THE BIG "E"

Annika Miriam Bippert

2010-10-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

Super Evan Birthday Party!

2010-06-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

Oooooh Birthday Present!!!

2010-06-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you Uncle Chris, Aunt Susan, Clayton, Autumn, and Logan! Evan LOVES everything. He insisted on wearing the clothes right away and he's playing with his little Toy Story guys as I type this. He is a HAPPY boy! Thanks again!

Making Cookies with Mommy

2010-06-10T19:41:00.001-07:00

More Super Evan!

2010-06-07T18:59:00.001-07:00

Birthday Gift From Grandma and Grandpa Johnson

2010-06-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

TOY STORY AND 3 DOLLARS!!!! THANK YOU GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!!!

Super Evan!

2010-06-02T10:57:00.001-07:00

Auntie Laura made Evan his first official "Super Evan" cape. Thanks Auntie Laura!

Happy Mother's Day AND Birthday to Uncle Jason!

2010-05-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

2010-05-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Pictures

2010-05-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

AIRPLANE BALLOONS!!! Happy Day!

2010-05-12T09:57:00.001-07:00

Perusing Pike's Place

2010-05-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I sure LOVE my boys! (And little girl in my tummy!)

Picnic in the Backyard

2010-03-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Puddles and Petals!

2010-03-11T09:30:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-29T18:40:00.000-08:00

Evan's First "Woody" (hey now, this is a family blog!)

2009-12-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

2009-11-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

2009-11-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

At the Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Making Halloween Cookies!

2009-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Bats, Pumpkins, and Airplanes! Spooky!

My little pumpkin head had his way with the kitchen!

Evan ate so much cookie dough and frosting (he fed his toy airplane a fair amount as well), that I decided to give him apples, cheese and crackers after we were all done making the cookies. Evan didn't seem to mind and he still ate them like they were cookies. (My little monster!)

Evan's Reading Closet

2009-10-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Everybody should have their own little "reading spot". Evan's just happens to be on top of his nightstand in his closet. Silly boy! Also had to include the video of Evan talking to Grandma Johnson. I can't get over how adorable this little man is!

Some Pictures from the Puyallup Fair

2009-10-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...I have totally neglected our blog. I'm so sorry! I have no excuse...but here are some cute pictures taken at the Puyallup fair when Grandma Johnson came to visit.

Anniversary Pictures in Seattle

2009-08-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Anniversary to us!

2009-08-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

Evan spent the weekend with Grandma and cousins so Mommy and Daddy could have some time to ourselves. It was marvelous! We perused through Pike's Place like we didn't have a care in the world. We ate french pastries and looked over the water, and never had to feel rushed to get "the boy to bed" or chase after him while he chased after the seagulls. It was like being newlyweds all over again! Thanks again Grandma for helping make our weekend so special and to Grandpa for letting us borrow his oh-so-nice camera!

WEEEEEeeeeeee!

2009-07-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening

2009-07-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

My friend Christina put together a multi-family home evening at Celebration Park. Evan can never get enough baseball, and Jon and I had a lot of fun with our new friends. Christina gave a great lesson about the Word of Wisdom and taking care of our bodies and Jeni's family and my family were in charge of healthy snacks. (Does apple cake count?)

The Evans Family Reunion

2009-07-19T20:05:00.001-07:00

Evan Testing Out His Aviator Cap

2009-07-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Mommy has a new camera!

2009-07-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

I finally did it. I got a new camera, so no more excuses for not posting pictures. I'm in love with this camera already. I had to capture Evan's new "instrument". He loves to sit right in front of Mommy and "drum" while she dances. My boy is so creative and active, but he gets frustrated easily if he doesn't always get his way...hence the "angry" face!

Evan and Mommy at Playgroup

2009-07-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

I'm 30!

