Apr 3 2012

Spring Break in Colorado Day 1 & 2:

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Karin

This year, since we are having great weather, we decided to go visit Corey’s parents for spring break. The first day we spent most of it in the car. Usually the drive is about 10 hours. This time we wanted to go through Utah to hand off some baby stuff to Corey’s brother and his wife. We left at 6:30am and got to Orem by 10:30am. We got to talk and go out to lunch with Russell and Hannah. She looks so cute with her little baby bump. It was so nice to clean out our storage area and get rid of most of the baby stuff. By 12:30pm we were back on the road. Colorado here we come. We stopped in Echo canyon and Corey tells me that his 3rd great aunt was named after the canyon because she was born there while migrating with the pioneers. So we had to stop and take a picture. We also got to see some ground squirrels up close. We did finally make it to Greeley Colorado by 9:30pm. We were tired and it didn’t take us long to get settled.

Echo Canyon rest area

Ground squirrel

Echo Canyon

Day two was a blast. Corey’s parents had to work for a few hours that day so we decided to go to the family funplex in Greeley. We didn’t bring the camera because we were afraid it would get wet. This place had a zero depth water play area, a lazy river, a couple of big slides and a normal swimming area. We all had a blast playing in the water. It was easy to spend a few hours there. When we got back we ate some lunch and walked over to Nammi’s work to pick her up. We went for a walk around the park. That is when we noticed how nice and warm it was. It ended up being in the upper 70s. By the time we made it back to grandma and grandpa’s we were pooped. Corey and Sophia took a nice nap in the recliner. The boys had fun playing with all the old/new to them toys. These toys were toys that Corey played with when he was a kid. We thought this was a great day and so much fun.

Preston playing with an old set of bricks (lego type toys)

Levi climbing into the large cabinet full of toys

Sophia playing with an old farm set

Daddy and his little girl taking a nap.

Oct 19 2011

Austin Texas

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Karin

This past weekend Corey and I had the privilege of visiting Austin Texas for his sister’s wedding. My mom flew over so she could watch our kids for us. This was such a blessing for us. This is the first time we have left our kids for more than one night at a time. It’s been over 2 years since we have had an over night trip together.

Austin is a very active city. We were on the go all the time. There were people everywhere. We had such a good time seeing the different things and eating at different places. I can’t believe how many places there are to eat at. We had so many options I could’ve spent another month there and still not have eaten at each place. When we first arrived in Austin his sister, aunt and uncle picked us up at the airport and then we went to a restaurant called 24. Apparently the owner of the restaurant is going to be on the show top chef this season. Here we met Lisa’s fiancé, Neal, and ate lunch. Neal is so nice and perfect for Lisa. We had a great lunch. Corey ate chicken and waffles. I had a burger with some whipped potatoes. Those potatoes were the best I’ve ever had. This is much of how the weekend went. We just hung out with family and tried new places to eat.

On Lisa’s wedding day I woke her up, much to her disapproval, and we went for a walk with her mom. Afterwards we picked up her bouquet and other flowers. Then Lisa and I had our hair done. Her hair was so perfect and pretty it brought tears to my eyes. It was so fun to spend time with Lisa. It’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to do so. She lived with us for two weeks while at BYU. She was actually living with us when I had Preston. Then again she was there for me when my mom had her accident and I pretty much lived at her aunt and uncle’s house (where she lived at the time). She would take me to the hospital navigating the streets of Portland. This was such a blessing at the time. After she put her wedding dress on and did her make-up she looked like something out of a magazine. So beautiful. Her reception was at a place called Parkside. It was fun and different. She had some dancing there which was great because Corey and I haven’t danced together for quite some time. I loved that his cousin’s wife Jennifer knew the steps to thriller. Austin is so busy all the time it was funny to see that it gets even busier after 11 pm. We kept asking ourselves all weekend does anyone work here?

When we arrived in Austin Lisa gave everyone a gift bag. We had vouchers for bike rentals. So on Saturday morning Corey and I rented our bikes and rode around their bike trails. It was really fun and a great way to see the people and places of Austin.

After biking, on Saturday afternoon, Lisa had a trapeze class set up for us. Yes that’s what I said TRAPEZE. It was a little different but ended up being really fun. Corey did get sick his second time around and had to sit out the rest of the time. I went four times before I said that was enough. The toughest thing about the whole experience was getting over how tight the harness was. When they put it on they tighten it then they have you raise your arms and when you don’t think it’ll go any farther they tighten it some more. It reminded me of saddling a horse. I really had a hard time breathing. It was a really big relief when I finally got to take it off.

All in all we had a really wonderful weekend. We love hanging out with Corey’s family. They always make me laugh. I wish we could’ve stayed there longer but alas we have children and work. My mom did such a wonderful job with the kids. Sophia cried when she left. I wish she lived closer so they would have more opportunities to see her. Thanks Lisa for getting married so we could have this great vacation!

