The Gemmell Gems

found

2011-12-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

Just found these pictures of Cole, it was the day after Halloween, he was sorting his candy ....again(with moms help). Cole loves his candy!!!

cole

2011-10-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

He is obsessed with "Cars" toys

Fell asleep while doing puzzles with dad

Couldn't choose which flavor he wanted... so he had both

"Mom, look at me I have 2 of the babies binkies in my mouth"

His great smile. We are so blessed to have this boy in our family, he keeps us on our toes.

October

2011-10-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Cole the Pirate at our ward Halloween party

Little miss Saige the Ladybug, cuddled up next to dad...with a beard?!?

Hunter the Star War Jedi...with spiderman face(face painting booth)

Craving pumpkins our family night activity.

Hunter scooping the gunck out.

Cole wanted NOTHING to do with the gunck

Finished product

COLE

2011-10-03T10:59:00.001-07:00

Fell asleep in the middle of the living room floor.

Only eats the M&Ms

Our batman witch

Warning....

2011-10-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hunter had a bad crash on his bike this week. He made a turn to sharp and went face first to the road. Here is the warning...the pictures are pretty gross. He missed 3 days of school. He was to weak from not eating and embarrassed that he looked scary.

He would NOT let us take a picture of him so we did it while he was asleep...this was an hour after the crash.

Knocked 3 teeth loose and a huge swollen lip....so sad.

day 2 of healing....finally ate a banana and watermelon....so his spirits were up.

Day 6, ready to head back to school.... front teeth haven't fallen out yet.

Balboa Park

2011-09-07T20:16:00.001-07:00

Our family outing last week was to Balboa Park in San Diego. These kind of outings make my heart swell with joy because we are all together and our love grows as a family. It's a small glimpse of heaven...in my opinion.

Ticket in hand waiting for our turn on the train.

"All aboard"

The fountains are a blast to play in...the boys were wet from head to toe!

Hunter really thought this tree was cool...he wished he could climb it.

Gemmell Family Campout

2011-09-07T20:01:00.001-07:00

We went camping over Labor Day weekend up at Mataguay Boy Scout Camp. It was a Gemmell family outing...those who came were Brian, Lyndsey, Jack, Elliott, Scarlet, Keith, Shannon, Camden, Matt, Alec, Becky, Eric, Tami, Hunter, Cole and Saige. We had such a good time we want to do it again next month...at a different location:)

Hunter at the entrance of the Mataguay Ranch

Our campsite

There was a lot of dirt there and Cole collected most of it on himself.

He took those 2 cars every where we went...they had a good time too.

Doritos always taste better while camping.

The 2 campers...notice Cole is missing a shoe, he was tired of all the dirt is his shoe so he went barefoot.

The Master scout...he set up everything and took everything down. I love that man!!!

summer fun

2011-08-22T12:25:00.001-07:00

Cousin Ryan & Abby are fun to make up plays with.

Cousin Ryan & Abby are fun to climb trees with.

grandpa and hunter heading down the water slide

We love having family in town...we can do so many fun things!

cole

2011-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

He calls her "my baby" and is so sweet when he holds her. I love this picture and how they are both gazing into each others eyes.

While my mom was here he was obsessed with getting her reading glasses out and wearing them. Now since she is gone he found Mr. potato glasses and wearing them while working on the computer , just like grandma would do.

First school bus ride

2011-08-22T12:08:00.001-07:00

Cole was VERY sad (screaming & crying) that his brother got on the bus without him.

Hunter and Matthew(our neighbor) ready to go ride the bus

Walking up to the bus stop

waiting for the bus just outside our neighborhood

These boys had no fear of getting on the bus....they were like "see ya"

kindergarten

2011-08-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

He was SO excited to find his desk with his name and all the papers.

Mission Meadows Elementary School(couldn't fit it all in the pic)

pulling a Hunter

Checking his fly

I just can't believe Hunter is in school. A few months ago he would get upset when we mentioned him starting school, he did NOT want to go. He said he would miss us. Well time is a good thing...he changed his mind about a month ago that he was excited to go and a few week ago started counting down the days. He is really enjoying going to school and the best part is his good friend our neighbor is in his same class. So here's to a good year of learning and growing for HUNTER!!!

3 weeks old

2011-08-17T19:28:00.001-07:00

My friend in the ward wanted to come met Saige and I needed some adult conversation. While she was there she pull out her camera and took some wonderful photos of us. It makes me want to have a better camera so I can take such good quality shots of our kids in our everyday life. Thank you Jessica!!!!

Hawaii.....long overdue

2011-08-10T10:09:00.001-07:00

Snorkling at Hanauma Bay.

Getting ready to go out in the water to snorkel.

Our amazing dinner at Cheesecake Factory.

Looking down onto Hanauma Bay....not so cute pregnant lady.

Our luau dinner at the PCC(polynesian cultural center)

We took ukulele lessons from the missionaries at the PCC.

The beautiful sunset on the North Shore

Dole Plantation

Eating lunch at our resort.

Laie Temple.....heaven on earth minus the guy in the road :)

Saige Marie Gemmell

2011-08-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Born 7/20/2011 @ 12:48 weighed 9lbs 1oz, 19 1/2 inches long, lots of black hair and as cute as could be.

Back tracking

2011-06-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

The boys coloring together

Buddies eatin' bananas

A must have at Disneyland for this 2 yr old

BUZZ!!!