2009-07-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

Jon and I were able to go to the Mariner's game the day before my birthday. I tried garlic fries for the first time...since it seemed like the thing to do and we had to watch for foul balls (some got pretty close to our heads!) It was fun to be able to spend time with the hubby (thanks Grandma-B!) and have a night out on the town. Jon made his famous chicken tacos for my birthday dinner, and they were oh soooo good!

Evan loves to help Daddy mow the lawn!

2009-07-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

Laura and Eric's Wedding Day

2009-07-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yay, we finally have some pictures from Laura's big day (Eric's too of course!) We had so much fun and Laura was breathtaking in her wedding dress (and Eric was too!--see 7th picture down)"A toast to Laura and Eric!"

"Dancin' with myself...oh, oh a-oh!"

"Mmm...this is one delectable chocolate dipped strawberry..."

"Yippee for Auntie Laura and Uncle Eric!"

Nobody touches Momma's bubbly!

Wedding Pictures Continued

2009-07-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

"Here's looking at you Sis!"

"Has anybody seen the groom? Oh, er...I found him..." Hey look at that, my leg matches the color of Laura's dress...

"Chatting in the bathroom." (Girls do that you know.)

"My sister is so beautiful!" And who did her bouquet? That must've cost a fortune! Teehee.

"Hurray, they did it!" Eric is my favorite in this picture. I love the fist! Look out Laura!

Happy, Happy Birthday Evan!

2009-06-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Evan!

2009-06-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Evan celebrated his 2nd birthday last week and we had a party at the Bippert home in Olympia on Saturday. It was so fun to see friends and family and play with cousins again! A BIG thanks to Aunt Juli and Grandma for the DELICIOUS hawaiian hay stacks. We also made Evan's favorite limeade frosties (recipe courtesy of Cousin German and Cousin Sara). The strawberry cupcakes were also a big hit (made with fresh pureed strawberries. Yum!)

Bag Balm: The New Hair Therapy to Achieve that Lustrous Shine! disclaimer: may cause baldness if used irresponsibly

2009-06-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Evan woke up from his nap today and discovered the square tin of Bag Balm tucked away under his changing table. For those who do not know what Bag Balm is, it's similar to vaseline (but much more potent in smell and purpose.) Growing up around horses, we used the ointment for cracked or dry hooves, but we mainly used it for our own chapped hands or dry skin--incredibly thick stuff! With a name like Bag Balm-with its cow's udder logo-who wouldn't want to lather up in the stuff??? You'd think the smell alone would turn Evan away, but he'd always been intrigued with the green box ever since Mommy would use it when the Desitin didn't seem to cure one of his pesky diaper rashes.
So after a tub, two showers and six shampoos (lather, rinse, and repeat...repeat...repeat...no kidding!) It became inevitable that it was not going to wash out. We even tried to rub a baking soda paste in his hair to help break up the grease. As I poured water over his head the expression "Water off a Duck's Back" never seemed more appropriate! Evan was becoming very impatient with the whole process and we became increasingly more frustrated, so Daddy was the one to suggest shaving Evan's head. It seemed like the only option we had left. So just in time for his second birthday on the 10th, Evan will now be sporting a buzz cut for the rest of the summer. My silly, silly boy. Here's our attempt of a "Mommy-Comb-Over".

On His Own Schedule...

2009-05-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

So last night, an hour after putting Evan to bed, I peeked in his room to check on him and almost burst out laughing! What caught my eye first were his rain boots. He must have opened his closet door and put them on himself (on the right feet too!) So after taking the picture with Jon's IPhone (it's currently the only camera we have right now), I tenderly started to take off his boots and tuck him back into bed again. That's when I discovered he was sleeping on top of a bunch of his toys and books-and still clutched in his hand was a wooden mexican toy (a cup on a handle with a wooden ball attached-you try to catch the ball in the cup...) I almost burst out laughing again! I also noticed our "reading chair" seat cushion was on the floor, meaning he was sitting in it reading himself another bedtime story. I know it was his tractor book that he must have been reading because I found it wedged under him along with everything else he collected from around his room.
Evan will be turning two next month and it seems he is constantly moving. This is just a glimpse into how busy my little boy is, right up until he passes out on his bed with all of his toys. It must have been one heck of a party I missed out on last night!

