The Hunters

New Blog

2009-08-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is going to be my last post, please check out my new blog. http://oliveandkaylee.blogspot.com/

I LOVE Puppies!

2009-07-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

We really haven't done much in the past week or so to blog about, but my mom gets upset if I don't change my blog every couple of hours. I normally take about a hundred pictures of Olive a week (not an exaggeration), but since the puppies have arrived I have only been taking pictures of them...Does that make me a bad mom?

Maggie has been such a great Mother.

I think Harry and Bernie really appreciate that they only have one sibling to share with.

This is Bernie, he is a very big eater.

He really likes food.

Olive makes sure the puppies are always looking their best.

We just can't get enough of them!

Murphy, Ca

2009-07-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Zach, Olive, and I just spent the last couple days in Murphy. We went to visit Zach's friend from work who is trying to convince Zach that it is the best town ever and we need to move there. It's a very old town with a population of less than 2,000. It had lots of cute shops, restaurants, and wineries.

Olive making this poor cat smell flowers that she wasn't supposed to pick.

Olive and Jeshua at Ironstone

Another couple that came had a very handsome 7 month old boy. Olive had a great time trying to play mother.

Olive and Zach in front of the worlds largest nugget of gold.

Olive feeding the ducks, loving every minute of it.

For being such a small town it kept us very entertained. I got to do some shopping, we played in the river that flows through the town, went for jogs through beautiful vineyards, had fun at the park, toured a winery, and had a great time barbecuing and hanging out with friends.

Swim Lessons

2009-07-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Olive can be a little crazy around the water, you really can't turn your back for a second...not even half a second. She thinks she can swim and is not afraid to jump in. Swim lessons are really expensive here and since I taught swim lessons for so long, I decided to try teaching her myself.

Our lesson lasted a little over an hour and consisted mostly of playing, jumping, and rides on mommy's back. She did come out learning how to do push off the bottom, jump to me and take two strokes before drowning, and kick with her face in the water. It was so much fun and I can't wait to see what she learns today!

Olive's favorite part of swim lessons was getting in the hot tub afterwards!

Our park at Lake Elizabeth

2009-07-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

We love our park. It is only about a half mile from our house, so we go A LOT. It is also right next to a beautiful lake full of ducks, who Olive makes sure are always well fed.

We enjoy the many dogs and people we get to meet on our walk around the lake, not to mention the much needed exercise.

Olive on her playground. She really does think it's hers, and lets people know that when we are there.

Puppies!

2009-07-07T12:04:00.001-07:00

It's official, I'm a Grandma. Maggie went into labor last night around 1am. She did really well with the deliveries. She yelped a couple times but stayed tough to the end. She had three boys but one of them was still-born. The puppies look exactly like their Daddy, Tucker. Maggie has been taking care of them and loving them all day. She is going to be a great mom.

Harrison

Bernard

Independence Day!

2009-07-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Our Fourth of July was so fun. The Hunters came down for the weekend and we were able to spend a day at the beach and a day in the city. Olive loved having her family here. We really appreciated them coming down, especially Beau, Shannon, Tatum, and Shae who came from so far. Anyways, we love our family, we love our country, and we love the bay area.

Red, white, and blue waffles

Olive dancing for the bongo drum guy.

Shannon and Olive at Pier 39

Beau and Sutton in the race of a lifetime.

Olive, Tatum, and Pop Pop at the Boudin Bread Factory where we stopped for delicious clam chowder bowls.

Olive and Tatum with their aunties

Olive doing her thing.

Lisa and Greg had an unexpected run in with our favorite CHP officer.

Panties

2009-07-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

I just don't think there is anything better than Olive in a t-shirt and panties. Don't be deceived by the underwear, she is still not potty-trained. She goes 2-3 times a day in the toilet, and usually 2-3 times in a diaper. The last time I bought diapers I promised myself it would be the last. I am sticking to my promise. So, we are trying the panty thing, and though it is not going well, I think she looks really cute in them.

Half Moon Bay

2009-06-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

Zach had the day off so we decided to meet up with some friends in Half Moon Bay. We got to go shopping in really expensive stores that we can't afford to buy anything at (thanks again Zach, you know I love that kind of stuff), play at the beach, and eat at the cutest restaurant with a great view of the ocean. It was really fun, and I'm just so happy we live where a day like this is only a short drive away.

Olive laughing with her Daddy.

Me and Olive, while Daddy is making her laugh.

Maggie enjoying the cold sand on her belly. She is supposed to have babies any day now so we have been taking her everywhere just in case.

Happy Birthday Ana!

