The Past 18 Months (Roughly) That Zoomed By

Okay, so here goes my attempt to do better in this aspect of my life...I'm not sure where to begin and I'm sure to leave out some memorable moments, however, here is a glimpse into our lives over the last 17-19 months, that I have failed to document, until now.

2010 -- We grew from a family of 6 to a family of 7, welcoming Alyssa in June. Alyssa was blessed in August and we enjoyed having family come for the occasion. In the fall, we proudly watched as Olivia chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

2011 -- We grew from a family of 7 to a family of 8, welcoming Savanna in May. Savanna was blessed on Father's Day in June and we enjoyed having family in town for that beautiful event. July found us traveling to Branson, Missouri to enjoy the Torgesen Family Reunion (which was awesome...well planned, Denise, Kara & Scott!) Along the trip we were able to spend time with some of the Johnson family in Colorado and introduce Savanna. School began in the fall with Whitney entering 7th grade, Bryce in 4th grade, Olivia in 3rd grade, and the daily adventures that go on for me, Carter, Alyssa, & Savanna at home or wherever our errands take us. Whitney also reached a significant age as she turned 12 and was able to have her dad take her to the Idaho Falls Temple for the first time. At the end of October we were given the opportunity to create more memories and adventures as changes were made in our Stake and 2 wards (congregations) were taken and boundaries shifted to create a third ward. Marc was called to serve as Bishop of our existing ward (what was left of it) and continues to learn and grow and be a great example for all of us. Now it is 2012 and I'm not sure about the rest of you, but time seems to go faster and faster each year. Here are a few activities that our kids enjoy/are involved in/attempted etc to give you an idea of a few things that take up our time.

volleyball, basketball, coaching, cello, piano, violin, writing poetry, drawing, running, playing "night games" in the neighborhood, loudness, laughing, the temple

Now for a few pics to highlight the above mentioned activities and some not mentioned activities...and hopefully I will post again before another 18 months go by.. Bryce (Dec. 2011) waiting for the concert to begin

Savanna's 1st b-day (May 2012)

Alyssa on her 2nd b-day (June 2012)

Olivia is in the brown polka dot dress playing the violin (Dec. 2011)

Lake Powell 2009

Okay, so these next few posts will be slightly out of order chronologically speaking, but at least the experiences will be documented! In July, my Grandma Torgesen passed away (an amazing lady, more to come later), then we had a family reunion w/ the Torgesens (my parents, siblings, etc), and then I took our kids and rode down w/ my sister Elizabeth to Lake Powell to spend a few more days w/family while Marc began his training for his new business w/ American Family Insurance. Anyhow, here are some pics from the lake!






Bryce and Whitney both learned to kneeboard and enjoyed it! Olivia wasn't too excited to try...maybe next time.



We took an excursion in the boats one day over to a huge sand dune at the Lake and Carter and Gramps watched the boats while everyone enjoyed the dune and the mild cliff jumping.



Even Granny had to take the plunge!


Probaby hard to see in the picture, but this is Whitney and Bryce going together off the edge!

Pioneer Day -- 2009

Our two older girls, Whitney and Olivia, were able to be on the float that our ward helped put together for our stake for the Pioneer Day parade here in town. Unfortunately, a year later I can't remember the theme, but our specific float theme was "Bloom where you are planted". Anyhow, it was fun to participate in building a float and the girls loved being in the parade! I admire those who were in charge of coming up w/ the idea and did most of the work...and glad it wasn't me! :

Mesa Falls

On our way home from Island Park last summer, we took the scenic route and stopped at Mesa Falls. It was beautiful! Here is a picture or two. After hiking around the falls, we then continued home w/the necessary stop at Big Jud's for dinner (see the Island Park post) where they are known for their HUGE hamburgers, ice cream, etc. And as I mentioned in the post about Alyssa, I will be trying to catch up, so these next few posts will cover things from 2009 and I'll slowly work my way up to the present, maybe, one day, anyway, that is my hope! :)

Bryce and Olivia at the falls


Mesa Falls...a beautiful place and worth the stop


Marc and the kids

Introducing Alyssa!

Okay, so I've gotten behind (like a year behind, really) in keeping up the blog. Loads of excuses but will save those for another time. Here is the biggest news in our family, bigger than buying our first home, bigger than getting our first puppy, bigger than trying to finish the basement of previously mentioned home purchase, you get the idea...

On June 3rd we welcomed Alyssa into the family. She was 8 lbs. 4 oz. and came with an appetite! We've loved getting to know her and continue to be surprised at how quickly babies grow up. At her 2 month appt. she weighed in at 12 lb 4 oz and took her first set of shots like a pro. And we love that she sleeps for long stretches at night! Here's a few pics and will post more later...sometime within the next year as I still need to catch up from last year! :)

Here she is a day or two old...Whitney is holding her.


The nurse was nice and let each of our kids listen to Alyssa's heart when she came to check on her. Here's Olivia taking her turn.


Granny and Gramps (Marie's parents) came to visit for a few days when Alyssa was a week old.


Just a random shot of Alyssa when she was 3 or 4 weeks old.

Fun in Island Park

In the middle of July (2009), we took a short little family vacation and spent two days up in Island Park. Due to connections w/ a great friend, we had free lodging and enjoyed some of the local sights. After returning home, we asked the kids what their favorite part of the "trip" was and it was unanimous -- "The see-saw that Dad built!" Goes to show who needs money to have fun...only logs and flowers and such needed!

Here's a creative homemade hat rack...


A family of ducks enjoying an afternoon swim.




The kids at Big Springs





Dad is great...look at the seesaw he put together for us!




Of course, the trip back home wouldn't be complete without a stop at Big Jud's. The hamburger really is the size of an entire dinner plate... fed our whole family!

Whitney's Reward

So Marc promised the kids that once they memorized all 13 Articles of Faith, he would make them a HUGE lollipop, carrying on a tradition from his grandma. Well, Whitney accomplished her goal and was excited to receive her very own "made-by-dad" giant lollipop. Here she is with her prized possession.
And what little sibling wouldn't want a piece of that yummy treat? Carter thinks if he does his special smile, Whitney will instantly share!