

All of her classmates!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Cody McCoy Decker is a high school graduate!!!

Fruita Monument High School Class of 2010!!!

We went to Fruita this past weekend for Cody's graduation party. We began our trip Thursday night and stayed in Glenwood Springs where we got to eat at my fave Mexican restaurant (I tend to have a fave Mexican restaurant in every place we've lived!)and then went to swim in the hot springs. It was awesome! We got to Fruita on Friday and we got to spend time with people we hadn't seen in quite awhile. We had a great time! Again, we stayed in Danny & Kristi's camper at that awesome campground. The kids did SO good camping! Much, much better than last year. I think they will finally sleep in other places besides their beds. At least with us present anyways:-)

Cody didn't officially graduate until Tuesday and like the crazy girl I am, I drove back up with the twins and my parents Tuesday morning (it's a 4.5 hour drive each way). I just couldn't stand the thought of missing out! Shocker!! :-)

Look at her writing!!! :-)