2009-06-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Monday was my friend Ana's birthday. We got to celebrate with a nice lunch and cupcakes for dinner. Ana is seriously the best friend to have. She is super supportive of me and my family, she is always there when I need her, she never gets mad at me for taking a week to return a phone call, she knows all the best places to eat and shop, she is very generous and always shows up with candy or presents, she is just fun to hang out with. Olive loves Ana, she is constantly looking out our window and asking when "Shana" is coming. I'm so happy that we finally live close enough that she gets to be a part of our lives.

Ana and her cupcake, which, I made from scratch.

This is Franky who is also a part of our lives.

He is the love of Ana's life (next to her boyfriend Tony)

We had to celebrate Olive's "birthday" too.

Ana didn't seem to mind her thunder being stolen.

World's Best Dad

2009-06-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

I feel so lucky to be married to Zach. He is a great husband, and an even better dad. I never have to nag, or even ask twice when it comes to Olive. He has always been willing to change a diaper, give a bath, make a bottle, cuddle, have a cup of "tea", dance, sing, read, etc. He works very hard to provide for me and Olive and we have always had a more than comfortable lifestyle. I am so grateful for him and all he does for our family.

Speaking of everything Zach does for our family, this weekend Zach bought me a new couch and a kitchen table!

This was our couch and kitchen table... sad isn't it?

Now, we get to sit on this...

...and eat off this!

Thanks Daddy! We Love You!!!

Hunter Family Reunion 2009

2009-06-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Boyd & Gene Hunter Children

We just got back from another Hunter Family Reunion. I always come back from the reunion so grateful for family. I am so happy that the Hunters started this annual tradition and have continued it for so many years. This was my third time attending, and there are always so many people there it seems impossible to learn who belongs to which family, what their names are, where they live, etc. But, every year I come home knowing a few more cousins through camp fires, gorilla sightings, military-style meals, talent shows, and helping out with the hundreds of children that are all over the place. I love the WHOLE Hunter family and am so thankful to be a part of it.

Zach, Olive, and Brennah

Some of us couldn't get enough of the all the babies!

Pop Pop and Gi Gi enjoying the popcorn I made on my new camp stove.

Thanks Mom and Dad!

Olive and some of her cousins.

Olive and Maggie getting ready for bed.

Notice Maggie before...

and after she rolled in marshmallows...

I no longer recommend bringing Shitzus camping!

Our family picture

(that is Olive, not a monkey)

Olive had so much fun getting to run around bare foot, be dirty, climb on things, and

love on her cousins.

I never had to worry about Olive because I knew either Tayla or Cypress would be taking good care of her.

When Life Hands You Olives...

2009-06-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

I keep getting asked about my baby and the pregnancy and every time I do, it's a little sad. So, I've decided it's time to announce that we have had a miscarriage. We went in for a check up thinking everything was fine, and our doctor couldn't find a heart beat. I was about 14 weeks along but the doctor said the baby stopped growing around 8 or 9 weeks. I still haven't actually passed the baby and if I don't by the end of the week I will go in for a d&c sometime soon. We've had a couple weeks to deal with it so we're doing ok, and are just spending our time loving our little Olive girl. It's really hard to be sad when you've got a girl as funny as she is.

Olive pretending to be Liza Minnelli

What Olive put on when I told her we had to get ready for church.

What Olive put on when I told her we were going to Gigi's.

Olive and her Daddy playing in the fountains at Riverbend.

Another Beach Trip

2009-06-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

When Shauna came out to visit we made a trip to the beach and had a great time. Olive never has anyone her age to play with, so this trip was especially fun.

Daisy enjoying a mouthful of sand.

Baby Kaylee in her new suit.

Scottie almost in his birthday suit

Olive having an accident in her "soup"

Nothing can ruin a day at the beach for this girl.

Potty Training: Day 1

2009-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

I finally decided to potty train Olive. As you can see, we are making a lot of progress.

The Past Two Months

2009-05-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

After a VERY long two months we finally have internet! It feels like we have done so many fun things that I haven't been able to blog about, I don't even know where to start. So, here is a list of the "Top Ten Things We've Been Up To"

#1o: Olive Turned Two!

We celebrated by having a bbq with the Hancocks and the Hunters at Hammon Park. We had a great time! As you can see from the picture, Olive got her first Princess dress.

#9: We moved!

This was our last night in our old house. We packed up everything in about two days and got it all down to Fremont in one trip. Thanks again to both our families!

#8: Olive fell in love with her Prince Charming.

We got to watch Uncle Sutton play the prince in Gridley High's "Cinderella". The following month we got to watch him in the Modern Dance production. Olive cannot get enough of her "Suttie."

#7: Olive got a new room.

After about a week of unpacking and trying to fit our belongings that filled up a house into an apartment, we finally felt moved in. Olive loves her new room and our new home.

