The Bratsmans

16 months and walking!

2011-07-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

What the heck! I started walking when I was nine months.....at least that is what I am told. Lyla is such a peep squeak. I carry her everywhere so maybe I am the problem. She weighed 16 lbs at her 15 month check up and was told to feed her fattening food - peaches with cream, cream cheese, butter, all the good stuff we love. Bentley was the same way so it is like we are living it all again. Lyla loves to give hugs, squeeze her favorite stuff animals (her elephant ellie). She now says mom nonstop. We will be driving in the car and she will say mom over and over until I look back. Once I look forward again she starts saying it all over.

Lyla Bug's 1st Birthday

2011-06-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Just the Two of Us!

2011-06-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Well it wasn't just us, we went with a couple of friends to Victoria, but we all left our kids with babysitters. The city was beautiful and it was fun to hang with some friends from our ward the Beans and Staples. Tyler is a pilot so we got to fly in a little plane over the Canadian border and stay the night. The plane ride was scarey, but the views were amazing. I never realized how many islands there are in Washington, but you wouldn't really know unless you were able to fly over. Marc, Alex, and Megan each took turns taking off and landing the plane during our different stops. Each time we took off Tanya closed her eyes and put her head down which made me so nervous since she is the Pilot's wife. We all made it safely home and had a great time eating, talking, and walking around all the pretty sites.

Dressed for Church

2011-06-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Bentley 5yrs and Olivia 3yrs

Lyla is almost 1 years old!!!

2011-03-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

Lyla can now crawl all over the place. She was already so little and skinny but is now getting skinnier with the added exercise. Hopefully, she will start eating more....I am sure when we go to the doctor next they will tell me she is off the charts like Bentley was. She loves looking at the family photos on the wall. She points to them and tries to say their names. She says her own name the best, but I am sure I am the only one that knows she is saying it. Before she goes to bed she has to point to all the photos in her room and say night night. Like most babies that start to crawl she loves opening draws, cupboards, or whatever is at her level and take all the items out. She also puts them back some of the time, which I am hoping means she will like to clean. Lyla is a sweet and lovable baby. She will go to almost any grownup and not cry. I think she feels safe with adults since she knows what her two sibling are capable of. They are always picking her up, dragging her across the floor and kissing and squeezing her to death. We are excited for Lyla to turn one and start walking and talking. It will be an adventure for sure.

2011-03-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

While driving to ballet today Olivia said "Princess's always keep their promises," and after a comment by Bentley she continued and said "Prince's never keep their promises." I hope she is wrong, but it was funny hearing her say it.

Little Lyla 10 months

2011-02-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

Little Lyla is growing so fast. At 10 months she waves when you say goodbye or goodnight. Says mama and dada randomly. One time I sneezed and she made a "ha choo" sound. It was hilarious. I haven't got her to do it since. She just started crawling backwards so I am sure she will soon. I haven't been pro active in helping her crawl because I secretly don't want her to grow up......and don't want put the gates back up again. Her hair is starting to stick straight up just like Bentley's did except his was red. We loved his spiky hair. She is also petite like Bentley was, but has Olivia's darker, feminine features. I am sure she will aspire to be a princess like Olivia does. She just started sleeping through the night which is a relief to us all. She is the lightest sleeper even as a third child. You open the door and she wakes up right away. Olivia could sleep through anything when Bentley and her shared a room. Lyla's last new talent is that she claps. She started at about 9 months and does it on demand. Her favorite food is oranges or clementines to be exact. She'll eat 2 or 3 if I let her.

Oh the Joy of Christmas

2010-12-31T00:10:00.000-08:00

Bentley's preschool Christmas Party. They made these cute reindeer hats.

Our annual trip to snow flake lane. It is loud and cold, but the kids have a blast and dance to the music. Olivia got to play the drums this year and see a snow princess. My sister Cachet and her family came and my dad, Grandpa Dan. After the music we ate the best gourmet hotdogs at a booth just outside of Macy's.

We spent Christmas Eve with Grandpa Dan and my sisters Cachet and Enjoli. We opened some presents and ate Ham and cheesy potatoes. Yum Yum

Christmas Day!