Hardy cousin's in St. George

My boys and one of many silly faces they make.

Random happenings & thoughts

2011-04-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

-today while I was showering Hunter came in and informed me that he had picked out my outfit for the day and even had my underwear and bathing suit (bra) ready. He said "Mom, you'll look so cute in it!" What a sweetheart.

-then while in my bathroom getting ready, Cole came in whining and wanting me to hold him...Hunter came in and said "Cole come with me let mommy get ready" he took him by the hand to his bedroom and starting playing with the car garage...Cole was instantly happy. I hope this kindness and love continues:)

- Hunter didn't want to go to Joyschool this morning... he said "Mom I will sure miss you is why I just can't go"

- My house is a total mess and I have NO desire to clean it. but I have my parents coming for the week SO I need to.

-We leave for Hawaii on Sunday.....beyond excited!!!! it will be the first time there for the both of us. Our 3rd honeymoon!

outside fun

2011-03-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

We have a hill in our neighborhood that the boys like to ride their bikes down. Hunter is the fastest kid going down the hill and to be honest Cole is not to far behind.

Hunter and one of his cute poses!

Hunter on his scooter flying past me.

Cole on his tricycle...still trying to learn how to peddle, but for know his feet pushing on the ground works for him.

Popsicle day...in the laundry basket:)

Cole cruising on his motorcycle

think pink

2011-02-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

My heart was beating like crazy. Tears were welling up in my eyes, I wasn't sure what she was going to tell us. She put the jelly stuff on my belly and began the sonogram...she wasn't saying much, they never do. She then said "is this your first?" no...my third...she then said "what do you have?" 2 boys...."well it's a GIRL!" My heart went faster and tears were running down my face...I couldn't believe what I heard....but I loved what I heard...a GIRL!!! We are beyond excited to have a little girl and the boys are SO excited to have a sister. So now off to find a good name for this little princess!!! She will be arriving July 22, 2011

5 years old

2011-02-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hunter got to spend his 5th birthday at Disneyland a 3 day birthday trip. Everyday he would say I'm so happy this is so much fun!!!

The Mickey Mouse outside of the Disneyland Hotel where we stay for 2 nights...notice Cole wouldn't take his eyes off Mickey, he LOVES mickey.

World of Color at California Adventure we had a great spot to view the spectacular show.

Panoramic view from Eric's phone

Hunter is SO brave he loves the tower of terror

His birthday button from Disneyland...all the employee's would say "Happy Birthday Buddy" Hunter thought that was awesome to have all the attention.

On the huge Mickey Ferris wheel...we made it to the top and Hunter got scared and laid underneath the seat.

Silly Hunter at his best.

Once again Cole not taking his eyes off his favorite Disney character...Buzz Light Year...We think he pointed out every Buzz thing he could see that day. He would point then say "To infinity and beyond!"

Hunter loves to drive the cars

IN toontown Goofy played with the boys while they were in the jail.

Goofy keep following Cole around a repeating whatever Cole would do it was so funny and Cole was giggling the whole time.

Dumbo ride at night....FUN!!

Sittin in one of Mickey's chairs in his house

We had a blast on our family trip. Now, Hunter thinks we need to visit Disneyland on a weekly basis.
We loved that Grandma and Grandpa Francis got to join us on the last day!!

SNOW

2011-01-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hunter and Abby in the Big snow cave Eric built at Corey's house.

Eric, Cole and Abby getting ready to go down the sledding hill...Cole loved it so much he went down 3 times, but on the third time he got lots of snow in his face and was ready to go in. It was 10 degrees outside that day.

Cole in all his snow gear to go outside and play in the snow for his first time.

Hunter climbing in the snow cave Eric built.

Shelly's view from her front porch.

Eric taking Cole down the sledding hill behind Corey and Anna's house.

2010 Christmas in Utah

2011-01-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hunter wanted a Luke Skywalker costume and thanks to G&G Francis he got one.
Cute boys

Santa brought Hunter the skateboard that he asked for.

Christmas Eve

Getting ready for bed so Santa could come.

Saying goodnight to dad on Christmas Eve.

christmas lights, fishtank, leaves

2010-12-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

Bates Nut Farm

2010-11-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

silly faces

dusty shot of us in the distance

pumpkin as big as him

We always have a great time visiting Bates Nut farm during Halloween season. We went this year with our good friends the Elton...hence the awesome pictures...thanks to Christina.

Lemon Stand

2010-11-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

(Cole trying to pour himself a cup)

Hunter asked this morning if he could do a "Lemon Stand" today. So I confirmed with him to make sure I understood that he wanted a "lemonade Stand." Yes that is what he wanted to do. So we made the lemonade, found cups, made a sign and brought his table and chair out to the curb and he was ready to go. I did warn him before hand that NO one drives down our street during the day... it's very secluded. But he was determined that some one would come by. So there we were ready to give out Lemonade. Hunter insisted that his lemonade was "free".

Well, with in the first minute our neighbor opened his garage to get in his car and Hunter shouted "do you want some Lemonade" Being the nice man that he is he came over and bought 2 cups and paid him a dollar. Then Eric was leaving for work and bought a cup also. Being a great dad he drove back around the block and bought another one... Hunter thought that was awesome that dad came back...the lemonade must of been good. So Hunter got to pour 4 cups of lemonade and made $1.78. He was happy!

