Matteson Family... Established 2001

A Day at the Museum

2011-02-21T13:06:00.003-09:00

We have a membership to the Anchorage Museum and the kids really like to go there. We went March of 2010 to the Star Wars exhibit with our friends the Barneys and the kids loved it. I think I may have posted about that...if not, I will later.

This post is the kids at the museum at the Imaginarium. The love that place! I really only have pics of them playing with bubbles, because they were the first thing we saw and then we got so caught up in having fun we forgot to take pictures!

Rikk and Walker in the BIG bubble

Rikk and the boys at the bubble stations

Rikk and Hunter at the bubble station

Kyler and I at the bubble station

Hunter, Kyler and I in the BIG bubble

Hunter petting a starfish

Trip to the 'banks!

2011-02-21T12:34:00.004-09:00

We made a trip up to Fairbanks this summer (when we celebrated the twins' birthday) and had some fun with my parents and grandparents. I absolutely LOVE the relationship my kids have with them, they always have fun together. We had BBQs at my folks' house, went to the muskox farm, and went to the glow in the dark mini golf.

The boys with (Great) Grandma and Grandpa

We went to the Muskox Farm with my Dad (he took the pic)

Hunter at mini golf

Kyler at mini golf

Walker at mini golf

Baseball Season

2011-02-20T21:04:00.004-09:00

Hunter and Walker both played baseball this last summer and LOVED it...they had better, it's in their blood on both sides! Hunter played for the New York Yankees and played coach pitch baseball, but they actually used a pitching machine. Walker played t-ball and played for the Texas Rangers...yes, we heard, "Walker Texas Ranger" all summer from his coaches, they thought it was pretty funny and so did we...the first time!

Hunter in is uniform listening to his coach

Hunter with his coach getting his trophy at the end of the season

Walker in his uniform...I love his cute smile!

Walker with his coach getting his trophy at the end of the season

Conner, Kooper and I cheering the boys on opening day

Rikk and Conner...apparently Conner is having a GREAT time, I love that face!

Conner and Kooper Turned One

2011-02-20T19:53:00.008-09:00

That's right, that twins turned 1...way back On May 9, 2010!!! You could say that I am a little behind on this post! We celebrated Conner and Kooper's birthday in June up in Fairbanks with my parents, grandparents and the Barney Family (our BFFs!). Since we weren't home and Rikk didn't want to make a mess of my mom's kitchen, we got a cupcake cake made for the twins. It was really cute...although I am positive that Rikk would have made a cuter cake!

Conner and Kooper on their birthday

Conner and Kooper on their birthday

Conner and Kooper's cakes

Conner, Kooper, my mom and myself
The twins went up and down the slide a million times!

The five boys playing together

Unwrapping some presents

Kooper thought Conner needed some help with his

Unwrapping some more presents

Getting ready to blow out their candles

Conner enjoying his cake

Kooper enjoying his cake

Kooper enjoying Conner's cake!

Conner, we call our lazy baby...we totally mean that with love! He is standing and saying a few words, but loves to have you do EVERYTHING for him. He has zero interest in walking or pulling himself onto the couch or onto anything for that matter! Infact, when he wants up on the couch he just stands there and yells at you until you do it! He is so cute and squishy!

Kooper, he is our little go-getter! This kid is VERY independent. He is pulling himself upto stand and is talking up a storm. Kooper loves to stand, crawl around and climbs onto EVERYTHING! He can maneuver that little nub in unbelieveable ways. And Kooper is so stinkin' smart. If he isn't tall enough to climb onto something, then he scoots something over to where he wants to climb up, climbs onto that, then climbs onto his final destination.

Conner and Kooper have been such a blessing in our lives, we could not imagine our family without them and we are thankful everyday for them. Hunter, Walker and Kyler just LOVE them and can't get enough of them and neither can Rikk and I! Happy Birthday Conner and Kooper, we love you BIG much!!!

Wildlife Conservation Law Officer

2010-12-14T13:54:00.004-09:00

Rikk graduated Saturday from his yearlong Wildlife Conservation Law Officer course, he is now a badge carrying gun toting officer for federal lands and the state of Alaska.

Prayer

2010-12-11T13:43:00.003-09:00

Hunter had a birthday party to go to today. Birthday parties in the past have gone as follows...We accept invite. We buy present for birthday child. We drop Hunter off at party (EVERY party has been on a day Rikk is working, so I can't stay). Two minutes after I leave Hunter calls and wants to go home. He gets nervous, his tummy starts to hurt and he is in tears. I really feel bad for him. He looks forward to the party all week and then always ends up leaving.

So last night we talked about how going to this party was going to be soooo much fun. It's a party for a little boy from church who Hunter also goes to scouts with. The family is great! Hunter started to get a little nervous just talking about me not being there. We went over how he goes to school, primary, scouts and that Dad and I aren't there with him. He was still nervous.

When Hunter woke up this morning he was a VERY happy kiddo! He got in the shower, got all ready for the party, helped wrapped the present, made a birthday card...it was a good morning. We got loaded in the car and I could tell he was getting a little nervous. I stopped in the driveway and told him to remind me when we got to the birthday boys' house to have prayer so that he would feel okay. Hunter replied with, "I asked Heavenly Father to help me not be nervous and to feel safe in my prayers last night and this morning." I can't tell you how BIG the smile on my face was and how warm my heart felt. I told him how proud I was of him and that Dad and I had also asked Heavenly Father in our prayers to do the same thing.

I love Hunter. He is our child that helps to remind us about prayers, scripture study, family home evening, etc. I am so proud of him and the example he is setting not just for his little brothers, but for Rikk and I also. I really hope he stays like this!

003

2010-11-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SOOOOO PROUD OF KOOPER!!! This is the first time Kooper has been able to walk where I haven't had to hold onto his prosthetic. We had an appointment with Shriners a few weeks ago and they are in the process of making him another new leg. They are very hopeful and 99% sure that this new leg will have a knee joint in it. YAY!!

A Star Wars Halloween

2010-11-01T13:52:00.005-08:00

This year for Halloween we went for a theme with the costumes. The boys are really into Star Wars so that just seemed like the logical theme to choose. We all dressed up. The twins were the cutest ewoks there have ever been! They were beyond adorable! Kyler was "Doctor Baider" and we don't know why he calls him that but he does. Walker was really excited to be Yoda and I was really surprised he picked that one. Hunter was either Luke Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi or a jedi, it changed every time someone asked him. And I even dressed up as Princess Leia. Rikk was going to be my Han Solo but he was working on the 30th, the day we celebrated. We went to our church's Halloween party where the boys went trick or treating and then to a neighborhood Halloween party. At the neighborhood one they got to go bobbing for apples and that's all they have been talking about since!

Firefighter's Ball

2010-11-01T13:30:00.003-08:00

This is a picture of Rikk and I leaving for the firefighter's ball. I love this picture and how handsome...no, how HOT Rikk looks in it!!! I think we look good together. We had a really good time together and I love that I got to wear a fancy dress. I LOVE the color of the dress and it really went well with Rikk's ribbons on his mess dress blues. I can't wait until next year's ball...but I think Rikk will be deployed still. Oh well, there's no harm in looking at dresses still!

School Pictures

2010-11-01T12:36:00.004-08:00

I am sorry ladies but you will have to get your little girls restrained in some way before showing them this post. Hunter and Walker are looking pretty darn handsome and I would hate for your girls to get soo flustered when they see them that they attack the computer!!!

Here's Walker. I like the one in color but I think I like the second one best.

Here's Hunter. I like the one in color but I think I like the second one best too.

Wedding Anniversary

2010-11-01T12:24:00.003-08:00

(My posts for the next little while will be out of order of when they truly happened, but at least I am posting!)

Rikk and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary on September 14th. Before I could even ask him what he wanted for our anniversary I apparently had already bought him the best gift ever...a new scope for his rifle (I really love it when I get him something he loves and I don't actually have to get it!). So he of course got his present before our anniversary because on our anniversary he was out hunting. He asked what I wanted and I just said, "A date would be great!" No date and no gift before he left for hunting.

A couple weeks after he got my present was ready to be picked up and I was quite curious. I knew it was going to be a picture because he accidentally let that slip but I had no idea of what. This is what I got and I LOVE it!!!

It is a 30x30 canvas of one of our wedding pictures. IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!! Rikk is great at getting me thoughtful gifts, ones that he knows I will truly love and cherish.

Kooper has TWO legs!

2010-07-21T19:46:00.007-08:00

I have been waiting to do this post until we could download the pictures off our cellphones. Kooper got his very first prosthetic January of 2010. Rikk, Kooper, Conner and I went to visit Shriner's in Portland, Oregon in December '09 and he got all fitted for it. Then in January '10 we headed back to Portland and Kooper got his cute little Curious George covered leg. Kooper picked out the material himself...we laid about 6 different patterns on the floor and he picked it out three different times, so that's how Curious George was picked. The foot on this first leg was the smallest one that they had and it was HUGE compared to Kooper real foot.

Kooper meeting his leg for the very first time. Look how happy he is!

He LOVES his leg. He seriously loves on it when he isn't wearing it.

Trying it on for the first time.

Getting some physical therapy while his leg gets finished.

Trying on his finished leg for first time. He didn't think it was too bad.

Until he stood up and then he was unsure...

And then he didn't really like it all that much...

Until we got back to the hotel and then he was just chillin' with it.

Playing with his real toes!

And then in May of this year Shriner's came to Anchorage for a visit and made a mold of Kooper's leg. It was time for a new one. Then they came back again in May to make sure the mold fit. We forgot to give them (Todd, the BEST prosthisist(sp?) ever!) the material to put on the leg and we then also forgot to mail it. So Todd picked out the material for us. We had no idea what it would look like until it showed up. It was an exciting/nervous feeling waiting for it to arrive. And then it did.

