The Shumway Family

2010-11-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

2010-11-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

2010-11-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

2010-11-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

England

2009-05-17T12:02:00.126-06:00

There really are not words to describe how wonderful it was to see my parents and visit England. I know this entry will be boring and long for many people... but it was so hard to choose pictures. And anyway, this is probably more for me than anyone else...so that I can remember how amazing it was. I get emotional when I look at the pictures and am really grateful that we had this opportunity. It was a special trip for us!!

Here is Grandma Stock with the kids during our layover in Canada. The kids were really good even though travel is never easy. We did a lot of "hurry up and wait."

We got there safe and sound. This is my parent's back yard. The English call them back gardens. You can see why. If you click on the picture you can see the kids better. That hedge is so tall!!

This is a view of my parents house from the back. This is our first night there. We were exhausted from travel, but we found the energy to enjoy the landscape. My parents were in meetings with President Packer, Elder Ballard, and Elder Oakes so we were still waiting to see them.

The kids fell asleep before my parents got home. So did Sam. There was no way I could. I cried like a baby when I saw them. They kissed and hugged the kids even though they were sleeping. My mom couldn't help it, she woke a sleeping baby. Conner didn't mind. I didn't get pictures of the reunion...probably because I was too busy being emotional.

We rested for a few days (for those of you who have experienced that kind of time change you know why) and helped my mom as she was busy with the General Authorities. Then we were off to Durham by train. My mom had planned everything so carefully. She even went to the train station prior to us coming to make sure she could navigate around so that we would have a relaxing time. She packed us a delicious lunch.

My cousin, Paige, is living in Durham and getting her doctorate degree. She was our tour guide. Amazing. This is an open market where I was busy trying to find something to protect Conner from the rain. Everyone in England has this perfect plastic cover that goes over their strollers. Of course I couldn't find one...apparently you have to order them (England is so different from America in so many ways). That's okay though because I found an XL rain poncho and as you will see in pictures to come...it worked perfect.

I took a lot of pictures like this because I was the last one of the bunch. We are entering a castle.

These are the steps to the watch tower of the Durham Cathedral.

370 some steps...quite the workout. Kinsee was scared out of her mind the whole time.

The view from the top of the watchtower.

Kinsee still freaking out. It was pretty high!

Sam at the top.

Tunnel in the cathedral.

Paige and Kinsee looking at a garlic plant.

Here is a picture of the rain poncho over Conner's stroller. He was warm and cozy and dry. Seems like a simple thing, but it sure made me feel better.

Such beautiful scenery everywhere.

So much history...buildings that were anywhere from 100-1000 years old.

Is is Robin Hood?

The kids sitting on a throne of gargoyles.

My mom sent us in this amazing bead shop. Kinsee and I could have stayed there forever!

My grandma had a hard time on this day so we decided to go to the train station and rest until our train came. It turns out that my grandma had a small stroke. She had to stay in England longer than planned, but she is home now and recovering well.

My dad loved to hug the kids.

Another old church. Beautiful.

It is a big deal to be buried by the church you are a member of in England. This is a grave site. The more money you have, the closer to the church you can be buried.

By the time we got home from our walk to that old church, the boys were out.

My dad has a bulletin board of all the missionaries in his home office. Of course, we all searched for Elder Shumway.

We got to have our picture taken with Brother and Sister Oakes before they left. They were so kind. It was nice to meet them.

I thought this sign was funny. It means there are no "rubbage bins" (garbages) and you have to take your trash with you.

Most of the houses in England do not have number addresses. Just names. Interesting finding your way around.

My mom fixed Kinsee an amazing birthday breakfast. These were hot chocolate sticks that you put in warm milk.

Pancakes with the kids initials.

I think Sammy was in heaven...I'm not sure what the look is.

Here is a random picture of one of the rooms in their house.

My mom and Conner at the Royal Armory.

We got to see a sword fight.

That night we had Kinsee's birthday party.

My mom had these presents that you pulled apart and a firecracker went off. They were a huge hit!!

This was this kids practicing their song for Kinsee's baptism.

The day of her baptism we visited The Harewood House. It is a manor owned by a Lord of England. It was breathtaking. Sam and I toured the house while my mom took the kids to the bird garden and park in the back.

Mikinsee fell asleep on her way to the baptism.