Halloween

2010-11-01T14:05:00.001-07:00

At our ward Halloween party Eric was part of the "Sponge Bath" booth. Hunter got dad a few times with the wet sponges....Cole was laughing while watching.

Cole as a Skeleton....and of course carrying woody

Indiana Jones....every one kept telling Hunter how awesome he looked.

boo boo

2010-11-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Cole our climber....fell!

Hunter

2010-11-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

I found this costume at the second hand store for $5...so it's the start of the costume/dress up box.

Self photo...I find pictures like this all the time on my camera. I think photography is one of his hobbies.
Hunter loves to bake...if I let him he would be making cookies every day. So every time we are at the grocery store he stocks up on our chocolate chips for our cookie making days.

Camping

2010-10-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

We camped at the Mataguay Boy Scout Ranch over Labor Day. It was a families weekend at the ranch. We got to swim, shot bow & arrows, do crafts, fish, canoe, hike and cook out of the dutch oven. The boys had a great time running around in the forrest. Hunter had a lot of fun playing games with the other kids. It might become our family tradition. Early morning fishing. Mom was the only one who caught a fish.
Huge slice of watermelon while camping...is the best!

Cole cruising down the campground road own our way to do crafts.

Dad and Hunter fishing from the boat.

Hunter climbing the tree next to our tent.

boys

2010-10-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

My mother in law captured these wonderful shots of our boys. It's amazing how their personality is shown in each picture. Hunter is a ball of energy and loves to ham it up. Then Cole with his big brown eyes is content with just being there...laid back.

Finally...

2010-08-31T13:29:00.001-07:00

I am able to download our photos from our summer. It has been a good one. So here you go in no particular order....our summer!!!

While in Park City, Hunter and I went on a date to the Park City Mountain Resort where we rode the coaster and the alpine side...he keep saying "this is the best date ever!"

Hunter and Abby did several fashion shows for us.

Shelly and I took the kids fishing up at a lake near the Scharman cabin outside of Oakley, Ut.Hunter preferred playing in the rocks.

I took the boys on a drive up guardmans pass, which in all the years I lived in Park City I had never done. So I thought it was about time on a beautiful PC morning to drive to the top. It was really windy. Cole wasn't to happy about the wind.

We went to Seaworld with the Hofmann cousins. Holly, Tate, Summer and Hunter were brave and went on the rapids ride 4 times...the were drenched to the bone...but had a blast!!!

Hunter really loved having the cousins at our house.

Chloe, Tess and Cole hiding under the slide.

Disneyland with Mickey

We always get this shot...it was Cole's turn to try.

This one is another shot to get...Hunter busting out of jail in toontown.

Hunter at the highest point at Tom Swayer Island

The Jungle Cruise. Eric says when he retires this is where he wants to work at Disneyland...so he can say stupid jokes.

waiting in line for the Buzz lightyear ride. I think this ride sparked Cole's love for Buzz...he is obessed with him and carries him where ever he goes.

Cousin Bodie came for a visit

Sister Raz one of my mission companions from Madagascar came for a visit with her family.
They wanted to see the sites of San Diego.

Our 2 babies

We took them down to the Oceanside Pier.

A typically family shot with Hunter protesting.

We took them down to Seaport Village and walked to the Midway.

Me and my Sisi Raz

Fourth of July

Scottish Highland Games

There is a kid area at the games where they can build castles and do all of the highland game...like the caber toss

Our life is full of joy thanks to our wonderful family and friends to spend it with...and ofcourse the great place in which we live.

the 4 of us

2010-07-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

cake

2010-06-10T17:06:00.001-07:00

Cole my 1 year old

2010-06-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our baby Cole turned 1 yesterday. we had a fun little party with family and friends. He had a fun time sticking his finger in the cake one lick at a time. more photos to come...

Brothers

2010-06-05T12:27:00.001-07:00

Hunter really enjoys playing the Wii and Cole loves to sit right by him but insist he has his own set of Wii remotes. It so funny. The other day Cole fell asleep in the living room and he was holding a Wii remote, He and had a very tight grip, I had to pry it out of his hands. Hunter wanted to wear his cowboy boots to church and so he did.

fresh

2010-06-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Right down the street from our house is a local fruit stand. I love that I can get fresh fruit year round. While I was there I went to pay for my items and only had $9 cash but the total was $11 I went to take back the rasberries and he said don't worry I take the $9. So grateful for nice people.

Father & Son Campout

2010-06-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Eric and Hunter loaded up all the gear they needed for the overnight camp and headed out the door. The hiked from our house to the campsite. It was at one of the ward members 5 acre lot. Which is a 2 minute walk from our house. It's a beautiful piece of property and has lots of trees, cabanas, grass...perfect for camping. They had a great time and want to do it again soon.

mud caves

2010-06-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

The HUGE steep hill we had to descend once we were out of the cave at the very top of the mountain. Hunter and I slide the whole way down on our bums. Eric was super hero and ran down it.

The whole gang the braved climbing in the hidden cave. It was really intense at one point you have to crawl on your elbows and drag the rest of your body along a 20 foot narrow corridor of dust.

Hunter and I waiting our turn to ascend the 15 foot rope that takes you to the higher level of the cave. Look how dirty we are.

Eric was our groups guide. Handsome one!!

Hunter skateboarding in the desert

Cole was a great baby this trip.