2010 Santa Pictures

2010-12-19T22:07:00.000-08:00

This year Bentley wanted to make sure Santa knew what he wanted for Christmas. He told him he wanted a "Leapster Explorer" and Santa said "what a leaf blower". He said it again and of course Santa didn't know what it was. Afterward, I had to reassure Bentley that Santa knew what to get him since he sent him a Santa letter. I think Marc told him that the Elves were the ones that made the toys and knew what a Leapster Explorer was.

Lyla's Favorites

2010-12-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Lyla's favorite thing to do is feed herself. She loves eating bread especially pizza crust and just naws on it. She has the cutest two little teeth on the bottom that totally stick out. Her favorite thing to say is "dada" of course and will look at Marc when we say "wheres dad."

Olivia's Favorites

2010-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

Olivia's two favorite things Princesses and Pink. They usually come together, but if it is either one chances are she loves it. I had to stop buying "other" colors for clothes because she would not wear it otherwise. She loves to dress herself, try to put on mommy's make-up, make people laugh, and ride her trike.

Bentley's favorites

2010-12-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

Bentley's two favorite things to eat chocolate and cupcakes. Eating at his favorite place to play Chuckie Cheese. He was on cloud nine at his friend Miles Griffith's birthday party. Cookies are a close second favorite to cupcakes, but you might not know what he is saying since he calls them "Fookies"

2010-12-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

Olivia's Funny Faces

2010-10-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

A million silly faces. Livi loves to pose for the camera, but every pose involves a funny face. She is our little fun, loving girl and is almost always happy.

Baby in Vintage

2010-10-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

This isn't Lyla's baby blessing dress, but I loved this vintage white dress and wanted her to wear it to church.

June 2010 Preschool Graduation

2010-10-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

All dressed up for preschool graduation. Bentley has one more year left of preschool then off to Kindergarten. The year has flown by, but has been pretty eventful with preschool, being pregnant and having Lyla. We barely fit in our LandRover with 3 car seats, but are still making it to Preschool. Other than that we don't make it out much, at least not without Dad or just going to the park.

Bentley's Preschool Graduation

2010-10-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

Dad and Ben

Mom and Ben

Ben singing with his class for the parents at graduation. He wanted to wear his hat over his eyes but the teacher kept telling him to put it up.

Bentley has made a lot of new friends this year at preschool and loves learning and doing projects. They bring home art projects every time, which have filled our walls at home. It is hard throwing them away, but we would just be consumed with so many. Preschool has been a growing experience for both of us. Bentley has progressed both socially and academically. As academically as you can for a preschooler at least. He cried a bit at the beginning and we had to leave him a few times as the teacher held him, but he finally started going on his own. It was hard for both of us. Sometimes it still is a struggle getting ready in the morning and getting to school on time but we always end up coming. Even though he still says he doesn't want to go, I think he secretly likes it.

Little tongue

2010-10-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

Lyla at 4 months. Lyla really reminds me of Bentley as a baby, but with darker hair and eyes. She has a little of Olivia in her as well with her darker features and long eye lashes. They have all had the cutest chubby cheeks that make you want to kiss them.

Red, White and Blue. Happy Fourth of July!

Best buds

2010-10-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Bentley and Liv getting ready for church. Usually they can't sit still long enough to get a good shot, but if you take enough you can finally get one.

2010-07-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Lyla's Baby Blessing

2010-07-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

Lyla's First Day at Church

2010-07-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Little mommy

2010-07-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

Princess Mania

2010-06-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

It was Caramel's 3rd Birthday and everything was princess. We gave her a little strawberry shortcake doll and a my little pony. I couldn't resist getting the same toys I played with when I was younger. Now they are different, but still so cute. Caramel's cake was a princess castle with all the Disney princess figurines around it. Every little girls dream. Olivia loved it. Of course they had to fight over the priness figurines and who got to hold which one. I am sure my kids started it. The later fought over who got to play with the new Birthday presents. Are cousins always like this? It is definitely a love/hate thing, but more on the love side : ). My kids do love going to see Caramel and talk about going to their house all the time. It is good to have them so close. I wish all the cousins were closer.