Kooper now wears frogs and what adorable frogs they are! You did awesome Todd, we LOVE it!

Kooper thinking he is pretty cool standing up to the entertainment center like Conner...with TWO legs!

Kooper modeling it for us.

Now Kooper LOVES to wear his leg. We are getting more used to him wearing it and putting it on him. I HATE to put it on him because there is a lot of tugging and pulling involved and I am just not really strong enough, so Kooper does a bit of crying. He also has physical therapy every two weeks, soon to be every week. His PT lady Martha is very nice and seems to enjoy working with Kooper...and Conner! We know that this is a slow and steady process and we are sure to celebrate every "little" accomplishment Kooper makes.

Some more pics

2010-07-18T21:41:00.004-08:00

I left the diaper bag at church today with the CD of pics in it, so Holly was nice enough to put a few more up for me on Facebook. Here they are. We are DYING to see the rest.

Pictures

2010-07-15T21:54:00.002-08:00

Kooper makes my heart melt!

A family in our ward asked if they could use our family to practice taking pictures . We of course said yes, who doesn't love a free photo session! Here are two of the pics so far. They have a whole CD for us and we can't wait to see them all.

Thank you for the 4th!

2010-07-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you Rikk for being the man and soldier that you are. This song makes me miss you even more whenever you are gone. But I know what you are doing, what you are fighting for is worth it. Thank you Grandpa for the 30 years you served. And thank you Tramp for your service and the time you spent over there. Happy Fourth of July everyone!

(A More Real) Love Story

2010-07-02T11:05:00.001-08:00

Since I can totally relate to this video, I am glad that there is another video (the next post) to help remind me how special my life is.

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

2010-07-02T11:00:00.001-08:00

I just want to tell my mom "thank you" for being such a wonderful mom and a great example for me.

Who's that SEXY guy?!?

2010-07-01T21:34:00.003-08:00

None other than Master Sergeant Matteson, that's who! That is right, it's official. Rikk sewed on MSgt today and his got another stripe on his arm. He passed his test last year and it took almost a full year to sew on because he made that rank in 12 years and the Air Force average is 16 and 1/2. But if this picture isn't enough proof for you, here is a picture of the certificate he received as well.

Since Rikk doesn't like to brag about his accomplishments, I will do it for him. Along with sewing on MSgt this week, he also won the NCO (Noncommisioned Officer) of his squadron. And if that isn't impressive, he also won NCO of the base. He beat out 2,000 applicants for that.

The boys and I are so proud of Rikk and all his accomplishments. Rikk is an upstanding, hardworking, go the extra mile, amazing, responsible, honest and fair Battalion Chief. Since we have gotten to Elmendorf, I have NEVER seen Rikk more happy with his job. He honestly LOVES his job and the people that he works with. And it is VERY apparent that everyone at work loves him to.

We love you Rikk and all that you do at work to make things better for us. Congratulations on all your accomplishments and we are looking forward to the MANY more that await you.

Crashed

2010-06-28T20:35:00.003-08:00

When you are tired, I guess it doesn't matter where you sleep.

Caterpillars

2010-06-28T20:14:00.003-08:00

After being cooped up inside for a couple of days with rain, we needed a craft to do. So we decided to make some caterpillars out of egg cartons. The boys absolutely LOVED this. They had so much fun doing this. Can you guess whose caterpillar belongs to who?

It's the little things in life...

2010-06-28T17:43:00.007-08:00

...like playing with bubbles out in the sunshine that puts a smile on such cute faces!!!

Rikk's "cursing" the Old Testament

2010-06-23T21:23:00.002-08:00

The twins went in Tuesday morning and got circumcised finally. It wasn't our choice to get them circumcised this late in the game, but there really wasn't much we could do. When they were born and in the hospital, we repeatedly asked for them to get done, but the reply we always got was, "We like to do it closer to them going home." So when they dropped the bomb (happy bomb) on us that they were going home the next day, not another week like they had told us that morning, we asked if we could get them circumcised as soon as we got home. They told us that would be fine. We went to our two day appointment and our pediatrician told us, "Nope, it's too late, they are too old. They cannot be older than three weeks. Now you will have to wait until they are one to get it done." Rikk and I both squirmed in our chairs, he more than me!

Monday night we woke the babies at 1145pm to top them off with a bottle since they couldn't have anything after midnight. Then just after 0300 Kooper decided to be up for the day. He was hungry and wouldn't go back to bed, so our morning started a little earlier than we had wanted. Rikk and I loaded up the twins at 0555 and headed to the hospital. (My sister Kathy stayed the night before with her two boys so that she could take care of our older boys...thanks again Kathy!) Conner had to check in at one spot because he was going first and Kooper another because he was going second. Rikk took Conner, who was a happy baby and at 0710 he was taken into surgery. At about 0745 they came and got Kooper and I from our room and we got to go and sit with Rikk in the combined "wait here for surgery/recovery" room. Kooper was a happy little clam and was flirting with all the ladies and making everyone laugh. Then we heard the hysterical screaming...Conner was being brought into the recovery room.

Rikk went over to see Conner and he was freaking out. The doctors had warned us about this. They said that some babies wake from the anesthesia just fine and some wake up not so happy. Conner obviously fell into the later category. They had Rikk pick Conner up and it was like Conner had gotten super human baby strength! Rikk seriously looked like he was wrestling him. We both have NEVER heard Conner like this, it was quite heart breaking and Kooper was also VERY concerned. He didn't take his eyes off Conner until they took him back. Conner just wouldn't calm down so they ended up having to give him some morphine. After a bit he finally downed a bottle and quieted down and just wanted me to hold him. He finally fell asleep.

While we were waiting for Kooper to get done, we realized that Rikk was going to miss his hearing aide fitting appointment. The nurses in recovery overheard us talking and said that they would try to get him a later appointment. They got right on the phones and started making calls. They got him in a little later, but we still needed someone there for one of the twins. We were going to call in a friend when the nurses told us not to worry about it, they would handle which ever baby they wanted us to and for him to go to his appointment. How nice are they?!!!

At 0930 they brought Kooper out and he was sound asleep. He was completely out to the world for about an hour and then they started to arouse him to make sure he was okay. He let out two little whimpers and that was it. He didn't mind a nurse holding him at all and just snuggled up to her. At 1100 they then took us up to our room and as we were getting settled Rikk showed up. We now just had to wait for the babies to urinate and then we could go home. They babies were doing fine, Kooper went potty and then Conner was not so happy when he went...poor little guys. We were FINALLY discharged at 1pm and were able to go home. They gave the babies Tylenol 3 w/codeine and some ointment to put on their manhood. They will be swollen for about a month, the stitches will dissolve and all should be well.

My sister was an angel yesterday. When we walked through the door she volunteered to stay while Rikk, the babies and I napped. Rikk and Conner went and napped on our bed, I got Kooper down in his and then I just enjoyed being with Kathy and all the boys. She and her boys even stayed for dinner and Hunter's baseball game!!! Thank you soo much again Kathy, you were a lifesaver!!!

Last night the twins slept WAY better than we had thought they would. They got up about every 3-4 hours. The last time they got up we went to give them bottles and they just kept knocking them away and crying...it was their way of saying, "I don't want a bottle, just give me my pain medicine already!" So they got it, snuggled for a little bit and went right back to sleep in their beds. Today they have been a lot happier than we expected. They cry and whine when they urinate and sometimes when they move, but other than that not to bad. They want to be held a lot and that's okay! So all in all, they are doing great and we are praying they continue to do so.

Rikk is from Mars

2010-05-24T18:58:00.004-08:00

Rikk and I were having a conversation about laundry the other day which made me think he had to be from Mars!

Rikk: You know how you never know if my pants are clean or dirty?
Dawn: Yea, that's why I always just wash them.
Rikk: Well I have an idea that will help you know if they are clean or not.
Dawn: Okay...
Rikk: I am going to put my pants in this drawer of my dresser. If they have a belt on them, they are clean. If they don't have a belt on them, then they are dirty.
Dawn: (I am laughing pretty hard) WHAT??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? That makes NOOOOO sense. I am NOT going to look through your CLEAN clothes to find your DIRTY clothes.
Rikk: What are you talking about, it makes perfect sense. Belt on, clean. Belt off, dirty. What's so hard about that?
Dawn: I don't even look through the boys' clean clothes to find their dirty clothes. You walk by the laundry room EVERY day. If your pants are dirty, put them in the dirty clothes.
Rikk: I'm just saying, it makes perfect sense.
Dawn: I just stood there laughing, shaking my head no!

I don't think I am the only spouse out there that thinks this is one of the silliest things I have ever heard. I mean, I would expect to hear it from one of the boys...but Rikk??? I just had to laugh! I love him and his "creative" solutions to things!!!

Hot Dogs

2010-05-22T18:24:00.004-08:00

The boys decided that they want to open a hot dog shop and call it, "JUST WIENERS!" Rikk and I started laughing and they just looked at us and said, "What's so funny?" I love my boys!

"Side By Side"

2010-05-15T21:47:00.002-08:00

Conner learned to stand upto furniture about the beginning of April and he loves it. Kooper has been trying to do it since about mid March, but doesn't have enough strength in his one leg to do so (something we are working on now with his physical therapist). He really tries, he gets on his knees, then on his nub and his one foot and tries so hard to push up. We tried constantly to have him stand on his one leg (he outgrew his prosthetic and gets a new one next month, more on that at a later date), but he would just collapse. But the night we took these photos he stood for a good 2-3 minutes and was sooooooooo proud of himself and so were his brothers. The boys, along with Rikk and I, were clapping and cheering him on. Here are pics of him and Conner standing side by side for the first time.

Conner started out the standing and then we stood Kooper next to him....

...AND HE STOOD!!!

Kooper got a little uneasy when I left....