Someone build this dinosaur skeleton out of rocks it was very cool.

Our camping trip was to Anza-Borego Desert, about a 2hour drive from our home. We camped there one night. We hiked the mud caves during the day. It was a fun little family trip with the YW & YM of our ward.

St George

2010-04-21T16:24:00.001-07:00

10 month stats

2010-04-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

*saying momma
*signs dog
*follows and tries to do everything Hunter does
*weighs 20lbs
*walks with holding something that moves
*Loves being in the garage
*Loves being outside
growing so fast!

backyard, craigslist

2010-03-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

This 2 items I just posted on craigslist to sale. It's my first time doing this so I'm a little nervous. But I hope they sale, we don't have the room for them, because we bought a new computer desk.

These are the beautiful flowers in bloom in our backyard. I love spring!

Jedi Hunter

2010-02-22T18:17:00.001-08:00

Hunter is obsessed with Star Wars. We play Jedi warriors a lot each day. We have had many light saber duels. I think we need to buy a belt so he doesn't use his shorts to hold his weapons.

8 month stats

2010-02-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

*he pulls himself up on everything
*smiles almost all the time
*laughs really loud while watching Hunter being silly
*just started enjoying eating baby food
*has his 4 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth showing
*HATES getting dressed
*loves to be naked
*loves to take showers/bath
*sleeps his best when in his crib, 1 feeding a night is his best night sleep
*trying to push things to walk
*enjoys watching Baby Einstein DVD
*since birth he hates his car seat...still does, but having a DVD player for him to watch baby Einsteins has helped
*wears size 3 shoes
*still has a very small head is in the 1%.
*we love him oh so very much.

Screwdriver

2010-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

I love the conversions I'm getting to have lately with Hunter. I need to write all of them down so we can look back and laugh together. Here is our conversion from this morning while scrolling back through old photos on the camera. We came to the pictures of Cole while still in the hospital when he was born.

Me: Hunter look how little Cole was when he was born.

Hunter: Mom, how was Cole borned?

Me: I went to the hospital and the doctors helped me get him out.

Hunter: did they use a screwdriver?

Me: (huge smile on my face) well, kinda...but they had to use hospital tools. (that's as far as I went, I think c-section details for a 4 year old can wait for later years)

I'm amazed and SO in love with our Hunter. I love how his mind is constantly trying to figure things out. He LOVES to use the screwdriver, he opens (or try) to open anything that has screws in it. When ever we need to change batteries on something he HAS to do it, because it needs a screwdriver.

Wii

2010-01-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

Tonight Eric is gone at a Boy Scout meeting in San Diego. So it was just me and the boys. We played with Cole until he was ready for bed, then I asked Hunter what he would like to do and that I would play whatever he wanted...monopoly, clue, candyland whatever...of course he choose to play the Wii. He choose the Indiana Jones Lego game, that I think he has mastered(because of Eric) Which is not my favorite. It's difficult for me, to many things to remember and buttons to push. So I played the Wii. I had to ask Hunter all the time what to do and how to do it, he was the leader and I just had to follow. Here is the best part; after we passed the second level, I was exhausted and ready to be done. Hunter put down his remotes came and stood right in front of me then gave me a HUGE hug and kiss and said "Mom you're very good at the Wii". Wow, that made my night, it was worth all the Wii minutes I put in, to receive that from my son. Oh Happy Day!!!

catch up

2010-01-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

We have had a busy last few weeks, from holiday parties, Christmas, a family trip to Big Bear, doctor appointments, visiting the dentist for the first time and new beginning's of the New Year. All of the above is my excuse for not posting in our blog. so here is my catch up post...

Hunter with his friend Issac...we made Knight armor so they could sword fight.

Gemmell boys up in Big Bear...with the awesome Snowman

Eric and Lyndsey build the snowman

Hunter had blast sledding and being in the snow

Grandma & Grandpa Francis came to our house for Christmas and of course we got them to play Beatles rock band, it was quite hilarious

Hunter and Cole got new bikes for Christmas

Christmas Eve in new PJ's

Our Tree

rock's...band

2009-12-08T16:02:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend at my parents house in St. George. We had our Thanksgiving meal on Saturday and everyone had a job to prepare a food item it turned out yummy. The weekend always goes by to fast but here are some photos I took while there. We hiked around up by the Dixie rock and enjoyed the warm weather. Hiking there is Hunter's favorite thing to do while in St. George, besides playing with cousins.

Our shadows, it was Eric, Hunter, Grandma and Tami. Grandpa got to stay home and play with Cole(thanks Dad)

Hunter showing how strong he is(with a little help from dad)

There are so many holes to climb in(when your hunters size)

Okay I climbed in one too. It brought back memories of my days at Dixie College we would climb down this hole all the time.

Sorry blurry...hunter in the crack

IN the house playing ROCK BAND Beatles

Brothers

2009-11-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

Cole fell asleep in his excerise saucer.
Happy boy in his highchair. Still hasn't eaten much food, not to interested but he enjoys the highchair to play with toys.

He has the best smile.

I love Hunter's eyes, he's making sure Cole is looking at me for the picture.

Cole in all his chunkiness.

Hunter's new name for Cole is Colee olee. It's cute coming from Hunter sweet little voice. So this post is for Cole. It's so show how much he has grown and continues to grow. It's going by way to fast for me.