Laura's Bridal Shower

2009-05-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late with posting these pictures. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement! I couldn't resist posting the picture of Rachel, the winner of the "TP Bride" contest. All the girls looked so cute, but our very pregnant Rachel really pulled it off! :D

2009-04-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

2009-04-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

2009-04-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Easter in Utah

2009-04-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hanging out in St. George

2009-04-05T19:59:00.001-07:00

Sharing a cup of cocoa with Grandpa

2009-04-05T19:57:00.001-07:00

Enjoying our time in Utah

2009-03-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

Evan's New "Do"

2009-03-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

So I tried to cut Evan's hair using clippers... Let's just say his bangs have grown out considerably when this picture was taken. (Anybody remember Jim Carrey's hair style in the movie "Dumb and Dumber"? Ya, just like that.

Evan and Daddy at the Pool

2009-01-12T18:34:00.001-08:00

Evan loves going to the pool with Daddy. He was a little nervous at first (Evan) and wouldn't get in without Mommy. Of course I didn't bring my swimsuit, thinking I would only be taking pictures of the boys. So, Mommy did what she had to do and went for a dip with her clothes on. It was worth it since Evan warmed right up to the idea of BIG tubby time. So much so, that he didn't mind when Mommy got out to take some pictures.

The Sound of Crinkling Leaves Underfoot...

2008-11-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

while enjoying a delicious apple beverage in a box.

Gramps and Me

2008-11-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

Evan is so attached to his Grandpa Johnson. Whenever Evan hears Grandpa walking through the kitchen, his eyes light up and he recklessly runs toward him. Evan loves to play "B-Ball" using a volleyball and his outgrown exersaucer. Evan will chase Grandpa around the room with the ball until he "shoots a few hoops" with him.

Auntie Laura's Graduation Ceremony--Radiology Program

2008-11-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

We're so proud of Laura and what she's been able to accomplish! Not only did she find a field of work that she's passionate about in St. George, she also found the boy of her dreams (er, MAN of her dreams--sorry Eric!) Aren't they cute together? Evan was a little emotional about the whole thing.

Happy First Birthday Lucy and Audrey!

2008-11-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Like Peas and Carrots

2008-11-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

Evan is enjoying time spent with his favorite girl, Lilly. Today we went to the Library and had a great time chasing the kiddies around and listening to stories. Evan sure has a lot of energy!

First Walk in the Snow

2008-11-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, there's nothing like a real Utah snow! Evan and Mommy are visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Utah and were eager to stomp around in the fresh COLD snow. It didn't last long since Evan didn't have any mittens to keep his fingers from freezing. First thing on Mommy's list: Get Gloves for Evan!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

We decided that Evan should be a bat this year ever since he spotted one flying around the kitchen one night. With one hand holding his bottle of milk, he pointed with his other at the bat on the ceiling. Milk was dribbling down his chin because he was smiling so big behind his bottle! So we thought a bat costume would be appropriate! Evan had such a good time trunk-or-treating at the church and Mom and Dad even dressed up too!

2008-10-13T21:39:00.001-07:00

Picking Out Pumpkins at Hunter's Tree Farm

2008-10-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Daddy helping Evan wash the truck.

2008-09-22T18:56:00.001-07:00

Evan at the Puyallup Fair

2008-09-22T18:27:00.001-07:00

Dog's Best Friend

2008-09-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

"Master, if this boy follows me all the way home, can we keep him?"

Farmer's Market

2008-09-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hands-On Museum

2008-09-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Point Defiance Zoo

2008-09-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

Puyallup Fair Photo Booth

2008-09-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Mornings on the Farm

2008-09-06T00:08:00.001-07:00

Waterboy here has found another fun way to hydrate.