Easter Sunday

2010-06-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

Easter was early this year or at least it seemed liked it. It was during conference weekend so we got to stay home, which we already were since Lyla was born only a few days earlier. I bought all the Easter stuff way in advance because I knew I wouldn't have time after the baby came. I wanted Easter to be little more special for the kids this year, since I knew the new baby would be here and the Ben and Liv might need some extra attention. Bentley got a Light Saber, a beach towel, a basketball, a baseball mitt and a Scooby Doo movie. Olivia got a baby stroller (her second one, since the other one broke), beach towel, and Easter dress. It was a little like Christmas watching them coming down and see there stuff. After they looked at there presents they went and found all the Easter eggs Marc and I had hid the night before. It was a fun day and our first holiday as a family of 5. Can't believe it.

Easter Pictures

2010-06-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Funny Face

2010-04-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

Baby Tongue

2010-04-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

As Good As It Gets

2010-04-23T22:52:00.001-07:00

As Good As It Gets, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

This shot was taken during baby Lyla's photo shot with Mark Griffith. We tried to get Bentley and Olivia in some of the pictures but Bentley is very anti picture taken. Mark really captured a great moment considering they wouldn't stop moving, let alone hold a baby at the same time.

Baby Lyla, Ava, or Summer! We are down to 3 names. Yeah! She was born March 26, 2010

2010-04-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Our Baby has finally arrived. We are so grateful for her sweet spirit. There is always something wonderful about holding your baby in your arms for the first time even if it is not your first. We were immediately connected to her and felt she belonged to our family. Although we don’t have a name for her which never comes easy for us, we are hoping the right one will come soon. Here is what we have narrowed it down from. In no particular order.

Calin, Eva, Sera, Ava, Lauren, Anna, Natalie, Ella, Hailey, Leah, Laila, Madelyn, Elise, Erin, Grace (middle), Reese (middle), and Lyla. My personal favorites are Ava, Laila, Elise and Lyla.

2010-04-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

Our nurse who happen to be LDS and from the same stake I grew up in made her a bow with the hospital hats. It made her head look so small.

Cousin Caramel, Bentley and Olivia at the Hospital

2010-04-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

2010-03-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Olivia 2 1/2 years

2010-03-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Sunshine

2010-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

She actually loves taking pictures but we are working on the smile part. Very serious picture taker.

Silly Time

2010-02-01T10:55:00.001-08:00

With or Without You, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

Raaaarrrrh

2010-02-01T10:54:00.001-08:00

Raaaarrrrh, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

Bentley trying to be scary. He makes this face a lot at home trying to scare Olivia. He is really into teasing lately. I am sure it will last for a while.

Neener Neener

2010-02-01T10:50:00.001-08:00

Neener Neener, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

Bentley was pretty grumpy when we got to the party and wouldn't let anyone talk to him until he saw Miles. Miles brought an immediate smile to his face. After that all was fun and games as the ran through the banquet room and under all the tables people were sitting at. It kept them busy until the food came or until the dessert came.

The Littlest Ballarina

2010-02-01T10:39:00.001-08:00

The Littlest Ballarina, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

Olivia at Little Maddie's 1 year Birthday. She was so excited to wear her pink tutu to the party at Maggiano's. She LOVES pink and asks to wear her tutu a lot but it usually isn't the right occasion or will get dirty. So this was perfect. We had a lot fun time eating the yummy food at Maggiano's (can't go wrong with lots of fattening food) and socializing with friends. Marc had to work at REI that Saturday doing their audit so he had to miss out.

Christmas Day

2010-01-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Gift Bags I made

2010-01-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at Grandpa's Dan

2010-01-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

Ben & Olivia with Santa

2009-12-14T21:46:00.001-08:00

Olivia's sad face after Dad quickly set her on Santa's lap. What can you expect from a 2yr old who is even scared of birds. In line waiting for Santa she kept saying I want to sit on Daddy's lap and we kept telling her okay. I hope she doesn't think we betrayed her trust. . . . . The ward Christmas party was fun especially since the kids had their own table to sit at with all their ward friends and Marc and I got to eat at our own table and actually be able to talk without interruption.

