Austinfamily

Austin Family 2010

2010-12-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2009

2009-11-12T21:42:00.006-07:00

Halloween was great fun this year. Our ward holds a great trunk-or-treat. This year the Elder's Quorum did a donut eating contest. Our kids had lots of fun. Ethan really enjoys pretending to be spider man. I am his superpowers as he flails around pretending like he's jumping up walls, landing on top of couches, dangling from his feet from the ceiling, etc. It's a good work-out for me! Annie was adorable as Snow White. She even got the oh-so-sweet princess voice down.

Our good friends, Spencer and Laura (and kids), came as H1N1: very creative!

2009-08-02T21:14:00.004-06:00

"E" always wants to look like Daddy. If Daddy is wearing a hat, he wants his hat. If Daddy has ankle socks, he wants his ankle socks. They are lookin' good in this photo I must say!

Master Shawn

2009-08-02T21:00:00.002-06:00

After many hours of hard work, Shawn earned his Masters degree. I joke with him and call him "Master Shawn." He rolls his eyes at me and tells me I can call him "Dr. Honey" after he earns his Ph. D. Congratulations Shawn! We're proud of you and know you will continue to be an outstanding student as you start your Ph.D. this fall.

Maple Tree

2009-08-02T20:50:00.002-06:00

Sitting in the big maple tree in our front yard. We couldn't resist taking a picture of these cute little faces framed by the big green leaves.

Cutie in the rain

2009-08-02T20:41:00.001-06:00

"I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain"

E's Birthday shared with Mother's Day

2009-07-19T22:18:00.004-06:00

This mothers day was unique in that we were not only celebrating Mothers, but the life of our adorable son "E". In the morning we enjoyed the traditional crepes in bed, and in the evening we had a car cake with icecream. A day to remember for sure!

Cruise

2009-03-15T20:19:00.008-06:00

In February Cami and I went on a cruise that I earned working last summer for PPC. It was much needed, especially for Cami; she had not been away from our children for longer than 6 hours since Annie was born. To say the least, she loved it! Nana, Papa, and Aunt Tami watched Annie and Ethan for the 7 day cruise, God bless them!
We sailed down the Pacific along the CA and Mexican coasts. We stopped at Los Cabos, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. We spent lots of time on the beach, saw some beautiful scenery, got our fill of relaxation, ate wonderful food until we almost burst (obviously, its a cruise!), and enjoyed spending time together.

McIlnay Cousins

2009-01-18T21:44:00.003-07:00

Annie had a blast this Christmas break hanging-out with her McIlnday cousins.

At the Grossology Exhibit in CO

2009-01-18T21:30:00.004-07:00

Here we are at the Colorado Wildlife Adventure Grossology exhibit. Yes, you heard right, "Grossology." The exhibit features several educational modules like, for example, an explanation of how beetles roll dung balls 10 times their size and how to distinguish fox poop from elephant poop--yes, obvious I know. We had a great time! But the best part was the cute faces.

Ethan Sings Superman

2009-01-18T21:10:00.002-07:00

Ethan Playing Ball with Papa

2009-01-18T20:51:00.002-07:00

Trip to Rexburg, ID

2009-01-10T16:56:00.007-07:00

After Christmas we took a trip up to Idaho to visit Shawn's grandparents Ted and May Adamson and to see some sites and friends in Idaho. The Rexburg temple was impressive. The last time we were on that ground was for the groundbreaking back in 2005. At that time Cami was carrying Annie in her womb and almost ready to pop. We also saw the newly renovated Snow building where Cami and I spent countless hours as students. After the tour of campus we saw a few old friends: Ted Ashton (Cami's violin teacher) and Andrea Radke (Shawn's history professor) with her new baby boy.

Christmas in Utah

2009-01-10T16:40:00.006-07:00

We spent this Christmas in UT with Cami's family. It was a rare occosion to have all of Cami's siblings present. We had a blast.

The top picture shows Cami with her brother Randen holding a violin that he himself made. It's looks beautiful and sounds wonderful too. Good work Ray!

Sledding Fun

2009-01-10T16:13:00.007-07:00

Around Christmas time, Annie and some of her cousins went sledding in UT. I was doubtful that Annie would enjoy it, but as you can see she had a blast! After a few small trial runs, she asked me if we could sled down from the "tipity top." Then she insisted that we go down from the "tipity, tipity top!" I was impressed at her enthsiasm since this was the steepest and tallest hill I've seen at a public park!