....and went back to just hanging out with Conner

Easter Fun

2010-05-15T20:59:00.006-08:00

Easter morning the boys were happy to see that the Easter Bunny had come. The babies were still asleep and we let them sleep! Then that night after our ham dinner we dyed eggs. Rikk helped the boys dye the eggs while the babies and I looked on. The boys did really well this year with NOT making a single mess when dyeing eggs. A really good and fun time full of laughs was had by all.

Checking out what was brought

Of course Kyler dug into the bunny first because, "it's the biggest candy!"

Hunter wasn't shy about eating his either

I think Walker was making sure everyone got the same amount

Hunter dyeing some eggs

I don't know what is up with Walker's expression...I guess he's too cool to smile!

And then there is Kyler who is ready to entertain at all moments

Me, Kooper and Conner

Eggs...

...and more eggs

I know that this video is just two seconds long, but I love Walker's sweet voice and how he is helping Kyler to find his basket. Such a sweet big brother!

Kyler Turned 4!

2010-05-14T20:55:00.010-08:00

Kyler turned 4...two months ago! He turned 4 the first week into our house. On his actual birthday we did cupcakes. He decided that he wanted to wait to have his cake until his girlfriend Bubble Gum (Rachel Barney!) came to visit the next week. Rikk made his cake as usual and it was the super hero The Flash. Kyler LOVES The Flash and some days that is his name! We had his party at our house. The kids played all day and we did cake and presents that night. Thank you Barney family for helping make his birthday party special.

Hunter and Walker worked really hard on this robot made out of Trios and were really excited to give it to Kyler who carried it around all day.

Who needs wrapping paper when you can close your eyes and pull your present out of a store bag!

Or pull your present out from under a fleece blanket!

Kyler we can't believe that you are 4. Kyler is definitely sweet, mischievous, loveable and silly. He is so friendly and will literally talk your ear off! Happy birthday Kyler, we love you!

Hunter's Spring Concert

2010-05-14T13:49:00.003-08:00

Hunter had a spring concert this year where they sang 4-5 songs. There was one song that he was fretting over like crazy. He had to shake his hips side to side and he didn't think that was very cool. We all practiced with him at home to make him feel less self conscious...Walker loved doing this, mostly because Hunter didn't! Hunter was so worried about this one song that he asked if he could move to his new school (he will attend a different school next year). We told him that they would be having the same concert on the same day at the other school (who really knows). He then informed us that he would not be feeling well that day and would have stay home from the concert. We assured him he would be feeling just fine. Hunter went to school that day and sang in his concert. He did great, but as you will see, he was very stiff. He is in the top row, fourth in from the left. His friend Kellen on the other hand who is in the front middle and plaid shirt was WAY into the concert. And it is a really cute song too! Sorry the video is grainy, it's with our old camera, we haven't found our video camera yet. And it's shaky because Rikk was holding one of the babies while filming.

Our Move

2010-05-13T14:38:00.008-08:00

When it came to packing up all our precious belongings, I think we forgot how much stuff we really had. When we sold our house on Mandeville Loop and moved into our rental on Blessing, we thought it was going to be for just a few months and then we would move to New Mexico. We put everything that we wouldn't "need" for the next three months into two rental units and kept everything else. Then we got pregnant with the twins and the Air Force was kind enough to extend our stay and give us orders closer to home...Elmendorf. We started moving things down to a storage unit near Elmendorf a few months before our move. I can't believe how much stuff we have. I wanted to purge before we moved but Rikk's famous saying, "We need the weight" kept us from doing that. Here is what we used to move our stuff...

This isn't the Barney's trailer, but they have a 26ft long trailer like this that was filled with our stuff. They were nice enough to make a special trip to Anchorage with us, pull this and help us unload it. Thanks guys!

This isn't out trailer, but we have a 16ft trailer like this. Back in October our friends the Browns were nice enough to tow this completely full to Anchorage for us when they were going on a temple trip that we had to cancel because of sick kids. We also towed it completely full on the same trip to Anchorage with the Barneys and again the day we officially moved.

The day that we moved my dad drove this 17ft. Uhaul for us. I think he was just happy he didn't have to ride with any of the boys. My mom and I started out in my Yukon with the twins and Kyler. She then ended up driving Rikk's truck with Hunter and Walker because we had to put the trailer on my Yukon. Rikk's truck blew it's transmission, but my mom got her all the way to Anchorage.

When we got to Anchorage we stayed in TLF for just over a month and then moved into this house on base.

This is our house, really nothing to look at right now from the outside. The snow is now gone and Rikk is working on bringing back the front lawn that we share with our neighbor. It is apparent that the yard hasn't been taken care of in years (not neighbor's fault, they just moved in right before us). He can't wait to plant flowers, and he has already got most the brown turning green. I forgot to take pics of the backyard and basement and will post some when I post one of the house unpacked and moved in. We really got lucky with this house. It is 2600sqft to include the basement. It has 4 bedrooms on the same floor, and 2 and 1/2 baths. We also have a fairly decent sized entry, large one car garage, and tons of closets/storage space.

One side of the living room

The other side of the living room

Our dining room/area and door to back porch/yard

Our kitchen

Our entryway, a little more space to the right of the door that you can't see and there is a door there that leads out to the garage. And you can kind of see the coat closet that is the size of a regular closet there to the left.

Our half bath on the main floor

View from one side of the living room. Go straight and on left is half bath, then entry way. Go straight and turn right corner and there are stairs to basement and it also leads into kitchen.

Boys bathroom

Boys bathroom, I wish mine had this much counter space!

Kyler's room

Twins' room

Laundry room

Laundry room...I LOVE my laundry room. I can just pull clothes out of the dryer, fold them on the counter and put them right into the boys' buckets. Rikk also added a few clothes lines in there too, he's soo handy!

A walk-in closet in the hall way, there's more room off to the right of it.

Hunter and Walker's room

Hunter and Walker's walk-in closet, more room off to the left.

Mine and Rikk's bedroom

We have our own closets which I think can sometimes be nicer than sharing a walk-in

Our bathroom...I need more counter space!

We LOVE this house. It used to be an 8-plex that they turned into a 4-plex. It is taking us a bit getting used to living on base. There are about 30 kids on our block and it is a total free-for-all. Rikk and I are the only parents outside with our kids and the neighborhood kids think that every yard and toy is their's too. So far we haven't heard out neighbors, we have some on each side and I hope that they haven't heard us. And sorry about the horrible house pictures, taking pictures of rooms is apparently something I am not really good at. I was trying to hurry before all the furniture was moved in. When we get things all unpacked and put away I will post some pics then, although you may see some of the house in random pics in posts to come.

One last get together...

2010-05-13T14:01:00.003-08:00

Before our move to Elmendorf we got together with my family to celebrate my grandparents' 64th wedding anniversary. My grandparents are so sweet to each other. I love to hear my grandpa call my grandma "his sweetheart" and "my Annie," it just makes me smile.

Grandpa and Grandma

Grandma and Conner

Kooper and Conner

When we are done eating, this is where you can find Uncle Kevin...asleep in the recliner

Conner and Nana

Grandma, Kooper, Grandpa and Conner

Walker LOVES to make these babies laugh (Conner)

Walker Turned 5!

2010-05-12T21:25:00.004-08:00

Walker turned 5...back in January! On his actual birthday we went to the fire station to have dinner and cupcakes with Rikk. Then for his birthday party Walker decided he wanted a race car cake. Rikk did a great job on the cake (as he always does) and Walker loved it. We had his party at the Community Center on base with some of his preschool classmates, family and close friends. As you saw by the pics, he had a great birthday. This last year Walker has really grown up. It has truly amazed us how much of a "little man" he has become. He is kind and loving, a really big help and an awesome brother. Happy birthday Walker, we love you!

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-05-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

"You want to hear my...."

2010-04-10T22:22:00.001-08:00

Hunter and Walker had sport physicals today to play baseball this year. Rikk went in with them and they had a female doctor. The doctor is doing Walker's examine and this is part of the conversation...

Doctor: While lifting Walker's shirt she says, "Now I want to listen to your heart."

Walker looks at her really confused and then turns and looks at Rikk really confused.

Rikk: "What's wrong buddy?"

Walker: Whispering says, "Why does she want to listen to my fart?"

Rikk: While laughing says, "No, she wants to listen to your HEART!"

Walker: Giggling his cute little giggle says, "Ooohhh!!!"

I can totally see his confused little face thinking, "Why is she pulling up my shirt if she wants to hear me fart?" And just so you know, the doctor laughed too!

Bedtime Antics

2010-02-22T20:44:00.005-09:00

We found out there was a small fire at our place tonight, but thankfully nobody was hurt.

Rikk: "Kyler why are you naked, where are your underwear and jammie bottoms?"
Kyler: "They were all wet so I took them off."
Rikk: "Why are they all wet, you just put them on 10 minutes ago."
Kyler: "Well, Walker called me a dork and that made me so mad that fire shot out of my butt (sticking his bum out to the side) and my jammies caught on fire so I dipped my bottom in the toilet."
Rikk: Just standing there dumbfounded.
Kyler: "What?"
Rikk: Just walks away.

I wish I was making this up!!!

Open Wide

2010-02-20T08:39:00.002-09:00

Rikk is playing the Wii and Walker is feeding him Ritz crackers...here's their conversation:

Rikk: Mommy must have bought the unsalted crackers because I don't taste any salt."
Walker (giggling): "Oh, you don't...that's because I am licking all the salt off and then feeding them to you!!

Rikk looks over at him and Walker is in mid lick and Rikk starts to dry heave! Never a dull moment in this house, never!

Rikk turns 32...I mean 28!

2010-02-17T14:55:00.005-09:00

Rikk turned 32 the end of December, but he likes to tell the boys he's only 28 and they then correct him and say he's 32. This year they made Rikk a really cute and big sign and again made his cakes. They had a hard time on deciding what to get him, so they ended up getting him his favorite candies and one of his favorite movies. We sure love Rikk and appreciate all he does for us!