Urgent Care

2009-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

We took Cole to Urgent Care last night, he had a fever of 102 and was miserable. I could tell he was fighting an ear infection. The doctor confirmed that I was right his left ear had a bad infection. We gave him the medicine at 8:30 pm and he slept til 7:15 this morning. He woke up happy and is now back in bed for his afternoon nap. I'm glad he is on the mends.

Halloween

2009-11-05T07:58:00.001-08:00

Eating an apple while counting his candy.
Trick or treating with our neighbors the Jensens, in our neighborhood.

ARRR!!

At uncle Tyler's fire station's Halloween party. It had a huge jumpy and 2 pinatas. Hunter got to swing at both and hit off the head of Frankenstein, he thought that was AWESOME!!

Climbing up the jumpy

Sweet JANE

Abby and Hunter pulling silly poses

We had a pretend Halloween at Eric and Jana's house for the kids. Emily and I would hide behind a door in the house and they would have to try and find us and when they did they got a treat. They kept saying"this is SO fun"!!

I love Hunter's arm around Abby. These 3 are best buddies!

pics with grandma

2009-10-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

We spent a morning with Grandma Gemmell taking fun photos of the boys. They did very well. Hunter was hamming it up. The both have great smiles...well Cole's is an open mouth smile.

october

2009-10-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

We catch Cole every once in a while sucking his thumb...it's so cute.
Halloween in our house...this picture is off center so it likes funny...but oh well.

My wall in the kitchen.

cupcakes

2009-09-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hunter saw a Dora cupcake online and he was set on making cupcakes today. So we did. He cracked all the eggs, stirred all the ingredients, put all the cupcake cups in the pans and assisted with me in putting the batter in each cup. He checked on them every 5 minutes while they were in the oven. He added the coloring to make the orange frosting and was so excited to decorate each cupcake. We did the first one...the"Dora" one and when we finished with her he looked at it and said "it doesn't look like her" and then he was done with the frosting thing...so I finished them up and this is what we have.

happy

2009-09-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

We got together with my cousin Krista and her family. It had been over 20 years since we last seen each other.
Cole chilling on the couch

Brothers

St. George

2009-09-08T14:55:00.001-07:00

Well we took a road trip up for the holiday weekend to St. George it was lots of fun being with family and enjoying the sites of the city.

Eric and Hunter on a hike on top of the beautiful red rocks in St. George
They found a arch

Hunter looking back down where he climbed up the "crack"

Hunter in the middle of the "Crack"

Hunter at the start of the hike...entering into the crack.

Bodie & Cole with grandma getting ready for baths.

Cousin Bodie eating Cole's hand. I love Cole's face.."what is he doing"

Cutie pies

Hunter loves mini golf..he got a hole in one!(St George Temple in background)

I could live there. I love it so much, but I would be husbandless if I did, so I will stay where I'm at... which I'm very happy with, it truly is home for us, but if I had a second choice of where to live it would be St. George. Utah

Cole's Blessing

2009-09-01T11:56:00.001-07:00

Hunter did NOT want to be in the pictures!
Sweet Cole

Kissable lips

The priesthood holders who were in the circle to bless Cole.

Everyone who was at the blessing

4 generations. My mother, me, Cole, my grandmoter

mini vacation

2009-09-01T11:42:00.001-07:00

We had a few days together minus hunter(he went to Utah with my parents) and we made the most of it. We got a great deal at a 4 star hotel in downtown San Diego and had a fun night of eating at the Old Spaghetti Factory, watching a padres game at Petco park on the big screen, shopping in gaslamp, sitting in the hot tub. It was great mini vacation. Eric and Cole at the "beach" in Petco Park

Cole visiting Eric at work.

Views from our hotel room...it was amazing!

My fruit

2009-08-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

I personally grew all of the fruit shown here. Some took longer then others...but I did it!!

rocking horse

2009-07-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

The doorbell rang and to our great surprise it was a huge UPS box. We dragged it into the house and begin to open. We first saw something red and then Hunter shouted "it's a horse." We put it together and hunter rode it all around the front room. A big Thanks to uncle Todd for our new fun toy.

Love it

2009-07-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

Kissable lips

Are we done yet?

Hunter's so proud to be a big brother

July 4th

2009-07-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my mother in law for taking such cute photos of our day. I wouldn't have many pictures of our family if it wasn't for her.

Cole is getting bigger.

God Bless America

Eric and Hunter had a fun time swimming and splashing in grandma's whale pool.

Beautiful blue eyes

Sunflower

2009-07-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hunter planted a sunflower a few months ago. It grow into one big beautiful sunflower. He did everything to take care of it. It was nearing it's end of life, so he picked the seeds out from the flower and planted it in the same pot. Then a few weeks later we saw another plant growing and now this is what we have. I think Hunter has a green thumb.

First's with Cole

2009-07-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hunter trying out the swing to make sure it will work for baby brother.

Warm and cozy after his first bath

Cole (2weeks) with cousin Bodie (3 months)

Hunter taking care of his brother

The boys

Daddy time with Cole. Cole loves his dad.

Introducing....

2009-06-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Cole Archibald Gemmell. Born June 9, 2009 at 9:23 am, weighing 8 lbs 6 oz, measuring 19 inches long and screaming with excitment that he was here. He loves to open his eyes and look right into yours, he loves to eat and loves his big brother Hunter.