2009-01-04T17:28:00.003-07:00

We spent the New Years in Colorado with Nana and Papa Austin. After a nice snowstorm we had a little fun with the sled and the ATV. I finally was able to convince Papa to give it a try! Take a look. I couldn't stop laughing!

Bach Double Mini-Style

2009-01-04T17:01:00.004-07:00

Cami and her brother Randen playing the Bach Double on violins made for a 4 year-old.

Annie and Brynlee

2008-12-15T21:24:00.001-07:00

In October, my sister Tami gave birth to her 4th girl, Brynlee. She is adorable. At Thanksgiving everyone had a good time passing her around. It's hard to know if Brynlee enjoyed it though.

Papa and the Turkey Dance

2008-12-15T21:17:00.003-07:00

This Thanksgiving Nana, Papa, Aunt Tami, and Uncle BJ and their 4 beautiful girls came down to Albuquerque. Our three bedroom house was bursting at the seams but oh was it a blast to have everyone (except Scotty) here! Papa was a great entertainer for the girls as he showed the how a turkey does the moonwalk. You should see what he can do at a pig roast!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-15T21:16:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas!

Why History?

2008-09-12T21:06:00.000-06:00

The Church recently carried an article on its Newsroom about a new history of the "mountain meadows massacre", arguably the worst event in Mormon history. The Church gave the three LDS authors unprecedented access to Church archives--archives that other scholars believed would implicate Brigham Young. In the end they found no evidence to support the prophet's involvment. The research for this book is impressive. It took them about 7 years to complete it. Just to give you an idea, the reasearch and writing process for my dissertation will take about 3-4 years. But I'm only one person, this project involved three experienced historians.

In a video interview the three authors spoke about why they decided to write the book. Richard E. Turley, Jr (the Assistant Church Historian) said that the driving purspose for writing the book had to do with healing: "Only by facing this head-on, directly, could we finally expect to get to a point where real healing could take place." This is important. Since the Massacre, many Mormons have tried to forget about it, push it aside and try not to confront it. Yet it has always been the proverbial elephant in the room (among other elephants). As an historian, I think there is a great lesson in Bro. Turley's comments. It is just as dammaging to cover up our past as a people as it is to cover up our individual pasts from the Lord. Individually, we must all confront the scars of our past lest they continue to haunt us in the present.

Here's a link if you want more info.: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/book-provides-an-unflinching-look-at-mountain-meadows-massacre

Restaurants with the Austins

2008-08-10T20:32:00.000-06:00

After a fun Saturday afternoon at the pool we decided to go to Panda Express for dinner. Just as with other trips to restaurants, we made quite a mess. This mess, however, was particularly bad. Emboldened by her growing table manners and our insisting that she was a “big girl”, Annie decided to handle her ice-cold water with one hand. After we stripped her of her soaked clothes, and failed to find any dry replacements in the car we resumed our beef broccoli and kung pow with Annie in nothing but her princess undies. Meanwhile, Ethan was struggling to get his fried rice and chow mein from his plate to his mouth. My rough estimate is that around 42% made it. The rest ended up in his high chair and on the floor. The area around our table promptly began to attract flies. Soon a diligent employee made his way to our table. Without a word, he revealed a large, orange CAUTION cone and placed it directly in front of our table. After returning with a mop and cleaning supplies, he proceeded to clean up the mess. One glance at each other and Cami and I burst out into exuberant laughter, solidifying the other patrons’ beliefs that we were white trash. In my best Alabama, accent I boasted to the employee, “At the last place we went, they’s had tuh put yella tape ‘round our table.”

Pagosa Springs Trip.

2008-08-03T23:31:00.000-06:00

In June we met up with the rest of the family for a little camping trip. The kids were adorable and had the time of their lives. Each day we made little trips to fish or hike. Treasure falls is featured here. It was a perfect hike for the kids: not to long, but long enough. The mist off the waterfall was refreshing. It was great for all of us to be together on a vacation since Scotty will be heading off on his mission in October to Tijuana, Mexico! Felicidades Elder Austin!

"Ready, set, GO!"

2008-08-03T23:06:00.000-06:00

Ethan loves things that "GO!": cars, trucks, balls, and Ethan.