The boys and their sign

Hunter drew a pic of he and Rikk hunting,
Walker drew a picure of Rikk

They picked out a Spongebob card that sang

Circus Peanuts

Neccos

Princess Bride movie

A new I Pod Shuffle because he thought he ruined his

(turned out he didn't)

Conner and Kooper's heart,

Kyler drew a picture of Rikk

Rikk waiting to blow out his candles

Rikk blowing out candles

Showing how good the cake is!

Christmas Morning

2010-02-17T14:40:00.003-09:00

The kids did really well Christmas morning, they knew not to bother us until 8am! Here are just a few pics from presents that were a HUGE hit.

Our home made tree

Rikk wearing Kyler's new fire helmet

Kyler with his new police hat and Mickey Mouse CD player

Everyone got Lego Indiana Jones 2 for the Wii from Nana and Papa

Walker LOVES Trios

A brand new 22 for the boys

Kyler with his new Grandpa Gillman helmet and 22.

Conner was exhausted

No better way to end Christmas morning than this!

Christmas Eve

2010-01-22T22:34:00.005-09:00

Our Christmas Eve was just like it is every year...except that there were two more of us this year! We went to Santa Claus' house so the kids could each pick out an ornament. We waited an hour for the boys to talk to Santa, but it was definitely worth it. All five boys LOVED talking to him and Conner and Kooper didn't cry until after we picked them up from Santa's lap.

We then went home and the kids got to open up one present...new Christmas jammies. The boys were VERY patient in waiting to open them. We decided this year to just have them all open them at the same time instead of individually. I love the pics of Conner and Kooper.

It looks like Kooper is asking Hunter if he is doing this right!

Kooper is digging this unwrapping thing

Conner thinks it's pretty cool too

Conner just looking cute

This is the finished product. All five boys in their jammies and as you can see it was hard to get a pic of them sitting still.

After everyone got their jammies on we all grabbed our blankets, a candy cane and some hot chocolate and got loaded in the Yukon. We first made a stop at my parents' house so that they could see everyone in their jammies. Then it was off to check out some Christmas lights around town. Once that was done it was time to set out cookies, nog egg (that's what the kids call egg nog) and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. After that it was off to bed to wait for Santa to arrive.

Sugar Cookie Fun

2010-01-16T09:13:00.002-09:00

The boys LOVE to decorate sugar cookies, especially Walker, he loves to do anything that may be considered an art or craft. This Christmas season we decorated sooo many sugar cookies. I seriously think we did it a couple days a week the whole month of December! The only sad part is we didn't get any pictures of the finished products.

Walker concentrating really hard on his cookie

I think Kyler did more eating than decorating

And Hunter is waiting patiently for the sprinkles

Homemade for Christmas

2010-01-15T14:02:00.007-09:00

The kids had been bugging us since the day after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas tree. Having been married to the Christmas Scrooge, I mean Rikk, the last eight years, I knew that wasn't going to happen! Rikk HATES Christmas and I don't know why, just cause...maybe it's because his birthday is 4 days after it...who knows.

Anyway...when he finally agreed to set up the tree, we went out to the garage to get the ornaments (or "ordaments" as Rikk and Walker say) so that the kids and I could get unwrapping them and what not while Rikk got the tree out and up. Well, there were no ornaments in the garage...they are all down in Anchorage in a storage unit. Oops!

So we decided that we would make our own ornaments this year. I have a container with about 20 different Christmas cookie cutters. I traced a set for each of us on poster board, we all decorated our own with markers, I cut them out, added some ribbon to hang them, laminated them and cut them out again. They turned out REALLY cute and we all really like them. I think that they are going to be our only ornaments from here on out. And it was really neat to see everyone's decorations and what they thought each ornament should look like. We didn't have one that looked like another! We thought about stringing some popcorn but knew that would just end up being a snack for Kyler, so we made some garland out of construction paper.

Hunter coloring his ornaments

Me cutting one of the MANY ornaments

So we got the ornaments done and Rikk went into the crawl space to get out the tree...NO TREE!!! DOH! We suggested to the kids two options and told them that they could choose which we were going to do. The first option was making a Christmas tree out of butcher paper and hanging it on the wall. They thought that was a pretty cool idea. The second option was calling Nana and Papa and asking them if we could borrow their tree to put up at our house, to which we got an unanimous "Call Nana and Papa NOW!!!" So mom and dad were very kind and let us use their tree, which made three little boys VERY happy!

Rikk made these ornaments for Kooper and Conner

Rikk putting the tree up

Kyler helping to decorate the tree

Hunter decorating the tree

Walker decorating the tree

Kyler putting the angel on top

(Hunter made it at school, it really kinda looks like a butterfly!)

The finished product minus our homemade stockings

That's right, we even made homemade stockings. My mom had a neat idea of just using big brown grocery bags and having the kids each decorate their own. They turned out so neat, I wish we had gotten a picture and that they hadn't been thrown away. And if you look at the tree there are envelopes on it. Hunter and Walker made something for each of us and put it in an envelope. It was anything from a picture to a coupon to do something for us. What sweet thoughtful little boys we have! The kids, Rikk and I had such a great time together coloring, putting the tree together and decorating, it was really nice to spend so much time together as a family.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

2010-01-15T13:33:00.006-09:00

Thanksgiving isn't the only time of year Rikk and I get to enjoy turkey...we feel that we enjoy five little "turkeys" EVERY day! We had Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house with them, my grandparents and Uncle Kevin. We had really delicious food and great company. We all really love to spend time with my family. The kids just can't get enough of them and love to show off and talk their ears off.

Oh, and the kids made the cutest little turkey name place cards (I remember doing that when I was little!). My mom LOVED them and has safely stored them in her china cabinet for next year's turkey day. I just wish that I had remembered to take a picture of them.

The above three pictures of Kooper and Conner and them

not wanting their picture taken after such a long day

Conner

Conner kept pulling it over his face

Grandpa and Kooper, Grandma and Conner

Grandma, Kooper and Conner

Chuck E. Cheese, Bowling and an Arcade

2010-01-11T22:51:00.006-09:00

On a house hunting trip in November, we of course had to have some fun with the kids. They were all soo good being stuck in the car 4 out of 5 days looking at houses and driving to and from Anchorage that we had to go and play.

Below are pics from Chuck E. Cheese

Here are pics from bowling

Rikk's favorite kind of bowling pic

Me helping out Kyler

Kyler taking a break from bowling

Bowling with baby

And below are pics from hitting the arcade after bowling.

This is a street sign from somewhere in Eagle River or Peter's Creek. It was HUGE compared to any other sign we have ever seen. How do you even pronounce that?

Snuggle Bugs

2010-01-11T22:27:00.002-09:00

Here is a really cute video of Conner and Kooper going to bed from October. They shared a play pen then (now they share a crib) and we would put them at opposite ends of the play pen, but they always end up in the middle snuggling.

A month of giving and thanks

2010-01-11T17:44:00.005-09:00

November was an unbelievable month for us. Rikk was getting food and money donations from stores throughout Fairbanks to help out needy families on the base and at the food bank. Hunter had gone along with him to a few places and got bit by the bug...the giving bug. Hunter's school was having a food drive and he wanted to bring in as many cans as he could. Seeing Hunter get excited about this Walker also got bit by the giving bug. He asked if his school could have a food drive. So Rikk went in and talked to them and they thought it was a wonderful idea.

Rikk and his buddy Curtis brought in the most food (700 cans/boxes) and raised the most money($1400) on base. (Sorry the pic is blurry, but I took it with my phone holding a baby)

Hunter brought in 300 cans to his class and his class won a pizza party, he was so happy. He got some from home, Nana and Papa and from the stores he went to with Rikk.

Walker's class brought in 69 cans in one week and he was just thrilled. He also got some from home and Nana and Papa.

Rikk is such a great example for our boys. I am so glad that he is their dad and they can learn from him. The boys totally loved raising food for people that needed it and can't wait to do it again next year.

Shriner's Hospital

2010-01-11T13:49:00.002-09:00

Our first of many visits to and with Shriner's Hospital has come and gone already. It is such an amazing hospital and the people their are absolutely wonderful. We got told that our first visit would be 3-5 hours long. We got there, checked in and 15 minutes later our buzzer went off (like what you get at The Olive Garden) and a nurse was waiting for us in the designated go to area. She took us to an exam room, talked with us for about 15 minutes and then went to get the doctor. The doctor assistant came in and talked with us and then got the doctor. We discussed everything with him and he said Koop would definitely be getting a prosthetic and that next he wanted us to meet with the physical therapists and then the prosthesis (the person who makes the prosthetic). As soon as he walked out PT walked in and examined him and showed us some exercises to do with Koop. They printed out about 20 different exercises for us to do at home.

Then they took us to the prosthesis, who actually meet us about halfway to his office and took Koop right out of our arms and sat down right there on the floor in the middle of the hallway and started to examine and play with him. Then they took us into another exam room where they took a mold of Kooper's little leg so that they could get it made that night and we were to come back the next day and see how it fit.

Getting the mold made

The next day we returned to try on the mold to see if any adjustments needed to be made. It had to be made smaller. But the guy put the mold on Kooper's leg and Rikk and he stood him up. He was soooooo proud of himself and so were we. Kooper actually stood for a whole minute where was before it was a couple seconds and then he'd go limp. But with the help of the mold and some padding to stand on, he was so happy, he was laughing and giggling and everyone there was clapping and cheering him on.