They didn't have a white suit big enough for Sam. i actually had a hard time looking at him without laughing. Too bad you can't get the full effect with this picture.

The baptism was so special. The church and font were so beautiful. The small chapel was full of people who love my parents and came to support Mikinsee. She was so kind to everyone.

Sam and Kinsee.

My mom and Kinsee. My dad is not in any pictures because he was not able to attend. This is the day my grandma had her stroke and he had no choice but to take her to the hospital. It broke all of our hearts, but we just got through it.

My parents needed to be with my grandma the morning after the baptism so we were brave and took the car. It was fun. We ate breakfast at McDonalds. I though this picture was interesting because they don't offer these things on the menu in America.

It was yummy!

We used our navigation system and found our way to a shopping center (driving is crazy!!). Daniel got the rugby ball he had wanted the whole trip so he was happy.

That afternoon we went to the ruins of an old abby. Again...it was so beautiful.

Kinsee almost got close enough to touch the little lambs.

The abby ruins.

They had this river you could cross. daniel started running and then Kinsee started running to keep up. She fell in twice.

You can't really tell how wet she got. She was trying to get back to the river bank without falling again.

I had one of those bad parenting moments when I made it all worse by getting mad. "Why did you think you should run across the river?" --I was worried about her being wet because it was pretty cold. She was a trooper.

More pictures of the abby.

This was what was left of one of the walls.

Baby Conner being a good boy.

Sam...driving. He did pretty good overall. A few close calls, but we are all still alive.

This was one of my favorite days. We went to York. We were walking a wall that was built in the 1500's and guarded the city from the Scottish.

Sam lifted the kids down into this field at one point.

This was a watch tower.

The kids loved this. It was a time machine that took you to a viking village.

This guy was actually using the potty. Nice, eh?

This was a restaurant in York where we ate fish-n-chips.

Delicious...except for the "mushy peas" (that's what they call them).

I couldn't get over this crooked building.

You wound your way down this street and then all of a sudden it opens up to the most beautiful site...

The York Minster.

That was our final day. That night (Friday) at midnight Sam drove us to London. We got on the airplane around 7:00 a.m. and arrived safe and sound in Cheyenne on Saturday evening. We were so exhausted. I cried when we left the mission home. Sometimes you just have to cry. I appreciate my mom so much for all of the time and love she put into our trip. I love my parents so much...like I said...there really aren't words to describe this experience. Thanks for letting me share.

Mikinsee's 8th Birthday!!

2009-05-06T14:36:00.014-06:00

Mikinsee is really 8 years old. I can't believe it. I am proud of her for being such a good girl. She planned her party (she had it scheduled with new activities every half hour).
Because I am the world's worst blogger I have once again managed to put the pictures in random order...the party was a "fashion party"---this is a picture of Mikinsee and her friend all dressed up toward the end of the party. Each girl took home a picture in a frame that they made at the beginning of the party. They took serious pictures and goofy pictures like the one above.

This is Kinsee and Conner (he is quite the big boy....I love to kiss his chubby cheeks).

Another "friend" picture ...this is one of Kinsee's very best friends..Raegan.

This is after the fashion show...Kinsee set up a fashion store in the bonus room. I wish I would have taken pictures of the room. She had everything set up in different areas of the room...purses in one corner, shoes, scarves, jewlery, dresses...etc. The girls had a ball dressing up. I loved some of the outfits they came up with.

Mkinsee loved her party!

Here are all of the crazy girls posing for a picture.

This is a picture of the girls looking up at one of the girls as she debuts her costume and models down the stairs.

This is before they dressed up...Kinsee divided them into groups. This is the nail painting group.

Dad even helped paint nails...what a trooper!

This is a group of girls putting on make-up. ( I was very brave--all these girls painting nails and putting make-up on...no major messes though). This was so fun. I can't find the pictures of her cake-it was a purse. :)
Happy Birthday to Mikinsee!
I will post more soon. I have pictures of her baptism in England.

Conner's thumb sucking, Sammy's birthday, and a much needed family get away

2009-01-22T13:53:00.021-07:00

Conner is such a patient, sweet boy. When he is hungry he will start to fuss a little and lately (without really meaning to) I find myself trying to stretch out time between feedings because life is so busy...I'll think to myself...okay, I will hurry and finish (whatever project i am working on-cleaning, cooking, folding a batch of laundry, relief society stuff, helping sammy with something, practicing the piano...etc.) and then miraculously Conner becomes silent. When I go to check on him this is what I see-

Poor boy- he has found his thumb because his mom won't feed him.