"I'm so glad when Daddy comes home"

2008-08-03T22:54:00.000-06:00

Annie often sings this to me when I get home from school...it melts my heart. This summer I'm selling pest control door to door and get home after the kids are in bed so Cami recorded this for me; she's a sweetheart.

Taking Care of Babbies

2008-08-03T22:27:00.000-06:00

Recently, Annie has been fascinated with caring for baby dolls. She changes diapers, sings lullabies, and even pretends to nurse her babies. As always, Ethan follows her lead albeit with less grace. His nurturing skills are not yet as refined as Annie's.

Nature Walk

2008-08-03T21:51:00.001-06:00

Down by the ol' Rio Grande there's a nature reserve we visited. Not much to say except that it was hot.

Best Friends

2008-08-03T21:45:00.000-06:00

These two look more like twins everyday.

Dancing Queen

2008-08-03T21:30:00.000-06:00

It has become almost a daily ritual for us to put on some Tchaikovsky (Nutcracker) or Dvorjak and watch Annie transport herself into another world. She really enjoys dancing and pretending she's a princess. At times she can be very graceful and sensative to the music. Ethan on the other hand, runs around as if he's a linebacker in a bowl game, all the while donning a tiara.

Water Babbies

2008-08-03T21:17:00.000-06:00

Summer fun! Notice barrel chested Ethan! He'll be benching more than his Dad in less than 5 years. Although the pool is not olympic size, we've had fun with it. The kids like to take a running leap into the pool and make a big splash. Though when Ethan does it, he becomes high-ended over the edge of the pool and almost drowns himself...good thing Dad was a lifeguard.

Recent comments by my big sister about a grown man enjoying himself in a blue kiddy pool has prompted me to add the following disclaimer: I seldom swim alone. Moreover, Cami frequents the pool by herself but would not allow me to document her.

Bike Ride

2008-04-13T11:08:00.001-06:00

Before is on the right, after is on the left

Easter Sunday

2008-04-13T10:59:00.001-06:00

Here are Annie and Ethan in their new Easter outifts (thanks G. Chris and G. Bob!).

Yard AFTER

2008-04-13T10:52:00.000-06:00

Here's a shot after we got all the rocks and sod in. Thanks Papa Austin for helping set-up the sprinkler system.

Yard BEFORE

2008-04-13T10:47:00.000-06:00

This spring we've worked really hard on getting the backyard (well at least half the yard) spruced up. We started with bare dirt and a really ugly tree. It turned out to be a bigger project than we thought.

Oreos- Sept '07

2008-02-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Laughing

2008-02-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ethan Clapping

2008-02-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hawloween

2007-12-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

Believe us when we say that Ethan's Hawloween costume was very fitting!

Laughing Ethan

2007-12-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

Ethan laughing at Annie dance in her diaper: who wouldn't?

Tile Project

2007-09-23T18:52:00.000-06:00

Papa, Nana, and Uncle Scottie came down from CO to tile and extend the kitchen countertop (on the left).

We worked 3 days straight until very late into the night. We are very grateful for their hard work. We love the tile countertop.

Also, the first 2 generation Austin men photo.

Peek-a-boo

2007-09-23T18:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Boy

2007-09-23T18:40:00.000-06:00

Ethan is one of the happiest babies. He will laugh on demand. Annie can really get him going when she jumps up and down or plays peek-a-boo.

Momma and Kids

2007-09-23T18:36:00.000-06:00

Annie and Ethan love their Momma! Here, we're standing in our front yard under our big maple tree.

Brother and Sister

2007-09-23T18:33:00.000-06:00

So adorable, what else can we say!?

Lobos

2007-09-23T18:29:00.000-06:00

To the chagrin of all the Utah Heywoods, both Annie and Ethan, and on their own acount, had a change of heart--from blue to red!!

Brother and Sister

2007-07-15T16:03:00.000-06:00

Thank Heaven for Grandmas

2007-05-12T13:56:00.000-06:00

Grandma Chris came down for more than a week to watch Annie while Cami was in labor and in the hospital. Her sacrifice (not to mention G. Bob's sacrifice) and efforts are greatly appreciated. We cannot thank her enough.
Grandma Nana will be coming down next week.

Excitement and Kisses

2007-05-12T13:47:00.000-06:00

Annie will be a great big sister. She already expresses much love for Ethan. Any chance she gets she barrages him with kisses, something she learned from us no doubt. Sometimes this makes us uneasy since Annie will slip in an occasional eye-gouge with those kisses. God-willing, Ethan will survive.