The mold of his thigh

Kooper standing in it for the first time

Koop realizing it's pretty cool

It was just an amazing experience there. We just went from person to person with no waiting in between (the guy above says to mark it on our calender because it will probably never happen again!). With the exercises the PT people gave us and showed us we have definitely been strengthening Koop's core which is what they say needs to happen. We were also told that we could video tape all of Kooper's visits to make sure that we are doing everything right and I also think it will be neat for Kooper to have. We go back next week to get his actual prosthetic and we are so excited!!!

We are fortunate to have my folks in Fairbanks to take care of the older boys while we make these trips. The boys definitely had a GREAT time with their Nana and Papa (as always) and Nana and Papa had quite a few funny stories to tell when we got home.

***Jeremy and Dahlia...we totally thought that the prosthesis could have been Jeremy's brother, if not his twin. The way he talked and his mannerisms reminded us of Jeremy.

Cereal anyone?

2010-01-11T13:22:00.003-09:00

So I started Conner and Kooper a little later on the cereal and baby food. They are just soo tiny still that I didn't see the need to hurry it with them. They got their first taste of baby cereal at 6 months. Our older three boys LOVED baby cereal, couldn't get enough of it. Wish I could say the same about Conner and Kooper. THEY HATE CEREAL. They totally refuse to eat it. Below are pics of their first taste.

Conner's first bite

Conner totally didn't dig it

Kooper's first bite

Kooper letting Rikk know he'd had enough

I love Kooper's face.

It's as if he is saying, "Mom, help me!"

Conner and Kooper random pics

2010-01-11T12:55:00.002-09:00

Here are some pics of Conner and Kooper from about September through November I think. And I threw one of Kyler in there too, it was too cute to pass up!

My abolute FAVORITE picture of Conner

Conner being cute

Kooper's first time in saucer

(found out we have to shove a blanket

down the hole with his nub or he falls into it)

Conner's first time in saucer

Kooper not sure what Conner's upto

Conner showing Kooper who's boss

(but the funny thing is Conner is the one

who is always crying when this happens)

They seriously do EVERYTHING the same

Conner sitting

Kyler and his "holster"

Conner rolled under his saucer

An awful October

2010-01-11T12:35:00.002-09:00

The month of October was a hard one for us. We had just about every illness you can think of...sinus infections, 24 hour throw up flu, 104 degree fevers, pneumonia, swine flu, colds, achey flu, pink eye for the WHOLE month (just kept passing it around) and probably some things that I can't remember...we have been trying to forget about how horrible it was!

Kooper with pink eye

Hunter with the 24 hour throw up flu

Walker on oxygen, an IV and fever

Meds kicking in and not minding the IV anymore

Kyler waiting at the ER

He wasn't too sure about the oxygen at first

His meds kicked in

Sick but HAPPY babies

Another tooth gone

2009-11-12T11:05:00.004-09:00

That is right, Hunter has lost his second tooth. He was in our room with Rikk and they were talking and Hunter was eating an apple. He had got some apple caught in his teeth and he thought Rikk was trying to get it out. Rikk pulled out Hunter's tooth without him even knowing it! He thinks Rikk should become a dentist now!

Hunter's missing tooth

Showing off his "hole"

Hunter's surprise from the Tooth Fairy

A little bit Murphy

2009-11-12T10:37:00.003-09:00

That is right, Conner may only have my nose and eyebrows, but he definitely has some Murphy in him. Sorry it isn't very still, I had Kooper in my lap and he kept trying to get the camera and then he was talking too.

Halloween

2009-11-12T10:08:00.002-09:00

For Halloween the boys wanted to be Alvin and the chipmunks and have the twins be acorns, but we just never got around to making their costumes. So then they decided that they wanted to be ninjas. I wanted the babies to be something like an elephant and a peanut (which is good they weren't because Maaret your twins looked absolutely adorable in that) or a monkey and banana...but they just ended up being two little monkeys which is what they are anyway!

Rikk took the older boys to Hunter's school for some games and trick or treating on the 30th. They had a really good time. They entered a candy guessing contest and had to guess how many pieces were in a glass jar. Hunter found out that following Monday that he got the exact number and brought the big jar of candy home. He was really excited about that. There were 248 pieces.

Hunter's winnings!

Then on Halloween we went to the church and our ward does an annual chili cook off and trick or treating inside to all the rooms in the church. Rikk took the older boys around while I played with the babies on the floor in the gym. They each came home with a bucket that was about half full which made them pretty happy. Walker got sick that night...I think that he snuck a little candy and was throwing up for about 5 hours.

Two serious little monkeys (I love how Conner has his hand on Kooper's leg)

Conner was starting to laugh

Three ninjas

I would hate to meet them in a dark alley

Strange Brew

2009-10-03T22:57:00.004-08:00

When Rikk and I were trying on Conner and Kooper's new winter hats, there is one thing that we both thought of immediately when we looked at them.

That's right, the movie "Strange Brew" popped right into our heads. There is a funny resemblance, "don'tcha think, aye?!" Anyway, it was just something funny to us.

4 Month Check Up

2009-10-03T22:20:00.004-08:00

Yes, I realize I am posting about Conner and Kooper's 4 month check up a little late (they turn 5 months on the 9th), but that seems to be the way things are right now! Here is how they are doing...

Conner weighed in at a hefty 14lbs 14oz. He has gained 9lbs 9oz since birth, that's crazy! He is right on track for an actual 4 month old. The doc was really impressed with him and how big he is. She had zero concerns about it and said to just keep up the good work. Conner is rolling over like crazy and that can get a bit annoying...I say that because half the time he gets onto his tummy and then cries to go back to his back...which he can't do yet! He is grabbing for toys and holding toys, waving them around, putting them in his mouth. Conner also loves to have help standing up, he gets so excited when he gets to stand. He is also flinging his legs into the air and I am sure will be playing with his toes any day now.

Kooper weighed in at a lighter 10lbs 7oz. Yes, that is about a 4 1/2lb difference between the two. He isn't on the growth chart, but he is following the growth curve, so the doc has no concern about it and assured me that he was doing awesome. He has gained 6lbs 8oz since birth and that is great! He also is right on target with an actual 4 month old (minus the weight) and again just said to just keep doing what we are doing. Kooper has rolled over a couple times, but that was months ago. He is trying really hard to go from his back to his tummy and I am sure he will get it any day. He can grab for toys, hold toys and put them in his mouth. He also LOVES to have his hands/fingers in his mouth, even when eating he tries to slip them in. One BIG thing that Kooper has started to do within the last week is to stand on his one leg. Whenever we have tried to get him to stand he would just go limp as could be. And then the other night I was holding him up and he just shot up on his leg to stand. I was so excited that I started yelling and screaming in excitement. He had the biggest smile and he and Conner were laughing.

Conner and Kooper are truly the two best babies anyone could ever ask for. They are really good and really easy babies...we couldn't ask for better babies. And they are so much fun. They LOVE to laugh and to giggle. It's amazing to watch them talk and laugh with each other and with their brothers.

Update on Shriner's: Shriner's will not be coming to Alaska anymore, but that does not change anything for us. We will be going to Shriner's in Portland, Oregon for our new patient interview in 2-3 months and we will see how things will go from there.

Kyler's Snack Time

2009-10-02T16:28:00.010-08:00

We have been having a little bit of a problem with Kyler lately...HE EATS EVERYTHING!!! What I mean is, he has been eating things lately that aren't food and thinks it's funny. Below are just a few things we have found him "snacking" on.

Just the other day I came downstairs and he ran and hid. I went over to him to see what he had (hiding is the tell tell sign for having something he shouldn't) and this is the conversation we had.

Me: Kyler, what are you eating?

Kyler: Nothing.

Me: Kyler, what are you eating, spit it out and show me.

Kyler: NOTHING!

Me: Kyler, what are you eating?

(he shows me a paper towel)

Kyler: A paper towel...I ate two!!!

(I admit, I did laugh a little!)

He really didn't eat two (at least not that I think!) but seriously, we have gone through this all day every day for the last 2-3 weeks. We aren't sure what he is lacking in his diet to have to do this, but it is just crazy!!! We used to find him hiding in the pantry eating food...now it's in a corner, on the stairs or somewhere outside eating everything BUT food!!!

Hunter Turned 7!!!

2009-10-02T15:36:00.006-08:00

This post is late but...Hunter turned 7 on September 23rd!!! Hunter is such a sweet and caring little boy. We are so proud of him and the "little" man that he is becoming. He is such a help around the house and is a great example to his brothers. We love you BIG much Hunter and are so glad that you are apart of our family!

This year he wanted a Star Wars the Clone Wars birthday themed party. Rikk (who decorates all the cakes unless deployed) had a great idea for Hunter's cake, which Hunter loved. He made a Star Wars the Clone Wars Starship Trooper's helmet...life size. If it were wearable, Hunter totally would have worn it! Below are some pictures of the cake.

Below are pictures of Hunter opening up some of his presents. Action figures, money and a Didj plus game were really big hits. He had a great time with all his friends and family and can't wait until next year.

Kooper's Helping Hand

2009-09-17T20:16:00.004-08:00

One day when my mom and dad were here at the house, Conner was a little fussy. He had just had enough that day with the boys being in his face and was ready for bed. Kooper was really sweet and was trying to soothe him. He kept trying to put his hand in Conner's mouth to let Conner use as a pacifier. It was soo stinkin' cute and Kooper was so patient with Conner and didn't get upset at all. He doesn't get his hand into Conner's mouth until about 2:30-3 minute mark, so just be patient and watch.

I heart macaroni art!!!

2009-09-17T15:47:00.002-08:00

The first day of Hunter going to school was really hard because Walker's school didn't start for about two weeks after Hunter's. After Walker went from thing to thing, saying he was bored what seemed like a million times, I pulled out the 5lb container of dried macaroni that my granmda gave me and put it to some good use. I was incharge of the glue, Walker and Kyler were incharge of the macaroni and paint.

Walker made Rikk

Kyler's house and yard

Kyler's smiley face

Walker's apple tree

Walker's house

Walker's smiley face

Walker taught...

