Wisconsin Chores

Now that we are living in the Artic North, Ben has acquired new chores which includes scraping snow off of the roof to prevent damage. Here are some pictures to make you all jealous that you don't have to routinely do the same!

We do not own a ladder, nor do any of the neighbors, that did not stop Ben. After 5 minutes in the garage, Ben walked out with this-- our new ladder--Tippets' style.

After seeing Ben's creative invention, our neighbor laughingly said,"Ben--you are so innovative! You just made my month!"

Bridger's 1st Birthday

IF you are one of everyone who missed Bridger's Birthday party, here are some pictures. We had a great time and Bridger got lots of musical gifts that he loves. Thanks to all of our Wisconsin friends for joining us and making it a special day!

BIG STEPS!!

Bridger took his first steps on his own last week, but hasn't really tried again until yesterday. In the morning, he walked all the way down the hall on his own and then he was walking all over the house several times throughout the day. Here is a tiny clip of what we recorded. Bridger-- You're so big!! Today is his 1st birthday, and we are proud of our little boy.

Bridger's new favorite toy

Bridger is almost walking, he has the ability, but is still working on the confidence to do so. (I guess just like all of us in life when we encounter new things) Grandma Tippets is anxious to see his progress, so here is a short clip. (Sorry there is no sound on the camera that we filmed this)

Brush Your Teeth

Being the son of a dentist and a pediatrician himself, Ben is very involved in Bridger's oral hygiene. This video is especially for Grandpa Tippets. (And, yes, he is taking flouride drops too) And for everyone else--did you know that until a child can write cursive parents should brush his/her teeth? Just some free medical advice to brighten your day! And your kids smile :)

Cruising the furniture-- maybe

Bridger is so close to walking-- he loves to cruise the furniture and can go pretty fast. We will see if we can actually get it on tape- he seems to be a little distracted by the video camera!

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Bridger is our little cowboy born deep in the heart of Texas. To help him remember his roots we painted a picture of Pecos Bill (Disney cartoon from the 1940's) on the wall and sewed curtains like a Texas flag. Yee-haw!

The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.

Update

Sorry that we haven't updated the blog since July. There have been many requests for pictures of our latest projects on the house and, of course, pictures of the most popular member of the family, Bridger. We will send more pictures of the house later, including the spectacular mural that is almost finished in Bridger's room.

Bridger loves the new Kitchen

Bridger loves being a helper in the kitchen. His favorite thing is helping do the dishes in the new dishwasher. The new kitchen has so many drawers and cupboards to explore... his favorites are the pots and pans and tupperware.

Bridger's first haircut

Bridger's hair was getting pretty long and ratty, so it was about time to cut it. He loved being naked in the sink and for the first time he was allowed to play with all those toothbrushes while Mom cut his hair.

Our Baby Dragon

Bridger is a Dragon for Halloween this year. He did really well in his costume at the Church activity, even though it made him really hot. We think he is the cutest dragon ever-- what do you think?

Our New House

We bought a house here in Madison and took on the project of remodeling the kitchen (the biggest, most expensive project that we have ever done ourselves). We had lots of help from Ben's dad and friends and we are very proud of how it turned out. I guess we really are "the woovenators."

These are some before, during and after pictures.

More Pictures added: Living room/dining area and more of kitchen.

Ben's parents came to visit us in Madison, we showed them a good time and ate lots of good Wisconsin cheese.

Wishing you well from Wisconsin

We took a picture of Bridger on his 7 month birthday and this is what he thought.

So Happy All the time

We are so thankful that we have a very happy baby!

A Lonesome Cowboy...

Friends

Devils Lake

Mona at Balanced Rock. (in background to her left)

Ben and Bridger at Devil's door.

We are very excited to live in a place that has a TON to do outdoors and the weather is very conducive to actually doing them (so far anyway). We went camping at Devils Lake State Park. We went hiking, exlporing and swimming.

Remember, Safety First.

Bridger LOVED the water, despite the fact that you can barely see him under all his swim gear.

We really DID get down to The NItty Gritty

For Ben's Birthday, we went to The Nitty Gritty. We were surprised to find out that it is Madison's "official birthday place," and they give balloons, free drinks and sundaes to special birthday people, we just went because of the cool name! For sure it will be a must to bring those who visit us. And, yes, in case you forgot again, Ben's birthday is July 3rd. :)

Fort Bridger

Ben grew up in Bridger Valley where Jim Bridger, a famous mountain man, built a fort that was very popular amongst Mormon pioneers and those traveling along the Oregon Trail. The Mormons eventually bought this fort, then burned it down when Johnson's army was coming. The some years later, the army rebuilt it and now it is a name of a town. Ben's parents drove us all around the valley, showing us points of interest. It was very interesting and if you haven't guessed or didn't already know, this is where Bridger got his name.

This is the canoe that Ben made. We took it to Bridger Lake for the afternoon.

More family

Marlena with Bridger.

Mona with Greg, Alene and Alona.

4 generations. Grandma Johnson will be 99 on July 14th.

So Many Babies!!

At our extended family FHE Bridger met quite a few who were smaller than he is. All of these babies are his second cousins except 1 cousin, Johnathon. And these are only the newest ones who were actually there!! L to R: Bridger, Audri, Johnathon, Edward, Kaleb

Tippets Time

Hike to Aligator Lake, High Unitah Mountains

Ben has been bragging for years that he can catch a fish by hand, well danggit, he proved it!!

So can Justin!

Bridger was very content the enitre hike. Can you blame him?

Christopher and Alexis

Great Grandma Tippets

Grandma and

Levi