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4.
Tyler turned 4 years old this weekend. I can not believe he is that old. Where has the time gone? We had a big family birthday party for him. My sister Katie and her daughter Maelyn came down a few days early to spend some time with us. We enjoyed their visit and had lots of fun. Saturday morning I got up bright and early and got things ready for the party. Gma and Gpa Carr came down too. We all headed to the Water park here in town and had a Bar-BQ. We have season passes and then I got some free tickets so I didn't have to pay for anyone to get in. Awesome! We played in the water and ate yummy food. It was so much fun. Tyler has been talking about it all month and couldn't wait until we were having his party at the water park with family. My friend Natalia and her son Preston came and joined us too.
It was only in the 80's so it was a little cooler for us to be in the water. It was nicer then earlier in the week when it was 110. Crazy! We stayed at the park for a couple of hours and then headed home. Tyler was getting a lot of Toy Story toys for his birthday so I made a cowboy boot cake. it didn't turn out very good but it sure did get eaten. So it must of been okay. We had cake and homemade butterfinger ice cream (yummy). Then we opened presents. Tyler was so patient to wait all day for them.
Tyler got a set of Toy Story people, a Toy Story scooter, Toy Story play set, Buzz Lightyear shirt and sprinkler (Space Ship), Aquadoodle, and TMNT movie. Tyler LOVED all of his gifts! Toy Story was a big hit and he had a wonderful birthday. Thank you for all the great gifts and for joining us on our fun day.
Matt and I celebrated our 6th Anniversary this weekend too. Since Katie was in town she watched the boys for us. We went out to dinner at the Cheesecake factory, it was soooooooooo good and we ate for FREE because of a gift card. Then we went out miniature golfing. It was so nice to be out on a date and not have to worry about the boys. Plus it was FREE babysitting. Thanks Katie I owe you! It was a nice evening. I love you Matt and I am glad that you are my eternal companion!
August is over so now I can relax. No more STRESS!

Yeah Right!


Gpa Carr and Carter making Butterfinger ice cream.

Tyler at the water park.

Carter at the water park.

The cowboy boot cake. Woody, Jessie and Bullseye are some of the people Ty got for his birthday so we added them to the cake.

Tyler playing with his Toy Story play set. It has Andy's room, Pizza Planet, and Sid's room (the 1st movie). It is like a Barbie house, but for boys! Thanks Gpa and Gma Mergenthaler.

Stressed OUT!

Stressed is what my life has been this month. It has been jam packed with something every weekend. During the week I have been busy getting prepared for whatever I had to do that weekend. I am a person that gets frustrated very easily. So with all the things going on I wanted to make sure it was going to turn out okay and make sure I have everything ready. So basically I was Stressed all the time. What else is new?!
At the beginning of the month we were in WA visiting Matt's family. We rushed home to CA for one of my family reunions. The Carr reunion was at my brother Steve's house and my mom was in charge. So I came home to help her out and make sure things were under control. Not that I did that much help(Sorry Mom). It was so much to fun to see my Aunts and Uncles, and cousins. I hadn't seen some of them in years. Tyler lived in the pool that weekend. Everyone called him the little fish. If we weren't eating then he was in the pool. He loves the water and it was hard to get him to leave. The reunion turned out great and we had a fun time with family.
I had to leave early to come home and teach Sharing Time that Sunday. Stress! That week I got ready for the baby shower I was helping with. My friend Stacey is having her first in Sept. So Natalia and I threw Stacey a shower. It turned out great and lots of people came. It was crazy trying to get all the food ready, games, prizes, decorations, etc. We did something each day so that we weren't rushing to do things at the last min.
Then I had to teach Sharing Time again, Stress! That week I got things ready for my Primary Activity. Getting things put together, plus calling teachers and making sure they would be able to help out. Stress! I think Primary is going to give me ulcer before too long! People showed up and we had a good turn out for the kids. It went so smooth and the kids loved our spiritual olympics. I am so glad that it is over with.
I know that I worry and stress way to much and should just relax more and enjoy life. But then I think about it and nothing would get done. So I might as well do it and be stressed! My next big thing is this weekend. More Stress. I have to end the month in a big bang, right?!
To be continued...........

Tyler and his cousin Colton in the swimming pool at the Carr Reunion.

The diaper cake and picture of Stacey. (It is made out of real diapers, so cute!)


On a side note. My boys have been silly around the house trying to make mommy relax a little bit more. Here are some things I have caught them doing lately.

Tyler wearing his Toy Story shirt that he wants to wear everyday. He went around the house in this outfit and kept saying "I am a Superhero you better watch out bad guys." I had to get a picture!

Carter eating the whole piece of watermelon and wanted to eat the core too!


Two cool dudes out for their daily walk. (Not really cool, it was 106 today!)

Road Trip

We took a trip up to Washington State to visit Matt's family. 16 hours was a long time to be in the car with Carter. He is not a fan of the car at all. But, it was worth it to see how much fun Tyler had. I remember growing up and traveling to Idaho, the best part was spending time with Gma and my cousins. That is just what Tyler did. He loved it!
We stayed in a hotel the first night and Tyler loved the swimming pool and is getting better at swimming. We went to Kelsee's baby blessing that Sunday and got to see lots of family. Kelsee is the newest member of the Mergenthaler cousins. She is so beautiful!
We headed up to Anacortes that day to spend a couple of days with Gma and Gpa Mergenthaler. Aunt Chelsey was there with her 5 kids too. Tyler had a blast with his cousins and loved sleeping in the basement with them. He couldn't wait until he could get in his "Zipper Bag" as he called it. They played all day and we enjoyed each others company. He is still talking about Jordan and Ben. I enjoyed visiting with Chelsey. I had a good time! We would go walking at Washington Park or go to the beach. One day I met my friend Rebecca at the park. It was so good to see her and visit. Tyler and Marissa played and had fun. I miss her.
There were two tall ships that came into to town so we took all the kids to go and see them. They were like pirate ships so Tyler was excited. They wanted a donation so we didn't get to go on the ship which was a bummer but it was still fun to see them.
Matt's Gma was also there so it was good to see her and visit with her. We stayed 4 days and then went and visited Aunt Anjee. Tyler got to play with his cousin Josh and hold baby Kelsee. Tyler told me "Mom we need to have one of these like Kelsee." I just laughed, yes I want a baby girl too! I am glad that we had so much fun and got to see everyone in the short time we were there.
It was FREEZING! I lived in WA for year I should have remembered to bring warmer clothes. Next time I will be prepared.

Josh and Tyler

Riley, Tyler, Jake, Carter
(Tyler trying to make himself known.)


Jordan and Tyler at the beach.

Mommy, Carter and Tyler in front of the pirate ship.

Riley, Carter, Kenzie, Gpa Mergenthaler