Wall Space

Fin has been into wanting to be like her papa a lot lately so to add to it, she wanted to put her bikes just like papa's. Yes, she's off to the same start as him, she's three and has two bikes. Good thing we have a lot of wall space in the garage.

A Proud Papa Moment

Tonight we decided that it was time to take the training wheels off of Finley's big girl bike. She wasn't sure at first and it was a little tough, so Bri and Fin made some adjustments and we were good to go.

First real try...

So she had a hang of it and did it a few more times. Then...

Her battle wound. (but notice the smile) So what did it take to get her back on?...

We all know that papa's fix everything so he told her they could go on cruiser bike ride to get an ice cream cone. (and yes she got back on)

Her reward, they didn't have pink ice cream so she settled for sprinkles. I'm so proud of her and love her to pieces!! It was so cute watching Bri teach his girl to ride a bike.

Eliza's Blessing

This past Sunday we blessed Eliza. It turned out to be a nice day and we had lots of friends and family come. Eliza loved everyone holding her and Fin had a few of her cousins to play with. I love that we have to happy girls and are able to raise

them with the gospel in our home. Again, I must thank my sister in law for take these cute pictures for me. The girls loved all the attention but by the end of the day were ready for naps. Thank you to everyone coming and supporting us.

Vaca

For Easter / Conference weekend we went south and stayed in St. George. My in laws rented a house with a pool where we all stayed, well minus Micall and TJ :( It was a great weekend, we swam in the pool, went to Brian's bike race on Saturday where he took 12th in the pro class. I wish I could say I have pictures from the race but between kids, and handing water bottles to 5 riders my hands weren't really free for pictures. I must admit I'm the kind that wishes I had more pictures of things and people in my life and it seems like either I don't have a camera with me or I'm so distracted that I don't h

ave time to take them. Good thing that my sister in law has a stellar camera and will take a few here and there for me. Thanks Tehm! And yes this means I don't have pictures from Easter that was a fun chaos with the whole Tolbert family. Maybe one of the

cousins that took pictures would be nice enough to email me some ;) Overall it was a great get away and time with family is always nice.

Yes, this now what is packed in the back of my car for a four day weekend. Oh wait, I'm forgetting the chariot, Finley's bike, Brian's bike bag(s), foldi

ng chairs for the race, toolbox, cleaning box (for the bikes of course), bike pump, wheels, bikes on top plus the rocketbox full of stuff, two car seats in the back seat and any other odd and end stuff we need. We might as well be pulling a trailer. (oh and a sponsership from The North Face would be greatly appreciated!)

The reason for no pictures at the bike race.

Fin waiting for the race to start.

Enjoying the pool at the house.

'Twin Cousins' Ruby and Eliza just chillin.

She's Brian's daughter, need I say more?

We got Eliza a Bumbo chair and she liked it so much she fell sound asleep in it.

Happy 3rd Birthday

My baby is no longer a baby. Last Friday she turned 3 years old! This past year has been full of changes and fun. It still amazes me how much children grow in such a short time. Finley loves being outside playing in the sun or snow, helping me clean the house (yes she is my daughter), doing anything with her papa, going to bike races, started school, and in the past few months has become very girly. Her favorite color is pink, she LOVES wearing skirts and dresses! Of course wearing these and playing in the dirt. I guess I should mention that since Christmas she has been asking to get pink earrings. Yep that's right, and Brian's always said his girls could have pierced ears but they have to ask him and that is what she asked for for her birthday. Pink earrings and a dolly bed. So for her birthday she got just that. I was so proud of her when we got her ears done. She never flinched once! No cries, no screams, she just wanted a cheese on stick and lemonade. She just cracks me up. Yes she still looks like me, but acts like her papa.