#6: We've gone to the beach...A LOT!

With the ocean only 45 minutes away, who can resist?

#5: Easter

We got to spend a great day at the beach with the Hunters. Zach had to work all day so it was very nice having some company. Our Olive girl discovered how to shove whole Cadbury Eggs into her cheeks, we could not be prouder.

#4: The Taylors came to CA!

We have been having so much fun visiting with the girls...and Shauna and Ben. We haven't seen them in two years and we are trying to make up for lost time. Olive and I have been staying at my Mom's so we can see them a lot while they are here.

#3: Zach and I went to Vegas!

Dave Matthews was playing in Vegas and since we haven't seen him the whole time we've been married, we decided it was worth a trip. Zach also surprised me with tickets to the Cirque Du Soleil show "Love" for Mother's Day. Both shows were amazing and well worth the drive. Don't ask me why but we didn't take a single picture the whole trip. This is just Zach and Olive in Dave Matthews hats.

#2: I left Olive for the first time.

We decided not to take Olive on our trip. I take that back, Zach decided to not take Olive on our trip. I had a really hard time and just had to keep reminding myself she was in good hands.

#1: We're Pregnant!

We are about ten weeks along and could not be more excited. We are due December 9th and have already begun prepping Olive for the huge change in all of our lives. We keep telling her that Mommy is having a baby but all she's put together is that everyone has one. So please don't be offended if she suggests you have a baby in your belly.

East Bay Or Bust!

2009-03-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

We are finally moving to the Bay Area! Zach and I went down this weekend and found a great apartment in Fremont. It's right next to a park and is in a really nice area. It's also about five minutes to Zach's work which he could not be more excited about. We are definitely sad to have to start paying rent and to be moving away from our families, but we are looking forward to a new adventure and the blessings of all being under one roof.

Our little house is almost completely empty so if Olive wants to watch a show she has to bring out her rocking chair. She keeps looking around the living room and asking "A couch bye bye?"

Nothing To Say

2009-02-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

So usually when I do my blog I just download my pictures from the week and find something cute to post. This week after looking at my pictures, I was at a loss for words.

Speaking of being at a loss for words, I feel bad that some people think my blog with picture after picture of Olive is boring, and by "some people" I mostly mean Mikila Hemstalk. So, what would you have me blog about? The only interesting thing about me is Olive. I don't care for politics, I hardly read, and when I do it's either Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, I have no roommates to make fun of, I don't make any crafts to brag about, and I could not care less about BYU basketball, football, baseball, etc. Unless you want to start hearing all about what happened on Grey's Anatomy this week, it's probably best that I stick with Olive.

Bedtime

2009-02-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

Olive and I have a pretty long bedtime routine. Every night I spend about 30 minutes putting this girl to bed. I love spending time with her at the end of each day reading, praying, singing, etc. She really likes going to bed and will usually tell me when she is ready. Nine nights out of ten she goes to bed without any problems, she is very calm and just as precious as can be. Last night we had some challenges.

She had to do her alphabet, by herself.

She needed to dance, not to music, but to my singing.

She wanted to read scriptures to me for a change.

She required about ten minutes of peek-a-boo.

And last but not least, she had to say the everlasting prayer which included asking for blessings for every aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, foster brother, and cousin, on both sides of the family.

Olive's New Outfit

2009-02-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

I always try really hard to make sure Olive is dressed cute, even just around the house. My mom came home from her cruise with this outfit for her. Olive and I both loved it. I was thinking it would be really cute on her this summer, Olive was thinking it would be really cute on her now, on a cold rainy day in February. She insisted on wearing it, which I think I could have handled if we weren't going out to run errands. Even though I feel that wearing Hawaiin print any time other than summer is totally inappropriate (no offense Dad), I let her wear it out. I know this probably does not seem like a big deal but it really was a break through for me.

Ever since Aunt Shannon came to visit, Olive insists that she has a baby in he belly. She wanted us to take a picture of it.

Her boots really go with everything!

Speaking of Olive looking cute, this is how we found the other day. Eight days of Uncle Scottie will do this to you!

Our Week With Uncle Scottie

2009-02-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

This week my parents went on a cruise and we got to watch Scottie. I was so excited and had planned out all these fun things that we could do. Little did I know that the entire week would be nothing but rain and Olive with a fever/cold/ear infection.

Olive passed out after a night of crying.

Although there wasn't much to do, Olive and Scottie got along really well. They loved taking baths together and then warming up by the fire. Olive likes to cross her legs now...so cute.

They had to spend a lot of time watching movies, playing in Olives room, coloring, etc.

We did manage to fit in a trip to GiGi's, some time with Ky-cle, and a few trips to Yogurts-To-Go.