Kid's Table

2009-12-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

Ward Christmas Party

2009-12-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

This year Bentley asked for a remote control car. He thinks that he has to sit on Santa's lap to get a present from him probably because that is what we told him last time in order to get him to go. After he got a gift bag from Santa he opened it up and said "where is my remote control car."

Gingerbread Cookies

2009-12-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Baby Bratsmas #3

2009-12-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

Verdict is in. It is a girl! I was a little nervous to tell Bentley because he has been asking for a baby brother. After I told him he got a little pouty face and said, "oh man, I wanted a baby boy." It looked like he was going to cry for a minute but then he started playing with his toy....the attention span of a four year old I guess. So far this pregnancy has been rolling on by.....eating more, gaining weight, feeling tired and nauseous. I think it has gone fast because we are scared to death to have 3....any advise is gladly accepted. I recently went shopping in Rexburg and actually felt pretty normal having two kids climbing in and out of the cart, running away from me and saying they want everything they see, instead of having the typical glare of and you are having another one!!! Everyone keeps telling me 3 is the hardest. I believe them, but isn't whatever you are dealing with at the time the hardest. I guess we'll see soon enough.

Just my size

2009-10-27T23:00:00.001-07:00

Little O and the Big P, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

After falling off the pumpkin, Olivia perched herself behind the pumpkin. She didn't want to get up after that. I think she likes posing for pictures, especially when we say give me your princess smile. She is already into the princess phase.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-27T20:48:00.001-07:00

Cheese, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

Olivia waiting for the tractor to go out to the pumpkin patch.

Love Hurts

2009-08-31T16:52:00.001-07:00

Love Hurts, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

This August we attended our 2nd annual Stake Party at Mt. Si View Park. Bentley and Olivia had a blast riding the choo choo train, jumping on the bouncing toys, and playing in the dirt. Mark asked Bentley to give Olivia a hug and he hugged her a little too hard. I love Olivia's scrunched face. It really captures what she goes through all day from her brother.

Temple Ready

2009-07-04T22:01:00.001-07:00

IMG_1137, originally uploaded by marc_bratsman.

We got Bentley so excited to go on our trip to Rexburg for Megan's wedding and to see the temple that we forgot to explain to him that he couldn't actually go in. Luckily, in the end he was happy enough just running around outside and seeing angel Moroni. Olivia had to repeat angel Moroni over and over again the whole way home.

Rexburg Wedding

2009-07-04T21:52:00.001-07:00

IMG_1136, originally uploaded by marc_bratsman.

A quick family pose was all we could get after coming out of the temple. So much for a summer wedding. This one was wet and windy. Despite the stormy weather, the Rexburg temple was beautiful. We were excited to finally go in for Marc sister's wedding.

Shiner

2009-02-19T14:05:00.001-08:00

Shiner, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

Olivia's black eye from spinning around and falling into the handle our rocking horse. Very confusing story actually. Ben and Olivia were both spinning and have a great time before Bentley bumped into her (accidently) and she fell into the rocking horse handle. It was horrible and she got a bump immediately. Lucky her it healed in about a week.

2008-12-15T13:52:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2008-12-11T15:35:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Santa 2008

2008-12-10T21:59:00.001-08:00

Santa ~ 16, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

We always assume Santa pictures will be a disaster. Case in point. Last year it was Ben crying. This year he only said "I want a race car track" about 10 times.

Oh Yeah!

2008-10-17T15:24:00.001-07:00

Oh Yeah!, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

Mark Griffith took this at the Jubilee farm Pumpkin Patch.
Ben was all about his karate moves and taking everyone down. Hiya!

dinner time

2008-10-04T21:02:00.001-07:00

dinner time
Originally uploaded by marc_bratsman

ben singing & then making liv laugh

Elephant

2008-10-01T15:20:00.001-07:00

Elephant
Originally uploaded by marc_bratsman

Opening some toys, the best party is Liv doing an elephant noise

Birthday cookie

2008-10-01T15:18:00.001-07:00

Birthday cookie
Originally uploaded by marc_bratsman

Bentley's 3rd Bday, and his B-Day cookie. When he prayed before dinner he said, "thankful for my birthday cookie", direct quote honest.

