Here are a few pictures from this last week. My dad and a few sisters came up while Shawn was out recruiting and we made a day trip up to Bear Lake in the Motorhome. Everyone knows that Raegan likes "big trucks", so she was in heaven actually riding inside of the beast. Bear Lake is beautiful and the kids couldn't get enough of the water, rocks, sun and the Motorhome. You can see in one of the pictures where Raegan is exhausted after a day at the lake and then you see where she just passes out in the back of the Motorhome with Kobie and Alix. The other picture is at the Logan Pool and you can see that Raegan is going to enjoy having Aunt Becca around next year since Becca is going to go to Utah State. Most of you know there was a little incident that made Shawn come home a little earlier than expected. We will post pics and story here shortly.

To all the mothers I know...

I just have to write a note to all the mothers out there that I know...how do you do it? Really, adding just one more little angel into the mix makes for a crazy busy life! I can't even imagine 6 or 7...like my own mother. I have such an appreciation for my mom and all the moms I know. I know Im sleep deprived and house bound right now and that will all change, but I have to say being a mom is the most rewarding and incredible yet difficult job in the world. Shawn called me yesterday and I was just bawling. I have this daughter named Raegan who has now learned how to be destructive and throw a temper tantrum all at the same time and it seems she does them most when I have my hands tied up with Evan...hmmmm...I wonder why:) Anyhow, I was trying to feed my screaming and starving baby and Raegan decided to throw one of her fits by opening and slamming the shudders on our window. They were just banging off the window and I new any moment the window was going to shatter, so instead of ignoring her fit like I usually do, I got up and grabbed her arm away from the window and told her to sit on time-out. She threw herself on the floor and started screaming all in the meantime, my poor starving child is screaming in my arms looking for his food. I got Rae up off the floor and led her to the stair (her time-out) and as I was walking back to the couch, I gashed my knee so hard on our coffee table, and for those of you who dont know, I thought I was going to look down and see a screw or two oozing out from my surgeries. I finally made it to the couch and had to take a 10 second breather, then I broke down sobbing and at that moment, I knew that wasn't the end and that is why I am here now writing to all the other mothers that are laughing and crying with me right now, cause I know you have all been there, done that and I admire each one of you! I often wonder how my sweet little girl is still alive:) Oh I know how, she makes me crazy...yes...but she makes me laugh so hard, out loud, to myself, all day long. Yesterday, just real quick cause I know this is already a novel, I sat down to read "Dinosaurs" with her...her favorite book...and just randomly I asked her to read it to me just thinking she would ramble. But, to my surprise, SHE HAD THE WHOLE THING MEMORIZED...I was laughing my head off! I had no idea I had read it that many times to her...pretty funny stuff! Anyway, thanks for listening and reading if you made it this far. Evan is growing so much and I thought I would post some new pics, even though they probably all look the same! We are all happy and healthy here, just chuggin along trying to enjoy the sun as much as possible. The one pic of Rae on the steps with all her babies was taken cause she made me sit out in front with her for like 45 minutes to wait for the big truck to come get the garbage. She's obsessed with the garbage man, and she is a serious pack-rat...can't go anywhere without her blanky or babies:)

FINALLY...

a day of fresh air. I have been house-bound for almost a month and I was getting a bit stir crazy...so we were out and about a bit today. It was so refreshing and great to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. I think my poor little hermit daughter had a wonderful time too, which made me happy. If Im house-bound, so is she and we were ready to breathe some fresh oxygen! We all made a trip to the aquatics center here in Logan and as you can see Rae's favorite thing there is the slide. I think Shawn enjoyed it almost as much:) I got to play a little with Rae in the pool, but I mostly hung out in the shade with my little guy. Anyways, we all had a ball. Enjoy the pics!

Just a quick update

So, here we are. Not much new around here other than our little guy who's not going to be so little much longer so we are just trying to soak up as much cuddling as possible. Here are a few pics of him and Rae. By the way, my little terror (that would be Raegan for those of you who dont know) has really sweetened up with Evan. I peek in on her when I know she is sneaking up on Evan and she just stands there and looks at him, sometimes gives him a soft kiss on the head. It is a wonderful and big change from smacking him when she thinks Im not watching. I told Shawn someone needs to invent some kind of 10 foot crate I can use to wall him in, but I dont think thats necessary, atleast for now...though I still keep a close eye on the two, only to make sure Rae doesn't try to hold him and carry him around like another one of her dolls...which she has attempted to do already.

A few pics...

Well things are moving smoothly here in Logan. We are all enjoying our new little addition to the family. Raegan has been very soft and loving to Evan. (It's just kids her age she scratches and pinches....) Kaya will always sneak a look and a lick if she can. Shawn will be starting camps tomorrow. Fortunately all his camps this summer, minus one, are relatively close so that he is home in the evening. Grandma Arden was here recently for a few days and cooked up some great meals.

A quick note...

I just wanted to write a quick thank you note to all those who have come to our home the last few weeks to help or just visit. Its been so nice to see so many of you in OUR home! I know its quite the distance but it has meant a lot to all of us to see so many of you. Thanks mom, Trudy, Heather, Becca, Karalee, and everyone else who made it out here. I also want to thank those of you who called, text, or emailed me for my birthday. If I never got back to you or thanked you, I apologize...I was in the Dr's that day with a 103 degree fever and was down and out for a few days, but Im up and at it again and just wanted you all to know how much I appreciate each of you. Not to get mushy or gushy, but I have to thank my unbelievable husband. I just sobbed when my mom left and also when Heather and Trudy left cause there went my much loved company and help...but I have to say, Shawn has stepped it up a few notches and has been more than wonderful. Thank Heavens above for him! I love you all and we'll keep posting our little guy and our little animal!

Uncle Rico delivers...

This goes out to the girls. Sorry to take so long in posting. Everyone is doing well. For those that don't know the baby does have a name. Evan Lloyd Olmstead. He is a cute little bugger. Farrah is doing great as well. Honestly looks like nothing happened at all to her. I know she doesn't feel like that. She did get an infection but has gotten that taken care of with antibiotics. Thank you guys for all the phone calls on her birthday. (Olmstead family beat the Hofheins...way to go!!!) Raegan is adjusting well. Evan has one battle wound from her under his left eye. We are planning on sticking around Logan all summer except a end of July trip to Cali....Sorry about the red-eye.

BABY EVAN and family...

Heather here, filling in for the beautiful recoverying Farrah. We had a wonderful day yesterday here in Logan, UT. Everyone made it close to ontime, Grandma and Grandpa made a trip to "Canada" and still made the temple. Here we are infront of the Logan temple, my favorite temple! :) Thanks to all those who came in town and the surprise visit from Uncle Doug and Aunt Karen. Shout out to Arden who made a delicious chicken dinner. Yum.

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