We also had some fun cooking too. We made some bread, a banana creme pie and a Valentine breakfast consisting of pink eggs, and some pink heart shaped blueberry-banana muffins.

I think we had a pretty fun week considering the rain and Olive who is still not fully recovered. Scottie was awesome, he really did a good job of helping with Olive, listening to me and Zach and just being a good boy.

This picture has nothing to do with anything, I just thought it was cute when I saw them reading together.

Olive's New Bike

2009-02-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Olive is getting this bike for her second birthday in March. We had to order it, and it ended up coming a little early. I almost forgot how cute it is. Anyways I'm really excited about it and I can't give it to her and it's killing me, so I just needed to post about it. She tested it out in the store and loved it. I can't wait!

Here is a picture of Olive, just because I hate it when people post and don't put pictures of their kids. She's about three months old. She's really tan from going to the pool with me everyday to coach the Orcas. It seems so long ago, I just really need another one!

This Week...

2009-02-04T01:38:00.000-08:00

This week Zach finally finished Break-In! Since Zach started working, he has been paired up with different officers that watch everything he does to make sure he's ready to be out on the road by himself. As you can imagine, it can be pretty stressful having someone in the car watching your every move. It's been pretty nice for him to be on his own the past couple of days. We're so proud of him!

Olive had a big week too, she learned how to swing from the bars at gym!

GiGi and Pop Pop came this time, I think Olive loved having other people to show off for.

She also helped me make (and eat) chocolate chip cookies.

And she decided to read a book on her own to some of her friends.

Cabin Fever

2009-01-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

Our family is still living apart. Zach is gone three to four days a week working in the bay area. We see him a lot more than when he was in the academy, so it has been very nice, but now he takes our only car, leaving me and Olive stuck at home. We are planning on getting another vehicle with our tax refund, but in the meantime we have had to learn to love being at home. Sometimes I get so sick of being here all the time, but sometimes I'm grateful for it because it has forced me to be more creative. This has also helped become better at just playing with Olive because I can't spend my day running around.

Olive has become addicted to shows, it's really all she would do if I let her. I've had to cut back to one show a day, but I split it up so she watches a little bit in the morning, a little after her nap, and a little before bed.

We love playing out in the yard. Outside of watching a show, this is probably her favorite thing to do, especially since the neighbors got two new "gagas" to watch.

Maggie has been a great pet for Olive, they really are BFF. Olive carries her around, throws her, takes her in the bathtub, and pushes her around in her stroller. You would think the dog would hate Olive, but she keeps coming back for more. Last night Maggie even chose sleeping with Olive over me.

Who wouldn't love a tea party with their favorite uncle after being stuck with her mom all day? Scotty is always nice to have over for a visit. He does eat me out of house and home but it's worth it to see how cute they are together.

Our Little Gymnast

2009-01-23T10:29:00.001-08:00

Olive, Zach, and I went to Parent-Tot Gymnastics for our first time today. We loved it! It's an hour long class where Olive had free range of all the gym equipment. We also learned different relaxation massages, stretches, and exercises.

Olive loved all the "pitty" things they had to play with

She also loved the rings, just like her Daddy

This was definitely a fun class and we are looking forward to going again next week.

January Or July?

2009-01-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

Apparently in our family it doesn't matter what month it is, it's always sprinkler season. This is what I found Zach and Olive doing when I went to go see why I heard water running.

Olive always has so much fun with Zach. There's no way I would have been a good sport and played in the water with her.

I love her "Buppy"

Even Maggie had fun.

We Love The Zoo

2009-01-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, Zach and I are animal people. Animals just make us happy. This weekend was kind of busy and stressful and we wanted to do something fun. We knew the zoo would be just that. It was wonderful, the weather was perfect, there was hardly anyone there, and the animals were extra cute. It was just what we needed.

Me and Olive and the Zebras

Kangaroo Olive

Olive and Zach in front of the Bongos

Me and Zach and the Orangutans, our favorite

Olive wasn't too sure about them

Of course no trip would be complete without something from the gift store

Sunny Days

2009-01-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

Even though it was freezing cold and windy today, the sun was finally out. Here are some pictures of us playing in the yard and enjoying the sunshine.

Olive loves her slide. Her Uncle Scottie just taught her how to go backwards!

Me & Maggie

I love this picture because Zach happened to catch Olive off in the background.

Olive riding her "Broom Broom"

Olive & Daddy

Maggie is kind of prissy and hates being outside. Today she didn't seem to mind with the family out there too.

Starting Over

2009-01-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to create my own blog background, I completely messed up my blog. I ended up having to delete the whole thing. I'm really not happy about it.