Loves being a big brother

First time in car sit. waiting to be buckled

checking out at the hospital

All 4 of us together.

They had to use a tool (like a shoe horn) to help him out you can see the impression on his face it was gone after 1 day.

The boys

Hunter helping with changing Cole's diaper at the hospital.

Update...

2009-06-08T19:51:00.001-07:00

Well tomorrow is the day. We have a scheduled C-section for in the morning at 9. He just didn't want to come out on his own so we are going to help him out. I will post pictures and all the details later this week when we are back home.

Final countdown...

2009-06-04T11:02:00.001-07:00

As of today June 4th at 11:02 am, we still have no baby. We have had many signs of his coming...contractions, felling sick...the D word, GROUCHY, nesting, ...but still no baby. I know he will come soon and when he is ready, but as for me the mom, I've been ready for over a week. So right now would be a good time for him to come.
I'll keep you posted as soon as he decides to make himself present.

New Hutch

2009-05-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

We have a small cove in our kitchen and so I have been looking for a hutch to fill it. I was so excited when I found a RED one 50% off and it was the perfect size. It had to be mine. I ordered it without telling Eric until it arrived...bad girl I know. But he loves it too!!

IT looks perfect in our kitchen.

bEinG siLLy

2009-05-11T15:50:00.001-07:00

After I went to bed(which is early these days) My boys were having fun with the camera. To my fun surprise I found these pictures while loading the pictures of the bunk bed onto the computer. How fun these 2 are. Cutie pies!!!

Bunk bed

2009-05-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

We finally put up Hunter's bunk bed. After a lot of hard work(on Eric's part) with sanding and re-staining the wood we have a finished bed. It looks SO nice and it's fun to think of the fun sleep over's Hunter will have with a bunk bed to use with his cousins and friends.

found

2009-05-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

I finally found my camera wire to transfer my pictures. So here are some random pictures of our last few weeks in the new house.

Self picture
Big slippers

OUr new swiming pool, found on clearance for a few bucks.

Lego's we bought at a garage sale, his new favorite toy.

Living room after 2 weeks

Kitchen after 2 weeks

Kitchen on the first day

Living room, the first day we moved in.

Our House

2009-04-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

The front of the house

Well we did it. we took the plunge and bought our first home. We truly are so blessed to be is such a beautiful home and are so excited to raise our family here. So now that we have more space we can have visitors came for parties and just to hang out. We are in the process of painting the boys rooms. Hunter's is halfway done, it's going to be red and blue. He has even helped with the painting and is very good at staying in his area to paint. The baby's room will be a light green with a white bead board around the bottom half of the walls. I hope we get all our painting projects done before the baby comes. It's our goal.

I have more pictures but I'm not sure where the camera cords are packed so I will post more of the inside and our progression of making it our home.

Easter

2009-04-13T14:09:00.001-07:00

Hunter had so much fun finding the eggs the Easter bunny hid around the backyard.
Eric was near by making sure hunter didn't miss a single egg. Together they found 118 eggs.

The cousins after the hunt. They had their baskets full. Hunter filled his basket 4 times, we had to keep emptying it into a grocery bag so he could keep going.

I was putting on my make-up for church and Hunter helped himself to my lipstick, He even made himself a mustache.

Hunter feel asleep in the car, so we carried him to the house and laid him on the couch and he woke up to switch positions to a more comfortable one??!!...which was the arm rest of the couch with head in between couch and boxes.

Newport Beach

2009-04-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

We had a fun filled day up in Newport Beach, thanks to our fmaily coming down from Utah for their Spring Break. Anna's family had a home on Balboa Island for a week and we got to spend a day with them. Here a re a few pictures of our day together.

Looking in the water for fish.

Abby and Hunter playing in the sand, they have SO much fun together.

On the ferry boat, heading to the beach

Auntie Anna and Cousins playing tag with the water.

Hunter figured out how to roll his tongue into a taco...a "Francis" given talent.

3 year old...BOY!!!

2009-03-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hunter is in his impossible(for me) three's. He is just all over the place and never stops. He only wants it his way and he has to negotiate everything. Each day I go to bed exhausted.

We made popcorn together(his favorite thing to do) and I leave him for 1 minute and this is what happens. When he saw me he said" Mom, I'll clean it up" Yeah right

Being silly with cousin Abby.

I found him on the top of G&G's house pillars. Has to climb everything he can.

baby quilt

2009-03-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

I just finished the front side of my sister's baby quilt yesterday. She is due on March 12th so I better hurry to finish the rest. I loved the fabric so much I bought extra to make one for me.

Hope you like it Shelly? It's cutest in person...really it is!!

Potty Training Success!

2009-03-03T15:47:00.001-08:00

For the last 3 days Hunter has been in big boy underwear, because"we ran out of diapers." He has done SO well at using the toilet and we are so very proud of him. Today I had to get a little creative so that he would do #2 on the toilet. He was playing around with his soccer Easter basket and he put it on his head as a hat. I told him it would be funny if he would wear the soccer ball hat while going to the bathroom. He thought that was a great idea. It was a great detraction because we talked and laughed about his hat and then he did it ...went #2. He was so excited and it's all due to the cool hat.

28

2009-02-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Eric turned 28 yesterday. Hunter and I surprised him at work with subway sandwiches for lunch. Then Hunter and I made him a cake. We couldn't find any cake candles so we had to use the big white taper ones. Which was fun for Hunter. Eric and I are going out tonight to celebrate his birthday!