2009-09-17T14:39:00.003-08:00

Walker has been a thumb sucker since in the womb...something that we REALLY don't like, but that I always when he was a baby it was REALLY cute. Well, one day we noticed Kooper doing this...

Kooper sucking his thumb

(they always snuggle when they sleep, LOVE it!!!)

We ran over and pulled his thumb out and were just floored that he had learned to do this. Then we hear, "I taught him that...hahahaha!" Whether he did or not (pretty sure it's just baby instinct), Walker is taking claim on teaching Kooper to suck his thumb.

My little preschooler!

2009-09-17T14:27:00.002-08:00

That's right, Walker is in preschool. I did preschool with Hunter at home, but we decided Walker should go to preschool to have the social interaction. He doesn't go to learn to write/identify numbers or letters, etc, he's got that stuff down (so I guess we already have done preschool at home with Walker!). He really enjoys going and some kids from our ward are there too, which has really made it nice. He goes M-F, 9-11 and on Wednesdays he gets to stay until 11:30 to have lunch there which is the coolest thing in his eyes! I can't believe that next year he will be in kindergarten...my how the time flies!

Kyler's baby time

2009-09-17T14:17:00.003-08:00

With Hunter in first grade and Walker off to preschool for a couple hours every day, Kyler has been enjoying some uninterrupted time with his little brothers.

Kyler trying to make himself skinnier than Conner!

Conner and Kyler making the same face

Kooper and Kyler just hanging out
(this outfit makes Kyler look bigger than he really is!)

Father/Son Campout

2009-09-17T13:54:00.003-08:00

When our ward's father/son campout was cancelled due to the smoke, our boys were pretty bummed out about it. So they came up with the great idea to have a campout inside!

All comfy in their tent

Enjoying a marshmallow

All the boys

Kooper's Possibilities are Endless

2009-09-16T13:37:00.003-08:00

I have never thought that Kooper would be limited by having a prosthetic. I mostly have just worried about what other little kids would think and say about it...kids CAN be mean and hurtful when it comes to other kids who may look a little "different". My mom and dad sent me an email that has pics of a little boy and his prosthetic(s) and I know without a doubt that Kooper will be able to do ANYTHING. We have no idea who this little boy is but I am sure thankful for him and his adorable smile.

Amber and my OB Triage Ladies...

2009-09-15T21:59:00.002-08:00

Hey ladies,

Since I know that you all slack off at work and do nothing but check my blog, I thought I would leave you all a message! Amber left a comment on my last post and I just wanted you guys to know that we think of you all the time and are VERY excited for our move to Anchorage. We can't wait to see all of you and for you all to really get to meet and love on the twins! Oh, and we are also looking for volunteers to babysit!!! Amber, I just found your info in the car a couple of weeks ago and I do keep meaning to call you. I promise, one of these days you will be surprised to get a call from me! We are supposed to be in Anchorage next month for Shriner's visit, plus we are going to start moving things into a storage unit and hopefully look at some houses...lots of trips between now and the move in January.

Well, I have taken up enough of your time...now all of you get back to work!!! Have a great day!

Exciting News!!!

2009-09-12T22:32:00.002-08:00

Last year around this time, we got what Rikk considers to be three pieces of bad news. All in the same day he didn't get a caribou, we got orders to New Mexico and he didn't make MSgt. Needless to say, Rikk was beyond unhappy about all three. This year has been quite different. It started off with...

Rikk getting a moose!

Us keeping our orders to Elmendorf!

And Rikk made MSgt!

Things around here are looking pretty good for us. We are happy that Rikk was able to kill something, excited about our orders to Elmendorf because we will still be close to family and friends and thrilled that Rikk made MSgt. He studied really hard and deserved it.

Elmendorf said that they would be able to take care of Kooper's leg and that they would more than likely fly us to a Shriner's when needed. Shriner's supposedly goes to Anchorage 3-4 times a year (we are supposed to meet with them next month), but if that doesn't work or isn't enough, then they will fly us to a Shriner's that can meet our needs (we are hoping it's SLC).

Rikk won't sew on his MSgt stripe until this next April, May or June. They do it by time and grade, so they have to do all the older guys first. He made it in 12 years!!! That's pretty awesome! We are all so proud of him, the hard work he put into it and thankful Dad was able to come and give him a blessing the night before.

So, that's our exciting news.

2009 Moose

2009-09-03T20:29:00.004-08:00

2009 Moose season is officially over, 0630 on Sep 1st

Baby Blessing Day (Part 1)

2009-08-23T22:10:00.006-08:00

We were able to bless Conner and Kooper in our home on August 1st. We blessed the twins in the same outfit that the three older boys were blessed in. We had to take a little intermission inbetween blessings to chane clothes and the blanket is my baby blessing blanket that they all have used as well. We were able to have my mom, dad, grandma, grandpa uncle Kevin, and some people who we feel very close to. It was a really special day! Rikk was nervous, as he always is when giving any kind of blessing, but he gave two VERY beautiful blessings. I am so thankful that I have a husband who is a worthy priesthoof holder that can give our children and I blessings whenever we need them, anytime, day or night. I am so proud of Rikk and the man that he is. Oh, and I may be partial, but I think that these two little babies are just absolutely beautiful, just saying!

Conner is in the blessing outfit

I bought these littel booties in the gift shop in the hospital in Anchorage

Baby Blessing Day (Part 2)

2009-08-23T21:45:00.003-08:00

Kooper is in the blessing outfit

Baby Blessing Day (Part 3)

2009-08-23T21:23:00.002-08:00

Have you ever seen three more handsome boys!

Kooper in blessing outfit

Kooper in blessing outfit and my folks

My dad and Conner

Kooper in blessing outfit, my grandparents and Uncle Kevin

Conner in blessing outfit

Conner in blessing outfit, my grandparents and Uncle Kevin

Conner in blessing outfit and my folks

Random Pics

2009-08-21T17:42:00.004-08:00

Kooper

Conner

Hunter and Kooper

Conner slapping Kooper

Conner punching Kooper and showing his bow form

Kooper fighting back

I love baby butts in the air

Walker and Kooper...Walker LOVES these babies!!!

Walker and Kooper

Hunter and Conner talking

and laughing

Kyler taking an unapprreciated nap

Walker loving Conner

Batman and the Fair

2009-08-20T13:12:00.002-08:00

I am sorry ladies, but I have the best, most amazing, wonderful husband EVER!!! Last week he took our three older boys to the fair ALL by himself...something that I would never do with them at this age. They had so much fun together and didn't want to leave. Rikk forgot the camera, but we took some pictures of their super hero faces when they got home. These are pics of their super hero stance.

Hunter and his "weapons"

I seriously would not want to meet Walker in a dark alley!

They all look really cute...I mean tough, really TOUGH!

But taking the boys to the fair isn't the only thing Rikk did to give him that awesome title...he also took them all from the fair to the grocery store and did ALL the grocery shopping, something that I thought I was going to do after they got home that day. What an awesome guy Rikk is, I sure got lucky!!!

Great Grandparents

2009-08-20T12:58:00.003-08:00

Grandma holding Kooper and Grandpa holding Conner

Grandma and Grandpa with all our kiddos

Being stationed here in Alaska we are not only fortunate enough to be near my parents, but also my grandparents. They fly back and forth between here and Utah every three months so that they can see their other grandchildren and great grandchildren. This was the first time my grandparents got to meet Conner and Kooper, the newest great grandchildren. This is also the first time either one has ever held a twin and they thought that was pretty cool. When we get together, they LOVE to just sit and hold the babies, especially Grandma...we literally have to rip the twins from her arms when it's time to go. We think that it is so special that Grandma and Grandpa get to spend time with our kids, we can't get enough of them.

1st Grade!!!

2009-08-20T09:17:00.003-08:00

We can't hardly believe it, but Hunter is now an official 1st grader!!! He was really excited about going to school...in fact before Rikk gave him his blessing he asked him all kinds of questions (anything he's nervous or scared about, etc) and he was just excited! And it doesn't hurt that his teacher is "HOT" either!!! (more on that later) But here are some pics from that day. Rikk took him to school and forgot the camera, but we still got before and after shots.

All ready to go

Showing off the backpack

Home after his first day

He's so handsome!

So about his teacher being "HOT"...Rikk took Hunter to the school's ice cream social to meet his teacher. When they got home that night they were commenting how how nice she was and I asked what she looked like. Rikk said, "She's young, alright looking, kinda cute." Hunter then says, "Whatever Dad, you said she was HOT!!!" Rikk is stunned and kinda starts to stumble on his words. Hunter and I are laughing and Rikk then proceeds to explain he only said that to see if he could get Hunter to admit he thought she was cute. Whatever Rikk, Hunter totally called you on that!!!

MSgt Promotion Test

2009-07-26T21:01:00.003-08:00

Rikk has his MSgt promotion test tomorrow morning at 0730. I am so proud of him and the studying that he has put into this test. He has sacrificed a lot of time with the boys and I, shooting his bow, his guns, and other things that he loves to do, but he is totally ready. He got a WONDERFUL blessing from my dad tonight and I know that he will do well. If we all could please keep him in our prayers tonight and tomorrow morning, maybe even fast for him if you can, that would be greatly appreciated.

RIKK WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND KNOW YOU WILL DO WELL!!!!!!

Little Treasures Bowtique

2009-07-25T09:05:00.002-08:00

One of my friends Mandi has started her own business and it's really amazing. If you have a little girl, granddaughter, niece or friends with little girls, you have to check out this website.

www.littletreasuresbowtique.com

This website sells all different kinds of little girl hair bows and they are absolutely beautiful. I wish I had a little girl so that I could put them in her hair...Rikk doesn't like it very much when I do it to the boys!!! But seriously, check it out, Mandi has done amazing work.