2008-08-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Evan's gaping mouth catches the water that trickles out the bottom of a hanging flower basket. Mama's so proud of her clever little boy-and a little grossed out too.

Bippert Family Reunion

2008-08-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Bipperts had their family reunion on the farm (our back yard!) and it sure was hot! Cousins Emma and Jessica help get Evan dressed into something cooler.

Mommy's pale skin almost glowed in the sunlight. If they didn't know any better, all Twilight readers out there in Washington might think she was a vampire! Mommy may not have the best fashion sense, but the big straw hat was too "fun"ctional not to wear at the reunion.
Look Daddy! I'm wearing a dress!

Jon is in a loss for words when he sees his son plodding around in his "dress". Uncle Joey contemplates the idea of trading in his shorts for a "light and airy" jumper of his own.

Tumwater Falls

2008-08-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

A quick pose while looking at the pretty waterfalls with Aunt Julianna.

Evan's cousins Emma, Jessica, Jacob, and Noah.

Evan loved to look at the water through the grates as we walked.

Exhausted from the "hike".

LakeFair Fun

2008-08-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

Sharing a yummy cinnamon and sugar "elephant ear" with Mommy.

Evan and his Kung Fu grip on Grandpa's hair. He's so happy he can hardly contain himself!

Taking a long swig of Grandma's lemonade.

Evan waits somewhat patiently for another sip.

Mornings with Daddy

2008-08-03T20:03:00.001-07:00

Pucker up, Baby!

2008-07-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

Evan can finally walk and he's just as excited about it as we are!

2008-07-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Julie!

2008-07-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

My niece, Emma, and I had a lot of fun decorating the birthday (cup)cakes and just as much fun making a mess of Grandma's kitchen!

4th of July on Long Beach

2008-07-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Evan loves his new pool!

2008-06-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

Evan's Birthday at the Seattle Aquarium

2008-06-11T15:37:00.001-07:00

I love my Birthday Boy!!!

2008-06-09T22:23:00.001-07:00

Lilly and Evan's 1st Birthday Party!

2008-05-31T18:41:00.001-07:00

2008-05-30T21:18:00.001-07:00

"Play it again, Mommy!"

Mommy Can't Take Enough Pictures!

2008-05-28T15:26:00.001-07:00

My Sleeping Angel

2008-05-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

Helping Mommy in the Morning

2008-05-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day with Big Brother Gabe

2008-05-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Evan's $2 Outfit

2008-05-25T12:02:00.001-07:00

I had to show off Evan's cute Church outfit today. Not only is my boy so adorable in a clip-on neck tie, but his whole ensemble was only $2! (Courtesy of a few great yard sales!)

One Word

2008-05-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone?............... basket
2. Your significant other?............... Mommy
3. Your hair?................ Soft
4. Your Mother?............... Silly
5. Your Father?............... Rockin'
6. Your favorite thing?.............. Eating
7. Your dream last night?............... Eating
8. Your favorite drink?................ Formula
9. Your dream/goal?............... Walk
10. The room you're in?............... Nursery
11. Your children?................ spirits
12. Your fear?............... Strangers
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?....... School
14. Where were you last night?................ Crib
15. What you're not?...............Petite
16. Muffins?................ Cupcakes?
17. One of your wish list items?............... Carseat
18. Where you grew up?................. Boise
19. What are you wearing?............... Diaper
20. Your t.v.?................ Show?
21. Your pets?................. Cat
22. Your computer?................ TOY
23. Your life?............... Gift
24. Your mood?............... Sleepy
25. Missing someone?............... Daddy
26. Your car?............... Tonka
27. Something you're not wearing?............. Bib
28. Favorite store?................ Mall
29. Your Summer?................ Birthday!
30. Like someone?................ Lily
31. Your favorite color?................ Yellow
32. Last time you laughed?................ Today
33. Last time you cried?............... Today