Candles in

Lighting

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Blowing out the candles

Growed

2009-02-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

Eric and Hunter had a Father/Son outing. They traveled over to Lowes to get a few things for Eric's smoke bomb fixin's and while there Hunter discovered a little plant that he could grow all by himself. So he brought it home planted the seeds and watered it once. He would look at it each day to see if it "growed" He started to notice the little sprouts and was so excited. Then we went away for a few days and when we came back they had "growed, lots and lots" Hunter is so proud of his plant...it's now big enough to move to a bigger pot outside.

Fun pics

2009-02-05T11:06:00.001-08:00

Caught on the counter again...he could've at least done the dishes.
Trampline helps with the lift off flight for superman.

Eric's red soccer socks are perfect for superman boots.

Brodie, Keith and Shannon's dog and Hunter's best friend. We love to take care of him when Keith and Shannon aren't home. Hunter askes each day..."should we go get Brodie"

Potty Training

2009-01-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hunter does so well when we are home and he is half naked. But it's being out and about that is impossible. Any advice? Help!

Hunter's 3rd Birthday

2009-01-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

Eric even tried the toys out.

We had a wonderful family party to celebrate Hunter's 3rd birthday. With my mom and dad here for the week we did it on the 18th so they could be here instead of waiting til his real birthday on the 26th. He got lots of fun gifts and after opening each one he thanked the person who gave it to him. We have had a fun week playing with all his new toys and reading his new books.

Boy

2009-01-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

We are so lucky to be having another BOY. Hunter will have a brother, buddy and best friend. The sonogram showed he was very healthy and right on track for growth. So now it's name deciding. That's the hard part.

Bike Across California

2009-01-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

We went out to the desert for 2 days to follow /watch some of our family on their biking track across California. They rode about 40+ miles a day. They rode from the Colorado river near Yuma, AZ to the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad, Ca. It was so fun camping out in the desert, you can see so many stars. It's nice and warm during the day but it sure got cold at night. We are proud of them and all their hard work and feel lucky we got to be with them a few days of their track. Mom shouting with Joy to see us

Kyle taking a drink from his water backpack

Watching mom ride right by us. Lots of cars on the road.

New favorite

2009-01-09T15:02:00.001-08:00

(Look at his form...professional)

We went with our friends Leland, Christina and Uncle Matt, Mini golfing. Hunter played so well he even got a hole in one. He would make his first shot and then run and get the ball and start over again and then would hit it in the hole. His favorite holes were the ones that go into the castle and come out in a different area. He thought that was amazing! He is such a good athlete. So now each day I'm asked "Can we go golfing today".

Christmas 08

2009-01-07T10:23:00.001-08:00

He just loves Tank so much. Tank is the best dog in the whole world he let's Hunter do what ever he wants, even ride him like a horse.

Cousin's Ryan and Abby. We love them!!

Santa brought Hunter a Buzz Lightyear for Christmas and he just loves it. He even sleeps with him. Which is not so comfy to roll on top of in the middle of the night.

Making our first Gingerbread house together. Hunter applied most of the candy and eat a lot too.

Snow

2009-01-07T09:37:00.001-08:00

Eric and Hunter built a snowman with a cave in the bottom. It took Eric about 6 hours to complete and the finished product was taller then him. Inside the cave Eric could sit up and Hunter could stand up. I watched it all while inside the warm house. Hunter loved the snow. He had a blast sledding. His favorite part was being with his cousins, Aunts & Uncles.
A few days after we got home to California I asked Hunter what he wanted to do that day and he said "let's go sledding!"

Hunter making a snow angel. Eric taught him how and then each day he went out he did it several times, it was hillarous to watch him.

Packing the snow to help make the snowman.

The sledding hill was right across the street from Grandma's & Grandma's house at the Murray park.

Balboa Park

2008-12-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful family outing to Balboa Park in San Diego. It started with watching one of the Young Men in our ward compete in the San Diego County cross country meet, which was super exciting and he took 9th out of 150. Then we got Hunter's scooter out and he rode all over the sidewalks and around the BIG water fountain he had a blast. The best part was walking through the gardens. Hunter was in awe with all the beautiful plants. He was so careful with looking and smelly. You can tell by the picture above with his hands folded how careful he was being. It was so fun to watch him learn about Heavenly Fathers beautiful creations.

Being silly in Dad's pants at home.

Baby

2008-11-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

I felt the baby flutter a few times this week. Because I have been so sick it's a sweet reward to feel the baby move, it reminded me that it's all worth it.

Haircut

2008-11-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

We have tried to help Hunter see how bad he needed a haircut , but he just flat out refused!!
I tried giving him a big lollipop and listening to fun music but he just kicked and screamed..."no haircut". Above picture is a before haircut shot with his shaggy hair, I gave in and let me have a few licks of the lollipop.
After the traumatic haircut at a barber shop, who specializes in kids and did a very good job for the client he had, who was a kid screaming"let go of me" and "stop it". This is how it was, I had his legs pinned in between mine and my arms rapped around his hands and arms and then the barber had him in a head lock(kind of) and he was screaming the whole time. It was a nightmare and funny at the same time. What is wrong with our son he has NEVER liked getting a haircut.

Here Hunter is playing Noah's ark. He set up all his animals and I told him the story of Noah and the ark. IT was a fun day for the 2 of us.