A JOB AND A CALLING

2009-07-22T09:12:00.016-08:00

I am posting this on behalf of Rikk because I am so proud of him. Rikk was incharge of this rescue and worked very hard on this soldier to try and save him. He had heard months ago that he did not make it, but just recently found out that he did. There is a picture below of the soldier that is being talked about, and he was severly injured. The picture is of him now.

This is a fine example of the difference AF fire can make, this is what we train for. Three Eielson firefighters responded to this call in March 08, a truck was hit with a 122MM rocket coming in at 700 MPH. 4 were killed and then PFC XXXXXwas assumed DOA until he began talking to first responders, see below.

Chief ,
Just got a response from Lt Col XXXXXX and he gave me your address. I wanted to track you down and send you some pics of SGT XXXXX. He and his familyare extremely thankful for everyone who helped bring Joel home. He truly is an amazing young man.

I know as a first responder, we are suppose to forget the last accident and move on, but I think about that day, every day and every time I go to sleep.I remember when we looked inside that vehicle and found the third body...still hits me hard.

When I got home, I got into contact with the hospital Joel was at. The Army LNO gave my info to Joel's dad and he contacted me. Joel at the time was very bad and wasn't expected to make it. Then after 81 days in a coma he came out of it. He was blind in both eyes, right leg amputated and 60% of his body burned. But things changed...

Now Joel is doing great, he is walking, jumping and he remembers everything...When I first met with him, he remembered me, and the other responders on scene with him, which was amazing.

In June, I was asked by the Army Leadership to take part in the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Ceremony for him. After 15 months, over 20 surgeries he is doing great. His sense of humor is great and he says he remembered talking with me that day. Joel wanted me to thank all the Air Force Police, Fire and Medics that responded that day.

Hope all is well with you and hope to hear back from you.

Thanks,

Capt XXXXXXX

SGT XXXX

That email made it's way around the AF and this is an email that Rikk got from a Chief that he worked with over there..

Rikk,

Goes beyond words to describe your effect and your attention to detail when all about you was chaos and death. Means more to me than you know to have you as a fellow firefighter and would go to war with you anytime and anywhere. Keep the faith!

Chief XXXX

Being a firefighter and soldier in the military may be Rikk's job, his way to make a living and to financially take care of us...

...but Rikk's true calling in life is being a wonderful husband to me and an incredible father to our five amazing little boys.

When Rikk deploys it is VERY hard on our family, especially our boys. But hearing a story about him and how he helped to save a man...well, it makes me realize it's not just about us when he's gone and makes it all worth it. Rikk is great at his job, but he's even better at his calling.

Who's Bringin' Sexy Back???

2009-07-20T11:26:00.002-08:00

That would be a VERY smiley Conner

Look at all that chub...LOVE IT!!!

Conner may end up giving Kyler a run for his money in the "I'm not fat, I'm husky" department!

4th of July Fun

2009-07-20T10:30:00.004-08:00

So I realize that these pics are quite a bit late, but I figure better late than never. We had just a small family get together and wish my sister Kathy and her family could have made it from Ft. Greely. The first picture below is of my Uncle Kevin and Kooper Kevin and the first time they met. My uncle Kevin is physically handicapped on the right side of his body. He lives a normal life, always has and has a very stubborn and strong will about him. He is also the nicest and loving uncle. We thought given Kooper Kevin's name as a middle name was a great idea. We want Kooper to be just like his Great Uncle Kevin...stubborn, strong willed, nice and loving.

Great Uncle Kevin and Kooper Kevin

Great Uncle Kevin, Kooper and Conner

Rikk and Walker shooting the boys' bow

Kyler taking a turn at the bow

Look at Hunter's form, he's a natural

Kyler telling me hi

Enjoying the slide and yard

Enjoying slide and pool

My mom enjoying the shade and Kyler saying hi

Kyler loves the pool

Ready, set, slide

Bullwinkle in the Backyard

2009-07-20T10:10:00.002-08:00

The other night when Rikk went to go pick up the backyard, he came running back inside as giddy as a school girl who had just got asked to the prom by the guy of her dreams. The reason being you ask...a bull moose in our backyard. If it was moose season he could have killed it, but since it wasn't he just took pictures instead. There is also a video at end and Rikk is doing his moose call.

Definitely not the "Armpit of the Air Force"

2009-07-15T15:04:00.003-08:00

Last August some of you may recall us getting orders to Cannon AFB, New Mexico. When we got our extension to stay here because of my pregnancy, they took those orders away. Well, we got our orders today and they came as quite a surprise all the way around. We got orders to the place Rikk really wanted other than Eielson...

Elmendorf AFB, Alaska reporting no later than March 2010

Although it would be nice to go to Anchorage, still being close to family and friends here and being around all the new friends we made in Anchorage while there...we don't think that these orders are going to stick. The reason being is because of Kooper's leg, we have to be near a Shriner's we are told. We got these orders before the Shriner's paperwork was handed in. We don't foresee the military paying for us to go to the lower 48, hotels, rental cars, food, etc at least 1+ times a month every month. Rikk just got the Shriner's paperwork back from the doctor today and now has to hand it in. But until we hear otherwise, Elmendorf here we come!

Baby Blessing Outfit

2009-07-10T21:30:00.004-08:00

Rikk and I are having a little bit of a dilema about the boys' baby blessing outfit. You see, the three older boys were all blessed in the exact same outfit. We would love the twins to be blessed in that outfit as well. The problem is when it comes time to take pictures. We would want (as we always do) a family pic with BOTH babies in their blessing outfits and one of them together in their outfit...but that isn't possible if they are sharing the outfit....does that make sense? So here are a couple of possible solutions I have come up with and would appreciate your input and/or any solutions you might have.

1. Forget having pictures of them together in their outfits and just do pics in Sunday clothes
2. Buy the exact same blessing outfit
3. Buy two new outfits that match.

Let me know what you guys think.

I Spy With My Little Eye

2009-07-10T09:17:00.002-08:00

Walker has been into wearing his Spiderman costume just about 24/7 since we have been back home. He wears it from the time he gets up to the time he goes to bed...if he doesn't wear it to bed that is!

He decided to trade with Hunter for a few minutes and be Batman Dark Knight and what a cute one he is.

Baby Powder Anyone

2009-07-10T09:03:00.002-08:00

It has been really HOT here for the last week or so. So hot that Hunter asked for a little baby powder on his manhood. No big deal, he knows how to do it himself. He goes up to his bathroom and comes down a few minutes later and with every step there is a cloud of powder that comes from his underwear. Rikk asked him how much he put on and if there was a mess up in the bathroom. He just gave us his squirrel face...that meant he put on too much and that there was a mess. Rikk told him to take the dust buster upstairs and clean it up. After about five minutes of dust busting Hunter comes down and informs us that it isn't working, that it keeps coming out a a slot on the dust buster. Rikk and I look up at him and this is what we see...

Hunter covered in baby powder, even his eyelashes are white

He's a tan little mexican, but now a white little boy

Rikk wiped away his eyes and was able to write "DORK" across his forehead

The bathmats are supposed to be navy blue.

Needless to say, there was baby powder everywhere and we had a really good laugh. Oh and it took Rikk about 30 minutes or more to clean up the mess.

Something Exciting for Hunter

2009-07-10T08:57:00.001-08:00

Something VERY exciting happened to Hunter on Tuesday...can you tell what it was???

That's right, Hunter lost his very first tooth, his bottom/middle right one! He came running up the stairs yelling, "My tooth fell out, my tooth fell out!" And sure enough it had. Of course we had to call Rikk right away and let him know and he was happy for Hunter too. (Rikk and I were both glad that Hunter did it on his own because for the last almost two weeks it had been grossing/creeping us out trying to help him get it out. There's just something about teeth pulling that just makes us cringe!) Hunter put his little tooth in a baggy and put it under his pillow so the tooth fairy would find it. And sure enough at 6:45 the next morning I was awaken by an even more excited Hunter and his $1 bill! YEAH FOR HUNTER AND LOSING HIS FIRST TOOTH!!!

A Newborn's Conversation with God

2009-07-08T10:55:00.003-08:00

We got this in an email and I just had to share it. Careful, it may bring a tear or two to your eyes.

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."

Twins Reporting for Duty

2009-07-05T08:22:00.003-08:00

At Eielson they gave us a certificate of birth for the twins from Rikk's squadron. It will look like an official certificate. Rikk sent this to me on an email and I thought it was so cute I would share.

DIVISION OF GUARDIAN ANGELS
1 Golden Gates
Heaven Place, Heaven

ORIGINAL ORDERS

Maternity Squadron 1
Department of Joy
Cloud Nine, Heaven

From: Chief Angel
To: Airman Basic Kooper Kevin Matteson
Airman Basic Conner Harwood Matteson
Subj: BIRTH; ORDERS FOR
Ref: (a) USAF2009/05/09

1. In accordance with the reference, you will proceed and report to Providence Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska for further assignment to TSgt Rikk Matteson and Dawn Matteson herein after referred to as Father and Mother for duty as sons.

2. Your duties will include, but not be limited to, sleeping, eating, crying, wetting, and being lovable.

3. You will initially report to your Mother at 1738 hrs on 09 May 2009 and make yourself available as soon as possible for inspection by your Father. Your height and weight limits for reporting for duty are established as AB Kooper Matteson, 16.5”/3 lbs 15 oz. AB Conner Matteson, 18.5”/5 lbs 5oz.

4. No uniform or baggage is authorized or permitted in your travel to Providence Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska. Initial issue will be made prior to your Mother's viewing. Mobility gear is available at the Eielson Base Exchange upon the presentation of these Orders.

5. Upon completion of your temporary duty at Providence Hospital you will precede to your permanent address on Blessing Ave, North Pole AK 99705 for duty.