A Most Fantastic Sweet Rediscovery

2008-05-22T21:07:00.001-07:00

Evan and I went to watch my friends' softball game the other evening, and Evan found his way to some eerily familiar candy Mom had stashed in her bag. RED VINE LICORICE! Familiar because his Momma absolutely craved the stuff towards the end of her pregnancy with him.
I was able to capture the look of sheer bliss in Evan's eyes as the licorice became an almost permanent fixture on his lips. Lily's irresistable charm couldn't even break the love spell Evan and his red vine were in!

Rock On!

2008-05-16T11:07:00.001-07:00

Educational Videos for Babies

2008-05-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

So I'm trying to gather info for my thesis (just for my bachelor's degree, don't get too impressed!) which is on the effects of television on an infant's brain development. Dvds like Baby Einstein have received a lot of static due to parents claiming to be misinformed by their product. ("So why isn't my 11-month-old not fluent in 3 languages yet? I sit him in front of the tv at least 8 hours a day...") Then there are those studies that show educational television viewing may even cause delay in language development, and therefore advise no TV for children under the age 2. Being a new mom with a very active and inquisitive growing boy, I find that really difficult to do and always feel a tinge of guilt when I pop in that Baby Einstein DVD as a last resort when I realize I'm at my wit's end and desperately need my OWN "timeout". I know face-to-face interaction with my son is always best for his development, but if the face he's having to gaze at looks puffy-eyed, irritated, impatient, frustrated, or a frightening combination of all four and then some, how can that be a positive learning experience for my son? So all you mothers out there, experienced or not so experienced, what's your opinion? Is it "okay to push play" once in a while? What do you know about videos like Baby Einstein? Are you for them or against them? Could they be used as another learning tool, or is it too much stimulation for their growing minds?(I guess they are now linking too much television at a young age to ADD or ADHD!) But could there be some value--even if just passive entertainment for my baby so mommy can have a little break--to these shows? Personally, I try to limit Evan's 20 minute "show time" to no more than once a day-if that.
Well, I'm still trying to decide what direction I want to take. I'm hoping to find a way to keep Baby Einstein in my son's life and not feel guilty about it at the same time. Do you think it's possible? Please leave your comments or if you find some interesting articles about it, let me know! THANKS!
Julie

Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Me

2008-05-08T19:32:00.001-07:00

Rollin' with my homies...

2008-05-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

Laura and I met up with the Galaso Clan at Thanksgiving Point. It was so fun to "catch up" and see their adorable little girls, Audrey and Lucy, again!

With my Auntie Laura!

2008-05-08T19:21:00.001-07:00

Swing! Swing! Swing!

2008-05-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

Evan Chase loves to swing under the apple blossoms. The weather in Utah has been so nice we can't seem to enjoy it enough!

Long Distance Birthday Party

2008-05-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

My nephew Clayton (CJ), just turned 8 on Tuesday! Since he and his family (my bro. Chris, Susan, Autumn, and another boy soon to arrive!) live all the way in Massachussetts, we decided to celebrate Clayton's birthday here in Utah too! We called Clayton and sang to him and we took the traditional bite out of the cake for him. What a great party. Of course, it would have been the ABSOLUTE BEST if Clayton and his family were here, but I think we improvised as well as we could with what (and who!) we had! Love you Clayton!

Dinner Time

2008-04-08T21:12:00.001-07:00

My Little Fishy!

2008-03-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Evan loves the water and being naked, so you know tubby time is something he can never get enough of. His favorite thing to do now is to splash water on Mommy and giggle.

Getting Mobile

2008-03-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

Evan is starting to climb stairs and pull himself up on everything. He is so proud of himself once he gets up, but then panics a little when he tries to get back down. He's so fun to watch!

Maui Sunset

2008-03-05T23:35:00.001-08:00