Lisa and Neal with Lisa's mom and dad.

Lisa and 3 out of 4 brothers

Aug 20 2011

Tiffany Family Reunion 2011

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Karin

Warm Lake Idaho

Well it was time for another Tiffany family reunion. We decided to have it in our old stomping ground of Warm Lake Idaho. My family used to have a cabin here and spent many summer days on this lake. It really holds a special place in each of our hearts and was a perfect location for our reunion. There are really too many pictures to post so I’ve selected a few and I will post the rest on facebook.

The reunion was pretty laid back with a few planned activities. There was a lot of lounging, swimming, playing in the sand, and eating. One night my dad set up his projector and played a video that he put together for us. The video was a modge podge of videos and pictures of all of us growing up. It was fun to see the crazy old hair styles of everyone. My dad also made copies for all of us. My copy will only be viewed in private and then kept in the vault. Only a special few will see snip-its of it.

For the most part meals were up to each individual family to prepare themselves. We had two meals that were all together. One night we had steak, corn on the cob, watermelon, and salad. It was probably the best meal we had up there. Everyone did a great job working together to get it on the table. We also had breakfast together. We went and picked huckleberries the day before and were able to make huckleberry pancakes and sausage for breakfast. We also had dutch oven peach cobbler one night that I had opted out of because of my sugar issues. It looked so delicious and my kids had at least seconds.

We spent a couple of days swimming in the lake which was a bit chilly but when you got used to it it was quite refreshing. Conveniently we left our camera back at camp for these trips. Although I did see my sister with her camera so there might be a picture out there that you should stay clear away from. My Idaho legs were like a beacon and if looked directly at them you might go blind. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.

We had a family game night that turned out really fun. My dad prepared 7 minute to win it games. He teamed family against family. We had fun shooting rubber bands at playing cards, swing yo-yos from our backsides, unraveling toilet paper on our arms and that’s just a few. My sister Krystal won overall and her prize was a big jar of jelly beans but also, a surprise to everyone, she gets to plan the next reunion.

Our little family also took the opportunity to hike to one of the many hot springs up there. There was a fire about 5 or 6 years ago and it burned most of the area. The hike was hot and dusty. As soon as we got back we took a nice refreshing swim in the lake. My brother Cameron and his girlfriend Brittany came with us and it was funny on the way back Levi had to be in the front of the pack. The problem with that is he liked to kick the dust up and who ever was behind him had a face full of dirt. It happened to be Brittany behind him and a few times she would try and run in front of him only to find him running faster to keep ahead of her. By the end we took a short cut and beat him to the car. It was a fun little trip and I enjoyed getting to know Brittany a little better.

On the last day we all met at a park in Boise to have lunch before saying goodbye. We were all able to see my grandma Wilkins (Tiffany). We had a big photo with her and all of the great grandchildren. Just in my family there are 15. If you add my cousins my grandma has 18 great grandchildren. It was really hard to say goodbye to everyone especially knowing that it’s going to be another two years before I get to see most of them. I can’t wait for then next reunion which, according to Krystal, will probably be in California.

My Nephew Zachary had a birthday. This is all the grandchildren eating cake.

My family loves to play games. Here they are having a play nine tounament.

We also liked sitting by the fire

Our hike to vulcan hot springs

fishing from the dock

Great Grandma with great grandkids.

My siblings and I.

The whole clan

Apr 29 2011

Shoshone Falls

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Karin

Okay I have a lot of blogging to catch up on. After blogging almost everyday in March I took a hiatus. So first off at the beginning of the month we went to Twin for a baptism. On our way home we decided to stop by Shoshone falls. I don’t know why I have never been here. I used to have cousins that lived in Twin falls and we would visit them often while I was growing up. I didn’t know how spectacular the falls were. Of course, on this day, in early April the falls are quite full which makes for a more spectacular view. It was raining that day and the falls put out quite a lot of spray so we were thoroughly drenched by the time we left. It was really fun to see the falls and we didn’t mind standing out in the cold and rain for the view. Maybe we’ll even stop by and see the falls again on our way through during the summer sometime.

Shoshone Falls

The boys are trying to protect themselves from getting wet.

Nov 29 2010

Thanksgiving vacation

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Karin

This year Thanksgiving wasn’t just a weekend for us. The kids and Corey had the whole week off. I feel a little spoiled to have had everyone home. The first part of the week was spent bundled up and shoveling snow. It snowed over 12 inches in the past week. Wednesday night Corey’s sister Lisa came for Thanksgiving. We love it when she comes to visit. She is just a couple of years younger than me and we get along so well.

I love that my husband likes to cook. He smoked the turkey and it was so yummy. Of course he had to shovel a path to the grill so he could smoke it. Whenever we have Corey’s family over he feels the need to show off his culinary talents and we end up with lots of left overs and 15 lbs heavier.