The "Bonkie"

2007-05-12T13:44:00.000-06:00

Cami says Ethan looks like me when I sleep...?

Baby # 2

2007-05-12T13:38:00.000-06:00

Wisely, Cami bought Annie her very own baby boy, complete with a newborn cap and bottles. We hope that this diversion will get Annie involved in the everyday activities of caring for a newborn. Lets just hope she does'nt treat her authentic brother like her fake one.

The adorable dress was made by Grandma Chris. Way to go Grandma!

Ethan meets Annie

2007-05-12T13:31:00.000-06:00

Annie demonstrated wonderful mothering skills in the first few moments with her new brother. She has been very gentle and careful around Ethan. We have the makings of a wonderful relationship here.

The Artist

2007-02-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

Cami bought Annie her first set of crayons and coloring book. The protruding tongue is ample proof of Annie's utter enjoyment and total concentration.

Little Princess

2007-02-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Regarding the picture on the right, Annie has a very grandchild-hungry friend at church who loves to buy accessories and make Annie look like a princess.

The independent eater

2007-02-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Annie with her Snack Pack and Annie aspiring to eat like the Cookie Monster (on the left).

A mile in his moccasins

2006-11-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Annie loves shoes. When she wants to go outside for a walk, she will sign shoes by making her hands into fists and tapping them together..."shoes."

Pretty Girl with pigtails

2006-11-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that Mommy was able to get pigtails out of Annie's hair.

Carving the pumpkin

2006-11-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Annie didn't know what to think about the stringy, sticky guts of the pumpkin.

The Little Bear

2006-11-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

Annie in her Halloween costume. Here she is trick or trunking at the Bermuda Ward's anual 'Trick or Trunk."

1st B-day

2006-11-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hoover Dam

2006-07-23T09:18:00.000-06:00

Annie and Momma at the Hoover Dam.

Water Babie

2006-07-23T09:14:00.000-06:00

We've quickly discovered that Annie loves the water.

Bath-time fun

2006-05-21T23:17:00.000-06:00

Leggo Man

2006-05-20T23:23:00.000-06:00

We saw this Leggo Knight and thought of the mysterious creations of Spencer, Ritchie, and Sam.

Chop Sticks

2006-05-20T23:15:00.000-06:00

You can already tell that I'm dragging! Or maybee Cami's just rushing...?

This the Swartz toy store in Caesars Palace. Our friends took us down there to check out the mall.

What!?

2006-05-13T19:28:00.000-06:00

"Don't bother me, I'm eating here!"

Just shy of olympic size

2006-05-13T17:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know why the builders of this place decided on such huge tubs, but Cami likes it and that's all that matters.

Rob and Wendy's present

2006-05-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

"I define cool!"

Thanks Uncle Rob and Aunt Wendy!

Mom and Annie

2006-05-12T23:01:00.000-06:00

Aren't they cute? I'm a pretty lucky man.

On the Strip

2006-05-12T22:37:00.000-06:00

The Strip! Tonight we took our first drive down Las Vegas Blvd. to the see the lights and the glizt of Down Town LV. By the way, we live on las Vegas Blvd., about 10 minutes drive south of the strip. Despite the short distance, the area in which we live is quite safe. Most of the dangerous areas are dirctly north of the Strip.

Grandma Chris and Grandpa Bob with newborn Annie

2006-05-12T20:11:00.000-06:00

Here's Mom and Dad with Annie just a few hours old. On the night Annie was born they rushed up to Rexburg from Salt Lake just to see Annie for a few hours then returned home at 4am to be back to work!!! They sure love their kids and grandkids!! Love you guys.

Annie in the living room

2006-05-12T20:05:00.000-06:00

Annie playing in the living room. She's a happy girl is'nt she!

We like everything about the new place, very spacious (for 3), nice enviroment in the complex, swimming pools, raquetball court, weight room, etc., except we don't enjoy the paint job in the place. No pics available, you will have to see for yourself.

Annie and Momma

2006-05-12T20:03:00.000-06:00

Here is Annie's room with two good lookin' girls.

Annie, Nana, and Papa

2006-05-12T19:55:00.000-06:00

Here is Annie, Nana and Papa. Annie is not paying close attention here...I think Dad needs to pull out the white board!

Love you guys. Can't thank you enough for comging to graduation and helping us get moved.