I'm sure you all want to know how she is doing with her baby sister. Well she also LOVES Eliza. She is very sweet with her and protective. If you ask her what her sister's name is she always responds 'Eliza Ann.' It kind of makes me giggle. She is a great helper when it comes to getting me diapers, a blanket, Eliza's binky, and if Eliza cries Fin's response is 'Mama I think she needs a bottle and loves.' The transition hasn't been 100% easy and perfect but she no doubt loves her sister.

It's amazing how even three years later I can still remember that cool March day that Finley came into our lives. The first thing she did when she came out was look at me and smile. I remember taking her home on a snowy day and getting home and now being a little family. The first few nights of no sleep, changing so many diapers, washing countless bottles and clothes, but having this little person be totally dependent on me and Brian. Being a mom is such a rewarding and humbling gift. I'm so grateful for my healthy and beautiful girls. I look forward to the years to come!

Happy Birthday My Little Finley, we love you!!

For her birthday she wanted PINK. Pink tablecloth, pink balloons, and not cake or cupcakes but donuts! Really donuts? I had to laugh but if that's what she wants it's easy enough. We just happen to get donuts that looked like alligators. They're pretty cute (in the end of the video) We've grown up on our parties. This year she had a few friends over for donuts and playing. For dinner she wanted to go to the famous Tony's Taco's for chips and salsa, and rice and beans. Then after dinner we took her to the new movie 'How to Train your Dragon.' And yes she got her own popcorn, drink, and treat. All this requested by Fin herself! I still can't believe how grown up she seems.

Just Cause

So these aren't the best pictures or quality but for a minute Eliza was on a roll of smiles and giggles so I took a few quick pictures with my phone.

(I think she learned this one from her papa)

Race #1

Last weekend was the first race of the season in good old St. George. The weather was sunshine and not as warm as we had hoped for, but needless to say, Finley was super excited! This season has started off as normal with a new little twist: me handling two kids and handing water bottles to five different riders, including Brian. As you can see from pictures below, luckily taken by those around me so I have some proof of the race, there are lots of little kids now in the feed zone. Brian's brother in law races and he and his wife have a daughter 8 months younger then Finley and one the same age as Eliza. One of the other pro's, Kevin Day, have a daughter that is 8 months old. It was chaos trying to keep tabs on all the little girls but between all of us we made it work. Training run #1 for me and two kids at races. Thank heaven for chariots, 'Finley' sized chairs, Baby BJorn, fruit snacks and Dr. Pepper.

To make Fin feel apart of the team, Bri found an old number of his and put it on her bike. While warming up and setting up camp Fin insisted that they go for a ride (Bri walking beside her). Now you have to know that before this weekend Finley had told both Brian and I that she was going to race, with Brian riding behind her, myself on the sideline cheering her on and handing her water bottles, and her coach was to be Brian's teammate Kruser (Ryan Krusemark). Well Fin isn't quite old enough to race so Bri made her feel important by putting the number on her bike and taking her around the course (he swears that she road 4 miles). I guess the training is starting early and the years of bikes races has just extended itself. Fin is a gem at races. Since she has been attending them since she was 6 weeks old she knows the ropes pretty well and is now training her sister.

I'm bummed to say that Bri's first Pro race of the season didn't go quite like he had hoped. He has been able to train a little and got new wheels for his bike, felt strong and good until the second lap of four when he got a flat tire. Stupid mechanical problems. That has only upped his drive to do well at the next race. (Sorry I don't have more pic's of you Bri, my hands were a little full. Love ya though!!)

Brian, Finley, and uncle Hunter checking out the course.

Fin's bike hanging with the teams.

Finley and cousin Stella

Yes, there's two of everything at the races now.

Cousin's Ruby and Eliza (again two of everything, and my saving grace the chariot)

Eliza's in the Baby Bjorn helping handing her first water bottles.

Bri looks fast!

Custom onsies with the team logo (made from our good friends the Day's)

The back side (she has another one with the Kuhl logo and stating she's the support crew, will be debuted at the next race)

Fin enjoying the sun