Kalalau Trail- Waterfall in Kauai, Hawaii

2008-08-18T17:43:00.001-07:00

IMG_0389, originally uploaded by marc_bratsman.

We started this hike planning to only go to the beach, but included the two miles to the falls. The hike was 8 miles total and was worth every step. The trail was along the NaPali Coast on the Northshore and had the most beautiful scenery. It was my favorite day on Kauai.

Hanakap'ai beach

2008-08-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

IMG_0358, originally uploaded by marc_bratsman.

Our first view of Hanakap'ai beach after 2 miles of hiking

Sunny Bratsmans

2008-08-14T15:30:00.001-07:00

Sunny Bratsmans, originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.

8/13/08 A beautiful August evening on Lake Sammamish. Our friends the Griffith's invited us to go on their boat. The kids and I were at the beach earlier that day and Ben had a lot of fun swimming with his life jacket and blow-up fishy. He must have both on at the same time or he won't get in the water. I guess it is a security issue. At least I don't have to worry to much about him. On the boat Ben jumped in with Marc and got his face dunked. Yeah! Big advancement. I think our trip to Bear Lake this summer for our Kidd family reunion really helped him get use to the water. He will be a little swimmer in no time.

Bentley at the Park

2008-07-15T16:04:00.001-07:00

P1012113, originally uploaded by marc_bratsman.

Baby Workout!

2008-05-10T13:54:00.001-07:00

P1011963, originally uploaded by marc_bratsman.

I'm so glad leg warmers are back! I used to wear them as a kid in the 80's. I guess the Flash Dance era is here again. Olivia will be sporting an array of colors and patterns in the next fall fashion. We are hooked.

Little Duckies

2008-03-08T23:44:00.000-08:00

Bentley and Olivia are both 6 months in these pictures. Obviously taken 2 years from each other, but in the same duckie bath robe. We will have to take a picture of all our kids (supposing that we have more) in the robe.

Santa 2007

2007-12-23T23:42:00.000-08:00

Olivia and Bentley at the church Christmas party. You should see the other photo we decided not to post. I think Ben may have given Santa a few bruises from kicking and screaming. We were finally able to calm him down by giving him some yummy candy to distract him and take a quick pic. Olivia just watched her brother's tantrum, but didn't seem amused. She's used to it by now and is probably wondering what's his deal.

Christmas was fun with 2 kids. Ben actually got presents this year. Wahoo! He was either a good little boy or mom and dad decided he was old enough to remember. Santa gave him a BIG wheel and Golf Set. When I say big, I mean BIG. He can't even reach the peddles. We decided later that the presents would have been perfect presents for next year, seeing that he really couldn't play with them. We hope by age 3 he can reach the peddles and maybe play some golf with dad. Sticking with age appropriate toys is really good advice. He also got some trucks and Backyardigan toys from Family that was a hit. Thanks for helping us out. We'll do better next time.

Trick or Treat

2007-11-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken before we went out Trick or Treating. Bentley wasn't crying after basket of candy. Grandma Bratsman made his cowboy outfit that he wore everyday prior to Halloween. We went through 1 cowboy hat and had to buy him another one after the first one was destroyed.

Yee Haa! Were Bentley's favorite words to say. He even said them one day in Sacrament so loudly that I am sure everyone heard. That's how we decided that Bentley should be a cowboy for Halloween.

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

Bentley loved the pumpkin patch this year. We went twice because all he would talk about was riding the tracker. Something about being big and moving, because I think every little boy loves trackers. It was a lot of fun to go as a family and see how excited Bentley got over the smallest things. Picking a pumpkin was an adventure. Bentley stuck on getting the small green gourd opposed to the pumpkin. I think it was because he could actually pick it up. It was fun to see our friends from Carnation, the Sundelin's and their new baby (or somewhat new. (Ella 6 months) We hadn't seen them for awhile. The Griffith's came too and are who we owe this great photo to.