Friday morning at 4:00 am. Lisa and I decided to brave the 12 degree weather and go shopping. We only had to stand outside in the cold at one store and it was only for 5 minutes. We are armatures at this shopping stuff. Most of the people we had talked to had already been to 5 stores and had been up all night. Lisa and I had a lot of fun picking out shoes, clothes, and gifts. We bought a dozen donuts for the family to eat for breakfast. We made hot chocolate to go with it. The kids thought we were the best. The rest of the day was spent lounging and napping. It was a nice relaxing day.

On Saturday we went rock climbing at the YMCA climbing gym. This was my first time climbing. The kids absolutely loved it. Sophia just wanted to go really high and hang out. I belayed for Lisa and let her down a little too fast. She didn’t think that was too cool. So when it was my turn she did the same for me. She sent me down screaming. Then I hear her say “How do you like that?” I’m pretty sure I’ll not do that to her again. I think the next time we go climbing we might want to leave the kids home. They loved it but the adults didn’t really get to climb much. We only got to go up twice. The rest of the time it was the kids going up. Since adults cost more I think we will have to skip taking the kids.

After rock climbing we had a babysitter come over and we had a “grown ups night” that is what Preston called it. Corey and I took Lisa out for dinner. Then we went to the mall and Lisa and I tried on clothes while Corey held our stuff. Lisa and I had a blast. Not so sure about Corey though.

On Sunday Lisa came to church with us. Not so sure she really likes to come to church with us but she was a good sport. I love it when she comes with us because I get to sit next to her and hear her beautiful voice when we sing the hymns. It’s fun because we will take turns singing different parts and she sounds so good. We had one incident that Corey and I found comical. During sacrament meeting we brought snacks for Sophia to keep her happy. Lisa decided that she would like to have one of Sophia’s goldfish and took one. Sophia was not up for that. She started to scream really loud. Corey had to take her out. I think Lisa felt really bad but it was still funny.

We were sad to see her go on Sunday. We dropped her off at the airport and when we got home Preston said that he felt like crying. We all felt sad. We didn’t want to see her go. We love having people over. Just wish that we lived closer to our family and good friends. Than it wouldn’t be just once or twice a year that we get to see them.

Kids playing in the snow

Sophia in dad’s winter clothes

I think they’re a little too big

See deep the snow is

Beautiful sunset

Happy Thanksgiving

Preston climbing

this was a lot of fun

All watching Corey go up

Sophia hanging out

Lisa at the top

Aug 3 2010

Summer camping

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Karin

Camping is one of my favorite things to do with the family. It’s better when you can go for more than one night but so far this year hasn’t been too promising. I’m going to try and convince Corey to take a few days off so we can go on a real camp out. None of this set up camp at 5:00pm and take down the next morning before 11:00 am.

A couple of weeks ago we went to Palisades Lake. This was a first for us. We like to try new camping places. We still haven’t found the perfect one. We had a great veiw of the lake from our campsite, however, it was quite a trek to get to the lake. We ate burgers, chips, and cobbler for dinner and had eggs and hot cocoa for breakfast. One of the kids favorite things to do is watch their dad start the fire. Corey was blowing on the coals to get them going and Sophia thought she would help and started to blow too. It was really funny. We had a good time just sitting at the campfire and even telling stories. After the kids went to sleep Corey and I sat and watched the stars as the coals died down. I love camping.

One down fall to our trip started the next morning. Sometime during our drive there we must of hit a nail. We woke to find we had a flat tire. So while I took the camp down. Corey changed a tire. First time for the van and we had a hard time trying to figure out how to release the spare from under the car. Thank goodness for the web on Corey’s phone. Once we got it firgured out and changed the tire we headed out. I’m hoping that August brings more chances for our camping trips. Oh by the way did I mention I LOVE CAMPING.

Smoke follows beauty

Sophia blowing on fire

Morning view of the Lake

Sitting around the campfire

Jul 20 2009

Warm Lake

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Karin

This past week I took the kids and we went to Warm Lake Idaho. This is my childhood camping place my family always went to. When I was 7 my family went in and bought a cabin with my aunt and uncle. Then when my parents moved they sold their interest to my uncle. Now it’s just my uncle who owns it. We haven’t been back in 11 years. This visit was bittersweet. I loved being back there and relaxing but it was sad to see what had happened to the forest all around the lake. Two years ago there was a huge fire wiping out most of the forest around the surrounding mountains. One of the days we traveled up to the summit and hiked into summit lake. This is one of the hardest hit areas. Also there is a picture of warm lake from the top of the summit. You can see how the mountains are burned but the area around the lake was saved. Also while there we went to billy rice beach on Warm Lake shore. The kids loved swimming there so much that in the picture they aren’t happy because I’m packing them up to leave. The other pictures are of the campground. We stayed in the tent while my mom and dad stayed in their trailor and my brother and his family stayed in the site across from us. For the most part it was an enjoyable week. Maybe someday I can find a place like this that is closer to home for my family.