Lt Col Daniel J. Gerdes
354 CES/CC
Eielson AFB, AK 99702

"What's so funny?"

2009-07-01T20:25:00.004-08:00

The other day we were all downstairs. Kyler went running upstairs and we thought nothing of it, that he probably had to use the bathroom. A couple minutes later we heard him laughing and then it stopped. Then he started laughing and then it stopped. This happened eight times. Rikk and I looked and each other and both said, "What's so funny?" Rikk went up to see what was so funny. He had the camera and was taking pictures. After taking a picture he would laugh and then stop laughing to take another picture. Just thought we would share some of his handy work, eventhough it really isn't all that funny, but he certainly had fun.

Pics of our new life!

2009-06-30T21:52:00.002-08:00

We are home and the boys LOVE their little brothers! All three can't get enough of them and they argue and fight over who gets to hold who, who gets to burp, who has held them the most that day...you see where I am going! The twins went in on the 11th for a weight check and to see the peds doctor. Conner weighed 7lbs 1oz and Kooper wieghed 5lbs 7oz. Then they had to go in again on the 19th for the same thing. Conner weighed 7lbs 10oz and Kooper weighed 6lbs even. Can you believe that? They gained twice as much as the doctor expected them to and they now can sleep at night until they are hungry, no waking them every 3 hours anymore which is nice. They now sleep 3-5 hours and Rikk helps so I can't complain about the twins at all. Mom comes out about 3 times a week and stays all day. She has been a HUGE help and we are so glad to have her. I KNOW my overflowing laundry baskets of clothes wouldn't get folded and put away if she wasn't here to help! Plus, I can take a nap and play with the three older boys outside. But here are some pics and they are in order from oldest to newest.

Walker snuggling with I don't know which one!

Kooper helping with the laundry

Hunter giving Kooper a bottle

Kooper and Conner in their AWESOME new swing

Staring contest anyone?!!! K-L, C-R
(I wonder if they ever get tired of looking at eachother???)

Walker, Kooper and Conner
(Walker LOVES these babies)

Hunter and Conner
(Hunter loves to burp them)

Conner loves tummy time

Conner and Kooper on tummies

Kooper on left, Conner on right ready for bed

Fishin'

2009-06-30T21:36:00.002-08:00

One day before we left Anchorage and I had a couple hours between feeds we took the boys fishing to a lake out on the base. They each caught their own little fish for the very fist time and were thrilled, but sad they had to put them back. They can't wait to do more fishing and camping this summer.

Kyler reeling in his fish.
Rikk, Kyler and fish

Rikk, Walker (unsure about touching it) and fish

Hunter and fish

A Few of Our Favorites

2009-06-30T21:08:00.004-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of some of the people that helped us get the twins here and then helped us get them home. Sharie and Susan, sorry I didn't have a camera to take your picture with them the last time you were with them.

Conner and Kooper

Our last moment in the NICU
(that is their bed, monitors, etc., behind us).

Amber (my LDS monitoring nurse/friend)

Joan (NICU nurse)

Joni (monitoring nurse)

Janette, don't remember name of the woman in middle

(she never worked directly with me) and Megan (all monitoring nurses)

Julia (Dr. Richey's nurse)

And the famous Dr. Richey

Good Bye NICU, Hello Home!

2009-06-15T16:13:00.003-08:00

For those of you who don't know already, we are FINALLY home. Conner got discharged from the NICU on the 8th and Kooper on the 9th. We headed home on the 10th and got in pretty late. But everyone is doing well and enjoying being back in our own house. I will post more later on how everyone is doing and visits with the pediatrician last week and this week.

Water guns and park fun

2009-05-28T15:53:00.009-08:00

The weather (except the last two days) has been really nice here (not as nice as in Fairbanks though). The boys and Rikk have been spending a lot of time outside enjoying the sun and fresh air...plus it tires them out quite a bit and makes bedtime easier. Here are some pics of them outside having fun.

Kyler taking names...

...and kicking butt!

Kyler showing how tough he is with his little water gun.

Walker having fun.

Kyler thinking about how to get on the swings.

Hunter showing off on the monkey bars.

Kyler "working out"

Quick update on everyone

2009-05-26T16:18:00.003-08:00

Rikk and the boys had a BLAST last night having a water fight and one again today. I wish I could be there to join in on all their fun, but glad that the boys are getting to spend so much time with Rikk. Really, he will never be able to spend this much time with them again, so I am glad they are all enjoying it.

Conner is allowed to have three feeds that aren't thru his tube. We have been doing two breastfeeds and one bottle at night. Last night he took his WHOLE bottle (52ml I think)...YAY...and today he nursed 36 and then was done. While I went and pumped the nurse actually got him to finish the rest of his feed in a bottle. YAY...He has to take at least 80% of these feeds orally to go up to four feeds. Looks like tonight could be the night we get that accomplished!

Kooper has been a little bit slower, but still doing better than nothing. He is only on two feeds orally and today we did the BEST nursing than we have ever done. He got 26 nursing and only had to have 14 thru his tube...YAY...we were high fiving each other like crazy!!! His bottles range anywhere from 14-30ml orally, so he is definitely slower, but we will eventually make it.

Babies have been coming and going and it was starting to get a little frustrating, until the nurses pointed something out. They said that I have to remember that these little guys went thru a lot of trauma and stress while I was pregnant, unlike a lot of the babies here. Even though they were fine at birth, it may take them longer to figure things out than babies who had a breeze pregnancy. That makes a lot of sense and I have since stopped comparing them to other babies and Kyler's stay here.

Every time they nurse more than zero, bottle feed more than zero, it is a victory that brings us a little closer to getting home. They will get it in their time, not my time and I just have to be patient.

Oh and Kooper will have an x-ray either today or tomorrow to varify if there is a knee joint or not on his leg. So we will let you know what we find out.

Boys will be boys!

2009-05-25T19:28:00.003-08:00

The boys and Rikk went exploring the other day on the base to look for animals and a good place to go fishing. They came across this really cool playground at in the middle of nowhere. And as you will see from the pictures, I definitely wasn't there to help "supervise" the boys!

The cool playground

What boy hasn't done this?!

Hunter and Walker enjoying the lake

Maybe it was cold at first

Kyler being "one" with nature!!!

Donuts and Baths

2009-05-25T19:08:00.004-08:00

*We forgot to take pictures of Conner's bath...what horrible parents we are! And the blue round things their heads are laying on are their donuts. It's to help with their head shaping. The physical therapist thought they were laying too much on the sides of their heads and not enough on the back. And I couldn't get the pics to all rotate again. They show they are rotated where they are stored on the computer, but when put on the blog they aren't.

Conner and Kooper after their baths

Kooper getting his bath

Rikk doing his famous hand shot with Conner, showing how small they really are.

Me giving Kooper his bath

EXTRA TOUGH AND SPECIAL

2009-05-25T18:39:00.004-08:00

When I was pregnant with the twins, when we found out about the TTTS we also found out that little Kooper was going to be an extra tough and special kiddo. Kooper has a partial amputation of his right leg. We were told that this was more than likely caused by the amniotic band and that we are very lucky that it was his leg and not another part of his body. We were also told that he had his knee joint...but the physical therapist that comes and sees him says she is 99% sure that there is not knee joint, just his upper leg bone. Having a knee joint would make a prosthetic a lot easier for Kooper, but it's okay. We are told that once he starts showing signs of wanting to walk, to got him a prosthetic. This will NEVER hinder Kooper, he will run and play with his brothers just like any other little boy. We feel that this is probably why we were blessed to have twins...Kooper will have Conner by his side to help protect and stick up for him. We truly are blessed to have both these little babies, along with our other three boys.

Zoo Field Trip

2009-05-21T19:41:00.003-08:00

Rikk was able to go with Hunter and his class on their field trip to the zoo. They had a lot of fun together! Here are just a couple pics from that day of Hunter and a few animals.

Walker and Kyler meet the twins

2009-05-21T19:27:00.003-08:00

Walker and Kooper

Kyler and Conner

Kyler, Rikk and Conner

Walker and Kooper

Pictures of the twins

2009-05-21T18:57:00.007-08:00

The twins are doing great. They are off all IVs and just hooked up to the monitors. They are also snuggled next to each other in a crib. They just have to work on eating and then we can go home. This whole pregnancy and delivery has been a true blessing and miracle. Rikk, Walker and Kyler finally got to see them the other day...Hunter hasn't because he has had a cold and we don't want to risk it with the twins. I will give the details of everything later, just want to try and get some pics up between feedings.

Conner is always on the left and Kooper on the right if together.

Kooper

Conner as an old man (couldn't get the pic to rotate)

A couple pics

2009-05-11T09:18:00.004-08:00

Conner ? Matteson

Kooper Kevin Matteson

Rikk trying to get away with wearing his ball cap!

Me just waiting for the babies to both be out

Meet the Twins...without pictures :(

2009-05-10T20:27:00.005-08:00

As some of you may already know, we had the twins. They were born Saturday, May 9th at 34w 2d and it was a great early Mother's Day present! Conner ? Matteson (Ferb) was born at 5:38pm weighing in at 5lbs 4.9oz and 18 1/2 inches long. Kooper Kevin Matteson (Phineas) was born at 5:38pm weighing in at 3lbs 15oz and 16 1/2 inches long. They both have an olive like complexion and dark hair just like Hunter and Rikk.

They are absolutely beautiful and you can really see the difference in their sizes. Kooper seems to be perfectly healthy, no oxygen or anything needed. Conner was on oxygen for about 24 hours and now his oxygen is fine, they are just using it to help with the pressure.

Rikk hasn't been able to hold them because he has a cold, but I have and they are just so cute and tiny! The boys can't wait to see them and for us to bring them home...although the day I had them Kyler didn't want me to...he wanted to be the baby and was very loud about it! We will try and get pictures up here as soon as we can. Thank you all for your prayers.