Now I have experience with pacifiers..I know you can take them away. But thumbs?

I have heard nightmare stories about thumb sucking...so I am working on getting him to take his pacifier again. Luckily he is very go with the flow about things.

But I still think it is pretty darn cute.

Sammy's Birthday!

He is officially three years old.

He got a big barn and shovel. He loves it!

Family Get Away
The kids didn't have school on Monday so we decided to head to Ft. Collins for an overnight trip. We had a lot of fun.

All of us in the hotel room. The kids think staying in a hotel is the best thing ever.

Maybe because it's an all access pass to the swimming pool.

Sammy preferred the hot tub...when he sat down in it he goes, "This is genius!"

Sam swimming with the kids. I was holding Conner who decided to cry about 5 minutes after I started swimming...get out of pool...get dry...and hold Conner the rest of the evening.

Sammy thought his bed should be in the wardrobe. Fine with us since he has a never ending cough. I didn't get pictures...but the kids loved the free breakfast in the morning (the waffles were delicious) and then we went shopping and miniature golfing. Fun times.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-14T18:41:00.024-07:00

McKenna and Mikinsee wearing their Christmas dresses...you two are beautiful!

I made them go out in the freezing cold for this picture...they were good sports!
Back inside....much better.
Baby Conner right after our family pictures....we tired him out.
Kinsee and mom.
All four kids...Conner wake up!
The boys...
It is impossible to get a get a family picture where everyone is smiling...Conner quit crying and Sammy-what are you doing?!
Okay, Sammy, now you are smiling...but that's too big...just a normal smile

In between pictures...seriously?!!! Can't we just get this done?!
Somebody get Daniels glasses...Sammy is beating him up again.
That's better. Now everyone stay put!

Does it have to be so hard?!

Conner's Blessing Day

2008-12-12T15:18:00.014-07:00

This is right after Conner's blessing...what are they up to?

Of course...they are getting a balloon from the ceiling.

Halloween Pics (again...better late than never)

2008-12-12T14:36:00.013-07:00

Em, you wanted to see these. We went to a Halloween Murder Mystery Party. Sam was suppose to dress up as a special effects artist.

I was suppose to dress like the lady from the Adam's family...I'm in the back (the short one).

Kinsee and Conner right before the Halloween Stake Party.

Casidee and Grant at the Halloween Stake Party.

I wanted to post Sam and P.J. and their facial decals....they wanted to scare kids at the Halloween party I guess.

The kids before the pary. Yes, Sammy is a shower (the balloons are suppose to be bubbles).

Here is a closer look.

Mikinsee was a witch.

Daniel was Indiana Jones (I had to make him dress up--he doesn't like Halloween).

Here is our baby boy.

Baby Conner arrives!!

2008-10-27T09:46:00.000-06:00

Here is my room...all ready for a new baby.

A lot of things were going through my mind at this point...probably the main thing was "Let's get this over with!"

And about 2 1/2 hours later, at 10:41 a.m., he arrived. He is such a blessing. Thanks for all your prayers...I know that is why everything went so well.

More hospital pics...

2008-10-27T09:32:00.000-06:00

Cassidee and Stephanie came to see the baby...

Susan and Codee were there through the whole thing. Codee was a trooper-she didn't get grossed out at all. And Susan was amazing as always...telling me to breath through the pain and assuring me that I really could do it!

All of this work tuckered Sammy out. He loves his baby brother...and so far isn't showing any signs of jealousy. Did I just jinx myself?

Thank you, Emily!!!

2008-10-25T18:51:00.000-06:00

My sister did this...

so I could do this.

Words can't describe how grateful I am for my sister. She flew in a couple of days before our new baby arrived. She cooked and cleaned and played with the kids. She ran the kids to their various activities. Then when Conner and I got home from the hospital she took care of us both. She changed more messy diapers than I can count. She held Conner when Sammy needed my attention. I don't really know how I'll do it without her. Thank you, Emily, for missing work and flying out here to help me. Thank you....thank you....thank you.

New Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-15T15:29:00.000-06:00

Our new baby boy will be coming to join our family Friday, October 17! We have yet to pick a name so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Keep us in your prayers and we will post pictures of the boy soon!

Kinsee's 7th Birthday Party

2008-05-27T16:39:00.000-06:00

I know her birthday was in April, but better late than never I guess. She had a webkinz party. We had games set up to win kinz-cash and a store to buy prizes with the money they won.

This is one of Kinsee's best friends...Raegan.

Pinata fun. Notice we had to do it inside the garage because it was too freezing outside!

More friends and fun presents.

More party pics...

2008-05-27T16:35:00.000-06:00

The lion cake...it all had to be animals.

Sam drew these for Kinsee and her friends...kind of like pin the tail on the donkey

...I think the bandaid was suppose to be on bear (Sammy probably switched them around) and the ice pack was suppose to be on the frog who has an unfortunate bump on his head

Kinsee got a new webkinz from Daniel

Happy Birthday, Luke!!!

2008-03-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to get to go to Luke's birthday party!
He is such a great kid.

Pinata fun!

Natalie enjoyed the cake---so cute!

BBQ at St. George

2008-03-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Jaxon decided to climb this wall.

I thought this was a cool picture---what a handsome boy!

Cute girls ---it was so fun to see them for the first time.

Daniel, Kinsee, and Luke---so fun to play with cousins!

St. George

2008-03-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in St. George. We were able to hang out with my so many of our extended family. I will post more pictures soon. We got to go to Luke's birthday party and hang out with Jerry and Christin and the girls, too.

Daniel and Sammy at the miniature golf course.

Benny and Sammy at the same golf course.

So fun to see everyone!

Out of Control!!!

2008-02-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'm doing this for those of you who know how much I love my house to be clean. Did a tornado hit...EVERY ROOM?
It was clean on Sunday when we went to bed. That's all I know.

Yep, that's my room. Nice.

I'm not sure where to start with this one.

When the trash is full...you don't empty it. No way. You start piling trash on the counter.
What have I been thinking all these years?

Poor baby

2008-02-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sammy fell and got a bloody nose.

Kind of gross (sorry) - he was tough though.

This picture makes me laugh and feel sorry for him at the same time.

So funny...

2008-02-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Maybe you had to be there, but at the time it was hilarious. We were sitting in the living room when Kinsee came down a few steps in her batllet suit...then Kenna came down in gymnastics suit....and then...

Sammy rounded the corner half naked (no diaper)...he had tried to put on a ballet suit like the girls,
but it wasn't working out so well for him.

And Daniel??? We are not sure what he was doing.

Only in Wyoming

2008-02-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

It was such a beautiful day that the kids were outside without jackets...even with all the snow on the ground.

They spent most of the afternoon outside---so much fun since we've been cooped up in the freezing cold!

Random Pictures

2008-01-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

This picture does not mean anything unless you know Joe Shumway. Joe is the master dishwasher loader (doesn't waste a bit of space anywhere) and Sam seems to think that he is taking after his father. The funny thing is I didn't take this picture...Sam took it one night when I was gone. Was he trying to show off a master piece or just prove that he does load the dishwasher once in a while?

I thought this was kind of a cool picture of Kinsee, Kenna, and friends. I'm trying to learn how to focus one thing in the picture and make the rest more blurry. Hmmm...I definately need practice.

Here is my boy hanging out in his carseat. I am feeling guilty for not posting more of my other kids. I guess there are just more opportunities to take pictures of Sammy since I'm home with him and the kids are in school.

I watched as Sammy laid out the blanket (actually the plastic table cloth I had used at enrichment the night before) and prepared the "baby" for a diaper change. He was getting ready to wipe his bum and he said," Ooo, sgusting" (disgusting). :)

Our Trip to Laramie

2008-01-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

The kids love to slide down the stairs in the sleeping bag

Here they are in motion

Grandma is so patient with Sammy as he jumps into her a thousand times

He really could do this all day

Our Trip to Laramie

2008-01-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

We ate a delicious dinner (thank you, Grandpa) and then off to an awesome FHE by Grandma

Grandma was pointing out that we have real bodies unlike the stuffed animals--the kids loved it

They listened intently

Afterward, we all just hung out.