What do you want for Christmas?

2008-11-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

hunter said "more movies". The only Disney movie we own is Finding Nemo & Monster's Inc. We have been borrowing movies from family and I think it's time we have our own collection. So it is a brilliant idea of Hunter that his wish list for christmas is "Disney movies".... (I added the disney)
So this is a big hint to any aunts, uncles, cousins or friends for a gift this year for Hunter.

blowing a bubble

2008-11-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hunter loves to chew gum. He gets it as a reward for being a good boy or doing good things. Cleaning room, helping water the flowers, putting his toys away...etc He loves to watch me blow a bubble and he is now trying, in these pictures he thought he blow a bubble. He was so excited.

We are working on potty training. We bought him a toilet seat (of his choice) and it came with stickers that he could earn each time he went in the toilet. Well at the point when the picture was taken he had only earned 2 stickers. (It's been difficult, he just doesn't want to use the toilet, if fact he begs for the diaper...so we are slowly working on it) Well I thought I had the stickers in a high enough place that he couldn't reach, well I was wrong, I should of known better Hunter is so creative on figuring out things and how to get something he wants. Well he got all his stickers that day and put them all over his body. So we no longer have stickers to give to him as a reward.

Although this last week while my mom was here, he did use the toilet on his own and asked us to leave while he did it. It was while he had no diaper on so I think that might be our new thing, naked boy running around the house while he learns to go in the toilet.

Yeehaw!

2008-10-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

We love Halloween. Eric made our Indian costumes this year and I made Hunter's cowboy costume. Here are a few preview pictures. I will post more from our ward party and Halloween night trick or treating.

our days

2008-10-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Singing

2008-10-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hunter loves to sing. He learns the songs really fast and it's super cute to hear his sweet little voice sing the songs. His new favorite is "I am a Child of God" Check out my sister's blog she has 2 videos of Hunter singing.
www.zakandemilysmith.blogspot.com/

Fun

2008-10-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

Superman on his bike...and yes superman wears a helmet.

Hunter's first time bowling. He did very well. Thanks to the bumpers being up and the ramp thing to help to ball go faster down the lane.

Celebrating his good shot

Helping with the Laundry

2008-09-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

It's more work (for me) when Hunter wants to help me "fold" the laundry but...Oh, he is hilarious while he is helping me.

Handsome

Camping

2008-09-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

The whole gang

Hunter standing near the river which was right next to our campsite

Hunter running around early in the morning before everyone was awake, well I guess you can say they were awake now that Hunter was up.

Hunter peaking out of the tent. He loved zipping and unzipping the tent.

I had been begging Eric to go camping ever since he told me about his fun week camping with the boy scouts. So we decide to go to the La Jolla Indian Reservation this past weekend for our camping trip. Eric got off work around 3 and we packed the truck he borrowed from work and headed up towards Palomar mountain to go camping. Keith, Shannon, Matt, Leland and Christina all came with us too. We found a great camp site right next to the river that had a fire pit and a picnic table. The best part of the trip was floating down the river in inter tubes(unfortunately I didn't get pictures of us tubing, the camera would have got drenched). It was a blast. In fact so much fun we want to take the rest of our family and do it again. Camping is the best because you are out in nature and there's something about sleeping outside in tents that is so adventurous.

Bailey Boo & Hunter too.

2008-09-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hunter loves to hold and take care of Bailey. He is so cute with her. It's cute that she just loves him too. She watches everything he does. So here is a cute photo of them. They both look kind of bothered that I'm taking a photo of them. We love that we get to watch & play with her a few days a week.

Labor Day

2008-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

We spent our Labor Day at Eric's parents ward party which was at the Remsberg Family swimming pool. We had a great time swimming and going down the slide. I had to feed Hunter his lunch while he was in the pool because he didn't want to get out. He is a fish!

I love 3 day weekends that we get to spend with Eric. He is so much fun to be with. Hunter truly loves being with his dad and playing like kids.

Summer

2008-08-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well I have been really bad about not taking any pictures lately and I feel I can't add a post without a picture. I got a call from my sister saying I needed to update my blog...pictures or no pictures. So here is my update.

Hunter had his follow up doctor's visit and the doctor says it looks good and that he will be 100% in a week or 2 and the best thing is we don't have to go back.

We have had some busy weeks in August. We had Eric's brothers Keith wedding and all the family things to do before and after the wedding. We had baby showers to attend and church
activies to go to. Eric made a video for our youth video and he got 1st place out of all 10 wards, so that was super cool for him( I'm glad he won because it took him about 40 hours to film, edit and all the things you need to do to make a 5 minute video)

We are trying to plan a camping trip the weekend after labor day so we don't have to deal with all the crowds so I hope it happens.

I'm also watching a good friend of mine baby 2 days a week while she goes back to work. Which Hunter LOVES. He is the best helper I could ask for. He has such a watchful eye for her. If she cry's he says "mommy hold her."

School is back in so I guess summer is over. But the best thing about living in So Cal is it's always summer here. Lucky for us!!

Verdict in...

2008-08-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hunter has broken his left collar bone. We are going to the Orthopedic doctor tomorrow to get his opinion. Poor little Hunter hasn't moved from the spot I put him when we got home from the doctors and I'm guessing it's normal that he doesn't want to eat, he just wants his water & juice. Pray for our little guy.