Happy 2nd Birthday Sammy!

2008-01-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

I had lots of help with his cake...thanks guys!!!

Playing with friends and cousins

2008-01-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

Dress up is a favorite at our house...

So is the big tub :)

Sammy and Kenna were playing so cute (Sammy might need a diaper change, eh?)

The kid is crazy ( I blame it on Sam)

Silly Sammy

2008-01-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Sammy said to me, "bye mom...going shopping."
I told him I had to get his picture first.

I don't know if you can tell, but the guitar is covering his important parts :)

He always makes his funny sound when he strums...it's like brm, brm, brm and he gets a really serious face

He can turn a hard day into laughs and smiles...

Sweet Cousins

2008-01-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky that our cousins have moved to Cheyenne.

Grant is such a cute boy!

McKenna is so good to Sammy. A cute story...John's family sat across from us at church last Sunday and when Sammy realized that McKenna was there, he headed toward McKenna saying "Kenna, Kenna." She met him in the aisle and they hugged.

Daniel's first basketball game of the season.

2008-01-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

He is in the black uniform #6.

He did have a sweet pass during the game...no buckets yet.

Time out maybe? Not sure.

If you look closely you can see Sam, John, and Marcella :)

Post game pictures.

2008-01-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here is our cousin and nephew, Grant.

Of course, Sammy wants in on the action.

Here McKenna is watching Uncle Sam hang Sammy from the hoop.

She wanted to try it out.

The boy loves drums...

2008-01-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Sammy loves to drum so much.

The other day I was putting my make-up on and
Sammy ran by me and into my closet with the drumsticks....
this is what I found when I peeked in.

Just some pictures of the kids

2008-01-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

I had to post this one of Daniel because it is one
of the few where he looks half way normal...he
is not photogenic at all :)

Sammy loves me to take his picture...

Kinsee is good at making sad faces

Another snap shot of Sammy. I was actually going to post some pictures of John and Marcella's baby, Grant. He is soooo cute. But my new camera it too complicated and I can't get the pictures on the computer. Help, Sam (big Sam that is!!! I know I need to get online and watch the tutorials). Maybe I'll figure this out sometime and then everyone can see some cute pictures of my nephew.

Painting and Legos

2008-01-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Sammy and Kinsee got a painting kit from Santa.

Daniel made this lego airport...I don't know if you
can tell that the whole thing is made of legos.

Family Rockband

2008-01-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

Susan was really good!

I'm kind of addicted. When the kids are in bed
for the night, I make Sam and Kevin play with
me.

How can grandpa sleep with all this noise?

Drums, drums, and more drums...

2008-01-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sam got these electric drums for Christmas. I like
them because they have an earphone option.

Sammy loves to "play" the drums on Rockband.
We have to unplug the controller and let him have
a turn about every other song.

Shumway Snow Adventures

2007-12-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

Daniel was determined to make it all the way down on his feet.

He tried so many times and then....

He did it!!!

The very next try he fell and hit his face pretty hard!

More sledding fun...

2007-12-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the aquarium

2007-10-03T14:47:00.000-06:00

We went to the aquarium in Denver. It was a fun family day.

We got to feed and pet sting rays.

Outside the aqaurium they had a huge bubble tent.

More sting rays.

Mikinsee Ann

2007-10-03T14:42:00.000-06:00

Finally I am posting a picture of Kinsee with her broken arm.

Kinsee was in heaven with Uncle P.J. and Aunt Steph's kitten.

My sad girl...she wasn't feeling well, but if she tilted her head like that
she felt a little better (that's what she told us)

Mikinsee is the middle pink girl doing her ballet dance at a community event.

Something's not right here....

2007-10-03T14:35:00.000-06:00

Sammy loves to wear girl shoes...whether they are mine or Kinsee's

or really any pair of girl shoes

This time he came out of Daniel's room wearing Daniel's clothes.
I helped him roll up the pants and then he was good to go.

Back to the girl thing....

Kinsee's crocks...hmmm

Daniel's Baptism

2007-10-03T14:26:00.000-06:00

Sam baptized Daniel on September 30, 2007. Sam also baptized one of Daniel's best friends, Dartanian.
They wanted to be baptized together and it was a wonderful, memorable evening.

Here are some pictures right after the boys were baptized.